Better Call Paul

This week, Paul and Jess reflect on a great Oscars and some of the biggest winners on the night. As fans of the movies, they applaud Universal's announcement of a 45-days exclusive theatrical window. Next, they discuss Oscar-winning phenomenon K Pop Demon Hunters which will be getting a sequel. Finally, they discuss South By Southwest's 40 year anniversary as the mega Music, Tech, and Film/TV fest takes over Austin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul and Jess give their very amateur Oscar's predictions for the top awards. Next, they discuss the release of AI Agents who are intended to streamline, iterate, and accelerate the creative process, and wonder if their success will increase the volume of projects or just reduce job opportunities, or both. Next, they discuss how the prospect of using AI to generate content based on proven IP libraries may be driving the surge in deal making, and whether its sustainable.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul updates Jess on concepts hat SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey pondered to limit transfers and establish eligibility standards which could provide structure in the NIL area. Next, they discuss the incredible success of the 2026 Winter Olympics for NBC and Peacock as well as some of the brightest stars who competed. Finally, the UK government just announced that major SVOD services will be regulated in a manner similar to broadcasters - in a step towards technology-agnostic regulation that some have called for in the U.S. as well.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul and Jessica begin with a recap of the excellent month of January 2026 for TV consumption which was up across all forms (broadcast, cable, streaming and FAST). Next, they discuss the AI Short which , despite winning the Frame Forward AI Animation Festival, may not be embraced by movie theaters. Finally, Jessica and Paul look forward to House of the Dragon Season 3 and reflect upon the stellar A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as they try to get their GOT fix.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul and Jess begin with a discussion of Seedance 2.0, the AI video generator that has shaken Hollywood with its realistic, and perhaps infringing clips. Next, Paul breaks down Kalshi's argument that its contracts regarding sports events are swaps and not subject to state gaming laws. Finally, Paul and Jessica explore Pete Davidson's Netflix podcast and ponder where the line between video podcast and television talk show should lie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul and Jessica dive in with Disney's named successor to Bob Iger, Josh D'Amaro a long-time veteran of Disney Parks who will become Disney's CEO on March 18. Next, Jessica reflects on her One Direction fanhood as Zayn is set to debut his 5th solo album, Konnakol. Finally, Paul provides a trademark update certain celebrities are leaning into trademarking their name, image, and likeness in an effort to preserve their brand against deepfakes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul previews the biggest night in sports and advertising, and now sports betting, the Super Bowl. Next, Paul and Jessica discuss (stalled) progress facing minorities who are seeking greater representation in Hollywood, in particular the Latino acting community's recent call for action. Finally, Paul discusses the upcoming discussions between SAG and the AMPTP and Jessica ponders whether AI can really replace actors and/or crew.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul and Jess begin with a summary of the major 2026 Oscar nominations with a handful of their predictions thrown in. Next, they discuss a BBC YouTube-first deal and YouTube's broader plans for pay TV. Finally, Paul breaks down a recent government inflation report which indicated that SVOD services had, by far, the highest rate of inflation in 2025.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul and Jessica start with a recap of the big winners at the 2026 Golden Globes. Next, Paul discusses the recently-announced exclusive Pay 1 SVOD license deal between Sony Pictures and Netflix, and Jessica ponders the pros and cons of Netflix's content-acquisition blitz. Finally, Paul breaks down the Supreme Court's decision to review the FCC's authority to levy large fines without the need for a jury trial.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul provides an update on the Netflix + WBD merger as well as an appeal of the House v NCAA settlement which could impact NIL rights and revenue sharing for college athletes. Finally, Paul and Jess discuss the celebrity mom group drama which erupted between Ashley Tisdale, Hillary Duff and others.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices