Better Call Paul

This week, Paul starts with the update that the DOJ appears likely to approve the Skydance-Paramount purchase of WBD. Next, Paul and Jess discuss the dramatic impacts of NJ's film and TV production incentives which have led to a dramatic increase in projects and production spend. Finally, they discuss Curry Barker's Obsession which has amazingly grossed $115M on a mere 750K budget and ponder next generation film-makers who use YouTube to launch their careers.

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This week, Paul and Jess begin with the announcement that Charlamagne Tha God's smash hit radio show and video podcast will stream live on Netflix 5 days a week as Netflix further embraces a hybrid model offering live content. Next, they discuss the end of an era as CBS's Late Show ends its run. Finally, they discuss JPop's entry into the U.S. market with Number_i signing with WME and Atlantic.

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This week the twists and turns of entertainment continue as Vertical Microdramas pick up steam and BET announces its partnership with aTwist. Next, Paul and Jess discuss how Cocomelon might translate to the big screen. Finally, Paul recaps Byron Allen's deal to buy a controlling stake of Buzzfeed for $120M and ponder whether Buzzfeed can reinvent itself as a FAST platform.

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This week, Paul and Jess begin with a high level recap of the tentative 4-year agreement between SAG and the AMPTP which means that Hollywood is unlikely to repeat the strikes of 2023. Next, they discuss the costly legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni that is settling unceremoniously. Finally, they look forward to the next Cannes film festival and share a few films and developments to look forward to.

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This week, Paul starts with an update on how much broadcast viewership numbers have skewed to live sports since 2005. Next, they discuss Tupac's step-brother's wrongful death action against those involved in the killing of Tupac. Finally, Paul and Jess reflect on and reminisce about Kaufman Astoria studios, the iconic NYC film studio at the center of a $360M foreclosure.

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Paul and Jess begin the episode with an update that the WBD shareholders overwhelmingly approve the $110B sale to Paramount. Next, they provide an update on the new expanded California Film production incentive and $193M in tax credits that were awarded, including, for the first time ever in California, for animated films. Finally, they look forward to the May movie box office.

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This week, Paul and Jessica start with CinemaCon's highlights which showcase a lot of franchises and a few originals. Next, they discuss another milestone for Roku as it crossed 100M households amid the growth of FAST. Finally, they discuss the bankruptcy of QVC and how the once-dominant brand might reclaim its glory.

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This episode begins with a proposed 5-year cap to NCAA eligibility that aims to reduce the variance and disparity of the current waiver process. Next, Paul and Jess discuss recent layoffs among entertainment, gaming and tech companies and ponder whether its merely cyclical or a result of companies turning towards AI. Finally, they discuss Twinnin, an app/marketplace that bills itself as allowing actors to leverage AI to recreate and clone their likeness digitally and grant usage rights to content producers and studios.

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This week, Paul and Jess discuss the last-minute cancellation of Season 22 of ABC's Bachelorette which was shelved 3 days before the season premiere date due to negative PR which resulted from TMZ's release of video of Taylor Frankie Paul's assault. Next, they discuss MRC's loss following a five-week trial with its insurance company over whether Kevin Spacey's removal from House of Cards was as a result of an "illness". Finally, they discuss the Home Team Act, a proposed bill which would require one-year notice and a ROFR process prior to any major professional team relocating across state lines or out of its metro region.

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This week, Paul and Jess look forward to Sony's Spider-Man: Brand New Day as well as Dunesday, the potential clash between Dune 3 and Avengers 5. Next, they discuss Nexstar's annoucement that it has closed its purchase of Tegna now that FCC and DOJ have given the deal a green light. Finally, Paul provides a recap of Chance the Rapper's successful lawsuit defense of claims from his former manager, Patrick Corcoran, over claims of unpaid commissions under an oral agreement.

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