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Strictly Business

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Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.
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Episodes

The Ins and Outs of Music Catalog Sales: Experts Explain the Copyright Acquisition Boom at the 2022 Milken Institute Global Conference

The songs of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon sold for astronomical sums In 2021, when investors spent $5.3 billion on acquisitions of recorded music catalogs, publishing and other royalties -- up 180% from 2020. Will these deals pay off? During a panel discussion at the 2022 Milken Institute Global Conference, music industry professionals Marc Cimino (UMPG), Sherrese Clarke Soares (HarbourView Equity Partners), Harvey Mason jr. (Recording Academy) and Scott Pascucci (Concord) explain...

Jun 15, 202240 minEp. 219

What the Bear Market Means for the Media Sector

While there's little debate that the global economy is facing a serious downturn, what's less clear is how that could impact the media and entertainment business. S&P Global Ratings senior director Naveen Sarma discusses myriad consequences that could impact movie theaters, advertising, cord-cutting, dealmaking and so much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 08, 202234 minEp. 218

Amazon’s Inclusion Playbook: One Year Later, What Has Changed?

Latasha Gillespie, Head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Amazon’s Prime Video, Amazon Studios and IMDB, discusses the progress made in the year since the company established its Inclusion Policy Playbook. The corporate behemoth made a statement with expansive DE&I guidelines for producers and partners who work for the studio or Prime Video. Gillespie explains the importance of making it an open-source document free to all via online, and the importance of ensuring that creative ...

Jun 01, 202231 minEp. 217

Funny Or Die 3.0: New Owner Henry Muñoz III on Harnessing Humor’s Power to Connect, Inspire and Motivate

The entrepreneur and activist who last year acquired the digital comedy venture founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay in 2007 details his vision for growing Funny Or Die and its content production arm by emphasizing young talent and diverse voices. Muñoz goes deep on his journey as a gay Latinx man from Texas to becoming a respected architect, civic leader and health care executive. “I’m a person who has undertaken change in many industries,” Muñoz says. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...

May 25, 202231 minEp. 216

'Downton Abbey' Masterminds See Long Future for Franchise Beyond New Sequel

Julian Fellowes, the Emmy-winning writer of the period-drama megahit, and Gareth Neame, executive chairman of Carnival Films, discuss their collaboration on six seasons and two films, including hopes that the "New Era" sequel will help bring adults back to movie theaters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 18, 202231 minEp. 215

From ‘La Bamba’ to Bad Bunny: How Latin Music Conquered America, With CAA’s Bruno Del Granado

Latin music tips the spear of media consumption for Spanish-speaking Americans, asserts Bruno Del Granado, the head of Latin music touring at CAA. A former executive at MTV and manager of Ricky Martin, the Miami-based industry veteran traces the genre’s arrival on U.S. shores — from ‘La Bamba’ to Selena, “Despacito” and Bad Bunny — as it stands poised to surpass $1 billion in recorded music revenue in 2022. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

May 11, 202241 minEp. 214

Pachinko' Producer on the Future of Series for Global Audiences

When Michael Ellenberg left HBO to start his own production company, In Media Res, five years ago, the streaming wars had barely reached full steam. But he's learned plenty since then about what it takes to launch series like "Pachinko" and "The Morning Show" for consumers far beyond the U.S. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 29, 202229 minEp. 213

When Worlds Collide: A Dealmaker’s View of the Emerging Metaverse Economy

Carlos Jimenez, managing director of Moelis & Co., explains his view that the entertainment economy is in the midst of a massive transformation into a “metaverse” where entertainment, media, gaming, sports and other activities merge. “All of these worlds are colliding – it’s the future,” Jimenez says. He also weighs in on the content spending boom and where investors see opportunity amid the turmoil in media. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnyst...

Apr 20, 202224 min

Billie Eilish's Longtime Agent Tom Windish on Booking Coachella, Touring Post-COVID and Working at Wasserman

Ahead of the thrice-rescheduled Coachella music festival, Billie Eilish’s longtime agent Tom Windish talks about his star client’s growth as a live artist, COVID’s disruption of touring and joining Wasserman Music as head of business development and A&R. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 13, 202238 min

Mid-Budget Films Are Dead? The Producer of 'Scream,' 'Ambulance' Begs to Differ

William Sherak and his partners at Project X Entertainment think there's room for success in movie theaters beyond Marvel franchises; they've already proven it this year with the revival of the 'Scream' brand, and they're out to do it again with a Michael Bay action movie. But that's just the beginning for this ambitious company intent on pursuing M&A in hopes of becoming Hollywood's next mini-major. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/...

Apr 06, 202230 min

Dr. Seuss Enterprises CEO Susan Brandt Expands a Beloved Brand That ‘Really Represents Childhood’

The longtime leader of Dr. Seuss Enterprises discusses the responsibility that comes with managing the valuable vault of books and IP left by the author and illustrator of such indelible children’s books as “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham” and “Horton Hears a Who.” She details the company’s approach to expanding with content beyond the original Seuss canon, and she outlines the reasoning behind the recent flurry of new Suess-related movies, TV shows and books. Learn more about your ad-...

Mar 30, 202230 min

'Content Influences Everything': Kevin Mayer and Michael Kassan on Media's New Roadmap

Candle Media co-CEO Kevin Mayer and Medialink chief Michael Kassan offer a 30,000-foot view of making deals and building businesses in the emerging "creator economy" during the SXSW 2022 conference keynote session. The industry veterans also discuss the entertainment industry's changing economics and offer a few predictions for the future. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Mar 23, 202258 min

Producer Charles Roven Takes ‘Uncharted’ Path Through a Changing Movie Business

The Atlas Entertainment chief details the 13-year journey to bring the popular PlayStation video game to life on the big screen as the start of a family-friend adventure franchise. The producer -- who made his name with on big-budget blockbusters such as “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Suicide Squad” and “Wonder Woman” -- discusses the evolving landscape for the film business as the streaming revolution takes root. “I'd certainly rather have a buoyant market than a market where there’s no money to m...

Mar 16, 202230 min

How Fox's Blockchain Creative Labs is Unlocking Media's Web3 Future

CEO Scott Greenberg and COO/president Melody Hildebrandt discuss how they've built an NFT-focused unit within the Fox conglomerate, exploring the disruptive potential of digital ownership for properties as varied as "The Masked Singer," WWE and SXSW. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 09, 202232 min

Kara DioGuardi Conquered the Music Business, and Has the Battle Scars to Prove It

Kara Dioguardi is a songwriter, producer, music publisher, former artist, scholar, advocate for creators, two-season “American Idol” judge, label executive and talent scout. Her latest discovery: newcomer Gayle, whose “ABCDEFU” is a No. 1 radio hit. She looks back at her road to success, and ahead to a future where tech is working for creators as opposed to underpaying them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

Mar 02, 202251 min

Mattel’s Makeover: CEO Ynon Kreiz Reshapes the Toy Giant as a Content Factory

The media veteran who took the reins of Mattel in 2018 outlines the toymaker’s recent turnaround strategy and his focus on mining the IP value locked up in Mattel’s “treasure trove” of toy and game brands. Kreiz is drawing on his deep background as a TV and digital entrepreneur (Fox Kids Network, Endemol, Maker Studios) to guide Mattel through new creative partnerships with Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, Greta Gerwig, Lena Dunham, Vin Diesel, among other notable stars. Kreiz has grand ambitions of bu...

