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Dragon's Den Studios - A New Hollywood Mogul Dynasty!!!
I just picked up HM and started playing around with it. After learning some of the basics, I have decided to start anew with my own dynasty, a talent file, and so forth.
I do not know how long HM will entertain me. A week? Two days? Who knows. I don’t even know if I’ll finish the game (100 movies). However, I was very poor at making money in my pretend game (with 18 movies). I only had four movies make money then, so I’ll have to see what happens in this go around. Well, let’s see what happens. -Anxiety |
After a successful tenure as the head coach at Eastern Michigan University, I have decided to look for projects elsewhere. At first, sports became my thing, and I headed to interview at various teams. Few large franchises outside of football would interview me, but I occasionally got an interview with a baseball or hockey team.
But sports sort of, well, began to bore me. So I went outside the realm of ESPN to look and see what was available. Nothing. Therefore, I have decided to go into business for myself. I have 1 mill in personal money left after setting up Dragon’s Den Studios. I will begin to make movies. It has always seemed like an enjoyable thing. Pure crap is being published by Hollywood and I want to give an independent feel to major movies. You know, that kind of intellectual, thinking movie that makes you remember the movie long after you have the theater. I am now the Executive Producer and CEO of Dragon’s Den Studios. |
Game Level – On my Way. This means we spend half a million each year in upkeep costs. Since we only start with 1 mill in funds, and costs are not exactly on the cheap, we’ll have to go into debt soon.
Talent is not randomized, although that would be fun. My assistant is my own picture (heh). I am using the talent file you can find on Hollywood Mogul’s site in the forums section. If anybody out there has some additions to the file, and they would like to share that, please send ‘em my way! There are a lot of people missing. And a lot of people who are over or under valued. Anyways, here goes nothing. -Anxiety |
My first day in the office. I breathe a breath of uncertainty, of anxiety. Of composure. I will succeed here. It should be just like EMU. Hard at first, then hard work over time will snowball. Just stay the course.
Greatness is not overnight inspiration. It is annual dedication. I know I will be in debt sooner or later, so I hit the circuit, looking for screenplays already written. I want to buy the Movie Rights for them. I like the following and purchase them: The Diary (3.8 mill) – Forbidden pleasures at the White House are splashed across the tabloids. Shocker (3.4 mill) – In Los Angelos, an earthquake upsets the balance of nature. Challenges of the Heart (3.3 mill) – A woman must face the fears of her childhood to save her own child’s life. One Last Chance (3.1 mills) – A young college graduate, dying of cancer, gets a chance at the life he always dreamed of. Milestone (3 mill) – A one hundred year old woman us tormented by her beautiful young nurse. Heavenly (2.8 mill) – In heaven, a man meets the woman he’s been dreaming about. Star Gazer (2.4 mill) – A mysterious stranger pays a visit to a young couple lost in Death Valley, California. Each of these movies has something I like, whether is is a good plot, good characters, or whatever. I then take a look at some Stage Plays and Novels to see if there is anything out there I want to buy the rights to. I like: She Was An Empty Place (5.7 mill) – Stageplay about a woman so afraid of being abandoned that she cannot show her love to the man who loves her. Tearoom – (5.1 mill) – Stageplay about ladies meeting to compare notes on life. Be Gone, B’Gosh (5.7 mill) – Novel – The dead are awakened by aliens from another planet. Deep Cut – (5.1 mill) – A novel about the story of the building of the Panama Canal. Dead or Deader – (4.95 mill) – Novel about a vampire coming live in New York City. Marvelous – (4.8 mill) – Novel about an oil tycoon meeting the love of his life on the wrong side of the tracks. These 13 plots will have to sustain us for a little while. -Anxiety |
Each of these movies has something I like, whether is is a good plot, good characters, or whatever. I then take a look at some Stage Plays and Novels to see if there is anything out there I want to buy the rights to.
I like: She Was An Empty Place (5.7 mill) – Stageplay about a woman so afraid of being abandoned that she cannot show her love to the man who loves her. Tearoom – (5.1 mill) – Stageplay about ladies meeting to compare notes on life. Be Gone, B’Gosh (5.7 mill) – Novel – The dead are awakened by aliens from another planet. Deep Cut – (5.1 mill) – A novel about the story of the building of the Panama Canal. Dead or Deader – (4.95 mill) – Novel about a vampire coming live in New York City. Marvelous – (4.8 mill) – Novel about an oil tycoon meeting the love of his life on the wrong side of the tracks. These 13 plots will have to sustain us for a little while. I head over to the writer’s studio. I need these scripts tuned up. I decide to start with the screenplays I already have. The Diary begins with a Five start plot, intelligence and genre elements. With four star pace, it just needs work on the arc, character development and dialogue. This may be our flagship piece if it’s done quickly. I send the script to a writer for the Dialogue and Character Development. The scifi Shocker has a five star arc, dialogue, pace and genre elements. It needs serious work however, on character development (Char Dev), plot and intelligence (Int). I send the script to a rewrite specialist to tune up the plot and intelligence. One Last Chance needs more work than the first two scripts. While it has five star plot and pace, and four star genre elements, this drama needs serious work in the arc, char dev, and dialogue. I ship the script to a rewrite specialist to work on the character arc and character development. Really, a drama should have both in spades. The suspense thriller Milestone needs char dev, dialogue, pace and genre elements. Five stars in arc and intelligence and four in the plot. Definitely a script with potential. I send the script with orders to work on the dialogue and pace. Challenges of the Heart has potential as well. This drama is close to ready out of the box. With a five star arc, plot and genre elements, just a few other elements need work. I send it off to a writer for pace and intelligence. The comedy Heavenly struck me as having a witty premise. With a five star arc, I don’t want to do a page one rewrite of the material, but most of the other elements could reallys use some work. I order a writer to start with pace and intelligence. The last screenplay is the sci fi drama Star Gazer. The screenplay is pretty poor, but it has amazing char dev and pace. The arc and plot are emphasized by my writer. As for adaptations – I send off She Was An Empty Place to a 3 mill writer (Melody Brook). Tearoom looks like a nice chick flick drama, and maybe potential for a little satire. I send off the script to Marina Rosovodskovik – one of the best writers in the business with a 5 million price tag. She looks perfect for the part, however. Be Gone, B’Gosh appears like an excellent horror vehicle. I ship it to Flip Stevens, a 2 mill writer with a penchant for pace, intelligence and polish. Marvelous is sent to Jimmy Barman with a 4 mill tag. We’ll see what he can do with the love story. I decide to hold onto Deep Cut and Dead or Deader for a while and not send them out away right. Historical epics, like Deep Cut, need to be released after you get a handle on things, and I want to see how the horror market breaks before doing Dead or Deader. Spent 75 million on the scripts and the writers. One month down, 50 million gone from the coffers. -Anxiety |
February 2003.
Producer David Brown dies. Robert Redford has heard about my ambitious goals and wants a meeting with me. He pitches a script called Barefoot, about a 38 year old woman who dumps her husband to have a little fun. After just a few minutes I can tell that the screenplay is just awful. I send Redford away, but tell him that if he has a better script in the future, I would be willing to consider funding him. None of the scripts are back yet. I head back to the market to see if any new scripts are available. I see a few new screenplays that I like: Eyes of Rage (3.7 mill) – A man goes after the two men who raped and murdered his wife. With Five star dialogue, pace, intelligence and genre elements, this drama looks excellent. I really like this film, and I send it off. There is no screenwriter or rewriting specialist with expertise in both char dev and plot. So I send it to a specialist to get its arc polished a bit while working on the char dev. Don’t Be Afraid (3.5 mill) – A suspense thriller where a widow is pursued by a man she meets at a self help seminar. Five Star Dialogue and four star char dev, plot and pace. Another good looking script with promise. I send this flick to, of all people, Stephen King to get work done on the arc and intelligence. Terror Train (3.2 mill) – A ghostly passenger rides the coast to coast train. Five star pace and plot with four star character arc and three star dialogue. Nice looking horror flick. Sent to get intelligence and genre elements rewritten by a specialist. Short of Breath (3.4 mill) Another dramatic screenplay. A woman executive finds her new job dangerous to her health. With five star pace and four star arc and dialogue, I decide to purchase it, but stick it in a drawer for later. Gone Hollywood (3.1 mill) – A comedy screenplay where a lame-brain inherits a movie studio. I think this will be an excellent film to poke a little fun at myself, and with five stars in the arc, char dev and genre elements, we might be able to turn it into an amazing film. Sent to get plot and intelligence redone by a specialist. No good novels or stage plays this month. -Anxiety |
March 2003
I get back the rewrites from the first seven screenplays I bought in January. Before looking at them, I go hit the market again. I pick up: Hamburger (4.1 mill) – Horror Comedy screenplay – The local fast food joint is serving up students from the local junior college. A very inventive script has five star dialogue and both genre and sub genre elements. It’s a smart script too, with four star intelligence. I really like it, and it’s the sort of film you could realize early without a large fan base and it still might do well. I send it off to gets its arc and plot rewritten by a specialist. Downtown (3.8 mill) – Screenplay, Mystery – A private investigator is led into intrigue and murder by a vengeful woman. Great screenplay with five star int, pace, and gen elements. Four star arc too. Might take a while to work on the script because no writer or specialist has any two of the three areas in which it needs work. So three rewrites might be necessary. I send the plot elements out first. No good novels or stageplays. I take a look at the seven scripts that have returned. The Diary is looking better but I send it back out for an arc polish. It’s almost ready to go otherwise. Shocker is still in need of some work. I send it back for a char dev rewrite. One Last Chance could use some serious work as well. The only man in Hollywood that is both a specialist in dialogue and intelligence is Stephen King, so I’ll hold off until he’s finished with his current project. I send Milestone send back for a rewrite of the char dev and pace elements. Challenges of the Heart is looking ahead of schedule. I ship it for Char Dev polish from a cheap writer. I just want to see what she can do with the script before dedicating it to her hands. Heavenly needs some massive work on plot and intelligence. I send it for a specialist rewrite. I hold onto Star Gazer for now, since I have no intention of producing it soon. -Anxiety |
April 2003
Scripts for five movies were returned today. I go hit the market. A nice novel, A Choice of Words, is available and I purchase the rights to it. A drama where a writer unknowingly changes the life of a woman with an article he’s written. Five star dialogue, pace and genre elements with a four star arc. 5.9 mill. Another novel, Lovers, is available for 5.85 mill. The sexual oddities of two lovers searching for self-truth. Sounds exactly like the off beat stuff that I’m looking for. I purchse it. There is also a stageplay, Stand Up and Dance. It’s a musical, so it comes with risk, great everywhere but char dev and int. 5.25 mill. I hold on to each of these and choose not to develop them at this time. Too many dramas right now, and a musical is a bit risky. Eyes of Rage is back. I still need a better plot so I send it back for a polish. Don’t Be Afraid is back from Stephen King. The movie is almost ready to go, just needs some work in intelligence and genre elements. I send it to a rewrite specialist. Terror Train is also almost ready for the saddle. I ship it off to a writer for a polish on the char dev. Short of Breath still needs work, however. Plot and intelligence are ordered from a specialist. One Last Chance is sent to Stephen King now that he is available again. Challenges of the Heart was not improved in char dev. I only paid 25k, so I am hardly surprised. I ship it to a specialist. -Anxiety |
The Diary is back with a four star overall script. I go ahead and greenlight the movie with the following budget:
Shooting Location – Washington DC, Internal shot on location. Elaborate set construction. Physical costs, 53 million. Pyrotechnic costs 5 mill, stunts 5 mill. No robotic effects. 10 mill State of the Art effects. Print Cost – 7 mill, 3500 theaters, TV Ads, Print ads – 18 mill each. Radio – 1 mill. I intend to make The Diary our “Welcome to Hollywood” Film. Then we can start churning out the less splashy dramas. Even if we lose money, we will do so spectacularly. I hire George Fuller for 300k as the producer. With his best work in Suspense Thrillers and good budget skills, I think he’ll be fine. I initially limit my director search to Spielberg, Lucas, Cameron, M. Night Shyamalan and John Hughes. But none’s best work is suspense. Of course, I quickly find out that no director specializes in such limited work. I intend to hire some expensive actors, so I send the script to Shyamalan. He doesn’t require any gross points. I bring him on board for a total of 1.2 mill with benefits. Now I need an actor. Someone who can thrive in a suspense, someone who can carry the movie. I send the screenplay to the A-List number one actor – Brad Pitt. He likes it, and we agree to meet. The guy wants a lot – 18.6 million total in salary and provisions, plus 10 percent of gross. Still, he will put butts in the seats. I agree. Now I need someone who can play across from Pitt. Someone who can hold her own. I send the screenplay to Nicole Kidman. She is interested so I get on the horn with her agent. Her provisions and salary come to almost another 10 million, plus another 10 percent of the gross revenue. Again, it’s probably worth it. I now have signed the number one actor and number two actress in Hollywood for our first film. They will know we are here. I hire Jeremy Piven as a Supporting Actor (400k) and Thora Birch as a Supporting Actress (550k). A pair of up and comers are hired for the two minor roles. With all costs, the budget for this movie is 151 million. Knowing that we will likely lose money, and willing to accept that, I greenlight the film. -Anxiety |
May 2003
12 scripts were returned today. I also go out and purchase some screenplays for later: The Bobby-Soxers – 3.8 mill, Dark Comedy - Two catholic school girls go out on a murder spree. Beast – 3.3 mill, Horror – An unholy force is unleashed on New York City. I also like this novel: The Empty Chair – 4.65 mill, Action Adventure – The President of the United States has a heart attack on the eve of a nuclear war. And this stageplay: Say You Love Me – 6 mill, Romantic Comedy – A woman struggles to get her boyfriend to say those magic words. None will be worked on for a while. Now, for those scripts that have returned: Shocker, scifi, still needs work. I send it to get its plot polished. Milestone, suspense thriller, sent out for more work on dialogue and genre elements. Heavenly, comedy, not progressing quickly. I send ot for char dev polish to see what happens. Has to get better or could be benched. Eyes of Rage is back. It has not improved since I picked it up. I decide to let it stew for a while and look at other projects. Gone Hollywood is getting better. Dialogue is really the only hole left. It’s sent to another writer. Hamburger is getting better. With Arc and Pace its remaining flaws, I order a rewrite of those elements. Downtown is not getting any better. I send it for a rewrite of char dev. I also get back some original adaptations: She Was An Empty Place has a poor script with good pace and intelligence. I send it to a specialist to get arc and char dev worked on. Tearoom is better. Marina did a good job with the first script. I send it for a cheap rewrite of dialogue and genre elements. Be Gone, B’Gosh also has a good first draft. Sent out for a rewrite in Plot and genre elements. -Anxiety |
Terror Train’s char dev has not improved. Since we are talking about a horror movie here, I decide to skip it and go to production.
