Paramount/Dreamworks and Spielberg heading towards Splitsville?

[ganthc]

http://imdb.com/news/sb/2007-09-19/

Viacom Kisses Off Spielberg

In what appeared to some analysts to be a remarkably cavalier comment from the head of the company that had paid $1.6 billion for the DreamWorks film company in 2005, Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman said Tuesday that if Steven Spielberg decides to leave DreamWorks when his contract expires next year, "the financial impact to Paramount first and especially to Viacom overall would be completely immaterial." Dauman's dismissive comments came as rumors spread that Spielberg, a DreamWorks cofounder, was becoming increasingly unhappy over his relationship with Paramount chief Brad Grey since the acquisition. Nevertheless, most of Paramount's successful releases since the acquisition have been DreamWorks' productions, and it was assumed within the industry that Viacom would do whatever was necessary to allay Spielberg's concerns. On the contrary, Dauman told a Goldman Sachs conference in New York Tuesday, Paramount was already planning for Spielberg's departure. Reporting on Dauman's remarks, Daily Variety commented that they were especially "notable" given the fact that publicly Dauman "usually speaks in formal, restrained tones."

What does this mean for his films? Do they go with him, or does Dreamworks/Paramount hold on to them, and Spielberg relinquishes any control he has on them?

[Derb]

Originally Posted by ganthc

http://imdb.com/news/sb/2007-09-19/



What does this mean for his films? Do they go with him, or does Dreamworks/Paramount hold on to them, and Spielberg relinquishes any control he has on them?

He is only a co-founder of DreamWorks. Just because his name gets mentioned everytime there is word for a "Spielberg" release all three co-founders have to have a mutual agreement. The article doesn't really say what Spielberg's intentions are for the high-def formats. Given his track record with DVD, even if he & others become committed to one or both formats, I think its safe to say we are all in for a long wait.

If he dumps DreamWorks & his fellow co-founders follow, than he could find a studio (Very easy) to distribute future releases. Past releases may be under contract with Viacom if he signed on the dotted line.

[ganthc]

Originally Posted by Derb

Past releases may be under contract with Viacom if he signed on the dotted line.

If this is the case, why the holdup on his releases now?

["The Dude"]

Originally Posted by ganthc

If this is the case, why the holdup on his releases now?

He still has a say on what title gets released and when. More than likely, he's waiting it out similar to what he did with dvd until there is enough market penetration to justify releasing his big titles. If his preference is towards BD, it's going to be even longer as Paramount/Dreamworks are no longer supporting that format.

[dugpa]

If he goes his existing titles stay with the companies they are now. As for future projects, I suspect he'll go back to Universal since that's been his home for the longest time (in fact Dreamworks' offices were on the Universal lot until the Paramount buy-out). Close Encounters and Jaws are the only two titles Spielberg has no direct control over, but Universal usually abides by his wishes on Jaws since they want to continue working with him. Sony doesn't give a shit usually where CE3K is concerned since they know he'll probably never work with them again.

[pizza]

just goes to show that no matter who you are or how successful or talented you may be, there will still be somebody willing to cut you down. If they're willing to pick on Spielberg, there's no hope for any of us. Pretty sad.

[Ruined]

IMO Universal should pick him up again if he is willing. They need some more big name directors to complement their lock on comedies and cult films.

[ganthc]

Originally Posted by Ruined

IMO Universal should pick him up again if he is willing. They need some more big name directors to complement their lock on comedies and cult films.

I agree. Universal picking up Spielberg again would be a major coup for the studio.

[sub780lime]

Originally Posted by pizza

just goes to show that no matter who you are or how successful or talented you may be, there will still be somebody willing to cut you down. If they're willing to pick on Spielberg, there's no hope for any of us. Pretty sad.

I wouldn't use this situation to justify what I am about to say, but it could apply in other situations. I am actually glad this is the case. It means no one can just run a muck, because they produce money making movies. There is a line. Now, Spielberg isnt some A$$hole, so i don't follow their move here, but their are plenty of A$$holes in the business and i'm glad to know companies will make the move if necessary...apparently, if it isn't necessary as well.