Claim OwnershipThe Town with Matthew Belloni
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Puck founding partner Matthew Belloni takes you inside Hollywood, using exclusive reporting and insight to explain the backstories on everything from Marvel movies to streaming wars. Multiple times each week, Matt is joined by major executives, dealmakers, and journalists, to discuss what is getting made and why, who is winning and losing, and what people in show business are actually talking about.
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Matt is joined by Shicong Zhu, head of West Coast Studios at DramaBox, to discuss just how successful and profitable vertical micro-dramas have become, how they are produced so cheaply, the genres that work best for vertical video, and whether this is a threat to traditional Hollywood filmmaking (00:00). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Wuthering Heights,’ ‘Goat,’ and ‘Crime 101’ (25:47).
Host: Matt Belloni
Guest: Shicong Zhu
Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones
Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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1Matt is joined by ‘Survivor’ host and showrunner Jeff Probst to go behind the scenes of one of America’s most iconic reality television shows and discuss how the show has sustained its success for 50 seasons, the complicated production challenges, how much the show costs, casting, and why no one has managed to replicate it (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Timothée Chalamet after visiting the Oscars luncheon (33:24).
Host: Matt Belloni
Guest: Jeff Probst
Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones
Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
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Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to get his thoughts after attending the Netflix hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee examining the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix. They discuss the most valid arguments made during the hearing, Ted Sarandos’s comments on theatrical distribution, and if Paramount has any chance to still win the bidding war (00:00). Later, they discuss new Disney CEO Josh D’Maro’s biggest problems to hurdle as he ushers in a new era at Disney (15:54). Finally, Matt makes a prediction about Casey Wasserman’s involvement in the 2028 Olympics (27:16).
Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones
Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
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Matt is joined by Adweek’s Bill Bradley to discuss the expensive and competitive battle of Super Bowl advertising. Bill breaks down how many ad slots are available each year, how much they cost, which parts of the game are the most lucrative, why A-lister fees for commercial cameos are going down, what’s up with those Jesus ads you see every year, the ad auction if the game goes into overtime, and more (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a Super Bowl ratings prediction (26:41).
Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Bill Bradley
Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon JonesTheme Song: Devon Renaldo
ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE.
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Matt is joined by LightShed media analyst Rich Greenfield to react to Disney hiring Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO. They discuss why Disney chose the head of Disney Parks in D’Amaro rather than its cochairman of entertainment in Dana Walden, what this says about the company's priorities moving forward, whether now is the right time for Bob Iger to leave, and whether this is the beginning of a reevaluation of Disney’s entire business strategy. They also discuss why this decision could be seen as a reflection of the current state of the entertainment business (00:00).
Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Dracula’ (27:47).
Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones
Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE.
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Matt and Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw parse through the final batch of year-end streaming reports and bring their most interesting stats and story lines to debate what they say about the state of streaming. They discuss the overwhelming success of 'KPop Demon Hunters,' Peacock’s disastrous Q4, the power of syndicated TV shows, and the new streaming hierarchy (00:00).
Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Disney theme parks (30:20).
Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones
Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE.
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Matt is joined by YouTuber Mark Fischbach (also known as Markiplier) to discuss his new movie, ‘Iron Lung,' why he adapted a low-budget indie horror video game, and how he self-financed the film and pulled off a wide release without a studio attached. Later, Mark talks about the state of the creator economy, YouTube vs. Netflix, and whether his model is viable path for other up-and-coming creators (01:31). Matt finishes the show with a ratings prediction for the Grammy Awards (25:45). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Mark Fischbach Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by producer Dave Bernad to pull back the curtain on what goes into producing 'The White Lotus' and 'Jury Duty' and discuss the challenges and misconceptions around the former show. He also talks about his old-school path to success in the industry, his past projects, and the appetite for comedy (01:40). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Send Help’ (29:30). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Dave Bernad Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Live from the last Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Matt is joined by John Sloss, founder and CEO of Cinetic Media, to discuss how the Sundance experience has changed over the past 40 years, how the market has changed in just the past three years, who the hungriest buyers are, young filmmakers' opinions on streaming vs. theatrical, and how Harvey Weinstein changed the awards film genre (01:30). Matt finishes the show with an early opening weekend box office prediction for the ‘Melania’ documentary (26:06). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: John Sloss Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by New York Times reporter and awards season columnist Kyle Buchanan to discuss the biggest industry narratives surrounding this year's Academy Awards nominations (01:29). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for the new Chris Pratt film, ‘Mercy’ (31:58).
