Strictly Business
627 episodes — Page 4 of 13
Daily Variety -- Why Female Cinematographers are Poised for Triumph This Awards Season
On today’s episode, Variety’s Jazz Tangcay explains why the 98th annual Academy Awards may well mark a breakthrough moment for female cinematographers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety – 2025 Ends With Bountiful Box Office; Industry Predictions for 2026
On today’s episode, we’ll break down the holiday box office with Variety’s Rebecca Rubin. It was a bountiful end of the year for exhibitors. And Todd Spangler does some crystal ball gazing with Variety’s predictions for 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israeli Entertainment Industry Confronts Its Crisis at New Festival
"Strictly Business" co-host Andrew Wallenstein traveled to Israel last month to take part in Jerusalem Sessions, a first-time festival where local TV and film pros discussed how to contend with the dark cloud that has been cast over their industry since Oct. 7, 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vaudeville, Burlesque, Legit Theaters and Saloons: What Entertainment Was Like in 1905
On today’s episode, showbiz historians David Monod and Peter Rader describe the entertainment marketplace as it existed in 1905, the year Variety began publishing in New York. The pair have great insights into how the past has informed the present in the world that Variety has covered for 12 decades and counting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety -- Why YouTube's Deal for Oscar TV Rights is Neal Mohan's Master Stroke; Connor Storrie on His Big Break in 'Heated Rivalry'
On today’s episode, Variety’s Clayton Davis and Michael Schneider unpack Hollywood’s latest big surprise – the Oscar telecast’s move to YouTube starting in 2029. And Marc Malkin gets the details from "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie about how his big break happened and what he advised his mother about watching the HBO Max hockey drama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety – Inside Variety’s 120th Anniversary Issue: How We Tackled 12 Decades of Hollywood’s Highs and Lows
On today’s episode, we dive into the creation of Variety’s 120th anniversary issue with deputy editor Trish Deitch and design director Ted Keller. The two discuss how we tackled 12 decades of showbiz history – and why the discovery of a long-forgotten photo of Liberace and Michael Jackson sparked joy in the newsroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy 120th Birthday, Variety! When Vaudeville, Gramophones, Caruso and Bernhardt Ruled Entertainment
On today’s episode, we go back in time to December 16, 1905, to celebrate Variety’s 120th birthday. Showbiz historians David Monod and Peter Rader explain what the entertainment marketplace was like at the time Variety was born.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety –- Rob Reiner’s Long Legacy on Screen and in California; ‘Hamnet’ Impresses on a Ho-Hum Box Office Weekend
On today’s episode, Variety’s Marc Malkin helps put Rob Reiner’s legacy and impact in Hollywood into perspective. And Rebecca Rubin breaks down the weekend box office as “Zootopia 2” reclaims the No. 1 spot and “Ella McKay” stumbles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema United Chief Michael O’Leary on Why Exhibitors Fear Netflix Buying Warner Bros. and Why Gen Z Might Save Moviegoing
On today’s episode, Cinema United CEO Michael O’Leary addresses the alarm among exhibitors at the prospect of Netflix acquiring Warner Bros. and HBO. He also discusses the state of moviegoing and points to some positive signs that have emerged amid a rocky year at the box office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety – Sundance 2026 Lineup Blends New Discoveries and Nostalgia; How The Game Awards Blend Kudos and Ballyhoo
On today’s episode, Variety’s Peter Debruge and Matt Donnelly break down the Sundance lineup and what to expect at the festival’s nostalgic final outing in Park City, Utah. And Jennifer Maas previews The Game Awards to explain how the event has grown into the Oscars for video games by blending kudos and ballyhoo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety – Cinema United Chief Michael O’Leary on the Threat to Moviegoing Posed by Netflix Buying Warner Bros.: ‘We Cannot Survive Only on Blockbusters’
On today’s episode, Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United, discusses the state of moviegoing and the reaction among exhibitors to the Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery news. He unpacks why movie theater owners are so worried about Netflix taking the keys to Hollywood’s biggest producer of theatrical films.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety – Unions, Industry Groups Assemble to Fight Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal; Red Sea Film Festival and Saudi Arabia’s Changing Landscape
On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus discusses the opposition in the entertainment industry that has assembled to fight Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. and HBO. And Alex Ritman reports on the scene at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety – David Ellison Tries to Pry Warner Bros. and HBO From Netflix; ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Impresses at Box Office
On today’s episode, Paramount Skydance goes hostile for Warner Bros. Discovery. Will David Ellison bust up WBD’s engagement to Netflix? And Variety's Brent Lang breaks down the weekend box office as “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” adds another win for video game adaptations on the big screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Apt.' Co-Writer Theron Thomas on the Competitive Business of Songwriting
'Apt.' co-writer Theron Thomas discusses the ins and outs of being one of the music industry's most consistently successful songwriters. He reminisces on his early days making music in his native St. Thomas, and he traces his career trajectory to the present day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Variety – Exploring How Spirituality and People of Faith are Portrayed in Pop Culture; Richard Gere on his Dalai Lama Doc ‘Wisdom of Happiness’
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.
