"Despite the Gods" a documentary about a film that went to hell.

I'm not sure how many of you actually know about Jennifer Lynch's film Hisss, but let's just say the film is crap. It's not her fault at all and I think this documentary will help explain just how a film can get taken over by producers who are crazy.

The film, Despite the Gods, is scheduled to have its world premiere at HotDocs this year, and here's how they're synopsis is:

Jennifer Lynch, daughter of cult film auteur David Lynch, made her auspicious directorial debut in 1993 with Boxing Helena at the Sundance Film Festival. A box office disaster, the film was viciously mauled by critics and became the focus of multiple lawsuits. Fifteen years later, a recovering addict and hard-working single mother, Lynch returns to the director's chair with an ambitious project that will test her skills and the entire crew's sanity. Despite the Gods brings us behind the scenes on the set of Lynch's Bollywood/Hollywood action film about a man-eating snake goddess. Out of her depth shooting on location with an Indian crew and two top Bollywood stars, Lynch turns her production into a vehicle for her own self-actualization, paying no regard to timeline, budget or reality. As the story in front of the camera derails, the story behind the camera explodes.

I think Jennifer Lynch is amazing.
 Surveillance (2008) is a stellar film and represents a true director and writer at work. RENT or BUY Surveillance now!

Universal cans "Cartel"

Looks like no one can save "Cartel" from being shut down. Universal has canned the $42.5 million film before it soared over budget.

The studio felt it wasn't a strong enough script to continue to sink money into when they were sure there would be no significant profit from the film.

A remake of the 1993 Italian film La Scorta, (because we needed another remake) the film was set to star Josh Brolin. Though a talented actor, the studio wasn't sure that this film would net any profits as it's budget continued to climb. But no worries for Brolin as he has a "PAY-OR-PLAY" deal with the studio. This means he'll still net his 7 figure salary even though the film will not be made. How nice for him.

I'm going to say what most people in this industry won't say, Why the Fuck are studios plummeting their businesses into the ground with rehashed ideas and untalented writers?

If a company knows they don't like the script, then why begin pre-production? They waste the time of everyone involved in the project. Now all of those crew members are out of work because the project was weak to begin with, this is bad business.

Looks like the only one walking away safe is Josh Brolin. Good for him and his management team for covering their bases. They probably knew the project was doomed when Sean Penn walked away and figured this was a safety net.

I do not agree with actor salaries. Maybe, one day I'll eat those words if I ever bank 7 figures for a role, but let's be honest, does Josh Brolin deserve a 7 figure salary for not doing any work?

The money Universal sank into getting the film this far into pre-production and then pulling out could have easily made 20 indie films.

Maybe they'll be more cautious before they greenlight a project that doesn't have a strong foundation.

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