With the splash that The Diary should make, I now want a movie that might make money. Hopefully. I authorize the following: Shot externally in a lake set, internally in studio room 11. Elaborate set construction. Physical Costs – 41 Million. Pyrotechnic effects – 1 million, stunts 1 million, robotics 1.5 million. State of the art special effects, 9 million. Print costs, 2500 theaters, 5 mill TV Ads, 8.5 mill, Print Ads, 8 mill, radio 500k. I hire Sam Raimi to direct and produce the film. I spend 524k on him. I begin looking for talent to play in the lead. I sign Christopher Walken quickly as the supporting actor for 1.1 mill. Kate Beckinsale agrees to be the supporting actress for 850k. But who to be my major talent? Helena Bonham Carter wants to try horror, and she is creepy enough to make it work . I send her the script. I sign her as my leading actress for 1 mill. Now I need an actor. There are a lot of actors interested in doing horror. Vin Diesel, my first choice, doesn’t like the script. I narrow down my options to Jude Law, Joaquin Phoenix and Morgan Freeman. Ultimately, I see Joaquin and Jude as ensemble actors, and I offer the part to Freeman. For 5.15 mill and 5% of gross points, Freeman signs as our lead. There are an amazing 15 minor roles. I cast B-List character actors in the first four, up and comers for five more, and fresh faces for the remaining six parts. All told, 90 mill is budgeted for this movie. Note that these budgets do not include overseas advertising. I give the greenlight for the film. -Anxiety |
June 2003
Terror Train needs 8.2 million for additional sets. I agree to the spending. I buy the exclusive movie rights for the novel Cleopatra’s Ghost for 6.15 mill. A discovery along the Nile unleashes a long dead curse. I’ll probably continue to sit on it, but it’s a nice story for a flick. Five screenplays are back from the cleaners. Shocker has continued to disappoint. I may budget it at some point in time, but it will probably never be big. One Last Chance is doing very well. I send it off for a last char dev polish. If I can get char dev to three stars, I’ll begin the filming. Challenges of the Heart now has better char dev. I need to work on intel and dialogue still. Since that’s my favorite Stephen King, I send him another project. I decide to send Short of Breath to a char dev specialist and see what she can do. -Anxiety |
Don’t Be Afraid is looking very nice indeed. It is ready for a budget. This suspense thriller where a woman is stalked by a man she meets at a seminar might be a nice medium budget film.
External set – Big City Street, Internal Studio 12, Complex Set Construction. Physical costs, 40 million, pyro 500k, stunts 1 mill, no robotic effects. Industry Standard special effects – 4 million. Print Cost – 2500 theaters – 5 mill. TV Ads and Print Ads both 8 mill. Radio – 300k. I now go to hire a director. I decide to hire Steven Soderbergh to direct and produce the film. I get him for 522k. For an actress, I need a really good dramatic actress. Preferably a big name draw. Meg Ryan is interested, and that would be a balsy choice. Halle Berry is also interested, and that is just a much better choice. 4.5 million and 5 percent of gross later and Halle Berry is my starlet. Who can be a creepy actor as the stalker? Has to have good screen presence. Keanu Reeves is creepy, but also kind of funny without trying to be. I think too people would see him from Bill and Ted and laugh. Christian Slater, however. He’s creepy. He likes the screenplay so I start a conversation. 828k later I have my stalker. I still am looking for a supporting actor and two actresses. I cast James Earl Jones as the supporting actor (520k), Tea Leoni (828k) and Ali Larter (528k) as my supporting cast. 6 minor roles are all filled by up and comers. Total cost is currently 81 million. I greenlight our suspense thriller. -Anxiety |
PRESS RELEASE - Dragon’s Den Studios
Dragon’s Den Studios, a new Hollywood studio recently formed, announced today that they will no longer be purchasing the exclusive movie rights or screenplays of Horror movies. “We felt it was time to move in a different direction,” said Abe Sargent, Executive Producer and founder of Dragon’s Den Studios. The studio has 6 horror scripts already purchased. “Terror Train” is one of three films already in development, and is a horror film. These six scripts will continue to be worked on and may be produced. However, today, Dragon’s Den Studios has negotiated a deal with the Lovecraft Estate. As part of this deal, Dragon’s Den Studios will be purchased the exclusive movie rights to H.P. Lovecraft’s stories on an individual basis. Additionally, Dragon’s Den will have the right of first negotiation on every Lovecraft story. H.P. Lovecraft was a horror writer from the 1920’s and 30’s and is generally regarded today as the best horror writer of the last century. Many experts place H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe at the top of the horror genre. Many Lovecraft stories or elements have been brought to the screen, however they have proved very poor in both script and production. “The intellectual and innovative works of H.P. Lovecraft make an excellent pairing with Dragon Den’s view of moves,” Sargent said. “I have no doubt that Hollywood, and the world, will enjoy us making these movies. Almost as much as I’ll enjoy making them.” To cap off their new relationship, Dragon’s Den Studios and the Lovecraft Estate have agreed to produce “The Call of Cthulhu” as their first production. “The Call was the first story Lovecraft wrote in his acclaimed Cthulhu Mythos. It is only fitting that it be the first movie we do to honor his works.” PRESS RELEASE – Dragon’s Den Studios -Anxiety |
Does Dragon’s Den Know What They Are Doing?
Madeleine Heines E! Online Oh my God! An upstart movie studio comes in a and signs Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman to their first movie ever. Okay, you can toss enough money at stuff and get big names on your things, that’s an established Hollywood fact. Sure, it sent some rumbles across the community, but hey, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. But spending close to 200 million on your first film? 100 million on the second? 80 million on the third? The studio knows that every one of these flicks is going to bust, right? I mean, how long can an ex-football coach run a studio before we all agree to point out that the Emperor has no clothes. Dragon’s Den is that emperor who paraded about in his skivvies. For the love of all that is holy we have to start pointing out the flaws in their theories. The mass viewing public does not want high brow comedy, esoteric dialogue or intellectual anything. They want pure sensation. Sure, a small segment of the population likes the high brow films. But it will never sell well. And all of the talent, money, and Brad Pitts in the world cannot change that tiny, simple fact. Dragon’s Den will fall. -Anxiety |
Because I have a lot of scripts right now (29), I thought I’d catalogue them by genre:
Science Fiction: Shocker, currently in a drawer. Star Gazer, currently in a drawer Horror: Terror Train, currently in pre-production Be Gone, B’Gosh, currently being rewritten Dead or Deader, has not received first draft Beast, currently in a drawer Cleopatra’s Ghost, has not received first draft The Call of Cthulhu, currently has not received first draft Horror Comedy: Hamburger, currently being rewritten Suspense Thriller: The Diary, currently in pre-production Milestone, currently being rewritten Don’t Be Afraid, currently in pre-production Action Adventure: The Empty Chair, has not received first draft Comedy: Heavenly, currently in a drawer Gone Hollywood, currently being rewritten Comedy Dark: The Bobby-Soxers, currently in a drawer Romantic Comedy: Say You Love Me, has not received first draft Love Story: Marvelous, currently in a drawer Drama: One Last Chance, sent for rewrite Challenges of the Heart, sent for rewrite She Was an Empty Place, currently being rewritten Tearoom, currently being rewritten Eyes of Rage, currently in a drawer Short of Breath, sent for rewrite A Choice of Words, has not received first draft Lovers, has not received first draft Mystery: Downtown, currently being rewritten Musical: Stand Up and Dance, has not received first draft Historical Epic: Deep Cut, currently in a drawer -Anxiety |
July 2003
I purchase screenplay #30: The Wave. This action adventure has an off shore storm sending a 600 foot wave towards LA. It cost 3.3 mill with 5 star arc, pasce and intelligence and four star dialogue. 8 scripts are returned today. Milestone needs even more dialogue work. It is sent to a specialist. She Was An Empty Place is having some difficulties with the script. I send it to a specialist as well to get the plot and arc worked out. Tearoom is almost there. I order some polish for char dev. Be Gone B’Gosh is also getting there. I send it to a rewriting specialist for genre and char dev. Gone Hollywood is back but I immediately sent it back out. The dialogue is awful. Downtown just needs a little polish before being done as well. I send it back to get the dialogue touched up. -Anxiety |
Two scripts are ready to go this month. The first is Hamburger is also back and ready for production. This Horror Comedy is being filmed on a Main Street USA external set and sound stage #13 internally. It has Complex Set Construction.
