Although Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the start of summer here in the states, blockbuster season is already well under way - with movies that opened in late March and early April.
Here are the official spring/summer 2010 blockbuster hits so far.
CLASH OF THE TITANS
Warner Brothers remake of 1981 classic based on the Greek myth of Perseus and the set of tasks he must perform to topple the tyrannical power of the Gods over men. This has done surprising box office business for WB and Legendary Pictures. In the 56 days since Titans' release it has taken in $475.3 million worldwide and counting.
By contrast, the other big mythologically themed movie out this year, PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS (based on the children's book and released February 12), has a worldwide box office cume to date of less than half Titans' at $221,048 million. My 14 year old nephew, who is a big fan of the book, believes this is because the movie didn't follow the original narrative or meet fan expectations.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
The spring release of DreamWorks 3-D CG animated film (about a young boy in n.d. magic kingdom who accidentally discovers that dragons aren't the horrible creatures they're made out to be) is still holding it's own and, thanks to a record breaking opening in South Korea last weekend, has already amassed an astounding $446,500 million worldwide.
IRON MAN 2
The much anticipated sequel featuring the billionaire playboy/creator of the supersuit meets his match in the Russian villain Whiplash. The film is about to enter its fifth weekend worldwide with a box office cume, to date, of $522 million.
ROBIN HOOD
The prequel version of the classic hero of Sherwood Forest shows how Robin Hood's father was murdered and he grew up to lead a band of a "lawless" out for revenge. Robin and his merry men have grabbed $200 million at the worldwide box office so far.
SHREK FOREVER AFTER
The fourth film of the DreamWorks 3-D CG animated franchise took the top spot last weekend even though analysts claim it "collapsed" at the box office. Shrek took in $71 million but that's way down from projections - due in part to $20 3D tickets. Exhibitors dropped pricing to $17 in response but it may mean audiences won't pay that much for a movie experience they've already had. In this, the final chapter, the ogre hero comes out of domesticated retirement to save the kingdom again.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
The spring release of the Tim Burton/Linda Woolverton "adult" sequel to the Lewis Carroll classic stars the ever popular Johnny Depp in wildly colorful 3D live-action animation. This one has been a box office phenomenon - pulling in close to a billion in box office worldwide to date.
SEX IN THE CITY 2 opens today in the U.S.
Two years after the first film, marriage and motherhood are wearing a little thin so the girls take a trip to exotic Abu Dhabi where the unexpected happens yet again. Looks like enough fun, fashion and romance to last us for another couple of years.
PRINCE OF PERSIA
The Disney summer tentpole opens tomorrow for Memorial Day weekend. The story started out as a video game by creator Jordan Mechner, morphed into a graphic novel and then became the Jerry Bruckheimer time-bending actioner. Lots of kick-ass ninja style street-fighting and state-of-the-art FX.
Movie-goers, however, may be in for a surprise because the average price of a ticket has risen 26% this weekend. Time will tell if audiences will pay it.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Sir Ken Robinson's declaration of independence
Here's a delightful follow-up to Sir Ken Robinson's 2006 talk about the urgent need to revolutionize our educational system. Here, here! Bravo. Love this.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Story Company
Just a few minutes ago I went live with the virtual storefront for my story development company. It's called The Story Company. How's that for original? I'm very excited to set this in motion. Please visit the website by clicking here or at the top of the sidebar to your right. Here's my email address: http://susie@thestorycompany.net - drop me a line. I look forward to hearing from you! We are now actively seeking screenplays, teleplays, manuscripts and books for possible development. I'm focusing on the Austin area (but will accept work from anywhere as long as it's in English) because there is so much talent here and so little direction that comes from life experience. There are a gazillion schools, a nice production facility (Austin Studios) and one of the most hyped film fests in the world (SXSW) but no-one has staked a professional claim on helping writers put it all together and sell their work. Amazing.
If you've been following this blog (or know me) you'll also know that I have a strong belief in the untapped potential of writers, actors and artists over the age of 40. Just when you get seasoned "they" (meaning the powers that be in Hollywood) stop calling with jobs. Ageism is still a reality in Tinsel Town. What's crazy is that ageism is built on an out-dated paradigm that says the 18-49 demographic is the heart of the American entertainment consumming public.
Ageism and the incredible lack of movies for "mature" audiences is such a huge oversight it's almost hard to believe this state of affairs persists* Suffice it to say, I have a passion for stories written for the swelling but still mostly ignored filmed entertainment audience of people who are 50+. So if you've got one of those, I'm already prejudiced in favor of it.
Anyway, to learn more about Thestorycompany and new story development possibilities there please visit the website.
*especially in light of recent demographic evidence
Check this out:
It looks like a giant wave doesn't it? When you add to that the fact that most adults over the age of 50 have more expendable income than their younger counterparts you'd think Hollywood would pay more attention to this growing segment of the collective U.S. audience. Of course nothing is as simple as that but it's an area of interest that is literally coming-of-age.
