In this episode we're talking about the magical thinking of Christopher Nolan, the gut feeling of Comcast's CEO and the successor challenges of Disney. Enjoy!

🎬 Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape. Follow us: 👉IG: https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodbreaks/ 👉FB: https://www.facebook.com/hollywoodbreaks 👉TW: https://twitter.com/hollywoodbreaks 👉Tim Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timtla/ 👉Keith Rauch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-rauch-24230811/ 👉VisionCraft Brew https://www.visioncraftbrew.com 👉The Founder's Brew Newsletter https://foundersbrew.substack.com/?r=23esq&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web 👉RevThink: https://revthink.com/

This week we’re joined by movie research expert Kevin Goetz! He has been at the center of Hollywood for several decades and is sharing precious insights with us today! Tune in! 

🎬 Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

This week we bring back guest Cameron Dillavou, Head of Prime Video Global Strategy, to share insights into Prime Video’s success in Oscar nominations, NFL Contracts and what it takes to make a worldwide brand like Prime relevant for every viewing experience.

With Disney+ as 100M+ Subscriber base, the Mouse House doesn’t give in to Cinemark and walks away from Raya movie fans. Theaters open up and are filling up, but the capacity holds back healthy returns for distributors, so studios are finding pre-pandemic deals may fall short.

Disney also dominates in SVOD space. Netting half the number of Netflix subs in 12 months and crashing the server with Wandavision Finale. “Disney’s vision complements the distribution formats with the content.” - Tim Thompson

Universal takes two, with FF9 by pushing the release date after July 4th. And Peacock TV, Comcast/Universal NBC’s AVOD platform, shows a big (but “projected”) loss with $914M loss in launching the platform brings on only $118M in ad revenue.

Our special guest Kyle Davies brings some huge enthusiasm for the return to theaters. From his experience in exhibition and distribution at Dreamworks, Relativity and most recent Head of Domestic Distribution at Paramount, Kyle shares the inside scoop on the changes and challenges due to the Pandemic. “The pandemic has accelerated a friction and the distribution windows are at the core”.

Sony Pictures Chair Tom Rothmam pulls from his inner Beyonce and encourages that we will get back into the theaters “if we Make Dope Shit”. The sentiment seems to be rising that the theater experience will fulfill a different purpose than just paying the bills for studios blockbuster strategy. The exhibition of a cinematic experience will need to focus on the execution of the art more than the form in order to get viewers back in the seats.  

This week was the roll out of Paramount+ and investors are lukewarm on welcoming it into the clubhouse. The platform's strategy to release films 45 days after theatrical may be a bold move to keep the films relevant but will be a deal changer for the back end deals for films like Maverick.  

Golden Globes week is upon us without the glitter of the parties, FYC pushes and even the Films. How will the stay at home culture hold back the recognition and reward of the creative career? As a rollout begins for the list of films from the Academy, we may see the lowest numbers ever for the broadcast and a huge separation from the Hollywood of yesterday and today. 

NBC concludes the practice of overnight ratings, dropping the number from their investor and advertising reference to push the focus on the true KPIs of the TV Industry. NBC’s Stuart Levine, writes in Variety “Long gone are the days when a vast majority of viewers watched their favorite shows in the exact time slot in which they were scheduled.”  Further proof that the new metrics of the Hollywood screens are protected on each OTT platform. Influencer culture, branded content, sponsorship deals and subscribers are so entrenched that networks may no longer need Upfront season to make ends meet.

Martin Scorsese Harper’s article (http://timt.la/3uelQTQ​) laments how Film and TV has shifted to “content” which only describes the commodity and has desensitized the experience into minutes consumed. Backlash from Kyle Smith claims the “misplaced nostalgia” doesn’t recognize the opportunity to shift the field.   Industry professionals are feeling more pessimistic about the recovery of the industry and their jobs. The dissolution of Blue Sky and consolidation of Marketing has left many losing confidence, recognizing that layoffs and shifts will leave many looking to change careers because being out of the film industry for one year is like being out for 10 years in other industries. Keith Rauch encourages Hollywood​ to follow Adam Grant’s view to Think Again (www.amzn.com/1984878107), by processing changes like a scientist instead of a politician. This helps us ask the right question and discover new opportunities.

