CMU School of Drama


Monday, November 17, 2008

DOLLAR 'BILLY' LEAPS TO MINE

New York Post: "HERE'S the difference be tween writing a hit movie and writing a hit musical, according to 'Billy Elliot' creator Lee Hall:
'I get statements from the movie company that say, ' 'Billy Elliot' earned $100 million. But the advertising costs were $150 million. So we don't owe you anything.' What's nice about a musical is that you get a percentage of the gross. The writer actually gets paid.'"

2 comments:

AllisonWeston said...

I am please to hear that the creator of "Billy Elliot" made a little cash for his efforts. I find his comment about not making money from the movie astonishing. One would think that film would be the money maker for the writer instead of the musical.

MBerger said...

It's so nice to hear of a success story coming from Broadway in the recent months given all the sob stories and closing announcements we have been hearing. For me personally, since I have such a great love of the show I am particularly excited for the prediction that it will join the brotherhood of long runners on Broadway. I look forward to making it to the city to see it at some point soon.