The Business

At 84, veteran mogul John Malone is still a power broker, hinting at “further consolidation in the media industry” following a recent sit down with David Ellison. Should we be on the lookout for a Warner–Paramount merger? Meanwhile in Vegas, the Sphere’s $100 million Wizard of Oz reimagining leans on AI to expand the visuals and even slip in cameos of David Zaslav and James Dolan. The Directors Guild did not take kindly to the stunt. Partners in Banter Kim Masters and Matt Belloni pull back the curtain on the Sphere's Emerald City sideshow.   Plus, Masters speaks with Runway co-founder Cristóbal Valenzuela about the role of artificial intelligence in Hollywood. The Chilean-born developer acknowledges that AI may lead to some job losses, but he argues it will ultimately benefit filmmakers. He explains why studios including Lionsgate, Netflix, and Disney are already using Runway’s tools. Plus, he compares the current backlash against AI to the upheaval that followed the introduction of sound in film.  

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2025

It’s official, KPop Demon Hunters’ sing-along screenings were a resounding success. The film about a KPop girl group who also hunt… well, you know… became an immediate global phenomenon via streaming on Netflix when it was released in June. Now that the desire for communal experiences has been made abundantly clear, what will this mean for the franchise going forward? Kim Masters and her partner in Banter Matt Belloni get into it. Plus, in an encore conversation from January, 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.S. Expect to hear much more from Fastvold as the current awards season shapes up, her forthcoming, Amanda Seyfried-led film The Testament of Ann Lee is sure to be on everybody’s lips.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

This week on a special episode of The Business, Kim Masters talks with Shrinking co-creator and star Jason Segel, recorded live at KCRW’s Annenberg Performance Studio. Segel looks back on highlights from Freaks and Geeks, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and The Muppets. He also discusses how Shrinking, now nominated for five Emmys, came together with co-creators Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein. Plus, after closing the $8 billion Paramount Global deal with David Ellison’s Skydance, Shari Redstone tells her story in a New York Times interview: boardroom drama, her doubts about the Ellisons, and the Trump settlement that cleared regulatory hurdles. Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw dig in.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

David Ellison’s Paramount is off to a loud start, rolling out a James Mangold/Timothée Chalamet crime drama and a $7.7 billion, seven year UFC deal. Will the studio’s bold strategies play out as intended? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down Paramount’s next act. Plus, Masters talks to documentarian Petra Costa about Apocalypse in the Tropics, a follow-up to her Oscar-nominated 2019 film The Edge of Democracy. What started as a look at Brazil’s COVID response became an investigation into how religious fundamentalism, conspiracy theories and foreign influence have undermined democracy in her home country. She also recounts documenting the rise and fall of Jair Bolsonaro and the risks her crew faced while covering the country’s January 8th attempted coup.  

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

This week, Kim Masters speaks to Severance director and cinematographer, Jessica Lee Gagné. The Quebecois filmmaker reflects on her collaboration with Severance executive producer Ben Stiller, which began on the Showtime limited series Escape at Dannemora. She discusses becoming the first woman to be Emmy-nominated in the same year for both cinematography and directing in a drama series, and the major leap of faith it took to transition from a successful career as a DP into the world of directing.  Plus, Disney is reshaping its sports strategy, launching a standalone ESPN app, and making billion-dollar deals with WWE and the NFL. Will the NFL's new stake in ESPN bring scrutiny from the Trump-led DOJ? Also, the Skydance-Paramount deal is done, and the Ellisons may have their sights set on Warner Bros. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break it all down.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

Kim Masters speaks to Platonic co-creators Francesca Delbanco & Nicholas Stoller about what inspired their show about the comedy and complications of grown-up friendships. They talk about the challenge of writing characters—played by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen—with none of the underlying sexual tension that has propelled so many television comedies to success. They also remember the time that Netflix boss Ted Sarandos sat through a lengthy table read of their first series, Friends from College.   Plus, as FCC Chairman Brendan Carr ramps up scrutiny of major media players, Comcast’s NBCUniversal appears to be his latest target. Is the company’s cable spinoff Versant a calculated play to dodge the Trump administration’s media witch hunt? Kim Masters and Lucas Shaw dig in.  