The physical costs are 31 million, 1 mill for pyro effects and 500k for stunts. There are no robotic effects. 3 mill for standard effects. Print costs is 4.6 mill for 2300 theaters. TV ads 7 mill Print ads 6 mill, radio 200k. Richard Kelly is best in comedy and wants to do horror. He is ideally suited to direct his second movie. He is very visionary and good at everything else. Kelly is a Dragon’s Den type of movie. Donnie Darko, his directorial debut, is among my top 10 favortie movies of all time. He also costs 100k to direct. I hire Peter Marks for 500k to be the producer. He has the skills necessary for the job. I see if any good actors want a horror role. There aren’t that many good actors. I open up the search. I find a good supporting actor quickly in Seann William Scott (1 mill) of Dude, Where’s My Car? fame. After some discussion, I land Val Kilmer (1 mill) as our leading actor. Christina Ricci (1 mill) agrees to be our leading actress. I cast Rodney Roland (500k, very hot on screen), Famke Janssen (500k) and Mena Suvari (700k) in the remaining supporting roles. Up and Comers are cast in the two minor roles. With a total budget of 66.4 million in salaries, production costs, and domestic advertising, I greenlight Hamburger for production. -Anxiety |
The other movie ready to go is One Last Chance. This thinking drama is reminiscent of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I intend to spin it, however.
We will film on the suburban street backlot and sound stage #14 with significant set construction. With physical costs of 31 mill, 500k for stunts and 2 mill for standard special effects, the production of One Last Chance will be our cheapest yet. I decide to go with 7 mill in each of TV and print ads and 300k radio. With print costs of 4.6 mill (2300 screens) we are set to hire. Spike Jonze, John Hughes and somebody else are interested in directing the piece. I look over Spike and John. Both are good. I decide to go with John Hughes who has less vision but a better command of the actors. I sign him as the director and producer for 500k. Several females have contacted me about their interest in the flick. Jodie Foster, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Courtney Cox. None of which thrill me, by the way. I hire John Rhys-Davies (1 mill) as a professor quickly. I still need an actor who can effectively play the of a young student. I send the script to Leonardo DiCaprio. He is interested so I begin discussions with his agent. 7.2 million and 10 percent of gross later, I have signed Leonardo as my lead. I now need our leading actress and love interest. I send the screenplay to Liv Tyler and she likes it. She’ll be my backup for now. Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst are also available. Of the three, I think Natalie will play the best off Leonardo. 1.1 mill to make her my leading lady. I sign Neve Campbell (500k), Jason Lee (1 mill) as Leonardo’s best friend, and John Cleese (700k) as another professor. All four minor roles are played by Up and Comers. I greenlight One Last Chance with a budget of 70 million. -Anxiety |
August 2003
Terror Train and The Diary have entered production. Don’t Be Afraid needs 8 million in set costs. I approve them. Hamburger needs 6.2 mill in sets as well. Another approval. I check the market. I purchase screenplay #31 for 3.3 mill: Dungeon, suspense thriller, a psychopath kidnaps women and holds them prisoner in his basement. Five star pace and genre elements with four star plot and three star char dev and int. Only needs work on arc and dialogue. I find the stageplay Nuclear Holocaust: The Musicial to be quite innovative but a bit too campy for my tastes. A novel, Ravaged Heart of Stone has some nice touches, but I decide to pass on that as well. Moonshine, a novel about love in rural Kentucky, has great elements, but probably a limited appeal. Several scripts are back: Challenges of the Heart is back from King, but he didn’t improve it. I send it off for a dialogue polish and see what happens. Tearoom is back. The char dev hasn’t improved much. I decide to send it off for one last try. Otherwise, I’ll probably go ahead and approve it. It should prove to be a cheap movie to make. Short of Breath is also returned. However, attempts to improve the script have failed. I send it off for another try. Downtown is up to a four star script, but it use a little polish in its plot. I send it off for that touchup. I send The Call of Cthulhu to Stephen King for an original script. There is no man in Hollywood I trust with the script more than him. King has written short stories in Lovecraft’s world and has a great respect for him. I also send out the Dungeon. It’s so close to being a finished product. I’d like to see it ready soon. -Anxiety |
September 2003
The Diary needs 2 mill to complete production. I authorize the expenditure. Terror Train needs 6 million to reshoot some scenes. I give them their monies as well. They have entered post-production after that money was sent. Don’t Be Afraid has entered production. Director Cameron Crowe wants to have a meeting with me. I agree to sit down with him. He pitches me a title called Thunder of Zeus, which at first sounds really fun. Then I realize that it’s about a billionaire recluse who tries to overthrow the US Government. It’s a poor script, and Crowe demands a budget of 40 mill and 30 percent of gross! He’s a good director, and I’d be willing to hire him for a project. But not this particular project. I buy the screenplay for The Second Face. 3.4 Mill, Mystery. Police try to solve the murder of a college graduate student. Milestone is back and almost ready to go. It’s sent back for a polish. Challenges of the Heart came back and it’s intelligence has not been made better. This script is as good as I can make it, and it’s still a three star script with a hole in intelligence. Everything else is good or better. With a great plot and arc, and decent dialogue, char dev and genre elements, and good pace, maybe I shouldn’t worry so much about the intelligence. I’ll hold onto it for a month or two to see how other scripts are developing before making a decision here. She Was An Empty Place has come back. A professional rewrite specialist was unable to clean up the arc. I try for the dialogue on the cheap (50k). Tearoom is back and ready to go. The script has no weaknesses, although its strengths are less than stellar. I could try and touchup the pace, intelligence or char dev, but each are at three stars. I decide to send it out for a pace touchup. We’ll see if we can’t get that up to four stars. Be Gone, B’Gosh is also back. I professional specialist was unable to make the char dev, pace, and genre elements better. I make one last chance at the plot. I send it out for a rewrite. Two scripts are ready. Downtown and Gone Hollywood. I decide to hold onto Downtown this month, and begin production of Gone Hollywood. -Anxiety |
Two problems so far Anxiety:
1. You haven't hired Ardent Enthusiast yet. 2. You don't have a sport movie yet! Good luck! |
Quote:
No sports movies are in the works immedaitely, nor are any projects on our radar for the future. Sports movies are often highly formulaic, and the ones that are not are usually failures. A comedy with a sports premise might not be out of the realm of possibility, however. -Anxiety |
Gone Hollywood is the Comedy about a lame-brain who inherits a movie studio. We cast in on location here and in LA and we also do the sound here as well. We have significant set construction.
I budget 34 mill for physical costs, and 1 mill for stunts. There are no other effects. I decide to wait on casting until setting advertising expenditures. I send the script off to my first choice – Kevin Smith. He is interested and we begin discussions. I sign Kevin Smith as my director and producer for 420k. He has a talent for comedy, and I think he’ll be great in this movie. I search for actors that excel in this type of flick. A lot of best comedic actors are tired – Dan Aykroyd, Michael J Fox, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, David Spade, and such. I don’t want to cast old men from the SNL club that don’t generate the kind of heat that I want. So I send the script to Seth Green. He does seem like the sort of lead that this movie demands. He is interested. Two million makes him my leading actor. Billy Zane agrees to be my supporting actor for 500k. Now I need to cast the females. I have a top candidate in mind, and she likes the script. 1.136 million makes Kirsten Dunst my lead actress. Heather Graham aggress to be my supporting actress. I think that Seth Green, Kirsten Dunst, Billy Zane and Heather Graham make an excellent Kevin Smith cast. I decide to budget 6 mill for each of TV and Radio ads and 300k for radio. That gives us a total budget for domestic advertising and negative costs of 64 million. -Anxiety |
PRESS RELEASE – Dragon’s Den Studios
Dragon’s Den Studios, a new studio with high ambitions, announced today that it has created a “Cadre of Directors.” With almost 35 projects in various stages of completion, Dragon’s Den Studios needs a set of directors whose talent is high and whose visions line up with those of Dragon’s Den. This studio was formed with a desire to bring more depth to studio moviemaking, and these directors epitomize that ideal. Dragon’s Den Studios can and will occasionally use directors outside of the Cadre, and directors in the Cadre are welcome to pursue projects with other studios, but the creation of this Cadre represents a shared vision and dedication to purpose. The directors who have agreed to become members of the Cadre represent a list of up and comers, experienced hands, and talented outsiders. They are: John Hughes – Director of many classic 80’s movies that challenged society and Hollywood such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. For the past 15 years, he has been ostracized by Hollywood and forced into children’s movies. Even then, he has had hits like Home Alone, 101 Dalmations, and Beethoven. His directing qualifications are without questions, and both John and Dragon’s Den look forward to returning him to his artistic roots. Richard Kelly – A new director on the screen, 27 year old Kelly has had one major release to mixed reviews – Donnie Darko. Already working on his second directorial picture with Dragon’s Den, Richard Kelly has put pen to paper and agreed to become a member of the Cadre. Darren Aronofsky – Another new director, Darren’s work with Pi and Requiem for a Dream have been highly acclaimed and groundbreaking. Darren has been without a major studio project, despite displaying tremendous directing talents. Christopher Nolan – Nominated for an Oscar in Best Screenplay for Memento, Christopher Nolan has only directed two films. Memento was a movie that played with time and the audience in ways that no movie has ever done, and his vision is welcome in Dragon’s Den Studios. Kevin Smith – The director of many of the greatest independent films of the later 90s, including Chasing Amy, Kevin Smith has already signed to direct a project for Dragon’s Den Studios and has also agreed to become a member of the Cadre. Steven Soderbergh – Recently becoming an acclaimed studio diurector, Steven’s work include Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven, Erin Brockovich, and Out of Sight. Already a director for a Dragon’s Den Studios movie, he has decided to make the jump to Dragon’s Den for creative reasons. Spike Jonze – Known more for videos than movies, Spike Jonze has nevertheless made a name for himself with the off-kilter movie Being John Malkovich. Wanting a more serious role in pictures, Spike has agreed to be a founding member of the Cadre. Sam Raimi – With a mega hit under his belt I Spider-Man, several horror and comedy movies notching that belt, and a highly touted movie in A Simple Plan, Sam Raimi has left the warmth of the studios for a greater control over his movies and more creative freedom. M. Night Shyamalan – The last founding member of the Cadre, M. Night Shyamalan is currently working on the flagship Dragon’s Den movie. He has cornered the Hollywood market on creating fear in an audience without using a lot of gore or special effects. Among his more well known pieces are The Sixth Sense, Signs, and Unbreakable. PRESS RELEASE – Dragon’s Den Studios -Anxiety |
October 2003
The Diary and Don’t Be Afraid have entered Post Production. One Last Chance and Hamburger have entered production. An additional 2 mill is needed to compensate for Halle Berry’s ego casuing some shooting delays. I certify the allocation. I purchase another screenplay – The Eye of the Storm, a drama, for 3.7 mill. A hurricane all but demolishes a small Caribbean island. With needs only in arc, pace and plot, I hope that a specialist can clean up the script. More scripts have returned: Milestone – An unsuccessful polish disturbs me. It’s ready to go, I guess, but I choose not to authorize it this month. Tearoom is ready for production. I want to look at the other projects that are ready or nearly so, before deciding what to produce this month. Short of Breath features a four star script. Looks good. Dungeon is also back. It needs some serius work. So, I have several projects ready to go, or as close to it as they’ll ever be. Tearoom, Short of Breath, Milestone, and Downtown. Of those, I like Tearoom. It should be cheap to film and appeal to a new type of audience. Let’s work on it and see if there is room for another movie this month. -Anxiety |
Tearoom is an adaptation of a play about ladies meeting to compare notes on life. The physics of the movie should be relatively small. I set in the backlot on Main Street, USA. We’ll use sound stage 15 and have an average set construction. I authorize 21 million in physical costs, with not pyrotechnic, stunts or robotic effects. No special effects either.
