Hosted by former Marvel entertainment lawyer Paul Sarker and entertainment enthusiast Mesh Lakhani, Better Call Paul will delve into the business and legal issues at play behind the glitz and glam. This show takes you beyond the catchy headlines to find out what’s really at play behind the scenes and gives you an introduction to the business side of show business.
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Spanx, Facebook, Apple, Starbucks - we know their stories like the back of our hand. But what about the innovative companies that are changing the world without us even knowing it? Founder Stories delves into their trials, tribulations, and routes to success. This is your chance to peek behind the curtain of organizations, enterprises, entrepreneurs, and brands who are on the precipice of changing lives and disrupting the status quo. In the founder's own words you will gain inspiration and i ...
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417. Drake Sues to end Rap Battle and NIL QB Drama
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35:58
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35:58This week, Paul and Mesh begin with musical festival season as Coachella concludes and Fyre Festival 2 hits the brakes. Next, they discuss Drake’s amended defamation complaint against his own label, Universal Music Group, resulting from his rap beef with Kendrick Lamar. Finally, Paul breaks down college football QB, Nico Iamaleava, leaving the Univ…
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416. Prada buys Versace and James Cameron embraces AI in VFX
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36:09Paul and Mesh begin with a luxury fashion update as Versace announced that it would be acquired by Prada to create a team-up of Italian luxury fashion brands. Next, Paul discusses the massive $1.68 billion dollar damages award in the sexual assault trial against writer director James Toback. Finally, Paul and Mesh discuss James Cameron, one of the …
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415. Cinema Con 2025, Tariffs hit Hollywood, and Arkansas Social Media Law
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35:14
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35:14This week, Paul shouts out Newsmax and their successful IPO before Mesh and Paul go over their top Cinema Con 2025 films. Next, they discuss the impact of tariffs on the entertainment industry, not that they have any answers. Finally, Paul provides an update on NetChoice v. Griffin, a ruling which struck down Arkansas' 2023 Social Media Safety Act …
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414. Sundance's New Digs & AI Video Editor Update
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33:55This week, Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of the use of trademarks in Film and TV and discuss some recent controversies. Next, they update us on Sundance's relocation from Park City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado beginning in 2027. Finally, Mesh shares the amazing developments he is seeing in the AI space for photo and video editing. Learn more …
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413. March Madness, Goodbye to Hollywood?, and Village Roadshow Pictures in Bankruptcy
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31:39
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31:39This week, Paul excitedly supports his Duke Blue Devils in their March Madness journey, while Mesh largely avoids the hype. Next, Paul and Mesh provide an update on the state of entertainment production in LA, the impact of tax incentives, and whether LA can reestablish itself as the epicenter of the production business. Finally, they discuss the b…
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412. Ne Zha 2 Crushes Box Office and Stan Lee Remembered
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33:13
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33:13This week, Paul begins with a recap of Chinese box office phenomenon, Ne Zha 2, which has crossed 2B in revenue and sold 300M+ tickets in China. Next Paul and Mesh discuss the net churn impacting the most popular streamers, and how nearly 50% of subscribers who cancel their subscription re-subscribe within a year. Finally, they reflect on Stan Lee,…
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411. Anora's Triumph, Taylor Swift Ticket Scam, and Paramount Pushes Back
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31:46This week, Paul and Mesh are back in the saddle and start by discussing how unlikely Oscar's star Sean Baker and his film Anora defied expectations and brought home statues without a box office haul. Next, they discuss an alleged ticket scam between conspirators from Jamaica and Jamaica, Queens that resulted in the theft of over $600K in tickets to…
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410. Ross Benes, Marketing Analyst and Author
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35:23
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35:23This week, Paul interviews Ross Benes who is an author, journalist and analyst for eMarketer. Ross discusses his upcoming book, 1999, and how it was a such a pivotal year for today’s culture (reality TV, Netflix’s launch). In addition, Ross discusses how streamers have embraced advertising tiers and whether skinny bundles will stem the tide of decl…
