The Business

<p dir="ltr">As the Trump administration moves to slash NPR’s federal funding, the network and three Colorado stations have <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/npr-sues-donald-trump-executive-order-federal-funding-1236230722/">fired back</a> with a First Amendment lawsuit. Meanwhile, Hollywood’s theatrical business is booming. Memorial Day weekend <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lilo-stitch-record-memorial-day-box-office-mission-impossible-1236230769/">raked in</a> $326 million — up from $132 million last year — thanks to a packed release slate. Who was the biggest box office winner over the holiday weekend? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters talks to veteran film analyst Kevin Goetz about pivoting from a steady career in acting to a decades long journey in entertainment research. Goetz sheds light on the science and art behind audience testing, and he and Masters swap stories from some infamous test screenings over the years.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">CBS News president Wendy McMahon has <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wendy-mcmahon-resigns-cbs-news-1236221276/">stepped down</a> from her post as tensions escalate over ongoing Paramount Global-Trump settlement talks. With the deal already <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/senators-question-shari-redstone-over-efforts-to-reach-cbs-settlement-with-trump-fb832200">under scrutiny</a> from senators, what’s in store for Shari Redstone's Skydance merger? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive into this and more major media shake-up stories.</p> <p>Plus, Masters talks to director Matt Wolf about Pee-wee as Himself, which looks beyond the iconic character to the complicated man who created him. The two-part series draws from more than 40 hours of Wolf’s interviews with Paul Reubens, who spent much of his life guarding his privacy. The filmmaker also explains how those conversations revealed Reubens’ inner conflicts and why HBO pushed for more when it came to telling the late actor’s story.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Warner Bros. Discovery has renamed its streaming service once again. Beginning in the summer of 2025, “Max” will be “HBO Max” again. The company dropped “HBO” from its name in 2023, a move which was widely recognized as the company’s attempt to become more competitive with a company like Netflix in its programming variety. The name change signals a renewed focus on the associations between HBO and a certain caliber of TV. What’s next for WBD and the streaming landscape writ large? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are on deck to talk it through.</p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans talks with comedian and actor Ramy Youssef on creating <em>#1 Happy Family USA</em>. The new series marks Youssef’s first foray into animation. His latest comedy shares a lot of DNA with the award-winning series <em>Ramy</em> — drawing even more inspiration from childhood memories of growing up in a Muslim family in New Jersey post-9/11. </p>

<p>President Trump stunned Hollywood over the weekend with his announcement of a 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S., framing it as a move to revive domestic production and counter foreign incentives. The industry responded with confusion and concern, warning that such tariffs could sharply raise production costs, reduce the number of films made, and hit moviegoers with higher ticket prices. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dig into the details.</p> <p>Plus, the papal conclave recently concluded to reveal the next pope — 69-year-old Chicago-native Pope Leo XIV. Masters revisits her interview with Edward Berger about his latest film, <em>Conclave. </em>The German director tells us how studying filmmaking at NYU in the 90s led him to an internship at the indie production company <em>Good Machine. </em>He also sings the praises of Netflix, which he reveals was the only financier daring enough to pay for his grim German-language war film <em>All Quiet on the Western Front. </em>The film went on to receive four Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Trump administration’s scorched-earth media strategy has <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/corporation-public-broadcasting-firings-spark-lawsuit-government-behalf-sony-film-chief-tom-rothman-1236203591/">claimed new casualties</a> at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including Sony Film Chief Tom Rothman. Meanwhile, the president’s $20 billion lawsuit against Paramount Global continues to force Shari Redstone into what could be a legacy-defining moment. But how will the CBS News staff react to a settlement with Trump? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.</p> <p>Plus, NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans chats with Bosch star Titus Welliver about his journey from supporting roles on police procedurals, to portraying detective Harry Bosch for a decade. He talks about his reaction when the spinoff series, Bosch: Legacy was abruptly cancelled after three seasons, and explains how he puts his executive producer credit to good use.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/60-minutes-producer-bill-owens-resigns-no-independence-1236198056/">has resigned</a> amid mounting pressure on Paramount Global to settle a $20 billion <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/07/business/media/trump-paramount-mediator-60-minutes.html">lawsuit</a> from Donald Trump. What could a deal with the president mean for Shari Redstone’s legacy? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in.</p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters speaks to Jared Hess about his pop-culture-shifting filmography which includes cult classics Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre. He’s currently enjoying the wild success of <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/minecraft-movie-screenings-mayhem-explained-1236191839/">A Minecraft Movie</a>, as that 2025 video game adaptation careens towards a billion dollar box office haul. Hess reflects on the unpredictable nature of success in filmmaking, and says he’s especially grateful to producer Mary Parent for understanding his oddball comedic sensibilities and inviting him into the world of Minecraft.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">After opening investigations into several media companies in recent months, The FCC has found its latest target– MSNBC. Why did FCC chairman Brenan Carr <a href="https://deadline.com/2025/04/fcc-comcast-garcia-deportation-case-1236370518/">claim</a> that specific broadcasts on MSNBC were not in “public interest?” Also, what’s behind the Writers Guild’s decision to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/writers-guild-members-cant-work-martin-scorsese-movie-1236192771/">block members</a> from working on a Martin Scorsese produced film? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. </p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-053009a0-7fff-2524-6a93-81282077be6f"><br></strong>Plus, Masters speaks with actress, activist, and filmmaker Daryl Hannah, whose new concert film, Coastal, offers an intimate look at her husband, the legendary Neil Young, on his 2023 solo tour. Hannah also recounts a painful experience with Harvey Weinstein on the Kill Bill press tour, and reveals what prompted her to proclaim “Slava Ukraini” at this year’s Oscars.</p>

