The Big Picture Podcast Summary: Episode "The 2025 Movie Auction"

Release Date: January 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The Big Picture" podcast hosted by Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbin, along with guest Chris Ryan, the trio delves deep into the intriguing concept of auctioning upcoming movies. The episode, titled "The 2025 Movie Auction," offers listeners a comprehensive look into their unique approach to evaluating and bidding on films slated for release in 2025.

1. Introduction to the Movie Auction Concept

Sean Fennessy kickstarts the conversation by briefly mentioning discussions about Greta Gerwig's adaptation of "Narnia" being released on 1,000 IMAX screens by Netflix. This sets the stage for the episode's primary focus: the auctioning of upcoming movies.

Sean Fennessy [02:04]: "We are pivoting away from national politics today on the Big Picture to talk about theatrical distribution."

Chris Ryan introduces himself as a seasoned auctioneer, bringing a fresh perspective to the podcast's dynamic.

2. Netflix's Foray into Theatrical Releases

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Netflix's decision to release "Narnia" in theaters, a move that marks a departure from the company's traditional streaming-only strategy. The hosts analyze the potential impact of this decision on the broader entertainment industry.

Amanda Dobbin [03:02]: "But it's. There are no, like political ramifications. I don't really remember."

Sean Fennessy appreciates the spectacle-oriented nature of the movie, pondering its box office potential.

Sean Fennessy [05:05]: "It's nice that you have a standard, but this is a business conversation. No one gives a shit what you think about the movie."

The conversation highlights the strategic moves by major studios and streaming giants, emphasizing the evolving landscape of movie distribution.

3. Explaining the Auction Game and Its Rules

The hosts transition into explaining their Movie Auction Game, a recurring feature where each participant bids fake money on films expected to perform well based on specific criteria.

Sean Fennessy [12:28]: "If you think about it from the context of the big picture and the movie obsessives, it seems like, oh, what do the precedent mean?"

The rules are outlined, detailing how participants allocate a set budget to bid on five movies each per episode, with triggers such as box office performance, Oscar nominations, and Metacritic scores determining the success of their bids.

4. Recap of Previous Auction Year's Performance

Chris Ryan reflects on last year's auction, mentioning successful bids like "Dune Part Two" which exceeded expectations by crossing the $100 million mark.

Chris Ryan [15:02]: "It crossed $100 million at the box office."

Sean Fennessy notes his strategic choices, including "The Wild Robot," which met multiple triggers, showcasing the effectiveness of thoughtful bidding.

Sean Fennessy [27:24]: "The Wild Robot to me is the kind of movie that... could get two Oscar nominations, $100 million at the box office, plus an 85 Metacritic score."

5. Current Episode's Auctions: Bidding on 2025 Movies

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to the auctioning process for 2025 releases. Participants discuss and bid on various films, balancing their preferences with the set triggers to maximize their success.

• Chris Ryan bids on titles like "Sinners" and "Gladiator 2," sharing his insights and strategies.

  Chris Ryan [15:47]: "Then I had in the second auction the instigators for 130 bucks. It was an Apple movie and did nothing."

• Amanda Dobbin navigates through her selections, including "Blitzed" and "Twisters," reflecting on critical reception and box office performance.

  Amanda Dobbin [16:59]: "It doesn't matter to me."

• Sean Fennessy emphasizes the importance of meeting multiple triggers to ensure winning bids, highlighting his choices like "Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning" and "Nosferatu."

  Sean Fennessy [27:50]: "The Wild Robot... could have two Oscar nominations, $100 million at the box office, plus an 85 Metacritic score."

The interactive bidding process is filled with banter and strategic decision-making, illustrating the competitive yet collegial nature of the hosts.

6. Interactions, Banter, and Strategic Discussions

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lively discussions about their bidding strategies, the performance of selected films, and the implications of their choices on the auction's outcome. They highlight the challenges of predicting a film's success and the importance of aligning choices with the established triggers.

Sean Fennessy [44:37]: "It does matter to me."

Amanda Dobbin [18:25]: "But like, the critics aren't helping me and the public is slacking on its duty to go see box office sensations like Trap."

The camaraderie among the hosts adds depth to the conversation, making the auction process both entertaining and insightful.

7. Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode winds down, the hosts recap their auction picks, discuss the potential outcomes based on their bids, and reflect on the evolving movie industry's dynamics. They also touch upon upcoming discussions around the Academy Award nominations, hinting at future episodes' content.

Sean Fennessy [106:07]: "I'm a big fan of his Predator Badlands and the Running man coming out on the same day is incredible."

The episode concludes with light-hearted interactions and teases about future topics, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment of "The Big Picture."

Notable Quotes Highlighted:

• Amanda Dobbin [03:02]: "But it's. There are no, like political ramifications. I don't really remember."

• Sean Fennessy [27:50]: "The Wild Robot... could have two Oscar nominations, $100 million at the box office, plus an 85 Metacritic score."

• Chris Ryan [15:47]: "Then I had in the second auction the instigators for 130 bucks. It was an Apple movie and did nothing."

• Amanda Dobbin [16:59]: "It doesn't matter to me."

Final Thoughts:

"The 2025 Movie Auction" episode of "The Big Picture" offers a fascinating blend of movie industry analysis, strategic game play, and engaging dialogue among the hosts. By intertwining their auction game with real-time discussions on movie distribution trends and box office predictions, Sean Fennessy, Amanda Dobbin, and Chris Ryan provide listeners with both entertainment and insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of cinema.