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Hosted by former Marvel entertainment lawyer Paul Sarker and entertainment enthusiast Mesh Lakhani, Better Call Paul will delve into the business and legal issues at play behind the glitz and glam. This show takes you beyond the catchy headlines to find out what’s really at play behind the scenes and gives you an introduction to the business side of show business.
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212. A24’s post-Oscar Flex y Problemas pa Bad Bunny
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In this week's episode, Paul and Mesh discuss Sharon Stone’s heartfelt speech for the Courage Award for Women's Cancer Research Fund and her potential exposure to the banking industry turmoil. Next, they dive into the meteoric rise of A24 and its recent $200+ million investment from the prominent Venture Capital firm Stripes. Paul and Mesh explore …
Paul and Mesh commiserate over March Madness and Paul recaps a Hollywood studio lawsuit against a VPN operator in Florida. Mesh and Paul then discuss AMC Theater’s new Sightline differentiated pricing initiative which is rolling out in select cities prior to a national launch and wonder whether it will ultimately help or hurt their bottom line. Fin…
Paul and Mesh devote this week’s episode to the 95th Oscars. They start off with a recap of the big winners of the night (and some head scratchers) and ponder the future of the Oscars. It has been telecast on ABC for nearly 50 years, and while the ratings for the 2023 Oscars improved over the recent past, the viewership is still far below its peak.…
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209. Warner Bros Update: Hogwarts Legacy Makes $850M & Succession's Final Act
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Paul and Mesh revisit one of their favorite topics, Jussie Smollet, who is back in the news again after filing his appeal and is also the subject of a new Fox Nation docuseries. They then discuss the final season of Succession, its drama-packed trailer and what might be next for HBO Max. Finally, they break down a big week for the video game indust…
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208. Section 230: Supreme Court Weighs the future of Youtube, Google and Twitter.
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Paul and Mesh start the show by discussing Yellowstone's Kevin Costner drama and Nipsey Hussle's killer being sentenced for first-degree murder. They then dive into the recent U.S. Supreme Court case, Gonzalez v. Google, which tests the boundaries of Section 230 immunity for web platforms, explaining why Section 230 was established and how it allow…
Paul and Mesh discuss Marvel’s latest installment, Ant Man & the Wasp: Quantumania and whether a recent run of mediocrity is a cause for concern at the MCU. They then turn to streaming which is predicted to overtake linear television as the most-consumed form of television in 2023. Finally, Paul celebrates rising star director, Shaunak Sen, and his…
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206. Media Industry Update: Major Streamers Shift Strategies
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Paul and Mesh talk about their favorite moments (and commercials) from Superbowl 57. They then dive into a media industry update: (1) whether recent layoffs among media (and tech) companies could be a sign of broader economic trouble head; and (2) how Disney, Peacock, WBD and others are shifting their streaming strategies in their challenging marke…
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205. Generative AI Hits Hollywood & Teasing James Gunn’s DCU Slate
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Paul is in Phoenix for Super Bowl week! Paul and Mesh anticipate Gladiator 2’s release date and celebrate Ridley Scott’s career. They then vet the ten new projects that James Gunn and Peter Safran announced for Chapter 1 of their united DC Universe. Finally, they ponder how Hollywood will adapt as the bots and algorithms like ChatGPT and its peers …
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204. Justin Bieber Sells Catalog for a Yummy $200M
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Mesh and Paul discuss Oscar nominations, Who they are rooting for, and who they wish was nominated. Scooter Braun, the brains behind the success of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and others, has taken over as the CEO of Hybe America. Paul and Mesh explain why this could potentially increase the company's value, previously known for the success of K …
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203. Netflix’s Reed Hastings Steps Down & Possible Non-Compete Chaos
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Paul and Mesh celebrate Reed Hastings’ legacy at Netflix and ponder the implications and causes of his decision to transition out of the Co-CEO role. They then evaluate the recent broadcast and streaming agreement between LIV golf and the CW Network and discuss whether it was a win for both sides. Finally, Paul analyzes a recent FTC proposal that w…
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202. Golden Globes Recap and California’s Proposed Expansion of Hollywood Tax Breaks
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Paul and Mesh celebrate MLK weekend and the return of in-person entertainment events from CES and the Golden Globes to the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. Finally, Paul breaks down California’s proposed expansion of its film and television tax credit program and why these various production incentives are so critical to the industry. Learn more ab…
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201. NFL Reigns Supreme, But Is Player Safety an Existential Crisis?
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Paul and Mesh begin with Broadway’s strong end to 2022 and Jeremy’s Renner’s tragic snow plow accident. They then discuss a potential tug of war between streaming giants over Netflix’s Gen Z hit, Wednesday and assess the state of play after a rough 2022 for media stocks. Finally, Paul discusses NFL’s new streaming deal with YouTube TV and its conti…
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44. Megan Thee Stallion & Tory Lanez Trial Drama
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Paul and Mesh start off by celebrating the epic World Cup final, Avatar 2’s opening weekend, and the drama at DC studios as James Gunn tries to start his tenure with a clean slate. Next, Paul and Mesh discuss the criminal trial against Tory Lanez for allegedly shooting Megan The Stallion and its very confusing and juicy testimony. Finally, Paul bre…
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43. James Cameron's Latest Flex: Avatar 2
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We begin with a quick update on recent entertainment cases: Michael Avenatti's sentencing and Amber Heard's appeal of Johnny Depp's successful defamation verdict. Then, Paul and Mesh discuss Brittney Griner's release after being detained in Russia for nearly 300 days. Finally, we celebrate James Cameron, a titan of film-making who never seems to di…
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42. DOJ Looking into Ticketmaster after Taylor Swift Debacle
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Paul and Mesh recap the unfortunate swathe of layoffs impacting the media industry. They then dive into Balenciaga’s recent PR nightmare which caused even Kim Kardashian to re-evaluate her relationship with the brand and Paul assesses the legal options Balenciaga may have against its production company (if any). Finally, Paul and Mesh discuss the m…
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! To start, Paul and Mesh discuss the recent lawsuit against Drake and 21 Savage by Vogue. They then dive into the performance of She Said- based on the sexual allegations of Harvey Weinstein and current box office trends. Finally, the show ends with a deep dive on Disney, the return of Bob Iger, and what it me…
We're taking a break this week for Thanksgiving but we'll be back next week. Have a great Thanksgiving! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Lola Media
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40. SEC Crypto Crack Down & Black Panther 2's Successful Opening
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Paul and Mesh celebrate the success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's 180M opening and Bad Bunny being Apple Music’s Artist of the Year. They then discuss California's emphatic rejection of proposals which would have legalized sports betting. Paul then breaks down the SEC’s district court win over crypto-company LBRY in which LBRY’s coin was foun…
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39. Another Rapper Tragically Lost- Migos’s Takeoff
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Paul and Mesh start the show discussing the success of the crowdfunded horror movie, Terrifier 2, and other upcoming theatrical releases. They then talk about the death of Takeoff, the former Migos member who was murdered in Houston. Finally, Paul breaks down two new sports content deals: the NBA’s exploring an exclusive package of games for a stre…
Paul and Mesh kick things off with a discussion of trending topics: Taylor Swift’s record-setting new album, Midnights; DC Studio’s next savior James Gunn; recently appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak; and Britney Griner’s appeal. They then go on to discuss Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns, and how he’s looking to sell his stake. Finall…
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37. BTS Serves Mandatory Military Duty & Andy Warhol’s Copyright Case Hits the Supreme Court
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Paul and Mesh discuss the Rock's DC film universe debut with Black Adam and some management changes at DC. They recap BTS's decision to perform their required Korean military service. They then discuss the market’s optimism regarding Netflix among other industry trends (G4 TV shutting down, again). Finally, Paul dives into the recent Supreme Court …
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36. Inside The Attack on Canada’s Largest Children’s Charity
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Paul interviews Tawfiq Rangwala, Milbank partner and former board member of WE Charity, regarding his #1 best-selling book, What We Lost. During 2020 and 2021, the WE Charity scandal was Canada's second-largest story behind the COVID pandemic. WE Charity was devoted to inspiring youth to make the world a better place and attracted the support of ce…
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35. Tom Brady and Gisele Hire Divorce Lawyers & Ed Sheeran is Ordered to Stand Trial for Another Song
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Paul and Mesh discuss chatter around Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen's potential divorce, and why lawyers would be hired at this stage. They then discuss Ed Sheeran's latest legal troubles with his song "Thinking Out Loud" and it's similarities with Marvin Gaye's "Get it On." Finally, Paul discusses the signing of a bill by Gavin Newsom to limit the …
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34. Hugh Jackman's Wolverine Joins the MCU, But Can It Save the Theater Business
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Marvel teases that Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Wolverine. . . but as Mesh points out, not for 2 more years! Paul updates us on Cineworld’s Chapter 11 process amidst a historically slow month for theatrical box office. Finally, Paul and Mesh discuss America’s fastest-growing sport, Pickleball, and the latest updates in name, image and like…