<p>Listen to a special preview of Kim Masters’ conversation with Daryl Hannah about her documentary <em>Coastal</em>. The film will be in theaters worldwide for one night only, on April 17th.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As the Trump administration announces (and delays) tariffs, Hollywood is bracing itself for <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/trump-tariffs-timing-hollywood-media-buyers-1236177090/">industry disruptions</a>. What’s on the horizon for the entertainment industry amid erratic stock market fluctuations? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. (<em>The Banter</em> runs from 00:01:01 to 00:07:48.) </p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-ae11101b-7fff-61d2-de37-620e700a9fc7"><br></strong>Plus, Masters speaks to Michael Shannon about his directorial debut, Eric LaRue. The actor tells us how the film's producers managed to quickly pack up and relocate from Little Rock to North Carolina after Arkansas enacted a strict abortion ban. Shannon also admits that despite the movie's dark subject matter, he found making it surprisingly fun. Plus, we get a taste of his <a href="https://www.stereogum.com/2298651/r-e-m-reunite-again-watch-them-play-pretty-persuasion-with-michael-shannon-jason-narducy/news/">R.E.M. cover band</a>, which just wrapped a nationwide tour. (The interview segment begins at 00:07:49.)</p>

<p dir="ltr">Lionsgate touts a <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-weeknd-movie-jenna-ortega-hurry-up-tomorrow-release-1236175926/">live performance from The Weeknd</a>, Leonardo DiCaprio unveils <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/one-battle-after-another-leonardo-dicaprio-1236178491/">explosive footage</a> from his new Paul Thomas Anderson film, and James Gunn <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/superman-footage-james-gunn-cinemacon-1235528858/">teases his take</a> on Superman; Matt Belloni reports the big bets being placed by studios at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Also, what led to the ousting of <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/amazon-mgm-jen-salke-exit-prime-video-1236174893/">Amazon MGM Studios chief Jen Salke</a>? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in with a heaping helping of banter.  </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters speaks to Rebecca Rhine about the Entertainment Union Coalition’s fight to keep film and television productions shooting in California. Rhine explains how local production incentives work, and how they differ from the ones luring studios to spend their money in other states and overseas. She also lays out the coalition’s plan to create a surge of middle class production jobs in the golden state, and tells us how she’d feel about meeting with Trump’s special ambassadors to Hollywood: John Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">It’s no surprise that a majority of Gen Z <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/deloitte-gen-z-creator-content-streaming-price-1236171227/">prefers content creators over traditional entertainment</a>, but can the Hollywood establishment find a way to feed the next generation’s media diet? Matt Belloni and The Hollywood Reporter’s Alex Weprin investigate. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, we revisit Kim Masters’ conversation with Rob Reiner and Albert Brooks about Reiner’s HBO documentary, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life. The legendary filmmakers talk about their early years in the industry and they talk about the drastically changing landscape of entertainment.  </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">In Hollywood’s latest changing of the guards, Jeremy Zimmer has announced that he will be shifting from his post as CEO of United Talent Agency to executive board member. What’s behind the shuffle?  Plus, longtime Warner Bros partner, Village Roadshow <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/village-roadshow-bankruptcy-library-assets-1236168197/">recently filed for bankruptcy</a> — even as arbitration continues over alleged financial losses due to the WB’s decision to release the Village Roadshow backed The Matrix Resurrections (2021) simultaneously in movie theaters and on Max. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are here to unpack.</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Masters also speaks to documentarian Alex Gibney about his mysterious new HBO project — The Dark Money Game. Gibney shares some big news about a change within Jigsaw (his production company). Plus, he reveals a very busy slate that includes projects on college culture wars, Luigi Mangione, and an ever-expanding documentary series about Elon Musk. </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Disney is <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/snow-white-disney-rachel-zegler-controversy-1236159512/">dialing back the rollout </a>of its upcoming live action Snow White remake starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.  Why is the studio pulling its talent from red carpet press appearances at the film’s US premiere? