Better Call Paul

Better Call Paul

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Better Call Paul episodes

  • 337. Emmys, Diddy in Jail, and California's New AI Laws

    This week Paul and Mesh quickly recap the Emmys and reflect on the biggest TV shows of the last year. Next, they discuss Diddy's arrest and the federal indictment regarding decades of criminal activity and ponder Sean Combs' future. Finally, they breakdown five new laws enacted in California regarding the use of AI in political content and sexual deep fakes.

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    34 min
  • 336. VMAs Recap, 2nd Presidential Debate, & Taylor’s Presidential Pick

    Paul and Mesh begin by looking back at the incredible career of James Earl Jones who passed away at the age of 93 but leaves behind a legacy of timeless characters. They then dive into the latest Max growth projections and recap the 40th year of MTV’s VMA's. Finally, they discuss the viewership numbers for the second presidential debate and whether the debate (and Taylor Swift’s post-debate endorsement of Kamala Harris) will move the needle.

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    29 min
  • 335. Summer Box Office Recap and Matthew Perry's Dealer's Face Trial

    This week, Paul starts with a shoutout to SABANY who graciously invited him to host their 2024 Awards Gala and then Paul and Mesh discuss the U.S. Open and the Toronto International Film Festival. Next, they recap the summer box office and August jobs report with a focus on the entertainment industry. Finally, they discuss the criminal investigation surrounding Matthew Perry's death and the five individuals who were charged, including the Ketamine Queen of Noho and Dr. P who have both pled not guilty.

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    33 min
  • 334. Venice Film Festival, Joaquin Phoenix Drama, and Film Tax Incentive Review

    This week, Paul and Mesh reflect on the end of summer and Alexandra Cooper's new 9-figure podcast deal. Next, they discuss the Venice Film festival and the legal implications of Joaquin Phoenix bailing on a film project 5 days prior to production. Finally, they update us on the state of the California film and television industry and how its market share is declining, in particular in response to other states and countries enacting more generous film and TV tax incentives.

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    33 min
  • 333: Kenny Leu - Actor, Entrepreneur, and Martial Arts Champ

    This week, Paul interviews another unbelievable guest, Kenny Leu. Kenny's star in the acting world is rising. After selling his company, he took the plunge and decided to pursue his childhood acting passion full-time. He walks us through his move to LA, getting representation, and eventually transition from commercials, to network television and finally getting leading roles in films. Paul and Kenny also discuss the impact of changes in the industry from DEI to the evolution of technology.

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    40 min
  • 332. Sean Gupta: Banker, TV Exec and Columbia Professor

    This week, Paul interviews Sean Gupta, a television executive and former investment banker who has deep experience across cable, broadcast and streaming. Sean, who also teaches a class on television and streaming at Columbia Business School, provides an insider perspective on the forces causing the major shifts in television today and where the industry might be headed. Sean is also co-founder of SAMMY, which is a group of South Asian media executives and creatives who collaborate to support each other and increase representation for South Asians across media and culture.

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    36 min
  • 331. Closing out the Olympics and Linear TV Turmoil

    This week, Paul and Mesh reflect on the final days of a successful ’24 Paris Olympics before turning to a handful of entertainment updates such as Michelle Pfeiffer joining Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe as the lead of the Madison. The main topic this week is the staggering billion dollar write downs for WBD and Paramount as both companies acknowledge that the linear television business is presenting significant challenges which may be worse than either initially feared.

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    34 min
  • 330. UFC Settlement Denied and Government Explores Deepfake Regulations

    This week Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of a plan to reinvigorate the film and television industry in central London. Next, they provide an update on UFC’s recent $335M settlement which was rejected by Richard Boulware, the judge presiding over the antitrust case in Nevada and speculate as to what happens next for both sides. Finally, Paul provides an update on the U.S. Copyright Office and U.S. Senate steps to evaluate potential regulation of AI-generated deepfakes.

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    30 min
  • 329. Marvel Dominates, GoT’s New Game, and the Disney+,Hulu, and Max Bundle

    In this episode of BCP, Paul and Mesh chat about the latest Game of Thrones mobile game created by Zynga. They then break down the amazing opening weekend for Deadpool Wolverine as well as the latest Marvel announcements at Comic Con, including a few big surprises. Finally, they discuss the Disney+, Hulu, Max bundle and how it might impact the streaming wars.

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    29 min
  • 328. Wolverine & Deadpool Opening, Emmy Nominations, Olympic Viewership and Young Thug's Judge Exits…Again

    In this episode of BCP, Mesh and Paul discuss Deadpool & Wolverine's opening and box office estimates. They then cover Emmy nominations and their favorite picks to win. Next, they examine the upcoming Olympics, focusing on NBCU's viewership and ad revenue expectations. Finally, Paul updates on the Young Thug trial, explaining why another judge has left the case.

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    31 min

About Better Call Paul

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by former Marvel entertainment lawyer Paul Sarker and entertainment enthusiast Mesh Lakhani, Better Call Paul will delve into the business and legal issues at play behind the glitz and glam.…

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