Better Call Paul

This week, Paul interviews Faisal Lateef, the general counsel of Avant Gardner. Avant Gardner is a leading electronic dance music brand and venue operator in New York City and it operates the legendary Brooklyn Mirage, among other venues. Faisal discusses his entry into the music business, his journey to law school and how he pivoted during the pandemic to leading the legal team at Avant Gardner....

This week Paul and Mesh quickly recap the Emmys and reflect on the biggest TV shows of the last year. Next, they discuss Diddy's arrest and the federal indictment regarding decades of criminal activity and ponder Sean Combs' future. Finally, they breakdown five new laws enacted in California regarding the use of AI in political content and sexual deep fakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Paul and Mesh begin by looking back at the incredible career of James Earl Jones who passed away at the age of 93 but leaves behind a legacy of timeless characters. They then dive into the latest Max growth projections and recap the 40th year of MTV’s VMA's. Finally, they discuss the viewership numbers for the second presidential debate and whether the debate (and Taylor Swift’s post-debate endors...

This week, Paul starts with a shoutout to SABANY who graciously invited him to host their 2024 Awards Gala and then Paul and Mesh discuss the U.S. Open and the Toronto International Film Festival. Next, they recap the summer box office and August jobs report with a focus on the entertainment industry. Finally, they discuss the criminal investigation surrounding Matthew Perry's death and the five i...

This week, Paul and Mesh reflect on the end of summer and Alexandra Cooper's new 9-figure podcast deal. Next, they discuss the Venice Film festival and the legal implications of Joaquin Phoenix bailing on a film project 5 days prior to production. Finally, they update us on the state of the California film and television industry and how its market share is declining, in particular in response to...

This week, Paul interviews another unbelievable guest, Kenny Leu. Kenny's star in the acting world is rising. After selling his company, he took the plunge and decided to pursue his childhood acting passion full-time. He walks us through his move to LA, getting representation, and eventually transition from commercials, to network television and finally getting leading roles in films. Paul and Ken...

This week, Paul interviews Sean Gupta, a television executive and former investment banker who has deep experience across cable, broadcast and streaming. Sean, who also teaches a class on television and streaming at Columbia Business School, provides an insider perspective on the forces causing the major shifts in television today and where the industry might be headed. Sean is also co-founder of...

This week, Paul and Mesh reflect on the final days of a successful ’24 Paris Olympics before turning to a handful of entertainment updates such as Michelle Pfeiffer joining Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe as the lead of the Madison. The main topic this week is the staggering billion dollar write downs for WBD and Paramount as both companies acknowledge that the linear television business is...

This week Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of a plan to reinvigorate the film and television industry in central London. Next, they provide an update on UFC’s recent $335M settlement which was rejected by Richard Boulware, the judge presiding over the antitrust case in Nevada and speculate as to what happens next for both sides. Finally, Paul provides an update on the U.S. Copyright Office an...

In this episode of BCP, Paul and Mesh chat about the latest Game of Thrones mobile game created by Zynga. They then break down the amazing opening weekend for Deadpool Wolverine as well as the latest Marvel announcements at Comic Con, including a few big surprises. Finally, they discuss the Disney+, Hulu, Max bundle and how it might impact the streaming wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

In this episode of BCP, Mesh and Paul discuss Deadpool & Wolverine's opening and box office estimates. They then cover Emmy nominations and their favorite picks to win. Next, they examine the upcoming Olympics, focusing on NBCU's viewership and ad revenue expectations. Finally, Paul updates on the Young Thug trial, explaining why another judge has left the case. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

This week, Paul and Mesh start with a quick discussion of celebrities who are weighing in on the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. Then they discuss Dax Shepard’s deal to bring Armchair Expert to Wondering and debate whether this is a sign of a broader resurgence in the podcast market. Finally, they provide a box office update where animated franchises have been dominant. Learn more about your...

This week, Paul and Mesh start by sharing some of their favorite patriotic flicks in celebration of the 4th. Next, they discuss AMC Networks’ new show runner deal with Jonathan Glatzer, whose credits include Better Call Saul and Succession, and his unique vision for a Silicon-Valley inspired original show. Finally, Paul provides an update on a potential bill that would require broadcast radio stat...

