Strictly Business

Matt Donnelly, a senior entertainment writer at Variety, joins seasoned producers Jonathan Wang and Laura Lewis to address the pressing challenges faced by producers today. They dive into the tangled web of credit proliferation and its detrimental effects on accountability and earnings. Wang and Lewis also highlight how streaming has drastically altered the financial landscape, leading to lost jobs and a mentorship void. Together, they emphasize the importance of community and mentorship through Producers United, striving to support emerging talent in an ever-changing industry.

Join Gene Maddaus, Senior media reporter at Variety, who dives into the booming trend of nonunion microdrama production in the U.S. and the implications for actors. Elsa Keslassy, Variety's international editor, shares insights on the American Film Market, discussing its impact on independent films and notable deals, including those involving Mel Gibson and Marc Ruffalo. Together, they explore the creative dynamics of microdramas, the challenges of unionizing these projects, and the growing presence of U.S. companies in Europe.

Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor and box-office reporter, examines the surprising success of 'Now You See Me' and the struggles of 'The Running Man.' He shares insights into audience reactions and studio strategies that shape film performances. Joining him is Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, who discusses the future of theatrical moviegoing and the innovative use of psychographics to target diverse adult audiences. They also explore the lessons learned from Focus Fest and how box office revenue is reinvested to foster groundbreaking films.

Maya Rogers, CEO of Tetris Ltd., shares her journey from family ties to leading the iconic brand. She details an innovative collaboration with Red Bull for a global mobile competition culminating in a stunning drone show in Dubai. Discussing Tetris' growth, Maya emphasizes balancing brand authenticity with expansion into immersive experiences. She touches on the significance of esports in promoting inclusivity and mental wellness while addressing challenges in merchandise due to economic factors. A Rubik's Cube partnership and next-gen innovations are also on the horizon.

In this engaging discussion, Los Angeles television icon Pat Harvey reflects on over four decades of journalism, emphasizing the importance of community connections and her series 'Diamonds in the Rough,' which celebrates inspiring youth stories. She also shares her experiences covering historic events like the 1992 riots and the evolution of local news in a digital age. Joining her is Angelique Jackson, a senior writer at Variety, who discusses her acclaimed features, including her profiles of significant figures like Opal Lee and Harrison Ford.

Daniel D'Addario, Variety's chief correspondent, dives deep into Dwayne Johnson's artistic transformation for his role in 'The Smashing Machine'. He shares the film's expectations versus reality and discusses how Emily Blunt inspired Johnson to take on a more vulnerable character. Todd Longwell, Variety's legal and finance editor, elaborates on the crucial role of business managers in Hollywood, illustrating their impact with Larry David's story and explaining the selection process for the Business Managers Elite list.

Matt Donnelly, Senior Entertainment Writer at Variety, dives into the swirling chaos of Hollywood, discussing Paramount's bold moves under David Ellison’s tech-savvy leadership. He explores the $7 billion UFC bet and its implications for direct-to-consumer strategies. Plus, the podcast delves into the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and the challenges of operating two legacy studios. Lastly, Marc Malkin features a fun Red Carpet Rundown with Catherine Zeta-Jones, who playfully suggests Danny DeVito for a quirky role.

Rebecca Rubin, Variety's box office guru, dives into the $40 million opening of "Predator: Badlands," highlighting its impressive performance and Disney's strategy. Meanwhile, Jordan Moreau shares insights from his profile of Edgar Wright, exploring his nuanced adaptation of "The Running Man" and how contemporary themes like AI are woven into the narrative. Wright's insights on ensemble casting and behind-the-scenes anecdotes add a personal touch, making this discussion a captivating blend of box office trends and creative filmmaking.

In this engaging discussion, Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO of The Wonder Project and an early Netflix and YouTube executive, dives into the launch of their Amazon streaming platform. She shares insights on audience engagement and highlights the success of 'House of David.' Kelly also discusses the importance of community building around flagship shows and the innovative studio strategies focusing on original content. Plus, she reveals how they’re integrating AI into production workflows for efficiency and how the indie studio landscape is evolving.

Sean Astin, veteran actor and new SAG-AFTRA president, dives into hot topics impacting the industry. He discusses the complexities of the Jimmy Kimmel situation and articulates the union's stance on synthetic performers amid the Tilly Norwood controversy. Astin emphasizes the need for strong protections against AI encroachment, including human-only clauses in contracts. He also shares insights on Bryan Cranston’s involvement with OpenAI's Sora 2 and reveals SAG-AFTRA's proactive steps in addressing the booming trend of microdrama.