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are on the case. </p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-4831a17a-7fff-d637-2f57-4835d8d873ef"><br></strong>Plus, Masters speaks to director Lesli Linka Glatter about her Netflix limited series, Zero Day. Glatter, whose work in television includes Twin Peaks, Mad Men, and The West Wing, shares stories of being mentored by George Miller, Steven Spielberg, and David Lynch. She also reveals some of the more absurd aspects of directing for streamers.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The 97th annual Academy Awards broadcast saw a 1% increase in viewership from last year’s telecast. What’s behind the ratings boost? Might this have any  effect on where the awards show lands after ABC’s deal with the academy ends in 2028? Also, is the Disney CEO succession race heating up? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.</p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-0c086503-7fff-64d5-992b-ab79d4fd086c"><br></strong>Plus, Eric Deggans speaks with Muslim Matchmaker creator Smriti Mundhra about her diverse body of work. She has a slew of dating series spread across streamers, and has made a couple of Oscar nominated documentary shorts, including last year’s I am Ready, Warden. She also talks about working as a production secretary for the Coen brothers on the films O Brother Where art Thou? and The Man Who Wasn’t There.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy has announced <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-kathleen-kennedy-lucasfilm-1235282440/">she will step down from her post</a> at the end of 2025. How will this affect Star Wars? Also, Barbara Broccoli, heiress to the James Bond franchise, has<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/james-bond-rip-amazon-future-movie-1236142103/"> sold the rights to Amazon</a>. What could this mean for the 007 legacy? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, NPR’s Jeff Lunden speaks to songwriters Clément Ducol and Camille about creating the musical world of Emilia Pérez. After director Jacques Audiard handed the married songwriting team a 20-page treatment, they undertook a months-long collaboration on the full script. They also speak about the multiple controversies surrounding the film — including the criticisms from <a href="https://glaad.org/emilia-perez-is-not-good-trans-representation/">GLAAD</a> and <a href="https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2025-01-29/emilia-perez-parody-johanne-sacreblu-jp-brammer-representation-mexico-france">Mexican citizens</a>, and lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón’s <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/karla-sofia-gascon-breaks-down-cnn-interview-tweets-1236124950/">bigoted social media posts</a>.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">The ongoing Murdoch family drama is ramping up again; this time coming in the form of <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/rupert-murdoch-family-nevada-trial-james-murdoch-lachlan-1236137447/">courtroom details</a> released from a private trial in Nevada. Also, why is Harvey Weinstein <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/harvey-weinstein-sues-bob-weinstein-lawsuit-fraud-financial-conspiracy-1236138798/">suing his brother</a>? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. </p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-51da580b-7fff-ed13-f498-f809e5a38133"><br></strong>Plus, Masters speaks to Pamela Anderson about starring in <em>The Last Showgirl.</em> The actress, who says she was a shy girl from a small town in Canada, shares how a chance appearance on a jumbotron at a football game catapulted her into the world of entertainment. She also recalls that her now-former agent nearly cost her the starring role in <em>The Last Showgirl,</em> which has brought her a SAG-AFTRA nomination for Best Actress.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Trump administration’s hostility toward DEI initiatives has led companies like <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-dei-efforts-trump-1236133132/">Disney</a> and <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/pbs-closes-dei-office-trump-executive-order-1236132553/">PBS</a> to reevaluate their stance on advocating for these principles. How will the pendulum swing affect Hollywood under the new presidential administration? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.  </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters speaks to Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, the co-directors of Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Park and Crossingham share how they balanced claymation, a notoriously time-consuming medium, with modern filmmaking tools in the latest Wallace and Gromit adventure. And the pair explains why animating even a mostly motionless character — like the menacing criminal mastermind Feathers Mcgraw — is surprisingly difficult.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Listen to a special preview of Jeff Lunden's conversation with Clément Ducol & Camille on their songwriting process for 'Emilia Pérez.'</p>

