The Business

Lionsgate touts a live performance from The Weeknd, Leonardo DiCaprio unveils explosive footage from his new Paul Thomas Anderson film, and James Gunn teases his take on Superman; Matt Belloni reports the big bets being placed by studios at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Also, what led to the ousting of Amazon MGM Studios chief Jen Salke? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in with a heaping helping of banter.     Plus, Masters speaks to Rebecca Rhine about the Entertainment Union Coalition’s fight to keep film and television productions shooting in California. Rhine explains how local production incentives work, and how they differ from the ones luring studios to spend their money in other states and overseas. She also lays out the coalition’s plan to create a surge of middle class production jobs in the golden state, and tells us how she’d feel about meeting with Trump’s special ambassadors to Hollywood: John Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson.  

It’s no surprise that a majority of Gen Z prefers content creators over traditional entertainment, but can the Hollywood establishment find a way to feed the next generation’s media diet? Matt Belloni and The Hollywood Reporter’s Alex Weprin investigate.    Plus, we revisit Kim Masters’ conversation with Rob Reiner and Albert Brooks about Reiner’s HBO documentary, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life. The legendary filmmakers talk about their early years in the industry and they talk about the drastically changing landscape of entertainment.    

In Hollywood’s latest changing of the guards, Jeremy Zimmer has announced that he will be shifting from his post as CEO of United Talent Agency to executive board member. What’s behind the shuffle?  Plus, longtime Warner Bros partner, Village Roadshow recently filed for bankruptcy — even as arbitration continues over alleged financial losses due to the WB’s decision to release the Village Roadshow backed The Matrix Resurrections (2021) simultaneously in movie theaters and on Max. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are here to unpack.   Masters also speaks to documentarian Alex Gibney about his mysterious new HBO project — The Dark Money Game. Gibney shares some big news about a change within Jigsaw (his production company). Plus, he reveals a very busy slate that includes projects on college culture wars, Luigi Mangione, and an ever-expanding documentary series about Elon Musk.   

Disney is dialing back the rollout of its upcoming live action Snow White remake starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.  Why is the studio pulling its talent from red carpet press appearances at the film’s US premiere? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are on the case.  Plus, Masters speaks to director Lesli Linka Glatter about her Netflix limited series, Zero Day. Glatter, whose work in television includes Twin Peaks, Mad Men, and The West Wing, shares stories of being mentored by George Miller, Steven Spielberg, and David Lynch. She also reveals some of the more absurd aspects of directing for streamers.

The 97th annual Academy Awards broadcast saw a 1% increase in viewership from last year’s telecast. What’s behind the ratings boost? Might this have any  effect on where the awards show lands after ABC’s deal with the academy ends in 2028? Also, is the Disney CEO succession race heating up? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. Plus, Eric Deggans speaks with Muslim Matchmaker creator Smriti Mundhra about her diverse body of work. She has a slew of dating series spread across streamers, and has made a couple of Oscar nominated documentary shorts, including last year’s I am Ready, Warden. She also talks about working as a production secretary for the Coen brothers on the films O Brother Where art Thou? and The Man Who Wasn’t There.

Clément Ducol, an Oscar-nominated songwriter from the musical film Emilia Pérez, joins NPR journalist Jeff Lunden for a deep dive into their creative process. They discuss the months-long collaboration with director Jacques Audiard and address the film's controversies surrounding representation. The conversation also touches on Kathleen Kennedy's upcoming departure from Lucasfilm, raising questions about the future of Star Wars, alongside the shifting ownership of the James Bond franchise and its implications for 007's legacy.

Pamela Anderson, the iconic actress known for her role in Baywatch, chats about her latest project, The Last Showgirl, and how a chance moment at a football game launched her into fame. She reveals the obstacles she faced, including a near-miss with her former agent that could have kept her from the film. The conversation also digs into the ongoing drama within the Murdoch family, uncovering layers of betrayal and ambition in the empire’s turbulent legacy.

The podcast delves into Disney's rethinking of diversity initiatives amidst political changes, setting the stage for a larger conversation on corporate responsibility. Co-directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham share the behind-the-scenes magic of claymation in their latest film, revealing the unique challenges of animating even still characters like Feathers McGraw. They discuss blending traditional techniques with modern technology, emphasizing the nostalgia and creativity behind Wallace and Gromit.

Join a talented songwriting duo as they share their unique partnership with filmmaker Jacques Audiard on the musical 'Emilia Pérez.' Discover the emotional power of music in storytelling and how they seamlessly integrated songs into the narrative. They delve into the complexities of songwriting, exploring the importance of language choices and the balance between live performances and pre-recorded tracks. Get insights into their creative process and a glimpse of the pivotal song that anchored their project.

The discussion begins with the FCC's release of a controversial interview transcript involving Kamala Harris, shedding light on media battles during election seasons. Jesse Eisenberg shares insights on his Oscar-nominated film, A Real Pain, where he creatively blends humor and Holocaust themes through the journey of two cousins. They delve into the emotional complexities of intergenerational trauma and the significance of historical sites, emphasizing the delicate balance between honoring the past and navigating contemporary narratives.