I decide to send this project outside the Cadre to a female director. I really think that Mimi Leder is an excellent choice for director and producer. I send over the script and she likes it. I sign her for 800k. Maybe Mimi will join the Cadre sooner or later. She directed Deep Impact, which was everything Armageddon wasn’t. Deep Impact was human, touching, and more exciting than the big effects Armageddon. My signings for the stars are quick. With The Diary done and entering post-production, Nicole Kidman is just freed up. She is interested in the script and we sign her for almost 8 million and 10 percent of the gross. However, she will be our big draw. Susan Sarandon has agreed to the other starring role for 600k. Leelee Sobieski has agreed to be the supporting actress for 700k. She is a great actress and will add that touch of youth. I need a hunky man to play opposite the ladies and as Nicole’s love interest. For a million, Rob Lowe has agreed to be the supporting actor. The three minor roles are all handed to A List Character actors. The Prints costs for the movie, for 2000 screens, is 3.6 mill. I order 6 mill each in TV and print ads and 300k in radio. With 60 million in total domestic advertising and negative costs, I greenlight the movie. -Anxiety |
I decide to go ahead and set up Milestone this month. This suspense thriller is about a one hundred year old woman who is tormented by her beautiful young nurse. We use sound stage 16 and a Big City Street in the backlot for the filming with significant sets.
I budget 31 million for physical costs, 500k for pyrotechnics, 500k for stunts, and 2 mill standard special effects. I offer the project to Christopher Nolan. It seems like his kind of thing. He agrees to direct the film for a little over 100k. I hire Jerry Huges to produce the film for 600k. I need a older lady to play the 100 year old woman. Judi Dench is my ideal candidate, and she is interested. But I can’t get her to get rid of her demands for 5% of the gross. I orrfer to double her asking price (from 800k to 1.6 mill) but no dice. However, there is nobody else out there I trust with ths kind of role, so I relent. For 800k and 5% of gross, Judi Dench will star. I want a young, hot trollop of an actress to smoke the film up beside Dench. A contrast of young and old would make for a nice film. I send the screenplay to Carrie-Anne Moss. She is my first choice, with an ideal attitude, good acting chops, good sex appeal, and young enough to fool the audience into thinking that she is younger. I sign her for 1.8 million. Thora Birch is done filming, so I cast her as a supporting actress for 550k. Christian Slater has agreed to be the loving grandson of the leading lady for 800k. The movie only has one minor role, and I cast a B List Character Actor. I agree to 6 mill TV, 6.5 mill print, and 400k radio in domestic advertising. Combined with 2300 theaters with a print cost of 4.6 mill, the total for this project is 65.7 mill. I green light the movie. -Anxiety |
I like this. I am waiting for the next entry. Keep it up.
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Makes it more interesting using actual stars. I couldn't get into the game because of the fictional names, but I might try it again with the talent file.
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The holdup on this dynasty has been the saved games. They've been corrupted, and I am working with the HM guy to take care of the situation.
-Anxiety |
Hopefully the save game issue is resolved and out regularly scheduled dynasty now returns, already in progress.....
-Anxiety |
November 2003
One Last Chance needs a million to fix some damaged reels. I agree to the costs. It now enters Post-Production. Hamburger falls a month behind schedule. We are almost into the red. With all of this projects and no revenue yet, we have 17 million left – a far cry from the 1 billion I started with. With four movies in post-production, however, I expect to see that downward slide halted somewhat. However, we will not be back in the black for some time. This is my last chance to purchase novels, plays, or screenplays. Unfortunately, the scripts still circulating are unoriginal or bad. Either way, I choose not to purchase anything this month. Here is a recap of our movies: Post Production: The Diary, One Last Chance, Terror Train, Don’t Be Afraid Production: Hamburger Pre Production: Milestone, Tearoom, Gone Hollywood Awaiting Greenlight: Challenges of the Heart, Shocker, She Was An Empty Place, Be Gone B’Gosh, Eyes of Rage, Short of Breath, Downtown Sent Away for Rewrite: The Bobby-Soxors, Beast Currently Being Written: The Call of Cthulhu In a Drawer with a Screenplay: Heavenly, Star Gazer, Marvelous, The Wave, Dungeon, The Second Face, The Eye of the Storm Rights Purchased, but no Screenplay: Deep Cut, Dead or Deader, A Choice of Words, Lovers, Stand Up and Dance, The Empty Chair, Say You Love Me, Cleopatra’s Ghost -Anxiety |
I decide to Greenlight Short of Breath:
Big Street Backlot, Sound Stage 14, Complex Set Construction 31 mill physical costs, 500k Pyro effects, 300k stunts, and 500k standard special effects. Julia Roberts, Hollywood’s leading lady, is interested in the role. 9.5 mill and 10% of gross yields me the #1 leading lady in Hollywood. Robert Redford has also called me up wanting to direct. I tell him that he’ll have to produce as well, and he agrees. 1.2 million and Redford is on board. I need a starring male role across from Roberts. I need someone with the sheer charisma and sex appeal to star across from Julia. I send the script to my first choice – Matt Damon. He is interested and for 5 million and 5% of gross, Matt is my star. Guy Pearce (2 mill) and Kate Hudson (600k) agree to supporting roles. I cast two A List Character Actors, two B List, and two Up and Comers for the minor roles. We go to 2500 theaters, so 5 mill printing costs. I budget 10 million TV, 9 mill print, and 500k radio. 85.27 mill total. -Anxiety |
December 2003
Terror Train has finished post production, has been rated, and is ready for release! Hamburger has gone into post production. Gone Hollywood has entered production. The first screenplay for The Call of Cthulhu has arrived from King. King gave it Five Star Arc and Character Development. Everything else, however, is very poor. I send it away to a rewrite specialist to work on the plot and intelligence. Terror Train has some nice ancillaries, including merchandise, posters and apparel. The film is currently rated PG-13 and is screening around 91% of audiences enjoying the movie. I do not authorize an edit. I set the movie for release in March, 2004. Due to its star capacity, merchandising and good screenings, I pump up the theaters to 3000. The total project cost is 105 mill. I send The Wave out for a rewrite of its genre and character elements. -Anxiety |
I Greenlight Downtown:
We will film in New York City and shoot sound on location with Complex Set Construction. I authorize 32 million in physical costs, 1 mill pyro, 1.5 mill stunts, and 3 mill industry standard effects. I sign Harrison Ford as my detective. 10 mill and 10% of gross for the man. I need a female villain. And someone who can share the screen with Harrison Ford. I send the screenplay to Angelina Jolie, and she is interested. 4.9 mill and 5 percent of gross yields me my leading lady. Who can control these people? I hire David Lynch to be my director for 1 million. I am also looking for a separate producer for this project. I sign Paul Christenson for 600k. He is great at budget and work ethic, so he should help us out there. My supporting roles will be Michelle Pfeiffer (1 mill), Ed Harris (1 mill), and Jeremy Piven (450k). There are 13 minor roles. I hire 6 B Lists, 4 up and comers and 3 fresh faces. I ok 8.5 mill TV ads, 8.5 mill print, and 500k radio. 2800 theaters for 5.6 mill printing costs. Total cost, 86.7 mill. -Anxiety |
January 2004
Deep in debt (173 million in the hole), we try to look out and see light. The Diary has completed post production and is ready for release! It will be our first feature. Don’t Be Afraid has also finished post-production. Tearoom and Milestone have started shooting. Gone Hollywood has entered post production. The Bobby-Soxors and Beast are back from the writers. Producer Aaron Spelling has died. The Diary is rated PG 13 and screens at 99% across the board!!!!! I set the release date for February, 2004. Ancillaries for the movie look good in general merchandise, with decent apparel and posters as well. Great. Don’t Be Afraid also comes with a PG13 rating. It screens at a very respectable 96% I slate it for release in April. More theaters are interested in the film, so I bump it up to 3000. I also increase the TV and print ads by 2 million each. I send out both Beast and The Bobby-Soxors to get their scripts reworked. I do not greenlight any projects this month. -Anxiety |
February 2003
One Last Chance is ready for release. Milestone has entered post production. Short of Breath has begun filming. Tearoom needs another million to complete production. I authorize it. Then Nicole Kidman hurts the movie with her tantrums, I authorize another million for Tearoom. Finally, shooting delays due to all of this mess take another 3 million to clean up. After all of this, it now enters post production. Beast, The Wave and The Call of Cthulhu are all back. Beast is as good as I can get it, but it suffers in several areas. The Wave is already a good looking script. I send it back for a polish, but I can see us filming it soon. Lastly, The Call of Cthulhu is back. The screenplay is coming along nicely. I send it back out for a polish. One Last Chance is screening at 95% and is rated R. I cut it to PG13. We set the release date for May. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘The Diary’
Susan Dobbs Entertainment Weekly Let’s face it, we all have been wondering about the new studio in town. Dragon’s Den Studios was set up by a unknown who believes that smart movies and smart talent will make magic on the screen. And we have all been doubtful. So I sit down at the screening for press one week before the movie is released. I have some butter free popcorn and a diet soda. And I have my own trepidations. What happens when this fails? The studio has spent over 1.2 billion dollars so far, and is already in debt. Surely the movie can’t be any good. And they spent 219 million on advertising and the negatives. For their first ever movie. Now, we all realized that they were intending to make a name for themselves. Even a big bust would have splayed the name of Dragon’s Den on every newspaper and magazine across America. Any news is good news is this business of ours. But the real fear is success. What is Dragon’s Den proves Hollywood wrong? What would happen? So, I sit down to look at this movie and I was Just. Blown. Away. This movie is good. Better than that, really good. This is M. Night Shyamalan’s first blockbuster film with a major budget, and it was about time. His characteristic camera work and studied scenes evoke an aura of mystery and suspense from the opening scene. The Diary stars Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman in a story about the White House and scandal when a diary of the President’s lover (Kidman) escapes and makes it to the tabloids. The President’s troubleshooter (Pitt) has to run interference, track down the leak, find Kidman, try to convince her to recant the diary, all while the President has to avoid the press and questions about the rumored book. Jeremy Piven plays the reporter on the case and Thora Birch is ably cast as the President’s daughter. The script is well done, and if this is what Dragon’s Den means by smart movies, I say keep them coming. The President is only one of the smallest parts. Instead, we see how this diary affects the lives of those around him – his daughter, employees, reporters, and mistress. It is a great movie, and possibly an oscar winner. Nicole’s performance is hit and miss, possibly because Brad Pitt dominates the screen from the very outset. He is so overpowering as this secret agent of the President, that you feel for him, even when the agent bends the rules. Luckily, Birch and Piven are able to hold their own. With great story telling, good acting, and excellent direction, this is easily one of the best movies for a while, and my very well be an instant classic. A” -Anxiety |
This movie performed phenomenally. Here is the data.
The Diary Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman Directed by M. Night Shyamalan Negative Cost: 109 mill Total P&A, domestic and foreign: 110 mill Total cost: 219 mill Domestic Gross: 396.664 mill Foreign Gross: 397.109 mill Total Revenue: 372.8 mill Overall: ***** Producer George Fuller: ***** Director M. Night Shyamalan: ***** Brad Pitt: ***** Nicole Kidman: *** Jeremy Piven: **** Thora Birch: **** Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman each took home an extra 46.6 million. This was the Top grossing movie of all time in both the domestic and foreign markets. Nicole’s performance was less than expected, but the movie did so well, who cares? Our studio is back into the black. -Anxiety |
“’The Diary’ Hits #1 Worldwide Gross.