Disney hits the breaks on Blue Sky Studios and drops 90% of employees. This may be a reflection of our times, but realistically Disney was predictable. This move can create a new wave of animation as the Stamford Conn talent can differentiate from the Disney Homogenization machine and take advantage of the flat and wide distribution channels of a post pandemic industry.  

The newest players make big moves as Daily Wire scoops up Gina Carano the day after her breakup with the Mandalorian creatives. A clear move to make a name for themselves, which also gives a view at the strategic opportunity of New Hollywood and micro distribution. This may play out well for small studios who don’t need blockbuster numbers to break even on their content and can get into theaters earlier than the behemoth competition.  

Will #BlackWidow make its debut in the silver screen or be forced to follow the fate of WW84? Disney Plus nears 100M subs, but “Marvel movies were built to be seen in a theatre!” (Keith Rauch)  Kevin Feige needs to determine how tight to hold onto #Theatrical presentation over content dominance for his viewers and filmmakers and pass the burden to Universal for Fast and Furious 9 to break the stay at home bubble.

The VOD platforms have shown their dominance once again with the Golden Globes and Netflix gain of 4 time more nominations than others, with HULU and Amazon rounding out the pack, while traditional studios remain in the shadows. The studios are basically saying:  "Netflix, you know what? You go ahead and run Hollywood now.” Following the Big Tech influence is Apple’s purchase of CODA at Sundance for a record breaking $25 Million after a bidding war with Amazon.   

This trend changes many elements as Tech companies don’t function in the same models, but content makers can be quickly turned into luddites if they don’t keep up with the new demands and deals.   Evidence of change is also coming to the OTT space. Apple brings on Warner Bros veteran JP Richards to become head of film marketing strategy at Apple TV+. He joins the team to influence of Apple’s growing ambitions in original content.    

And watch out for the Gaming companies that their ability to increase the gross engagement time over content makers. The platforms desired metrics of Total Viewed Hours won’t be able to compete with gaming time. Following our discussion with Sean Haran at Gearbox, we see the trend continue with Riot Games hiring of Ryan Crosby from Hulu and Netflix.  This is clearly the indication that new studios are in the works.

Disney’s theatrical marketing group is tapped for the roll out of the Disney+ big name content like Wandavision and The Mandalorian. 

Leaning on the creative channels from the successful theatrical team boosts the presentation of Disney+ content, but also changes the utilization of the marketing group, which can have bigger long term implications. 

How will they prioritize future release elements, what would the upsell be (if any) for a traditional release schedule?  

HBO Max is also feeling the pressure. With subscribers at 25% of what Disney brings in, and no real growth after the WW84 release leaves Warner Bros with the challenge of keeping filmmakers happy, cash flow coming in, and the daunting effort of keeping up with the competition.  

Shout out to @Midnight Oil for the work on the Terminator Salvation poster.

Are we just playing games?

“More and more markets are opening up for game IP as more gamers seek premium entertainment.” - Sean Haran

Sean Haran, Chief Business Officer at Gearbox Software, joins us today to share his experience from studio executive to video game pioneer. The game industry has legitimized entertainment as a growth segment for over two decades and in the last year has grown in influence. Sean’s eye towards opportunity sheds light on the future game IP, games as distribution for content makers, and a venue for connection and competition even in a pandemic. 

Netflix’s 2021 Sizzle with all star cast sharing “What they love about movies”, trying to strengthen the definition of a movie without the need for theatrical release (and sometimes quality).  They also promises a movie a week, but will they be able to deliver on the promise of quality or will this be Netflix Churn?  

 Quibi is gone but not dead. Roku acquisition of Quibi content is a possible play for a “Netflix Light“ platform. Will Roku expand the Quibi shows into full length or does this make Roku a place to view a long tail of existing content?  