This week, Paul and Mesh start off with the concerning Q1 cable data showing that cord cutting is accelerating. They then discuss one of the potential causes of cord cutting – as studios and networks invest more into streaming shows (often) at the expense of linear TV and discuss a line up of streaming hits arriving just in time for summer – Bridgerton, The Bear, House of the Dragon, The Boys, and...

Paul and Mesh begin with some MCU updates: Daredevil’s director Yann Demange being the second director to bow out of the project; and RDJ stating that he’s open to reprising his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Next, they dive into Gina Carano’s wrongful termination and discrimination lawsuit which stems from her being left out of Season 3 of the Mandalorian. Finally, Paul breaks down a recent lawsuit...

In this episode, Mesh and Paul kick things off by sharing their excitement for Tribeca Film Festival and the premiere of House of Dragons Season 2. They then dive into the NBA's massive potential trio of rights deals which are rumored to be worth up to $76 billion dollars over the next 11 years. Paul provides an in-depth look at Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's efforts to enforce Texas’ new dat...

This week Paul and special guest co-host, Jessica David, kick things off with a look back at a lackluster start to the summer movie box office and a glance ahead at what films could turn the tide. Next, they discuss Fable’s Showrunner AI offering which will allow users to create animated series with just a few prompts. Finally, Paul discusses the latest on WBD’s plans for the future which may incl...

This week, Paul and Mesh update the latest fallout from Sean Combs’ various lawsuits and the apology he posted after security camera footage of his attack on Cassie was released. Next, they discuss a few updates from Open AI: (1) a multi-year license agreement with News Corp. to leverage its print media assets in Open AI algorithms and search database; and (2) controversy with Scarlett Johansson w...

This week Paul and Mesh begin with the latest 2025 and 2026 Hollywood tentpole picture release announcements ranging from Imax’s 2025 slate to a new Lord of the Rings film starring and directed by Andy Serkis. They then discuss several major new streaming bundles which will further complicate the content ecosystem as well as the NFL signing a deal with Netflix. Finally, Paul breaks down a class ac...

This week, Paul and Mesh begin with a preview the 77th annual Cannes film festival. Next, they dig into the ever-changing NIL landscape: the legal background, recent paradigm shifts, and where major college sports might be headed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul and Mesh kick off the episode by discussing CBS, which, for the 16th consecutive year, was the most-watched US broadcast network. Paul then explains the SAG-AFTRA’s decision to use Nielsen to track streaming viewership data and performance, which will help verify the platform’s own reporting. Finally, Mesh expresses his excitement about Airbnb’s new Icons launch, where pop culture-themed stay...

This week, resident Swiftie, Mesh, gives us his take on Taylor Swift’s latest record-breaking double album, The Tortured Poet’s Department. Next, Paul and Mesh geek out about Fantom Event’s announcement that it will re-release Peter Jackson’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy this summer in re-mastered 4K. Finally, Paul breaks down the FCC’s recent announcement that it will look into the enforceabili...

Paul and Mesh kick off the episode discussing Netflix’s new head of film, Dan Lin, and the potential change in strategy from big budget films to a more cost-conscious approach. They then dive into women’s basketball star and WNBA #1 pick Caitlin Clark, her deal with Nike, and what it will take for the WNBA to provide better pay to its athletes. Finally, Paul breaks down the Archival Producer’s All...

Paul and Mesh kick off the episode discussing OJ’s death and the controversial legacy he left behind. They break down the latest news from Cinema Con- AMC’s survival, Gladiator 2, Transformers, and other IP coming to the big screen. Finally, they give an update on the Paramount/Skydance deal and the tension it’s causing among shareholders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

This week, Paul interviews a long-time client, Chris Babu, who is the CEO of a technology company in the ticketing industry. Chris discusses how he leveraged his analytics background, his stints at Ebay and Stubhub, and his passion for live sports and music to build a concierge service for season ticket holders. In addition, Chris and Paul discuss current trends in the sports industry and some sur...