Strictly Business

On today’s episode, showbiz historians David Monod and Peter Rader describe the entertainment marketplace as it existed in 1905, the year Variety began publishing in New York. The pair have great insights into how the past has informed the present in the world that Variety has covered for 12 decades and counting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Clayton Davis and Michael Schneider unpack Hollywood’s latest big surprise – the Oscar telecast’s move to YouTube starting in 2029. And Marc Malkin gets the details from "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie about how his big break happened and what he advised his mother about watching the HBO Max hockey drama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trish Dietsch, deputy editor at Variety, played a pivotal role in creating the magazine's 120th anniversary package. She shares insights on organizing twelve decades of showbiz history, including the joy sparked by a long-lost photo of Liberace with Michael Jackson. Trish discusses selecting four stories per decade and the unique freedom to explore history creatively. They also touch on sourcing visuals from early entertainment eras and the collaborative effort behind the project, making it a fascinating reflection on Hollywood's highs and lows.

Join David Monod, a cultural historian, and Peter Rader, a celebrated author, as they transport listeners back to 1905 to explore the vibrant world of vaudeville. They discuss the bustling entertainment marketplace and how vaudeville became accessible to the masses. Monod offers insights into the nuances of audience behavior and show structure, while Rader delves into the fascinating rise of icons like Sarah Bernhardt and the impact of emerging technologies like gramophones on celebrity culture. It's a lively romp through the origins of modern entertainment!

On today’s episode, Variety’s Marc Malkin helps put Rob Reiner’s legacy and impact in Hollywood into perspective. And Rebecca Rubin breaks down the weekend box office as “Zootopia 2” reclaims the No. 1 spot and “Ella McKay” stumbles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United, discusses the potential impact of Netflix acquiring Warner Bros. and its implications for movie exhibitors. He outlines fears regarding reduced theatrical releases stemming from consolidation, sharing cautionary tales from the Disney-Fox deal. O'Leary highlights the importance of marketing mid-tier films and emphasizes rising engagement from Gen Z audiences. He also details substantial reinvestments in U.S. theaters and their critical role in local communities, advocating for a balance between premium formats and broad access.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Peter Debruge and Matt Donnelly break down the Sundance lineup and what to expect at the festival’s nostalgic final outing in Park City, Utah. And Jennifer Maas previews The Game Awards to explain how the event has grown into the Oscars for video games by blending kudos and ballyhoo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United, discusses the state of moviegoing and the reaction among exhibitors to the Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery news. He unpacks why movie theater owners are so worried about Netflix taking the keys to Hollywood’s biggest producer of theatrical films.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gene Maddaus, a senior media writer at Variety, dives into the industry's opposition to Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros., discussing the potential regulatory and labor hurdles. Meanwhile, Alex Rittman, Variety's London bureau chief, provides vibrant insights from the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, highlighting local filmmaking ambitions and cultural investments under Vision 2030. The festival shines a spotlight on women filmmakers, emphasizing their rising role in a changing cinematic landscape.

Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor and box office reporter, dives into the heated rivalry between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery as they eye Netflix's turf. He discusses the impressive $63M debut of 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,' highlighting its success with budget-friendly filmmaking. Lang also examines the thriving trend of video game adaptations and their appeal, particularly among younger audiences, and expresses hopes that upcoming releases like 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' will revive annual box office totals.