The Business

Judd Apatow, renowned writer-director-producer, dives into his memoir, *Comedy Nerd*, sharing his evolution from a stand-up-obsessed youth to a major comedy influencer. He reminisces about interviewing comedy legends in high school and reading a scathing letter he penned to Steve Martin at age twelve. Apatow reflects on the changing landscape of comedy films, the challenges of breaking new talent like *Superbad*, and his exciting upcoming projects, including a Mel Brooks documentary. His insights reveal the heart and humor behind a legendary career.

Join Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, documentary filmmakers behind The Alabama Solution, as they uncover the shocking realities of Alabama's prisons. Their journey began with a warden's invitation to film a religious revival, leading to harrowing testimonies from inmates about abuse and murder. They discuss the dangers faced by prisoners, the surprising role of smuggled cell phones in documenting abuses, and the film's profound impact, sparking protests and legislative attention. A compelling look into a crisis that demands awareness!

In this engaging talk, Brad Falchuk, acclaimed producer behind hits like Glee, shares insights on his Netflix series, Famous Last Words. He dives into the unique Danish format that inspires deeply personal conversations and explains how he builds trust with his guests. Living with dyslexia, Falchuk reveals how it has shaped his storytelling abilities. He also reflects on the transition from cable to streaming, discussing the balance between creative integrity and data-driven decisions. Media critic Eric Deggans facilitates this thought-provoking dialogue.

In this discussion, Lucas Shaw, Chair of the Media and Entertainment Group at Bloomberg News, shares insights on Netflix's Q3 performance and explores the speculative market regarding its interest in Warner Bros. Meanwhile, Kelly Reichardt, a veteran independent filmmaker noted for her unique approach, reveals her journey from financing her first film with credit cards to advocating for theatrical releases. The conversation touches on the industry's changing dynamics and why meaningful projects, rather than blockbusters, drive her creative passion.

Aziz Ansari, comedian and filmmaker, shares insights from his directorial debut, Good Fortune, following the tumultuous shutdown of Being Mortal. He discusses the challenges he faced, including production delays from guild strikes and an on-set injury to Keanu Reeves. Aziz also reflects on the ethics of accepting Saudi money in Hollywood while addressing his controversial act at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. With a focus on resilience, he emphasizes his journey and the importance of reviving theatrical comedies.

Barry Avrich, a documentary filmmaker known for his compelling storytelling, teams up with Noam Tibon, a retired Israeli general who risked his life to rescue his family during the October 7 attack. They discuss the creation of the film The Road Between Us, facing political controversy at the Toronto Film Festival, and how Gali, Noam's wife, joined the harrowing mission. Noam shares moral dilemmas faced while helping others en route, while Barry reflects on the film's perspective on family amidst turmoil and the respectful use of sensitive footage.

Benny Safdie, a filmmaker and actor known for his work with his brother in the Safdie brothers duo, discusses his solo directing venture, The Smashing Machine. He shares the serendipitous moment when Dwayne Johnson approached him about portraying UFC fighter Mark Kerr, a story that reflects his interest in flawed characters. Benny elaborates on lessons learned from directing giants like Paul Thomas Anderson and Christopher Nolan and dives into the evolution of the UFC from its bare-knuckle roots to a mainstream spectacle while also touching on his creative split with his brother.

Mike Figgis, a renowned filmmaker and director of the documentary Megadoc, takes us behind the scenes of Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious project Megalopolis. He shares how a casual email led to his fly-on-the-wall access, capturing the chaos of on-set dynamics between Coppola's improvisational style and the art department's meticulous planning. Figgis reveals insights into actors' reactions, particularly Shia LaBeouf's perfectionism, and discusses the financial and distribution challenges Megalopolis faced, all while highlighting Coppola's fearless pursuit of his artistic vision.

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following pressure from Nexstar and Sinclair, which own affiliated stations across the country. The move comes after Kimmel’s recent monologue about the assassination of Charlie Kirk prompted FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to issue a warning to Disney regarding the late-night host’s presence on ABC. What’s next for Kimmel and how has the industry responded to the suspension? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down the unfolding story.  Plus, we revisit Masters’s conversation with recent Emmy-winner Matt Wolf, director of Pee-wee as Himself. The HBO documentary draws from more than 40 hours of interviews with the late actor Paul Reubens, and Wolf explains how his interest in overlooked artists and forgotten stories led to his portrait of the man behind Pee-wee Herman. He also talks about the actor’s struggle with his sexuality and reveals why HBO pushed for a two-part series to tell the late actor’s story.

In this insightful discussion, Scott Feinberg, the Executive Awards Editor for The Hollywood Reporter and host of the Awards Chatter podcast, shares his Emmy predictions and examines significant contenders like 'Severance' and 'Hacks.' He also delves into the fierce competition and trends in the awards landscape, raising key points about how viewership affects voting. Additionally, the conversation touches on the Murdoch family's multi-billion-dollar settlement and the potential Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting the ongoing media dynamics.