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This week, Paul Interviews Eric Perko who is an executive at the forefront of media and advertising. Eric discusses how he got into media, what led him to start Apollo Partners, and how he helps brands stay ahead of the curve, as well as why the Super Bowl is such a sought after media jewel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch…
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408. Superbowl Afterglow, Cap 4, and Diddy Claps Back
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29:52
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29:52This week, Paul and Mesh ponder Valentine’s day ideas and reflect upon the amazing Superbowl advertising and streaming numbers. Next, they discuss the first MCU release of 2025, Captain America: Brave New World and whether it lives up to the lofty expectations of Captain America: Winter Solider. Finally, Paul breaks down Diddy’s $100M defamation ca…
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407. Super Bowl, Media Earnings and House v. NCAA Drama
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34:56
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34:56This week, Paul celebrates his beloved Philadelphia Eagles who dominated on their path to becoming Super Bowl champions. Next, Paul and Mesh discuss earnings announcements from some of the biggest tech and media companies. Finally, Paul updates us on some dissension within the college athlete ranks as the House v. NCAA settlement approaches its Apr…
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406. Sundance, Streaming Rankings, and Paramount Update
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33:27This week, Paul and Mesh recap some of the winners of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and ponder whether it can remain in Park City, UT. Next, they break down the ranking of the various SVOD and FAST platforms based on Nielsen viewership data. Finally, they discuss the efforts of Skydance and Paramount to clear regulatory hurdles around the long-aw…
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405. Oscar Noms; Baldoni's Complaint; South Park Suit advances
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34:50Paul and Mesh start with a quick review of the 2025 Oscar nominations and celebrate Netflix's 16 selections. Next, they provide an update on the Baldoni v. Lively lawsuit as Justin Baldoni's complaint has been released. Finally, they update another major lawsuit as WBD's case against Paramount for breach of an exclusive South Park license survived …
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404. Goldwyn Harper Interview: How Television Broke College Sports
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40:54This week, Paul interviews television and sports executive, Goldwyn Harper, a West Point graduate and life-long sports fan who is currently a distribution executive at a Regional Sports Network and was previously at both DISH and the NFL prior to a short stint at the Orange Bowl. He shares his deep knowledge of both television and sports to analyze…
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403. LA Fires Hit Entertainment Industry; Venu Sports Shuttered
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41:41This week, Paul and Mesh discuss the fires that have devastated parts of Los Angeles, including neighborhoods which were home to many stars in the entertainment industry. Next, they discuss the abrupt end of Venu sports, the JV among Disney, WBD and Fox which was shuttered before it ever launched. Finally, they discuss incoming FCC chairman Brendan…
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402. Hollywood Drama: Jolie-Pitt divorce and Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni
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37:59This week, Paul and Mesh share their New Year's resolutions before digging into two very high-profile and drama-filled disputes among Hollywood A-listers. First, they recap the 8-year divorce battle between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt which was finally resolved in the last days of 2024. Next, they recap the It Ends with Us scandal involving actor/…
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This episode, Paul and Mesh look back on 2024 with the third annual Paulies. Paul and Mesh will award: Best Picture, Best Box Office Performance, Best TV Show, Best Streamer, Most Interesting Lawsuit/Legal Case, and Best BCP Topic of 2024. Tune to reflect on an amazing year in the world of technology, media, sports and entertainment. Happy new year…
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348. New FTC Chair, Award Season Starts, and Jay-Z Accused
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30:49This week, Paul and Mesh start off by discussing Andrew Ferguson, the next FTC chair, and how his approach may differ from Lena Kahn’s anti-competitive, pro-consumer approach. Next, they recap the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations. Finally, they discuss Jay-Z being implicated in a civil lawsuit which now accuses both Diddy and Jay-Z…
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347. Thanksgiving Box Office Crushes and Future AI Creator Payouts?
