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Weinstein-Miramax and Eisner-Disney: Clash of the Titans
Published October 20, 2004 in FILM
By Ryan Parsons | Images from Yahoo!
Harvey Weinstein. The giant of Miramax standing in at six feet, ~300 pounds.
Even though this may not be news to the avid film
attendee, Miramax Co-Chairman- Harvey Weinstein and Disney Ceo- Michael
Eisner have always seemed to clash when it comes to business and making
movies. Even with their clash of interests, both sides remained confident
as both groups, Miramax and Disney, were making money. Now, with the release
of Michael Moore's controversial film, Fahrenheit 9/11, this conflict
has escalated to a point that can change the film industry. With Weinstein's
contract up in 2005, he may walk from the very company he created, Miramax.
Disputes between Disney-Eisner and Miramax-Weinstein
Dang that Michael Moore, he always seems to be blowing up someone's spot.
Well, not entirely, but this is a major factor in the case of Eisner and
Weinstein. Eisner claims that he had little knowledge about the production
of Fahrenheit 9/11 and stated that it was actually created 'behind
his back.' Weinstein and Moore both have responded by saying that Eisner
definately knew about Fahrenheit's production and only refused to release
it for the benefit of Disney. Or, more importantly, the Disney theme parks.
Normally this situation wouldn't be considered too big of deal, but with
Weinstein's contract up for re-newal in 2005 this could get serious. Is
Weinstein willing to leave behind Miramax, a company of his very own creation?
He named the company by combining his parents' names, Miriam and Max. Besides
the conflict, Miramax only did OK this movie season, which also heightens
tentions. The film company found most of its success from the Kill Bill
series directed by Quinten Tarentino.
My personal belief is that Weinstein will not dare leave Miramax. Situations
may also ease if Eisner were to leave Disney, which could happen in 2006
when his contract runs out. Weinstein may find it worth hanging around just
for that reason. Harvey's brother and Co-Chairman, Bob Weinstein will also
probably hang around with Disney. Not only does Bob have a stake with Miramax
but he is also founder of Dimension films. Will Harvey Weinstein leave a
company with such family ground? I doubt it.
Brief Note on Michael Eisner
Eisner - knocked some heads to get to the top and create the some of the
most successful production companies.
Michael Eisner is known to clash with various executives, writers, actors,
and all else that he comes in contact with. Eisner has been known to be
confrontational, with an effect of having people leave companies where he
worked or once worked. On the other hand, Eisner has quite the impressive
portfolio!
Michael Eisner started his path to greatness at NBC. After working for some
time, he distributed his own resume out to as many production [and other]
companies as he could, claiming that he was disatisfied with NBC. Eisner
only found one party interested, ABC. Within ten years Eisner was able to
work up from a managerial position to VP of Prime Time Production [1966-1976].
After making success at ABC, he moved onto Paramount. Through his time there,
Eisner was able to bring Paramount into the spotlight and the top movie
studio. After doing so, he joined Disney to cause similar success there
as well. This guy rocks. But lets not say he didn't break a couple of hundred
eggs to get there. |
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