Disney does a Friday evening news dump to announceme Tony Chambers’ new position as Head of Disney Theatrical Distribution. Reporting now into Kareem Daniel’s division instead of studio chief Alan Bergman which marks a major shift toward a general platform distribution. Is a more general platform marketing far behind?

This week on our podcast, we dive into the inner workings of a classic Hollywood career. Politics? Strategy? Relationships?  We cover it all. Join us for an insightful look into Hollywood!

Connect with us on your favorite social platform:

https://linktr.ee/hollywoodbreaks

With the disappointing storyline of Wonder Woman 1984,  HBOMax still needs to find the tipping point. “A blockbuster movie isn’t just recognized with box office numbers. You know it’s a blockbuster when you want to see it over and over.” (Keith Rauch).The long tail model for OTT platforms need the evergreen content or they will always struggle.  

Warner Bros brings in experienced marketer of Josh Goldstine to helm as President of Worldwide Marketing, taking over the post once occupied by Blair Rich. This is another move by studios in the attempt to accomplish a unified offering for marketing on to the ever expanding platform. At the same time, Ricky Strauss from Disney is departing after a genius tenure for the studio. Strauss leaves a legacy of Disney+, Marvel and Star Wars success. “If you’re a fan of Marvel films, you’re a fan of Ricky Strauss’ Marketing. “ (Tim Thompson) 

Politics and Hollywood entertainment have become insparatable bedfellows over the last few decades, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing should want be players. Following the premise that Politics is downstream of the culture, Real Daily Wire is starting an entertainment division dedicated to broadening the conversation to include conservative values. “As I’ve said for years, Hollywood works behind gates and lives behind gates and it would be good to have a larger presentation of values without the heavy-handed power of the media monopoly. ” (Keith Rauch) 

The first film scheduled for release will be #runhidefightmovie on January 14th.

We welcome back Robin Geisen this week to review the past year and the big impact on the Industry. 
The shift into streaming has had the biggest impact from Disney+ 80M Subs to the Warner’s debacle with distribution on HBOMax. Keith Rauch and Robin Geisen debate the overall impact on all the players from studios, talent, exhibitors and award shows. Despite the uncertainty and major changes, theatres and streaming can co-exist but the viewing audience may not agree. The theatrical experience may be different but it can’t be replaced. 

Does AT&T see the talent as a simple commodity and not recognize the importance of relationship and trust when it comes to stockpiling quality entertainment? And moving their theatrical release to the Direct to TV Brand down grades their reputation from a film studio to a network.

And stay tuned to the end for everyone’s favorite Christmas movie

The Mouse Rocks The House: Wall Street Hearts Disney’s Investor Day
Disney Investor Day announces some big strategy for upcoming season. Investing $8-9 Billion in content creation for Disney+ and $16B on all streaming. This new growth market will have its heyday soon enough with SVOD and OTT platforms booming over traditional broadcast and distribution. Keith Rauch believes “The gold rush in the new era is “spend spend spend make make make””

Warner Media is paying a big price too, but theirs is in relationship capital with top deal makers angry about the HBOMax distribution strategy for 2021. Vocal filmmakers like Chris Nolan and Denis Villeneuve speaking openly (Variety article) about what they feel is a poor decision by the studio that cuts the returns for their top talent.

Richard Rushfield of The Ankler (https://theankler.com/) expresses strong position that only two studios, Disney and Universal, remain in the movie game while others back down their strategy. Possibly a sign of the weak cash position, studios like Paramount and Sony are selling off their films. This may be the chance Apple is waiting for. They are positioned to buy into the marketplace and establish a strong pipeline for their current weakness on AppleTV+ and overall content contributions.


