Strictly Business

On today’s episode, we hear from Brooke Zaugg, executive director of Faith & Media Initiative, on the coalition’s work to influence portrayals of spirituality and people of faith in media and pop culture. And Variety’s Marc Malkin talks with Richard Gere about his new documentary on the Dalai Lama, “Wisdom of Happiness.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jem Aswad details our annual Hitmakers issue, featuring cover star Sabrina Carpenter. He details the year-long effort that goes into assembling the survey of the year’s top 25 tunes. And Todd Spangler gives us an update on the state of bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Brian Steinberg details a deal between TelevisaUnivision and JCPenney to produce microdramas and microdrama branded content. And Chris Willman discusses the unique pleasures of standing in line with fellow music lovers on Record Store Day, Black Friday Edition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety's Rebecca Rubin unpacks the Thanksgiving feast at the box office with “Zootopia 2” and “Wicked: For Good” lighting up screens around the world. And Marc Malkin sits down with Jeremy Allen White as the actor turns his attention back to filming “The Bear.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a special Thanksgiving Day edition, the legendary Marlo Thomas revisits the remarkable story of how – and why -- her father, entertainer Danny Thomas, launched St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. And we take a Vintage Variety look back at how St. Jude's origins played out in our pages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, "The Studio" star Ike Barinholtz discusses his tubthumping campaign to raise money for the Motion Picture and Television Fund. And we take a Vintage Variety look back at the birth of the MPTF as covered the pages of Variety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s chief film critics Owen Gleiberman and Peter Debruge detail the how and the why behind their selections for Variety’s 100 Greatest Comedy Movies of All Time list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin unpacks Universal Pictures’ risky decision to break “Wicked” in two parts, and how it paid off with a record haul. And Jennifer Maas gives us an update on the mood at HBO as the parent company slides into sale mode yet again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, UTA board members and partners Blair Kohan and Jason Heyman have a deep conversation about where the heat and the headwinds are in the business of comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we’ll hear from Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman about his rediscovery of an under-appreciated Martin Scorsese classic, 1995’s “Casino.” And Joe Otterson unpacks his reporting on the turmoil behind the scenes on Sylvester Stallone’s “Tulsa King” series as the Taylor Sheridan drama shoots Season 4 in Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Matt Donnelly unpacks his reporting on Producers United and its quest to address the dilemmas and the disrespect that contemporary producers battle. Donnelly is joined by Producers United members Jonathan Wang and Laura Lewis who put a human face on the issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus talks about the rapid growth of microdrama production activity in L.A. and other areas of the U.S. SAG-AFTRA wants to have a say. And Elsa Keslassy discusses the themes and takeaways from her dogged coverage of the American Film Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Brent Lang breaks down Paramount’s stumble with “The Running Man” and Lionsgate’s magic with “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.” And Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski talks about the intersection of moviegoing and fandom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maya Rogers on expanding iconic brand Tetris for today's audiences and new partnerships with Red Bull, Amazon, Netflix and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Los Angeles TV legend Pat Harvey reflects on changes in news and in Southern California over her long tenure as she is honored by the National Association of Black Journalists Los Angeles. And we’ll take a look at the work of Variety’s Angelique Jackson as she is recognized by NABJLA with its excellence in entertainment media honor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Daniel D’Addario steps into the ring to capture the backstory of “The Smashing Machine” and Dwayne Johnson’s metamorphosis. Marc Malkin has a Just for Variety Red Carpet Rundown with George Clooney. And Todd Longwell makes the business case for business managers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Matt Donnelly discusses the swirl in the industry around Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery and the future of film and television. And Marc Malkin brings us a Red Carpet Rundown with Catherine Zeta-Jones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down the weekend box office and the surprising strength of “Predator: Badlands.” And Jordan Moreau details his profile of “The Running Man” writer-director Edgar Wright.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wonder Project CEO Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten discusses the launch last month of the company's subscription streaming platform with Amazon and how it reinforces the indie studio's content brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, actor Sean Astin discusses the recent Jimmy Kimmel drama, the Tilly Norwood flap, Bryan Cranston vs. OpenAI's Sora 2, the rise of microdrama as a mainstream format and more in Astin's first extended interview since he was elected president of SAG-AFTRA in September.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Tatiana Siegel details Variety’s investigative report that asks a straightforward question: What Does David Ellison Want? And Chris Willman explains why he has fallen for a certain concert venue near Palm Springs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Todd Spangler weighs in on the collision of AI and Big Tech jobs as layoff notices fly. And Jennifer Maas discusses the growth of indie streamer Dropout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin unpacks what went wrong after the year’s worst weekend at the box office. Cynthia Littleton reflects on the power wielded by new king of L.A. Sports, Mark Walter. And Marc Malkin has a Just for Variety Red Carpet Rundown with Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten industry insiders reflect on the upheaval of producing news and topical shows during the harsh early months of COVID. 'The idea that America would essentially shut down was just shocking,' says ABC News' Chris Dinan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Naveen Sarma, managing director of S&P Global and sector lead for U.S. media and telecom, unpacks his recent report on the second half of the year, which has some good news and some concerning news for Hollywood and related sectors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Variety's Haley Kluge and Jennifer Dorn discuss how they produce Variety’s amazing Power of Women visuals year after year. And Marc Malkin brings us updates on "disgusting" things happening on Season 2 of “The Pitt” in a Red Carpet Rundown with stars Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety reporter Ethan Shanfeld discusses the unusual place in pop culture that Sean "Diddy" Combs now occupies and what may await him upon his release from prison in May 2028. And Variety's Marc Malkin has fun with Hilary Duff in a Red Carpet Rundown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety's Rebecca Rubin explains why “Chainsaw Man” topped “Deliver Me From Nowhere” to lead the box office this weekend. And Nick Vivarelli reports on the scene in Lucca, Italy, where he’s covering a fan event that is bigger than San Diego Comic-Con.