The Business

Writer-director Joachim Trier, known for his Cannes-winning films, shares insights on his latest project, Sentimental Value. He discusses the unique European financing model that allows for creative freedom and longer shoots. Trier reveals how he convinced Stellan Skarsgård to join the cast, breaking his own rules to secure talent. He playfully critiques a streaming giant’s reluctance to support theaters, highlighting the film's personal themes of family and reconciliation. This conversation is a deep dive into the art and industry of filmmaking.

Joachim Trier, a renowned film director known for his character-driven narratives, provides fascinating insights into his latest project, 'Sentimental Value.' He discusses his unique decision to cast Stellan Skarsgård, emphasizing the impact of this choice. Trier also explores his love for narrators, detailing how they enhance visual storytelling with playful ambiguity. Additionally, he reflects on the emotional resonance of his family's house sale and its influence on the film's themes of memory.

Tim Blake Nelson, known for his roles in O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Captain America, shares insights on his multifaceted career as an actor, director, and author. He discusses his new novel, Superhero, a black comedy about the chaotic world of comic-book filmmaking. Nelson dives into the intricacies of Hollywood's current dynamics, including the Warner Bros. sale and the implications for theatrical releases. He also reflects on how his acting experiences inform his writing and the impact of streaming on filmmaking aesthetics.

Jesse Eisenberg, acclaimed actor, writer, and director of "A Real Pain," discusses the nuances of his film, focusing on the legacy of Holocaust survivors and the balance between humor and sensitivity. He shares insights on the emotional toll of visiting concentration camps like Majdanek, revealing personal connections that inform his work. The conversation also touches on his experiences at Sundance, the challenges of funding independent films, and the need for civic responsibility in today's political climate.

Join Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg media reporter, and Matt Belloni, co-founder of Puck, as they dissect a tumultuous 2025 in Hollywood. They cover the devastating Los Angeles fires impacting the industry and analyze production incentives competing with international markets. The duo dives into the shocking James Bond sale to Amazon and discusses Disney's controversial alliance with OpenAI amidst shifting DEI priorities. Expect insights on corporate maneuvering, strategic pivots, and the ongoing clash between creative control and AI technology.

Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, discusses his new series Pluribus with journalist Eric Deggans. Gilligan reveals how a bidding war shaped his project’s home at Apple TV and reflects on the lessons learned from his past hits. He dives into the unique premise of a protagonist who gets everything yet feels unfulfilled and explains how his experiences on The X-Files influenced his shift to serialized storytelling. Gilligan emphasizes his newfound approach of letting audiences derive their own meanings from his work.

Lucas Shaw, Head of the Media and Entertainment Group at Bloomberg, dives into the high-stakes drama of the Warner Bros. sale. He discusses Netflix's bold bid and Paramount's aggressive counter-offer, dissecting their strategies and shareholder priorities. The conversation also touches on the regulatory landscape and how it could impact outcomes. Nearby, filmmaker Rian Johnson shares insights on creating chemistry among the cast for 'Knives Out,' while Shawn Levy reflects on the balance of blockbuster hits and intimate storytelling. The industry is buzzing!

Celine Song, a talented writer-director known for her acclaimed films like Past Lives, shares insights on her latest rom-com Materialists. She discusses how her experience as a New York matchmaker informed the film's exploration of love and commodification. Song reflects on the privilege of partnering with A24 for theatrical releases and the influence of streaming on storytelling. She also connects modern dating dynamics to 19th-century marriage markets, emphasizing that love remains a complex, economic transaction.

Rian Johnson, the creative mind behind hits like Knives Out, teams up with producer Ram Bergman for an insightful discussion. Rian shares his unique writing process for Wake Up Dead Man, revealing why it felt personally resonant and how he navigates panic during creativity. Ram explains their self-financing strategy for films to retain creative control and the advantages of Netflix's supportive approach. They also explore the contrasting impacts of streaming versus theatrical releases, and Rian's experiences balancing multiple projects.

Shawn Levy, a filmmaker known for his work on Stranger Things and Deadpool, shares insights from the set of his upcoming Star Wars film. He discusses the bittersweet nature of the industry's current contraction, while detailing Netflix's decision for a limited theatrical release of the Stranger Things finale. Levy highlights the familial atmosphere on set and the cinematic quality of the show. He also reflects on his creative freedom with Starfighter, the evolution of Deadpool and Wolverine, and the success of standalone films like Free Guy.