<p dir="ltr">The FCC has published the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/05/media/cbs-kamala-harris-60-minutes-interview/index.html">raw transcript of a 60 Minutes interview</a> with Kamala Harris following Donald Trump’s claims of CBS commiting “election interference.” What’s behind the president’s attack on the network? Also, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive into the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/emilia-perez-director-jacques-audiard-cuts-ties-karla-sofia-gascon-1236127894/">Emilia Pérez controversy</a> as the film’s director speaks out against his leading actress.  </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"> Plus, Masters speaks to Jesse Eisenberg about his Oscar nominated A Real Pain. The film's writer, director, and co-star talks about the challenges of capturing the complicated feelings of the descendents of holocaust survivors while still including humor. They also talk about the special relevance that Majdanek–the concentration camp the two cousins visit in the film–has for Masters.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in an ad asking Texas legislators to create incentives for productions to shoot in their home state. What’s behind the decision to drop the video, which pulls no punches against Hollywood, as Los Angeles seeks to rebuild after the devastating fires? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters speaks to producer Marc Platt about his Oscar nominated film, Wicked. Platt shares how his career as an entertainment lawyer led to running studios like Orion Pictures, Tristar, and Universal Pictures. He also talks about producing the original broadway production of Wicked, and the long journey that led to him hiring Jon M. Chu to direct the show’s film adaptation.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Netflix had a strong fourth quarter, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-earnings-q4-2024-nfl-subscribers-1236113836/">adding 19 million subscribers</a> to the streaming service before raising subscription prices across the board. Also, leaked footage muddies the water in the ongoing Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni war, and Trump announces a $500 billion AI initiative with Larry Ellison and Sam Altman. Will the project help or hurt Ellison’s stake in his son David’s purchase of Paramount? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. </p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-6978a660-7fff-f06d-0d17-e72793832537"><br></strong>Plus, Masters is joined by Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter’s Executive Editor of Awards, to break down who’s in and who’s out in this year's Oscar nominations.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Hollywood responds to a perceived lack of urgency from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a new twist develops in the Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni feud, and Donald Trump is unhappy with Comcast after comedian Seth Meyers makes fun of the incoming president. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are here to help us all make sense of this relentless week. </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, we revisit our conversation between Masters and Sing Sing director Greg Kwedar. Everyone involved in the production was paid the same daily rate, a model that Kwedar hopes could bring more parity to film sets. The movie stars Colman Domingo as a wrongly-convicted man staging a play inside the real Sing Sing prison. Much of the cast includes formerly incarcerated actors playing versions of themselves.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Warner Bros. has parted ways with its marketing chief and president of international distribution. What’s behind the shakeup at the studio and how does that affect the company’s slate of 2025 releases? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters speaks to The Brutalist co-writer & director Brady Corbet and co-writer Mona Fastvold. The pair talk about the seven-year battle to get their post war epic to the big screen. They also explain their audacious decision to make a three and a half hour film with an intermission, share thoughts on the state of the country, and Corbet reveals his thoughts about Trump’s plans to demolish brutalist federal buildings.</p> <p> </p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/blake-lively-sues-justin-baldoni-sexual-harassment-it-ends-with-us-1236097463/">feud</a> between Blake Lively and <em>It Ends with Us </em>director <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/justin-baldoni-sues-new-york-times-blake-lively-story-1236097268/">Justin Baldoni</a> continues to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-reynolds-didnt-pressure-justin-baldoni-agent-drop-him-wme-1236097647/">unfold</a>. What's going on here? Kim Masters and Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw investigate.<br><br>Plus, Masters speaks to <em>Nosferatu</em> writer-director Robert Eggers and Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski. The pair talk about their long partnership, which spans the director's entire career. Eggers also talks about winning over seasoned crews who have years more experience than he does, and why a little humor goes a long way in a movie like <em>Nosferatu</em>.</p>