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33. Adnan Syed’s Release and The Infamous GTA 6 Hack
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Mesh and Paul laud Tom Hardy’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu chops; he recently entered (and won) three tournaments to benefit his charity, REORG. They then dive into the Rockstar Games leak where confidential footage and source code from the highly-anticipated GTA 6 was posted online. Finally, Paul and Mesh reflect on Serial, Adnan Syed’s release, and the l…
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32. Disney, Comcast & Hulu- a Love Triangle Worth Billions
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Paul and Mesh celebrate Roger Federer’s incredible career. They break down Billboard’s top earning music industry execs. Paul shares stories from his trip to TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) while Mesh highlights the best of the Emmy’s. Finally, Paul breaks down why Hulu is such an attractive business, the agreement between Disney and Com…
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31. Fantasy Football's $20B Business is Booming
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Paul and Mesh pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. They discuss DC’s quest to find the right studio head. Paul explains why the legal framework around sports gambling and fantasy sports has evolved and allowed fantasy sports to grow into a $20B+ annual business. Finally, Paul and Mesh chat about Cineworld, the second-largest theatre operator i…
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30. Don't Worry Darling Drama- Olivia Wilde vs Shia LaBeouf (and everyone else)
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Paul and Mesh discuss Serena Williams's amazing tennis career and her upcoming new act as a VC. They then dive into the drama behind Olivia Wilide's Don't Worry Darling -Shia LaBeouf's departure from the movie and other tension between the cast. The film recently premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. Paul discusses the latest on the …
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29. Barcelona FC Risks it All (Financially)
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Paul and Mesh banter about HBO's House of Dragons premiere, Matt Reeve's greenlit Batman Universe and Bad Bunny's NYC/VMA takeover. They then dive into the main topic- Bareclona Football Club's financial struggles, as they leverage their assets in order to raise more money for fresh players and a new stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
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28. India's Movie Scene Breaks Records with "RRR"
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Paul kicks off the episode by sharing his favorite "law" show as Marvel launches their new legal comedy- She-Hulk. Paul and Mesh then do a deep dive into the state of South Asia's booming entertainment industry- from multibillion-dollar cricket rights to South Asian/Hollywood crossovers to Netflix's investment in India as they break records with th…
Paul and Mesh recount the epic Rage Against The Machine concert at MSG and discuss Disney’s streaming services surpassing Netflix in total subscribers (with a nod to Hulu's success with its latest Predator installment, Prey). Paul and Mesh also delve into Anne Heche's unfortunate passing and its potential legal implications. Paul honors leading ent…
Paul and Mesh share updates on the LIV Golf Tournament and their attempt to sign Tiger Woods with $700M. What's the latest with Britney Grimer and her nine year Russian sentence? Paul explains the sexual allegations against Deshaun Jackson and what it means for his contract and what actions the NFL should take. Paul and Mesh dive in on Warner Broth…
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25. Hulu Streams Lollapalooza & NFL+ Shakes Things Up
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Paul and Mesh discuss Jordan Peele's Nope and the new Black Panther trailer. Paul explains why music festivals try streaming with the Lollapalooza and Hulu deal. Paul dives into the launch of NFL+ and how it makes the organization even bigger from a content standpoint and how they're working with their existing distributors. Bonus: Kyle Murray's co…
Paul and Mesh discuss exciting news around Comic Con 2022 and what it means for the entertainment industry. Paul shares a story about hanging out with Jordan Peele at a previous Comic Con. Kate Bush hits 100M views on Youtube for her hit song "Running Up a Hill" which was featured in Season 4 of Stranger Things. Netflix earnings may be a turning po…
Mesh and Paul discuss the Emmy nominations and which studios/platforms lead the charge. BTS signs a content deal with Disney Plus, as they make a play towards the Korean market. Paul explains how inflation and supply chain issues are affecting Hollywood production budgets and how that might play into future content production. Learn more about your…
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22. How WNBA Star Brittney Griner Unfortunately Became Putin’s Pawn
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Brittney Griner, one of the best basketball players on the planet has been detained in Russia for 5 months over a minor infraction. What will the U.S. do to bring her home and why has it taken so long? Plus we remember James Caan and the NFL announces a major potential shift for Sunday Ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad…
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21. Cameron Diaz Comes Out of Retirement for Tom Brady
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Happy 4th week! Hope everyone stayed safe. Paul and Mesh do a light episode around Minion's box office hit, Cameron Diaz's big comeback, Star Wars, and some M&A updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Lola Media
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20. PGA Tour's Fight with Saudi-backed LIV?
