This week, Kim Masters reports on the newly formed <a href="https://www.usfilmandtv.org/">U.S. Film and Television Production Coalition</a> and its push for <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/film-tv-production-caucus-congress-1236700659/">a federal tax incentive</a> to stem the loss of production overseas. Members representing studios, producers and unions lay out the industry’s unusually unified campaign, the backing of President Donald Trump, and the details that still have to survive Congress.
Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni give a brief update on the rollout of Bari Weiss’s new 60 Minutes. Spoiler: the early ratings are not good. The banter partners also turn to a pair of surprises from the documentary world, including reports that Universal considered <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/elon-musk-movie-gibney-canceled-universal-1236704232/">holding back</a> Alex Gibney’s upcoming Elon Musk documentary from a global theatrical release, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/09/netanyahu-naza-directors-israeli-citizenship-1237105933/">escalating threats</a> against the directors of NAZA following the film’s Venice debut.

This week, Kim Masters reports on the newly formed U.S. Film and Television Production Coalition and its push for a federal tax incentive to stem the loss of production overseas. Members representing studios, producers and unions lay out the industry’s unusually unified campaign, the backing of President Donald Trump, and the details that still have to survive Congress. Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni give a brief update on the rollout of Bari Weiss’s new 60 Minutes. Spoiler: the early ratings are not good. The banter partners also turn to a pair of surprises from the documentary world, including reports that Universal considered holding back Alex Gibney’s upcoming Elon Musk documentary from a global theatrical release, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalating threats against the directors of NAZA following the film’s Venice debut.

This week, Kim Masters reports on the newly formed <a href="https://www.usfilmandtv.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Film and Television Production Coalition</a> and its push for <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/film-tv-production-caucus-congress-1236700659/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a federal tax incentive</a> to stem the loss of production overseas. Members representing studios, producers and unions lay out the industry’s unusually unified campaign, the backing of President Donald Trump, and the details that still have to survive Congress.
Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni give a brief update on the rollout of Bari Weiss’s new 60 Minutes. Spoiler: the early ratings are not good. The banter partners also turn to a pair of surprises from the documentary world, including reports that Universal considered <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/elon-musk-movie-gibney-canceled-universal-1236704232/" rel="noopener noreferrer">holding back</a> Alex Gibney’s upcoming Elon Musk documentary from a global theatrical release, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/09/netanyahu-naza-directors-israeli-citizenship-1237105933/" rel="noopener noreferrer">escalating threats</a> against the directors of NAZA following the film’s Venice debut.
&nbsp;

Hollywood goes to Washington for a tax break

Eric Deggans speaks with Desi Lydic, a longtime correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. She talks about how a pandemic-era segment satirizing Fox News evolved into her Emmy-nominated digital series Desi Lydic Foxplains. Lydic also shares how The Daily Show’s post-Trevor Noah rotation of hosts has opened the door for more voices, and jokes about how her conservative parents once envisioned her as either a Fox News journalist or a Hallmark movie star.
Plus, Cinema United, the largest movie theater trade organization, has changed course after opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The group is now calling for California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Paramount CEO David Ellison to reach a settlement, stating, “Global exhibition believes in a bold future for this industry, but reaching our full potential requires working together.” Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw dive into the latest developments in the ongoing Warnermount saga.

Eric Deggans speaks with Desi Lydic, a longtime correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. She talks about how a pandemic-era segment satirizing Fox News evolved into her Emmy-nominated digital series Desi Lydic Foxplains. Lydic also shares how The Daily Show’s post-Trevor Noah rotation of hosts has opened the door for more voices, and jokes about how her conservative parents once envisioned her as either a Fox News journalist or a Hallmark movie star. Plus, Cinema United, the largest movie theater trade organization, has changed course after opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The group is now calling for California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Paramount CEO David Ellison to reach a settlement, stating, “Global exhibition believes in a bold future for this industry, but reaching our full potential requires working together.” Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw dive into the latest developments in the ongoing Warnermount saga.

