This episode offers a unique look into the strategic evolution of content creation and distribution through the lens of a prolific producer. Learn how Ryan Murphy leveraged a mega-deal with Netflix for creative freedom and financial upside, and gain insights into adapting to industry shifts like the streaming wars and global events. This is a masterful case study in brand building and navigating the complex media landscape.
Key takeaways
Ryan Murphy's $300 million Netflix deal highlights the value of proven creative talent and intellectual property in attracting major streaming platform investments. This demonstrates that content creators can command significant leverage when negotiating exclusive deals with platforms vying for original programming.
The discussion around the creative differences between Netflix and traditional networks like Fox underscores how streaming platforms often offer greater creative freedom and budget, which can be a key consideration for content creators looking to innovate and produce ambitious projects.
Murphy's approach with "Hollywood" — blending historical reimagining with social commentary on inclusivity — showcases how compelling narratives can be used to address contemporary social issues, potentially engaging a broader audience and creating cultural impact for a brand or product.
Murphy’s decision to leave Twitter, while personal, illustrates a broader trend of creators and leaders carefully managing their public presence and prioritizing well-being over constant engagement on social media platforms.
The impact of COVID-19 on entertainment provides a case study for how industries adapt to unforeseen global disruptions, emphasizing the need for flexible production models and the accelerated shift towards digital consumption that can be applied to other ecommerce businesses.
TV producer Ryan Murphy — who created or produced shows like Glee, 911, and American Horror Story — talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about his new Netflix miniseries, Hollywood, which blends real history with fictional characters to imagine a more inclusive "what-if" version of the postwar film business. Murphy explains how shows like Glee and Modern Family encouraged LGBT acceptance, why he doesn't use Twitter anymore, and his mega-deal with Netflix, which was reported to be worth up to $300 million. Plus: The differences between working for Netflix vs. Fox, how covid-19 has changed entertainment, and Murphy and Swisher's roadtrip to New York City in the 80s.
Featuring:
Ryan Murphy (@mrrpmurphy on Instagram), co-creator and executive producer, Hollywood
Host:
Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), Recode co-founder and editor-at-large
More to explore:
On Reset, Arielle Duhaime-Ross explores why — and how — tech is changing everything.
On Recode Media, Peter Kafka interviews business titans, journalists, comedians and podcasters about the collision of tech and media.
On Pivot, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway talk about the big tech news stories of the week, who's winning, who's failing, and what comes next.
And on Land of the Giants, Jason Del Rey chronicled the rise of Amazon. Season 2 will focus on Netflix and is coming soon!
About Recode by Vox:
Recode by Vox helps you understand how tech is changing the world — and changing us.
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What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Ryan Murphy's $300 million Netflix deal highlights the value of proven creative talent and intellectual property in attracting major streaming platform investments. This demonstrates that content creators can command significant leverage when negotiating exclusive deals with platforms vying for original programming.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
The discussion around the creative differences between Netflix and traditional networks like Fox underscores how streaming platforms often offer greater creative freedom and budget, which can be a key consideration for content creators looking to innovate and produce ambitious projects.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Murphy's approach with "Hollywood" — blending historical reimagining with social commentary on inclusivity — showcases how compelling narratives can be used to address contemporary social issues, potentially engaging a broader audience and creating cultural impact for a brand or product.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Murphy’s decision to leave Twitter, while personal, illustrates a broader trend of creators and leaders carefully managing their public presence and prioritizing well-being over constant engagement on social media platforms.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
The impact of COVID-19 on entertainment provides a case study for how industries adapt to unforeseen global disruptions, emphasizing the need for flexible production models and the accelerated shift towards digital consumption that can be applied to other ecommerce businesses.
