Strictly Business

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.

Dave Bernath, General Manager of the Americas at Wurl, dives into the shifting landscape of the streaming ad market. He highlights the imbalance between audience migration to streaming and ad spending, emphasizing the need for standardized measurement in connected TV. He discusses the impact of YouTube’s dominance on big-screen viewership and how platforms can innovate to compete. Additionally, Dave addresses the evolution of FAST channels towards curation and the importance of quality content for advertisers seeking greater reach.

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.

Join Alex Morgan, recently retired soccer superstar and part owner of the San Diego Wave, and her business partner Dan Levy from Wasserman as they share insights on empowering female athletes. Morgan discusses her passion for helping athletes navigate career transitions and build wealth through ventures like Togethxr. They dive into the growth of women’s sports, tackling challenges, and the importance of community and collaboration. Their efforts aim to elevate women's sports while advocating for gender equity and financial investment in female athletics.

Dive into the lively recap of the ESPY Awards, celebrating the triumphs of female athletes. Discover ESPN's plans for a new streaming app designed to enhance viewer accessibility in sports. Explore the magic behind Disney Imagineering as creative insights reveal the marvels of Disneyland, celebrating its 70th anniversary. Listen to personal stories that highlight the nostalgic impact of the park and get a sneak peek of exciting upcoming events like Comic-Con. It's a blend of sports, entertainment, and whimsical creativity!

Senior business writer Jennifer Maas discusses what to expect from Netflix’s second quarter earnings report on Thursday. Business editor Todd Spangler details the “frog boiling in water” factor in his cover story on President Trump’s aggressive attacks on news media and First Amendment protections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.