The Retro Innovation of ‘The Pitt,’ With Lead Producer John Wells
In this episode of The Town, host Matt Bellany talks with veteran TV producer John Wells about the unconventional production model behind HBO Max’s procedural drama “The Pit.” Wells explains how the show revives the classic broadcast‑style format—15 episodes per season, half‑hour budgets, and a single Los Angeles set—to create a cost‑effective, award‑winning series that connects with audiences like the 80s‑90s prestige dramas. He highlights the financial efficiencies, tax incentives, and creative freedoms that made the model possible, and discusses its impact on industry trends and future streaming projects.
Sony Film CEO on Losing ‘Sinners’ and the Endless Big Tech Battle
In this episode, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group chairman Tom Rothman discusses Sony’s recent slate—including new Spider‑Man, Jumanji, Resident Evil, and the original animated film Goat—and how the studio thrives without its own streaming platform by partnering with giants like...
Why the Former Sony Head Blames Himself for the Infamous Hack
In this episode, host Matt Belloni sits down with Michael Lynton, former Sony Pictures CEO and current Snap Inc. chairman, to dissect his decision to greenlight the controversial comedy "The Interview" and the subsequent 2014 Sony hack. Lynton reflects on...
The Casey Wasserman Scandal, and Who Wants to Buy His Agency
In this episode, Matt Belloni and Bloomberg analyst Lucas Shaw dissect the fallout from Casey Wasserman's decision to put his entertainment agency up for sale, exploring the internal Hollywood power struggles that prompted the move. They evaluate potential suitors, ranging...
Should Hollywood Take the Microdrama Boom Seriously?
In this episode, Matt Belloni talks with Shicong Zhu, head of West Coast Studios at DramaBox, about the rapid rise of vertical micro-dramas and their profitability. They explore how these short-form series are produced on shoestring budgets, which genres thrive...
Jeff Probst on What It Takes to Produce ‘Survivor’
In this episode, host Matt Belloni sits down with Jeff Probst, the longtime host and showrunner of "Survivor," to explore the behind‑the‑scenes mechanics that have kept the reality series thriving for 50 seasons. Probst breaks down the show's massive production...