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety reporter Selome Hailu details her cover story on Rachel Senate, the multihyphenate behind HBO’s new comedy “I Love L.A.” Marc Malkin has a Red Carpet Rundown with Sarah Michelle Gellar dishing about Hulu’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot. And reporter Giana Levy explains what superfans see Netflix’s “Love Is Blind.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti has a wide-ranging conversation on with Elsa Keslassy, Variety’s international editor, at the Mipcom content market in Cannes on Oct. 13. Bassetti details the Euro production group’s focus on profits over kudos, its experiments with digital creators and the pros and cons of working in Europe versus the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the day of his 100th birthday, a special Vintage Variety episode traces the arc of Johnny Carson’s early career and his rise to becoming an American icon, as chronicled day-by-day for five decades in the pages of Variety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety's Brent Lang discusses the Sundance Film Festival’s future as it prepares for its final outing in Park City, Utah in January before moving to Boulder, Colo., in 2027. And Joe Otterson weighs in on why vintage board games – think Clue, Monopoly, Catan – are hot properties for TV development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin explains why “Black Phone 2” made a connection with moviegoers, and she dissects the record tally for the horror genre at the box office this year. And business editor Todd Spangler offers a Q3 earnings preview on what to expect for Netflix, Comcast, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Buser, Google Cloud's director of game industry solutions, breaks down tech giant’s far reaching plans for future of live service gaming. He also weighs in on how AI is poised to change everything for the gaming sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus details recent efforts to test AI-powered software against professional script readers. The results only raise more questions. Plus, a roundtable on the biz and buzz at the Mipcom global content market in Cannes with Variety international veterans Elsa Keslassy, John Hopewell and Leo Barraclough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Variety's Adam B. Vary and Kate Aurthur talk about going deep inside the upside down for their cover story on the final season of "Stranger Things" and the twin brothers who are the brains behind it, Matt and Ross Duffer; plus host Cynthia Littleton has an eye-opening discussion with French YouTuber Inoxtag at Mipcom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Variety's Leo Barraclough talks about the mood and the buzz along the Croisette on Day 2 of the Mipcom content market in Cannes, France. He also details his sit-down with Mattel Studios president Robbie Brenner. Plus, highlights from Variety's C-Suite Conversations session with Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti, who was honored at Mipcom with the Variety Vanguard Award for contributions to the global television industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety's Brent Lang unpacks disappointing opening weekends for “Tron: Ares,” “Roofman” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” And international editor Elsa Keslassy reports on the buzz by the sea in Cannes as the annual Mipcom content market begins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Disney TV chief Anne Sweeney revisits the Disney-Apple video iPod content licensing pact that stunned the industry 20 years ago this week. "This literally tilted our media world on its axis," Sweeney says.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Tatiana Siegel discusses her deep dive on Bari Weiss and what her new role as editor-in-chief means for CBS News. And longtime international correspondent Nick Vivarelli weighs in on the pulse of the media biz in Italy as he covers the Rome Media Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, the Cover Story segment features Variety’s Matt Donnelly discussing his sit-down interview with Jason Blum, who will receive Variety’s first-ever Horror Impact Award. And William Earl, Variety’s executive digital director and resident horror expert, details the research that went into Variety’s inaugural Horror Impact list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Brent Lang interviews Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves as they breathe new life into “Waiting for Godot" on Broadway. And Ellise Shafer in London reflects on how the U.K. is paying tribute to a native son as the documentary “Ozzy: No Escape From Now” premieres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down the Taylor Swift effect on the box office as her album release party for “Life of a Showgirl” hit the multiplexes for one weekend only. And Variety’s legit editor Gordon Cox explains this year’s selections for our annual 10 Broadway Stars to Watch list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, hear highlights from Variety’s Entertainment and Technology Summit including a lively session with digital native creatives Nicole Byer, Erin Foster, Sara Foster, Matt Rogers, Jake Shane and Benito Skinner, moderated by Variety’s Marc Malkin. Plus, highlights from a session with John Stamos and Zeam CEO Jack Perry detailing their build-out plans for the live streaming platform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Daniel D’Addario goes inside the mind of a man who is playing a serial killer, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” star Charlie Hunnam, for our Cover Story segment. And host Cynthia Littleton dives into the Variety archives to revisit a front page from October 1956 full of headlines that resonate today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas explains the $55 billion buyout deal that will see Electronic Arts be taken over by three private equity firms. And music reporter Thania Garcia discusses Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show gig and why it’s such a significant decision for the Puerto Rican superstar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down the opening weekend for “One Battle After Another” at the box office. And veteran international correspondent John Hopewell reports from San Sebastián in Spain where the annual film festival drew Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, hear from top industry executives on the latest shifts in streaming and linear strategies, the rise of YouTube and savvy IP management. The full opening session from the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit features Starz’s Alison Hoffman, NBCUniversal’s Lisa Katz, Amazon MGM Studios’ Laura Lancaster, Warner Bros. TV Group’s Brett Paul, Sony Pictures TV’s Katherine Pope and Fox’s Michael Thorn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Variety's senior media reporter Gene Maddaus about his investigative report on Los Angeles Film School. The private business is facing allegations of massive student loan fraud. Variety’s gaming chief Jennifer Maas has the scoop on mobile gaming company Scopely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Variety TV chief Michael Schneider speaks to showrunner Sterlin Harjo, whose new series "The Lowdown" bows today on FX. Clayton Davis, Variety's chief awards editor, discusses the surprise news that Christopher Nolan has taken on a side gig as president of the Directors Guild of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.