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HOLLYWOOD

Ken Griffin is locked in a nasty behind-the-scenes legal fight with Sony Pictures over his depiction in ‘Dumb Money.’

Ken Griffin’s Secret War on ‘Dumb Money’

The hedge fund billionaire is locked in a nasty behind-the-scenes legal fight over his depiction in the new GameStop movie and has hired at least two separate law firms to send Sony Pictures threatening letters—one of which I obtained.
Matthew Belloni • September 11, 2023
Matthew Belloni • September 8, 2023
Parlez-Vous CAA?
In finding a synergistic private buyer in François-Henri Pinaul, whose $40 billion in assets include Kering and Christie’s, TPG managed to thread the needle.
A French fashion player announces himself in Hollywood as the talent agency’s private equity backers prove that, even if the sky appears to be falling, you can still make a lot of money in this town.
Julia Alexander • September 7, 2023
Disney, Zaz-AMC & The New Fronts in the Streaming Wars
AMC’s deal with David Zaslav and WBD’s Max streamer is ostensibly premised on the notion that the network will be able to capture subscriber attention from the larger platform.
News and notes on the hottest topics in the streaming industrial complex: Warner Discovery’s deal for AMC+ shows, the ESPN-Charter battle, and more.
Fran Drescher has ceded some of the spotlight to chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who comes across as firm and determined but not ferocious.
Matthew Belloni & Jonathan Handel • September 5, 2023
The Official End-of-Summer Strike Report
A candid conversation on The Eight’s strategy, Fran Drescher’s whereabouts, why Bradley Cooper isn’t in Venice, the interim agreements and more as Hollywood’s summer of unrest turns into an autumn free-for-all.
In November 2021, Tatiana Spottiswoode testified before the House Judiciary Committee about her relationship with Zia Chishti, and how Chishti allegedly subjected her to humiliating situations at work and sent her disturbing emails.
Eriq Gardner • September 4, 2023
A Legal Coda to the #MeToo Era
The bizarre story of a disgraced C.E.O. attempting to win back his reputation. It’s a plot that involves former lawyers for Harvey Weinstein and Gretchen Carlson, landmark legislation, Congress, and more.
According to sources close to the deal, the priority was to “event-ize” the experience, to replicate a Swift concert environment.
Matthew Belloni • September 1, 2023
How the Swiftie Cinematic Universe Came to Theaters
Taylor Swift’s innovative deal with AMC might open the gates for a new genre of D.T.C. theatrical concert films, even if it angers the rest of Hollywood.
WBD C.E.O. David Zaslav hopes CNN on Max can be leveraged to drive engagement and push audiences to other titles on on the streamer.
Julia Alexander • August 29, 2023
Zaz’s New CNN++
CNN, as we know it, may not make the transition to Max, especially as a 24/7 news source. It’s the perfect opportunity for WBD executives to reimagine the news product and format for a new generation.
Among subscribers, the perceived “quality” for Max is at 55 percent, the same as in January—even as all the other streamers dropped.
Matthew Belloni • August 28, 2023
Max Lost the HBO Name But Kept the Brand Halo
A look at how David Zaslav’s rebranded streamer is doing with consumers in the latest iteration of Puck’s Official Streaming Service Hierarchy.
The August 11 counteroffer was publicly released after eleven days, suggesting the counteroffer underwent little or no change during the negotiating sessions.
Jonathan Handel • August 28, 2023
Nine Issues for the AMPTP Studio Eight
An in-depth look at the studio/streamers’ counteroffer, and what it reveals about the duration of the strike.
A death threat has been sent to a prominent Hollywood union amid the ongoing labor strikes, according to police.
Matthew Belloni • August 26, 2023
Police Investigating Death Threat Amid Hollywood Strikes
“Burbank P.D. is aware and detectives are investigating the credibility and validity of the threat” sent to a prominent union that may also have targeted the broader entertainment community.
Scooter Braun realized early that in the social media age, he could leverage his clients to make himself famous.
Matthew Belloni • August 25, 2023
Why Everyone Is Dropping Scooter Braun
After spending waaay too much time this week talking with people on all sides of this situation, here’s why the yacht-dwelling “music mogul of the year” has been jettisoned by Bieber, Grande, Lovato, and Menzel.
Writer, director, and former actress Justine Bateman recently said that, regarding A.I., studios might be overlooking the “largest copyright violation in the history of the United States.”
Eriq Gardner & Matthew Belloni • August 21, 2023
Will A.I. Eat Hollywood?
Thoughts on a looming tech reckoning, Iger’s “Avatar” profit-sharing dilemma, and the “Blind Side” legal imbroglio.
Litigator Bryan Freedman has been waging war for possible unionization on behalf of Bethenny Frankel and other Bravo stars.
Matthew Belloni • August 21, 2023
Bryan Freedman Targets Reality TV NDAs
The feared Hollywood litigator, representing Bethenny Frankel and other Bravo stars, is demanding that everyone who works on the shows be able to speak freely about unlawful workplace conduct.
Fran Drescher
Jonathan Handel • August 21, 2023
A Solution for Success-Based Streaming Residuals
A modest proposal for solving Hollywood’s data transparency and residuals formula problem.
Apple TV+ continues to struggle in our survey, despite the perception around town that its content offering is improving, and the return of Jason Sudeikis and Ted Lasso.
Matthew Belloni • August 21, 2023
Streamers Are Turning Off Their Customers
Puck’s second original research study reveals consumers are souring on their streaming services, from Apple’s ‘Ted Lasso’ familiarity deficit to the HBO Max/Discovery+ divide and more.
Justin Bieber
Matthew Belloni • August 18, 2023
Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun Haven’t Talked in Months
Neither side is confirming a split, but they’re headed separate ways and their lawyers are involved. Plus news on Iger’s latest headache, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ drama, Tyler Perry’s BET bid, and more.
When a service de-platforms a streaming series, how much does it save in residuals? Consider Diary of a Future President, the Disney+ series which first premiered in January 2020 before both seasons were withdrawn this May.
Jonathan Handel • August 18, 2023
Are Residuals Driving the Streaming Purge?
When a service like Disney+ or Max de-platforms a made-for-streaming series, how much does it save in residuals for union talent? The answer is more than just a hypothetical as the cutbacks continue.
Julia Alexander • August 15, 2023
Bob Iger’s Originals Sin
To pare its streaming losses, Disney plans to reduce spending, raise prices, crack down on password sharing, and produce less—less!—content. In an era of ruthless competition and franchise fatigue, Iger may be pushing the limits of what consumers will pay without getting something original in return.