Necro

Halo Movie Loses Both Its Studios
Source: Variety
October 20, 2006


Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox have backed out of co-financing the big screen adaptation of Microsoft's Halo, reports Variety.

The trade says that while rumors had the studios concerned over a budget that was rising above the original projected $135 million budget, the filmmakers said the double defection came after Universal and Fox played hardball and unsuccessfully tried to get the filmmakers and Microsoft to reduce their profit participation.

The studios made the pay cut demand as a Oct. 15 deadline approached. On that day Microsoft was to have received the bulk of a promised $5 million upfront payday. The software giant also stood to receive 10% of gross for rights to the game and a script by Alex Garland.

"The only budget the filmmakers every spoke about was $145 million less the 12.5% rebate that you get from shooting in New Zealand, which would put it at about $128 million," said Ken Kamins, who represents the pic's executive producers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. "That was the only number that was ever discussed.

"What happened was this: Universal, on behalf of both studios, asked for a meeting with the filmmakers just prior to the due date of a significant payment. Basically, they said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce their deals. They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungee, respectfully declined."

Kamins said Microsoft is already in talks with other distribution partners. Prep work on the film continues, he said.

Blitzkrieg

WC Hall Of Famer

Idiots. I think they're gonna be sorry about this. With Peter Jackson and his crew behind it and the huge following that Halo has, I can see this movie being big.

Necro

I think Halo would have done okay, I dont think it would get as much money as they were putting into it though...