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The Business

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KCRW

The Business is a weekly podcast featuring lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors. The show is hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter and produced by KCRW. Past guests include Norman Lear, Ava DuVernay, Matt Damon and Ice Cube.

#25

Rupert Murdoch steps down, hip-hop femmes shine in the Dream Hampton produced docuseries ‘Ladies Fir...

First, Rupert Murdoch has announced that he is stepping down as the head of both Fox Corp. and News Corp. What will this mean for the Murdoch family line of succession? Plus, Warner Brothers Discovery announces a new paid tier to offer live sports coverage on Max. Then, Ladies First executive producer [Dream Hampton] (https://www.dreamhampton.com/) talks to NPR’s [Eric Deggans] (https://www.npr.org/people/243254424/eric-deggans) about why she doesn’t hesitate to call out misogynists by name in her new documentary series spotlighting women in hip-hop. Plus, she gets real about initially not wanting to do the project at all. ... Read more

23 Sep 2023

28 MINS

28:32

23 Sep 2023

#24

Assessing the strike’s damage, plus an encore with ‘Navalny’ director Daniel Roher

First, what lasting damage to the entertainment industry will the extended impasse between striking Hollywood creatives, and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers leave in its wake? Then, in an encore interview, Navalny director Daniel Roher and investigative journalist Christo Grozev discuss how they came to pursue a film about Alexei Navalny, Russian opposition leader. They also talk about the risks they faced to make the Oscar-winning documentary, and the eventual arrest and sentencing of the politician in Russia. ... Read more

15 Sep 2023

28 MINS

28:32

15 Sep 2023

#23

‘Reservation Dogs’ director on Indigenous representation, Disney exits Spectrum

First, the Walt Disney Co. has pulled all programming from Charter Spectrum in early September. What ripples does this create for Disney, other networks, and the cable industry? Then, Reservation Dogs director Danis Goulet talks about working on the final season of the FX hit, representation in Hollywood, and Taika Waititi’s integral role in creating a platform for Indigenous stories. ... Read more

08 Sep 2023

28 MINS

28:32

08 Sep 2023

#22

‘Telemarketers’ unpacks systemic scamming, CNN gets a new CEO

First, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav hires former New York Times executive Mark Thompson to head CNN. Will Thompson turn the struggling network around? Then, directors Sam Lipman-Stern and Adam Lough talk with NPR TV critic [Eric Deggans] (https://www.npr.org/people/243254424/eric-deggans) about their HBO documentary, Telemarketers and share how their work helped investigate fraudulent charitable organizations. They also discuss how the Safdie brothers came on board to executive produce the series, and how HBO came to be at the helm. ... Read more

01 Sep 2023

28 MINS

28:32

01 Sep 2023

#21

Encore: Steve Martin can't imagine 'Only Murders in the Building' without Selena Gomez

First, the AMPTP released its latest offer to the WGA in a press release this week. Will the studio’s move work or backfire? Then, actor, comedian, musician, and producer Steve Martin and co-creator of Only Murders in the Building, John Hoffman, explain how they met and what it took to get this idea from paper onto the screen. ... Read more

25 Aug 2023

28 MINS

28:32

25 Aug 2023

#20

Blumhouse CEO breaks down real Hollywood horror as strikes rage on

First, Hollywood strikes throttle on, despite recent talks between AMPTP and WGA, complicating industry plans for the season ahead. What will this mean for upcoming film festivals and fall television? Then, Jason Blum, founder and CEO of [Blumhouse] (https://www.blumhouse.com/) , discusses the latest on the work stoppages, and the (spooky) current state of Hollywood. But it’s not all horror talk with one of our leading experts on the genre — the powerhouse producer has advice on amplifying profitability across the industry. ... Read more

19 Aug 2023

28 MINS

28:32

19 Aug 2023

#19

Bill Kristol on Fox Corp. accountability, Emmys postponed

The 2023 Emmy ceremony has been rescheduled for January 2024. How will it contend with the NFL playoffs? And Disney presents more changes via its latest investor call. Political analyst Bill Kristol joins to break down an FCC petition to deny a Fox Corp. affiliate’s license renewal and his larger role in seeking accountability for the organization. ... Read more

12 Aug 2023

28 MINS

28:32

12 Aug 2023

#18

Sam Pollard on making ‘The League,’ AMPTP reopens negotiations

After months of stagnation, the AMPTP has asked the Writers Guild back to the negotiating table. Is there a deal to be made? Plus, Disney re-hires some familiar faces as consultants. Then, director Sam Pollard discusses his new doc The League, which pairs his love of baseball with his ongoing examination of Black history, and discusses working with producer Questlove and the “uphill climb” of documentary filmmaking. ... Read more

04 Aug 2023

28 MINS

28:32

04 Aug 2023

#17

Gloria Calderón Kellett calls for equitable storytelling, ‘Barbenheimer’ wins the box office

Barbie and Oppenheimer have proven to be massively successful at the box office, but where does that leave the comparatively underwhelming performance of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and other tentpole hopefuls? Then, The Horror of Dolores Roach Executive Producer [Gloria Calderón Kellett] (https://variety.com/exec/gloria-kellett/) talks to NPR TV critic [Eric Deggans] (https://www.npr.org/people/243254424/eric-deggans) about the challenges of making a screen adaptation of a hit podcast. She also explains the significant impact of residuals throughout her career, and why she thinks writers need a better deal in the streaming age. ... Read more

29 Jul 2023

28 MINS

28:32

29 Jul 2023

#16

Hollywood VFX expert weighs in on AI, studios and guilds dig in

On the strike lines, rhetoric from studios and guilds makes it difficult to reach a resolution, while Disney’s CEO digs in. Plus, Netflix and streaming services face growth challenges. Then, Emmy-nominated VFX specialist and AI expert Mike Seymour talks about the various ways Hollywood has benefited from AI. He discusses the risks of human misuse of the technology and the need for regulation, and explains how AI can be harnessed — and in some cases, already is — to help rather than hurt creatives. ... Read more

21 Jul 2023

28 MINS

28:32

21 Jul 2023

#15

Bigger Banter: SAG-AFTRA strikes, Bob Iger extends contract

The Business analyzes SAG-AFTRA’s strike, which will effectively shut down Hollywood at an already perilous time. Plus, Bob Iger announces a contract extension until 2026, and the summer box office heats up. ... Read more

14 Jul 2023

28 MINS

28:31

14 Jul 2023

#14

Screenwriter Billy Ray on WGA battle with AI; Amazon CEO probes shows’ budgets

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy asks for detailed budgets of all the biggest shows made by its Hollywood studios. Why now? Plus, another polemic involving David Zaslav. Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director Billy Ray talks with Kim Masters about the guilds' battle surrounding AI, its limitations and dangers in the workplace, and whether it can really take over the WBD CEO’s job. ... Read more

07 Jul 2023

28 MINS

28:32

07 Jul 2023

#13

Maureen Ryan burns it down, Netflix union-busts, TCM reverses course

Following the decision to fire top execs at Warner Bros. Discovery’s TCM, WB’s CEO David Zaslav feels the blowback and is forced to reverse the channel’s course. Plus, Netflix’s union busting tactics, exposed. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss. Plus, diving into her debut book ‘Burn It Down,’ journalist Maureen Ryan dispels myths about Hollywood, exposes industry misconducts and coverups, and offers fixes. ... Read more

30 Jun 2023

28 MINS

28:32

30 Jun 2023

#12

Randall Poster on life as a music supervisor, plus WBD’s struggles

To pay debt, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is licensing HBO original series to Netflix, and fires the head of TCM. Meanwhile, Disney/Pixar’s “Elemental” underperforms at the box office. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down what it all means and the potential impacts. [NPR] (https://www.npr.org/) contributor and guest interviewer [Jeff Lunden] (https://www.npr.org/people/101672137/jeff-lunden) talks to music supervisor [Randall Poster] (http://www.searchparty-music.com/new-page) about his career in film and television, his work with Martin Scorsese over the years, his long relationship with Wes Anderson, and why finding the right music for a project is a deeply collaborative process. ... Read more

24 Jun 2023

28 MINS

28:32

24 Jun 2023

#11

Summer previews: Will movies deliver at the box office? Plus, Emmy changes, predictions

A summer banter: Will the season bring the big box office returns studios are hoping for? Plus, Disney pushes back franchise releases, and The Golden Globes undergoes another massive change. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break it down. Then, as the 2023 Emmy Awards voting begins — with nominations announced July 12 — Masters and Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter’s Executive Director of Awards Coverage, talk about the award show’s recent voting changes, and Feinberg gives a special preview of what to expect. ... Read more

