The Town with Matthew Belloni

In this discussion, Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst and publisher of the Reliable Sources newsletter, unpacks the controversial $16 million settlement between Paramount and Donald Trump. He explores the timing of the deal amidst the Paramount-Skydance merger and speculates on potential bribery investigations. Stelter also highlights how this affects CBS's brand and the challenges of merging corporate interests with journalistic integrity during a politically charged era. The implications for both media relations and political narratives are profound.

Jason Blum, Founder and CEO of Blumhouse, discusses the disappointing debut of 'M3GAN 2.0' after its predecessor's success. He reflects on the challenges of the horror genre and emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in the film industry. Blum candidly shares insights about navigating production slumps and the unpredictability of audience tastes. He also compares successful horror films with current trends, while teasing a humorous take on the upcoming dinosaur movie, 'Jurassic World: Rebirth'.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg media and entertainment expert, joins the discussion on Apple's surprising success with its F1 film, garnering $55 million on opening weekend. They analyze the metrics for film success, contrasting it with the shortcomings of 'Megan 2.0'. Lucas shares insights into Apple’s cautious theatrical strategy and how it impacts their high-profile releases. Additionally, they explore Netflix viewing trends, particularly audience fascination with sensational documentaries, and ponder potential directors for the next James Bond film.

Join Steven Cahall, a savvy media analyst at Wells Fargo, as he dives into Netflix's intriguing potential to lure YouTube creators. They explore how this could reshape Hollywood and what it means for both platforms. Steven discusses the appeal for creators to make the jump and the unique content Netflix could produce. They also examine why Netflix hasn't done this yet and the shifting dynamics of viewer engagement between the two giants. Plus, catch Matt's box office predictions for the weekend!

Lucas Shaw, a media and entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins to unveil the most under-covered stories of 2025. The duo explores Marvel's disappointing box office results amidst superhero fatigue and the rising trend of family-friendly films. They also dive into the complexities of AI in Hollywood, including a significant lawsuit against Midjourney. The conversation highlights Jack Black's unique appeal as a star and examines the industry's response to shifting audience preferences and competitive dynamics.

Kevin Goetz, CEO of Screen Engine/ASI and host of Don't Kill the Messenger, shares his insider knowledge on test screenings. He unveils how audience feedback can dramatically shape a film’s trajectory, detailing the complex relationship between filmmakers and viewer responses. Goetz explains the challenges of interpreting data and discusses the diverse approaches of studios versus streaming services. The conversation also touches on box office predictions for new releases, highlighting the struggle of original content against franchise blockbusters.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to unpack the first half of 2025's most overhyped stories. They delve into the implications of Trump's proposed film tariffs and Hollywood's ownership dynamics. The duo discusses the podcast landscape, the challenges posed by the manosphere, and recent Oscar controversies, particularly surrounding 'Amelia Perez.' Shaw also sheds light on the fierce rivalry between indie giants A24 and Neon and predicts the future of Hulu following its acquisition by Disney, hinting at a major strategic shift in streaming.

Matt is joined by Debra Birnbaum, the editor-in-chief of GoldDerby and a former head of awards at Amazon Studios, to delve into Emmy campaigning. They explore the differences between Emmy and Oscar campaigns, revealing the costs of both small and large efforts. Debra shares insights on the voting dynamics and statistics behind nominations. With a humorous look at outrageous tactics like buying billboards, they also make predictions about potential nominees for Best Drama and Comedy categories, sharing their expert viewpoints on the competitive landscape.

In this engaging discussion, David Kramer, the CEO of United Talent Agency, shares insights from his impressive journey, having started in the mailroom over 30 years ago. He delves into the dramatic shifts in talent representation, including the impact of streaming and AI on the industry. David examines the evolving payment structures for talent, the challenges posed by labor unrest, and the dual nature of private equity's influence. He also considers how agencies must adapt to capitalize on emerging sectors like sports and digital content.

Lucas Shaw, a media and entertainment reporter for Bloomberg, joins to dissect the breakup of Warner Bros. Discovery. They explore the motivations behind the split, and what it means for HBO Max and CNN. Shaw speculates on potential buyers for the spun-off companies, including Netflix’s interest in DC franchises. The discussion touches on the broader challenges of the media landscape, from declining cable markets to the evolving dynamics of streaming and acquisitions, offering insights into the future of major content players.