The Business

Scott Feinberg, Executive Editor of Awards at The Hollywood Reporter, dissects the latest Oscar nominations with keen insight. He discusses the surprises in this year's nominees and how the Academy is shifting towards more inclusivity. The conversation also touches on Netflix's remarkable 19 million new subscribers and its market strategy, including potential mergers in the streaming landscape. Feinberg explores the implications of AI on Hollywood and how it could change the future of performances at prestigious award shows.

Greg Kwedar, director of the film 'Sing Sing,' shares insights on his innovative pay equity model, ensuring all cast and crew earn the same daily rate. He emphasizes the importance of equity in the film industry and the impact of hiring formerly incarcerated actors. The conversation also touches on Hollywood's frustrations with LA Mayor Karen Bass and the need for revitalization in film production. Tune in for a critical look at how politics, social equity, and the entertainment industry are interlinked in today's landscape.

Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold, husband-and-wife duo and talented filmmakers, dive into their ambitious project 'The Brutalist.' They discuss the seven-year journey to bring the film to life, including making a bold choice with its three-and-a-half-hour runtime and intermission. The couple shares personal reflections on society and current political climates, including thoughts on Trump's approach to brutalist architecture. They also touch on the challenges of weaving meaningful narratives in today's fast-paced, streaming-centric film industry.

The feud between Blake Lively and It Ends with Us director Justin Baldoni continues to unfold. What's going on here? Kim Masters and Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw investigate.Plus, Masters speaks to Nosferatu writer-director Robert Eggers and Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski. The pair talk about their long partnership, which spans the director's entire career. Eggers also talks about winning over seasoned crews who have years more experience than he does, and why a little humor goes a long way in a movie like Nosferatu.

As 2024 comes to an end, we want to thank you, our listeners! We asked you to send us your burning questions about the industry, and you delivered – from around the world. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dish it out over everything from the mind numbing amount of trailers before movies, to the surprising reason behind FYC billboards – we’re looking at you, studio execs. Did we answer your question in our first ever listener mailbag? Tune in to find out!

As 2024 comes to an end, we want to thank you, our listeners! We asked you to send us your burning questions about the industry, and you delivered – from around the world. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dish it out over everything from the mind numbing amount of trailers before movies, to the surprising reason behind FYC billboards – we’re looking at you, studio execs. Did we answer your question in our first ever listener mailbag? Tune in to find out!

It’s that time of year again and we are serving up a heaping plate of 2024 Megabanter! The Paramount–Skydance merger finally lands, streamers and legacy studios duke it out for sports rights, Bob Iger makes his moves while the Disney board ramps up its succession race, and linear television continues to decline — what’s the story of the year? Banter buddies Lucas Shaw and Matt Belloni join Kim Masters to figure it out.

Rupert Murdoch wants to update his family trust in favor of his son Lachlan, who runs the Fox News empire. What’s behind Nevada commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr.’s decision to block the move? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.  Plus, Masters talks to documentarian Nic Stacey about his Netflix film, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy. The London-based filmmaker tells us how he managed to pull together an impressive roster of whistleblowers from top companies such as Amazon, Adidas, and Apple. He also says that working with Netflix’s U.K. team was a breeze, despite the documentary’s focus on tech giants. Stacey also explains why he chose to use an AI narrator named “Sasha” to guide viewers through the film.

Gail Slater is Donald Trump’s pick to head the Justice Department's antitrust division. As she gears up to oversee cases against major tech companies like Google and Apple, how will the veteran antitrust lawyer view future mergers in Hollywood? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in.  Plus, Masters speaks to journalist Jacob Soboroff and documentarian Errol Morris about their film Separated, a sobering look at the Trump Administration’s 2017 child separation policy. They have a lot to say about those who were complicit in tearing thousands of children away from their families. Plus, Soboroff weighs in on Comcast’s refusal to release the film before the election.

In a captivating discussion, Evan Bogart, Grammy-winning songwriter and founder of Seeker Music, shares his insights on the evolving music industry. Known for discovering Eminem, Bogart reveals how independent artists are thriving amid major label consolidations. He emphasizes the positive changes in artist discovery and the influence of streaming on music consumption. The conversation also touches on the transformation of music promotion strategies, highlighting a shift towards community-driven engagement. It's a refreshing take on an industry in flux.