Lionsgate is starting a new micro-budget plan, making movies with a budget no higher than two million dollars, Deadline reports. If all goes well, they want to release at least ten of these movies a year, so I hope you’re already at peace with that annoying gears-turning Lionsgate logo, since you’ll be seeing a lot more of it. A lot more. Here are the three movies that have been announced so far:
Rapturepalooza: Written by Chris Matheson (the co-creator of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure), the religious comedy (I’m assuming) stars Craig Robinson as the Anti-Christ. Although light on the details, if Matheson is behind it, I’m in; besides the Bill and Ted franchise, he has also had a hand in other movies I loved growing up (namely the awesomely ridiculous Mom and Dad Save the World) so him being involved makes me giddy. Throw in Robinson, who’s comedic delivery is one of the best, and I’m already sold.
Gay Dude: A coming of age comedy about two friends try to lose their virginity before high school ends, and it turns out that one of them is gay. I’m pretty sure that title was self-explanatory. The script, written by Alan Yang (one of the Parks and Recreation writers), did make the Hollywood Black List so that’s got to be a good sign. I just hope they change the title, because it sounds stupid.
6 Miranda Drive: While the other two micro-budget movies announced are comedies, 6 Miranda Drive is going to supernatural thriller route, about a family dealing with a supernatural spirit haunting their house and feeding off of their fears and secrets. Not very original, but could be cool…if you’re willing to forgive the writer/director Greg McLean for Wolf Creek.
So, why smaller budgets? Because there is less risk, and when there’s less risk, there’s more rewards. If any of these movies fail, it won’t really hurt Lionsgate. But if they make tons of money like they are desperately hoping (like Paranormal Activity did on its own small budget), they can franchise it and then fill their swimming pools full of precious loot. I’m all in favor of smaller budget movies. If you don’t have a lot of money to work with, you have to concentrate more on making sure the movie doesn’t suck. More emphasis on the actual film is always a good thing. And since you can’t hire big names, it gives up-and-comers a chance to shine.
What do you think of Lionsgate carpet bombing the market with micro-budget movies?