DreamWorks sets up ‘Old Boy’ club

In a potential high-profile star-writer reunion, “I Am Legend” co-scribe Mark Protosevich is in early talks to pen the remake of “Old Boy” that boxoffice king and “Legend” star Will Smith is developing with director Steven Spielberg. DreamWorks secured the remake rights from Mandate Pictures, which also is staying involved in the project. Although the studio was meeting with several high-profile writers to do the adaptation, Smith invited Protosevich to meet with Spielberg on the project. – from THR

Eastwood, Spielberg talking thriller

Clint Eastwood is in talks to direct the supernatural thriller “Hereafter” for DreamWorks. Company, led by principals Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider, picked up the spec penned by “Frost/Nixon” scribe Peter Morgan in March when it was still a part of Paramount Pictures. DreamWorks held onto the project as part of its separation pact with the Melrose studio and has been wooing Eastwood to board the project for months. – from Variety

Steven Spielberg and Will Smith in talks for ‘Oldboy’

Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in early discussions to collaborate on a remake of Chan Wook-park’s “Oldboy.” DreamWorks is in the process of securing the remake rights, and the new pic will be distributed by Universal. In the 2003 Korean original, a man gets kidnapped and held in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. Suddenly, he’s released and given money, a cell phone and clothes and is set on a path to discover who destroyed his life so he can take revenge.

Spielberg had been looking for an opportunity to make a film with Smith, who would play the kidnapped man if all the pieces fall into place. Spielberg is looking for a writer to begin the development process.

- from Variety

Will ‘Tintin’ Get Only Two Films?

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Paramount Pictures are in talks to co-finance the digital 3-D “Tintin,” the Steven Spielberg/Peter Jackson series based on the Belgian “Tintin” comics.
After resolving the Paramount-DreamWorks divorce, putting together a studio deal for “Tintin” was next on Spielberg’s agenda. After Universal balked at partnering on the first installment, which Spielberg will direct, Paramount offered to fully back the first movie with a reduced backend at $135 million for the two gross participants. When the filmmakers held out for a better deal, a partner became a viable alternative. While neither Sony nor Paramount would comment, both confirmed talks were under way.

Spielberg had hoped to be in production by this fall. However, when financing fell apart at Universal on the eve of DreamWorks/Paramount divorce, he lost the participation of his lead actor Thomas Sangster. Nonetheless, “Tintin” is expected to be complete in time for a 2010 release. Jackson will direct the sequel.

In the deal currently being negotiated, Paramount is planning to distribute in North America and some other English-speaking territories, while Sony would handle the foreign release. However, “Tintin” would no longer have any association with DreamWorks.

Spielberg and Jackson were originally teaming to direct and produce three back-to-back features based on Georges Remi’s beloved comic-strip hero “Tintin.” Spielberg and Jackson selected three stories from Remi’s “The Adventures of Tintin” series, which encompassed 23 books published between 1929 and 1976 about an intrepid junior reporter and his dog Snowy who track down stories to the ends of the earth.

The director of the third film in the planned trilogy was always up in the air and a script was never written. Kathleen Kennedy joins Spielberg and Jackson as a producer on the three films, but the deal under discussion appears to be for two.

- from Variety

DreamWorks and Universal signs seven-year deal

DreamWorks has nailed down its seven-year distribution pact with Universal — as expected — but there are several aspects of the deal that stand out.
In the end, there was no bidding war for DreamWorks pics. Universal will commit $150 million to the new venture and will collect an 8% distribution fee. Par will still be distributing many films before and after the new U deal takes effect.

Disney supposedly had engaged in casual talks with DreamWorks principals Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider, but the Universal deal had been expected given U’s longstanding ties with the pair.

The 8% distrib fee for releasing DreamWorks’ slate of films is similar to what Paramount Pictures collects for releasing DreamWorks Animation pics, which remain at Par through 2012.

Snider and Spielberg recently exited Paramount to partner with Reliance Big Entertainment, which will distribute the new DreamWorks projects in India. It’s assumed the duo will retain the DreamWorks moniker, though the 12-member DreamWorks Animation board will have to approve that.

Reliance invested $550 million in the company, with DreamWorks hoping to add an additional $700 million to its coffers via JPMorgan by the end of the year.

In announcing the arrangement, DreamWorks and Universal said the deal will take effect in 2009 and will include six or so films per year.