Monday, May 17, 2010
An Interview with Brian Grazer
Whenever I come across an exclusive, personal interview with a writer, director and/or producer I'm always interested because they aren't just hyping their latest project. With any luck, they're revealing their process, the way they think. That ultimately leaves clues to their success. Today I got lucky.
Here then, is an interview I came across between Imagine Entertainment co-chair Brian Grazer and Emmy Award winning journalist Charlie Rose. It took place nearly 5 years ago but is just as relevant today as it was the day it was recorded.
For some reason the start button isn't appearing at the center of the screen. Just go to the white control bar beneath this paragraph (and directly above the next),then click the start arrow on the left. This is a very insightful interview, unusually candid and generous in detail. Enjoy.
Here then, is an interview I came across between Imagine Entertainment co-chair Brian Grazer and Emmy Award winning journalist Charlie Rose. It took place nearly 5 years ago but is just as relevant today as it was the day it was recorded.
For some reason the start button isn't appearing at the center of the screen. Just go to the white control bar beneath this paragraph (and directly above the next),then click the start arrow on the left. This is a very insightful interview, unusually candid and generous in detail. Enjoy.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Development Deals & Production Starts
There was a lot of activity behind the scenes in Hollywood last month. While MGM continues to stay afloat under its crushing debt, bidders can't seem to come up with enough beans to satisfy shareholders. Now there's talk MGM may be shopping for a new motion picture group chairman. Although I think Mary Parent is very sharp, it does make sense to bring in someone like former Fox topper, Bill Mechanic (who originaly honed his skills at Disney).
This weekend the reimaging of Robin Hood as a revenge film (directed by Ridley Scott)opens domestically in 3,503 theatres and though it has thus far received lukewarm reviews at it's debut at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, it is expected to challenge, if not topple, the reigning film, Iron Man 2.
Keep in mind that even though the theatrical distribution appears fairly close (Robin Hood is in 3,503 theatres and Iron Man is in 4,390 theatres) the number of actual screens differs widely with Robin on 5,900 screens and Iron Man on 10,000). This is one of those hidden hat tricks that studios use to amp up numbers and make their film "appear" more popular. More screens for a big opening usually equals more box office and Iron Man 2 benefits from being a sequel.
Meanwhile, here's a compilation of the biggest feature films that inked development deals with the studios in April. As you can see, the emphasis is still on comedy and spy thrillers with a few crime dramas and comic book adaptations scattered around. (I'm still filling in the story blurb blanks and will continue to update this post).
The Flint Heart – feature film based on the upcoming novel The Flint Heart by Newbury Award Winning children's book author Katherine Paterson and her husband John Paterson(book due out in early 2011 from Candlewick Press). Property is being produced by Arcady Bay Entertainment and Bedrock Studios with Katherine's son David Paterson (who co-wrote Katherine's award winning book Bridge to Terabithia) writing the script.
Balls to the Wall – Romantic comedy about a man who moonlights as an exotic dancer to raise money for his fiancé’s dream wedding. Veteran writer/director (Wayne's World, et al) Penelope Spheeris is directing for Fortress Features. This one began production April 12.
An Ex to Grind – Romantic comedy for 20th Century Fox starring Cameron Diaz and Benecio del Toro about a woman strapped with alimony payments who pulls out all the stops to find her deadbeat ex-husband a new wife. Based the novel by Jane Heller.
Stretch Armstrong – Universal Pictures is adapting this feature based on the 1970s comic book hero/spy who can stretch his legs limitlessly to perform heroic feats. Steve Oedekerk is writing the script, which uses the physical flexibility as a metaphor for a man who stretches his limits to do the seemingly impossible. Brian Grazer is producing. Taylor Lautner will play the lead.
Untitled Castle Rock/Frank Baldwin Drama – An au pair, a drug dealer and a Chilean mob kingpin cross paths with three Ivy League graduates when a kilo of cocaine goes missing. Gregory Hoblit is producing this crime drama. Frank Baldwin wrote the script, for which he won the 2007 Writer's Network Competition.
The Double – Hyde Park Entertainment and Imagenation Abu Dhabi are producing this spy thriller in which two CIA operatives hunt down a Russian assassin. Topher Grace and Richard Gere star.
Heatseekers – Paramount Pictures and Platinum Dunes Productions are making this action thriller about an ex-military pilot who finds himself battling aerial pirates. Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller are producing a script written by first time screenwriter George Mahaffey.
Gorgeous George – WWE Studios is producing this feature based on the book Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Popular Culture written by John Capouya (Harper Collins 2008)
This weekend the reimaging of Robin Hood as a revenge film (directed by Ridley Scott)opens domestically in 3,503 theatres and though it has thus far received lukewarm reviews at it's debut at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, it is expected to challenge, if not topple, the reigning film, Iron Man 2.
Keep in mind that even though the theatrical distribution appears fairly close (Robin Hood is in 3,503 theatres and Iron Man is in 4,390 theatres) the number of actual screens differs widely with Robin on 5,900 screens and Iron Man on 10,000). This is one of those hidden hat tricks that studios use to amp up numbers and make their film "appear" more popular. More screens for a big opening usually equals more box office and Iron Man 2 benefits from being a sequel.
Meanwhile, here's a compilation of the biggest feature films that inked development deals with the studios in April. As you can see, the emphasis is still on comedy and spy thrillers with a few crime dramas and comic book adaptations scattered around. (I'm still filling in the story blurb blanks and will continue to update this post).
The Flint Heart – feature film based on the upcoming novel The Flint Heart by Newbury Award Winning children's book author Katherine Paterson and her husband John Paterson(book due out in early 2011 from Candlewick Press). Property is being produced by Arcady Bay Entertainment and Bedrock Studios with Katherine's son David Paterson (who co-wrote Katherine's award winning book Bridge to Terabithia) writing the script.
Balls to the Wall – Romantic comedy about a man who moonlights as an exotic dancer to raise money for his fiancé’s dream wedding. Veteran writer/director (Wayne's World, et al) Penelope Spheeris is directing for Fortress Features. This one began production April 12.
An Ex to Grind – Romantic comedy for 20th Century Fox starring Cameron Diaz and Benecio del Toro about a woman strapped with alimony payments who pulls out all the stops to find her deadbeat ex-husband a new wife. Based the novel by Jane Heller.
Stretch Armstrong – Universal Pictures is adapting this feature based on the 1970s comic book hero/spy who can stretch his legs limitlessly to perform heroic feats. Steve Oedekerk is writing the script, which uses the physical flexibility as a metaphor for a man who stretches his limits to do the seemingly impossible. Brian Grazer is producing. Taylor Lautner will play the lead.
Untitled Castle Rock/Frank Baldwin Drama – An au pair, a drug dealer and a Chilean mob kingpin cross paths with three Ivy League graduates when a kilo of cocaine goes missing. Gregory Hoblit is producing this crime drama. Frank Baldwin wrote the script, for which he won the 2007 Writer's Network Competition.
The Double – Hyde Park Entertainment and Imagenation Abu Dhabi are producing this spy thriller in which two CIA operatives hunt down a Russian assassin. Topher Grace and Richard Gere star.
Heatseekers – Paramount Pictures and Platinum Dunes Productions are making this action thriller about an ex-military pilot who finds himself battling aerial pirates. Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller are producing a script written by first time screenwriter George Mahaffey.
Gorgeous George – WWE Studios is producing this feature based on the book Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Popular Culture written by John Capouya (Harper Collins 2008)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Pecan Grove
Never thought I'd stay in an R.V. park but never say never, at least that's what a hairdresser once told me. Pecan Grove R.V. Park on Barton Springs, in the middle of the hippest part of Austin, has been my weekend spot for the past few weeks and it's a revelation. I've already met some very creative people there. Matthew McConaughey lived there off and on for 2 years.
Although I admit to being a recluse, there doesn't appear to be any "grand central station" for feature film story development. Not even a small outpost. There's the Writers League of Texas but that too is dedicated to networking and education. With all this talent you'd think an independent producer (not Robert Rodriguez, who is all about his own work) would've staked a claim here to pool the local talent. Instead all you find are 150 colleges in the area.
The Austin Filmmakers Society is also NOT focused on corralling and developing the local talent. They're all about encouraging producers to shoot here. That only happens after they've found the script they like, have developed it and have sold it to Hollywood or an independent with foreign distribution.
Translation? The place is flooded with educated youth who are in dire need of a seasoned professional's direction. There are a few people here posing as script doctors but their credentials are shaky, at best. Austin could really use a creative story development center. This is the aspect of Austin that most interests me. While Hollywood struggles to find its place in the new world order, Austin may just have a chance to put itself on the map as an intellectual property outpost.
Although I admit to being a recluse, there doesn't appear to be any "grand central station" for feature film story development. Not even a small outpost. There's the Writers League of Texas but that too is dedicated to networking and education. With all this talent you'd think an independent producer (not Robert Rodriguez, who is all about his own work) would've staked a claim here to pool the local talent. Instead all you find are 150 colleges in the area.
The Austin Filmmakers Society is also NOT focused on corralling and developing the local talent. They're all about encouraging producers to shoot here. That only happens after they've found the script they like, have developed it and have sold it to Hollywood or an independent with foreign distribution.
Translation? The place is flooded with educated youth who are in dire need of a seasoned professional's direction. There are a few people here posing as script doctors but their credentials are shaky, at best. Austin could really use a creative story development center. This is the aspect of Austin that most interests me. While Hollywood struggles to find its place in the new world order, Austin may just have a chance to put itself on the map as an intellectual property outpost.
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