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

[Editor’s note: this segment was taped before news broke of the FCC approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger.]   New details from the ongoing Paramount-Skydance merger reveal a $20 million agreement to deliver public service announcements for the Trump administration. And following from the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS News braces for potential changes in leadership. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive into what’s unfolding behind the scenes. Plus, an encore of Eric Deggans’ conversation with Lauren LeFranc about her Emmy nominated HBO mini series, The Penguin. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

In the conclusion of Kim Masters’ two-part conversation with Barry Diller, the veteran businessman reflects on his time helping build Rupert Murdoch’s Fox empire. Diller also criticizes studios for spreading misinformation—citing Oliver Stone’s JFK in particular—and weighs in on the now-resolved Trump-Paramount dispute, and the prospect of a David Ellison-led studio. Plus, Paramount’s looming merger with Skydance has South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker lawyering up. The duo is eyeing legal action over billion-dollar licensing deals they claim are being undercut. At the center of it all: South Park’s future on Paramount+. New execs Jeff Shell and David Ellison are feeling the heat; Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw are on hand to explain what’s at stake.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

Kim Masters talks to Barry Diller about his memoir, Who Knew? The legendary studio exec reflects on his quick rise at ABC and how helped transform the third-ranked broadcast network into a force to be reckoned with. He also remembers a much happier time at Paramount, where he presided over a studio staffed with future industry stars. He also opens up about why none of his friends in the business are having much fun these days.   Plus, summer movie season is heating up, with F1, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and a highly anticipated Superman reboot staking their claims at the box office. But is there room left for Disney’s big bet with Fantastic Four: First Steps? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down the wins and worries shaping Hollywood’s high-stakes summer.  

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

Kim Masters talks to writer & director Larry Charles about his new memoir Comedy Samurai. He shares stories about writing for Seinfeld, directing Curb Your Enthusiasm, and his chaotic experiences working with Sacha Baron Cohen on Borat and Bruno. Charles also tells the story of an early morning call from Ari Emanuel that pulled the plug on his Larry David documentary the day before its HBO premiere.   Also, it’s official: Paramount has settled with Donald Trump over a long-disputed 60 Minutes segment. The company agreed to pay $16 million, a move that could clear the path for David Ellison’s long-anticipated Skydance merger. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down what this means for Paramount’s future… and what an Ellison-led studio might look like.  

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

Eric Deggans chats with veteran sitcom showrunner Phil Rosenthal about the current state of the industry. The creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and host of the unscripted Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil reflects on how studios shape viewership data to fit their narratives. Rosenthal recalls challenging flawed testing at CBS early in his career and he reflects on the success of Raymond. He also shares how he pitched his food and travel series as: “Anthony Bourdain if he was afraid of everything.”     But first, we banter! As the Donald Trump-Paramount Global lawsuit continues, a mediator has floated a proposed settlement: $20 million, including a $17 million donation to Trump’s presidential foundation, plus legal fees and anti-semitism PSAs. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni unpack the latest chapter in the president’s standoff with Shari Redstone.  

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Disney and Universal sued generative AI company Midjourney last week over claims that the startup plagiarized characters from their movies and shows, such as The Simpsons and Star Wars. After remaining mum on the use of AI in movies and shows so far, studios are getting involved in this debate. But why now? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break it down.   Plus, Masters talks to GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis about the organization’s 2025 Studio Responsibility Index, which evaluates studios on LGBTQ inclusivity in films. Ellis discusses the rise of mid-budget films as spaces for queer stories and shares why she feels optimistic about the newly elected Pope Leo.  

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Warner Bros Discovery is breaking into two entities: one dedicated to streaming and studios (HBO, DC, and Warner Bros Pictures) and another for global networks (CNN, TNT, TBS). What does this mean for the future of both divisions and CEO David Zaslav’s standing in Hollywood? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni unpack it all.    Plus, Eric Deggans talks with Adam Arkin about his career on both sides of the camera. Arkin shares what it was like executive producing and directing episodes of the second season of Poker Face, and the challenge of preserving the show’s distinctive tone. Plus, as the son of a legendary actor, he gets candid about the enduring nepo baby conversation.  

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

A shareholder revolt is underway at Warner Bros. Discovery… meaning, a 60% vote against CEO David Zaslav’s $52 million pay package for 2024. What drove the investor backlash? Meanwhile, Disney is back in layoff mode, with hundreds affected in the latest wave of budget cuts. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni explain what’s behind both moves.   Plus, Masters talks to Late Night host Seth Meyers about how his years at SNL both shaped and traumatized him. The comedian also shares how fatherhood has given him plenty of material for his standup specials — Lobby Baby and Dad Man Walking. 

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

As the Trump administration moves to slash NPR’s federal funding, the network and three Colorado stations have fired back with a First Amendment lawsuit. Meanwhile, Hollywood’s theatrical business is booming. Memorial Day weekend raked in $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.   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.  

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

CBS News president Wendy McMahon has stepped down from her post as tensions escalate over ongoing Paramount Global-Trump settlement talks. With the deal already under scrutiny 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. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

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. Plus, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans talks with comedian and actor Ramy Youssef on creating #1 Happy Family USA. The new series marks Youssef’s first foray into animation. His latest comedy shares a lot of DNA with the award-winning series Ramy — drawing even more inspiration from childhood memories of growing up in a Muslim family in New Jersey post-9/11. 

