Strictly Business

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.

On today’s episode, Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman explains why the new Paul Thomas Anderson drama “One Battle After Another” is a movie for our times. And music chief Jem Aswad reflects on the legacy of Sylvia Rhone as the music industry veteran announces her retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety box office chief Rebecca Rubin explains the weak starts for “Him” and “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” and why Taylor Swift is a friend to exhibition. Brian Steinberg, Variety’s senior TV editor, breaks down the five-way brawl among Jimmy Kimmel, Disney, the FCC, Nexstar and Sinclair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Jenny Wall, the Chief Marketing Officer at VideoAmp, shares her wealth of experience from launching major streaming platforms like HBO and Netflix. She delves into how VideoAmp’s first-party data challenges traditional Nielsen metrics and provides a clearer picture of audience measurement. Jenny also discusses the significance of social momentum in turning shows into hits and argues for diverse measurement options to reflect true viewership accurately. Her insights on advanced audience targeting and the future of marketing accountability are particularly thought-provoking.

Variety co-Editor in Chief Ramin Setoodeh tells all in our Cover Story segment about his sit down with Julia Roberts and the cast of Luca Gaudagnino’s provocative new film “After the Hunt.” And chief music critic Chris Willman revisits a moment in time that defines an era: Lilith Fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.