Strictly Business

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.

The founder and CEO of Acceleration Community of Companies explains the vision behind the collection of marketing, communications, branding and live event firms that he has acquired since 2018. Nyman offers insights into how the media consumption habits of Gen Z and Gen Alpha will radically change the shape of entertainment in the coming years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special Paramount-themed episode as Skydance Media completes its $8 billion takeover after a yearlong battle to acquire the storied studio. Hollywood historian Jeanine Basinger, Variety chief film critics Peter Debruge and Owen Gleiberman and MoffettNathanson analyst Robert Fishman join host Cynthia Littleton to examine the pioneering film factory’s past, present and future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Ramin Setoodeh, Variety's co-Editor in Chief, breaks down the Power of Young Hollywood Issue and why Tyla, Sam Nivola and Finn Wolfhard are this year's honorees. And Gene Maddaus, Variety's senior media reporter, details the WGA West's upcoming election and the priorities that are emerging for the guild's 2026 contract talks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Eva Longoria previews her FX sports-docu series "Necaxa," and she discusses Hyphenate Media Group content venture with business partner Cris Abrego. Joe Otterson, Variety's TV news editor, weighs in on the return of Hank and Peggy Hill et al as Hulu revives "King of the Hill" for a new era in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Rebecca Rubin analyzes week 2 of "Fantastic Four: First Steps" and three new wide releases: "Bad Guys 2," "The Naked Gun" and "Together." Host Cynthia Littleton journeys deep into K-pop fandom at the KCON festival, and TV critic Aramide Tinubu explains why she's so high on Jason Momoa's new drama "Chief of War."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luminate Intelligence analyst Rob Steiner shares insights from Luminate's newly released special report on the state of the music business as growth slows for Spotify and other leading DSPs in developed markets, the concert scene cools off a bit and AI begins to make its impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Tatiana Siegel, Variety’s executive editor of film and media, details her interview with actor Dean Cain, who bucks the trends in Hollywood in more ways the one. And Brian Steinberg, senior TV editor, gives detail on upfront ad sales as Disney, NBCUniversal and Fox call it a wrap on advance advertising commitments for the coming season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Cover Story segment features Variety's Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment writer, telling all about her experience interviewing Harrison Ford about the sweep of his career as he celebrates his first-ever Emmy nomination, for Apple TV+ comedy "Shrinking." Todd Spangler, business editor, also analyzes the latest moves in the cable TV divorces pending at NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor, analyzes the recent executive moves and Sony Pictures and Paramount, and he discusses the mood in the broader film business amid encouraging signs from the summer box office. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety's famous "slanguage," starting with "tubthump."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marvel gets off on the good foot with the opening weekend of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Michael Schneider breaks down four days of Comic Con that had more cosplay and less big Hollywood news than in recent years. He explains why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The General Manager of the Americas at CTV advertising company Wurl breaks down the new challenges and opportunities facing the streaming ad business, from YouTube’s growing dominance to Prime Video’s impact on the marketplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Todd Spangler, Variety business editor, breaks down Skydance's deal pledges to the FCC as it seeks to close the Paramount Global deal. And music chief Jem Aswad explains why UnitedMasters founder Steve Stoute was the choice for Variety's Music Mogul of the Year honor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel D'Addario, Variety chief correspondent, details his reporting on FX's massive bet on the sci-fi series  "Alien: Earth," tapping into the franchise launched with the 1979 Ridley Scott film "Alien." Adam B. Vary, senior entertainment writer, offers a curtain-raiser on what to expect — and what not to expect — at San Diego Comic Con this year. He also discusses Marvel chief Kevin Feige's mea culpa to fans for getting overextended with movies and TV series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Vivarelli, Variety's Rome-based correspondent, and international editor Elsa Keslassy break down the significance of the Venice Film Festival lineup highlighted by Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and A24's "The Smashing Machine" starring Dwayne Johnson. The pair discuss the increased competition for Hollywood awards contenders between Venice and the Cannes Film Festival as distributors seek to reach international voters. And they reflect on Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera's work to raise the fest's profile as a key launch pad for films on the world stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naman Ramachandran gives a report on the biggest rom-com to hit Bollywood in years, "Saiyaara," and how its performance reflects India's changing movie market. Rebecca Rubin details "Superman's" week 2 performance at the box office. And Brian Steinberg discusses the fallout from CBS' decision to ax "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" after next season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Morgan, the recently retired soccer superstar, and her business partner Dan Levy discuss Morgan's recent moves as a partner in the women's sports brand Togethxr and other endeavors. Morgan explains that she wants to help other athletes build wealth and navigate career transitions in a conversation recording during Variety's annual Sports and Entertainment Breakfast, held July 17 in West Hollywood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode features a rundown of the ESPYs and ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro on how the Worldwide Leader is pitching its upcoming streaming app as a big evolution for sports. And Variety's Jazz Tangcay and Carole Horst discuss their deep dive into Walt Disney Imagineering and its work in Disney parks as Disneyland marks its 70th anniversary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior business writer Jennifer Maas discusses what to expect from Netflix’s second quarter earnings report on Thursday. Business editor Todd Spangler details the “frog boiling in water” factor in his cover story on President Trump’s aggressive attacks on news media and First Amendment protections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Variety's Michael Schneider and Clayton Davis discuss the surprises and the final tallies for the 77th annual Emmy Award nominations. Owen Gleiberman, Variety's chief film critic, revisits Robert Altman's "Nashville" on its 50th anniversary and recalls how the movie changed his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Variety previews "Daily Variety," a new podcast featuring conversations with Variety journalists and guests about news, personalities and trends making headlines in the entertainment industry. It's hosted by Cynthia Littleton, co-editor in chief of Variety and host of Variety's "Strictly Business" podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN on-air analyst for both men and women's pro and collegiate hoops discusses the current state of NBA and WNBA as media properties, as well as her new Disney Plus show "Vibe Check" and her recent foray into scripted series production for Peacock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a bonus episode of Variety's Strictly Business podcast, Variety reporter Ethan Shanfeld describes the scene and the reaction after Sean Combs was acquitted on the most serious charges in his federal sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution case that has made headlines for the past two months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The financing of film and TV production has changed dramatically compared with how it was in previous decades. And no one knows that better than Daisy Stall, EVP & group head of entertainment finance at California Bank & Trust. Drawing on three decades of experience in this area , she outlines how traditional funding models have been disrupted by streaming services and broader changes in content consumption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newly appointed leader of one of Hollywood’s largest talent agencies sketches out his vision of the fast-changing entertainment landscape and what it means for the talent represented by his firm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scopely's senior vice president of publishing Eric Wood breaks down how the mobile gaming company has reached staggering success with "Monopoly Go" and plans for new acquisition "Pokemon Go."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.