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?

FX President John Landgraf talks with Kim Masters about the unconventional deals he made with Louis CK and Charlie Sheen.

FX President John Landgraf talks with Kim Masters about the unconventional deals he made with Louis CK and Charlie Sheen.

FX President John Landgraf on Louis CK and Charlie Sheen

Peter Berg talks the battle of 'Battleship' and his passion project, 'On Freddie Roach.'

Peter Berg talks the battle of 'Battleship' and his passion project, 'On Freddie Roach.'

Peter Berg: 'Battleship' and 'On Freddie Roach'

We talk the doc 'Paul Williams: Still Alive' with filmmaker Stephen Kessler and Paul Williams.

We talk the doc 'Paul Williams: Still Alive' with filmmaker Stephen Kessler and Paul Williams.

'Paul Williams: Still Alive'

Cult filmmaker James Gunn writes and directs a video game. Plus, Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky -- the filmmakers behind the new documentary Indie Game.

Cult filmmaker James Gunn writes and directs a video game. Plus, Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky -- the filmmakers behind the new documentary Indie Game.

James Gunn; 'Indie Game'

Sean Hayes And Todd Milliner talk Grimm and Will & Grace.

Sean Hayes And Todd Milliner talk Grimm and Will & Grace.

Sean Hayes And Todd Milliner talk Grimm and Will &amp; Grace.

Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner Produce TV

Interviews about two recent war movies: 'The Tillman Story' and 'The Hurt Locker.'

Interviews about two recent war movies: 'The Tillman Story' and 'The Hurt Locker.'

War Movies: 'The Tillman Story' and 'The Hurt Locker'

Frank Rich talks BHO's "Veep." Matt Walsh talks improv.

Frank Rich talks BHO's "Veep." Matt Walsh talks improv.

Talking 'Veep' with Frank Rich and Improv with Matt Walsh

Former network chief Warren Littlefield recounts stories from his new book, "Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV."

Former network chief Warren Littlefield recounts stories from his new book, "Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV."

Littlefield on NBC's 'Must See TV' Era

How the creators of Once Upon A Time" went from cable in Wisconsin to the big leagues. Plus, a doc who turned his passion with bizarre illnesses into a job on "House."

How the creators of Once Upon A Time" went from cable in Wisconsin to the big leagues. Plus, a doc who turned his passion with bizarre illnesses into a job on "House."

'Once Upon A Time' Creators; 'House' Medical Advisor

Horror movie maker, Eli Roth and "Hemlock Grove" author Brian McGreevy on turning this Gothic novel into a Netflix series.

Horror movie maker, Eli Roth and "Hemlock Grove" author Brian McGreevy on turning this Gothic novel into a Netflix series.

Eli Roth and Brian McGreevy Talk 'Hemlock Grove'

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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