17 Jun 2023

28 MINS

28:32

17 Jun 2023

#10

Carol Burnett on her sprawling career in entertainment, CNN fires CEO Chris Licht

CNN CEO Chris Licht is out from the network following a damning article in [The Atlantic] (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/06/cnn-ratings-chris-licht-trump/674255/) reporting his “alienating” behavior towards his staff. Was he a bad match for the job? Then, Kim Masters speaks to legendary actress, singer, writer, and comedian Carol Burnett about her sprawling career in entertainment, her close relationship with friend and mentor Lucille Ball, how she created her long running CBS variety show, and why she says working with "Better Call Saul" creator Vince Gilligan was one of the greatest experiences she’s ever had. ... Read more

10 Jun 2023

30 MINS

30:16

10 Jun 2023

#9

The resilience of the movie theater industry and Cannes during the writers’ strike

While the WGA strike continues in the U.S., many writer-directors, actors were off promoting their films at Cannes. Did that weaken the WGA effort? Then, former National Association of Theatre Owners CEO John Fithian speaks about the industry navigating the pandemic, and why he is optimistic about its future. ... Read more

02 Jun 2023

28 MINS

28:32

02 Jun 2023

#8

Encore: ‘The Great’ creator on swearing, sex and ‘fun’ violence in 1700s Russia

As week three of the writer’s strike continues, other unions and guilds show solidarity while studios cut costs to see quarter stock increase. Plus, we revisit our long pre-strike conversation with Tony McNamara, whose viciously satirical series “The Great” has just returned for its third season on Hulu. McNamara talks about his fascination with Catherine the Great, working with Hulu, and how he transported a world he originally created for the theater stage to the small screen. ... Read more

26 May 2023

28 MINS

28:32

26 May 2023

#7

Jimmy Chin, Chai Vasarhelyi on making ‘Wild Life,’ WGA strike vs. Upfronts

“Wild Life” directors Jimmy Chin and his wife Chai Vasarhelyi discuss mortality, making the film, and its uncanny parallels with their own lives. Plus, guest host Matt Belloni of Puck News speaks with Lucas Shaw, head of entertainment at Bloomberg, about the stakes for streamers and striking writers at the 2023 Upfronts in New York this week. ... Read more

19 May 2023

28 MINS

28:32

19 May 2023

#6

Allen Hughes on Tupac and ‘Dear Mama,’ Paramount’s uncertain future

Director Allen Hughes discusses his five-part FX documentary series “Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur,” his relationship with the late rapper, and why examining the life story of Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur was integral to the documentary series. Plus, after a dismal Q1 earnings report, Paramount’s shares fell 30%. It shut MTV News and cut 25% of its network staff. Will the company break? ... Read more

13 May 2023

28 MINS

28:32

13 May 2023

#5

Cheryl Strayed and Liz Tigelaar on ‘Tiny Beautiful Things,’ WGA strike reactions

“Tiny Beautiful Things” series creator and showrunner Liz Tigelaar and author Cheryl Strayed discuss the kismet of their collaboration and adapting the acclaimed book into a Hulu limited series. First — you might have heard — the Writers Guild of America is on strike. How will other guilds react? And when and how could the strike end? ... Read more

06 May 2023

28 MINS

28:32

06 May 2023

#4

Megabanter: NBCUniversal scandal, Disney vs. DeSantis, Fox fires Carlson, strikes

Scandals! Legal duels! Ousters! Looming strikes! Even by Hollywood standards, this week’s industry news has been fit for, well, Hollywood. To make sense of it all, The Business presents a special spring Megabanter in which host Kim Masters teams up with Banter compatriot and Puck News founder Matt Belloni and Bloomberg entertainment and media head Lucas Shaw to break down some of the biggest Hollywood stories of 2023 so far — from a misconduct shakeup at NBCUniversal and Disney’s tête-à-tête with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to Tucker Carlson’s Fox departure and the latest on the impending writers’ strikes. ... Read more

28 Apr 2023

28 MINS

28:32

28 Apr 2023

#3

Encore: Aubrey Plaza, John Patton Ford on the student-loan anxiety thriller ‘Emily the Criminal’

