ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS NEWS
by Steven C. Ameche, Esq.

September 18, 2002
Issue 32

INDUSTRY JOBS TO REBOUND

Local economists are projecting an additional 9,500 new entertainment industry jobs by 2003 with another 5,000 more by 2004. The declining US dollar has made foreign location productions less attractive for the still tight fisted studios. Further, a strong domestic box office along with several resolved disputes with major theater chains have helped to strengthen the motion picture industry. However, one industry insider has stated that he believes the boost will only return the Los Angeles area entertainment industry to the level they previously enjoyed three years prior

GREEK WEDDING SOARS PAST $100 MILLION

IFC Films held yet another success party as "Greek Wedding's" sales galloped by the $100 million mark. The normal projection for a feature film is that of a stronger beginning with a sharp decline immediately thereafter. However, word of mouth has driven the independent sleeper to a 5 month peak in theater revenues making the "no star" project a huge success and leaving many Hollywood executives who passed on the film digging out previously rejected indie scripts. The film, made with a $5 million budget, was originally screened in a mere 100 theaters when it was released in April. However, after extremely positive audience responses, the film is now in nearly 1700 theaters.

OTHER NEWS

Gary Sinise is set to star in The Big Bounce, based on the novel by Elmore Leonard. Gary plays development magnate Ray Ritchie. The movie is set to begin filming in Hawaii in late October under the direction of George Armitage (Grosse Pointe Blank).; Pat Benetar will be featured on an upcoming Lifetime Intimate Portrait. The show is currently scheduled to air October 21, 2002.; Premiere Marketing & Distribution Group and MGM recently announced that Madison, an independent film by William Bindley, will be released Oct. 25, 2002 to more than 2,000 theaters nationwide. The film stars actors Jim Caviezel and Bruce Dern.; A&R executive Barry Squire recently assembled a back-up band for television star and "Ozzy" daughter Kelly Osbourne. The closed "invitation only" auditions were held in a Los Angeles area studio. Kelly's band is expected to begin a limited tour within the next few weeks.; Watch for "The Wonderground" a new CD release from "Boy Meets Girl".

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