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34:48
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34:48This week, Paul and Mesh are back at it after a week off for Thanksgiving. They first recap the best Thanksgiving weekend in history for movie theaters (hint Moana 2 shattered records and expectations). Next, they discuss the increased demand for realty TV co-productions. Finally, they look forward to a creator-AI equilibrium where artists can get …
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346. Jussie Smollett Conviction Overturned; FCC Musical Chairs; and NIL Update
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32:08This week, Paul and Mesh begin with an update on Jussie Smollett, whose 2021 conviction was overturned as a violation of due process. Next, they discuss the leadership changes at the top of the FCC which will go into effect in January of 2025. Finally, the discuss an NIL update as the Governor of Ohio pushes to accelerate the process of students ge…
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345. Disney's Search For Iger's Successor and Onion's Bid for Infowars
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36:31This week, we recap Netflix's Jake Paul v Mike Tyson live event and discuss the Nielsen streaming TV and film ratings for October. Next, Paul and Mesh break down Disney's recent earnings call and its search for Bob Iger's successor. Finally, they discuss Alex Jones' recent bankruptcy auction in which Onion seemingly submitted the winning bid for th…
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344. Influencers Sway Election and Possible Media Landscape Changes
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35:25This week, Paul and Mesh highlight a few entertainment headlines prior to focusing on Trump's election win. In particular, they discuss how the result was a surprise to many mainstream media outlets and how Trump's strategy of appearing on popular long-form podcasts resonated with a new generation of voters. Finally, they ponder whether Republican …
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343. November Box Office Preview and Schiff Calls for Federal Film Tax Credit
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36:08
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36:08This week, Paul and Mesh look forward to four tentpole releases this November: Wicked, Gladiator 2, Moana 2, and Red One. Next, Paul discusses the United Way Hurricane Benefit Concert in support of the communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Finally, they discuss calls from politicians and other industry leaders for a Federal film tax…
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342. Eva Longoria saves John Wick Franchise, Recruiting Caitlin Clark, and AI radio hosts?!
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41:09This week Paul and Mesh look forward to Halloween and Diwali and reflect on Liam Neeson's action roles amid his tentative retirement plans before discussing Eva Longoria's last minute financing of John Wick which made the billion-dollar franchise possible. Next, they delve back into women's basketball and rumors that Caitlin Clark is being heavily …
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341. Liam Payne's Tragic Death and FTC Click to Cancel
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34:17This week, Paul and Mesh discuss former One Direction member, Liam Payne's tragic death as he fell from a third floor balcony in his hotel in Buenos Aires. Next, they discuss Christopher Nolan's next film at Universal and finally they end with the FTC's recently announced final rule which creates liability for companies that do not allow subscriber…
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340. Fall TV Deep Dive and FAST TV Heats up
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32:58
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32:58Paul and Mesh begin with a celebration of peak sports season and discuss the recent spike of LSAT takers. Next, they discuss the DIRECTV and DISH merger and DIRECTV's announced entry into the free ad supported streaming (FAST) market. Finally, they do a deep dive into to the 60+ series coming out this fall and highlight the ones they most want to s…
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339. Joker 2 Falters, Entertainment Layoffs, and Diddy Scandal Grows
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33:06
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33:06Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of the movie box office, including Joker: Folie a Deux's underwhelming opening weekend and rave reviews for The Wild Robot. Next, they discuss the U.S. jobs report and entertainment industry layoffs as well as QVC's entry into live sports programming. Finally, then with a Diddy scandal update including 120 plai…
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338. Faisal Lateef: General Counsel of Avant Gardner
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42:05This week, Paul interviews Faisal Lateef, the general counsel of Avant Gardner. Avant Gardner is a leading electronic dance music brand and venue operator in New York City and it operates the legendary Brooklyn Mirage, among other venues. Faisal discusses his entry into the music business, his journey to law school and how he pivoted during the pan…
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337. Emmys, Diddy in Jail, and California's New AI Laws
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35:31This week Paul and Mesh quickly recap the Emmys and reflect on the biggest TV shows of the last year. Next, they discuss Diddy's arrest and the federal indictment regarding decades of criminal activity and ponder Sean Combs' future. Finally, they breakdown five new laws enacted in California regarding the use of AI in political content and sexual d…
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336. VMAs Recap, 2nd Presidential Debate, & Taylor’s Presidential Pick
