The Business
KCRW
300 episodes
Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.
Episodes page 2 of 6
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Shawn Levy talks ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Star Wars,’ & studio shakeups
This week, Kim Masters talks to filmmaker Shawn Levy, who takes a short break from the London shoot of his Star Wars film to talk about the final season of Stranger Things, including Netflix's surprising decision to…
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Judd Apatow’s memoir reflects a lifetime as a ‘Comedy Nerd’
This week, Kim Masters talks to Judd Apatow about his memoir, Comedy Nerd, a scrapbook that chronicles his journey from a stand-up-obsessed kid to one of Hollywood’s most influential comedy voices. Apatow shares…
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‘The Alabama Solution’ filmmakers on exposing America’s prison crisis
This week, Kim Masters talks with documentarians Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman about their film The Alabama Solution. The filmmakers reveal how an invitation from an unwitting warden to film a religious revival…
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Brad Falchuk on life, death, and ‘Famous Last Words’
This week, Eric Deggans talks with Brad Falchuk about his Netflix series Famous Last Words. The longtime Ryan Murphy collaborator talks about adapting a Danish format built around deeply personal conversations that air…
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How would a Netflix-owned Warner Bros. operate?
Warner Bros. stock is up after CEO David Zaslav confirmed the company is on the market and open to offers. Following Netflix’s moderate Q3, dragged by an unexpected Brazilian tax hit, speculation is growing over the…
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Aziz Ansari on turning bad luck into 'Good Fortune'
This week, Kim Masters talks to Aziz Ansari about his directorial debut, Good Fortune. After his 2022 project Being Mortal was shut down following a misconduct complaint involving star Bill Murray, Ansari regrouped. He…
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Noam Tibon on rescuing his family from Hamas in Barry Avrich’s ‘The Road Between Us’
This week, Kim Masters speaks with The Road Between Us director Barry Avrich and retired Israeli General Noam Tibon, the latter of whom drove straight into the October 7 massacre to rescue his family. Despite the…
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A “Smashing” chat with Benny Safdie
This week, Kim Masters talks with Benny Safdie about The Smashing Machine, his first solo feature since parting ways with his longtime creative partner (and brother) Josh. He recalls the immediate spark he felt when…
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Mike Figgis on chronicling the chaos of ‘Megalopolis’
This week, Kim Masters talks to director Mike Figgis about Megadoc, his fly-on-the-wall chronicle of Francis Ford Coppola's self-financed $160 million dream project, Megalopolis. Figgis captures Coppola’s battles on…
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How affiliate pressure and FCC rhetoric put Kimmel on ice
ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following pressure from Nexstar and Sinclair, which own affiliated stations across the country. The move comes after Kimmel’s recent monologue about the assassination…
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THR’s Executive Awards Editor shares Emmy predictions
The 77th annual Emmy Awards will air this Sunday night (Sept. 14) on CBS and Paramount+ — hosted by a first-timer, comedian Nate Bargatze. Kim Masters is joined by Scott Feinberg, Executive Awards Editor for The…
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Runway founder Cristóbal Valenzuela wants Hollywood to embrace AI
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…
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‘KPop Demon Hunters’ slays at the box office
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…
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‘Shrinking’ co-creator & star Jason Segel: Live From KCRW HQ
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…
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Paramount leadership announces a knockout deal for UFC rights
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…
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‘Severance’ cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné talks moving into the director’s chair
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…
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‘Platonic’ creators Francesca Delbanco & Nick Stoller love it when you hate watch
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…
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Will Paramount produce a PSA (or many) for the Trump admin?
[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…
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Barry Diller calls out studios for reckless misinformation
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…
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Hollywood legend Barry Diller opens up via ‘Who Knew?’
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…
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Larry Charles offers a glimpse into his storied career via new memoir ‘Comedy Samurai’
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…
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Food > fights: Phil Rosenthal on ‘Somebody Feed Phil’
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…
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GLAAD CEO discusses LGBTQ inclusivity in film; Disney and Universal sue over AI plagiarism
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…
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Adam Arkin on ‘Poker Face’ and nepo baby narratives; Warner Bros Discovery announces a split
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…
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Seth Meyers on politics and dad jokes; David Zaslav’s problematic paycheck
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,…
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Kevin Goetz explains the art of test screening; A big holiday at the box office
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…
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‘Pee-wee As Himself’ director Matt Wolf on really getting to know Paul Reubens; The Media’s appeasement to the President abounds
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…
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Ramy Youssef on why ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ had to be animated; WBD puts the ‘HBO’ back in ‘HBO Max’
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…
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Donald Trump threatens Hollywood tariffs; ENCORE: Director Edward Berger talks ‘Conclave’
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…
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Titus Welliver talks ‘Bosch: Legacy’; The Trump administration amplifies aggression towards public media
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…
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Filmmaker Jared Hess on leaning into his oddball humor for ‘A Minecraft Movie’; An alarming personnel shake up at ‘60 Minutes’
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?…
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Daryl Hannah on documenting her husband Neil Young in the concert film ‘Coastal’; The FCC sets its sights on MSNBC
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…
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SPECIAL PREVIEW: Daryl Hannah on her Neil Young doc 'Coastal'
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.
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Michael Shannon on his directorial debut ‘Eric LaRue’; What role will tariffs play in Hollywood?
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…
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Studios bet big at CinemaCon; Entertainment Union Coalition president Rebecca Rhine explains how to ‘Keep California Rolling’
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…
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ENCORE: Albert Brooks + Rob Reiner on their HBO doc; How is Hollywood accommodating content creators?
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…
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Documentarian Alex Gibney’s tips for keeping up the good fight (and more); Big shifts for UTA + Village Roadshow
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…
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Director Lesli Linka Glatter on her enviable life in television; Pay no attention to Disney’s ‘Snow White’ remake
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?…
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‘Muslim Matchmaker’ creator Smriti Mundhra on representation; Breaking down the boost in Oscar viewership
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…
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‘Emilia Pérez’ songwriters on sparking debates; What’s next for James Bond and Star Wars?
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…
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Pamela Anderson on second chances and ‘The Last Showgirl’; The Murdoch empire keeps unraveling
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…
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A chat with the directors of ‘Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’; Why Disney is dialing back on DEI
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…
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SPECIAL PREVIEW: Songwriters Camille & Clément Ducol on 'Emilia Pérez'
Listen to a special preview of Jeff Lunden's conversation with Clément Ducol & Camille on their songwriting process for 'Emilia Pérez.'
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Jesse Eisenberg on finding the humor in ‘A Real Pain’; FCC battles CBS over Kamala Harris interview transcript
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,…
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Producer Marc Platt talks 20+ years of ‘Wicked’; Ad for Texas production hits Hollywood when its down
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…
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Analyzing the Oscar noms w/ THR’s Scott Feinberg; Netflix has a strong Q4
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…
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ENCORE: ‘Sing Sing’ director Greg Kwedar models pay equity; This Week’s Banter: Hollywood turns on LA Mayor Karen Bass
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…
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Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold on ‘The Brutalist'; Big swings and shake ups at Warner Bros
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…
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'Nosferatu' writer-director and Focus Features chairman on their long partnership; Inside the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni feud
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…
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Kim Masters and Matt Belloni banter listener questions in mailbag episode of ‘The Business’
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…
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