Better Call Paul Lola Media
-
- News
-
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.
-
320. Major Movies Announced (LOTR and IMAX 2025), Streaming Bundling Bonzana, and Voice Actors Sue AI startup
This 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 with Netflix. Finally, Paul breaks down a class action lawsuit brought by voice actors claiming their rights of publicity were violated by an AI startup, LOVO, who allegedly altered, used, and monetized their voices without permission.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
319. Kicking off Cannes and NIL Update
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/adchoices -
318: CBS Still #1, SAG-AFTRA to use Nielsen data, and Airbnb Launches Icons
Paul 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’s new Icons launch, where pop culture-themed stays and other one-of-a-kind experiences will be available to the public.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
317. Taylor Swift Overload, LOTR Returns, and FCC Takes on MFNs
This 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 announcement that it will look into the enforceability of most favored nations clauses and internet holdbacks in carriage agreements between operators (e.g., cable, satellite) and independent networks.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
316. Netflix's New Head of Film, Caitlin Clark's Deals & APA’s Guidelines for AI in Documentary Film
Paul 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. Finally, Paul breaks down the Archival Producer’s Alliance development of guidelines regarding the use of generative AI in documentary filmmaking and how the APA attempts to balance risk and reward.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
315. OJ’s Death, Cinema Con and Paramount’s Latest Deal with Skydance
Paul and Mesh kick off the episode discussing OJ’s death and the controversial legacy he left behind. They break down the latest news from Cinema Con- AMC’s survival, Gladiator 2, Transformers, and other IP coming to the big screen. Finally, they give an update on the Paramount/Skydance deal and the tension it’s causing among shareholders.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Customer Reviews
Absolutely outstanding
This guy Paul is top notch - I really can’t express how much I love this show and how useful it is. Highly recommended !!!!
Smart and informative!
Paul and Mesh have great chemistry. I really enjoy their engaging discussions about the entertainment industry, pop culture, and the intersections with law. I find myself learning a lot and jotting down notes on what to watch. I listen to a LOT of podcasts and this one is now one of my favorites. This podcast is so interesting and entertaining with a hint of nerdiness - I love it. Bravo-keep it up!
Wow the algorithm really got this one right for me
This is a perfect intersection of a few of my podcast interests: the media and entertainment industry, law, and two people having an engaging conversation. The hosts have insider knowledge without being too exclusionary, and they have good takes on the latest gossipy topics without delving into page six-like speculation. A bonus - I absolutely hate sports and hearing about sports, unless it’s these two talking about it!
Just an overall solid podcast, I look forward to it every week.