Chapter-19: First abroad shooting
Standing on the show, feeling the cold air Ric shivered.
"Damn its only October and this cold in Canada" said Ric aloud.
"ha ha ha.. what did you thought a bit warmer." replied Chris while laughing.
"Very Funny Chris" Ric rolled his eyes.
"Ric what are you doing outside, you will catch a cold, come back inside." shouted Hanna.
That's right Ric is in Canada for shooting his new film. And the man he was talking to is none other than Chris Columbus.
This is the first time he shooting in a foreign country.
{A/N: you know where it is going right... }
To survive in Hollywood not only one needs a box office appeal but also have to maintain an relationship of interest with the Big six or Big seven as MGM is still holding on during 80s.
Relying on a single Film studio is not also a good practice as they usually suck up all their potentials leavening them bone dry.
But having a multiple co-operations with different companies, creates a web of interest which protects you from another film companies pressure or getting the potentials from sucked dry.
So, Ric send a bait in name of a new script to different film studio. Warner Bros. was first to take it.
After discussing with them about the film and the contract, it was decided that with a budget of 15 million, Ric with his newly establish shell company Feather's Picture invest 10 million and will get 30% of the income while investing 5 million Warner Bros will take 50% copyright of the sequels , distribution and production rights as well as 70% of the films share.
The film they talk about is Home alone.
Before a long vacation any actors needs to left behind a few successful Movies in a close time range or back to back. So, that they don't face that many problem when returning.
Specially for a child actor. As they grow, they will enter a certain stage of growth sprout. During that time finding a movie is really hard. So, unintentionally they have take a long brake.
When they come back they face problems like, audience not buying their appeal or they simply forgotten them. Then this child actors career is good as over in Hollywood where compilation is fierce and talented people everywhere.
So, for Ric who has a clear plan and vision for future its no brainier that he will close to make as many blockbuster films or critically acclimated films as possible before the brake. For that he have chosen this film which have a sure box office success also including Ric's appeal.
The film like the original decided to be cast in Canada and kept the original Director due Ric's insistence as well as Steven's recommendation. Surprisingly the for the thieves duo role was gotten by the original cast member Joe pesci and Daniel stern.
As the movie itself is fast and comedic, there weren't many acting skills required. Ric went through the shooting in a breeze which turn into a vacation for him.
And speaking of vacation, Ric brought Drew as well by giving her a role of one of the sisters. he modifying the role so that Drew will have less shot but more screen time and dialogue which requires less acting.
He basically made a packaged vacation with good payment to keep her mother's mouth shut for her through the film, as its expected to be finished in two months but no less than a month with the best case scenario.
As the film shooting going smoothly, Ric often played pranks in the set specifically if his partner in crime Miss D, stays with him. The duo not only kept all crews up in their feet but also generated a lot of laughter and harmonious atmosphere in the set.
And with all the fun and playing the film
Kevin wakes up the next morning on Christmas eve and is disappointed to see that his family is still gone.
Meanwhile Kate enter the house and shouts
"Kevin!!!"
When he hears Kate enter the house, calling for him. He goes downstairs
"Mom!!!" shouts seeing his mother and run towards her.
As they embrace each other in a tight hug, rest of the McCalliste enters at that time having traveled directly from Paris to Chicago.
As Kevin became happy with the rest of the family back, but he keeps silent about his encounter with Harry and Marv, although Peter finds Harry's missing gold tooth and wonders what it is.
Kevin and Buzz have a moment of reconciliation. He then goes over to the window and sees Marley greeting his son and his family.
As he is hugging his granddaughter, he looks up to see Kevin. He waves at him and Kevin waves back, smiling.
He watches as Marley heads inside with his family. However, Buzz interrupts him by calling out, "Kevin! What did you do to my room?" He immediately runs there.
"Cut & I declare the movie officially finished." Chris announced while everyone clapped and hugged in celebrations.
As the film is simple and didn't have any complicated shots, the post production of the film done in a few passage of weeks.
After the initial screening of the film and the green light of the Warner Bros. distribution department and the film was timed to be released on January 6 ,1985. Being the first movie to open the calendar next year.
With a good publicity and a grand premiere the film
Such a astonishing figure made everyone jaw drop and making the big wigs of Warner bro very happy. As the film not only brought back the budget of 15 million and 5 million in publicity but also made profit in the very first week. After this everything film earns will be profit.
And many expecting this film to cross 200 million domestically seeing the first week performance.
But its just the beginning.