Strictly Business

Scopely's senior vice president of publishing Eric Wood breaks down how the mobile gaming company has reached staggering success with "Monopoly Go" and plans for new acquisition "Pokemon Go."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Variety hosts a conversation during the Cannes Lions festival with Michelle McGuire, principle and chief commercial officer of Converge by Deloitte, and Ruba Borno, VP, global specialists and partners for Amazon’s AWS. The two discuss how their companies are harnessing AI tools and data analytics to guide sports marketing expenditures for blue-chip brands. The pair reflect on how their experiences working together underscore that even the biggest corporate players need partners to help drive the AI productivity revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of Bell Media is a native New Yorker and veteran TV executive who took the reins of one of Canada’s largest media conglomerates in 2023. He’s determined to raise the company’s profile as player in global content and platforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder and CEO of the production banner that delivers high-volume unscripted hits including "Dr. Pimple Popper" and "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" explains how he rose from humble beginnings to become a business owner.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarell Thompson, VP of Gaming for Havas Play, shares insights on connecting brands with gaming communities, while Shab Azma, CEO of ARK Collective, dives into how influencers monetize their skills. They discuss the dynamic world of influencer marketing and the importance of authenticity in reaching Gen Z. The conversation also highlights the rising influence of women in the creator economy and the benefits of long-term partnerships between brands and creators, making waves in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Strictly Business host Andrew Wallenstein offers a commentary on the new HBO movie “Mountainhead,” from “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong, comparing the two productions and speaking to the film’s satirical take on AI and the moguls deploying the technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corey Erickson, an analyst at the Variety Intelligence Platform, delves into the burgeoning relationship between video games and Hollywood. He discusses the impact of 'The Minecraft Movie' nearing a billion-dollar milestone and what that means for the future of gaming IP in film. The conversation covers the highly anticipated 'Grand Theft Auto 6,' including its effects on market dynamics and other publishers. Additionally, Erickson explores Netflix's gaming strategies and the rise of cloud gaming, highlighting how these trends are reshaping the entertainment landscape.

The executive director of the Peabody Awards and professor at the communications school at the University of Georgia explains the uniqueness of the Peabody Awards and its process. He also discusses the difficulties of categorizing content these days and how electronic media is meeting the challenge of covering Trump 2.0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Joseph Metelus, CAA Board member and Head of Athlete Brand Strategy & Entertainment for CAA Sports, joins a roundtable of senior leaders discussing the transformative impact of social media on the agency and its clients. They delve into how the evolving entertainment landscape has expanded the role of agents and fostered a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. The conversation touches on mentorship’s pivotal role, advocacy for women in the industry, and the importance of adapting strategies to nurture emerging talent.

Ben Silverman, Co-CEO and Chairman of Propagate Content, goes deep on how a modern independent studio generates profit from TV series, documentaries and original digital and audio content. As it marks its 10th year, Propagate has added social media creators, brand and management dealmaking into the mix. Silverman, a veteran producer and former head of NBC Entertainment, reflects on how industry dealmaking has changed in discussing where the content business is headed. Plus a bonus segment: Writer Bill Prady shares a memory that involves John Oliver, Jim Henson, “Nightline” and the 1987 stock market crash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.