Daily Variety -- The Hitmakers Parade: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and More; Will Warner Bros. Discovery Try for Round 3 of Bids?
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.
Daily Variety -- Microdramas Go Mainstream with TelevisaUnivision and JCPenney; How Record Store Day Fosters Fandom and Community
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.
Daily Variety – ‘Zootopia 2’ Muscle Sets Box Office Up for a Strong Finish; Jeremy Allen White Turns His Attention Back to ‘The Bear’
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.
Daily Variety – Marlo Thomas on the St. Jude Story and Advancing Her Father’s Mission to Save Children’s Lives
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.
Daily Variety – 'The Studio' Star Ike Barinholtz Tubthumps for the MPTF: ‘It Comes Very Natural to Me to Ask People for Money’
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.
Daily Variety – Laugh Factory: Owen Gleiberman and Peter Debruge on Variety's 100 Best Comedy Movies of All Time List
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.
Daily Variety – Box Office: ‘Wicked: For Good’ Soars to Fourth-Highest Opening of 2025; HBO Preps for Busy 2026 Amid WBD M&A Drama
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.
UTA's Blair Kohan and Jason Heyman on the Business of Comedy: 'If You Don't Build It, They Won't Come'
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.
Daily Variety -- Revisiting Martin Scorsese’s ‘Casino’ With Owen Gleiberman; Turmoil on ‘Tulsa King’
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.
Daily Variety – Cover Story: Producers Stand United to Fight Money Problems and Credit Disrespect; Jonathan Wang and Laura Lewis Unpack the Issues
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.
Daily Variety -- Nonunion Microdrama Production Grows Fast in the U.S.; Takeaways From AFM With Elsa Keslassy
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.
Daily Variety – Box Office: ‘The Running Man’ Stumbles as ‘Now You See Me’ Conjures the Win; Focus Features Chief Peter Kujawski on Moviegoing and Fandom Psychographics
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.
Tetris CEO on Teaming With Red Bull for Dubai World Finals, Next-Gen Games
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.
Daily Variety – Los Angeles TV Legend Pat Harvey on Four Decades of This Just In; Variety’s Angelique Jackson Feted by NABJLA
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.
Daily Variety – Cover Story: Dwayne Johnson Feels Reborn With ‘The Smashing Machine’; George Clooney Talks AI on Red Carpet Rundown; Business Managers Elite
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.
Daily Variety – Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery and the Swirl that is Roiling Hollywood; Red Carpet Rundown With Catherine Zeta-Jones
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.
Daily Variety – Box Office: ‘Predator: Badlands’ Bags Bucks for Disney; Edgar Wright Takes a Big Swing With ‘The Running Man’
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 on 'House of David,' 'Sarah's Oil' and a Purpose-Built Media Brand
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.
Daily Variety -- SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin Talks Jimmy Kimmel, Tilly Norwood, Bryan Cranston vs. Sora 2 and Microdrama Boom
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.
Daily Variety -- Cover Story: Tatiana Siegel on David Ellison’s America-First Overhaul of Paramount; Chris Willman on Palm Springs’ New Concert Hot Spot
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.
Daily Variety – AI Drives Big Tech Layoff Bloodbath; Indie Streamer Dropout Raises Price and Fans Cheer
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.
Daily Variety – Box Office: What Went Wrong on 2025’s Worst Weekend; Mark Walter is the New King of L.A. Sports; Red Carpet Rundown With Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber
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.
How COVID Changed TV Production Forever
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.
Daily Variety – Profits or Bust: What to Expect for Media and Entertainment in Q4 and Beyond
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.
Daily Variety -- Meet the Women Behind Power of Women’s Stunning Visuals; ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Gets ‘Disgusting’
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.
Daily Variety -- What Awaits Sean Combs After Prison; Red Carpet Rundown With Hilary Duff
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.
Daily Variety – Box Office: Why ‘Chainsaw Man’ Cleared a Path at the Turnstyles; Lucca Comics & Games Brings Cosplay to Medieval Italian Town
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.
Daily Variety – COVER STORY: How Rachel Sennott Planted Roots With ‘I Love L.A.’; Sarah Michelle Gellar Dishes on ‘Buffy’ Reboot; What Superfans See in ‘Love is Blind’
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 on Producing in U.S. vs Europe, Pilots With Digital Creators and More
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.
Daily Variety -- Johnny Carson Centennial: Tracing His Path to ‘The Tonight Show’ Through the Pages of Variety
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.
Daily Variety -- Sundance Film Festival Preps for Final Frame in Park City; TV Rolls Dice on Board Games
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.
Daily Variety -- Box Office: 'Black Phone 2' Connects for Blumhouse in a Record Year for Horror; Q3 Earnings Preview for Netflix, Disney and More
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.
Google Cloud Gaming Boss on the Virtues of AI and Learnings From the Rise and Fall of Stadia
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.
Daily Variety -- AI Vs. Script Readers – Who Does the Job Better?; Microdramas, Creators and YouTube Dominate Mipcom Buzz
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.
Daily Variety – Cover Story: Go Deep Inside the Hive Mind of Matt and Ross Duffer and the Final Season of ‘Stranger Things’; French YouTuber Inoxtag Scales New Heights
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.