The Town with Matthew Belloni

James Cameron, the visionary director behind the Avatar franchise, shares his insights on the film industry’s evolution. He discusses the daunting costs of blockbuster productions and the impact of COVID and streaming on theatrical experiences. With frankness, he tackles why 3D technology never became mainstream. Cameron also dives into his relationship with Disney, the future of sequels, and his strong belief in the existence of extraterrestrial life. Plus, hear anecdotes about fellow filmmakers and the art of storytelling.

James Cameron, renowned filmmaker behind Titanic and Avatar, shares insights into his creative journey and technological innovations. He addresses misconceptions about Avatar's production and highlights the importance of performance capture in storytelling. Cameron warns about AI's existential risks and advocates for guilds to set standards in the industry. He also reflects on his evolution as a director and the challenges he faced in securing support for Avatar, emphasizing the need for human artistry in filmmaking.

Tom Freston, former CEO of Viacom and a key player in the rise of MTV, shares insights from his memoir and his experiences navigating the media landscape. He discusses how legacy companies like Viacom misjudged YouTube's potential, contributing to MTV's decline. Freston draws parallels between YouTube's disruption and the current AI boom. He suggests that for MTV to revive, it needs fresh digital curation and highlights the importance of preserving music heritage. Finally, he reflects on the challenges facing today’s media giants and the creative loss due to industry consolidation.

Jonathan Kanter, the former Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, shares his insights on the impending Warner Bros. Discovery sale. He discusses the intricacies of antitrust laws and the challenges posed by big tech companies. Kanter emphasizes that mere consolidation may not be enough to compete with giants like Google. He raises concerns about government influence on media mergers and highlights the risks of monopsony harms for creators. The conversation dives into the potential ramifications for the media landscape by 2025.

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter for Bloomberg, joins to dissect the troubling fall box office season. They explore the impact of shortened theatrical windows and the trend towards streaming. Shaw ranks issues affecting indie films, discussing whether cinematic quality or distribution strategies hold the blame. They ponder if the lack of big releases marks a new norm or a temporary blip. Finally, they touch on the effectiveness of press tours and make predictions for the Oscars following the premiere of Netflix's 'Jay Kelly'.

In this engaging discussion, Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll and anime veteran, explores the explosive growth of anime in Hollywood and beyond. He highlights how global streaming services are transforming content accessibility and attracting a diverse audience, especially Gen Z. Rahul delves into what makes anime storytelling so relatable and how it serves as a tool for emotional connection. He also emphasizes the importance of authenticity in anime production, pointing out the unique charm that Japanese creators bring to the table.

Anjali Sud, the CEO of Tubi, shares insights on the streaming platform’s journey to profitability and its strategy to attract original creators. She explains Tubi's approach to ad-supported streaming, emphasizing targeted content for fandoms rather than broad hits. The conversation also touches on the platform’s selective choice in live sports and the competition they face from giants like YouTube. Later, Matt updates listeners on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, discussing its box office potential and the controversies surrounding it.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter and media journalist, joins to delve into the intriguing standoff between YouTube and Disney. They discuss how this dispute differs from past issues, focusing on Google’s leverage over cable operators. Lucas explains the critical role of live sports, particularly ESPN, in negotiations. They consider if Disney might prolong the fight to boost subscriptions for its apps and analyze Warner Bros. Discovery's earnings amid sale speculation, highlighting strategic dynamics in media today.

Craig Horlbeck, a producer on the show, joins Matt to dive into intriguing topics. They discuss the controversial rejection of a Steven Soderbergh-penned 'Star Wars' script, exploring Disney's missed opportunity. The duo examines who should acquire Warner Bros., weighing the benefits of Netflix versus Paramount. They also ponder Netflix's potential theatrical deals and the uncertain future of MTV's 'The Challenge' under new ownership. Tune in for an engaging mix of industry insights and playful banter!

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins Matt Belloni to draft the most promising movie franchises for 2025. They debate the enduring power of Spider-Man and the appeal of animation with Despicable Me. Shaw makes a case for the longevity of James Bond, while Matt highlights the franchise potential of Minecraft and Super Mario Bros. The duo also explores the global growth of anime with Demon Slayer and discusses the future of franchises like Harry Potter and Yellowstone. It's a lively discussion on what could dominate the box office!