Stanley Winthrope AP The surprising story of Dragon’s Den Studios and their inaugural project, ‘The Diary’ continues as the movie has moved into first place alltime. It is first in domestic gross with $396,664,000. Tolzar Lives moves back to #2. Foreign Gross has seen ‘The Diary’ get $397,109,000, again ahead of Tolzar Lives. However, previously SEALs held the record for most revenue due to ancillary markets, while Tolzar Lives was a distant second. Today, however, ‘The Diary’ moves ahead of SEALs and has cracked the 1 billion plateau with $,083,894,000 total gross revenue. Of course, the studio sees much less than that, but it shows just how groundbreaking ‘The Diary’ actually is. This sort of success from a new studio defies logic at every turn. Maybe Dragon’s Den Studios transcends logic and exemplifies fate. What will they do for an encore?” -Anxiety |
Played the game today! We received the pc today and I thought about hollywood mogul...d/led it...which took a while!
Anyway, fascinating game. I don't have the talent file...I'm not really concerned about getting it...if it falls in my lap...that's a different story. I played it for about an hour. Produced some movies... A lot of fun, but aggravating as well. I hate having to manuever across the screen all the time. I'd rather be able to hit enter sometimes. Tried producing my Archer Studios "Fourth String" and kept running into problems. Never got it done. The worst part is that I played on the easiest level...I produced a heck of a movie...obviously on the easy level that's not hard...that just wowed everyone. It took a while to figure out...thru trial and error what meant I was selecting...white or blue. That sucked. Fun game, wish I could play it more while at sea...but I won't be able to. Maybe in November... |
It's an interesting game. Definately needs some work. I think it could easily be worked on and released by a team and have quite a nice product.
-Anxiety |
March 2004
Short of Breath needs another million for production, which I authorize. It now heads into post production. Hamburger is ready for release. And Downtown has started filming. Several scripts are back. The town is a buzz with The Diary. They can’t wait to see what’s next!!! Hamburger is rated PG13 and screens at about 94%. I do not authorize an edit, and slate it for release in June. A couple hundred more theaters are interested in the film and I bump it up to 2500 theaters nationwide. I order a sequel for The Diary. I title it The Journal. I give it the following premise: “A lost Pentagon journal detailing war plans falls into the hands of a tabloid reporter.” It has enough of a difference to tweak audiences, but the basic premise of an important governmental document falling into the hands of a tabloid is still there. Who lost it, what it contains, and who is looking for it are all different, however. I order it written for two lead actors, and three supporting roles – two female, one male. I send it off to Marina Rosovodskovik for a first draft. The Wave is back, and is as good as I can make it. It’s a good script, but it still needs character development and plot. It’s an action adventure, so maybe that’s not as much of a big deal as I make it out to be. The Bobby-Soxors is as good as I can get it. It still looks rather average. I decide to sit on it. The scripts out there are abysmal. I decide not to pick up anything this month. I send The Empty Chair out for its first screenplay. The Call of Cthulhu is back. I send it back out for some more work. -Anxiety |
I greenlight The Wave:
We go to LA to film, doing sound on location and with elaborate set construction. I authorize 51 mill physical costs, 400k pyro, 1 mill stunts, 400k robotics, and 10 mill groundbreaking effects. I hire Ang Lee to direct the movie for only 322k. Ross Grayson Bell comes on board as producer for 700k. I sign Keanu Reeves as the leading actor for a little over 4 million. For 4.6 mill and 5% of gross, Halle Berry joins us as the leading lady. Our supporting roles are Famke Jannsen (500k), Lanei Chapman (100k), Val Kilmer (1 mill) and Jonathan Ke Quan (275k). All nine minor roles are cast as up and comers. In 3000 theaters, I give the movie 18 mill in each of TV and print advertising and 1.5 mill radio. Total negative and domestic advertising cost – 123.9 mill. The movie has a very international feel with Ang Lee directing and Ke Quan as a supporting actor lending an asian feel. Halle Berry and Lanei Chapman are both black actresses. Famke Jannsen is from Europe and Keanu was born in Lebanon. I hope to help its foreign gross. Let’s see what happens. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘Terror Train’
Sybil Hallond E! Online I’ve seen better scripts – namely the Dragon’s Den Studios first movie, ‘The Diary’ released last month. Unleashed is more like it. And now the fledgling little dragon has released it’s next film upon us – a horror movie names ‘Terror Train.’ It just sounds campy. The challenge will be to avoid campiness in the film. As I said, I’ve seen better scripts. I’ve also seen much worse. The movie has an outstanding plot. A ghostly passenger, played by Christopher Walken, begins to ride a train bound from one coast to the other. Along the way, a clairvoyant, played by Helena Bonham Carter, senses the ghost and an ex-cop, played by Morgan Freeman, try to track down the ghost as murder arises. Kate Beckinsale is cast as another passenger who keeps dropping cryptic messages and assisting the duo. You begin to suspect that something more is going on. Which, of course, it is. Kate’s character ends up being the murderer of her husband, Walken. And he is back for revenge. As the director, Sam Raimi, takes us through the movie, you can tell that tha pace is just great. He really knows when to throw out scary, and when to just hint at it. Despite the film’s deficiencies, you will still be frightened. The character arc is also good, but the development is next to nothing. The dialogue is reasonable and doesn’t get in the way. It ends up being a moderately intelligent and modest horror film. C” -Anxiety |
Terror Train
Morgan Freeman, Helena Bonham Carter Directed and Produced by Sam Raimi Negative Cost: 82.48 mill Total P&A: 57.5 mill Total Cost: 139.98 mill Domestic Gross: 29.552 mill Foreign Gross: 38.095 mill Total Net Revenue: -53.97 mill Overall: **** Sam, Director: ** Sam, Producer: **** Morgan Freeman: *** Helena Bonham Carter: **** Christopher Walken: **** Kate Beckinsale: **** Ugh. Looks like we need more work after this bust. Sam disappointed as Director, the satrs didn’t produce, and the script was never that good. The combination of which made the flick a bust – simple as that. -Anxiety |
April 2004
Gone Hollywood is ready for release. Downtown has finished filming and has entered post production. The Wave needs 10.2 million for sets. I approve these expenditures. I buy – SEALs 2. The original was a big hit, and the original screenwriter has begun circulating the script. For 3.4 mill, it’s worth keeping this out of someone else’s hands. Gone Hollywood is currently rated Rand screens at 95%. I decide to cut it down to PG13 and slate the release for July. I tone down Eyes of Rage and send it off for one last rewrite to see if we can’t improve the script. I ship off Say You Love Me for a first screenplay. -Anxiety |
I greenlight Beast.
We set the flick in NYC with sound filming on location. Complex Set Construction is used. 21 mill physical costs, 1 mill pyro, 500k stunts, 1 mill robotics and 8 mill state of the art special effects. Frank Darabont, a good worker and director, is brought on to direct and produce for 300k. I get my stars in Christian Slater and Heather Graham, both for 800k each. Jennifer Love Hewitt for 700k and Rodney Rowland for 500k are my supporting crew. Up and Comers split the 10 minor roles with fresh faces. I allocate 76.5 million for each of TV and print ads, plus another 700k radio. Total project cost and domestic advertising – 61.6 mill. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘Don’t Be Afraid’
Sybil Hallond E! Online With one bust and one homerun under their belts, Dragon’s Den Studios relerases their third project with Halle Berry and Christian Slater starring in Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Don’t Be Afraid.’ The premise of this movie is simple. A young widow (Berry) goes to a self help seminar taught by Alfred Slater. Alfred is ably played by elder statesman James Earl Jones. While there, she quickly meets another gentleman, played by Christian Slater. Slater’s character begins to stalk the widow. She turns to her best friend (played by Tea Leoni) and another person in the group who has become the widow’s friend (Ali Larter), but to no avail. Ultimately, the widow must take on her stalker and confront him in order to find out the truth. The screenplay for this movie is more on par with ‘The Diary’ than ‘Terror Train.’ There are no real deficiencies in the script, and it shines in many area, especially the snappy dialogue. Despite the heavy overtones, this is only rated PG13, so older kids can even watch it. Halle Berry’s performance is uninspired. Slater does a very believable job as the stalker, and he would be the best actor on the set, except for a guy names James Earl Jones. Even as a supporting actor, Jones just dominates every scene that he is in. Someone needs to get Jones another starting gig. The movie is interesting, and with such a good script, and good direction by Soderbergh, it could do very well. It’s definitely worth watching, but not for the leading lady. B+” -Anxiety |
Don’t Be Afraid, Suspense Thriller
Halle Berry, Christian Slater Directed and Produced by Steven Soderbergh Negative Cost: 69.803 mill Total P&A: 65.75 mill Total Cost: 135.553 mill Domestic Gross: 109.122 mill Foreign Gross: 153.654 mill Total Net Revenue: 115.373 mill Overall: ***** Steven, Director: **** Steven Producer: ***** Halle Berry: *** Christian Slater: **** James Earl Jones: ***** Tea Leoni: *** Ali Larter: **** Don’t Be Afraid was the 9th best foreign grossing film of all time. And domestically it looked fine as well. Halley walked away with an extra 6 million off the gross. So she’s happy. And our third film was a success, so I’m happy. -Anxiety |
May 2004
Milestone and Tearoom are ready for release. The Call of Cthulhu is back from the writer. I send it out for a polish. Milestone is rated PG13 and screens at 92%. I slate its release for August. Tearoom is rated G, which is funny. It may very well be one of the few G rated movies ever that not’s geared towards children. Funny. It screens at 84%, so I authorize an edit. Post edit, it continues to screen at 84%, but the percentage of people who liked the movie overall rose from 82 to 86 percent. I like that, so I decide to keep this edit. I slate the movie for a September release. 300 more theaters want to come on board, so we increase our distribution to 2300 theaters nationwide. I decide to send out SEALs 2 to a rewrite specialist. It looks like a good script I hit the market looking for fresh ideas and faces. I plop down 3.5 million for In The Night, a scifi about survivors of an airplane crash being helped by a mysterious being. It just needs a little work in dialogue and a lot of work in intelligence. I ship it to Stephen King for a rewrite, with him being my dialogue/intelligence man, after all. I also send out The Second Face to a specialist. I do not greenlight a movie this month. -Anxiety |
“:Review of ‘One Last Chance’
Samuel Oblenstein New York Post Entertainment Section With several movies under its belt, Dragon’s Den Studios is moving into a new genre. With two suspense thriller and a horror movie, you might expect Dragon’s Den to continue its love of action and adventure. However, ‘One Last Chance’ is a new direction. This is a movie for the heart, not the penis. ‘One Last Chance’ is the story of a young college graduate, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The graduate is dying of cancer, but he gets a chance to have the life he’s always dreamed of. He marries his long hidden crush on Isabelle, a former classmate of his in college, played by Natalie Portman. The supporting cast is interesting, to say the least. With John Cleese and John Rhys-Davies playing professors, Jason Lee his best friend, and Neve Campbell his older and wiser sister, this becomes one film where you recognize all of the major actors. The script for this ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’-esque throwback is wonderful. Namely because several unpredictable events occur along the way, making you forget all of the movies of a similar vein to have occurred through the ages. Practically every element of the script is strong, with only the arc and character development being average. As for acting, Leo goes a good job with a part that could be too sappy or too campy. Natalie’s performance is adequate, although far from good. Neve Campbell is absolutely horrid, however, and you have to wonder if a Siberian husky wouldn’t have done a better job at acting like Leo’s sister. Cleese and Lee do great jobs, and Rhys-Davies even turns in a moderate but acceptable performance. This is definitely a strong movie, with a good sense of itself. However, I can’t help but wonder if this is the sort of material that people care about. Three out of Four stars.” -Anxiety |
One Last Chance, Drama
Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman Director and Producer John Hughes Negative Cost: 52.739 mill Total P&A: 47.25 mill Total Cost: 99.989 mill Domestic Gross: 51.75 mill Foreign Gross: 80.639 mill Total Net Revenue: 89.32 mill Overall: **** John, Director: ***** John, Producer: **** Leonardo DiCaprio: **** Natalie Portman: *** John Rhys-Davies: *** John Cleese: **** Jason Lee: **** Neve Campbell: * The movie made a killing in domestic video sales, cable TV, and pay-per-view. The domestic ancillaries alone garnered us 90.6 mill, almost enough to pay for the film. So, despite a poor showing in the theaters, in the movie was a success. This might be credited to the fact that the movie had no real star power, despite Leo’s presence, so there was little drive to get butts in the seats in theaters. Leo took home almost 10 million in his cut. -Anxiety |
June 2004
Short of Breath is ready for release. It is screening at 87%. I authorize an edit and now it screens at 89%. With a PG13 rating, I deicde to slate it for an October release. I greenlight Challenges of the Heart. We set aside the Main Street, USA backlot and will be using Sound Stage 11. Significant set construction will be used. I budget 31 mill in physical costs and 2 million in industry standard special effects. The project has elicited a lot of interest with directors. Martin Scorsese is interested, and I contact him. For 4.4 million and 10% of gross, Martin will produce and direct. I sign Susan Sarandon as my leading lady for only 600k. I immediately sign Joseph Gordon-Levitt to be the supporting actor as Susan’s child for 300k. Now I need a lead actor and supporting actress. 500k makes Julia Stiles our supporting actress. I’d like star power somewhere. I sign Brendan Fraser for 9.7 mill and 5% of gross. Established character actors are used for the 5 minor roles. I budget 8 mill each for TV and print ads, plus 700k radio. Total negative and domestic advertising – 78 mill. -Anxiety |
Good read. Keep it going!
