In this episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, founder and publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down for a conversation with Dough Schwalbe, veteran co-producer and founder of The Co-Production Company, now part of the Superprod Group. Schwalbe has also worked with major studios like 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, and helped bring to life some of the most beloved IP in family entertainment.
In this episode, he shares his insights on the evolving media landscape and the economic of co-production. And central to the conversation is a discussion on the responsibilities of children's content creators in the age of streaming and violent content, as well as whether it's still possible to combine social responsibility with commercial success.
Doug Schwalbe is founder of The Co-Production Company, a film and television financing and distribution company acquired by the Superprod Group in 2022, and also serves as President of Superprod USA. He has financed production for franchise IP such as Casper the Friendly Ghost, Lassie, and George of the Jungle, and managed the coproduction protfolios at HBO, 20th Century Fox, and DreamWorks, distributing such series as The Sopranos, The Simpsons, and more.
Publisherβs Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Varietyβs international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insiderβs take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
Listen to more podcasts from the world of film at https://filmverdictnetwork.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:58) A Return to International Co-Productions
(05:35) Flaws in the Netflix Distribution Model
(08:39) Is There to Much Violence in Kids' Programming?
(11:41) Do We Need More Regulation?
(14:54) Lack of Support for American Public Television
(17:02) The Supremacy of Major Studio Content on Streamers
(20:19) Brands in Film and Television
(21:30) The Need for Discussion About Kids' Programming
(29:09) Outro
From scratch DJ to graphic novelist to now animation director, Kid Koala joins us on the latest episode of the Showcast to discuss his moving and visual inventive directorial debut, the animated feature Space Cadet, screening at the 2025 Annecy Animation Film Festival. Based on his own graphic novel, the film is poignant tale of interstellar dreams, parental bonds, and "technological" tenderness, all told through a beautiful tactile animation style and an evocative original score. In this conversation, Kid Koala reflects on his early love for animation, the influence of silent cinema legends like Charlie Chaplin, and some of the deeply personal experiences that inspired the film. He also dives into the production process behind Space Cadet, from collaborating on the screenplay to learning the language of animation filmmaking.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:08) The Multifaceted Artistry of Kid Koala
(03:45) The Origins of "Space Cadet"
(04:43) Wordless Storytelling
(08:36) A Robot Guardian
(12:08) Making a Film to Remember
(14:21) Learning to Speak the Language of Animation
(18:08) Outro
A group of Polish resistance fighters desperately try escape Nazi forces via Warsaw's sewage system. Listen to a quick review of "Kanal," the 1957 film directed by Andrzej Wajda.
Welcome to "Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:24) Review
(01:25) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation
In this episode, Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with award-winning filmmaker Hamzah Jamjoom, a leading voice in Saudi Arabia's emerging film industry.
Once a country with virtually no local film culture, Saudi Arabia is now witnessing a cinematic renaissance fueled by ambitious government initiatives and international interest. But as the industry grows, so do questions about its identity, direction, and global perception.
Drawing on Jamjoom's extensive first-hand experience, the latest episode of Publisher's Verdict features a conversation exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping Saudi cinema today, from navigating cultural authenticity and collaboration, to pushing back against Hollywood's long-standing stereotypes of Arab characters.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(04:12) The Emerging Film Industry of Saudi Arabia
(09:02) What distinguishes a Saudi film?
(12:47) Arab stereotypes in Hollywood
(20:01) "Running Dry"
(27:20) Authentic Saudi Stories
(30:19) Outro
A young Black man in Chicago becomes entangled in tragedy and violence after taking a job with a wealthy white family, exposing the brutal realities of systemic racism and poverty. Listen to a quick review of Native Son, the 1951 film directed by Pierre Chenal, based on an acclaimed novel by Richard Wright, who also stars in the movie.
Welcome to "Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:25) Review
(02:23) Outro
In this latest episode of The Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down for a conversation with acclaimed animation filmmaker Félix Dufour-Laperrière to explore his striking new film, Death Does Not Exist.
From the surrealist spark that ignited his passion for animation to the years-long journey of bringing a deeply personal, politically-charged tale to life, Dufour-Laperrière discusses the philosophical weight, artistic radicalism, and emotional contradictions that define his latest work.
He also dives into the film's unique hard-drawn aesthetic, its balance of fairytale and tragedy, and the implications of AI for independent animated cinema. Recorded just after the film's premiere and ahead of its screening at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, this is an intimate podcast conversation about art, activism, and animation as a living process.
In Death Does Not Exist, a group of young activists launch an armed attack that ends in failure. One of them, Hélène, leaves her comrades behind. As she grapples with guilt and disillusionment, she is visited by a former ally, an apparition that forces her to confront the tangled truths of belief, betrayal, love, and resistance.
