Hollywood’s New Deal

Once upon a time, A-list actors wishing to go behind the camera could count on the "vanity" production deal. But after losing fortunes on such multimillion dollar pacts (think Kevin Costner's "Waterworld"),

studios cut way back. Now comes the "development silo," which limits the studio's risk while boosting the actor's leverage to get a project made. Indian industrial giant Reliance just kicked in up to $2 million each for George Clooney, Brad Pitt and others (the "silos") to develop films. In return, it has the option to bankroll half the film and gets to distribute it in India. The talent then has to entice a studio for the rest of the budget.

© 2008