<p>As 2024 comes to an end, we want to thank you, our listeners! We asked you to send us your burning questions about the industry, and you delivered – from around the world. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dish it out over everything from the mind numbing amount of trailers before movies, to the surprising reason behind FYC billboards – we’re looking at you, studio execs. Did we answer your question in our first ever listener mailbag? Tune in to find out!</p>

<p>As 2024 comes to an end, we want to thank you, our listeners! We asked you to send us your burning questions about the industry, and you delivered – from around the world. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dish it out over everything from the mind numbing amount of trailers before movies, to the surprising reason behind FYC billboards – we’re looking at you, studio execs. Did we answer your question in our first ever listener mailbag? Tune in to find out!</p>

<p>It’s that time of year again and we are serving up a heaping plate of 2024 Megabanter! The Paramount–Skydance merger finally lands, streamers and legacy studios duke it out for sports rights, Bob Iger makes his moves while the Disney board ramps up its succession race, and linear television continues to decline — what’s the story of the year? Banter buddies Lucas Shaw and Matt Belloni join Kim Masters to figure it out.</p>

<p>Rupert Murdoch wants to update his family trust in favor of his son Lachlan, who runs the Fox News empire. What’s behind Nevada commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr.’s decision to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/business/media/rupert-lachlan-murdoch-family-trust.html">block</a> the move? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. </p> <p>Plus, Masters talks to documentarian Nic Stacey about his Netflix film, <em>Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy.</em> The London-based filmmaker tells us how he managed to pull together an impressive roster of whistleblowers from top companies such as Amazon, Adidas, and Apple. He also says that working with Netflix’s U.K. team was a breeze, despite the documentary’s focus on tech giants. Stacey also explains why he chose to use an AI narrator named “Sasha” to guide viewers through the film.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Gail Slater is Donald Trump’s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/04/us/politics/trump-gail-slater-antitrust-justice-department.html">pick to head the Justice Department's antitrust division</a>. As she gears up to oversee cases against major tech companies like Google and Apple, how will the veteran antitrust lawyer view future mergers in Hollywood? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in. </p> <p>Plus, Masters speaks to journalist Jacob Soboroff and documentarian Errol Morris about their film Separated, a sobering look at the Trump Administration’s 2017 child separation policy. They have a lot to say about those who were complicit in tearing thousands of children away from their families. Plus, Soboroff weighs in on <a href="https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-business/joker-sequel-flop-the-apprentice-trump-biopic-distribution/errol-morris-separated-msnbc-todd-phillips-folie-a-deux">Comcast’s refusal to release the film before the election</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the forthcoming Thanksgiving weekend box office projections and examine the unauthorized use of screenplays to fuel AI learning models.</p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Eric Deggans sits down with Grammy-winning songwriter Evan Bogart to discuss the state of the music industry — which Bogart assures us is “not all bad.” Bogart goes on to detail how independent artists are benefiting from major label consolidations and reorgs. Plus, he tells us the story of how he discovered Eminem while as a 19 year-old Interscope Records employee.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Comcast is set to spin off a slew of cable channels including E!, SYFY, MSNBC, and CNBC. What’s behind the move? Plus, the big announcement also brings with it the news of a long anticipated promotion for NBCUniversal executive Donna Langley. What does she have in store for the company in her new role?  Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive into the latest at Comcast. </p> <p>Plus, NPR’s Jeff Lunden speaks to playwright Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz about the long-anticipated film adaptation of their hit stage show <em>Wicked</em>. Among other pressing topics, they’re sharing what drove the decision to split the story into two movies.</p>

