Paramount reached out to us to give us a little more information on this development telling us the new release date of the film’s opening to February 19, 2010. Plus we have an official statement from Brad Grey, Paramount Pictures Chairman and Chief Executive Officerregarding the date change:
“Our 2009 slate was greenlit in a very different economic climate and as a result we must remain flexible and willing to recalibrate and adapt to a changing environment. This is a situation facing every single studio as we all work through the financial pressures associated with the broader downturn. Like every business, we must make difficult choices to maximize our overall success and to best manage Paramount’s business in a way that serves Viacom and its shareholders, while providing the film with every possible chance to succeed both creatively and financially.
“Martin Scorsese is not just one of the world’s most significant filmmakers, but also a personal friend. Following a highly successful 2009, we have every confidence that Shutter Island is a great anchor to lead off our 2010 slate and the shift in date is the best decision for the film, the studio and ultimately Viacom.”
We originally got wind of the story from Deadline Hollywood Daily who reported that the Scorcese directed thriller with Leonardo DiCaprio that was originally set for an October 2nd debut won’t hit theaters until February of 2010, which makes it ineligible for this year’s award race.
I wonder if part of this is also due to the studio not being very optimistic about its performance so it is using this as way to build some bucks for February, a typical box office downer month. But what I think is irrelevant as an insider close to the scheduling change told Deadline Hollywood Daily, that “It tested in the high 80s/low 90s and Scorsese even brought it down to 2 hours.”
The author of the article claims that Paramount doesn’t have the financing to spend the $50 to $60 million necessary to market the film as an award contender, which correlates with the statement above. It is also noted that Leonardo DiCaprio wouldn’t be able to promote the film internationally in time for its October 2nd release date thus it is being moved to the February 19th release date.
Source: www.fusedfilm.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment