Dragon's Den Studios - A New Hollywood Mogul Dynasty!!!

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

“: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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[StanGunner]

Good read. Keep it going!

[Swaggs]

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.

[Marmel]

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?

[Swaggs]

http://www.hollywood-mogul.com/

Definitely worth getting, even after all these years.

[Abe Sargent]

“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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

“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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

“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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[sterlingice]

Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Ooh! You're making Dragonlance. And wouldn't it be considered fantasy and not sci-fi? If you need an actor, Sterling Silvers would like to sign up! He'd like to break out of the flesh-eating zombie role he is continuously typecast in.

SI

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

“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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

“’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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Eilim]

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.

[Abe Sargent]

Originally posted by Eilim
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.

Thanks a bunch! GL with your escapade.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

“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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Lokugh]

Originally posted by sterlingice
Ooh! You're making Dragonlance. And wouldn't it be considered fantasy and not sci-fi? If you need an actor, Sterling Silvers would like to sign up! He'd like to break out of the flesh-eating zombie role he is continuously typecast in.

SI

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

[Abe Sargent]

Originally posted by sterlingice
Ooh! You're making Dragonlance. And wouldn't it be considered fantasy and not sci-fi? If you need an actor, Sterling Silvers would like to sign up! He'd like to break out of the flesh-eating zombie role he is continuously typecast in.

SI

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

[Abe Sargent]

“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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Breeze]

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

[Abe Sargent]

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

[Breeze]

OK. Got the idea. What do I need to do to make it a screen play, and how do I hire an agent?

Breeze

[Abe Sargent]

Originally posted by Breeze
OK. Got the idea. What do I need to do to make it a screen play, and how do I hire an agent?

Breeze

That was just my in character way of saying that I am not taking submissions. Sorry.

-Abe