Ben Fritz

Wall Street Journal

Guest/Host

Reporter covering the film business for the Wall Street Journal; former film business reporter for the Los Angeles Times; former reporter and video-game reviews editor for Variety, covering technology and feature animation; blogger; editor of the satirical website Dateline Hollywood and co-author of the New York Times bestseller All The President's Spin

Ben Fritz on KCRW

Hollywood studio executives are planning to release their movies as “premium” video-on-demand soon after they hit theaters for $30-$50 per rental.

Will premium video-on-demand kill movie theaters?

Hollywood studio executives are planning to release their movies as “premium” video-on-demand soon after they hit theaters for $30-$50 per rental.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Our weekly look at the movies. This week… Brick Mansions is an action remake of a 2004 French film. It stars the late Paul Walker from the Fast & Furious series.

Movies

Our weekly look at the movies. This week… Brick Mansions is an action remake of a 2004 French film. It stars the late Paul Walker from the Fast & Furious series.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

We’ve managed to rise above our post-Oscars malaise for a fresh round of film talk. Because it’s Friday, and that’s what we do on Fridays.

Movies

We’ve managed to rise above our post-Oscars malaise for a fresh round of film talk. Because it’s Friday, and that’s what we do on Fridays.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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Measure HLA, which is on the ballot, has attracted passionate support and strong opposition, amid a broad reckoning over the future and priorities of safety in LA transportation.

from KCRW Features

Karen Bass talks about the efficacy of her signature Inside Safe program, preparing LA for the Olympics, and Measure HLA.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A classic fruit pie is vegan except for that buttery crust, which is the easiest part of the pastry to tweak. Several great plant butters are available.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

On Thursday, Biden and Trump will both head to the U.S.-Mexico border to address immigration. It’s the top issue in the nation, reports a new Gallup poll .

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The race for two open supervisor seats is heating up in Orange County. Two candidates might compete in the November run-off election if no one receives more than 50% of votes.

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The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Oscar-nominated short documentary “The Barber of Little Rock” follows Arlo Washington, a barber who is trying to close the wealth gap in the city.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Rep. Adam Schiff wanted to run against Republican Steve Garvey for Senate — and got his wish on Tuesday night. George Gascón leads the pack for DA, but will face a battle in November.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena opened in 1894. Now owner Joel Sheldon III is looking for a buyer who will keep catering to the local community.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand