As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a pang of empathy for Doug Liman and Jake Gyllenhaal in this situation. It’s like winning a grand prize in a video game tournament, only to find out that the prize you were promised has mysteriously disappeared.
Director Doug Liman of the film “Road House” has made a pointed statement regarding the minimal income he and lead actor Jake Gyllenhaal have received from the movie’s massive success. Liman, who is known for his vocal opinions, has expressed discontent about Amazon Prime Video’s exclusive streaming release of the movie instead of a theatrical one. So incensed by its direct-to-streaming debut, he previously wrote a strongly worded piece on the topic and even considered boycotting the film’s premiere. Despite attending that event eventually, his frustration with the situation has persisted, particularly given the significant audience the movie attracted on Amazon Prime Video.
During an interview with IndieWire about his latest Apple TV+ film, “The Instigators,” Liman explained his stance on the streaming release of “Road House.” While he’s fully supportive of streaming, given his current promotion of a movie destined for a streaming platform, it seems the terms of the “Road House” deal shifted when the film moved directly to streaming following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM. In simpler words, here’s what he meant: The terms of the “Road House” distribution changed from traditional release to streaming after Amazon bought MGM. Despite his general support for streaming, this change may have affected the original deal.
Initially, let me clarify that I have no problem with streaming movies. In fact, I strongly support it because it provides employment opportunities for writers, directors, and actors. Not every film should be confined to movie theaters, and we should have a variety of options such as TV series, streaming movies, and theatrical releases.
Regardless of its impact on the film industry, it’s troubling that neither I, nor Jake Gyllenhaal, nor producer Joel Silver received any payment for ‘Road House’, despite the fact that over 50 million people watched it. This seems unfair.
Road House Was a Huge Success For Amazon
Hey there! When Amazon Prime Video dropped “Road House,” I was one of the many who jumped at the chance to watch it. Turns out, it became a massive hit, with over 50 million viewers worldwide within the first few weeks. That’s right; they called it their biggest global launch for an original film, ever! Now, you know how in regular cinema, the success of a movie can mean extra perks? Well, since the release strategy changed, “Road House” didn’t come with any such sweeteners. Still, it was a blast to watch!
As a passionate fan, I recall a striking parallel when Scarlett Johansson took legal action against Disney due to reduced earnings from the streaming debut of “Black Widow” during the Covid-19 pandemic. She argued this move significantly impacted the film’s box office success. The situation escalated into a highly public and contentious dispute, culminating in the actress filing a lawsuit against the company. However, they eventually reached an agreement on the matter.
Regarding the matter of releasing Liman’s “Road House” following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, it was previously mentioned that those involved in its creation were given a couple of choices: either produce the film for $60 million and secure an exclusive theatrical debut or opt for a $85 million budget with the movie premiering on streaming platforms. Although there was some debate about who made the final call, Liman has clarified that he had no issues related to this decision when it came to his recent project with Apple TV+.
In relation to Apple, it was clear from the outset that their focus was on streaming. Our agreements ensured fair compensation for streaming, and this is what we receive, as there’s a term known as a streaming buyout. Therefore, Apple has always been transparent and honest about its intentions.
The hit movie “Road House” on Prime Video has sparked a sequel, initially announced in May. Joker Gyllenhaal will reprise his role, but due to Liman’s current ties with Amazon, it remains unclear if he’ll return as the director for this project.
Road House
is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-08-01 03:32