Strictly Business

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.

On today’s episode, Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman explains why the new Paul Thomas Anderson drama “One Battle After Another” is a movie for our times. And music chief Jem Aswad reflects on the legacy of Sylvia Rhone as the music industry veteran announces her retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety box office chief Rebecca Rubin explains the weak starts for “Him” and “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” and why Taylor Swift is a friend to exhibition. Brian Steinberg, Variety’s senior TV editor, breaks down the five-way brawl among Jimmy Kimmel, Disney, the FCC, Nexstar and Sinclair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CMO of content ratings firm details how VideoAmp leverages first-party data to measure audiences across platforms. She explans how it has partnered with multiple media giants — including the NFL — to provide what it says is a more accurate picture of cross-platform viewership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Variety co-Editor in Chief Ramin Setoodeh tells all in our Cover Story segment about his sit down with Julia Roberts and the cast of Luca Gaudagnino’s provocative new film “After the Hunt.” And chief music critic Chris Willman revisits a moment in time that defines an era: Lilith Fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, former Paramount Global majority owner Shari Redstone details her new investment in Israeli production banner Sipur. Variety business editor Todd Spangler and TV news editor Joe Otterson break down the latest on Redstone’s old shop as Paramount prepares a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leader of the production company behind "Simone Biles Rising," "Aaron Rodgers: Enigma" and many more sports-related series details the company's business strategy and how it has navigated the content marketplace as an independent. Sankaran also discusses the company's new partnership with tennis star Coco Gauff and her IROC media venture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor talk "Severance" and what its Emmy noms haul means for the business. And TV editor Michael Schneider has a big idea for the new Emmy Awards TV contract.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Variety TV editor Michael Schneider details his sit-down with Kathy Bates, the “Matlock” star who graces the cover of Variety’s annual pre-Emmy Awards issue. And Emily Longeretta details the movers, shakers and influential creatives who made Variety’s annual TV Producers Impact Report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Variety’s Todd Spangler and Gene Maddaus discuss the latest legal moves for AI heavyweights Anthropic and Midjourney in their copyright infringement battles. And Variety’s Ethan Shanfeld describes comedy’s annual “mad dash” as “Saturday Night Live” finalizes its Season 51 cast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Variety’s box office chief Rebecca Rubin breaks down the impressive numbers from “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and how it extends Warner Bros.’ box office streak to record territory. And Michael Schneider and Jazz Tangcay weigh in from backstage at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where Giancarlo Esposito and Shawn Hatosy spoke from the heart about the state of showbiz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Sandler, chief strategy officer for Pushkin Industries, details the business vision for the premium audio studio that was founded in 2018 by Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg. It’s home to great series such as Gladwell’s "Revisionist History" and “Against the Rules,” hosted by author Michael Lewis. Sandler details the company’s creator-first strategy of nurturing shows and talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Eric Sandler, chief strategy officer for Pushkin Industries, details the audio studio’s fall slate, which includes a look back at “The Big Short” with Michael Lewis and Pushkin co-founder Malcolm Gladwell taking on an infamous Alabama murder case on “Revisionist History.” Also, Jem Aswad, Variety’s executive editor of music, details his recent sit-down with the inimitable David Byrne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Daniel D’Addario, Variety’s chief correspondent, details for our Cover Story segment how Channing Tatum and director Derek Cianfrance revisited a true-crime tale for our times in “Roofman.” And international editor Elsa Keslassy breaks down the important buzz for the biz coming out of the Venice Film Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Brent Lang, Variety’s executive editor, breaks down an impressive week 4 box office performance for “Weapons” and a less-than-impressive industry-wide B.O. haul for the summer frame. Peter Debruge, chief film critic for Variety, details the reaction to Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere” at the Telluride Film Festival, and why this particular high-altitude gathering is a movie lover’s dream.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SVP of the Ventura TV operating system for The Trade Desk lays out the digital ad giant’s vision for the forthcoming OS, the challenges facing the business and how TTD hopes to rewrite the rules for CTV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past four seasons on Showtime, Dr. Orna Guralnik has showcased the benefits of the talking cure to help relationships in crisis. In this revealing interview, she talks about why she was motivated to pull back the curtain on what's always been a private practice, and how she grapples with the ethics of psychoanalysis for public consumption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor, details her report on visual effects stalwart Industrial Light and Magic on its 50th anniversary. TV critic Alison Herman explains why she’s given the coveted Critics Pick seal of approval to the new Netflix comedy “Long Story Short.” And Tatiana Siegel previews the final installment of her podcast “Variety Confidential: The Life and Legend of River Phoenix.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, the Cover Story segment features Variety’s Brent Lang and Ramin Setoodeh detailing director Guillermo del Toro’s $120 million bet on a new vision for “Frankenstein” with help from Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac. Variety’s Jennifer Maas reports on the Sun Valley of gaming that is underway in Cologne, Germany. And Brian Steinberg sets the scene for ESPN’s big send off for the streaming app that launches Aug. 21.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Cineverse CEO Chris McGurk and MicroCo CEO Jana Winograde join host Cynthia Littleton to discuss their new venture to bring super short, low budget drama series to the U.S. They gamely answer the question: How is this not Quibi? And Variety reporter Ethan Shanfeld details how AI tools are accelerating product placement in TV and film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, we talk box office with Variety’s Rebecca Rubin about “Weapons” week 2 and a ho-hum start for “Nobody 2.” Brian Steinberg has the lowdown on the final tally of this year’s upfront advertising sales. And Tatiana Siegel sets the scene that unfolded at Variety’s Truth Seekers conference, including highlights from sessions with Jake Tapper, Ronny Chieng, Amber Ruffin, Roy Wood Jr. and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore Episode: Original air date: May 8,  2025 In a rare roundtable interview, six senior leaders at CAA discuss the evolution of the agency and its leadership following the ICM Partners acquisition. The group discusses how the rise of social media has changed the game for clients and how the work of agenting has expanded along with the scale of the entertainment industry.   The participants are: ** Tiffany Ward (Managing Director and Scripted Television Agent) ** Jennifer Joel (Literary Agent and Co-Head of CAA Books) ** Lisa Joseph Metelus (CAA Board member and Head of Athlete Brand Strategy & Entertainment for CAA Sports) ** Maha Dakhil (Managing Director and Motion Picture Agent) ** Arleta Fowler (Digital Media Agent and Head of Digital Media Lifestyle Talent) ** Lara Sacket (Co-Head of Production Department)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, host Cynthia Littleton and Variety business editor Todd Spangler compare notes on Paramount Skydance and the vibes and vision shared by CEO David Ellison and his new regime at media Q&A sessions in New York and L.A. And Jenelle Riley, deputy awards and features editor, explains how Variety selected this year’s 10 Storytellers to Watch honorees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis unpacks his interview with “Severance” star Tramell Tillman in our Cover Story segment. Marc Malkin dishes with Bob Odenkirk and Sharon Stone on the “Nobody 2” Red Carpet. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety slanguage superlatives boffo,  whammo and socko.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Jennifer Maas, Variety’s senior business writer for TV and gaming, discusses the debate in gaming over the pricing of premium titles, as well as the anticipation building for next year’s release of “Grand Theft Auto 6”; Emily Longeretta, senior TV features editor, details how Variety assembles its annual baker’s dozen Emmy Extra Edition issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode Variety executive editor Brent Lang explains why the strong opening for “Weapons” and “Freakier Friday” are a good sign that mid-budget movies can still be superhero counter-programming at the box office. And Variety international veteran John Hopewell weighs in from Locarno on why mid-sized European film festivals are more important to the industry and movie marketing than ever before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.