** Episode Notes:
The Ankler is a newsletter about and for the entertainment industry, edited and written by Richard Rushfield, with the help of some special friends. You can subscribe at  https://theankler.com/

Warner Media breaks the slow pace of Hollywood decision-making and makes a bold move to distribute 2021 films slate directly to HBO Max. This may be an indicator that studios are not confident that exhibitors can get the turnout needed for studios to take a risk on them. 
Discovery+ (really? That’s the name?) is coming on strong with original content on their OTT platform. Taking a page from the past success they can show others how to churn out needed new releases on a low budget. 
Disney shake-ups can be a big hit for former FOX players as contracts are coming to an end and Disney is looking for additional cuts. Not a position we want to see our friends dealing with in the upcoming weeks. 
And finally…. Bye Bye Quibi (and maybe Katzenberg?)

This episode was recorded on November 21st, 2020.

No one is really talking about the cinema experience, except Universal. Bold moves in distribution and possibly setting a foothold in the future of Theatrical Distribution, Universal makes a deal with Cinemark Theaters, similar to their deal with AMC, and defines terms for studio/theater collaboration. 
Entertainment Marketing Agencies need to prepare for the studios’ concentration of strategy and distribution beyond the proven techniques of yesterday.

Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

We discuss the latest changes to Disney’s org and ask the question about studio loyalty over the pursuit of subscribers. 
And Netflix still struggles with its original content. Many content creators know that their talent is becoming the commodity of exchange and the burn rate will be the next big movement Hollywood will be discussing.

We welcome Cameron Dillavou, Head of Global Brand Marketing, to discuss Prime Video’s focus on the platform, content creation, and meeting the consumer with their needs.

Sony announces the realignment of their TV and Motion Pictures marketing/distribution into a single hub. Even though Disney isn’t saying that directly, it is clearly an outcome of their recent shake-up with a centralized distribution strategy. Marketing executives and vendors will be part of the shuffle in the next few months.

Quibi is gone and Netflix has missed its numbers during a pandemic shut down when all people are at home consuming content. Where are the viewers focusing their attention? 
New platforms are building a better distraction model with the ability to make a constant stream of content. With the INVERTED CONTENT CURVE, large players can’t expect the keep up with the demand of viewers' attention without a better strategy than just spending Billions.

Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

The biggest night in Hollywood is just around the corner!  Don't miss out on all the buzz surrounding this year's Oscar nominations - we've got it covered at Hollywood Breaks.  Who do you think will take home those coveted gold statuettes?

Connect with us on your favorite social platform:

https://linktr.ee/hollywoodbreaks

Layoffs, Layoffs, Layoffs. Deconstruction is a reality. 
The ROI on film distribution and marketing is tanking, which shifts the need for marketers to find an audience and vendors who can keep up with the new demands. 

Peacock and HBOMax are not stepping up like Warner and Comcast need.

Robin Geisen is a marketing executive and gives our viewers insights on the new deal-making happening in the marketplace. Marketing consultant for the players, she is an influencer to synchronize the needs of the film food chain.

Who cares about the award shows if the Red Carpet doesn't exist? The show must go on is replaced with the Show Must Show Off. 

And there are new players following the success of Disney+ hoping to capture the stay at home viewers.

How do we keep score now that box office numbers don't exist and OTT/SVOD platforms don't share their data?

Oscar season is disrupted by the pandemic. What is going to happen with the recognition of the great films and will the end of the year bring the films we were expecting. 

The decisive Paramount Decree broke up the Studio Monolopy in the 1940's and removed the right for studios to own the exhibition of films, which also blocked independent films from distribution.

The reversal is a response to changes in the current economy of Netflix and Amazon and plays to the strength of Disney and Universal consumer experience.

Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

It's a brand new year and the buzz is getting louder in Hollywood.  What's happening behind the scenes of Disney and Netflix? Tune into this episode with us and step inside Hollywood's biggest boardrooms.  

🎬Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape. 

#filmmaking #Hollywood #television #podcasting #avatar

On New Year's Eve Eve Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch exchanged predictions about the Hollywood of 2023. If you've been watching/listening to us, you know we're pretty good at predictions.  Enjoy this episode!