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30:58Paul and Mesh begin by looking back at the incredible career of James Earl Jones who passed away at the age of 93 but leaves behind a legacy of timeless characters. They then dive into the latest Max growth projections and recap the 40th year of MTV’s VMA's. Finally, they discuss the viewership numbers for the second presidential debate and whether…
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335. Summer Box Office Recap and Matthew Perry's Dealer's Face Trial
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34:54This week, Paul starts with a shoutout to SABANY who graciously invited him to host their 2024 Awards Gala and then Paul and Mesh discuss the U.S. Open and the Toronto International Film Festival. Next, they recap the summer box office and August jobs report with a focus on the entertainment industry. Finally, they discuss the criminal investigatio…
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334. Venice Film Festival, Joaquin Phoenix Drama, and Film Tax Incentive Review
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34:43
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34:43This week, Paul and Mesh reflect on the end of summer and Alexandra Cooper's new 9-figure podcast deal. Next, they discuss the Venice Film festival and the legal implications of Joaquin Phoenix bailing on a film project 5 days prior to production. Finally, they update us on the state of the California film and television industry and how its market…
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333: Kenny Leu - Actor, Entrepreneur, and Martial Arts Champ
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41:34This week, Paul interviews another unbelievable guest, Kenny Leu. Kenny's star in the acting world is rising. After selling his company, he took the plunge and decided to pursue his childhood acting passion full-time. He walks us through his move to LA, getting representation, and eventually transition from commercials, to network television and fi…
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332. Sean Gupta: Banker, TV Exec and Columbia Professor
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37:46
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37:46This week, Paul interviews Sean Gupta, a television executive and former investment banker who has deep experience across cable, broadcast and streaming. Sean, who also teaches a class on television and streaming at Columbia Business School, provides an insider perspective on the forces causing the major shifts in television today and where the ind…
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331. Closing out the Olympics and Linear TV Turmoil
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35:15This week, Paul and Mesh reflect on the final days of a successful ’24 Paris Olympics before turning to a handful of entertainment updates such as Michelle Pfeiffer joining Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe as the lead of the Madison. The main topic this week is the staggering billion dollar write downs for WBD and Paramount as both companies …
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330. UFC Settlement Denied and Government Explores Deepfake Regulations
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31:41
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31:41This week Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of a plan to reinvigorate the film and television industry in central London. Next, they provide an update on UFC’s recent $335M settlement which was rejected by Richard Boulware, the judge presiding over the antitrust case in Nevada and speculate as to what happens next for both sides. Finally, Paul …
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329. Marvel Dominates, GoT’s New Game, and the Disney+,Hulu, and Max Bundle
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30:08In this episode of BCP, Paul and Mesh chat about the latest Game of Thrones mobile game created by Zynga. They then break down the amazing opening weekend for Deadpool Wolverine as well as the latest Marvel announcements at Comic Con, including a few big surprises. Finally, they discuss the Disney+, Hulu, Max bundle and how it might impact the stre…
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328. Wolverine & Deadpool Opening, Emmy Nominations, Olympic Viewership and Young Thug's Judge Exits…Again
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32:57In this episode of BCP, Mesh and Paul discuss Deadpool & Wolverine's opening and box office estimates. They then cover Emmy nominations and their favorite picks to win. Next, they examine the upcoming Olympics, focusing on NBCU's viewership and ad revenue expectations. Finally, Paul updates on the Young Thug trial, explaining why another judge has …
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327. Political Celebrities, Podcast Deals Heat Up, and Animated Films Top Box Office
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25:25This week, Paul and Mesh start with a quick discussion of celebrities who are weighing in on the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. Then they discuss Dax Shepard’s deal to bring Armchair Expert to Wondering and debate whether this is a sign of a broader resurgence in the podcast market. Finally, they provide a box office update where animated fra…
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326. Fourth of July; Radio Sound Recording Royalties, and IATSE Agreement
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29:50This week, Paul and Mesh start by sharing some of their favorite patriotic flicks in celebration of the 4th. Next, they discuss AMC Networks’ new show runner deal with Jonathan Glatzer, whose credits include Better Call Saul and Succession, and his unique vision for a Silicon-Valley inspired original show. Finally, Paul provides an update on a pote…
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325. Streaming Hits for Summer and Jonathan Majors' shot at Redemption?