This week, The Business revisits a conversation with actor Aubrey Plaza and director John Patton Ford about their film “Emily the Criminal.” When Plaza’s colleague handed her the script for the drama thriller, she was immediately struck by it. “It was just one of those scripts that I started to read, and I just flew through it,” she says. “It's so readable and fun … it has this momentum that propels you forward.” While Plaza had found her next great project, Ford explains why it took 12 years to write the story. With Plaza, they discuss the struggles of making “Emily The Criminal” and independent movies in general, and the film’s unexpected success. First, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni look into how the Writers Guild of America has voted to authorize strike, while Netflix details its plans for a crackdown on password sharing in the United States, and Fox News and Dominion reach a settlement. ... Read more

21 Apr 2023

28 MINS

28:32

21 Apr 2023

#2

Encore: ‘Marcel the Shell’ creators bring beloved tiny creature to the big screen

This week, The Business revists a conversation with the creators of “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.” After almost an eight-year hiatus, actor Jenny Slate and director Dean Fleischer-Camp are bringing their lovable Marcel the Shell back to life. This time audiences will see the seashell with two pink shoes and one plastic eye, who babbles insightful and funny life-observations, in the stop-motion, feature-length mockumentary, “ [Marcel the Shell With Shoes On] (https://a24films.com/films/marcel-the-shell-with-shoes-on) .” ... Read more

14 Apr 2023

28 MINS

28:32

14 Apr 2023

#1

Steven Yeun on working on dark comedy series ‘Beef,’ making ‘Minari’

Steven Yeun discusses his fears in taking “Minari,” why he and his “Beef” co-star broke out in hives after production wrapped, and how Netflix’s offer for the series was too good to turn down. First, Amazon Studios’ lack of vision, and unlimited resources sets up a brandless streaming service. Does Amazon care about the bang that they're getting for their buck? ... Read more

07 Apr 2023

28 MINS

28:31

07 Apr 2023

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#25

Rupert Murdoch steps down, hip-hop femmes shine in the Dream Hampton produced docuseries ‘Ladies Fir...

#24

Assessing the strike’s damage, plus an encore with ‘Navalny’ director Daniel Roher

#23

‘Reservation Dogs’ director on Indigenous representation, Disney exits Spectrum

#22

‘Telemarketers’ unpacks systemic scamming, CNN gets a new CEO

#21

Encore: Steve Martin can't imagine 'Only Murders in the Building' without Selena Gomez

#20

Blumhouse CEO breaks down real Hollywood horror as strikes rage on

#19

Bill Kristol on Fox Corp. accountability, Emmys postponed

#18

Sam Pollard on making ‘The League,’ AMPTP reopens negotiations

#17

Gloria Calderón Kellett calls for equitable storytelling, ‘Barbenheimer’ wins the box office

#16

Hollywood VFX expert weighs in on AI, studios and guilds dig in

#15

Bigger Banter: SAG-AFTRA strikes, Bob Iger extends contract

#14

Screenwriter Billy Ray on WGA battle with AI; Amazon CEO probes shows’ budgets

#13

Maureen Ryan burns it down, Netflix union-busts, TCM reverses course

#12

Randall Poster on life as a music supervisor, plus WBD’s struggles

#11

Summer previews: Will movies deliver at the box office? Plus, Emmy changes, predictions

#10

Carol Burnett on her sprawling career in entertainment, CNN fires CEO Chris Licht

#9

The resilience of the movie theater industry and Cannes during the writers’ strike

#8

Encore: ‘The Great’ creator on swearing, sex and ‘fun’ violence in 1700s Russia

#7

Jimmy Chin, Chai Vasarhelyi on making ‘Wild Life,’ WGA strike vs. Upfronts

#6

Allen Hughes on Tupac and ‘Dear Mama,’ Paramount’s uncertain future

#5

Cheryl Strayed and Liz Tigelaar on ‘Tiny Beautiful Things,’ WGA strike reactions

#4

Megabanter: NBCUniversal scandal, Disney vs. DeSantis, Fox fires Carlson, strikes

#3

Encore: Aubrey Plaza, John Patton Ford on the student-loan anxiety thriller ‘Emily the Criminal’

#2

Encore: ‘Marcel the Shell’ creators bring beloved tiny creature to the big screen

#1

Steven Yeun on working on dark comedy series ‘Beef,’ making ‘Minari’