The Town with Matthew Belloni

Mark Roesler, founder of CMG Worldwide, sheds light on the booming industry of deceased celebrity rights and how AI is reshaping it. He reveals the immense value of these rights, illustrated by recent examples like James Earl Jones' voice in 'Mufasa: The Lion King' and a commercial featuring Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The discussion dives into the legal complexities and ethical implications of resurrecting famous figures, emphasizing the necessity of permissions and the profound impact of technology on intellectual property.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media trends, joins to dissect Warner Bros. Discovery's strategic split between TV networks and their film/streaming units. He highlights its potential implications for the company's future in a competitive media landscape. The discussion also pivots to ABC News’ $15 million settlement with Donald Trump, examining Disney's vulnerabilities amidst political tensions. Lastly, the challenges of launching Venue Sports are explored, especially in light of legal hurdles affecting its market potential.

Matt welcomes the Entertainment Strategy Guy, an expert on streaming strategies and film performance. They analyze which TV shows crucially impacted streaming services in 2024, highlighting successes and disappointments in movie releases. The duo also discusses the evolving landscape of streaming sports viewership and the enduring appeal of crime dramas. To lighten the conversation, they indulge in the iconic Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake, weaving fun anecdotes into industry insights.

In this intriguing discussion, the pseudonymous Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive known for analyzing viewership trends, breaks down the hits and flops of 2024's streaming landscape. He examines the dominance of crime and drama series on Netflix and the surprising performance of high-budget shows like 'Rings of Power.' The conversation touches on the complexities of streaming ratings, the financial impact of production choices, and the future of superhero films, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving streaming world.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to dissect the shifting dynamics of streaming services in 2024. They identify the winners and losers, with Apple notably struggling while Peacock surprises with its strategic event tie-ins. Shaw highlights Spotify's impressive turnaround and discusses the competitive landscape among giants like Amazon and Netflix. The duo also anticipates the impact of upcoming award shows on viewer engagement and considers what makes a film a frontrunner for accolades this season.

Rich Greenfield, an analyst from LightShed Media, dives into Comcast's new spinoff and its ripple effects across the media landscape, particularly on major players like Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery. He discusses the declining relevance of traditional cable networks and how companies are strategizing around sports rights and digital transformation. The conversation touches on Disney's plans for ESPN's integration into their streaming service and the challenges surrounding waning NBA ratings amid fierce competition from the NFL.

Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, renowned filmmakers behind 'Sing Sing' and 'Jockey,' delve into their revolutionary payment model where everyone on set, from actors to production assistants, earns the same rate. They explore the perks of equitable compensation in film, emphasizing transparency and collaboration among all contributors. Their discussion highlights how this model not only supports fair pay but also fosters a strong team mentality. Plus, they touch on Tom Cruise's legendary coconut cakes and predict possible Oscar nominations.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter focused on media and entertainment, joins to discuss Disney's recent box office successes, including the record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend for 'Moana 2.' They analyze Disney's resurgence in theaters, debate the profitability of blockbusters versus smaller films, and consider the impact of social media on audience engagement. Shaw sheds light on Disney's strategic shifts, including transforming popular TV shows into movies. The conversation also delves into upcoming projects and the challenges Disney faces in capturing audience interest.

Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed Canadian director behind iconic films like Dune and Arrival, chats about his cinematic journey. He shares insights on balancing artistic vision with commercial demands in filmmaking. With a love for the original Star Wars, he discusses the allure of possibly directing one himself. Villeneuve dives into the challenges of adapting Dune, revealing how he navigated its complexity while aiming to preserve its essence, and reflects on the evolution of storytelling in both film and animation.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his insights into Hollywood, joins for a lively discussion on drafting young movie stars under 35. They debate rising talents like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and emerging actors such as Dominic Sessa. The conversation shifts to the changing dynamics of stardom, contrasting young stars’ prospects in film with the opportunities in TV. With humor and critical analysis, they explore what it takes to become the next box office sensation amid shifting industry trends.