However, the first DreamWorks-produced, U-released project will not likely hit the bigscreen until 2010 given that Paramount is aboard to distribute a number of DreamWorks pics through the end of 2009. In addition, as part of Paramount and DreamWorks’ divorce settlement, Par has an option to co-finance and co-distribute 15-20 DreamWorks-led films that had been developed during DreamWorks’ three-year stint with Par.

- from Variety

Steven Spielberg is back in the Universal family.

DreamWorks, headed by Spielberg and Stacey Snider, has struck a much-anticipated deal for theatrical distribution with Universal Studios in a seven-year agreement encompassing as many as six releases a year. The first project under the pact should go before cameras by September for release in 2010.

Terms call for DreamWorks to pay Universal an 8% distribution fee, with Uni advancing the marketing costs of the films.

Spielberg and Snider recently bolted Paramount to reconstitute DreamWorks as a private, separate production company. Several projects under development at Paramount will exit with them, but several DW/Par co-productions are likely during the next couple of years from among a batch of 33 key projects that DreamWorks had in development at Paramount.

- from THR

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Blu-ray DVD review

Growing up watching Raiders of the Lost Ark, I was weary of the new Indiana Jones movie. The buzz wasn’t there. Reviews were fairly negative. Even though I was the intended audience for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I decided not to see Indy in the movie theater this past summer. Between Batman, Iron Man and WALL-E, the theaters were too cluttered. I didn’t look back; I thought it was a fine decision.

Indy goes Blu-ray

So my expectations were low when I popped in the Blu-ray edition of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. When you expect it to suck so badly, to be terrible, you may actually enjoy the movie.

I had lowered the bar sooo low, that I actually had a blast with Indiana Jones and his new adventure to find some dumb crystal skull in Peru. Maybe I was just in a good mood, maybe I had a few beers, regardless, the movie wasn’t as terrible as I expected.

Listen, yes, it could’ve been better. I wish they would’ve gone old school and not gone CGI crazy, but what can you expect? Certainly not as good as Raiders or Last Crusade, but better than that middle dud. Could it have been better? Yes, but you could say that about all movies.

Reviewers ripped on Karen Allen and Shia LaBeouf, their characters and acting were fine, but c’mon, lighten up. It’s an Indiana Jones movie, have fun. I mean, I was giggling at the quicksand scene, while my wife was sighing. I think people’s expectations were SO FRAKING HIGH, they were too serious, that they couldn’t enjoy the movie.

Or maybe it was the beers. Regardless, there are some terrific action sequences. Steven didn’t totally phone this in. Along the way Indiana is re-united with his long-ago flame, Marian Ravenwood and it turns out Shia Labeoufs’ character is her son. Guess who daddy is?

Visually, the Blu-ray DVD of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull looks amazing. Crisp. Clear. Colorful. A wonderful transfer. This DVD is a great example of the power of Blu-ray – here’s where you truly notice the difference between Blu-ray and standard DVDs. No artifacts or pixalization – this sucker really screams. If you’re looking for outstanding colors and crispness to impress your friends, this is the Blu-ray DVD to pull out. And there are some brilliant features, including:

The Return of a Legend (HD) – For all of those who were involved with the three Indiana Jones’ films never thought that a fourth installment would occur. A detailed look at the development process and the fans that demanded a new installment that. In this feature we see glimpses of past Indy films for the first time in high-def.

Crystal Skulls (HD) – For those of you who didn’t believe crystal skulls actually existed, Spielberg and Lucas provide credible information that is in fact haunting. The skulls’ historical content is put into perspective, as well as how the production team managed to carve up such skulls.

Warrior Makeup (HD) – A quick view of the people who underwent intense makeup sessions in order to be remarkably transformed in to the temple natives.

Iconic Props (HD) – Everything from the vehicles and Mutt’s jacket, to Indy’s bullwhip are introduced to us by the man who made each of them possible, Spielberg.

“Closing: Team Indy” (HD) – John Williams’ famous score plays as the entire team from the movie is spotlighted.

Pre-Production (HD) – Final castings are discussed as well as the locations. Karen Allen is particularly spotlighted for her return to the franchise.

Theatrical Trailers (HD)

Production Diaries (HD) – This feature literally tears apart the entire film and about its production process. It begins with six sections: Shooting Begins: New Mexico, Back to School: New Haven, Connecticut, Welcome to the Jungle: Hilo, Hawaii, On-Set Action, Exploring Akator and Wrapping Up. All sections offer insightful commentary.