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Excellent work Anx. When can I expect to see the Major Harris Story starring Cuba Gooding Jr.? :)
Just a tip from a HM veteran, on those big money productions (Action Adventure, Suspense Thriller, Sci Fi, and Horror), bump the advertising up to about $20M for TV, $10M for Print, and $3-5M for Radio. |
could a fella get a link to this game's website? Is it worth buying? Where can I get the 'talent files', I think that would be a deal breaker for me without them?
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http://www.hollywood-mogul.com/
Definitely worth getting, even after all these years. |
“Review of ‘Hamburger’
Royce Jackson E! Online The next release from neophyte studio Dragon’s Den Studios is another move in a different direction. This horror comedy is Richard Kelly’s second directorship, after releasing Donnie Darko two years ago. Maybe the only problem with the movie s that it won’t appeal to many movie fans by virtue of its premise. Basically, a local hamburger joint, run by Val Kilmer, is serving a mystery meat that a local junior college student, played by Christina Ricci, finds out is composed of her classmates. Seann William Scott, Rodney Rowland, Famke Janssen and Mena Suvari all support the duo through a light hearted horror movie intended to cause more laughs than screams. The script is wonderful. There are no weaknesses, and most elements blend together to create a masterpiece on the screen. Especially noteworthy are the dialogue and genre/sub-genre elements. You might expect the dialogue on a movie like this to suffer, but not so. This is not another “Dude Where’s My Car?” but a smart and funny look at the horror genre as a whole. However, the movie is ultimately inelegant for several reasons. Firstly, Val Kilmer is absolutely horrid as the lead. While Christina Ricci does a good job on screen, Val is just simply awful. Secondly, while Famke and Mena both turn in excellent performance, and Rodney is good as well, Seann William Scott is almost Val Kilmer bad. And lastly, Peter Marks’ production leaves a lot to be desired, although Kelly does a good job in his second directorial movie. The acting is uneven and it shows. So, while it’s a smart movie, the very nature of the movie and the poor acting are not going to appeal to many. As such, the premise of the flick may be ultimately poor, as even a good script like this will lead a studio astray. C-” -Anxiety |
Hamburger, Horror Comedy
Val Kilmer, Christina Ricci Richard Kelly Negative Cost: 54.732 mill Total P&A: 45.75 mill Total Cost: 11.482 mill Domestic Gross: 51.65 mill Foreign Gross: 116.33 mill Total Net Revenue: 125.569 mill Overall: **** Richard Kelly: **** Peter Marks: ** Val Kilmer: * Christina Ricci: **** Seann William Scott: ** Rodney Rowland: **** Famke Janssen: ***** Mena Suvari: ***** Hamburger domestic flops and international successes. After all, 116 million internationally is no slouch. However, we make a good amount of money in video sales and pay-per-view both at home and abroad. And sine no one got a cut of the gross, this movie helps us to be healthily in the black. -Anxiety |
July 2004
Downtown has completed post-production and is ready for release! Beast and The Wave have started shooting. We have new scripts for The Empty Chair, The Call of Cthulhu, The Second Face, SEALs 2, In The Night and The Journal. Mel Gibson approaches us with a project to discuss. Apparently news of our independent oriented mission has gotten out. I take a meeting with Mel. He pitches a movie entitled Love, Honor and Obey – about a married woman who questions her vows. Mel was 14.5 mill and 20% of gross and to be the star, director, producer, and screenwriter. While the script has excellent character development and intelligence, it is absolutely horrid in other areas Since Mel is also demanding a production budget of at least 60 million, I decide to pass him up. Downtown is set for release in November. It is currently screening at 93% with a PG13 rating. I decide not to edit the movie and it it shipped out for release to theaters. On the script front, I take a look at what has been returned to me. I am very excited. In The Night and The Call of Cthulhu need a little touchup and are sent back out. SEALs 2 needs more work as does The Journal, The Second Face and The Empty Chair. -Anxiety |
I greenlight Eyes of Rage despite poor plot and horrid character development.
Eyes of Rage will use the suburban street backlot and sound stage 12 with significant set construction. I order 31 mill on physical costs, 700k on pyro, 500k on stunts, no robotics and 2 mill standard special effects. I hire John Hughes for the film as director and producer for 600k. I land Mel Gobson for the lead for 13 mill and 5% of gross. My Supporting actors are Christopher Walken (1 mill), Guy Pearce (2.1 mill), and Katie Holmes (400k). I hire B List actors, up and comers, and a few fresh faces for the 11 additional minor roles. With a project cost of 64.5 mill, we are able to find 2500 theaters interested in us. I order up 10 mill in TV ads, 8 mill in print, and 1 mill in radio. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘Gone Hollywood’
Sybil Hallond E! Online I have to admit that this movie shows why Dragon’s Den Studios is a welcome change from the normal fare that Hollywood gives us. Here is a new studio willing to poke a little fun at itself. The movie is a comedy about a lame-brain, played by Seth Green, who inherits a movie studio. Of course, in real life, Abe Sargent set u Dragon’s Den without any movie knowledge. And so far, the studio is in the black, has had several money making projects, and has the top grossing movie of all time – so I’d say that they’ve done well. Still, this little comedy, directed by Cadre director Kevin Smith, takes a little time out to give a funny review of all things silver screen. It’s a brilliant little gem of a movie, with a very endearing screenplay. The script, in fact, shows no weaknesses, and is particularly strong in the character arc and development. Like most Dragon’s Den movies, the script is smart and the movie is founded as well as possible in an artistic screenplay. The direction is brilliant, and you can tell that Kevin Smith has used his time in the independent world to hone his skills. Kirsten Dunst just glows on screen as all of the other actors and actresses are merely adequate. The movie, with little in the way of star power, might have trouble selling itself. Ultimately, the script, as with many of the early releases from Dragon’s Den, is the redeeming factor of the movie. Definitely a recommended movie. B” -Anxiety |
Gone Hollywood, Comedy
Seth Green, Kirsten Dunst Kevin Smith Director and Producer Negative Cost: 45.884 mill Total P&A: 42.25 mill Total Cost: 88.134 mill Domestic Gross: 37.749 mill Foreign Gross: 59.796 mill Total Net Revenue: 58.29 mill Overall: **** Kevin, Director: ***** Kevin, Producer: **** Seth Green: *** Kirsten Dunst: ***** Billy Zane: *** Heather Graham: *** Although a relative flop, the low cost of the movie combined with the solids showing in the TV sales market helped Gone Hollywood to make some money – namely 58 million worth. A good showing considering a poor commercial standpoint when looking at the film. -Anxiety |
August 2004
Beast needs to re-shoot some scences due to some footage being destroyed. I authorize the expenditure. It now moves into post-production. The Wave needs another million to compensate for shooting delays which I approve. It to has moved into post-production. The following scripts are back: Say You Love Me, The Call of Cthulhu, and In The Night. Say You Love Me needs a lot more work. In The Night is about as good as it is going to get. However, I send it out for one more dialogue touchup. The Call of Cthulhu is now a four-star script. After seven incarnations, it is now ready for production! Dragon’s Den Studios will have its first original script begin. -Anxiety |
I greenlight The Call of Cthulhu.
We film in Vancouver and do sound on location with elaborate set construction. I budget 60 million in physical costs, 600k pyro, 1.2 mill stunts, 2 mill robotics, and 15 mill groundbreaking effects. It’s time to do Lovecraft right. I hire Sam Raimi as the director for 500k. Walter Hill agrees to be my producer for 900k. I need an actor who can believably play the role of a brilliant academic, plummeting into darkness and madness as he learns more about the strange events that unfold about him. Brad Pitt is too muscular. Bruce Willis is too macho. I keep looking over people who are just not right for the part. Then I find someone who IS right. John Cusack. Skinny enough to be a nerd, a good actor, and willing to try new projects. For 5.178 mill and 5% of gross, John is my leading actor. Jason Lee (1 mill), James Earl Jones (600k) and Christina Ricci (1 mill) have agreed to be my supporting cast. All three minor roles are given to A List Character Actors. The total project cost is 101.3 mill. I approve 20 mill in each of TV and print advertising and 2 mill radio -Anxiety |
PRESS RELEASE – Dragon’s Den Studios
Today, Dragon’s Den Studios announced two deals that will bring two separate projects to the big screen. The first will be the big movie production of the TV cult classic ‘The Prisoner.’ This 60’s BBC series has been hailed for decades as one of the most visually striking, allegorical, inventive and unusual series in television history. The other project announced today is the purchase of the exclusive movie rights for the ‘Dragonlance’ trilogy. One of the classic pieces of fantasy literature, the ‘Dragonlance’ trilogy is written in such a way that a script from the books can be easily written – the pace is already there. Morphing quality ideas into amazing movies has always been the mission of Dragon’s Den Studios. These two projects promise silver screen magic, and Dragon’s Den is proud to be producing movies such as these.” PRESS RELEASE – Dragon’s Den Studios -Anxiety |
I send out the two scripts.
