Blake Lively claims she's the target of a smear campaign, while Justin Baldoni argues her actions have damaged his reputation. The hosts dissect this feud and the involvement of a YouTube journalist, labeling it typical Hollywood drama. They also delve into the impact of animation and intellectual property on box office trends for 2024. Additionally, there's a discussion on what's affecting cinema today, including longer trailers and the desire for more streaming content.

Drew McWeeny, a film critic and writer known for his early days at Ain't It Cool News, dives deep into the disruptive influence of the site on Hollywood journalism. He reminisces about how the site fearlessly challenged studio narratives and transformed film reviews, particularly impacting 'Titanic.' McWeeny discusses the chaotic production behind the film, provocative test screenings, and the shifting dynamics of media relations in the industry. He also reflects on the indie film revolution of the 90s and the evolution of marketing strategies that captivated audiences.

The hosts dive into the entertainment industry's future, highlighting a revival in the spec market and fresh revenue streams through platforms like YouTube and AI. They tackle the dynamics of celebrity gossip, including a smear campaign involving Blake Lively. A deep discussion reveals Hollywood's struggles, such as a significant drop in production and a shift in storytelling opportunities. They also explore the decline of cable TV and the rise of advertising, all while adding a dash of festive joy through spirited holiday movie rankings.

Ron Meyer, a legendary figure in Hollywood who co-founded CAA and led Universal Studios, shares his incredible journey. He dives into his bold transition from talent agent to studio head and the fierce competition he faced in the agency world. Meyer discusses his split from Mike Ovitz and his strategic tug-of-war with Barry Diller. He also reflects on the films he’s proudest of and emphasizes why he remains optimistic about the evolving entertainment landscape amidst the rise of streaming services.

Lachlan Cartwright, a journalist with scoops from ABC News and MSNBC, joins Nicole LaPorte, a Hollywood feature spec market expert. They reveal how writers are now earning over $1 million for 'naked' scripts without attached IP. Nicole discusses the resurgence of the spec market, reminiscent of the 90s. Lachlan shares insights on ABC’s Trump settlement and MSNBC's shift toward conservative voices, highlighting the adaptive landscape of media amid challenges like declining ratings and new leadership.

Winnie Holzman, creator of the iconic 'My So-Called Life' and co-writer of 'Wicked,' shares her journey in shaping '90s television. She discusses the challenges of capturing teenage emotions and the collaborative writing process that made the show groundbreaking. Holzman reflects on the urgency of producing the pilot and the bittersweet experience of its early cancellation. She also explores the importance of character relationships and the responsibility of modern adaptations, revealing insights into her exciting new projects.

Pro-free speech, anti-trans, anti a lot of things, the standup comedians who made their bones on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast — from Theo Von to notorious Trump rally opener Tony Hinchcliffe — are rewriting how big comics can get without movies and TV. Ankler contributor Lachlan Cartwright joins Sean McNulty to discuss why Gen Z loves these guys and how these comics’ reps are building multi-million-dollar constellations around these dark stars. Plus, Elaine Low, Richard Rushfield and Sean explore WBD’s “enhanced strategic flexibility” as studios decide now is finally the time to “see what we can do with our cable networks.”For more entertainment news, subscribe to The Ankler or apply to The Ladder, a new members-only hub for early career entertainment professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this new Ankler series, Hollywood Stories, we are starting with wild untold showbiz tales from the '90s. For our debut episode, Richard Rushfield sits down with Adam Leff and Zak Penn, the original screenwriters behind one of film's most iconic flops, Last Action Hero. Speaking publicly together for the first time about the screenplay they sold when they were just out of college 30 years ago, they recall the highs — a heady bidding war, a yes from megastar Arnold Schwarzenegger — and the cascading humiliations of the misbegotten project, which became a superlatively excessive and lousy product of the bloated Hollywood machine it was originally meant to parody.Transcript here. For more entertainment news, subscribe to The Ankler or apply to The Ladder, a new members-only hub for early career entertainment professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is HBO heading into 2025? A major prestige cabler that can attract any talent it wants? An empire in decline? A little bit of both? Series Business writer Manori Ravindran was at the intimate London gathering where HBO chief Casey Bloys revealed plans for a Harry Potter series, and joins Elaine Low and Richard Rushfield to talk the storied brand’s changed TV buying mandate, new frugality and if it needs a megahit to restore luster. Speaking of! Manori explains the new trick for selling series and getting them made: international co-productions, the kind of deal used on shows from The Day of the Jackal to The Night Manager.Transcript here. For more entertainment news, subscribe to The Ankler or apply to The Ladder, a new members-only hub for early career entertainment professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When The Good Wife co-creator Robert King saw that 139,000 produced TV and movie scripts — including his — were used for AI training, it “personalized” the AI issue for him. “There’s something very offensive of someone just walking into your house, checking into your computer, grabbing everything and saying, Well, it’s for the better good of training,” says King, who joins Elaine Low to discuss writers’ reaction, why studios must take action and no one should believe Big Tech’s assurances. Plus: Katey Rich joins Sean McNulty, Richard Rushfield and Elaine to game the Oscars race as it now stands, post-#Glicked.Transcript here. For more entertainment news, subscribe to The Ankler or apply to The Ladder, a new members-only hub for early career entertainment professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices