From RoboCop to The Simpsons: How Real Hollywood Deals Get Done | The Dealmaker’s Lounge

What does a “deal” look like in Hollywood - when the stakes are the story itself? In this episode of The Dealmaker’s Lounge, hosts Jeff Novak and Cody Davis sit down with William Shockley and Tom Brady, partners at Tiki Tāne Pictures, to unpack what it really takes to move a project from concept to screen - without losing the creative vision along the way.William shares lessons from a decades-long career spanning iconic roles and directing - most recently Long Shadows, while Tom pulls back the curtain on the realities of writing and leading in high-pressure TV rooms with credits including The Simpsons, Sports Night, and more. Together, they talk about the unglamorous side of “making it”: betting on yourself, surviving the hard seasons, choosing the right partners, and building aligned relationships that make great work possible.You’ll also hear how the business has shifted—from theatrical volume to a streaming-driven landscape - and what that change means for creators, investors, and anyone trying to build something meaningful in a competitive market. If you’re a founder, creative, or operator negotiating high-stakes decisions, this one’s packed with practical perspective (and a few great stories).