Strictly Business

On today’s episode, Russell Hollander, national executive director of the Directors Guild of America, gives a wide-ranging interview as Hollywood contract negotiations begin Feb. 9 with SAG-AFTRA sitting down with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Hollander addresses the precipitous drop in TV and film employment, efforts to secure a federal production tax incentive, "raging healthcare inflation," what the guild wants to achieve on AI and why the DGA is not first up at the table with the AMPTP this time around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Daniel D’Addario details his behnd-the- scenes reporting on “Love Story,” the latest installment of the FX franchise, this time focusing on the romance between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. And Jennifer Maas explains how she pulled off a meeting of great minds of D&D -- Brennan Lee Mulligan and Matthew Mercer -- for a video that is burning up Variety’s YouTube page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, host Cynthia Littleton unpacks the big leadership transition news out of Disney and what it means for Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden. Plus, highlights from Ted Sarandos’ politically charged grilling in the Senate as the Netflix co-CEO fights for the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety's Rebecca Rubin breaks down the weekend numbers with “Melania” surprising, “Send Help” leading and “Iron Lung” setting a new bar for DIY creator films at the multiplexes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Aquilina, media analyst at Luminate and lead author of the Year‑End Film & TV Report 2025, breaks down streaming viewership trends and the new viewing-hours metric. He contrasts social buzz with actual rankings, explains Netflix's slipping share and rivals' gains, examines Love Island's streaming surge, and previews how returning hits and changing production incentives will shape 2026.

Andrew Wallenstein, Luminate chief media analyst who tracks streaming viewership, previews the year-end streaming originals report. Joe Otterson, Variety TV news editor and development expert, explains NBC’s return to ordering pilots. They dig into why pilot season matters, the rise of procedurals on networks and streamers, and surprising winners like Peacock and YouTube in streaming trends.

Rapid-fire Sundance interviews cover politics, free speech and industry safety. Filmmakers debate AI risks, regulation and the global tech race. Actors and directors discuss preserving thoughtful filmmaking amid social media buzz. Musicians recall changing economics and touring challenges. Production topics include tax credits and the rise of intimacy coordinators.

A short update about a post-Sundance festival flu and why the Monday show is skipped. A quick tease that a Sundance special is coming on Tuesday. A brief signoff inviting listeners to return for more.

Stuart Ford, chairman and CEO of AGC Studios and longtime film executive, reflects on the state of independent film. He discusses financing pressures, how AGC self-funds and sells worldwide, the tradeoffs between theatrical and streaming, and why TV and unscripted projects are vital to diversify slates.

Todd Spangler, Variety's business editor and media reporter, dives deep into Netflix's recent Q4 2025 earnings report, unpacking its implications for the streaming giant. He discusses the significant shift to an all-cash offer for acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery and the subsequent investor backlash. Spangler also highlights Netflix's evolving strategy, its embrace of theatrical releases, and the importance of Warner Bros.' reach in this acquisition. With subscriber growth slowing, he sheds light on Netflix's content spending plans and how its role in the industry has transformed.