On today's episode, Variety TV chief Michael Schneider speaks to showrunner Sterlin Harjo, whose new series "The Lowdown" bows today on FX. Clayton Davis, Variety's chief awards editor, discusses the surprise news that Christopher Nolan has taken on a side gig as president of the Directors Guild of America.

On today's episode,&nbsp;Variety&nbsp;TV chief Michael Schneider speaks to showrunner Sterlin Harjo, whose new series "The Lowdown" bows today on FX. Clayton Davis, Variety's chief awards editor, discusses the surprise news that Christopher Nolan has taken on a side gig as president of the Directors Guild of America.

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 -- Sterlin Harjo Embraces Tulsa Noir in 'The Lowdown'; Christopher Nolan Takes Side Job at DGA

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/39d42e3c-dbd1-406c-bf69-b36200fd03e2/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

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin explains why Lionsgate’s “Michael” made a surprise return to No. 1 in a weekend that marks the calm before the start of summer blockbuster season next week with Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” opening over Memorial Day weekend.

On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety&rsquo;s Rebecca Rubin explains why Lionsgate&rsquo;s <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/box-office-michael-reclaims-first-place-obsession-starts-strong-1236751550/">&ldquo;Michael&rdquo; made a surprise return to No. 1 in a weekend </a>that marks the calm before the start of summer blockbuster season next week with Disney&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Mandalorian and Grogu&rdquo; opening over Memorial Day weekend.

Daily Variety – Box Office: ‘Michael’ Returns to No. 1 as Exhibitors Brace for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ and the Start of Summer Blockbuster Season

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3de3af67-ae3a-4be1-a095-b44e01357742/transcript

Daily Variety -- Sterlin Harjo Embraces Tulsa Noir in 'The Lowdown'; Christopher Nolan Takes Side Job at DGA

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