Cinema Blend and CanMag have two completely different takes on the same event. Apparently, just before making an initial payment, Universal and Fox asked Microsoft and the producers to lower their profit-sharing on the Halo movie. Microsoft refused, and now Fox and Universal are out of the picture.
Cinema Blend says this means the Halo film is "almost dead" while CanMag assures us it means Microsoft knows the worth of the project and will easily find new studio backing.
The proposed budget for the project is reportedly $145 million (with a reduction to $128 million achieved by filming in New Zealand).
UPDATE: Related stories on Variety, Joystiq, Voodoo Extreme.
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Anonymous (not verified)
For those reading now
Found this on bungie.net after reading....well here it is(im not providing a link cause those things always seem to fail)
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Bungie Weekly Update
Posted by Frankie at 10/20/2006 4:33 PM PDT
Ha, so you saw the movie news did you? As a story in Hollywood newspaper Variety noted, Universal and Fox wanted to renegotiate the Halo movie deal at the 11th hour and Microsoft and its partners, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh refused. Well, there’s lots of stuff going on behind the scenes that we simply can’t talk about, but Microsoft’s official statement on the matter goes something like this:
“We are disappointed that Universal and Fox wanted to significantly renegotiate the financial points of the deal. But the Halo franchise is hugely popular and our goal remains the same - to find a partner that shares our passion and will creatively collaborate with us to best represent the story and spirit of the Halo franchise. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and the rest of the creative team are dedicated to ensuring the Halo movie becomes a reality. We are already in discussions with potential partners who recognize the value of the Halo brand and its appeal to consumers worldwide.”
The reality here at Bungie towers is a feeling of optimism, satisfaction and happiness for reasons we can’t go into. Frankly we’re interested in making the best movie, and it’s possible that a partner who’s more concerned with numbers, might not be the best partner for what’s more vitally a creative process. Suffice it to say that Peter, Neill, Fran and Microsoft are as excited and dedicated as ever and WETA continues the pre-production process. Actually, when you do finally get to see the stuff WETA has already made, you will probably pee a little.
I wish this was Bnet’s story to reveal to you, but it has lots more to do with what Microsoft biz guys and the powerful and influential Mr. Jackson are up to, than with yours truly. Hopefully however, we can share excellent news with you in the next few weeks.
Anonymous (not verified)
Im the guy who posted the last comment
In reply to: For those reading nowBasically this^ means that in no way in hell is microsoft ending the production of the halo movie...for those halo freaks like me....YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!