The Town with Matthew Belloni

Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, VP at National Research Group and author of a revealing study on Generation Alpha, shares fascinating insights into why this cohort prefers the big screen to home viewing. Gen Alpha loves immersive, longer films and has a surprising ability to put down their phones. They value social experiences in theaters, aiming to connect with friends. The conversation also dives into the most appealing film franchises and actors for these young audiences, reshaping expectations for the future of cinema.

Adam Aron, CEO and chairman of AMC Theaters, joins Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to tackle the paradox of cinema today. They discuss the challenges theaters face in the age of streaming, from advertising overload to trailer fatigue. Aron shares insights into AMC's innovative strategies, including their subscription model and enhancing customer experiences through IMAX and Dolby Cinema. They also explore how theaters can evolve and maintain relevance, especially in collaboration with film studios, while balancing nostalgia with modern consumer demands.

Scott Mendelson, a box office expert at Puck, joins to dissect the hits and misses of the summer box office. They explore why major films like 'Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning' underperformed, while an F1 film soared to $605 million globally. The duo debates the sustainability of franchises and the nuances of marketing strategies impacting box office success. They also touch on the challenges facing animated films and reflect on how studio decisions are shaping the future of beloved franchises.

Christine Vachon, a notable independent film producer behind hits like 'Boys Don't Cry,' joins the conversation to delve into the state of independent cinema. She shares insights about her latest project, 'Materialists,' and discusses the evolution of film festivals, highlighting Venice and Sundance as crucial venues for indie filmmakers. Vachon addresses financing challenges and the shift in audience engagement through streaming platforms, while reflecting on how innovation is vital for arthouse films in a competitive landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dive into Netflix’s surprising success with ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’ They discuss how it became a box office hit despite its earlier streaming release, exploring the movie's theatrical strategy and its implications for traditional Hollywood. Shaw analyzes the evolving landscape of film distribution, Netflix’s innovative marketing moves like a sing-along version, and the challenges theaters face today. The conversation wraps up with a playful look at potential cast changes in the upcoming season of SNL.

Stephen Lambert, a veteran television producer known for creating reality hits like The Traitors and Undercover Boss, chats about the evolution of reality TV. He shares insights on the crucial role of casting, explaining how personality dynamics can make or break a show. Lambert discusses the cultural differences between American and British formats and the growing demand for fresh, innovative concepts. He also highlights the art of crafting pitches in a risk-averse industry and the dramatic techniques that keep viewers engaged.

In this engaging discussion, Pete Distad, CEO of Direct-to-Consumer for Fox Corp and former Apple executive, delves into the launch of Fox One, the network's entry into streaming. He reveals their strategy to combine news, sports, and entertainment seamlessly. The conversation touches on pricing challenges, the risk of cannibalizing cable subscribers, and the potential bundling with ESPN. Distad also highlights the evolving trends in sports accessibility and audience engagement, making for a forward-looking exploration of the streaming landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dissect the worst moments in Hollywood since 2010. They rank top disasters, spotlighting the pitfalls of streaming and corporate blunders like AT&T's merger. Shaw reveals how a focus on franchises stifles originality, and they discuss the overwhelming impact of high-priced sports broadcasting deals. Finally, they muse over potential performances by pop icons, leaving listeners buzzing with speculation.

Brooks Barnes, a NYT staff reporter covering Hollywood, joins to discuss Paramount's new direction under David Ellison. They dive into strategic shifts in theater windows and content spend, touching on potential sales of cable assets like MTV. The duo also tackles the impact of transparency in leadership and ongoing changes in media ownership. As a fun wrap-up, they predict how Taylor Swift's appearance on a popular podcast will affect listener engagement and viewership, showcasing her powerful influence in today's media landscape.

A.J. Wolfe, creator of the Disney Food Blog and author on Disney culture, dives into the fascinating world of 'Disney adults'—millennials drawn to nostalgia and magic. She explores their psychological motivations, how Disney tailors experiences to this community, and the financial impact on the company. A.J. also discusses the love-hate dynamics within this subculture and how social media shapes engagement. The conversation reveals the unique power of Disney adults in the modern entertainment landscape, all while reflecting on shifting social norms.