Strictly Business

The studio chief details the moves he’s made since 2017 to sell or shutter underperforming assets and to bulk up in content production and anime. Vinciquerra explains how the studio has sought to reposition itself for the streaming future and the disruption in Hollywood that he saw coming after decades of experience in television and media. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Edwards, a TV writer-producer and a former executive at UPN, HBO and NBCUniversal, divulges the secrets every aspiring TV writer needs to know to navigate Hollywood in her new book “The Executive Chair: A Writers Guide to TV Series Development.” Edwards offers insights that writers need to know on everything from pitching to production. Here she explains how crafting the book helped her gain perspective on a fast-changing industry. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TaP Music's Ed Millett and Wendy Ong oversee the careers of some of the most popular and powerful female artists in the business, including Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa and Ellie Goulding. They also see first-hand the online abuse female artists receive, which is far worse than it is for male counterparts. Here, they talk about keeping their artists focused and positive — and the decision to release Dua Lipa's party-themed "Future Nostalgia" right when the world entered lockdown. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Thoensen, head of content partnerships at TikTok, talks about expanding the popular short-video app’s work with creators and entertainment companies — to capitalize on its recent momentum. TikTok now has 1 billion monthly active users, challenging the likes of YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat for viewing time with its personalized video feed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there's two things Harry Sloan knows, it's special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC) and the media business. He co-founded a record seven SPACs as the co-founder of Eagle Equity Partners, including the most successful such venture to date: sports-betting hub DraftKings, and is also a well-known name in Hollywood, where his highest-profile stints including chairman/CEO of MGM. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of Paramount+ and Pluto TV offers an optimistic update for the growth prospects of his streaming services as the parent company expands its overseas capabilities. Meanwhile, Ryan sticks up for sticking with Amazon Channels and touts the early success of kids programming from "Paw Patrol" to "iCarly." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 20 months into the pandemic, how is the music industry doing? The short answer? Finding silver linings everywhere it can. For the Mondo NYC conference last month, Variety assembled four people — rising singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer, WME agent Lucy Dickins, artist manager Binta Niambi Brown and Sony Music Publishing VP Kristina Hedrick — for a far-reaching and inspiring talk about how they, their businesses, their colleagues and/or their artists have adapted, and in some cases thrived. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The longtime CBS executive has reteamed with a handful former colleagues to launch Argus Capital Corp., which has about $300 million in funding so far to acquire media properties. Ianniello explains he’s on the hunt for corporate carve-outs, or assets that media giants may be ready to shed as they plow resources into new streaming platforms. Argus brings an experienced management team that aims to be a bolt-on solution for newly public entities. Ianniello hopes the focus on operating expertise will set his venture apart from other SPACs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vogue's exclusive Met Gala red carpet live stream in September has set a template for parent company Conde Nast to repeat its success at future events, according to chief revenue officer Pam Drucker Mann. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Los Angeles Clippers chairman Steve Ballmer outlines his vision for his “mecca” of basketball with team’s new arena that is scheduled to open in Inglewood, Calif. in 2024. Ballmer enthusiastically describes the cutting-edge tech touches and focus on sustainability that went into the design. And he weighs in on the future of NBA’s television rights deals at the national and local levels. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Richman and Keya Khayatian, co-heads of United Talent Agency's media rights group, scour the world for news books, long-form journalism, podcasts and individual life rights to find source material for your next streaming obsession. The industry veterans discuss the growth in demand for life rights, the supreme power of the suburban book club and how media rights sales have help keep talent agencies afloat during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney Dina LaPolt founded her own firm 20 years ago and went on to represent music stars like Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, rappers 21 Savage and Cardi B and the Tupac Shakur estate. As her practice grew, so did LaPolt’s conviction for righting the music ecosystem’s wrongs. She’s tackled songwriters’ rights and access to digital royalties; she campaigned for federal COVID relief to help music creators and independent contractors; and she’s currently advocating to eliminate the use of triggering terms like “master recording” in contracts. A Variety ‘Power of Women’ honoree, the openly gay, loudly sober industry trailblazer lets ‘Strictly Business’ into her world of advocacy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Line Cinema founder and Hollywood legend Bob Shaye talks about why he joined the board of directors at Brat TV, a producer of scripted series targeting Gen Z on myriad digital platforms, along with Brat co-founder Rob Fishman, who gives an update on his company's progress. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hollywood veteran details the steps that led her to partner with Elisabeth Murdoch and producer Jane Featherstone to form the content banner Sister in 2019. Snider reflects on how her years of experience as head of Universal Pictures, DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox is helping her to build a nimble operation with financing and resources to nurture projects from writers and directors “who have something to say.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Lee, better known as Coach K, is cofounder of Quality Control, the multifaceted Atlanta-based label and management company that in just eight years has brought the world Migos, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, City Girls and more, and also manages many athletes. Coach talks about how old-school “street marketing” and a cosign from his friend Drake helped launch the company, the gunshot injury that ended his sports career but set him on this path, and much more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prolific producer Arthur Smith discusses the explosive growth of the content marketplace and the many challenges COVID has created for production. The industry veteran, who is also chairman of Tinopolis Group U.S., explains why he loves the high-wire act of large-scale unscripted TV shows. And while he marvels at the spike in global demand, Smith misses the days when series deals were sealed on the basis of a title and a handshake. "The business has become more business-like," he observes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tinder CEO Jim Lanzone explains why the dating app is embracing streaming video applications and other multimedia tools to keep its Gen Z user base engaged. He discusses the origin of its original series “Swipe Night” and how the show's choose-your-own-adventure format helps facilitate matches for Tinder users. The former CEO of CBS Interactive who launched CBS All Access in 2014 also weighs in on the state of play in Big Media's streaming wars. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The executive who sits atop Discovery’s portfolio of more than 200 international channels discusses the potential of the pending WarnerMedia-Discovery merger and the empire of entertainment, lifestyle, sports and news content to be brought together under one roof. Perrette weighs in on the rollout of Discovery Plus and how the unusual Tokyo summer Olympics performed for Discovery’s Eurosport streaming platform. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Weinstein, co-founder of Underscore Talent, a new management firm representing influencer talent, explains how companies like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter have escalated their battle in recent months to court a new generation of digital-native celebrities. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small independent TV companies are an endangered species at a time when media’s largest conglomerates are focused on the streaming wars and global expansion. In separate interviews, Paula Madison, CEO of The Africa Channel, and Bill Rouhana, chairman-CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, offer insights into why they zig when others zag and where they see opportunity ahead. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music managers Mark Gillespie, of Three Six Zero, and Michele Harrison, of Range Media Partners, discuss representing hitmakers Calvin Harris and Justin Tranter, respectively, and how their roles as advisors have changed over the years.Music managers Mark Gillespie, of Three Six Zero, and Michele Harrison, of Range Media Partners, discuss representing hitmakers Calvin Harris and Justin Tranter, respectively, and how their roles as advisors have changed over the years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Common Sense Networks CEO Eric Berger unveils Sensical, a new kid-centric app that gives parents peace of mind by offering a safe alternative to the bigger video platforms that have gotten a bad reputation for serving up algorithmically driven content that may not be in their best interest to watch. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CNN Worldwide chief digital officer Andrew Morse shares the game plan for what he calls the biggest launch in the network's history since Ted Turner first brought the brand to cable TV in 1980. He addresses what to expect from its programming mix, how CNN+ will be different from the TV network and how interactivity with subscribers will be part of the content. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months into 2021, and the profound financial impact the pandemic had on the media industry is just beginning to be truly understood. Naveen Sarma, senior director of S&P Global Ratings, has closely studied the myriad ways the sector has been shaken up. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO and creative director of fashion juggernaut Alice + Olivia takes a break from the Allen & Co. moguls conference in Sun Valley to talk about the post-pandemic business landscape and why the ranks of female CEOS remain stubbornly low. Bendet Eisner also details her vision for Creatively, the startup professional network designed to help employers connect with freelancers in a range of creative fields. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twitter execs Sarah Rosen and Lara Cohen break down how the company teams up with talent and media firms to maximize reach and engagement — while acknowledging work the social platform still needs to do. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scooter Braun’s business savvy and mentorship of top artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande have netted him a fortune — but not without drama. Variety’s Music Mogul of the Year lays bare his management philosophy, addresses misconceptions about his character and reveals his future plans with South Korean entertainment giant HYBE. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ViacomCBS' Seema Patel and Dish's Tim Myers go deep on addressable TV, and how businesses like theirs have partnered together to tackle the challenge of getting the industry to adopt the tools that enable targeted commercials. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amounting to nearly $180 billion in 2020, the global video games market continues to ascend to new heights. Ophir Lupu, a partner and head of video games at UTA, discusses his involvement in several gaming sectors through his oversight of a diverse range of clients and negotiating of capital investment for new studios, along with how his division adapted to the pandemic and continued to foster virtual collaboration across UTA's other units. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Rosenthal, founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises, offers her perspective on how the entertainment industry is slowly but surely coming back to life. She details the massive effort that went into planning for this year’s 20th anniversary Tribeca Film Festival across New York’s five boroughs. The film veteran also weighs in on the cyclical nature of media M&A and the fate of old-fashioned movie-going. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s chief brand officer, discusses the pro wrestling firm's evolution into a TV and digital content powerhouse over the past decade. The daughter of WWE chairman-CEO Vince McMahon and former WWE chief Linda McMahon details the “circuitous” path she took to learn every aspect of the business in preparation for her current role. She makes no apologies for the company’s forays into markets like Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to expand the boundaries of what women can do publicly in entertainment and sports settings. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As radio’s reach holds firm among a slew of streaming options, broadcasting veteran John Sykes, president of entertainment enterprises for iHeartMedia, expounds on the importance of curation, looks back at the company’s pandemic pivot and assesses an exploding podcast market, astutely identified by his boss, Bob Pittman, while still in its infancy. Named chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, Sykes also talks about the Class of 2021 class, which includes Tina Turner, Jay-Z and the Foo Fighters, among others. Elsewhere in the iHeart empire: Lisa Worden, brand manager for rock and alternative and program director of Los Angeles radio station Alt. 98.7, reflects on a career spent soundtracking Southern California’s rock-loving airwaves. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid weeks of presentations from media brands to advertisers, there's no better time to check in on the state of the advertising business with Brian Wieser, global president of group intelligence at media-buying giant GroupM. From connected TV to e-commerce, he touches on all the biggest trends shaping how tens of billions of promotional dollars are being spent. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Cuthbert, president of Rock the Bells, discusses the company’s growth plans following its successful recent fundraising round of $8 million. The former BET and Coca-Cola marketing executive sees big potential for the legendary hip hop star’s company to craft a media and lifestyle brand that speaks to a multi-generational swath of consumers. Cuthbert discusses the company’s evolution into e-commerce, content production and live experiences and the importance of working to “uplift the culture.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paula Kerger, longtime president of PBS, says pandemic conditions have underscored the importance of PBS and its mission. Kerger discusses how PBS stations partnered with districts to help with remote learning and how the network known for prestige TV is faring in the chase for top content. Separately, Weigel Broadcasting's Neal Sabin tells the backstory of why the company was so early on the multi-cast boom with channels such as Me TV. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyor Cohen started his career as a roadie for Run DMC and went on to head Def Jam Records when it was home to the likes of Jay-Z and DMX. With that experience, followed by a chief executive gig at Warner Music Group through 2012, he helped create the soundtrack that would play an important role in propelling hip-hop music from niche to mainstream to everywhere. Now coming up on 5 years as YouTube’s global head of music, Cohen shares his views on the place of record companies today, including who should be running Def Jam, and offers his thoughts on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame contender LL Cool J, the recent passing of rapper DMX and of Cardi B's "Wet Ass P—." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of the popular instructional service discusses the company’s launch in 2015 and how its growth was turbo-charged during lockdown conditions. Rogier details the uphill climb to convince notables such as Dustin Hoffman and Serena Williams to teach the first courses. He offers his wish list for future MasterClass instructors, and the former venture capitalist speaks candidly about the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur. “By nature you’re choosing to do pursue an idea that most people think is impossible,” he says. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of the management-production company behind such series as “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” and “Breeders” discusses the company’s strategic advantages as an independent outfit with roots in the U.K. and U.S. Kennedy addresses the challenges and opportunities that talent representatives have at a time of enormous change for the industry. “We were a talent management company first — that’s really the DNA of the company,” she says. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scripps Co. CEO Adam Symson explains why he doubled down on TV station acquisitions at a time when all eyes are on the transition to streaming media. The leader of the Cincinnati-based media firm with deep roots in mass media discusses the rationale behind the company’s $2.65 billion purchase of Ion Media. He also details how Scripps wound up enlisting Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway as a partner in the transaction. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Wick, head of UTA Ventures, discusses the booming marketplace for talent and business partnerships, from startups to equity ventures. Brands are becoming savvy about making connections with celebrities, influencers and creative talent at a time when millennial consumers are increasingly focused on companies with “founder-led stories.” The alumnus of Maker Studios, MySpace and MP3.com also offers thoughts on the media M&A environment and sectors to watch in the coming year. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Let’s Make a Deal” host talks about his ambition to build a consulting business based on the tenets of comedy improv: active listening, openness to collaboration and the ability to think fast on your feet. Brady, also a regular on “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” sees the “Yes and” philosophy of improv as a framework for helping youths develop self-confidence and critical thinking skills. He draws from his own story to explain why he is working to open youth-focused improv centers in Los Angeles and his hometown of Orlando, Fla. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sony Music lifer has met more than his share of challenges since assuming the chairmanship in 2019: from making the right hires to see the company’s vision through to banking on talent and not just “hits” to segueing to a subscription-driven business to getting through a global pandemic and responding to the call for social justice -- all this as borders cease to exist in this new global music economy. Bonus: a talk with Grammy-winning mastering engineer Emily Lazar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The celebrated chef and “Chopped” star discusses his growing Corner Table Entertainment banner that is busy producing TV shows for Food Network and other outlets, in addition to podcasts, charity telethons and a Tribeca Enterprises documentary about the pandemic’s devastation of New York’s restaurant scene. Zakarian offers his thoughts on the differences between launching a restaurant and launching a TV show — and for him it’s no contest as to which one is the harder job. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cutting edge of film and TV production technology is getting cornered by the videogame biz. Miles Perkins and Connie Kennedy of Epic Games, creator of the global phenomenon "Fortnite," discuss how their Unreal Engine software is increasingly being used during the pandemic to shoot with a new set of tools loosely known as virtual production. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cameo CEO Steven Galanis says his company is part of a rising wave of direct-to-fan platforms enabling a much broader range of talent beyond A-listers to make money online. He explains how Cameo built a booming business by selling bespoke video shout-outs recorded by its roster of tens thousands of celebs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles King, CEO and founder of Macro, explains how the content company behind “Judas and the Black Messiah” has grown quickly with a focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented storytellers. King details the business deal that Macro and partners made with Warner Bros. on “Judas” and how he feels about the film’s day-and-date premiere in theaters and on HBO Max. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The co-founders and leaders of Alcon Entertainment detail the business backstory of the Syfy/Amazon fantasy drama “The Expanse,” a series that Alcon owns outright thanks to savvy dealmaking by the seasoned producer-financiers. Kosove and Broderick, known for movie hits including “The Blind Side,” “The Book of Eli” and “Dolphin Tale,” also speak frankly about the state of the film marketplace and what happens post-pandemic. It’s an insightful session with two producers in the trenches. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blake Chandlee, VP of global business solutions and head of ad sales for TikTok discusses the social media platform's meteoric rise and how its many tools kept more than 100 million users engaged during lockdown conditions. He details TikTok's unique ability to connect its creators with blue-chip marketers to generate new innovative forms of advertising. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear more about big deals the senior VP of its platform business landed with Warner Media, paving the way for subscribers to enjoy HBO Max, and Quibi, which will bring the defunct mobile app's content to Roku. It's all a part of the company's big effort to evolve ad monetization on its platform, particularly through the fast-growing Roku Channel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bart Spiegel, U.S. entertainment and media deals leader for PWC, offers his 2021 outlook on dealmaking in an industry that has buffeted and buoyed by pandemic conditions. Spiegel points to the rise of videogame usage and a “repositioning” of assets held by traditional media giants as trends to watch in the year ahead. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.