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34:41This week, Paul and Mesh start off with the concerning Q1 cable data showing that cord cutting is accelerating. They then discuss one of the potential causes of cord cutting – as studios and networks invest more into streaming shows (often) at the expense of linear TV and discuss a line up of streaming hits arriving just in time for summer – Bridge…
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324. MCU Update, Gina Carano Lawsuit Survives, and NCAA NIL Drama
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31:46Paul and Mesh begin with some MCU updates: Daredevil’s director Yann Demange being the second director to bow out of the project; and RDJ stating that he’s open to reprising his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Next, they dive into Gina Carano’s wrongful termination and discrimination lawsuit which stems from her being left out of Season 3 of the Manda…
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323. NBA's Massive Payday, Texas Doubles Down on Consumer Data Protection, and IATSE Nearing Strike
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31:13
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31:13In this episode, Mesh and Paul kick things off by sharing their excitement for Tribeca Film Festival and the premiere of House of Dragons Season 2. They then dive into the NBA's massive potential trio of rights deals which are rumored to be worth up to $76 billion dollars over the next 11 years. Paul provides an in-depth look at Texas Attorney Gene…
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322. Box Office Update, An AI-generated Streamer, and WBD’s Next Move
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36:49This week Paul and special guest co-host, Jessica David, kick things off with a look back at a lackluster start to the summer movie box office and a glance ahead at what films could turn the tide. Next, they discuss Fable’s Showrunner AI offering which will allow users to create animated series with just a few prompts. Finally, Paul discusses the l…
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321: Diddy’s Apology, ScarJo calls out Open AI
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37:49This week, Paul and Mesh update the latest fallout from Sean Combs’ various lawsuits and the apology he posted after security camera footage of his attack on Cassie was released. Next, they discuss a few updates from Open AI: (1) a multi-year license agreement with News Corp. to leverage its print media assets in Open AI algorithms and search datab…
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320. Major Movies Announced (LOTR and IMAX 2025), Streaming Bundling Bonzana, and Voice Actors Sue AI startup
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39:42This week Paul and Mesh begin with the latest 2025 and 2026 Hollywood tentpole picture release announcements ranging from Imax’s 2025 slate to a new Lord of the Rings film starring and directed by Andy Serkis. They then discuss several major new streaming bundles which will further complicate the content ecosystem as well as the NFL signing a deal …
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This week, Paul and Mesh begin with a preview the 77th annual Cannes film festival. Next, they dig into the ever-changing NIL landscape: the legal background, recent paradigm shifts, and where major college sports might be headed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Lola Media
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318: CBS Still #1, SAG-AFTRA to use Nielsen data, and Airbnb Launches Icons
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34:10Paul and Mesh kick off the episode by discussing CBS, which, for the 16th consecutive year, was the most-watched US broadcast network. Paul then explains the SAG-AFTRA’s decision to use Nielsen to track streaming viewership data and performance, which will help verify the platform’s own reporting. Finally, Mesh expresses his excitement about Airbnb…
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317. Taylor Swift Overload, LOTR Returns, and FCC Takes on MFNs
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34:12This week, resident Swiftie, Mesh, gives us his take on Taylor Swift’s latest record-breaking double album, The Tortured Poet’s Department. Next, Paul and Mesh geek out about Fantom Event’s announcement that it will re-release Peter Jackson’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy this summer in re-mastered 4K. Finally, Paul breaks down the FCC’s recent an…
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316. Netflix's New Head of Film, Caitlin Clark's Deals & APA’s Guidelines for AI in Documentary Film
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42:35Paul and Mesh kick off the episode discussing Netflix’s new head of film, Dan Lin, and the potential change in strategy from big budget films to a more cost-conscious approach. They then dive into women’s basketball star and WNBA #1 pick Caitlin Clark, her deal with Nike, and what it will take for the WNBA to provide better pay to its athletes. Fin…
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