The Business

KCRW
  • 4.6 (625)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Business

Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Sony Pictures enjoys a smooth succession; Kate Winslet gets candid about creating her new film ‘Lee’

    As Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra prepares to step down from his post in 2025, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the company’s succession plans.  Plus, Masters speaks to Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet about producing and starring in Lee, the true story of pioneering photojournalist Lee Miller. Winslet discusses the nine year uphill battle of getting the film off the ground — including sourcing financing and pulling together a cast that includes Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, Josh O’Connor, and comedian Andy Samberg in his first dramatic role.

    38 min

  2. SEP 27

    AI enters the Hollywood chat in major ways + Demi Lovato’s ‘Child Star’ cautionary tale

    With news of Lionsgate partnering with an AI mining firm and Meta’s new AI chatbot voiced by celebrities, Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw break down the latest industry forays in the world of artificial intelligence.  Plus, Kim Masters speaks to Demi Lovato and Nicola Marsh about their new documentary, Child Star. The co-directors explain the challenges of persuading some of the best known former child stars—including Drew Barrymore, Raven-Symoné, and Kenan Thompson—to share their deeply personal experiences as young performers.

    30 min

  3. SEP 20

    Disney’s messy succession story; Overcoming the production challenges of ‘Strange Darling’

    In the wake of Disney’s big night at the Emmys, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the New York Times article chronicling the chaotic succession endeavors at Disney. Plus, Masters speaks with writer-director J.T. Mollner and producer Roy Lee about their cat-and-mouse thriller Strange Darling. The film currently sits at 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and was called a “clever masterpiece” by Stephen King. But the road to such acclaim was not an easy one for the filmmakers. Mollner and his producers faced constant pushback from studio executives at Miramax, including having production shut down two days into shooting. Plus, the pair tells us about editorial clashes in post-production that would ultimately result in Mollner being given final cut.

    30 min

  4. SEP 13

    SAG-AFTRA is urged to protect Pro-Palestine members; Documentarian Maciek Hamela on ‘In The Rearview’

    Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down a letter signed by hundreds of SAG-AFTRA members calling on union leaders to protect Pro-Palestine members from being blacklisted.  Plus, Masters speaks to Warsaw-based filmmaker Maciek Hamela, whose documentary In The Rearview traces the stories of refugees fleeing Ukraine. The film originated from Hamela’s personal experience of repeatedly driving into the war-torn country in a small van, picking people up, and driving them to safety in his native Poland.

    30 min

  5. SEP 6

    The Murdoch family’s own private ‘Succession?’; Encore: Writer Justin Kuritzkes on ‘Challengers’

    Kim Masters and Matt Belloni examine the secret battle for succession among the family of billionaire Rupert Murdoch. They also take a look at a curious Wall Street Journal profile on Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro.  Plus, we revisit Masters’ conversation with writer Justin Kuritzkes about the rollout of his first screenplay, Challengers, now a full-fledged film directed by Luca Guadagnino. He talks about how the Zendaya-led project was inspired by a US Open match that eventually led to him becoming a tennis obsessive. And he shares how he and his wife Celine Song — who experienced a similar career whirlwind last year with her Oscar-nominated feature Past Lives — manage to keep their work separate from their relationship.

    30 min

  6. AUG 30

    The Journey of ‘Inside Out 2;’ Bronfman backs down

    Kim Masters and Matt Belloni banter about the summer box office, noting that it started with a whimper but is ending with a bang thanks to a sequel and two superheroes. Edgar Bronfman Jr. has withdrawn his bid for Paramount, and as the Venice Film Festival kicks off, Italy's increasingly right-wing government is courting Hollywood productions. Additionally, Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, the writers of the Pixar megahit Inside Out 2, join Kim Masters to discuss the importance of putting animated movies in theaters instead of only on streaming platforms — as former Disney CEO Bob Chapek did during his tenure. They also address whether the culture at Pixar has changed since John Lasseter’s 2018 departure amid misconduct allegations.

    30 min

  7. AUG 23

    Gary Oldman on ‘Slow Horses’; Edgar Bronfman Jr. enters the Paramount chat

    Matt Belloni and Alex Weprin discuss Edgar Bronfman Jr.'s unexpected bid for Paramount Studios, challenging the existing agreement with Skydance Media. Plus, Slow Horses kicks off its new season with nine Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series and Best Actor in a Drama for Gary Oldman. Eric Deggans revisits his interview with Oldman, where the actor shares insights into his career, the challenges of his craft, and what drew him to his latest role. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors.

    30 min

  8. AUG 16

    Justin Simien’s ‘Hollywood Black’ chronicles the pioneers of African American cinema; Phoenix and Paramount bail

    Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss recent Hollywood developments, including Joaquin Phoenix's sudden exit from a film just days before shooting and Paramount Pictures' decision to shut down a studio and layoff 2,000 workers. The industry grapples with uncertainty as Paramount and other major players navigate shifting dynamics.  Plus, NPR’s TV critic and media analyst, Eric Deggans speaks with ‘Dear White People’ creator Justin Simien. His new docuseries Hollywood Black chronicles over a century of Black experiences in Hollywood, exploring the contributions of Black actors, writers, and directors. Simien discusses the pivotal pioneers like Donald Bogle and Oscar Micheaux while sharing personal insights on navigating racial barriers in the industry.

    44 min
See All (938)

Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
625 Ratings

About

Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.

Information

  • Creator
    KCRW
  • Years Active
    2005 - 2024
  • Episodes
    938
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © KCRW 2024
  • Show Website
    The Business

More From KCRW

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada