Hollywood Breaks
137 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsHollywood 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.
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Episodes
039 MERGERMANIA
May 23, 2021 11:46 - 28 minutes - 64.7 MBOnce again the Boomer Elite try to make themselves look good for Wall Street as AT&T calls it quit and hands over their interest to content house Discovery+. “Not only are we losing one more employer, we have one less opportunity for real creativity and filmmakers to be discovered” - Keith Rauch We expect to see more consolidation as Amazon most likely inks a deal with MGM and possibly Apple finding a library with Sony or even Comcast.
038 End of Celebrity, Birth of Influence
May 16, 2021 12:35 - 42 minutes - 96.4 MBThe attraction of celebrity was the thought that a larger community was sharing an experience by following a person, knowing some personal details and then wanting to watch or listen to their next creation. The mystique of the person was part of the genius and the studios supported this arrangement in order to get engagement from the audience. Today is just about influencers, but they are just being commoditized. This trend was literally started by the guy who built a website calle...
037 The end of the Boomer Elite with Special Guest Richard Rushfield
May 08, 2021 20:08 - 38 minutes - 87.5 MBOur guest this week is The Ankler Editor-in-Chief Richard Rushfield where we discuss the stronghold of the Baby Boomer class has over the industry and the need for them to pass the torch. But there is a scarcity of leadership who would carry the torch outside of tech overlords who convert entertainment into “content”.
036 Death of the Salesmen | with Special Guest Jeremy Gershman
May 01, 2021 12:35 - 38 minutes - 87.2 MBAre marketing campaigns forever changed post-pandemic? What is it like to live through a merger of two very different film studios? Will Jeremy Gershman stay positive no matter what? Be sure to watch to find out all the answers and subscribe so you don’t miss out on our upcoming guests!
035 Hollywood Breaks Goes Global with Former Studio Executive Tomas Jegeus
April 25, 2021 19:07 - 53 minutes - 122 MBThis week, we welcome producer and former 20th Century Fox studio exec, Tomas Jegeus to discuss the expanding opportunities in the international market as well as the distinct differences between international and domestic marketing strategies. We also tackle the importance of breaking down the barriers to up and coming filmmakers. VisionCraft Brew Founder, Keith Rauch makes the case that “the pandemic is breaking down walls and we’ll start seeing content produced outside of the ga...
034 Amid Much Fanfare with Special Guest Dallas Taylor
April 17, 2021 16:36 - 39 minutes - 90.9 MBWe welcome Dallas Taylor from Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast to discuss the transition of the traditional theatrical fanfare at the opening of a film, into the new desires of consumers and new sonic branding. We discuss the changes on the #20thcenturyfox, Netflix, HBO and the work they are doing to get consumers to register the sound and picture experience.
033 NETFLIX + SONY= New Hollywood Couple
April 09, 2021 21:57 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBThe industry’s major players are taking sides as Netflix and Sony strike a partnership for content and distribution. The Yin and Yang of content and audience will meet up to give both entities the market strength they need in the ever competitive show business. Godzilla vs Kong continues to give Hollywood brokers some positive feedback on the market and audience willingness to get back to the theater. But Vision Craft Brew Founder Keith Rauch declares “This is not a blockbuster!!” ...
032 Are Godzilla and Kong really Box Office Monsters?
April 03, 2021 23:01 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBMovies are the fighting back in the theaters. Godzilla vs Kong is the first sign that film goers are willing to get back in the seat. Even though HBOMax released at the same time, the monster film reached $40MM Domestically. This may be a sign of success or flop as the summer gives us more post-pandemic numbers. Keith Rauch makes a great point that other industries have prepared messages to welcome customers back, #Hollywood is falling short. “The Hollywood egos that need to g...
031 Ticket Buyers and Monthly Subscribers | Special Guest Cami Sargent
March 27, 2021 01:37 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBThis week we welcome guest Cami Sargent (Fox, Netflix, AppleTV+) about the work of Creative Marketing from a studio to streamer. We recap some of the large campaigns she created at the Studios and how they make a difference in the overall entertainment experience. Will Apple merge with Sony? Does Netflix work to solve the what to watch issue? How do we create new pop culture moments in the new Hollywood culture?
030 Insights into Amazon Prime Video’s success with Cameron Dillavou
March 20, 2021 01:39 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBThis 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.
029 Disney continues its content dominance
March 13, 2021 01:04 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBWith 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...
028 Why the theatre experience won't suck | Special Guest Kyle Davies
March 05, 2021 23:56 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBOur 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”.
027 The Future of Theatrical: Art not Form
February 27, 2021 02:19 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBSony 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...
026 The rise of “content” kills the cinematic experience
February 19, 2021 23:28 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBMartin 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 ...
025 The Blue Sky is falling
February 14, 2021 18:31 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBDisney 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 Mandal...
024 It's a Netflix world, do the studios really wanna live in it?
February 06, 2021 00:26 - 40 minutes - 37 MBThe 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 change...
023 Asad Ayaz's Theatrical Group Makes Big Moves
January 30, 2021 00:14 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBDisney’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 ...
022 How Gaming is Changing our Future
January 23, 2021 08:48 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBAre 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 di...
021 It’s Not Movies, It’s Netflix
January 15, 2021 19:55 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBNetflix’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...
020 Blunder Woman | Turns out Superheroes can’t save everyone
January 08, 2021 23:21 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MBWith 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 occup...
019 Breaking Back: 2020 REVIEW with Special Guest Robin Geisen
December 18, 2020 19:00 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBWe 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 e...
018 Disney gives content creators a big break
December 12, 2020 19:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBThe 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,...
017 WarnerMedia goes all in with HBOMax
December 05, 2020 19:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBWarner 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....
016 The Universal in a Nutshell: The Shell game continues
November 20, 2020 19:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBThis 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 tec...
015 The Wonderful World of Dis-organization
November 13, 2020 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBWe 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.
014 Making the Sausage with Amazon Prime Video
November 06, 2020 19:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBWe 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.
013 Sony makes moves. Disney, are you watching this?
October 30, 2020 19:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBSony 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.
012 If a Quibi falls in the woods will anyone hear it?
October 23, 2020 18:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBQuibi 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.
011 Paramount, Amazon and the Disney Re-Org
October 16, 2020 18:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBHollywood 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.
010 The Film Industry Deconstruction
October 09, 2020 18:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBLayoffs, 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.
009 Marketing and Distribution with Special Guest Robin Geisen
October 02, 2020 18:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBRobin 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.
008 Red carpets and "à la carte" viewing experiences
September 25, 2020 18:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBWho 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.
006 Resetting the Hollywood Matrix
September 18, 2020 18:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBHow do we keep score now that box office numbers don't exist and OTT/SVOD platforms don't share their data?
005 What's new with award shows and theatrical experiences?
September 11, 2020 18:00 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBOscar 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.
003 The End of the Paramount Decree
August 13, 2020 21:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBThe 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...
002 The Distribution Dilemma
August 11, 2020 21:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBHollywood 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.
001 The Pivot is the Opportunity
August 07, 2020 13:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBHollywood 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.