Company Town Film Profit Report

The report is based on projections of total U.S. box-office gross from a consensus of industry sources and studio financial models. The U.S. returns (approximately 55% of gross) represent only 20% of a film’s final revenue, which includes overseas theatrical, video and TV income. The industry marketing average of $30 million per film is factored into these profit equations, as is the relative strength of specific film genres in foreign markets. Results for the weekend of 0ct. 23-25:

$$ Mega-Moneymakers

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Projected Box- Estimated U.S. box-office office cost, in receipts, Movie title Studio rank millions in millions Rush Hour New Line 6 34 130

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$ Minor Moneymakers

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Projected Box- Estimated U.S. box-office office cost, in receipts, Movie title Studio rank millions in millions Urban Legend Sony 11 $14 $36 Antz DreamWorks 3 45 75

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? Tossups

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Projected Box- Estimated U.S. box-office office cost, in receipts, Movie title Studio rank millions in millions A Night at the Roxbury Paramount 10 $17 $30 Practical Magic Warner Bros. 2 48 45 Bride of Chucky Universal 4 18 30 Pleasantville New Line 1 42 38

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Losers

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Projected Box- Estimated U.S. box-office office cost, in receipts, Movie title Studio rank millions in millions Ronin MGM 12 $60 $40 What Dreams May Come PolyGram 8 85 55 Soldier Warner Bros. 5 51 16 Apt Pupil Sony 9 15 8

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The last of the major fall arrivals didn’t demonstrate the kind of strength needed to turn a profit. “Pleasantville” could hang in theaters long enough to make a little money. The only hope for “Soldier” is Kurt Russell’s high action hero quotient overseas. The modestly priced “Apt Pupil” is unlikely to see a return on its investment.

Notes: Cost estimates are for production only. Only half of box-office receipts come back to the studio.

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Researched by RICHARD NATALE

If you have information or comments about the chart, call (213) 237-2001 or send e-mail to company.town@latimes.com. Send faxes to (213) 237-7837.

For weekly box-office listings, see Calendar section on Tuesdays.