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Donald Trump stunned Hollywood 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. Plus, the papal conclave is underway in search of the next pope. Masters revisits her interview with Edward Berger about his latest film, Conclave. The German director tells us how studying filmmaking at NYU in the 90s led him to an internship at the indie production company Good Machine. 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 All Quiet on the Western Front. The film went on to receive four Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

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. 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, Conclave. The German director tells us how studying filmmaking at NYU in the 90s led him to an internship at the indie production company Good Machine. 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 All Quiet on the Western Front. The film went on to receive four Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

The Trump administration’s scorched-earth media strategy has claimed new casualties 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.   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.  

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens has resigned amid mounting pressure on Paramount Global to settle a $20 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump. What could a deal with the president mean for Shari Redstone’s legacy? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in.   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 Minecraft Movie, 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.  

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

After opening investigations into several media companies in recent months, The FCC has found its latest target– MSNBC. Why did FCC chairman Brenan Carr claim that specific broadcasts on MSNBC were not in “public interest?” Also, what’s behind the Writers Guild’s decision to block members from working on a Martin Scorsese produced film? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.  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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

As the Trump administration announces (and delays) tariffs, Hollywood is bracing itself for industry disruptions. What’s on the horizon for the entertainment industry amid erratic stock market fluctuations? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. (The Banter runs from 00:01:01 to 00:07:48.)  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 R.E.M. cover band, which just wrapped a nationwide tour. (The interview segment begins at 00:07:49.)

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Lionsgate touts a live performance from The Weeknd, Leonardo DiCaprio unveils explosive footage from his new Paul Thomas Anderson film, and James Gunn teases his take on Superman; Matt Belloni reports the big bets being placed by studios at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Also, what led to the ousting of Amazon MGM Studios chief Jen Salke? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in with a heaping helping of banter.     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.  

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

It’s no surprise that a majority of Gen Z prefers content creators over traditional entertainment, 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.    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.    

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

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 recently filed for bankruptcy — 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.   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.   

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Disney is dialing back the rollout 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.  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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

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. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy has announced she will step down from her post at the end of 2025. How will this affect Star Wars? Also, Barbara Broccoli, heiress to the James Bond franchise, has sold the rights to Amazon. What could this mean for the 007 legacy? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.    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 GLAAD and Mexican citizens, and lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón’s bigoted social media posts.  

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

The ongoing Murdoch family drama is ramping up again; this time coming in the form of courtroom details released from a private trial in Nevada. Also, why is Harvey Weinstein suing his brother? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.  Plus, Masters speaks to Pamela Anderson about starring in The Last Showgirl. 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 The Last Showgirl, which has brought her a SAG-AFTRA nomination for Best Actress.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

The Trump administration’s hostility toward DEI initiatives has led companies like Disney and PBS 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.     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.  

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

The FCC has published the raw transcript of a 60 Minutes interview 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 Emilia Pérez controversy as the film’s director speaks out against his leading actress.      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.  

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

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.   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.  

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

Netflix had a strong fourth quarter, adding 19 million subscribers 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.  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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

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.    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.  

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

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.    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.  

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

The feud between Blake Lively and It Ends with Us director Justin Baldoni continues to unfold. What's going on here? Kim Masters and Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw investigate. Plus, Masters speaks to Nosferatu 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 Nosferatu.

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

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 block the move? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.  Plus, Masters talks to documentarian Nic Stacey about his Netflix film, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

Gail Slater is Donald Trump’s pick to head the Justice Department's antitrust division. 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.  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 Comcast’s refusal to release the film before the election.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

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. 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.  

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

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.  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 Wicked. Among other pressing topics, they’re sharing what drove the decision to split the story into two movies.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Disney’s streaming numbers soar as announced in the company’s earnings report 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. Plus, Masters speaks to Edward Berger about his latest film Conclave. The German director tells us how studying filmmaking at NYU in the 90s led him to an internship at the indie production company Good Machine. 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 All Quiet on the Western Front. The film went on to receive four Academy Awards, including Best International feature film.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

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 YouTube or follow the show here. 

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

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.  Plus, Eric Deggans talks to Lauren LeFranc about creating the HBO mini series, The Penguin. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

As Greta Gerwig prepares to dive into production on her adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, 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.  Plus, Eric Deggans talks to comedian Roy Wood Jr. about hosting the American version of the long-running British current events quiz show, Have I Got News For You. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

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.  Plus, Kim Masters speaks to Chris Sanders, the writer and director of The Wild Robot. 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 Lilo and Stitch.

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024