HOLLWOOD
Eriq Gardner
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August 8, 2022
The Netflix-Disney Legal Squeeze
Netflix’s furious behind-the-scenes negotiation with Hollywood’s biggest union is putting rivals like Disney in a bind: either the studios take a similar deal, or face the wrath of California’s left-wing legislature. The outcome could redefine the entertainment calendar—or trigger a massive lawsuit.
Matthew Belloni
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August 7, 2022
Zaslav’s Next Move: Here Come the Layoffs
The rolling reductions will begin with smaller groups between Monday and Labor Day, followed by a ramp-up in bloodletting in September and October.
David T. Friendly
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August 7, 2022
Hollywood’s Billionaire Summer
A longtime producer reflects on how the growing preponderance of billionaire financing—smart money, dumb money, and everything in between—has transformed an industry in transition.
Matthew Belloni
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August 4, 2022
‘Batgirl’ Died For Our Sins
David Zaslav’s controversial and cold-hearted decision to kill off the movie for a tax credit isn’t simply the fault of the filmmakers or Jason Kilar or the herky jerky voyage of Warner Bros. It’s on Hollywood, as a whole, for worrying about being left behind by Netflix.
Julia Alexander
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August 2, 2022
The Only Surprise About Plepler’s New Hit Show
Richard Plepler has the surprise of the summer in Black Bird, but not because it is executive produced by the former HBO chief. It’s because the Apple TV+ show is so damn hard to find. Also: Notes on Hulu’s latest strategy.
Matthew Belloni
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July 31, 2022
Stallone’s War on Rocky: This Time It’s Personal
The 76-year old star is fighting his producers and MGM for a financial stake in his signature property, but it’s not just a play for more money.