In today's episode, Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor, analyzes the recent executive moves and Sony Pictures and Paramount, and he discusses the mood in the broader film business amid encouraging signs from the summer box office. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety's famous "slanguage," starting with "tubthump."

In today's episode, Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor, analyzes the recent executive moves and Sony Pictures and Paramount, and he discusses the mood in the broader film business amid encouraging signs from the summer box office. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety's famous "slanguage," starting with "tubthump."

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 — Unpacking the Sony Pictures Shakeup as Josh Greenstein Heads to Paramount; Tubthumping and a Tutorial on Variety Slanguage

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e21fd973-bb16-43ae-b9e4-b329012dc7bf/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus tries to make sense of California’s fractious electoral politics as the June 2 primary approaches. He explains why incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is hoping that the primary leaves her in a runoff against reality star Spencer Pratt, and why so many top contenders opted to sit out the state’s gubernatorial race.

 

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Gene Maddaus tries to make sense of California&rsquo;s fractious electoral politics as the June 2 primary approaches. He explains why incumbent <a href="https://variety.com/2026/politics/news/karen-bass-iatse-endorsement-mayor-1236754365/">Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass </a>is hoping that the primary leaves her in a runoff <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/spencer-pratt-hills-persona-created-mayor-run-real-1236759752/">against reality star Spencer Pratt, </a>and why so many top contenders opted to sit out the state&rsquo;s gubernatorial race.
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Daily Variety -- Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt and the Brawl in the L.A. Mayoral Race

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4c92da51-37af-41b2-a935-b457011f6796/transcript

On today's episode, in our box office segment, Variety's Rebecca Rubin carefully measures the turnout over the Memorial Day weekend holiday for Disney's “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It was a big test for Disney and Lucasfilm and the strength of the Star Wars franchise at the turnstiles. Meanwhile, Focus Features' horror pic "Obsession" had a strong sophomore weekend outing.

On today's episode, in our box office segment, Variety's Rebecca Rubin carefully measures the turnout over the <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/memorial-day-weekend-box-office-mandalorian-grogu-debut-1236758284/">Memorial Day weekend holiday for Disney's &ldquo;The Mandalorian and Grogu.&rdquo;</a> It was a big test for Disney and Lucasfilm and the strength of the Star Wars franchise at the turnstiles. Meanwhile, <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/obsession-box-office-breakout-hit-horror-1236757946/">Focus Features' horror pic "Obsession"</a> had a strong sophomore weekend outing.

Daily Variety -- 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and a Magnificent 'Obsession' Drive Holiday Box Office

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ed11cf3f-4ff9-46f2-b945-b456014c7aec/transcript

On today’s episode of Variety’s “Strictly Business” podcast, Havas Play executives Andrea Isaac and Juliet Tierney share insights on reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers – and the differences that distinguish them. The senior leaders of the branded content and experiential marketing unit of Havas discuss the sea change in marketing priorities and the need for brands to resonate in culture and across a range of fan communities. The key for the biggest marketers is learning to “understand strategy from a culture standpoint” in ways that are radically different from past practices, says Isaac, who is Havas Play’s managing partner for North America.

On today&rsquo;s episode of Variety&rsquo;s &ldquo;Strictly Business&rdquo; podcast, Havas Play executives Andrea Isaac and Juliet Tierney share insights on reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers &ndash; and the differences that distinguish them.&nbsp;The senior leaders of the <a href="https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/variety-entertainment-marketing-summit-recap-1236727891/">branded content and experiential marketing unit of Havas discuss the sea change in marketing priorities </a>and the need for brands to resonate in culture and across a range of fan communities. The key for the biggest marketers is learning to &ldquo;understand strategy from a culture standpoint&rdquo; in ways that are radically different from past practices, says Isaac, who is Havas Play&rsquo;s managing partner for North America.

When Cultures Collide: What Big Brands Need to Reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5051f3da-40a3-429b-860d-b452004a8e26/transcript

Daily Variety — Unpacking the Sony Pictures Shakeup as Josh Greenstein Heads to Paramount; Tubthumping and a Tutorial on Variety Slanguage

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