The Prisoner – A secret agent retires but is captured by unknown forces and taken to an island village. I cast two lead actors, one for #6 and one for #2. I then cast two supporting roles. One for a female and another male antagonist. I include five minor roles. I also cast 15 extras. The movie will have no nudity, and only a little violence and language. The Action Adventure is ready, so it’s sent out to a writer. Dragons of Autumn Twilight – A group of adventurers must find out what the meaning is behind a Blue Crystal Staff. This science fiction (for lack of a better category), will need Tanis Half-Elven and Raistlin Majere as its stars. So two males. In supporting roles, we’ll need Tasslehoff Burrfoot, Caramon Majere, Sturm Brightblade, and Flint. So four males. I’m making Goldmoon, Riverwind, and Laurana minor roles in this movie. Toss in Theros Ironfeld, Bupa, Verminaard, Gilthanas, Fizban, and I think we’ll want Kitiara in some flashback scenes so that the audience is comfortable in her character before she comes in during the second movie. A few extras like Tika, Otik, and so forth will rbing us up to the full 15 speaking roles in minor parts. We’ll also use 50 short-term extras and 5 long term. The movie will have some violence and a little foul language. No love scenese in this film, however. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘Milestone’
Susan Dobbs Entertainment Weekly Since Dragon’s Den Studios has gone from unknown fledgling studio to major player in Hollywood, maybe the title “Milestone” is more about the studio and less about this project. This suspense thriller is about a one hundred year old woman tormented by her young nurse. Judi Dench stars as the old woman, and Carrie-Anne Moss as the young nurse. Christian Slater plays the grandson, who must figure out what is going on, and Thora Birch is the girlfriend of Slater. It’s a simple cast. Christopher Nolan has tried to bring an adequate script to life. The script is good in so many areas, and is highly intelligent. But the dialogue can drag at times, and the genre elements that make movies like this one good are usually absent. The basic problem with the movie is that, despite a good script, the lead acting is inconsistent ant the production is poor. Judi Dench is acceptable in her role, but Carrie Anne-Moss, as much as you may think she could be the creepy young nurse, just does not pull it off. Slater and Birch are good in their roles, and you really root for themn to kill Moss, if only to cease her bad acting. While Nolan does a good job and has a good script to work with, the uneven acting of the stars and the horrid production by Jerry Hughes leaves a lot to be desired. Overall, B-“ -Anxiety |
Milestone, Suspense Thriller
Judi Dench, Carrie Anne-Moss Christopher Nolan Negative Cost: 48.179 mill Total P&A: 43.75 mill Total Cost: 91.929 mill Domestic Gross: 45.791 mill Foreign Gross: 81.809 mill Total Net Revenue: 90.393 mill Overall: **** Christopher Nolan: **** Jerry Hughes: * Judi Dench: *** Carrie Anne-Moss: ** Thora Birch: **** Christian Slater: **** Judi took almost five million home for the movie. For a fairly low budget flick, it didn’t do that well. Still, we made 90 mill, so I can’t complain. -Anxiety |
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September 2003
Challenges of the Heart begins filming. The following scripts are back: The Empty Chair, The Second Face, The Journal, SEALs 2, and In The Night. The Empty Chair is sent back out for a rewrite. The Second Face needs a touchup as does The Journal and In The Night. I greenlight SEALs 2. We film in Salt Lake City, Utah. We can use the Salt Lake for our water shots as it’s large enough. Plus, the natural buoyancy will help us perform some stunts with the actors. We do our sound on location with elaborate set construction. With 60 mill in physical costs, 3 mill pyro, 1 mill stunts, 1 mill robotics and 12 mill state of the art effects – well, you can see that we are going all out. There are a lot of actors and directors interested in the project, as well there should be. For 16 mill and 10% of gross, Tom Cruise will be my star. For 10 mill and 5% of gross, Vin Diesel will be my other star. Excellent! I land Peter Jackson as my director for 2.5 mill and 5% of gross. Brad Weaver will be my producer for 600k. I cast Famke Janssen (500k), Gillian Anderson (500k) and Michael Clarke Duncan (100k) as my supporting cast. For the 12 minor roles, I cast three A list, three B list, and 6 Up and Comers. Total project cost – 115.319 mill. I authorize 20 mill TV, 18 mill print and 2 mill radio advertising. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘Tearoom’
Samuel Oblenstein New York Post Entertainment Section One of the things that you have to love about Dragon’s Den Studios is that they enjoy pushing the envelope and playing is all sorts of genres of scripts. Their latest, “Tearoom,” is a classic chick-flick extraordinaire. Ladies meet in the tearoom to compare the notes on life. Nicole Kidman and Susan Sarandon star with Leelee Sobieski and Rob Lowe supporting. Kidman and Sarandon are old friends who have met regularly in the tearoom for years. They are joined by Leelee Sobieski, playing Sarandon’s daughter. Sarandon has recently been seen with young stud Rob Lowe, and the women start asking questions. As the movie unfolds, the conversations turn and twist upon themselves to create a “Breatfast Club” like atmosphere as further layers are peeled to reveal more beneath the surface. This is a damn fine movie based off the play of the same name. The screenplay is acceptable everywhere but rarely sings. Mimi Leder has to try and coax a better acting job out of Nicole than M. Night Shyamalan did on ‘The Diary,’ where Nicole’s performance was the only bad thing about the movie. Here, however, Nicole’s performance is extraordinaire, Mimi’s direction and production are superb, Saradon is good and Leelee is outstanding. Even Rob Lowe is adequate. Overall, this is a good movie with the chops necessary to make women happy everywhere. A” -Anxiety |
Tearoom, Drama
Nicole Kidman, Susan Sarandon Mimi Leder Negative Cost: 49.017 mill Total P&A: 42.25 mill Total Cost: 91.267 mill Domestic Gross: 6.9 mill Foreign Gross: 9.86 mill Total Net Revenue: -70.159 mill Overall :**** Mimi Leder, Director: ***** Mimi Leder, Producer: **** Nicole Kidman: ***** Susan Sarandon: **** Leelee Sobieski: ***** Rob Lowe: *** Wow. Ugh. That’s’ pretty much all I have to say about that. Apparently there's no money in chick-flicks. -Anxiety |
“’Tearoom’ Busts
Magdeline McCarthy E! Online Despite critical praises, great acting performances, and good direction, Tearoom broke down when audiences chose to go elsewhere. The drama about women talking apparently was enough to drive away prospective audiences worldwide. Based on the play of the same name, ‘Tearoom’ is a drama about two old friends, their children, and love. It is a classic movie for women. Critics around the country have been extolling people to go, and yet, there were no butts in the seat. This was a smart, classy chick-flick. You’d expect no less from Dragon’s Den Studios, who has made a killing producing smart movies. This one’s flop cannot be attributed to the director or the actors. The audience is just not there. Maybe we have passed the quintessential chick-flick by. Maybe our society has moved on. However, in the pantheon of chick-flicks, this is one of the best. Put it up there with ‘How to Make an American Quilt’ and ‘Little Women.’ Buy the DVD and show it to you daughters. It won’t be long before it’s out, considering a woeful ancillary market. Maybe greatness is not enough.” -Anxiety |
October 2004
Challenges of the Heart is finished filming as Eyes of Rage begins filming. The following scripts have returned: Say You Love Me, In The Night. In The Night has a nice script. Say You Love Me, however, does not. It ios sent back for a rewrite. I greenlight In The Night. We film in Vancouver and will shoot sound on location. With elaborate set construction. I have budgeted 51 mill for physical costs, 1.5 mill pyro, 1 mill stunts, 1.5 mill robotics, and 10 mill state of the art effects. I sign Steven Spielberg as my director and producer for 8.3 mill and 10% of gross. George Clooney agrees to be my leading man for 10 mill and 10% of gross. Madeline Stowe is my leading lady for 2.2 mill. Julia Stiles (500k), John Lithgow (500k) and Jeremy Piven (900k) are my supporting cast. Minor roles go to A Lists, Up and Comers and Fresh New Faces. I put 18 mill in TV ads, 12 mill in print and 1.5 mill in radio. -Anxiety |
Just wanted to say great job on the dynasty. The combination of yours and the other Mogul dynasty got me off my duff and purchasing the game. I have to admit my studio isn't as noble as your ventures though.
"Straight to Video" studios, specialing in low budget, adult entertainment movies. Dunno whats sadder, the fact I'm in essence playing a "Smut peddler" sim at this point, or that I'm currently raking in much more money than when I tried running a *normal* studio. :) |
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Thanks a bunch! GL with your escapade. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘Short of Breath’
Sybil Hallond E! Online Ok, let’s talk about this movie, because it is everything that you would expect from Hollywood and nothing that you would expect from Dragon’s Den Studios. Well, I guess I should preface this discussion by pointing out that the script is akin to many DDS movies thus far. It is well written, has great pace and good sialogue, arc, and plot. But, it’s not really a very intelligent movie. Has poor character development too. And that is where the differences begin. In this movie, a woman executive, played by Julia Roberts, finds her new job and new boss, played by Matt Damon, to be hazardous to her health. Guy Pearce plays the role of a suspect co-worker and Kate Hudson plays the part of Julia’s friend and confidante. And right away you can see that DDS is relying more on star power than normal. Another difference is the director. Robert Redford is a good director, but he’s not really the DDS type. Firstly, he is not a member of their Cadre of Directors, but hey, neither was Spielberg but they just got him to direct a movie. At least Spielberg is a good director with excellent vision. Redford can tell a nice tale, but he won’t wow audiences with anything – not plot twists, not effects, not timing, nothing. He is a bland director. And not DDS material. Redford’s direction is abysmal, but he does a good job producing the film. Nothing can make up for his sheer inability to get what the story is about however. In one scene he seems to cut away in the middle of a revealing dialogue, and we are left wondering what is going on for some time before he returns. It was probably meant to build suspense but instead, it just annoyed you. Matt Damon, however, dominated the camera from day one. And Julia Roberts turned in a good performance as well. Guy Pearce was likewise good, and Kate was even ok. So, while the movie ranges far from the mission of Dragon’s Den Studios, and the director just plain does not get the film, it still has many redeeming qualities. The script is good, and the acting is great. Overall, a solid C” -Anxiety |
Short of Breath, Drama
Julia Roberts, Matt Damon Robert Redford Negative Cost: 61.778 mill Total P&A: 61.25 mill Total Cost: 123.028 mill Domestic Gross: 44.243 mill Foreign Gross: 22.9 mill Total Net Revenue: -63.643 mill Overall: **** Robert Redford, Director: * Robert Redford, Producer: **** Julia Roberts: **** Matt Damon: ***** Guy Pearce: **** Kate Hudson: *** What movie ends up making half internationally what is made domestically? We have got to stop putting out these bombs because we really need a hit. -Anxiety |
November 2004
Eyes of Rage has moved into post-production. Beast and The Wave are ready for release. The following scripts are back: The Empty Chair, The Second Face, and The Journal. I am able to get The Wave to the final 500 theaters for a full 3500 distribution – every theater possible. Rated R, the movie is currently screening at 90%. The numbers look soft so I authorize an edit and it rises to 91% overall, but the number of people who like the movie goes up 4%. I slate it for release next month in December. The movie has very graphic violence in LA as The Wave comes towards the city – looting, rioting and such. Hence the rating. Since it seems likely that violence among the citizens would be a likely occurance, I decide to keep it in. Unless there is a reason to be R, I usually prefer a PG13 rating. Beast will be our first release in 2005, where it is slated for a January spot. Rated R for nudity, it’s screening at 81%. I authorize an edit and it increase to 82% with a 3% increase in audiences liking the film. It’s only opening it 2300 theaters. I want to send out Deep Cut to have its first script written, but the writer I have in mind is currently engaged in another project. I pull Dungeon out of the drawer for a rewrite. The Empty Chair is sent for a polish in genre elements and to remove the exploitative love scenes. I want to focus on action in the film. The Second Face and The Journal are also shipped off for a polish. I purchase the script for Wishy-Washy. A woman just can’t decide between the two men who want to marry her. 3.8 mill and this romantic comedy is mine. I also purchase Crapshoot, a drama for 3.6 mill. Steamy story of love and fury set against the backdrop of a Las Vegas gambling resort. With a five star character development and intelligence, the movie appeals to me. Wishy-Washy is sent out for a touchup and Crapshoot for a rewrite from a specialist. -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘Downtown’
Jeffrey O’Neal Entertainment Weekly Dragon’s Den Studios is quickly becoming the favorite studio of EW simply because their movies – even the bad ones – are still better than what most offer. The newest film from the fertile minds of DDS is an exploration into the mystery genre with “Downtwon.” Now, usually mystery is relegated to made-for-TV-movies. You don’t usually see too many major films lauding it – unlike yesteryear. So, for DDS to venture into the genre is a mild surprise, but, in retrospect, maybe it shouldn’t be, considering all that DDS has done this year. But this isn’t a review of a studio, but a review of a film. A review of a good film. The premise behind “Downtown” is simple, as mysteries usually are. A PI, Played by Harrison Ford, is led into intrigue and murder by a vengeful woman, played by Angelina Jolie. It’s nice to see both actors move into a different genre, even though Jolie’s performance left a lot to be desired. Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Harris, and Jeremy Piven play the supporting cast in a generally well acted flick. The screenplay is great. It shines in almost every area, and no area is a disappointment. I especially like the pace, intelligence, and genre elements of the movie. It’s a good film, and I’m not surprised to hear that DDS increased its TV ads by four million at the last minute upon review of the film. David Lynch tries to bring a marvelous script to life, but fails. Harrison Ford does a good job as a PI, and he often just seems to fit the character of this film. He just gets it. Jeremy Piven and Michelle Pfeiffer are likewise dominant. Ed Harris is alright and doesn’t take anything away. Overall, Lynch does a poor job directing – almost like he is out of water with the film. And the production is no better. So, a great script and good acting try to salvage a bad directing job – B” -Anxiety |
Downtown, Mystery
Harrison Ford, Angelina Jolie David Lynch Negative Cost: 63.658 mill Total P&A: 65.25 mill Total Cost: 128.908 mill Domestic Gross: 80.378 mill Foreign Gross: 80.868 Total Net Revenue: 30.872 mill Overall: **** David Lynch: ** Paul Christenson: ** Harrison Ford: **** Angelina Jolie: ** Michelle Pfieffer: **** Ed Harris: *** Jeremy Piven: **** Finally a box office hit. Took a few months and some bad films to get it, though. Harrison took home an extra 3.6 mill and Angelina a 1.8 mill. We didn’t make a mammoth amount of money – buts it’s good to get back into the black with our movies. -Anxiety |
December 2004
The Call of Cthulhu has begun shooting. The following screenplays have returned: The Empty Chair, Say You Love Me, The Second Face, The Journal, The Prisoner, Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Wishy-Washy The Empty Chair and The Second Face are as good as I can make them. The Empty Chair is not bad, though. Say You Love Me is doing horribly. I send it back out for a professional rewrite with one of the best writers in the biz – Marina Rosovodskovik. If she can’t do anything with it, then I’ll permanently destroy the script with a lighter. The Journal also didn’t improve. I send it out again for a touchup, however. The Prisoner has returned and I take a look at the first draft. My writer gave it 5 star intelligence and four star pace. If there is one thing that The Prisoner TV series was, it was intelligent. Makes sense that is the strength of the movie version. It needs serious wrok in some areas, however. I send it out for a rewrite of the arc and genre elements. Dragons of Autumn Twilight is back, and let me say, I am quite disappointed with the result. Everything is poor or abysmal except for the average genre elements. I order a Page One rewrite of the script by Lora Wadsworth for 4 mill. I purchase another screenplay – a mystery called Indictment. A run-away Grand Jury seeks vengeance on an innocent man. It costs me 3.6 mill. There are a couple of amazing novels available for purchase. But one is animated and the other is a horror, so I don’t buy either. -Anxiety |
I greenlight Wishy-Washy
We will film on the Main Street, USA backlot and use sound stage 11 with significant set construction. I budget 31 mill in physical costs and no special effects, pyro, stunts, or robotics. I receive word through her agent that Gwyneth Paltrow is interested in the lead. I think she would be an ideal fickle female, so I send over the script. I also send the script to Julia Roberts. She is interested as well. So I have to choose between Paltrow and Roberts. Comedy is the strength of both. Roberts costs 3 mill more, both demand 10% of gross. I decide to rely on Roberts, who has been doing these sorts of films longer than Gwyneth. I sign Julia for 9.5 mill and 10% gross. There are several directors interested in the project. But, I decide to send the project to Cadre director Spike Jonze. For 500k, he’s my new director. Susan Anne Therese agrees to be my producer for 900k. Now I need two men that can play across from Julia. Two men with two styles that each have something different to offer. 8.45 mill and 10% of gross brings Jim Carrey, my first choice, into the fold as the other lead actor. Christian Slater has agreed to be the other love interest for Julia for 2 mill. I sign Ali Larter (600k) and Chevy Chase (500k) as the other supporting cast. All minor roles go to Up and Comers. I approve the spending of 12 mill TV, 8 mill print and 1 mill radio for the film in advertising. -Anxiety |
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Sterling, I run into the same problem when I play this game. There is no "fantasy" genre, so all my Conanesque movies are listed either Sci-Fi or Adventure (or both). Lokugh |
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As mentioned above - there's no fantasy genre - although if the game were made today then there probably would be.... Announcement during a press conference: "To all of the fans out there, let me say again that we have not begun casting for the parts in "Dragon's of Autumn Twilight." We've recieved a lot of mail on the subject from fans of the books. It's so great to see such a positive response for us making the film! But the script is still being worked on and is far from ready. As such, no casting has begun. There will be an open casting call for the extras, but not for the minor roles, supporting roles, or stars. Again, we at Dragon's Den Studios appreciate your interest in our projects." -Anxiety |
“Review of ‘The Wave’
Ann Drysden San Francisco Chronicle, Arts Section So I sat myself into the theater to watch the last Dragon’s Den Studio movie of the year. “The Wave,” starring Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry is a disaster flick set in Los Angelos where a 600-foot wave is bound for shore. Now, here is the formula for a disaster flick. It’s proven and true. And stale. Take a hot young stud (like a Keanu Reeves) and mix in some female antagonist who is likewise hot (like, for example, Halle Berry). Then, through events tremendous and stupefying, our hot young stud and studess are thrown together in the most unlikely of scenarios – to save the city (state, country, world, galaxy, whatever) from total destruction using some plan that only a stoned scientist hermit can think of. The movie must be macho and laden with so much testosterone that is literally drips off the screen. And pretty much every disaster flick has followed that premise, except for “Deep Impact.” Until Now. Because you know that you are not going to be getting the usual fare with DDS. This is not some simple destruction piece. It is also a smart comment on our society. It could have been better. The script’s characters are all one-dimensional people and the plot is fairly predictable – but for all of that – let me say – “Wow!”The pace, intelligence, genre elements, dialogue and arc are all fantastic or better. For its holes, it is this movie’s strength that guides it. And that is important because the movie will move throught the stages of human emotion as the tsunami rolls towards the shore. There is rioting, people killing each other, wild orgy-level sex mentioned, massive traffic jams, people killing each other to get on public transportation, and so forth. In otherwords, when faced with the worst, out comes our worst. And yet, during this time, we see the emergence of the best of humanity. Father Leon Johnson, played by Vil Kilmer, is setting up wave releif centers throughout California. Our hero, Navy Captain Bill O’Connor (Reeves) is ultimately sent out on a mission to track the Wave as it approaches with co-worker Lieutenant Susan Jacobs (Berry). The movie really focuses on the two in a helicopter, and what they experience. Many of the disaster shots are from their helicopter looking down. Ang Lee directs a very international cast in a beautiful movie. The direction is great, the production is solid, the acting is great, and the script is a dream. This is one of the major movies being pushed by studios in the holiday season, and you should most definitely check it out for a new spin on an old story. 4 out of 5 stars” -Anxiety |
The Wave, Genre
Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry Ang Lee Negative Cost: 91.674 mill Total P&A: 108.75 mill Total Cost: 200.424 mill Domestic Gross: 80.541 mill Foreign Gross: 83.217 mill Total Net Revenue: -24.09 mill Overall: ***** Ang Lee: **** Ross Grayson Bell: **** Keanu Reeves: **** Halle Berry: *** Val Kilmer: *** Jonathan Ke Quan: **** Famke Janssen: ***** Lanei Chapman: ***** Well, as can be seen, one of our better movies recently, but still a disappointment considering how much was poured into the film. We even lost some money, but it was definitely a solid film. -Anxiety |
Dragon’s Den Studios released the following movies in 2004:
The Diary (Feb) Terror Train Don’t Be Afraid One Last Chance Hamburger Gone Hollywood Short of Breath Milestone Tearoom Short of Breath Downtown The Wave (Dec -Anxiety |
We would like the Academy to consider the following for Best Picture:
The Diary, The Wave, Don’t Be Afraid, Downtown, Hamburger, Gone Hollywood, Short of Breath, , Terror Train, Tearoom, Milestone, and One Last Chance (i.e. every movie, but major emphasis on The Diary, The Wave and Don’t Be Afraid – our Five Star Movies). -Anxiety |
Best Director:
M. Night Shyamalan for The Diary John Hughes for One Last Chance Mimi Leder for Tearoom Kevin Smith for Gone Hollywood Christopher Nolan for Milestone Steven Soderbergh for Don’t Be Afraid Richard Kelly for Hamburger Ang Lee for The Wave With major emphasis on the first four, our Five Star directorial performances -Anxiety |
Best Leading Actor:
Brad Pitt for The Diary Matt Damon for Short of Breath Harrison Ford for Downtown Keanu Reeves for The Wave Leonardo DiCaprio for One Last Chance Christian Slater for Don’t Be Afraid -Anxiety |
Best Leading Actress:
Nicole Kidman for Tearoom Kirsten Dunst for Gone Hollywood Helena Bonham Carter for Terror Train Julia Roberts for Short of Breath Christina Ricci for Hamburger Emphasis on the two Five Star performances -Anxiety |
Best Supporting Actor:
James Earl Jones for Don’t Be Afraid Jeremy Piven for The Diary Christian Slater for Milestone Christopher Walken for Terror Train Guy Pearce for Short of Breath James was our only Five Star performance. Best Supporting Actress: Leelee Sobieski for Tearoom Thora Birch for The Diary Thora Birch for Milestone Kate Beckinsale for Terror Train Michelle Pfeiffer for Downtown Again, just the one Five Star show. Best Screenplay: William Cast for Don’t Be Afraid Barbara Worthington for Short of Breath Melody Brook for Hamburger Thomas Dunningham for Downtown Best Adapted Screenplay: Thomas Dunningham for Tearoom -Anxiety |
Anxiety,
You taking submitted screen plays? I'd love to see my story of the "4th Reich" made into a movie. I recently had to buy the rights back from Archer studios, so it is available again. If you need an overview, let me know. Breeze |
PRESS RELEASE – Dragon’s Den Studios
Dragon’s Den Studios appreciates people’s desires to see good movies made. As such, our company has received a lot of letters, e-mail, video tapes, scripts, telegrams, and so forth. As such, we just wanted to remind everyone that there is a process to getting a movie made. If there is source material, then a script can be written in house. Dragon’s Den, for example, is writing scripts for a sequel to “The Diary” and adapted scripts from a TV series and novel. There are a lot of places that source material can use – another movie, books, magazines, TV series, radio serials, plays, even computer games. Now, if you have an original idea for a movie, then feel free to circulate it around the city. However, if you have no movie experience, don’t expect anybody in the movie business to listen without a screenplay. You must have a written screenplay in order to circulate a movie around. And to make sure you are getting what you and your script deserve, you will need an agent. Hire a professional in the business to represent you. That is how you sell a script and makes the millions you deserve. So, to outline the process for selling a script again: 1). Have an original idea 2). Write a screenplay 3). Hire an agent 4). Have your agent polish up the script 5). Your agent goes around, talks up the script, and ultimately sells it No matter how good a movie idea may be, you need a script to back it up. So, to all of our prospective writers out there, get to work! Dragon’s Den Studios appreciates your commitment to excellence. PRESS RELEASE – Dragon’s Den Studios -Anxiety |
OK. Got the idea. What do I need to do to make it a screen play, and how do I hire an agent?
Breeze |
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That was just my in character way of saying that I am not taking submissions. Sorry. -Abe |
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