The Effects of Indy (HD) – Spielberg discusses how the new technology changed his previous views of Indiana Jones and how they supposedly look so much better.

Adventures in Post-Production (HD)

Pre-Visualization Sequences (HD) – The Area-51 Escape, Jungle Chase and Ants Attack are displayed in rough and choppy versions.

Still Galleries (HD) – Over 150 images.

Indiana Jones Timeline (HD) – A slick feature with an equally impressive navigation system that chronicles every minute detail in three separate sections

DreamWorks, Paramount settle split

Paramount and DreamWorks have hammered out a joint arrangement for up to 40 development projects.

As part of the separation agreement, DreamWorks will take the lead on 15-20 projects, with Paramount retaining an option to co-finance and co-distribute the films.

Deal was worked on throughout the weekend by Viacom general counsel Michael Fricklas and Par vice chairman Rob Moore (for Paramount) and David Geffen and attorney Skip Brittenham (on behalf of DreamWorks). Geffen will not be joining the new DreamWorks.

Though the two companies declined to list the projects affected because filmmakers are still being contacted, insiders say two Steven Spielberg directing vehicles — “The 39 Clues” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” — as well as the Sacha Baron Cohen comedy “Dinner With Schmucks” are among the titles.

Similarly, Paramount will take the lead on another 15-20 projects, with DreamWorks holding an option to co-finance. Paramount will keep in its fold the remainder of the 200 DreamWorks-developed projects, and DreamWorks will no longer be involved creatively or financially.

- from Variety

Nikki: Paramount And Dreamworks Finalize Separation And Future Joint Projects; David Geffen Ends DW Relationship

I’m told the decision as to the new distributor for DreamWorks 2.0 will be made at the beginning of the week by Steven Spielberg. (Of course, odds are it’s going to be Universal.) Below is an advance look at the press release to be issued about the formal separation of Paramount and DreamWorks which was started by Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg. This ends David Geffen’s 14 years as a DreamWorks partner and his retirement from the film business now that the DreamWorks principals’ resignations were finalized with this agreement. Wow, end of an era! The deal now means that Geffen has engineered his most fervent wish: to give director Steven Spielberg and his studio chief Stacey Snider a big enough warchest of $1.5B worth of indie financing (half from India’s Reliance ADA) so they could leave their rocky relationship with Paramount behind and answer only to themselves. As for Katzenberg, he is chief of the publicly traded DreamWorks Animation, and its distribution agreement with Paramount continues. He, too, will not be associated with the new Spielberg- and Snider-run DreamWorks.

- from Nikki

Hollywood, CA (October 5, 2008) — Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks principals today announced the formalization of their transition agreements as Mr. Spielberg and Ms. Snider depart to form their previously announced new motion pictures company in partnership with Reliance BIG Entertainment. Mr. Geffen, who oversaw the transition for DreamWorks, will not be joining the new company.

As part of the separation agreement, the DreamWorks principals’ new company will take the lead on a number of development projects, which Paramount will have the option to co-finance and co-distribute. The majority of existing DreamWorks staff is expected to be offered positions at the new company. All other projects currently in development will remain at Paramount with the opportunity for the Reliance-backed venture to co-finance several projects to which Mr. Spielberg is attached. In addition, Mr. Spielberg will continue to produce the Transformers franchise for Paramount and will also collaborate on three other Paramount films including, “When Worlds Collide.”

Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures said, “We have had a great run with the DreamWorks team both creatively and financially. In particular, it has been a true honor working closely with a storyteller of Steven’s talent and stature. We are also grateful to David and Stacey for their exceptional leadership, creative talent and many contributions to our partnership over the past few years. We look forward to building on our joint successes as Paramount plans for the future.”

Mr. Spielberg added, “Brad is a friend and I am pleased to be able to continue to work with him and his team with whom we have shared many past successes. We have enjoyed a productive creative and business collaboration with Brad, Paramount and Viacom over the past few years and are enthusiastic about extending the relationship for many years to come. And I have a very special thanks to David Geffen for his far reaching vision that has made it possible for me to steer this new course. His advice and wisdom have always been right on the money. He is a friend for life.”

“We are grateful to Brad, Rob and the entire Paramount team for their generous support and constant creativity. We are very proud of the films we produced and marketed together. We’re excited about this new venture which wouldn’t have been possible without the business genius and loyalty of David Geffen,” said Stacey Snider, Co-chairman and CEO of DreamWorks Studios.