Feb 23, 202236 min

WetaFX CEO on Growing Peter Jackson’s Production Empire: ‘We’re a Household Name in Households That Make Movies’

Prem Akkaraju is leading the charge to transform Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh’s Weta Digital visual effects firm into a full-fledged production company delivering original content. Akkaraju explains how the New Zealand-based Weta businesses have evolved during the past two years and where they see opportunity for the company in the increasingly crowded entertainment marketplace. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Feb 16, 202233 min

Kevin Liles on 300 Entertainment's $400 Million Warner Deal, Mary J. Blige and Gunna's Big Looks and More

After holding top posts at Def Jam and Warner Music and managing Mariah Carey and D'Angelo, Kevin Liles went back into the label world a decade ago as co-founder of 300 Entertainment — which was sold to Warner for a reported $400 million in December, after scoring big hits with Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug and Gunna. He talks about his career, what's next for him and 300, and Mary J. Blige's new album and Super Bowl Halftime appearance. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpo...

Feb 09, 202227 min

Saltbox TV Isn't Your Father's Streaming Service. More Like Your Grandfather's

A new video-streaming service targeting senior citizens is betting that advertisers will finally wake up to the purchasing power of a demographic Madison Avenue has largely ignored. CEO Jerry Goehring explains how Saltbox TV customizes its product to meet the unique needs of a very big but underserved market. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 02, 202230 min

Why Audible Is Courting Celebrities for Its Original Podcast Slate

Rachel Ghiazza, Audible's U.S. head of content, discusses content strategy amid podcast competition on Variety's Strictly Business podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 26, 202247 min

Electronic Arts’ Laura Miele on Gaming’s Big Moment: ‘We Have Significant Runway Ahead of Us’

Laura Miele, chief operating officer of Electronic Arts, details how the video game giant is leveraging disruption to expand the reach and appeal of gaming. The 25-year company veteran, who helped launch EA’s long-running partnership with Lucasfilm on “Star Wars” titles, explains how EA works best with Hollywood IP and how gaming fits into the streaming wars. “I love (the) position that games have. It's incredibly engaging. It is interactive. And it's very social,” she says. Learn more about you...

Jan 19, 202239 min

Chip and Joanna Gaines Renovate Their TV Business With Magnolia Network Launch

Allison Page, president of Magnolia Network, offers behind-the-scenes details of how HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines returned to TV with the Jan. 5 launch of the Magnolia Network. She explains the business rationale why it makes sense for the lifestyle mavens and Discovery to invest in a linear channel even at this time of streaming transformation. “We gave a lot of people a cozy sweatshirt,” she says of the "comfort food TV" that Magnolia aims to provide. Learn more about your ad-choices at h...

Jan 12, 202235 min

Soundtracking Music’s Creator Economy With Splice Founder/CEO Steve Martocci

Even if you’ve never heard of the online music marketplace Splice, you’ve certainly heard its sounds in hit songs by Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Justin Bieber and more. Founder and CEO Steve Martocci talks about his entrepreneurial journey and the DNA of his company, which has paid out more than $55 million to music creators since launching in 2015. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 05, 202240 min

How Hollywood's Top Films Benefit From Audience Testing Revealed in New Book

Kevin Goetz, founder and CEO of audience-research firm Screen Engine/ASI, has written a book, "Audience-ology: How Movie-goers Shape the Films We Love," that looks back on three decades of using test screenings to help studios and other clients fix their films before release. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 22, 202129 min

How Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra Realigned the Studio for the Streaming Future

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

Dec 15, 202135 min

‘The Door is Open’: Industry Veteran Pens a Writers’ Guide to the TV Business

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

Dec 08, 202127 min

Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa's Managers on the Success of 'Future Nostalgia,' Handling Haters and Music-Biz Misogyny

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

Dec 01, 202128 min

TikTok’s Bryan Thoensen on Building the App’s Entertainment Future

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

Nov 24, 202145 min

SPAC Speculation in Hollywood and Beyond From Harry Sloan

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

Nov 17, 202138 min

ViacomCBS Streaming Chief Tom Ryan Sees 'Squid Game'-Sized Hit Potential

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

Nov 10, 202135 min
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