Eric Deggans speaks with Desi Lydic, a longtime correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. She talks about how a pandemic-era segment satirizing Fox News evolved into her Emmy-nominated digital series Desi Lydic Foxplains. Lydic also shares how The Daily Show’s post-Trevor Noah rotation of hosts has opened the door for more voices, and jokes about how her conservative parents once envisioned her as either a Fox News journalist or a Hallmark movie star.
Plus, Cinema United, the largest movie theater trade organization, has changed course after opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The group is now calling for California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Paramount CEO David Ellison to reach a settlement, stating, “Global exhibition believes in a bold future for this industry, but reaching our full potential requires working together.” Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw dive into the latest developments in the ongoing Warnermount saga.
&nbsp;

Desi Lydic ‘Foxsplains’ her rise to the top of fake news

This week, Kim Masters talks to Lilly Wachowski about making Bound, the directorial debut she co-directed with sister Lana. Wachowski recalls the wild experience of working with legendary producer Dino De Laurentiis, and how she and Lana went from living paycheck to paycheck as carpenters to having producer Joel Silver beg them to sell him The Matrix. 
 
Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni dig into a <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/federal-film-and-tv-tax-incentive-bill-1236687205/">newly unveiled bill</a> that would create a federal production tax incentive, and what it could mean for the industry if passed. The banter partners also turn to some <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/08/box-office-summer-2026-near-record-1237062959/">good news at the box office</a>, where summer grosses topped pre-COVID levels by nine percent.

This week, Kim Masters talks to Lilly Wachowski about making Bound, the directorial debut she co-directed with sister Lana. Wachowski recalls the wild experience of working with legendary producer Dino De Laurentiis, and how she and Lana went from living paycheck to paycheck as carpenters to having producer Joel Silver beg them to sell him The Matrix. Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni dig into a newly unveiled bill that would create a federal production tax incentive, and what it could mean for the industry if passed. The banter partners also turn to some good news at the box office, where summer grosses topped pre-COVID levels by nine percent.

This week, Kim Masters talks to Lilly Wachowski about making Bound, the directorial debut she co-directed with sister Lana. Wachowski recalls the wild experience of working with legendary producer Dino De Laurentiis, and how she and Lana went from living paycheck to paycheck as carpenters to having producer Joel Silver beg them to sell him The Matrix.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni dig into a <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/federal-film-and-tv-tax-incentive-bill-1236687205/" rel="noopener noreferrer">newly unveiled bill</a> that would create a federal production tax incentive, and what it could mean for the industry if passed. The banter partners also turn to some <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/08/box-office-summer-2026-near-record-1237062959/" rel="noopener noreferrer">good news at the box office</a>, where summer grosses topped pre-COVID levels by nine percent.
&nbsp;

Lilly Wachowski remembers 30 years of ‘Bound’

This week, Kim Masters speaks with Sharon Horgan about her HBO series Youth. The writer, actor and producer reflects on taking control of her career by creating her own material, building the production company Merman, and working across broadcast networks and streaming platforms. Horgan also explains why she returned to the idea for Youth after years spent making Bad Sisters, and how a brief pitch to HBO quickly turned into a green light.
 
Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni process California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s decision to settle the antitrust suit involving Paramount Skydance. With a major wave of layoffs looming, the banter partners look at what could come next for the proposed Warner Bros. Paramount merger.

This week, Kim Masters speaks with Sharon Horgan about her HBO series Youth. The writer, actor and producer reflects on taking control of her career by creating her own material, building the production company Merman, and working across broadcast networks and streaming platforms. Horgan also explains why she returned to the idea for Youth after years spent making Bad Sisters, and how a brief pitch to HBO quickly turned into a green light. Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni process California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s decision to settle the antitrust suit involving Paramount Skydance. With a major wave of layoffs looming, the banter partners look at what could come next for the proposed Warner Bros. Paramount merger.

This week, Kim Masters speaks with Sharon Horgan about her HBO series Youth. The writer, actor and producer reflects on taking control of her career by creating her own material, building the production company Merman, and working across broadcast networks and streaming platforms. Horgan also explains why she returned to the idea for Youth after years spent making Bad Sisters, and how a brief pitch to HBO quickly turned into a green light.
&nbsp;
Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni process California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s decision to settle the antitrust suit involving Paramount Skydance. With a major wave of layoffs looming, the banter partners look at what could come next for the proposed Warner Bros. Paramount merger.
&nbsp;

Sharon Horgan finds the comedy in 'Youth'

As CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss prepares to unveil <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-60-minutes-preview-cbs-news-bari-weiss-1236694934/">a new era of 60 Minutes</a>, questions are mounting over what America’s most-watched news program will look like under her leadership. Following the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ex-60-minutes-managing-editor-program-destruction-1236694635/">exits and firings</a> of several correspondents and senior producers since Weiss arrived at the network, newly installed executive producer Nick Bilton faces the challenge of reshaping the show without alienating its loyal audience. Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw examine what the next chapter could look like for the CBS News institution.
Plus, we revisit a conversation between Kim Masters and Lance Oppenheim, director of the HBO docu-series Ren Faire. He talks about honing his intimate, uniquely collaborative style of filmmaking, and his interest in subjects who become “entombed” by their own fantasies. The filmmaker also shares how he cold emailed his way into director Darren Aronofsky’s inner circle.

As CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss prepares to unveil a new era of 60 Minutes, questions are mounting over what America’s most-watched news program will look like under her leadership. Following the exits and firings of several correspondents and senior producers since Weiss arrived at the network, newly installed executive producer Nick Bilton faces the challenge of reshaping the show without alienating its loyal audience. Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw examine what the next chapter could look like for the CBS News institution. Plus, we revisit a conversation between Kim Masters and Lance Oppenheim, director of the HBO docu-series Ren Faire. He talks about honing his intimate, uniquely collaborative style of filmmaking, and his interest in subjects who become “entombed” by their own fantasies. The filmmaker also shares how he cold emailed his way into director Darren Aronofsky’s inner circle.

As CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss prepares to unveil <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-60-minutes-preview-cbs-news-bari-weiss-1236694934/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a new era of 60 Minutes</a>, questions are mounting over what America’s most-watched news program will look like under her leadership. Following the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ex-60-minutes-managing-editor-program-destruction-1236694635/" rel="noopener noreferrer">exits and firings</a> of several correspondents and senior producers since Weiss arrived at the network, newly installed executive producer Nick Bilton faces the challenge of reshaping the show without alienating its loyal audience. Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw examine what the next chapter could look like for the CBS News institution.
Plus, we revisit a conversation between Kim Masters and Lance Oppenheim, director of the HBO docu-series Ren Faire. He talks about honing his intimate, uniquely collaborative style of filmmaking, and his interest in subjects who become “entombed” by their own fantasies. The filmmaker also shares how he cold emailed his way into director Darren Aronofsky’s inner circle.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

How new will the new ‘60 Minutes’ feel?

Author Lawrence Wright on Scientology and Hollywood.

Author Lawrence Wright on Scientology and Hollywood.

Scientology and Hollywood

Making the Oscar-nominated Documentary Searching for Sugar Man

Making the Oscar-nominated Documentary Searching for Sugar Man

Making the Oscar-nominated Doc Searching for Sugar Man

The Exec Who Championed Life of Pi; Filmmakers Race to finish their film for Sundance

The Exec Who Championed Life of Pi; Filmmakers Race to finish their film for Sundance

The Exec Who Championed Life of Pi; Filmmakers Race to finish their film for Sundance

Making Life of Pi; Prepping for Sundance

A former Obama speechwriter and 'Modern Family' director make TV comedy.

A former Obama speechwriter and 'Modern Family' director make TV comedy.

From the DC to Hollywood: Making '1600 Penn'

The big TV and film stories of 2012 and a look at 2013.

The big TV and film stories of 2012 and a look at 2013.

The 2012 Show Business Year in Review

Ben Affleck on his career resurrection as an actor-director.

Ben Affleck on his career resurrection as an actor-director.

Ben Affleck's Career Resurrection, Redux

Composer Alexandre Desplat on doing the lonely job that he loves. Plus, the founder of IMDB.

Composer Alexandre Desplat on doing the lonely job that he loves. Plus, the founder of IMDB.

Composer Alexandre Desplat; IMDB Founder, Col Needham

Illeana Douglas on going from actress to webseries entrepreneur. Plus, Oscar-winning make-up artist Lois Burwell.

Illeana Douglas on going from actress to webseries entrepreneur. Plus, Oscar-winning make-up artist Lois Burwell.

Illeana Douglas on going from actress to webseries entrepreneur. Plus, Oscar-winning make-up artist Lois Burwell.

Illeana Douglas's Webseries; Make-up Artist Lois Burwell

A conversation with "Hitchcock"director Sacha Gervasi and producer Tom Pollock.

A conversation with "Hitchcock"director Sacha Gervasi and producer Tom Pollock.

Making 'Hitchcock,' the Movie

Neil Patrick Harris talks magic; Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken talk the business of acting.

Neil Patrick Harris talks magic; Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken talk the business of acting.

Neil Patrick Harris; Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken on Acting

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.

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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.

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