477 replies to this topic

[scissorpuppy007]

I wouldn't mind seeing Bond end up at Sony, they have proven with the past two films that they understand the Bond Franchise and are willing to work with EON in the bond tradition.

BUT! I really would like to see MGM end up at WB. Just because it seems that it should, MGM's most famous films, the films MGM are really known for are owned by WB. It's just seems to fitting to me that everything comes full circle. Even though there is a deal in place for "The Hobbit". With Warner owning MGM, it would make that production a little less confusing for everyone.

I seriously doubt Lionsgate is interested in buying MGM out in full. They are still a small studio compared to WB,FOX and Sony. They are probably more interested in certain MGM owned properties such as Robocop, Species Stargate ETC. They are also probably looking into the library of films MGM has home video distribution rights to, namely the first Terminator film. Over the years they have been buying off a lot of defunct studios libraries (similar to what MGM did in the 90's). They may have there hand in the bidding hat in hopes that MGM will sell everything off in fragments.

I really don't want FOX anywhere near new Bond productions. The FOX that has handled the DVDs/Blu Rays for BOND is a different part of the company then would actually produce new movies. I feel EON would feel more interference from FOX than they ever have from any other studio. Fox is bad news, read up on it. There are a lot of good directors who have horror stories working there.

[Bucky]

i very much agree with what others have said. fox getting mgm would be the worst thing ever. wouldnt mind if they ended up at wb or sony.

[RivenWinner]

Considering that TimeWarner already owns a good portion of MGM's older film library, I'm hoping they'll buy MGM. TimeWarner does an EXCELLENT job releasing older films on DVD and Blu-Ray, just really top notch stuff. Their New Line Cinema is producing The Hobbit films with MGM as well.

Course, I would rather MGM/UA remain independent and stand alone, but it's sadly beyond that point now.

I really hope it's just one buyer--I hope everything is sold as one package. I really, really, really don't want the studio and its properties to be split up. That, and I hope that whoever does buy MGM will continue to use the logo and keep the studio as a subdivision/ its own production unit.

Edited by RivenWinner, 22 November 2009 - 01:32 AM.

[mrsbonds_ppk]

Yep, this is all very interesting and I can voice the same opinion as some others. I'm hoping Warner Bros. acquire MGM. I definitely don't want Fox touching it.

[RivenWinner]

Not that this has any bearing on the recent situation, but I found it interesting nonetheless:

http://www.mgm.com/85/

In celebration of MGM's 85 birthday, they're releasing tons of titles on HD Channels, video on demand services and other outlets. What's interesting is that Warner Bros is part of the event as well, with their major MGM titles advertised on the website. Furthermore, these WB owned MGM titles occasionally appear as ads on MGM's main site, which had never happened before.

Again, no real effect on the situation. From the financial standpoint of both studios it makes sense for both of them to team up to celebrate (and profit) from this anniversary event. But just another example how, if MGM has to be sold, TimeWarner would be the best fit.

Edited by RivenWinner, 24 November 2009 - 07:13 AM.

[scaramunga]

Not that this has any bearing on the recent situation, but I found it interesting nonetheless:

http://www.mgm.com/85/

In celebration of MGM's 85 birthday, they're releasing tons of titles on HD Channels, video on demand services and other outlets. What's interesting is that Warner Bros is part of the event as well, with their major MGM titles advertised on the website. Furthermore, these WB owned MGM titles occasionally appear as ads on MGM's main site, which had never happened before.

Again, no real effect on the situation. From the financial standpoint of both studios it makes sense for both of them to team up to celebrate (and profit) from this anniversary event. But just another example how, if MGM has to be sold, TimeWarner would be the best fit.

Very interesting! thanks for posting!

I'm looking forward to MGM/SPECTRE being sold very soon. Let's get it done!!!

[Qwerty]

Let the MGM bidding begin

James Bond studio sends confidentiality agreements to interested parties

[Qwerty]

Now on the CBn main page...

MGM sale expects to elicit half-dozen bids

James Bond studio's next debt-service deadline is 31 January

[Qwerty]

Now on the CBn main page...

News Corp. said to be at impasse on possible MGM bid

Twentieth Century Fox owner considering James Bond studio

[The Shark]

NO! Please No. Not Fox!

[Ambler]

NO! Please No. Not Fox!

Eliza Dushku is Bond!

[col_007]

would FOX have a say in bond things ???

[Bucky]

if fox buys mgm it will really hamper my excitement for future of the bond films.

at least we got some good ones while we could.

Edited by Bucky, 20 December 2009 - 12:28 AM.

[jaguar007]

if fox buys mgm it will really hamper my excitement for future of the bond films.

at least we got some good ones while we could.

Just remember, we also got some really bad Bond films under the MGM logo as well.

I'm not that concerned with who does end up buying MGM as long as they have the funds to get BOnd 22 on track and properly promote the film. While the studio might have some input, EON will really be the team in the drivers seat. It is a different situation than the 90s. Bond needed to be reestablished at that point and EON needed to make concessions to the studio. Now that BOnd is once again a powerhouse, I think EON will have more control.

[Bucky]

if fox buys mgm it will really hamper my excitement for future of the bond films.

at least we got some good ones while we could.

Just remember, we also got some really bad Bond films under the MGM logo as well.

I'm not that concerned with who does end up buying MGM as long as they have the funds to get BOnd 22 on track and properly promote the film. While the studio might have some input, EON will really be the team in the drivers seat. It is a different situation than the 90s. Bond needed to be reestablished at that point and EON needed to make concessions to the studio. Now that BOnd is once again a powerhouse, I think EON will have more control.

which is why i only said that we got some good ones, although under fox i feel like it will be difficult to have any good bond films with how they are notorious for butchering films.

[Qwerty]

MGM sends out prospectus, process going slow

Confidentiality agreements slow down sale process of James Bond studio home

[Qwerty]

MGM: We won't sell to just anybody

Studio restricting potential bidders to serious buyers only

[Qwerty]

MGM bids expected soon

Variety: James Bond studio's future, potential sale or revamp, to get closeup

[danslittlefinger]

http://www.express.c...sale-James-Bond

WE’VE been expecting you Mr Bond…but it seems fans may have to wait until 2011 for the secret agent’s next outing.


Pre-production has been halted and filming (isn't Craig unavailable until April because of Dream House??) postponed while the future of the Bond franchise hangs in the balance.

The 23rd Bond film was to have been bankrolled by MGM but the Hollywood studio is up for sale in a bid to clear mounting debts.

The 007 blockbusters are a lucrative franchise and could be sold off. “In the words of another great British hero, Antarctic explorer Captain Oates, the next James Bond movie may be some time,” said Terence Doyle, editor of British Film Magazine.

Michael G Wilson, who produces the Bond films with Barbara Broccoli, admitted: “We just don’t know enough about the situation to comment but we know it’s uncertain.”

The earliest a new film is likely to go into production is at the end of this year, for release in 2011, a full three years after the last Bond, Quantum Of Solace.

Pre-production work on the film, which will again star Daniel Craig, pictured above with Quantum love interest Olga Kurylenko, is on hold until next month.

The sale of MGM, which owns the Pink Panther franchise, comes after a year in which it released only the failed remake of Fame. Potential bidders include Time Warner, Lionsgate and News Corp.

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

http://www.express.c...sale-James-Bond

WE’VE been expecting you Mr Bond…but it seems fans may have to wait until 2011 for the secret agent’s next outing.


Pre-production has been halted and filming (isn't Craig unavailable until April because of Dream House??) postponed while the future of the Bond franchise hangs in the balance.

The 23rd Bond film was to have been bankrolled by MGM but the Hollywood studio is up for sale in a bid to clear mounting debts.

The 007 blockbusters are a lucrative franchise and could be sold off. “In the words of another great British hero, Antarctic explorer Captain Oates, the next James Bond movie may be some time,” said Terence Doyle, editor of British Film Magazine.

Michael G Wilson, who produces the Bond films with Barbara Broccoli, admitted: “We just don’t know enough about the situation to comment but we know it’s uncertain.”

The earliest a new film is likely to go into production is at the end of this year, for release in 2011, a full three years after the last Bond, Quantum Of Solace.

Pre-production work on the film, which will again star Daniel Craig, pictured above with Quantum love interest Olga Kurylenko, is on hold until next month.

The sale of MGM, which owns the Pink Panther franchise, comes after a year in which it released only the failed remake of Fame. Potential bidders include Time Warner, Lionsgate and News Corp.

I'm curious. What would happen if the studio simply was allowed to go into bankruptcy and go out of business? You know, just let the studio fail. What would happen to the movie rights? I'm so sick of the constant financial problems of United Artists and MGM. This has been going on and off for, what? 30 years? People need to quit bailing this studio out. Live and let die.