Rob Moore, Vice Chairman Paramount Pictures added, “It has been rewarding to work with the DreamWorks team and I’m gratified we’ll have the opportunity to continue to work together. We wish them the best as they launch their new venture.”

About DreamWorks Studios
DreamWorks Studios was formed in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. The company won three consecutive Best Picture Academy Awards with “American Beauty,” “Gladiator,” and “A Beautiful Mind” (both co-produced with Universal). Among the company’s other successes have been such films as “Saving Private Ryan” (co-produced with Paramount), “The Ring,” “Minority Report” (co-produced with 20th Century Fox), “War of the Worlds,” “Dreamgirls,” and “Transformers” (all co-produced with Paramount). Stacey Snider joined the company in 2006 as Co-Chairman and CEO. Snider has overseen the company’s business strategy as well as the creative and financial aspects of all film development and production. Among its upcoming productions are “The Soloist,” “Revolutionary Road,” “The Lovely Bones,” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About Reliance BIG Entertainment
Reliance BIG Entertainment and its affiliates represent the largest integrated media and entertainment eco-system in India.

Key initiatives include: Movies (Hollywood and Indian), Animation, Music, Home Video/DVD, Multiplexes across, India, the US, and Asia, Broadcasting, Sports, Gaming, Internet and mobile portals, with direct opportunities in delivery across all emerging digital distribution platforms: digital cinema, IPTV, DTH and Mobile TV.

Reliance BIG Pictures, a division of Reliance BIG Entertainment, is the most prolific producer of Indian films in all major languages, with a slate of nearly 100 films to be completed in the next 3 years.

In May 2008, Reliance BIG Pictures announced separate development deals with Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Productions, Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures, Tom Hanks’ Playtone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, and Jay Roach’s Everyman Pictures. More development deals are planned.

Harrison Ford says George Lucas in ‘think mode’ on another ‘Indiana Jones’ film

Harrison Ford said Friday that momentum is building for a fifth movie in the “Indiana Jones” franchise and that George Lucas is already cooking up a suitable plot for a heroic senior citizen with a penchant for whips and fedoras.

“It’s crazy but great,” the 66-year-old Ford said. “George is in think mode right now.”

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” grossed $318 million in the U.S. alone and $770 million worldwide and is expected to be powerhouse seller on DVD and Blu-Ray when it arrives in stores Oct. 14. It was a film that many people in Hollywood assumed would never be made considering the difficulty in finding the right time and the right script to reunite Ford, Lucas and franchise director Steven Spielberg after the 1989 hit “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

Now, though, the latest success and the fact that the franchise’s old machinery was revived has Ford thinking a fifth movie is not only a viable idea, but an attractive one.

“It’s automatic, really, we did well with the last one and with that having done well and been a positive experience, it’s not surprising that some people want to do it again,” Ford said.

I asked Ford who specifically is stirring up the idea of another revival, whether it was Lucas, Spielberg or the star himself? “Really, it comes from the ethos, from the ether. It’s natural. It’s a way of nature, of course, success breed opportunities … also we don’t stay as closely in contact as have in the last year, that’s part of it.”

Ford said, though, he would not be game to making an animated “Indiana Jones” film, a notion that became at least a possible option after Lucas took his “Star Wars” theatrical saga into the computer-generated realm with “The Clone Wars” this summer.

“I’m not philosophically against doing animation roles but not for Indiana Jones,” Ford said. “I’d hate to see it reduced in any way from the movies that we have done and the way we have done them.”

- from LAtimes

DreamWorks toons stay put

While one DreamWorks departs Paramount, another is staying put, at last for a few more years. DreamWorks Studios may be re-launching with a new infusion of cash, but DreamWorks Animation remains in a distribution deal with Par that runs through 2012.

Originally spun into a public company to help investor Paul Allen liquidate his early investments, DreamWorks Animation is now in the unexpected position of having absolutely no business relationship with DreamWorks Studios.

Technically, the live-action studio hasn’t been connected to its toon sibling in over two years, but it’s no coincidence that the latter signed a seven-year distribution deal with Paramount at the same time the former was acquired by it.

Back then, nobody figured DreamWorks’ relationship with Par would end so quickly. But DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberghas been thriving.

The “K” in DreamWorks SKG, who has led the animation studio since it spun out four years ago, has had only positive public words for Paramount and insiders say there have been few conflicts, save for a dispute when former Par marketing honcho Gerry Rich ankled.

- from Variety