<p>Disney’s streaming numbers soar as announced in the company’s <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-q4-2024-earnings-streaming-deadpool-1236061567/">earnings report</a> earlier this week, but questions remain in the ongoing search for a new CEO. Also, what’s next for the company’s Film and Parks divisions? Matt Belloni and Kim Masters break down Disney’s Q4 earnings report.</p> <p>Plus, Masters speaks to Edward Berger about his latest film <em>Conclave. </em>The German director tells us how studying filmmaking at NYU in the 90s led him to an internship at the indie production company <em>Good Machine. </em>He also sings the praises of Netflix, which he reveals was the only financier daring enough to pay for his grim German-language war film <em>All Quiet on the Western Front. </em>The film went on to receive four Academy Awards, including Best International feature film.</p>

<p>Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig made the jump from YouTube to Hulu's 'English Teacher.' Introducing a KCRW original podcast we think you'll enjoy, The Sam Sanders Show. Watch the full episode on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tjKSQJK2zg&list=PLI0O645afJYYIlb-zxwgABKYUwVLa0Fon&index=2">YouTube</a> or follow the show <a href="https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-sam-sanders-show">here</a>. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Warner Bros. unceremoniously released Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 in less than 50 theaters nationwide, but the mid-budget film has exceeded expectations. After a strong limited opening, the film will see a modest expansion and a light awards push from Warner’s. What prompted the studio to bury what could potentially be the last film from the 94 year old director? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. </p> <p>Plus, Eric Deggans talks to Lauren LeFranc about creating the HBO mini series, <em>The Penguin.</em> The writer discusses the challenges of adapting a well known comic book villain into a complex, three dimensional character and she shares why her perspective as a woman writing a show about a middle-aged crime boss makes for interesting storytelling. And of course, she talks about the joys of working with Colin Farrell, who is both the star of the show and an involved executive producer.</p>

<p>As Greta Gerwig prepares to dive into production on her adaptation of <em>The</em> <em>Chronicles of Narnia, </em>the director is attempting to persuade Netflix to release her film on thousands of IMAX screens worldwide. Will the streamer bite? Also, Gavin Newsom proposes an increase in tax credits for California productions. What hurdles does the California governor face? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni talk us through it. </p> <p>Plus, Eric Deggans talks to comedian Roy Wood Jr. about hosting the American version of the long-running British current events quiz show, <em>Have I Got News For You.</em> Wood also addresses the ongoing paradigm shift in late night comedy — telling us why he thinks old-school ratings matter, but social virality and streaming numbers matter more.</p>

<p>Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw dive into the impressive Q3 earnings posted by Netflix… And whether the streamer can fine tune its film strategy to achieve even further world domination. </p> <p>Plus, Kim Masters speaks to Chris Sanders, the writer and director of <em>The Wild Robot</em>. The veteran animation director acknowledges the good and not so good impact of CG animation, talks about his experience of working at Disney during the studio’s famed Renaissance period, and explains why he left the studio to work at Dreamworks after John Lasseter took over Disney Animation in 2006. Plus, Sanders discusses his very special relationship with Stitch, of <em>Lilo and Stitch.</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">As David Ellison’s Skydance merger with Paramount begins, studio executives have been given some <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-global-ceos-pay-1236032719/">serious incentives</a> to stick around through the transition process. Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw examine the latest happenings at the studio. </p> <p dir="ltr">Then, Kim Masters wraps a two-part conversation between The Apprentice writer Gabriel Sherman and Briarcliff Entertainment founder Tom Ortenberg. Sherman shares how billionaire Trump supporter Dan Snyder helped finance the project without reading the script… And he also shares how Snyder was bought out of the project once he saw an early screening and realized that the film was far too critical for his taste. Plus, Ortenberg reflects on the death threats he’s encountered over the years due to his propensity for distributing controversial movies.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Kim Masters and Matt Belloni examine MSNBC’s decision to hold Errol Morris’ immigration documentary Separated until after the 2024 presidential election. They also unpack the various factors that led Todd Phillips’ <em>Joker</em> sequel to flop.</p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters speaks with writer Gabriel Sherman and Briarcliff Entertainment founder Tom Ortenberg in the first of a two part conversation about <em>The Apprentice</em>. Sherman tells us about the risks he’s undertaken in making a movie about prominent attorney Roy Cohn’s mentorship of a young Donald Trump. And he describes how a cease and desist letter from Trump put the project’s future in jeopardy. Plus, Ortenberg talks about the sprint to get the film to theaters just a month after establishing the distribution deal with his company.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra prepares to step down from his post in 2025, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the company’s succession plans. </p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, Masters speaks to Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet about producing and starring in Lee, the true story of pioneering photojournalist Lee Miller. Winslet discusses the nine year uphill battle of getting the film off the ground — including sourcing financing and pulling together a cast that includes Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, Josh O’Connor, and comedian Andy Samberg in his first dramatic role.</p>

