Gene Maddaus
Senior media reporter at Variety who covers Hollywood labor talks, studio negotiations, and developments around AI and its impact on performers.
Top 3 podcasts with Gene Maddaus
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Oct 16, 2025 • 19min
Daily Variety -- AI Vs. Script Readers – Who Does the Job Better?; Microdramas, Creators and YouTube Dominate Mipcom Buzz
Investigative entertainment reporter Gene Maddaus explores the testing of AI script-coverage tools versus human analysts, revealing AI's strengths in summarizing but weaknesses in capturing nuance. He discusses industry concerns about AI's potential to overlook hidden gems and highlights the role of the Editors Guild. In a lively roundtable on MIPCOM, international veterans share insights on YouTube’s presence and the rise of microdramas, emphasizing the evolving landscape of content and collaboration in the creative sector.
Feb 17, 2026 • 11min
AI One of the Main Sticking Points in Hollywood Labor Talks
Gene Maddaus, senior media reporter at Variety who covers Hollywood labor and AI issues, breaks down how AI is reshaping negotiations. He discusses AI risks to performers and the rise of synthetic actors. He also covers current AI uses in production and how shrinking global work affects jobs and strike dynamics.
Jan 14, 2026 • 16min
Daily Variety – AI, Health Care and Streaming Residuals: Hollywood Union Contract Negotiations Come into Focus
Gene Maddaus, Senior Media Writer at Variety, dives into the pressing issues of Hollywood's upcoming union negotiations. He highlights AI's rising threat to actors, especially with concerns over deepfakes and compensation for existing content. Maddaus also discusses the challenges of streaming residuals and how studio consolidations affect bargaining power. Health benefits emerge as a focal point, with urgent changes urged by unions. As negotiations approach, the dynamics within AMPTP's leadership and their impact on industry standards are critically examined.
