Movie Biz 101 for Anschutz

http://www.latimes.com/business/custom/cot...-business-enter

In late June, a few days after billionaire Philip Anschutz's big-budget movie "Around the World in 80 Days" had crashed at the box office, his top two film lieutenants sent a buck-'em-up e-mail to their dispirited troops.

<snip>

Anschutz and those watching his march into the entertainment industry will get another chance to measure his acumen when two more of his expensive movies make their way to theaters next year. The first is "Sahara," a $130-million-plus action adventure that is based on Clive Cussler's 1992 novel and has just completed production. The other is a $150-million adaptation of C.S. Lewis' children's classic "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." It is being shot in New Zealand.

<another snip>

Now, Hollywood executives are looking ahead, somewhat skeptically, to Anschutz's next test — "Sahara."

Once again, Paramount opted not to be a 50-50 partner on the movie. Instead, it will receive a fee for distributing it domestically and in five territories outside the U.S.

"Sahara's" lead character, adventurer Dirk Pitt, is portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, who has not yet proved he can carry an expensive action-adventure movie. Likewise, the film's director, Breck Eisner, has never made a feature film, let alone one costing upward of $130 million. Eisner, 34, the son of Disney CEO Michael Eisner, has so far made his mark directing commercials and television shows.

Granat defended the casting of McConaughey, pointing to the once-unproved Brendan Fraser, who hit it big with "The Mummy" franchise. "This is simply going to elevate Matthew tremendously," Granat predicted. He also defended the practice of giving young filmmakers such as Eisner their first big shots.

Paramount Pictures Chairwoman Sherry Lansing said she, too, had confidence in the movie's cast and director. "We're extraordinarily excited about bringing the Clive Cussler franchise to the big screen," she said.

<yet another snip>

Release date: Sahara Paramount 3/25/05

Great find!!!!

At least we have a somewhat definete release date.

Nice. Hopefully with that kind of budget, it will actually have some quality to it.

I had the misfortune to read that book in 4th grade - and they are making a movie out of it!!!??? yike:

That makes me feel REAL good.... :unsure:

What do you mean? yike: The Chronicles of Narnia is a fabulous series! I recommend reading again in the future...

I thought the same thing Liz! ;)

Thanks Sherlockfan :)

yike: I fell asleep after every page. I guess I'm just spoiling by reading Dr. Cussler's books.

Cool article Sherlockfan. th: Well, at least we have a release date, subject to change ten times before then. <_< Keep your fingers crossed; on a film with this kind of budget, it is going to be difficult to call a rousing success unless it makes a butt-load of money :unsure: I just pray it doesn't totally flop. yike:



Leo: the doubting Thomas

J.R.R. Tolkien didn't think much of C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia". And I am inclined to follow Tolkien's opinion.

At least I'm not the only one that thinks so.

Are we going to make bets how many times the release date changes?

I don't like making bet's I can't win. j:

You are very correct, however they were great friends and admired each others work. :)

Interesting tidbit.

Kelly - let's put it this way is the amount of times the release date changes going to be a two or three digit number? :P