Showcast is a series of candid podcast conversations from the world of film, hosted by TFV's Matt Micucci.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:11) Embracing the Power of Animation
(04:13) A Faustian Pact
(07:42) Activism: Contradictions and Paradoxes
(10:01) Playing with Abstraction
(13:37) The Rise of AI in Animation
(17:09) Animation as a Living Process
(19:10) Cannes Film Festival Experience
(20:49) Outro
In this episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with Chris Fenton, veteran Hollywood producer and executive renowned for his deep experience bridging the U.S. and Chinese film industries. Drawing from firsthand insights, they examine how Hollywood played a pivotal role in shaping China's modern film industry, only to find itself increasingly sidelined. The conversation also delves into the current state of the U.S.-China film relations, the influence of trade policies, and the potential ramifications of the Trump Film Tariffs.
Chris Fenton is a veteran Hollywood executive who produced and oversaw 24 films totaling $2 billion in global box office and packaged over 60 more. Former President of DMG Entertainment Motion Picture Group, he has led international operations and partnerships with Marvel, Hasbro, and Valiant. His memoir, Feeding the Dragon, details his experience navigating the U.S.-China film industry.
Publisherβs Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, whereΒ Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher ofΒ The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Varietyβs international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insiderβs take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:53) Working in China in the Early 2000s
(04:13) Is China Fair to Hollywood?
(06:33) How Hollywood Built Modern China's Film Empire
(11:06) Trump Film Tariffs
(16:04) Concerning Issues in Filmmaking Today
(20:28) American Film Needs a Smarter National Strategy
(26:47) Outro
A quick audio review of "Inglourious Basterds," the 2009 film directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Welcome to "Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:27) Review
(02:05) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation
Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down for a conversation with Torsten Neumann, director of the Oldenburg Film Festival, for an unfiltered conversation about what truly makes a festival "unique" in a sea of thousands. From Oldenburg's radical, filmmaker-first approach to the commercialization and politicization of major film festivals, Neumann shares why Oldenburg has become a rare haven for independent cinema, and shares his take on other topics, including his penchant for provocation and the current state film markets.
The Oldenburg Film Festival, held annually in Germany, is renowned for championing independent cinema, showcasing daring storytelling and emerging global talent. The 23rd edition of the festival is set to take place on September 10-14, 2025.
Publisherβs Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Varietyβs international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insiderβs take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:54) Oldenburg: A Unique Festival
(04:36) Are Film Festivals Still Important for Filmmakers?#
(06:50) Berlinale: A Political Agenda Festival?
(12:08) A Provocative Ad Campaign
(13:55) More Films, Less Red Carpet
(16:35) Has the Quality of Film Markets Declined?
(20:49) The Value of the Oldenburg Film Festival
In this episode of TFV on Point, we turn our attention to three films that premiered in the program of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival:
To read the full reviews of these films and other titles presented at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, visit The Film Verdict.
TFV on Point is a podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into brief audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:27) Case 137
(01:20) Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
(02:32) Enzo
(03:32) Outro
In the latest episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with Adam Kaufman, Head of Business Development at Baobab Studios, to explore one of the most pressing and polarizing topics in film and entertainment: artificial intelligence. Is AI a threat to human creativity, or a powerful tool for artists and studios alike? From cutting animation costs and production times to thorny questions of IP ownership and ethics, the conversation dives deep into the promises and perils of AI in film and beyond.
Adam Kaufman is Head of Business Development at Baobab Studios, with over 20 years of experience in entertainment and tech. He previously led Hollywood studio partnerships at Metaβs AR/VR division, securing major IP for immersive content, and helped launch an ad-supported linear streaming product in collaboration with major studios. His career reflects a profound understanding of the evolving media landscape and a keen ability to forge strategic partnerships.
Publisherβs Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Varietyβs international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insiderβs take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:29) Using AI as a Tool in Animation
(04:29) The Issue of Intellectual Property
(06:15) Will AI Replace Human Artists?
(10:19) AI and Scriptwriting
(12:06) Should Everyone Have Access to AI?
(14:01) The Age of Artificial Ignorance
In this episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, shares his viewpoint on the Cannes Film Festival, the 2025 edition of which kicks off just as this episode drops. There is no denying the importance of Cannes, as well as its prestige and glamour. The festival and its market remain vital to the global film industry. However, critical questions remain. Is the festival in step with the shifting dynamics of the international marketplace? Is it creating the right sense of community for filmmakers and industry professionals? And does its cultural cachet still carry the same weight that it once did?
Publisher's Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Variety's international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insider's take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:52) What's So Special About the Cannes Film Festival?
(04:58) Has Cannes Become a TikTok Festival?
(06:31) Has Cannes Lost Contact with Real Filmmakers?