Want to watch the video version instead? Watch here: https://youtu.be/2wvuzaFgzwk

Disclaimer: This episode is best experience with video. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/rwN4lM1wAZ4

Get in the holiday spirit and listen as  Hollywood connaisseurs Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch discuss their favorite Christmas movies.  Join in on the conversation as they share which holiday films bring back fond memories and why these movies are must-sees for every season. Find out what makes these classic tales so special, while they provide insights into some of the best cinematic experiences of all time!

What a year!  Culminating with this week's release of the Thunder Smurfs, we're looking back at some of the amazing things that have happened in 2022. What did we not yet know in January 2022? Tune in to find out.

In the latest episode of Hollywood Breaks podcast, we explore just how impactful the potential return of movie theatres will be for the film industry.  We delve into discussions around the leadership decisions that could have a lasting effect on setting Hollywood right.  Be sure to tune in!

Welcome back to Hollywood Breaks with  Keith Rauch and Tim... Heindl!  

Tim is back by popular demand. 

Get ready for a delicious dish of expert analysis, always served up with a side of wit and fun.  

Enjoy!

There's no way we wouldn't have regrouped to talk about the latest Disney Bob Iger news.  

We know you also thought that nothing happens on Thanksgiving week, but hey!

While Hollywood is a place of boundless imagination and ambition, it's not immune to the harsh realities of downsizing. In this episode of Hollywood Breaks, we're discussing the tough realities of layoffs in creative industries, and more. 🎬 Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape. Follow us: 👉IG: https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodbreaks/ 👉FB: https://www.facebook.com/hollywoodbreaks 👉TW: https://twitter.com/hollywoodbreaks 👉Tim Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timtla/ 👉Keith Rauch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-rauch-24230811/ 👉VisionCraft Brew https://www.visioncraftbrew.com 👉The Founder's Brew Newsletter https://foundersbrew.substack.com/?r=23esq&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web 👉RevThink: https://revthink.com/

Where do all the people come from, and where do all the people go?

These questions are what marketers ask all the time.

So we turn to our friend Andrew Rosen to find out what happens, how fractionalization really creates a dynamic within a marketplace, and what it means to you as a content creator, filmmaker, agency owner.

What do these things have in common? The West Wing, Perry Mason and Captain EO underoos? Watch this episode to find out! 

 #filmmaking #Hollywood #television #podcasting   

🎬 Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

Things are about to crash, didn't we know it? Look at the earnings report that came out, look at the conversations.  Keith and I talk even more about this promotion of Avatar and how that's going to really bomb.  

So... welcome to this episode of Hollywood Breaks!     

#filmmaking #Hollywood #television #podcasting   

🎬 Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. 

Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

As we dive into Elon Musk finally get the keys to the kingdom. The bird is free indeed! We also discussed the leadership changes at DC and dive into what cord cutting really means for the future of film and media business.  

#podcast #filmmaking #Hollywood #television   

🎬 Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

Do you know what makes a difference in a great Hollywood filmmaking?  It's understanding the story behind it.  And today, Damon Wolf joins us and tells us about the back story of his new feature film Spinning Gold, as we also discuss many other amazing Hollywood features.

#podcast #filmmaking #Hollywood #television   🎬 Hollywood Breaks is an insiders’ view of what’s shaping the content-making world. Development partners Tim Thompson and Keith Rauch host this weekly show discussing current events with an eye towards seizing opportunity in the changing landscape.

In this new episode we discuss the brilliant marketing campaign of Smile, but we also zoom out to the industry as a whole, looking at how today's streaming numbers compare to the audience numbers of television broadcasts for series such as Seinfield and how key industry moments impact the viewing culture overall.

This week we welcome back the worldwide marketing expert Michelle Marks and engage in a conversation about the era of platform abundance. If you ever feel frustrated by the subscription ping-pong, you'll surely enjoy this episode!

This week Keith Rauch is joined by Robin Geisen as we have a look at this week's box office, but mainly - tackle more on the Entertainment Strategy Guy's view on The American Viewer, Keith Rauch's favorite series (pretty much ever).

Television has changed. It is not consumed the same and it is not created the same. Today we dive into The Ankler's brilliant 5-part series on the American television viewer.