As the actors’ strike continues, Netflix announces a price hike. What does this mean for subscribers and the streamer?  Then, Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter talks about her new book, collaborating with Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, and the joys and challenges of costume designing for Black Panther.

Director Gareth Edwards discusses his AI-centric film The Creator, the behind-the-scenes drama on Rogue One, and the challenges of pitching the movie. The podcast also explores the recent WGA negotiations achievements, Gareth Edwards' filmmaking journey, and the exploration of AI and emotions in The Creator.

Rupert Murdoch steps down as head of Fox Corp and News Corp, Dream Hampton discusses her new docuseries 'Ladies First' which spotlights women in hip-hop, challenges of finding a TV outlet for the series before Netflix got involved, addressing misogyny in hip-hop, untold story of Cindy Campbell, impact of COVID on production process.

First, what lasting damage to the entertainment industry will the extended impasse between striking Hollywood creatives, and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers leave in its wake?  Then, in an encore interview, Navalny director Daniel Roher and investigative journalist Christo Grozev discuss how they came to pursue a film about Alexei Navalny, Russian opposition leader. They also talk about the risks they faced to make the Oscar-winning documentary, and the eventual arrest and sentencing of the politician in Russia. 

First, the Walt Disney Co. has pulled all programming from Charter Spectrum in early September. What ripples does this create for Disney, other networks, and the cable industry? Then, Reservation Dogs director Danis Goulet talks about working on the final season of the FX hit, representation in Hollywood, and Taika Waititi’s integral role in creating a platform for Indigenous stories.

First, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav hires former New York Times executive Mark Thompson to head CNN. Will Thompson turn the struggling network around? Then, directors Sam Lipman-Stern and Adam Lough talk with NPR TV critic Eric Deggans about their HBO documentary, Telemarketers and share how their work helped investigate fraudulent charitable organizations. They also discuss how the Safdie brothers came on board to executive produce the series, and how HBO came to be at the helm.

First, the AMPTP released its latest offer to the WGA in a press release this week. Will the studio’s move work or backfire? Then, actor, comedian, musician, and producer Steve Martin and co-creator of Only Murders in the Building, John Hoffman, explain how they met and what it took to get this idea from paper onto the screen.

Jason Blum, CEO of Blumhouse, discusses the ongoing strikes in Hollywood and shares concerns about compensation and the distribution of wealth in the industry. He also explores the impact of the strikes on film festivals, movie sales, and the television season. Blum emphasizes the vital role agents play in advocating for artists and negotiating deals, while calling for a swift resolution to the strikes.

The 2023 Emmy ceremony has been rescheduled for January 2024. How will it contend with the NFL playoffs? And Disney presents more changes via its latest investor call. Political analyst Bill Kristol joins to break down an FCC petition to deny a Fox Corp. affiliate’s license renewal and his larger role in seeking accountability for the organization.

After months of stagnation, the AMPTP has asked the Writers Guild back to the negotiating table. Is there a deal to be made? Plus, Disney re-hires some familiar faces as consultants. Then, director Sam Pollard discusses his new doc The League, which pairs his love of baseball with his ongoing examination of Black history, and discusses working with producer Questlove and the “uphill climb” of documentary filmmaking.