The latest round of problems seems to stem from MGM's pathetic short-term strategy of raiding their own library and remaking everything, no matter how pathetic the concept. Really! Remakes of Rollerball, Mod Squad, Fame, and Pink Panther? Not a single, solitary original idea in development?

Dr. No remake anyone?!

[jaguar007]

I'm curious. What would happen if the studio simply was allowed to go into bankruptcy and go out of business? You know, just let the studio fail. What would happen to the movie rights? I'm so sick of the constant financial problems of United Artists and MGM. This has been going on and off for, what? 30 years? People need to quit bailing this studio out. Live and let die.

The rights would be sold off by MGM's creditors, perhaps EON could buy the remainder of the rights back and they could go to any studio they wanted.

[Trident]

I'm curious. What would happen if the studio simply was allowed to go into bankruptcy and go out of business? You know, just let the studio fail. What would happen to the movie rights? I'm so sick of the constant financial problems of United Artists and MGM. This has been going on and off for, what? 30 years? People need to quit bailing this studio out. Live and let die.

The rights would be sold off by MGM's creditors, perhaps EON could buy the remainder of the rights back and they could go to any studio they wanted.

Actually, I think I'd rather prefer such outcome: EON buying back their property and selling off the rights for distribution and finance with three-to-five-films seperate deals to studios. Sony has shown such a limited deal can be effective and lucrative for all sides. And Bond's film future would be firmly in the hands of the ones most interested in a healthy franchise, EON themselves.

[SecretAgentFan]

I hope EON listens to you, Trident - your solution would definitely be the best possible way to continue.

[danslittlefinger]

Suitors circling MGM
Potential bidders have until Jan. 15
By DAVE MCNARY

http://www.variety.c...amp;ref=bd_film
Possible buyers for MGM have a week left to officially get in the game.

The beleaguered Lion has set Jan. 15 as the date for suitors to submit "indications of interest" for purchasing MGM's assets, according to a knowledgeable source. The submissions are not formal bids, however.

About a dozen parties -- a mix of financial players and studios -- have signed nondisclosure agreements that give them access to MGM's internal financials. Moelis & Co., the investment bank handling the sale process, sent out about 20 of the NDAs.

Additionally, MGM has consented to partnerships among potential bidders.

No deadline's been set for selling the MGM assets, which include the James Bond franchise, a 4,000-title library, the logo, the United Artists operations, rights to the Pink Panther franchise and half-ownership in the upcoming "Hobbit" films. The package is expected to fetch somewhere between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

MGM hasn't disclosed the identity of bidders but Time Warner Inc. and Lionsgate have emerged as likely suitors. The studio's also said it could continue operating as a standalone entity or forming some kind of strategic partnership if MGM's 140 debtholders agree to do so.

The debtholders have agreed twice to hold off on collecting debt payments through Jan. 31. MGM carries a debt load of $3.7 billion from its 2005 buyout along with payments due next April on its $250 million revolving credit facility.

The Lion released one movie last year -- a revamp of "Fame" -- and has set "Hot Tub Time Machine" for a March release with "The Zookeeper" and "Red Dawn" set for later in the year.

[Qwerty]

MGM likely to draw bids as 15 January deadline looms

Warner Bros., Lionsgate and AT&T interested in the James Bond studio

[dinovelvet]

http://www.thewrap.c...l-bidders-12759

Here's another article about this madness. There's one interesting new piece of info towards the end where it reveals that Sony, Summit (notable for Twilight and The Hurt Locker), and Reliance, an Indian company are combining to put in a bid.

(Why do I suddenly see the headline "Bond 23 to feature India as a major location" in CBN's future?)

[singleentendre]

Ugh WB will probably get it and we'll end up with ty menu-less Blu-rays

[The Shark]

Ugh WB will probably get it and we'll end up with ty menu-less Blu-rays

Better than Sony ripping us off with ty special features then releasing a special edition a year later?

[jaguar007]

Better than Sony ripping us off with ty special features then releasing a special edition a year later?

um, Sony is not the only studio that does that. Almost every studio has released a DVD of major box office successes only to later release a full featured DVD down the line.

[Qwerty]

Low bids for MGM cloud fate of studio

First-round bids for James Bond studio due by end of week