To make its animated Netflix series "Arcane," Riot Games didn't follow the typical Hollywood rules. Marc Merrill, co-founder and president of games, and Shauna Spenley, head of entertainment, discuss how they are trying to take a company known for gaming sensations like "League of Legends" into brand-new territory. 

To make its animated Netflix series "Arcane," Riot Games didn't follow the typical Hollywood rules. Marc Merrill, co-founder and president of games, and Shauna Spenley, head of entertainment, discuss how they are trying to take a company known for gaming sensations like "League of Legends" into brand-new territory.

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

Riot Games Tackles TV Production Its Own Way

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6bdb180d-916e-4a01-97a1-af48000c821d/transcript

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Matt Donnelly details his sit-down in Nashville with Nicole Kidman for Variety’s pre-Oscars issue, published today in print and online. Kidman revisits the whirlwind experience of her best actress Oscar win for “The Hours” in 2003.

On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety&rsquo;s Matt Donnelly details his sit-down in Nashville with <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/features/nicole-kidman-oscars-practical-magic-2-female-directors-1236683554/">Nicole Kidman for Variety&rsquo;s pre-Oscars issue, published today in print and online</a>. Kidman revisits the whirlwind experience of her best actress Oscar win for &ldquo;The Hours&rdquo; in 2003.

 Daily Variety – COVER STORY: Oscars Rewind With Nicole Kidman as She Revisits Her 2003 Best Actress Win for 'The Hours'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5032d4b7-880e-48e9-b347-b40a0134ef54/transcript

On today’s episode, we’ll hear from Variety’s Antonio Ferme and Harper Mays on how the two assembled Variety’s 10 Creators to Watch list this year reflecting fast-rising, entertainment-centered social media stars. And Variety’s Payton Turkeltaub explains why so many people are taking their TV with cocktails and friends as watch party events for fan-favorite shows proliferate in bars and restaurants.

On today&rsquo;s episode, we&rsquo;ll hear from Variety&rsquo;s <a href="https://variety.com/lists/creators-to-watch/">Antonio Ferme and Harper Mays on how the two assembled Variety&rsquo;s 10 Creators to Watch </a>list this year reflecting fast-rising, entertainment-centered social media stars. And Variety&rsquo;s Payton Turkeltaub explains why so many people are taking their TV with cocktails and friends as <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/tv-watch-parties-survivor-traitors-heated-rivalry-1236679771/">watch party events for fan-favorite shows proliferate in bars</a> and restaurants.

Daily Variety -- The Collab Behind Variety's 10 Creators to Watch List; Why Bars are Hosting More TV Watch Parties

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/16d2024d-b778-479e-ad0a-b409012a91d6/transcript

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Brent Lang unpacks what went wrong for Warner Bros.’ “The Bride” and what went right for Pixar’s “Hoppers” this weekend. And then we step into the Wayback Machine for a look at the stories and personalities who were making news in Daily Variety on March 9, 1976.

On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety&rsquo;s Brent Lang unpacks <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/the-bride-bombs-box-office-opening-weekend-pixar-hoppers-scores-1236681832/">what went wrong for Warner Bros.&rsquo; &ldquo;The Bride&rdquo; and what went right for Pixar&rsquo;s &ldquo;Hoppers&rdquo;</a> this weekend. And then we step into the Wayback Machine for a look at the stories and personalities who were making news in Daily Variety on March 9, 1976.

Daily Variety -- 'Hoppers' Tops the Box Office While 'The Bride' Gets Jilted

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8af1a901-b2a2-419b-8a97-b4080149d156/transcript

Riot Games Tackles TV Production Its Own Way

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