On today’s episode, Variety’s Todd Spangler and Gene Maddaus examine why OpenAI abruptly pulled the plug on its generative AI video creation model, Sora, and why Disney insiders are relieved that the Mouse House's character licensing deal with Sora has gone away, as has Disney's plan to invest $1 billion in OpenAI. Maddaus and Spangler explain what just happened -- and why SAG-AFTRA deserves to take a victory lap.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Todd Spangler and Gene Maddaus examine why <a href="https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/openai-shutting-down-sora-video-disney-1236698277/">OpenAI abruptly pulled the plug on its generative AI video creation model, Sora,</a> and why<a href="https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/why-openai-disney-ended-sora-deal-bob-iger-1236698901/"> Disney insiders are relieved that the Mouse House's character licensing deal </a>with Sora has gone away, as has Disney's plan to invest $1 billion in OpenAI. Maddaus and Spangler explain what just happened -- and why SAG-AFTRA deserves to take a victory lap.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.

Strictly Business

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Variety's Strictly Business

Daily Variety – OpenAI Shuts Down Sora, Disney Dodges Video AI Bullet, For Now

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b6afc80b-97bc-4f7f-850d-b419012ef0a4/transcript

On today's episode, filmmaker Paul Feig speaks with Variety's Matt Donnelly about the state of moviemaking, Hollywood's great contraction and why he is an unabashed fan of popcorn pics. The conversation was held April 8 at Variety's annual Power of Law breakfast event in Los Angeles.

On today's episode, f<a href="https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/paul-feig-patricia-l-glaser-power-of-law-breakfast-1236711958/">ilmmaker Paul Feig speaks with Variety's Matt Donnelly</a> about the state of moviemaking, Hollywood's great contraction and why he is an unabashed fan of popcorn pics. The conversation was held April 8 at <a href="https://variety.com/lists/legal-impact-report-2026-hollywood-top-attorneys/">Variety's annual Power of Law </a>breakfast event in Los Angeles.

Filmmaker Paul Feig Talks Test Screenings, Loving Popcorn Movies and Bringing Fans Back to Theaters

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0853b9b7-1978-4dc3-afa6-b4280112171e/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety’s Brent Lang and Elsa Keslassy analyze this year's Cannes Film Festival lineup which puts the accent on European auteur filmmakers. And top Hollywood litigator Patricia Glaser talks tough about social media, the Southern California economy, and she offers a full-throated defense of Casey Wasserman at Variety's Power of Law breakfast.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Brent Lang and Elsa Keslassy analyze this year's <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/cannes-film-festival-2026-lineup-1236711319/">Cannes Film Festival lineup </a>which puts the accent on European auteur filmmakers. And top Hollywood litigator Patricia Glaser talks tough about social media, the Southern California economy, and she offers a <a href="https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/paul-feig-patricia-l-glaser-power-of-law-breakfast-1236711958/">full-throated defense of Casey Wasserman at Variety's Power of Law breakfast.</a>

Daily Variety – Cannes Film Festival Slate Prizes European Auteurs; Patricia Glaser Defends Casey Wasserman and More From Variety’s Power of Law

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6c62561b-8463-4eaf-9528-b4270134671d/transcript

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Michael Schneider details his reporting and the incredible access he received to cover the fifth and final season of HBO Max’s beloved comedy “Hacks.” And Cindy Lin, executive director of UCLA’s Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports, discusses the big developments in entertainment law as Variety unveils our annual Power of Law issue including this year’s Legal Impact Report honorees.

On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Cover Story segment,&nbsp;Variety&rsquo;s Michael Schneider details his reporting and the incredible access he received <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/features/hacks-final-season-jean-smart-heart-surgery-lesbian-episode-1236706725/">to cover the fifth and final season of HBO Max&rsquo;s beloved comedy &ldquo;Hacks.&rdquo;</a> And Cindy Lin, executive director of UCLA&rsquo;s Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports, discusses the big developments in entertainment law as <a href="https://On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety&rsquo;s Michael Schneider details his reporting and the incredible access he received to cover the fifth and final season of HBO Max&rsquo;s beloved comedy &ldquo;Hacks.&rdquo; And Cindy Lin, executive director of UCLA&rsquo;s Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports, discusses the big developments in entertainment law as Variety unveils our annual Power of Law issue including this year&rsquo;s Legal Impact Report honorees.">Variety unveils our annual Power of Law issue including this year&rsquo;s Legal Impact Report </a>honorees.

Daily Variety – The Inside Scoop on the Farewell Season of ‘Hacks’; Power of Law: Ziffren Institute Chief Cindy Lin on Cutting-Edge Issues for Entertainment Law

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/afe554f0-d89b-457c-a4e7-b42600ff7683/transcript

Daily Variety – OpenAI Shuts Down Sora, Disney Dodges Video AI Bullet, For Now

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