Ankler Agenda

Ashley Cullins, a Dealmakers' representative, dives into the shifting tides of the film industry. She highlights the unexpected optimism for indie films following the Cannes Film Festival, fueled by Mubi's hefty investment in a Jennifer Lawrence project. The conversation also dissects Marvel's box office struggles, pointing to quality issues and changing audience dynamics. Directors are becoming key assets in film financing, raising questions about the future of franchise hits like the Fantastic Four reboot.

For the second episode of Hollywood Stories’ sophomore season, Richard Rushfield talks to the brilliant and bawdy Bruce Vilanch, known as the longtime joke purveyor extraordinaire for the Oscars (plus the Emmys, Tonys and more). But before he became the go-to for Hollywood galas, Vilanch got his start in writing for the big variety shows and specials that peppered the network schedules of the 1960s and ’70s and represent the height of television’s most flamboyant and unhinged period. Expanding on some of the wildest misadventures chronicled in  his new book, “It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time,” Vilanch takes Richard through three of those song-and-dance spectaculars — the “Star Wars Holiday Special” that George Lucas famously disowned, the “Paul Lynde Halloween Special” and the short-lived series “The Brady Bunch Hour.” From writing material for graceless Wookiees to putting Robert Reed's Mike Brady in Carmen Miranda drag, Vilanch revels in how right it felt when everything went fantastically wrong. “It was ridiculous, but I had fun,” he recalls. “A lot of these things were conceived in clouds of smoke.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The battle for kids' attention is heating up! Netflix has snagged Sesame Street in a strategic move to draw in future subscribers. The discussion reveals how streaming services are reshaping children's programming and leaving traditional models behind. With shows like Bluey and Gabby’s Dollhouse taking center stage, the competition intensifies. There's also a playful chat about movie trends and upcoming releases, leaving listeners curious about what's next for their family's viewing habits.

Hollywood Stories is back! The Ankler pod series returns, this time focusing on untold tales from the world of TV as shared by the people who work in its trenches. In this debut episode of season two, Richard Rushfield hosts a revealing, in-depth interview with four creative minds behind Netflix’s hilarious, animated (but decidedly not-for-little-kids) hit, ‘Big Mouth,’ whose eighth and final season drops on May 23. Comedians and co-creators Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg swing by to discuss their silly, simpatico partnership that dates back to first grade, their own anxieties from puberty, and how they used their celebrity pull to get Hugh Jackman, Jordan Peele, Paul Giamatti and others to sign on for appearances. Richard also sits down with veteran writers and fellow co-creators Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin, who explain why you can never go too far in pushing the risqué envelope and why ‘Big Mouth’ could never in a million years have happened at a network. Says Flackett, "It would have been a different show." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Upfronts are evolving, shedding glitz but raising stakes as platforms like Netflix and YouTube gain power. A humorous take on HBO's rebranding showcases the industry's branding blunders. The inaugural 'Uppie Awards' celebrate thrilling moments, with celebrity cameos drawing mixed reviews. A highlight from a recent YouTube event features unexpected athlete antics, and engaging commentary dives into how sports are overshadowing scripted content. The importance of innovative ad strategies and tech keeps the industry buzzing.

The discussion reveals skepticism about Trump's plans to bring movie production back to the U.S., examining the impact of tariffs on Hollywood. The group critiques California Governor Newsom's proposals, highlighting the industry's financial struggles amid a shifting landscape. They explore the rising influence of digital platforms over traditional media, and how entertainment giants like Disney navigate these challenges. The hosts emphasize the uncertain future of filmmaking in the U.S. as global competition intensifies.

Overalls, first-look pacts and original films are making a comeback — on paper, at least. Deal volume is up, but value is down. And that original film revival? It’s starting to come from outside the studios. Ashley Cullins joins Elaine Low, Sean McNulty and Natalie Jarvey to unpack her two-part series on current deal trends, from Sinners’ mid-budget model to the studio execs evangelizing for self-releasing on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Lee, COO and CFO of Webtoon Entertainment, and David Madden, Global Head of Entertainment for Wattpad Webtoon Studios, dive into how Webtoon is reshaping digital storytelling and expanding in the U.S. They discuss the platform’s unique revenue model and powerful creator support, enabling creators to earn up to $1 million annually. The conversation highlights successful adaptations like Netflix's "Heartstopper" and Tubi's "Sidelined: The QB and Me," illustrating how data-driven insights are enriching content selection and empowering global fandoms.

The discussion dives into the chaotic job market in Hollywood, where TV writers are hustling for scarce positions. A look at the challenges new creatives face highlights the industry's bias toward experienced candidates. The conversation also explores the burgeoning creator economy, where traditional skills are transferring to exciting new roles in digital media. Amidst the industry's quirks, there's optimism for innovation and storytelling diversity, along with fun insights from a festive talk show event.

In this engaging discussion, Hollywood writer and producer David Goyer, renowned for his work on classics like 'Blade' and 'The Dark Knight' Trilogy, dives into the revolutionary fusion of AI and storytelling. Joined by Erik Barmack, he reveals how his latest project, 'Emergence,' and the Incention platform are changing narrative landscapes. They explore the ethical implications of AI in content creation, the potential for democratizing storytelling, and the necessity for a streamlined creative process in traditional Hollywood.