Every time we have a new update on the possible upcoming Halo movie we like to over the film's bumpy road (links below). Though in our last article we declared the film dead, Microsoft is already working on finding yet another source of funding.
The good people over at ComputerandVideoGames have recently posted a report on the Halo project based on Peter Jackson's representative, Ken Kamins. The good news is that Jackson isn't sitting on his hands, and preparation for the film seems to be continuing as if somebody gave the project some green plus a greenlight.
Prep work on the Halo film continues, Kamins tells Variety, mostly thanks to the involvement of exec producers Jackson and Walsh. Most of the pre-production is being done at their visual effects studios in New Zealand, Weta Digital and Weta Workshop, so there will be no stalling.
Kamins claims that Fox and Universal didn't pull out because of rising budget -- which was only bordering $135 million -- but because Microsoft's expected profit's were way too high.
"What happened was this: Universal, on behalf of both studios, asked for a meeting with the filmmakers just prior to the due date of a significant payment," says Kamins.
"Basically, they said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce their deals. They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungie, respectfully declined."
There were some rumors claiming that the studios didn't have enough faith in newcomer Neil Blomkamp but, after seeing what he can do with the Halo shorts, that doubt couldn't hold up.
"Everybody is supremely confident in Neal," Kamins said. "Part of what excited Peter and Fran was Neal's vision. We're very confident this film will move forward with the creative partners intact, who will take the film to production."
If Microsoft is so worried about their take and so confident in the project, why the hell don't they fund it? For a project as big as this, $135 million is an easy investment... for those who have it.
Add to Heffee!
