The NATPE-Realscreen Collapse and Where to Go Sell Your Show Now
The long‑standing NATPE and Realscreen conferences have been shuttered after Brunico Communications pulled the plug on its U.S. events portfolio, effectively ending a 28‑year unscripted market hub. The closures reflect shrinking buyer budgets, cable‑ad revenue decline, and industry consolidation that eroded the deal‑making ecosystem once centered on hotel lobbies. With no major U.S. venue for unscripted pitches, producers are pivoting to European and Latin‑American hubs. Competitors like Banff World Media Festival are moving to fill the vacuum, reshaping the global map of format sales.
Warner Bros.’ Jeff Goldstein on the Big Tom Cruise Bet: ‘We Landed the Plane’
Warner Bros. president Jeff Goldstein used CinemaCon to showcase the studio’s ambitious release slate through 2028, highlighting Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s upcoming comedy *Digger*. He stressed that despite speculation about a possible sale to Paramount, Warner remains focused...
🎧 The Merger Drama That Won’t Stay in Vegas
Warner Bros. announced a blockbuster slate through 2028 at CinemaCon, but its pending sale to Paramount was conspicuously omitted, fueling speculation. The omission sparked a heated debate on the convention floor, dubbed “pin‑gate,” as industry insiders dissected the merger’s fallout....
A24’s Speed, Spend & Bidding Wars Reshape TV — Forcing Rivals to Pay Up
A24 has transformed from an indie film label into a dominant TV studio by pairing lightning‑fast dealmaking with deep pockets from a $3.5 billion Thrive Capital valuation. The company can move from script concept to contract in a single week, as...
Tax Incentive Showdown: Where the Money Is State-by-State
The Ankler maps the evolving U.S. film‑and‑TV tax‑incentive landscape, highlighting a fierce state‑by‑state bidding war for productions. California doubled its annual incentive budget to $750 million, yet producers still complain about narrow application windows and the exclusion of above‑the‑line talent. Meanwhile,...
🎧 Jean Smart’s Perfect Exit (Again)
Jean Smart announces her departure from the Netflix comedy *Hacks* after its fifth season, mirroring her earlier exit from *Designing Women* after a similar five‑year run. She cites personal milestones—including motherhood, the loss of her husband, and a recent triple‑bypass...
‘Reggie Dinkins’ & Erika Alexander Lead TV’s 22-Minute Comedy Reset
“The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” premiered on NBC after an NFL playoff, delivering the most‑watched comedy debut of the 2025‑26 season. The 10‑episode, 22‑minute sitcom reunites 1990s star Erika Alexander, who returns as Monica, a business manager navigating...
Fandom Vs. Hollywood; ‘Love Story’ Sparks ‘George’ Backlash; Podcast Land Grab
The piece explores the growing clash between fan communities and Hollywood, using the recent backlash over a new "Love Story" adaptation that invoked the name George as a case study. It highlights how studios are scrambling to win over passionate...
🎧 The WGA’s Surprise Deal — SAG and DGA, You’re Up
The Writers Guild of America reached a tentative agreement with the major studios, injecting $321 million into its health plan while raising deductibles and premiums. The contract shifts from the traditional three‑year cycle to a four‑year bargaining period and includes modest...
Kalshi, Versant, NYT, WSJ: Top Media Execs Join Ankler X NAB Show
The Ankler × NAB Show will convene top media executives in Las Vegas from April 19‑21, 2026, under the theme “AI as Creator: Who Owns the Future of Hollywood?”. The three‑day forum will feature leaders from Kalshi, Versant, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal discussing...
The WGA Had Three Years to Think About AI. They Didn’t
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) unveiled a new contract that, despite three years of opportunity, contains no concrete provisions governing the use of artificial intelligence in screenwriting. Instead, the agreement relies on a task‑force report and vague language, leaving...
Podcast Frenzy: ‘Everyone’s for Sale’ After ‘TBPN’ Shocker
The podcast market is in the midst of a buying frenzy after TBPN’s sale to OpenAI for a low‑hundred‑million‑dollar price tag. The deal has ignited a wave of interest from legacy media, tech firms, and private investors seeking to own...
‘Mario’ and the New Fandom Flywheel Upending Hollywood
The Super Mario Galaxy movie earned $372.5 million worldwide in its five‑day opening, the highest opening tally of the year. Its success is attributed to a fan‑first strategy that leveraged nostalgia, Easter‑egg reveals, and massive online fan engagement. The article argues that Hollywood’s...
David E. Kelley at 70: Still Chasing the ‘Scream Inside’
David E. Kelley turned 70 and marked his 40‑year TV career by debuting his first collaboration with wife Michelle Pfeiffer on Apple TV+'s dramedy *Margo’s Got Money Troubles*. The series, based on Rufi Thorpe’s New York Times bestseller, stars Elle...
The Music Business Has a Problem. Bill Ackman Just Pounced
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management has submitted a $64 billion offer to acquire Universal Music Group, representing a 77% premium over the current share price. Ackman, who holds a 4.7% stake and previously served on UMG’s board, plans to relocate...
