| If the Budget Approachs $200 Million? |
 |
by Sanem Z / Hot Movie News Crew
 Universal's and 20th Fox's backed out of co-financing the feature adaptation of Microsoft's Halo, reports Variety.
Both of the studios that agreed to co-finance the screen adaptation of the popular Microsoft game have abruptly backed out of the picture. While rumors had the studios concerned over a budget that was rising above the original projected $135 million pricetag, the filmmakers said the double defection came after U 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. Software giant also stood to receive 10% of gross for rights to the game and a script by Alex Garland.
 Rumors of a budget that could approach $200 million raged Thursday, but Ken Kamins, who reps Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, vehemently denied that figure. The duo came aboard as exec producers, joining powerhouse producers Mary Parent, Scott Stuber and Peter Schlessel.
"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," Kamins said. That was the only number that was ever discussed.
As word of the U and Fox exit spread, speculation centered around the inexperience of Halo helmer Neill Blomkamp, a 27-year-old first-time feature director.
Kamins said Microsoft is already in talks with other distribution partners. Prep work on the film continues, he said.
|
|
|
|
| COMMENTS |
|
| Be the first to comment on this article! |
 |
|
|
|
