NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
After months of searching for a sponsor for the studio, Lionsgate and Francis Ford Coppola announced on June 17 that they would take over the director’s $120 million (£94. 8 million) hobby project, Megalopolis.
Some might assume that the announcement indicates that everything is ready for the “worst movie of 2024”.
However, it turns out that things have changed, as Coppola, 85, is about to pay for the film’s marketing crusade out of his own pocket.
A new report claims that while the main studio, valued at $1. 9 billion (£1. 5 billion), aims to screen the film on more than 1,500 cinema screens, adding some Imax screens, it would not contribute to the marketing budget.
Instead, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Coppola would be tasked with covering the campaign, estimated at between $15 million and $20 million (£15. 8 million), his thrilling task and his first film in thirteen years will cost him more than $135 million. £106 million).
There are several reasons why Lionsgate’s deal with the Godfather director doesn’t cover the film’s marketing. It may be that even if the studio distributes science fiction, the Oscar-winning director retains ownership of his work.
Another, more likely explanation is the difficulties that the studio and Coppola would likely now face in marketing such a complex film to the general public.
The film, starring Adam Driver, 40, Aubrey Plaza, 39, and Shia LeBeouf, 38, is described as an “epic sci-fi drama” set in an imaginary America and follows two men in conflict over the futuro. de New York City.
Shortly after Coppola screened Megalopolis to potential buyers, adding Universal, Netflix and Sony, in late March, concerns arose about the film’s financial prospects.
Reportedly, one viewer commented “how unbreakable bats are,” while another said, “It’s not good and it was very sad to see. “
After its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last month, the film got a seven-minute standing ovation, but it continued to be called “the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. ”
While it’s unclear exactly how Coppola will market the film, he is pleased with his partnership with Lionsgate, announcing in a statement, “One business rule I’ve followed and favored (to my advantage) is to continue to work with corporations and teams. ” who, over time, have proven to be intelligent friends and perfect collaborators,”
“That’s why I’m thrilled that Adam Fogelson (president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group) and Lionsgate Studios are releasing Megalopolis. I’m sure you’ll apply the same tender love and care to Apocalypse Now, which is lately in its 45th year of gains and appreciation.
Elsewhere, THR said that money would likely have been the least of the director’s worries, while continuing to say on the film’s press tour that he hoped the film and its message from an obsessive guy committed to creating a better world would endure after him. .
Metro. co. uk has reached out to Francis Ford Coppola’s representatives for comment.
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