The Town with Matthew Belloni

In this discussion, CNBC Media and sports reporter Alex Sherman shares insights on the evolving landscape of television and streaming. He highlights HBO Max's rebranding and its new strategy focusing on premium content. The conversation reveals how the NFL is globalizing its media rights and experimenting with new platforms like YouTube. Sherman also critiques the trend of franchising in streaming, addressing the competitive atmospheres at Netflix and ESPN, and examines YouTube's impact on the entertainment world, likening it to MTV's cultural dominance.

Neal Mohan, the CEO of YouTube and a longtime Google executive, joins the conversation to reveal how YouTube is transforming the television landscape. He discusses the challenges posed by TikTok and Instagram and why creators are exploring various platforms despite their success. Mohan also highlights YouTube's new deal with the NFL for exclusive games and shares exciting plans for reinventing sports viewing. The dialogue provides a fascinating insight into the evolving dynamics between YouTube and traditional media.

Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg's media and entertainment reporter, joins to dissect Hollywood's latest financial updates. They discuss Disney’s ambitious plan for a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, balancing brand values with regional challenges. The conversation shifts to Warner Bros. Discovery's potential split and how companies like Paramount are struggling. They also tackle the evolving profitability landscape of streaming services, showcasing the financial health of Netflix and Disney amidst competitors facing adversity. It's a lively analysis of an industry in transition!

Scott Mendelson, a box office expert at Puck, joins to explore the summer blockbuster landscape. He shares intriguing insights on anticipated films like 'Final Destination Bloodlines' and 'How to Train Your Dragon,' analyzing their potential box office performance. The discussion highlights shifting audience expectations amidst the rise of Disney Plus and the risks of franchise fatigue. They also dive into the nostalgic appeal driving interest in sequels and adaptations, wrapping up with a look at the new Best Podcast category at the Golden Globes.

In this discussion, Matt is joined by Ray Subers, a senior VP of theatrical strategy at the National Research Group, known for his insights into movie star appeal. They reveal surprising trends in star rankings, highlighting Tom Holland's unexpected rise and Glen Powell's struggles in the industry. The conversation delves into why Gen Z adores Adam Sandler and The Rock, and Zendaya's ascent to near the top 10. They also explore the impact of nostalgia, awards campaigning, and recency bias on star power in today's theatrical landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to discuss Donald Trump's shocking proposal for tariffs on foreign films. They explore the potentially disastrous consequences for Hollywood, including fears from producers about job security and international co-productions. The conversation delves into the complexities of film categorization, federal tax incentives versus tariffs, and the competitive landscape of U.S. versus international filming locations. Will this lead to innovative solutions for the industry, or just chaos?

In a captivating conversation, Casey Bloys, CEO of HBO and Max, shares insights from his 20-year journey at the network. He discusses how HBO is navigating the competitive streaming landscape, balancing engagement and profitability. Bloys also reflects on missed opportunities with impactful shows and the logistics behind transporting talent. With a nod to the importance of location scouting and tax incentives, he anticipates Emmy season while celebrating the network's diverse programming, reminding us that creativity transcends awards.

Matt is joined by Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, to talk about the shifting strategies of the HBO and Max brand under the new leadership of David Zaslav and Warner Bros. Discovery, the challenges of being a “something for everybody” service, why they are no longer competing with Netflix, and why HBO is still the top choice for creatives (02:48). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for the Marvel film ‘Thunderbolts*’ (26:52). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠. Email us your thoughts! ⁠⁠thetown@spotify.com⁠⁠ Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Casey Bloys Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss the latest twist in the saga of Paramount, '60 Minutes,' and Trump after the show's executive producer Bill Owens stepped down because he “felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.” Matt and Lucas look at how the '60 Minutes' drama complicates things for Paramount head Shari Redstone, who desperately wants the Paramount-Skydance merger to close, and what her options are as this endless saga continues (03:01). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Taylor Sheridan’s future with Paramount and his relationship with Paramount executive Chris McCarthy (25:06).For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ ⁠click here⁠.Email us your thoughts! ⁠thetown@spotify.com⁠Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas ShawProducers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Leitch, a renowned director and stunt coordinator known for 'Deadpool 2' and 'Bullet Train,' shares insights about the new Academy Award category for stunt design, debuting in 2028. He discusses how the category will be judged, the impact of CGI and AI on stunts, and why some stars still prefer doing their own stunt work. Leitch also highlights the historical importance of stunt performers and the evolving landscape of stunt design, offering a closer look at the artistry behind action sequences.