Unscripted: The Epic Battle for a Hollywood Media Empire

Unscripted is an inside look at the struggle to control one of the world's great entertainment empires, focusing on the last great Hollywood mogul, Sumner Redstone, his daughter, Shari Redstone, and her challenger, Leslie Moonves. The book reveals how money and power work in Hollywood, illuminating an industry struggling to adapt to streaming, #MeToo, and Black Lives Matter. It also reveals the lengths people will go to in pursuit of power and the carnage that ensues when they do.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cornerstone

Unscripted: The Inside Story of the Struggle to Control One of the World's Great Entertainment Empires is a captivating and revealing book that delves into the complex world of Hollywood and the power struggles that have shaped its history. Written by journalist Michael Wolff, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rise and fall of one of Hollywood's greatest companies, Paramount Global, and the tumultuous events that led to its downfall.

At the center of the story is Sumner Redstone, the ninety-something founder of Paramount Global, who has built the company into a global entertainment powerhouse. However, as he approaches his dotage, Redstone faces a scandalous lawsuit that threatens to tarnish his legacy and undermine his control over the company.

Redstone's daughter, Shari Redstone, is his heir apparent and has been groomed for power for six decades. Despite her extensive experience and preparation, Shari struggles to assert her authority over the company and her family's legacy. On the other hand, Leslie Moonves, the CEO of CBS, is a well-liked figure in Hollywood who plots a coup to take control of Paramount Global. Moonves is a charismatic leader who has successfully led CBS through a period of growth and innovation, but his ambitions are threatened by news leaks that he is facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

Unscripted is a deeply reported account of the struggle to control one of the world's great entertainment empires. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between money, power, and sexual misconduct in Hollywood, and how these issues have impacted the industry and society as a whole. The book provides a damning portrait of how money and power work in Hollywood now, and how an industry that was once known for its glamour and glitz is struggling to adapt to the revolution brought by streaming, #MeToo, and Black Lives.

One of the most striking aspects of Unscripted is the author's access to key players in the industry. Wolff has conducted extensive interviews with Redstone, Shari Redstone, Moonves, and other key figures, allowing him to present a nuanced and comprehensive account of the events that led to Paramount Global's downfall. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the power struggles, backstabbing, and scandalous behavior that characterized the company's leadership.

Wolff also takes a critical look at the role of media and journalism in shaping public perception and influencing the outcome of these power struggles. He argues that the media has often been complicit in perpetuating the myth of Hollywood glamour and glossing over the darker aspects of the industry. This has allowed powerful figures like Redstone and Moonves to maintain their grip on power and avoid accountability for their actions.

Unscripted is a must-read for anyone interested in Hollywood, power, and the intersection of these two forces. It offers a fascinating and insightful perspective on the industry and its challenges, and provides a valuable lesson in the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. Whether you are a fan of Hollywood or simply interested in the workings of power, this book will captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 665g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529912845