<p>With news of Lionsgate partnering with an AI mining firm and Meta’s new AI chatbot voiced by celebrities, Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw break down the latest industry forays in the world of artificial intelligence. </p> <p>Plus, Kim Masters speaks to Demi Lovato and Nicola Marsh about their new documentary, Child Star. The co-directors explain the challenges of persuading some of the best known former child stars—including Drew Barrymore, Raven-Symoné, and Kenan Thompson—to share their deeply personal experiences as young performers.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In the wake of Disney’s big night at the Emmys, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/business/media/disney-bob-iger-chapek.html">New York Times</a> article chronicling the chaotic succession endeavors at Disney.</p> <p>Plus, Masters speaks with writer-director J.T. Mollner and producer Roy Lee about their cat-and-mouse thriller Strange Darling. The film currently sits at 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and was called a “clever masterpiece” by Stephen King. But the road to such acclaim was not an easy one for the filmmakers. Mollner and his producers faced constant pushback from studio executives at Miramax, including having production shut down two days into shooting. Plus, the pair tells us about editorial clashes in post-production that would ultimately result in Mollner being given final cut.</p>

<p>Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down a <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/mark-ruffalo-ramy-youssef-call-for-pro-palestine-sag-member-protection-1235993880/">letter</a> signed by hundreds of SAG-AFTRA members calling on union leaders to protect Pro-Palestine members from being blacklisted. </p> <p>Plus, Masters speaks to Warsaw-based filmmaker Maciek Hamela, whose documentary <em>In The Rearview</em> traces the stories of refugees fleeing Ukraine. The film originated from Hamela’s personal experience of repeatedly driving into the war-torn country in a small van, picking people up, and driving them to safety in his native Poland.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Kim Masters and Matt Belloni examine the secret battle for <a href="https://puck.news/the-murdoch-succession-trial-will-or-wont-be-televised/">succession</a> among the family of billionaire Rupert Murdoch. They also take a look at a curious Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/josh-damaro-disney-parks-chairman-0dbdb13c">profile</a> on Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro. </p> <p dir="ltr">Plus, we revisit Masters’ conversation with writer Justin Kuritzkes about the rollout of his first screenplay, Challengers, now a full-fledged film directed by Luca Guadagnino. He talks about how the Zendaya-led project was inspired by a US Open match that eventually led to him becoming a tennis obsessive. And he shares how he and his wife Celine Song — who experienced a similar career whirlwind last year with her Oscar-nominated feature Past Lives — manage to keep their work separate from their relationship.</p>

<p>Kim Masters and Matt Belloni banter about the summer box office, noting that it started with a whimper but is ending with a bang thanks to a sequel and two superheroes. Edgar Bronfman Jr. has withdrawn his bid for Paramount, and as the Venice Film Festival kicks off, Italy's increasingly right-wing government is courting Hollywood productions.</p> <p>Additionally, Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, the writers of the Pixar megahit Inside Out 2, join Kim Masters to discuss the importance of putting animated movies in theaters instead of only on streaming platforms — as former Disney CEO Bob Chapek did during his tenure. They also address whether the culture at Pixar has changed since John Lasseter’s 2018 departure amid misconduct allegations.</p>

