Boll Picks a Fight with Billy Zane
Posted by Robert Fure (robert@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 4, 2008
Financially, that is. You have to clarify with Boll, because he’s been known to hit people he disagrees with, in the ring. Director Boll is suing Zane over money lost during the release of 2006’s Bloodrayne. Boll is claiming that he provided $10 million from his advance for promotional use and that of that money, $900,000 was paid to Zane. The German is asking for $700,000 in compensation from Zane.
Zane recommended Romar Entertainment handle the distribution of the film, which was supposed to go to 2,000 theaters. In the end, Bloodrayne sullied only 950 theaters.
Breaking it down, I’m guessing Boll is saying it played like this – Zane recommends Romar Entertainment. Boll gives them $10 million to distribute the film and promote it for a wide release. Romar sends it to only 250 theaters and pays Zane $900,000. It does sound kind of sketchy, like Zane got the hook up in return for that kick back. No matter what you think about Boll, something fishy is probably going on. No matter how bad Bloodrayne sucked, more theaters would have meant more money.
Bloodrayne finished it’s theatrical release with a $21,000,000 loss.
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