‘HUNGER GAMES’ Director Demanding The Big Bucks For ‘CATCHING FIRE’
Gary Ross just made a fucking shitload directing Hunger Games, along with everyone else involved in the enterprise. With the flick crushing ass throughout box offices near and far, Ross is willing to return for the sequel. At a price.
Slashfilm:
That Gary Ross‘ The Hunger Games would get a sequel was practically a forgone conclusion before the film ever opened. Now that it’s officially become a hit, drawing in $368 million to date, it’s an absolutely sure bet that we’ll see Katniss, Gale and Peeta again on the big screen before long. Less certain, however, is whether writer-director Ross will return for the second installment, Catching Fire. While stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth are locked in for the sequel, Ross is not, and he’s reportedly battling with the studio for a hefty pay raise. More details after the jump.
According to anonymous sources with knowledge of the situation, Ross’ negotiations for the first movie were already fairly tough. Ross demanded a paycheck in line with his experience (he’s previously directed Pleasantville and Seabiscuit), whereas Lionsgate wasn’t “accustomed to paying seasoned filmmaker fees,” as THR put it. Ultimately, Ross took in $3 million to write and direct, plus 5% of backend. Following the success of The Hunger Games, Ross is now asking for significantly more money to helm Catching Fire and isn’t eager to bargain. The studio, on the other hand, wants to start production on the film this fall for a November 2013 opening, and so is hurrying to get the matter resolved.
Given the commercial and critical success of the first Hunger Games movie, it seems to be in both sides’ best interest for Ross to get back on board. And indeed, “sources involved with the franchise” say that Ross and the studio will likely “work it out.”
One of the strongest points in the Hunger Games flick was the bleak quiet depiction of District 12. The haunting ambiance could be traced back to Ross’ hand and knack for the medium, and for that I would be eager to see the duder return. Of course, he was also shaking the camera like a mofuckah, so who knows. Maybe they’ll bring in someone else of talent. All I know is that I often cringe that a studio plays hard ball, and gets away from the people that made the film in question so remarkable.
Thoughts?