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The PGA Tour is adapting to the emergence of LIV, the new Saudi backed golf tour with a multi-billion-dollar bank account. As several prominent players defect from the PGA Tour for apparently greener pastures, Mesh and Paul explain the PGA Tour’s response thus far, the economics of the modern golf-industry in the U.S., and the legal framework which…
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19. Disney TV’s Shakeup and DNEG’s SPAC Attack
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Media companies are feeling the market volatility as consumer spending and advertising revenue are going down - where are they tightening their belts to compensate? How is this impacting mega-deal activity? Peter Rice was abruptly fired from Disney amidst a successful tenure. And YouTube is making a play for TikTok’ mantle as the dominant place for…
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18. Paramount Sued Over Top Gun: Maverick and Netflix Eyes Roku
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The family of the original writer of Top Gun is suing Paramount for copyright infringement claiming they agreed to a sequel Do they have a case? Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez will appear in a new documentary detailing the actor’s relationship with Amber Heard. And, we’ll also discuss Netflix’s interest in acquiring Roku. What does that mean …
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17. Johnny Depp's Verdict, Chelsea Football's New Owners and New VPN lawsuits
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Does Amber Heard have legitimate grounds for an appeal after losing the libel case against Johnny Depp? Can Hollywood heavyweights have a fair trial in the age of social media? Hollywood studios are trying to shut down VPNs that make it possible to skirt the copyright restrictions. Also, Chelsea Football Club is acquired after the UK forced its Rus…
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16. Seth Green's Bored Ape NFT Stolen & Warren Buffett Invests $2.6B in Paramount
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This week on BCP we’ll discuss Ray Liotta’s untimely passing and our favorite films of his from over the years. Also, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway invested $2.6B in Paramount. Known for buying undervalued and the long-term winners, we’ll go into the details of what he might see here. Lastly, Seth Green’s crypto wallet was compromised and he’…
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15. Tom Cruise is Back with Top Gun: Maverick & Euphoria's Syndey Sweeny's Bikini Lawsuit
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The entertainment industry is covering their bases - Netflix hopes to further dominate things by introducing live streaming. And WarnerBrothers wants to be seen as the "fifth" US broadcast network. Then, we'll discuss the lawsuit being brought against Euphoria's Sydney Sweeny for breaking her agreement with LA Collective. Lastly, Maverick is back a…
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14. Kendrick Lamar’s Deepfake Video and the Financial Hit Coming for Covid Insurers (Or Not)
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Kanye, OJ, Will Smith, Kobe Bryant, Jesse Smollet: What do they have in common? Kendrick Lamar featured them all in his latest music video using deepfake technology. We’ll discuss the legality of that and whether or not he can be sued. Also, Disney takes $1B hit as it ends licensing to redirect to streaming. And lastly, Covid has officially caused …
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13. Justin Lin Walks Off Fast X Set & Dave Chapelle Attacked on Stage
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The box office is back with Dr. Strange: Multiverse of Madness raking in $190 million. The trickle down effects to the fully Disney Plus library is proving exponential. Also, Dave Chapelle was attacked during a comedy show and Olivia Wilde was served papers during Cinemacon. What is the process for protecting performers while they are on stage and …
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How Disney Got Fox's X-Men Into Dr. Strange: Multitude of Madness & the MCU
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The future of Marvel. Our main topic this week is X-Men and Dr. Strange 2 and the immense IP crossover potential that exists between the Marvel Universe and Disney’s vast vault of characters. Paul gives a history lesson on Marvel’s sale of assets over the years and their bids to reacquire their most popular characters and what that means for the fa…
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Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard: A Lawsuit Worth Watching
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A lot of drama in the streaming wars to discuss as Netflix’s stock plummets and CNN+ dissolves in a month. Also, Johnny Depp is suing Amber Heard, his ex-wife, for defamation after she accused him of domestic abuse. Paul explains the different ways a defamation case can be litigated. How can people (and even podcasters) protect themselves financial…
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More trouble in Brangelina’s (Château Miraval) Paradise
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What do Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and a Russian Oligarch have in common? Château Miraval, the famed vineyard the couple owned together which has produced award-winning wine in recent years. Jolie reportedly claimed she could no longer be in business with her ex and sold her stake to Russian oligarch, Yuri Shefler. Pitt is now suing her citing he w…
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Kanye Walks from Coachella & Ketanji Brown Jackson Makes History
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Kanye West walked away from $8.5M when he pulled out as a headliner at Coachella and has been replaced by Swedish House Mafia and The Weekend. What does this mean for ticket holders who purchased based on his performance? And what recourse, if any, does Coachella have with him backing out? Also, Ketanji Brown Jackson makes history as the first Afri…
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Marvel's Moon Knight Risk & Paulie Award Winners
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In honor of the conclusion of awards season, we are launching the first annual Paulies! Highlighting the best in box office performance and how that contributes to a studio’s bottom line, best streaming service and what that means for IP, best M&A and what the impact is on taking down Netflix, and best overall legal argument. Also, Marvel took a bi…
