Strictly Business

Luminate Intelligence analyst Rob Steiner shares insights from Luminate's newly released special report on the state of the music business as growth slows for Spotify and other leading DSPs in developed markets, the concert scene cools off a bit and AI begins to make its impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Tatiana Siegel, Variety’s executive editor of film and media, details her interview with actor Dean Cain, who bucks the trends in Hollywood in more ways the one. And Brian Steinberg, senior TV editor, gives detail on upfront ad sales as Disney, NBCUniversal and Fox call it a wrap on advance advertising commitments for the coming season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Cover Story segment features Variety's Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment writer, telling all about her experience interviewing Harrison Ford about the sweep of his career as he celebrates his first-ever Emmy nomination, for Apple TV+ comedy "Shrinking." Todd Spangler, business editor, also analyzes the latest moves in the cable TV divorces pending at NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor, analyzes the recent executive moves and Sony Pictures and Paramount, and he discusses the mood in the broader film business amid encouraging signs from the summer box office. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety's famous "slanguage," starting with "tubthump."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marvel gets off on the good foot with the opening weekend of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Michael Schneider breaks down four days of Comic Con that had more cosplay and less big Hollywood news than in recent years. He explains why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The General Manager of the Americas at CTV advertising company Wurl breaks down the new challenges and opportunities facing the streaming ad business, from YouTube’s growing dominance to Prime Video’s impact on the marketplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Todd Spangler, Variety business editor, breaks down Skydance's deal pledges to the FCC as it seeks to close the Paramount Global deal. And music chief Jem Aswad explains why UnitedMasters founder Steve Stoute was the choice for Variety's Music Mogul of the Year honor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel D'Addario, Variety chief correspondent, details his reporting on FX's massive bet on the sci-fi series  "Alien: Earth," tapping into the franchise launched with the 1979 Ridley Scott film "Alien." Adam B. Vary, senior entertainment writer, offers a curtain-raiser on what to expect — and what not to expect — at San Diego Comic Con this year. He also discusses Marvel chief Kevin Feige's mea culpa to fans for getting overextended with movies and TV series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Venice Film Festival lineup is making waves, featuring Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' and Dwayne Johnson in 'The Smashing Machine.' The rivalry with Cannes is heating up as both festivals vie for Hollywood awards contenders. With a focus on diversity, the festival showcases underrepresented voices alongside star power. Festival chief Alberto Barbera aims to elevate Venice as a premier launchpad for global cinema. Upcoming collaborations spark excitement over the melding of Hollywood and European film culture.

Naman Ramachandran, an international reporter for Variety covering the UK and South Asia, dives into the hit Bollywood rom-com 'Saiyaara', discussing its remarkable success and its implications for India's evolving film market. He highlights how this film resonates with changing audience expectations. The podcast also touches on 'Superman's' second-week box office performance, noting significant trends in movie attendance, and explores CBS's bold move to cancel 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' amid shifting viewer habits.