On Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 2:14 AM, M-D November <[email protected]> wrote: > Well, maybe I'm overstating things slightly, but if nothing else, it > will call into question whether a studio can trust Lorne Michaels as a > producer unless someone like Tina Fey is attached to write. And to > your point, how many years was it since "Superstar" or "Ladies Man" > darkened cinemas? (11 and 10, respectively, if you're playing at > home.) > > My point is that the only film even TANGENTIALLY connected to SNL to > make any money in the last decade-plus was "You Don't Mess With the > Zohan". And before anyone tries to tell me that "Zohan" wasn't an SNL > movie, I'll rebut with just four words: "Sabra Price Is Right". > (Don't remember it? Lookit here: > http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1682221/sabra_price_is_right/) > Also, the presence of Rob Schneider, Robert Smigel, Chris Rock & Kevin > Nealon.
When the entire cast of SNL, except for Tim Meadows, was changed over in 1995 it was noted that new performers had to sign a seven year deal with Broadway Video. So this is when Lorne started to put into motion the idea of spinning off SNL characters into movies. Of course SNL actors made movies going back to Animal House and Caddyshack taking advantage of their SNL generated popularity. As far as I know none of these were SNL movies or had any overt involvement by Lorne Michaels and that includes Zohan. We don't know the accounting of Broadway Video movies so we don't know if these movies are making money or not. We know that the movies are not blockbusters, but when dealing with a smaller scale, a movie doesn't have to be a blockbuster or even have a good domestic theatrical run to make a little profit for the production company. The point is if Lorne can get backing for his movies and find a studio to distribute them he will keep making them. Assuming the backers and studios anticipate the small scale of a Michaels movie they'll have no trouble continuing the arrangement and it won't take getting Tina Fey to write or Will Ferrell to star. Tom -- TV or Not TV .... The Smartest (TV) People! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en