For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Kyle Buchanan Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival, to discuss the last year in Park City, the decision to leave Utah, and what we can expect in Boulder, Colorado. Later, they share some of their favorite stories from their time at the festival over the years (01:30). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the biggest acquisition at Sundance this year (25:38). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Eugene Hernandez Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to conduct the fourth annual box office draft. Matt and Lucas each draft seven blockbuster movies set to be released in 2026 with the goal of making the most money possible against the production budget. Plus, an added twist that allows each person to saddle the other's team with a movie they believe will flop.
Follow along with Matt and Lucas here!
For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA Duncan Crabtree-Ireland to discuss the union's upcoming negotiations with the AMPTP, the possibility of another strike, what he wants to achieve in this negotiation, why they are starting their negotiations before other guilds, the state of AI disruptions, and what the actors actually want in their new CBA (01:21). Matt finishes the show with an updated prediction on who will win the bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery (33:06). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Jared Bush, the writer and codirector of Zootopia 2 and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, to discuss the smash-hit sequel, its incredible success in China, the state of original animated films in theaters, AI and other challenges facing the animation industry, incorporating adult humor into animated films, the plans for a third and fourth 'Frozen,' and more (02:00). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' (31:49). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Jared Bush Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to react to Sunday's Golden Globe Awards, including the cringiest corporate moments and the studios and streamers that overperformed. Then, they discuss the latest move in the ongoing Warner Bros. Discovery saga, with Paramount filing a lawsuit seeking to force Warner to release more information about its merger agreement with Netflix, and their plan to launch a proxy fight (01:56). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about a few heavily favored Oscar contenders (26:44). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Jeff Sagansky—a longtime investor, executive, and producer—to discuss the current media landscape and how things are trending as we begin 2026. Jeff previews the M&A deal market for this year, makes the case for Warner Bros. surviving without a merger, shares what it’s like to be a producer in Hollywood right now, discusses the dark age of talent profit-sharing, and explains what investors appear most interested in this year (01:50). Matt then finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Greenland 2: Migration’ and ‘Primate’ (30:31). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Jeff Sagansky Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Puck contributor and box office guru Scott Mendelson to recap the year in moviegoing, give his take on the general disappointment in domestic box office performance, and hand out awards like Surprise Hit of the Year, Surprise Miss, and the Great Legs Award. He also checks in on the state of superhero movies and the horror genre and gives final grades to each studio (01:38). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the 2026 Golden Globes (38:58). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Scott Mendelson Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to ask their most burning questions for Hollywood in 2026, including whether another strike is imminent, how NFL rights negotiations will affect the shows and movies made for streaming, what types of movies David Ellison will make as the head of a major studio, whether Universal can unseat Disney as the box office champion for the first time in over a decade, and much more (01:34). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Puck media correspondent Julia Alexander to recap the year in streaming, and hand out awards for Streamer of the Year, Most Disappointing Streamer, Show of the Year, Biggest Surprise Hit, and highlight the most interesting trends in streaming (01:48). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the 'Stranger Things' finale in theaters (28:45). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com
Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Julia Alexander
Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss the big Christmas weekend at the box office, including the big ‘Marty Supreme’ win and Sydney Sweeney’s box office bounce. Then they dive into Lucas’s recent Bloomberg survey polling 700 industry experts to answer the biggest burning questions around town, including who will end up owning Warner Bros., who will be the CEO of Disney in 2027, where you should sell your movie, and who is the worst CEO in media (01:42). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about whether we will get ‘Avatar 4’ (25:00). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo
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🫠🙃😁 terrible woman
hilarious these host calls fox a propaganda channel but seems to think cnn is pure and balanced. 🫠🤣
This episode dives deep into James Cameron’s filmmaking philosophy, highlighting his pioneering use of performance capture to preserve authentic human emotion compared to traditional CGI. https://www.ez-passnc.com
ungrateful spoilt kids.
Fun episode
Great episode.
too much "snark" Matt.
this Marketing guy had very little to do with this film obviously. please get the head of Marvel's marketing department. besides towing the line he couldn't answer most of your questions. He also failed to grasp new marketing which starts more then a year out.
Lol, "the show has always played down the middle." Delusional take.