Strictly Business

Dive into the world of horror with an engaging interview featuring Jason Blum. Discover his thoughts on Blumhouse's recent box-office challenges and his strategy to keep budgets low for creative freedom. Learn about the exciting plans for a Blumhouse museum that will showcase horror history. The conversation also delves into the inaugural Horror Impact List, highlighting influential creators and the supportive community behind the genre. Plus, hear about Blum's pursuit of iconic horror properties and the revival of the Saw franchise!

Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves share insights on their revival of 'Waiting for Godot' on Broadway, revealing how their friendship enhances their roles. They discuss the spontaneous inception of the idea and the challenges of memorizing Beckett's complex language. The conversation also touches on the relatable themes in the play, reflecting contemporary issues. Meanwhile, a discussion emerges about the tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, featuring personal recollections amidst the release of a documentary capturing his life and struggles.

Rebecca Rubin, a Senior film and media reporter at Variety, shares insights on the box office impact of Taylor Swift's surprise theatrical release, which scored a remarkable $33 million. She discusses audience demographics and the film's strong reception. Joining her, Gordon Cox, Variety's theater editor, unveils the annual '10 Broadway Stars to Watch' list, highlighting emerging talent in theater. They dive into Broadway's recovery challenges and celebrate innovative projects like The Rescues’ Lost Boys musical adaptation.

In a vibrant discussion, John Stamos, actor and chief innovation officer for Zim, dives into innovative live-streaming initiatives. Jack Perry, CEO of Zim, reveals the streaming backbone that supports local TV and original content. Meanwhile, Erin Foster shares insights on navigating social media, storytelling, and the importance of work-life balance. They explore the evolution of content across platforms, experiment with unconventional live streaming, and discuss creative dream projects, all while embracing the challenges of hustle culture.

Daniel D'Addario, Senior correspondent at Variety, dives into Charlie Hunnam's intriguing transformation for his role in 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story.' He discusses Hunnam's motivations for returning to acting, and how personal experiences shaped his ambitions. The conversation sheds light on the cultural significance of Ed Gein and the thematic explorations of the series. D'Addario also shares insights into Hunnam's candidness during their interview and his creative pursuits like writing and house flipping.

The podcast dives into Electronic Arts' unprecedented $55 billion buyout by private equity firms, exploring the gaming giant's position in the industry. Key franchises like Madden and The Sims are discussed, alongside leadership expectations for CEO Andrew Wilson. Switching gears, Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show is highlighted for its significance in connecting Latin culture to a global audience. Key insights on the strategic decisions behind this choice unveil the intersection of music, politics, and pride.

Join film experts Rebecca Rubin and John Hopewell as they explore the box office landscape for 'One Battle After Another,' dissecting its $22.4M domestic opening and the impact of word-of-mouth buzz. John shares insights from the San Sebastián Film Festival, highlighting celebrity appearances and profound discussions on U.S. politics, while spotlighting standout Spanish cinema. Discover the festival's unique charm, as well as what makes Jennifer Lawrence's return to the spotlight so relevant.

Brett Paul, President of Warner Bros. Television Group, and Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Networks, dive into the evolving landscape of TV. They discuss innovative approaches to storytelling, including the shift toward shorter seasons for better viewer retention. The duo highlights how streaming platforms are reshaping content, from medical dramas to creator talent emerging from YouTube. Insights on managing IP and the importance of creator voices in adaptations reveal a fresh perspective on maintaining audience engagement.

On today's episode, Variety's senior media reporter Gene Maddaus about his investigative report on Los Angeles Film School. The private business is facing allegations of massive student loan fraud. Variety’s gaming chief Jennifer Maas has the scoop on mobile gaming company Scopely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Variety TV chief Michael Schneider speaks to showrunner Sterlin Harjo, whose new series "The Lowdown" bows today on FX. Clayton Davis, Variety's chief awards editor, discusses the surprise news that Christopher Nolan has taken on a side gig as president of the Directors Guild of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.