<p>Matt Belloni and Alex Weprin discuss Edgar Bronfman Jr.'s unexpected bid for Paramount Studios, challenging the existing agreement with Skydance Media.</p> <p>Plus, <em>Slow Horses</em> kicks off its new season with nine Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series and Best Actor in a Drama for Gary Oldman. Eric Deggans revisits his interview with Oldman, where the actor shares insights into his career, the challenges of his craft, and what drew him to his latest role. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors.</p>

<p>Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss recent Hollywood developments, including Joaquin Phoenix's sudden exit from a film just days before shooting and Paramount Pictures' decision to shut down a studio and layoff 2,000 workers. The industry grapples with uncertainty as Paramount and other major players navigate shifting dynamics. </p> <p>Plus, NPR’s TV critic and media analyst, Eric Deggans speaks with ‘Dear White People’ creator Justin Simien. His new docuseries <em>Hollywood Black</em> chronicles over a century of Black experiences in Hollywood, exploring the contributions of Black actors, writers, and directors. Simien discusses the pivotal pioneers like Donald Bogle and Oscar Micheaux while sharing personal insights on navigating racial barriers in the industry. </p>

<p>Kim Masters and Matt Beloni discuss Hollywood’s second quarter earnings reports. Disney turned an early profit for streaming service ESPN+, but amusement park attendance still worried Wall Street. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery cites struggling TV business for $9 Billion loss. </p> <p>Plus, Kim Masters speaks with filmmaker Greg Kwedar about his new film “Sing Sing.” Everyone involved in the production was paid the same daily rate, a model that Kwedar hopes could bring more parity to film sets. The movie stars Colman Domingo as an wrongly-convicted man staging a play inside the real Sing Sing. Much of the cast includes formerly incarcerated actors who play versions of themselves.</p>

<p>Kim Masters banters with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw about the future of Apple’s place in the streaming landscape. Apple TV+ has produced some of the most expensive series and movies in recent years. Now, the company wants to reign in spending after struggling to grow their audience.</p> <p>Plus, The Daily Show’s Jordan Klepper joins us to talk about mining comedy from the increasingly “bonkers” political news. These days, he travels with a security team to report on MAGA rallies, a situation he never anticipated as an improv comedian. Klepper also shares his thoughts on the future of late night television.</p> <p>Episode Photo: (Full sentence caption + credit) Photo captions should be formatted as "Photo by __" whoever took the photos. Or "Photo courtesy of ____" if the person provided the photo and or did not take the photo.</p>

<p>It’s been more than two years since anyone watched the second season finale of HBO’s “Euphoria.” Season three was delayed by the strikes that shut down Hollywood, and a series of dramatic events surrounding the creator Sam Levinson. The network has confirmed its return, but will the audience stay tuned-in?</p> <p>Plus, Comcast and its streaming service Peacock are hoping the Olympic games can reverse a recent subscriber shrinkage. It’s just one example of the television industry’s troubles. Low production, delayed premieres and a sense of uncertainty have plagued T.V. land this year. Kim Masters speaks with the Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg about what the latest Emmy nominations say about the state of the industry. Then NPR’s Eric Deggans breaks down what he learned at this month’s gathering with the Television Critics Association.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The 2024 Emmy nominations are here, with lots of record-breaking nods and surprises to unpack — along with the strategy behind Disney’s acquisition of FX. What does the success of <em>Shōgun</em> and The Bear say about streaming? And does a new Bank of America report on Warner Bros. Discovery suggest… “unbundling”? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break it down. </p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-73928743-7fff-871d-0a2b-41f1aef97301"><br></strong>Plus, in honor of <em>Shōgun’s</em> 25(!) Emmy nominations, Masters revisits her conversation with creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo. The series made history this week with its Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama, becoming only the second non-English show ever considered. The husband-and-wife creative team talk about how they’ve been granted more control writing for television over feature films, and explain why FX took the risk on their very expensive, and heavily subtitled, period epic<strong id="docs-internal-guid-73928743-7fff-871d-0a2b-41f1aef97301">.</strong></p>