(11:34) The Sense of Community at Cannes
(14:35) A Vital Festival for the Film Industry
In the debut episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Publisher and Founder of The Film Verdict, weighs in on President Trump's recent remarks about imposing a 100% tariff on all non-U.S. films as a way to "save a dying Hollywood." What's driving this rhetoric? Could it realistically happen? And what would the consequences be for international cinema?
Publisher's Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Variety's international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insider's take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:52) Introducing the new series: Publisher's Verdict
(05:08) President Trump's film tariffs are confusing
(09:08) Can Trump film tariffs save American cinema?
(16:40) The cultural implications of cultural tariffs
(22:50) Will Trump tariffs impact Cannes deals?
(26:30) Final verdict on Trump film tariffs
Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict, a leading independent review platform for the international film industry, joins us to explore how podcasts are shaping global film dialogue and helping amplify the reach of film projects by harnessing the mediumβs distinctive strengths. He also reflects on the evolution and potential of TFV Network, which offers new opportunities for collaboration with film festivals, industry summits, sales agents, distributors, filmmakers, and more.
As the multimedia arm of The Film Verdict, in just over a year, TFV Network has laid a strong foundation with its podcast-driven model. Its reach spans all major audio streaming platforms and a dedicated website, while its content include dynamic formats like in-depth, candid conversations with international film professionals and creatives, as well as bite-sized audio versions of reviews from festivals and markets.
This episode of the Showcast is released as TFV Network looks ahead to the future, sharpening its focus on strategic partnerships. Whether through on-location or remote recordings, global outreach, or cross-platform storytelling, the aim is to build something truly valuable for the broader film industry, combining compelling audio content, insightful written coverage, and targeted digital media strategies.
Get in touch! Email us at tfvnetwork@thefilmverdict.com
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(1:37) Podcasts as a valuable film industry tool
(5:04) Podcast coverage of film festivals and film industry summits
(10:02) Outro
TFV Network presents a recording of a panel discussion from the 2025 Dublin International Film Festival, hosted by Antidote, by one of Ireland's leading commercial production companies. Titled "Parallel Frames: Connecting the Dots Between Ads & Film," the event explored the intersection of advertising and filmmaking.
This panel, moderated by TFV's Matt Micucci, focused on the 20-year parallel journeys of Venom, a company renowned for producing high-quality documentary films, and Antidote, known for producing high-end commercials. The panel featured director Ken Wardrop and producer Andrew Freedman, co-founders of both Antidote and Venom, along with Jessie Hayden, producer and development co-ordinator at Venom, and Paula Stewart, producer at Antidote. We were also joined during the panel by director Brendan Canty, whose film Christy won the Grand Prix in the youth-focused Generation 14plus section of the 2025 Berlinale, and director/animator Johnny Kelly, whose upcoming animated short Retirement Plan will premiere at SXSW in just a few weeks. Canty and Kelly contributed by sharing their own experiences of working with Antidote, and navigating the space between advertising and film.
TFV ON POINT: Nawi, Nosferatu, The Witness
Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three different recently-released films, or films that recently premiered at different film festivals around the world. They are: "Nawi," directed by Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler and Tobias Schmutzler; "Nosferatu," directed by Robert Eggers; "The Witness," directed by Nader Saeivar.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:24) Nawi
(01:22) Nosferatu
(02:12) The Witness
(02:52) Outro
TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Marten Rabarts, the newly-appointed Head of IFFR Pro, which is industry-focused arm of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, dedicated to supporting filmmakers and fostering collaboration through professional networking, funding opportunities and market platforms like CineMart and Rotterdam Lab. Rabarts talks about what is in store for the 2025 edition of IFFR Pro, including some of its significant expansions and enhancements, program highlights and guests. The 2025 IFFR is set to take place on January 30-February 9 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is set to take place from January 30 to February 9. In anticipation of its launch, TFV's Matt Micucci spoke with Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic about the festival's structure, standout program highlights, and the notable guests joining this year. Kaludjercic also explores what makes IFFR unique among annual film festivals, including its tradition of celebrating exceptional cinema, fostering independent filmmaking talent, and sparking meaningful dialogue. (Featured photo of Vanja Kaludjercic by Anne Reitsma, courtesy of IFFR/DDA.)
Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three different recently-released films, or films that recently premiered at different film festivals around the world. They are: "Crocodile Tears," directed by directed by Tumpal Tampubolon; "Wolf Man," directed by Leigh Whannell; "Yana Wara," directed by Tito Catacora and Γscar Catacora.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:26) Crocodile Tears
(01:16) Wolf Man
(01:57) Yana Wara
(02:49) Outro
Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Cairo International Film Festival: "Ab Zabaal 89," directed by Bassam Mortada; "From Ground Zero," an anthology film directed by 22 different Palestinian directors; "Spring Came On Laughing," directed by Noha Adel.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:25) Abo Zabaal 89
(01:11) From Ground Zero
(02:06) Spring Came On Laughing
(02:49) Outro
