The Town with Matthew Belloni

Bela Bajaria, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, shares insights into the streaming giant's unique challenges and strategies. She dives into the 'Emilia Perez' scandal and its impact on talent vetting. The conversation covers Netflix's deals with filmmakers, including an IMAX collaboration for the upcoming 'Narnia' movie, highlighting the tension between theatrical and streaming releases. They also discuss how social media scrutiny affects film campaigns and why perceptions of Netflix often miss the mark, as it shapes a new era of content creation.

In a lively discussion, Terry Press, an award-winning entertainment marketing executive, dives into the chaos surrounding the Oscar-nominated film 'Emilia Pérez' and its star Karla Sofía Gascón's controversial tweets. She shares insights on how Netflix can recover the film's tarnished Oscar campaign by navigating the complexities of social media and public perception. The conversation also touches on the fragility of Oscar nominations, the emotional connections in campaigning, and predictions for 'Captain America: Brave New World'.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter, joins to unravel the tangled web of the Paramount Global sale to Skydance Media. They discuss unexpected hurdles, including a lawsuit tied to Donald Trump that complicates the deal. The conversation also highlights implications for future Hollywood mergers and the shifting dynamics amid regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, Shaw offers insights into the Oscar race, especially focusing on the buzz around the film Anora and what it could mean for this awards season.

Join Jonathan Carson, co-founder and CEO of Antenna, as he dives into the NFL's digital revolution. He discusses how exclusive NFL content fuels subscriber growth for streaming platforms like YouTube TV. The conversation also explores the challenges fans face as the league splinters rights across various services. Carson reveals surprising insights into Netflix's viewer spikes during NFL events and predicts dynamic shifts in Super Bowl ratings due to team popularity and out-of-home viewership. It's a captivating look at sports and streaming's intertwined futures!

Lesli Linka Glatter, President of the Directors Guild of America and director of acclaimed shows like Mad Men, joins Russell Hollander, the DGA’s National executive director, to discuss pressing issues in the entertainment industry. They explore the evolving dynamics of AI and its impact on director roles, the decline of television production affecting creatives, and the complexities of union negotiations. They also dive into the drama surrounding director-actor conflicts and share insights on the significance of creative rights and director's cuts.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to reflect on the 2025 Grammy Awards. They delve into Beyoncé's stunning win and Chappell Roan's heartfelt speech advocating for better treatment of artists by record labels. Kendrick Lamar's impressive night is highlighted, as is Will Smith's surprising return to the stage. The duo also discusses the competitive dynamics of music labels and how the Grammys are evolving to attract younger audiences, making for an insightful recap of the evening's highs and lows.

In this engaging discussion, Marc Platt, a celebrated producer behind hits like 'Wicked' and 'Legally Blonde,' opens up about the journey of adapting 'Wicked' into a film. He shares why the acclaimed musical took so long to hit the big screen and reveals the intricacies of being the sole credited producer on a Best Picture-nominated film. Platt also emphasizes the power of effective marketing campaigns, the challenges of producer recognition, and the essential elements of delivering a captivating pitch.

Irving Azoff, a legendary music industry executive, shares insights from his illustrious career and discusses the upcoming FireAid concert aimed at helping L.A. fire victims. He reveals the rapid organization of the concert and the exciting lineup, including artists like Billie Eilish and Rod Stewart. The conversation dives into the shifting landscape of the music business, the challenges of streaming revenue for artists, and the increasing importance of managers in branding. Azoff's anecdotes reflect his deep understanding of the evolving industry dynamics.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to analyze Netflix's impressive growth, highlighting the addition of 19 million subscribers and a soaring stock price. They discuss Netflix's challenges and potential future strategies, including expanding franchise development and live events. The conversation also covers the fierce competition in streaming and Netflix's innovative approaches to ad revenue and content production, emphasizing how it navigates a rapidly changing landscape.

Join senior editor Steven Zeitchik from The Hollywood Reporter as he navigates the intricacies of the 2025 Oscar nominations. Discover how Netflix's dominance with 'Emilia Pérez' could reshape the Best Picture race amidst intense studio politics. Zeitchik dives into the impact of international voters and the complex dynamics within the Academy. AI's controversial role in filmmaking and the rising influence of the horror genre add to the unpredictability of this year's nominees. Get ready for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of Hollywood's most prestigious awards!