The Hollywood Makers

In this episode, Starry sits down with Disney Senior Data Scientist Dwight Liu to explore how data has become one of the most unexpected creative tools of our time. From early days studying trust on the internet to building models that reveal emotional resonance across global audiences, Dwight shares how data and imagination can work together, not against each other. We dive into intuition, AI, hi...

Think going viral equals instant success? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, Glori unpacks the truth behind the biggest marketing myths in Hollywood, and reveals what really moves audiences (and sells tickets). From the illusion of influencer power to the real reason PR and marketing can’t live without each other, this episode is your crash course in modern entertainment strategy. Discover...

Hollywood meets humanity in this powerful first episode of Starry Interviews at THM! Starry Ye sits down with actress-turned-documentarian Kelly Galindo, creator of 26 Seconds, for a real, honest conversation about breaking into Hollywood, staying true to yourself, and turning your art into purpose. Kelly’s journey, from acting on hit shows to directing across nine countries, is proof that storyte...

Amazon just laid off 30,000 people. Paramount, another thousand. Across the industry, companies are cutting teams and betting on efficiency and AI. But what if the real solution isn’t cutting, it’s creating? In this episode of The Hollywood Makers (THM), hosted by Claudia Cano, we look beyond the headlines to explore what comes next for creatives, brands, and investors. Our take: The real disrupti...

Glori welcomes award-winning producer, filmmaker, and educator Christina Sibul, the creative force behind Thirteen, Sideways, and The Station Agent. From indie breakthroughs at Sundance to mentoring the next generation through the CSU Entertainment Alliance, Christina shares her journey through Hollywood’s indie boom, her fight for diverse voices, and the stories behind “Thirteen” the film that ch...

In this episode of The Hollywood Makers podcast, we are thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Starry Yeh. A talented documentarian and post-production professional, Starry brings a wealth of experience from her work on high-profile productions with major studios like Netflix, NBC, and CNN. Join us as she shares her journey from China to the U.S., her insights into the evolving media landscape, an...

In this exciting episode of The Hollywood Makers, Rossy E. Eguigure introduces our newest host, Glory, as she shares her inspiring journey in the entertainment industry. From her beginnings to where she is now Glory opens up about how she blends her analytical skills with her love for creative storytelling. Glory also talks about: 🎬 Her current work with NBCUniversal and Peacock 🎬 Pursuing a mas...

Hollywood is changing faster than ever, and we’re here to break it down. In this episode of The Hollywood Makers , host Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen dives into the forces reshaping media and entertainment: How AI is rewriting the rules of storytelling and production The next chapter of the streaming wars (and why audiences are feeling “subscription fatigue”) The rise of VR, AR, and the metaverse as Hol...

This week on The Hollywood Makers, Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen breaks down the $8B Skydance–Paramount merger and what it means for creatives and the industry in general. She also explores the rise of decentralized funding among indie filmmakers and the sweeping layoffs reshaping both media and tech, sadly including the official cancellation of E! News after more than three decades. Listen and share th...

In this episode of The Hollywood Makers, we bring you the stories shaping how creators, companies, and code are rewriting the rules of entertainment. This week, host Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen breaks down four shifts that show just how fast the industry is evolving and what’s at stake. From the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the political firestorm surrounding it, to Netflix’s...

This week on Hollywood Makers, Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen is bringing you the latest buzz from Hollywood, both the good and the not-so-good. Some major shakeups are happening at the big studios, plus exciting news coming out of the Tribeca Film Festival. Claudia also shares details on upcoming projects you won’t believe, from a new Barney movie to a live-action Harry Potter series. It’s a mix of big...

This week, Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen brings you the most buzz-worthy updates from the world of entertainment, from the glitz and bold moves at the Cannes Film Festival, to the exciting directorial debuts of Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Stewart, and the streaming headlines shaking up the industry. But that’s not all... Claudia also reveals behind-the-scenes facts about the films and series you love...

In this episode of  The Hollywood Makers , we explore the cultural and creative pulse of the entertainment world—from red carpets to streaming screens. Host Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen dives into highlights from the  Cannes Film Festival , including a controversial new  dress code banning nudity and voluminous gowns , and celebrates the directorial debuts of  Scarlett Johansson  and  Kristen Stewart ....

Nine months after losing her son, Sandra de Castro Buffington lost her home to the LA wildfires. Yet from unimaginable grief, she continues to rise, using the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and drive global change. As a pioneer in impact entertainment, Sandra shares how stories in film and television can shift cultures, spark movements, and even save lives. This episode isn’t just about l...

What's new in the world of film? This week's episode with Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen is bringing you the very important updates you need to know. Claudia takes a detailed look at exciting news from the worlds of Disney and Star Wars, shares the scoop on the Sundance Film Festival's big move, and gives you a sneak peek at some must-see upcoming releases. So, what movies should be on your r...

AI is not coming, it’s already here, transforming everything from production pipelines to how we consume content. But as the 2025 NAB Show made clear, this moment in media isn’t just about new tools. It’s about a deeper shift: creators are no longer adapting to the system, they’re redefining it, and as you know, that's what we support here at The Hollywood Makers. So, in this episode, we take...

The entertainment industry is evolving rapidly as AI, gaming, and content creation reshape storytelling. In this episode of The Hollywood Makers, Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen explores the shifting role of voice actors in gaming, the rise of video podcasts, and the growing influence of AI in creativity. As discussed in South by Southwest 2025, these changes bring both challenges and opportunities, from...

In this episode of The Hollywood Makers, host Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen breaks down the latest Academy Awards controversy, focusing on Emilia Perez and its Best Actress nominee, Karla Sofía Gascón. From debates over past behavior to the hidden mechanics of Oscar voting, this episode unpacks the complexities of nominations, the role of public scrutiny, and the blurred lines between talent, reputation...

This is what The Hollywood Makers is all about! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossyeeguigure.substack.com

Welcome to the new era of The Hollywood Makers! We're shifting away from traditional seasons and episode numbers to bring you continuous coverage of the ever-changing media and entertainment landscape. From tech innovations to industry trends, we'll break down the latest developments shaping the future of the Media and Entertainment industry.  Join us for insightful conversations with top executiv...

The Hollywood Makers returns with a heartfelt episode exploring the devastating fires still impacting Los Angeles. Host Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen shares her firsthand experiences as an LA resident, highlighting the immense loss, dispelling misconceptions about Hollywood wealth, and emphasizing what truly matters: the resilience of our communities. Join us as we reflect on the strength, kindness, and...

This week on The Hollywood Makers, we dive deep into the seismic shifts redefining the entertainment industry. From widespread layoffs to the rise of the creator economy, technological revolutions, and the changing production landscape, Hollywood is at a critical crossroads. Join Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen as she unpacks: The financial and employment challenges reshaping traditional media How platfor...

In our new episode of The Hollywood Makers, our host Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen, analyzes the current struggles in Hollywood, exploring how the ongoing recession is reshaping the industry. With major players like Paramount, Disney, and Sony undergoing 'restructuring', layoffs, and leadership changes, the entertainment landscape is more uncertain than ever. Claudia breaks down how this evolving enviro...

In this episode of The Hollywood Makers, we sit down with Helen Sam, the Vice President of Post-Production at Film Finances, a pivotal company that ensures films are completed on time and within budget. With nearly two decades of experience, Helen shares her unique journey from studying sociology to building a career in TV, documentaries, and film, leading to her role as an executive supervising t...

In this episode, host Claudia Cano-Asbjornsen discusses the latest news from the Venice International Film Festival, including award winners and tributes. Then the conversation shifts to an exciting casting call for a new Harry Potter series. We also explore groundbreaking legislation in California regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, highlighting key bills a...