Strictly Business

The host humorously shares his powerful transformation from traditional TV to a TikTok-centric media habit. He likens the experience to a religious conversion, offering prophetic insights on the future of media. Key discussions include TikTok's influence on television content, the irresistible nature of short-form comedy, and how the platform's algorithm fosters creativity. He delves into changing viewer preferences, highlighting the addictive yet engaging aspects of social media and its broader implications for the entertainment landscape.

Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor overseeing film and media coverage, shares his observations about this year's CinemaCon gathering of movie theater owners and Hollywood studios. The tension is palpable as the sector is struggling to return to its pre-pandemic heights. He also weighs in on the story of the moment — the fate of Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy as leaders of Warner Bros. Pictures. And Pat Saperstein, Variety's deputy editor of film, details her recent list of the 21 Coolest Movie Theaters in the World.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samuels unpacks the recapitalization and revitalization process of the cable channel and digital platform launched in 2013 by Sean Combs, who exited the business entirely last year as his legal problems increased. Samuels led the complicated process of turning Revolt into an employee-owned company, a rarity for a sizable media brand. In a separate interview, BET founder Robert Johnson gives his perspective on the state of Black-owned media, and whether he regrets selling BET in 2001.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managing $1.5 billion in assets, Griffin Gaming Partners is a VC firm tailored to the video games space. Peter Levin, managing director and co-founder of Griffin, discusses the rush of AI interest into gaming, why emerging markets are so crucial to the industry and ongoing adaptations of gaming IP on the Hollywood side — all as the global games business gathers in San Francisco for GDC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five years ago, the TV industry rose to the occasion to keep news programs, talk shows, late-night and live-to-tape entertainment shows on the air during the harshest months of lockdown and quarantines at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews with 10 industry insiders – including ABC News’ Linsey Davis, CBS News’ Tony Dokoupil and Fox News’ Bill Hemmer – are woven together to take a long look back at the technological innovation, ingenuity and the inevitable on-air mishaps that characterized the ominous early months of the pandemic. The discussion also explores the lasting changes that have taken root long after social distancing mandates have gone away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor K. Shaw, newly hired as senior outreach lead for film at Kickstarter, details why the crowdsourcing site feels the time is right to court established filmmakers, producers and writers. The fundraising service can help pay for projects and it can be an engine for engaging with and cultivating dedicated fans.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legion M CEO on 'My Dead Friend Zoe' Release and Building First Fan-Owned Media CompanySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nabbing exclusive rights to the prequel to "Shtisel," the series Netflix made popular around the world, is more than just a financial opportunity for Izzy CEO Nati Dinnar to put his fledgling streaming service on the global map. "Kugel" represents a chance to advance the interests of his homeland's reputation amid war in the Middle East, not to mention its struggling TV industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the release of their new Variety Intelligence Platform research study "Production Pipelines: Film & TV in Flux," analysts Tyler Aquilina and Kaare Eriksen share their insights on how the unfolding tragedy in the heart of the entertainment industry alters the outlook for Hollywood long-form content output. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you measure a year? Audience research firm Luminate does just that in its newly released 2024 Film & TV Year-End Report. Two top Luminate executives – Marc Hoebich, executive VP and head of film and TV, and Carolyn Finger, senior VP of consumer success and product – break down the report and its findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.