Legendary Pictures

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Legendary Entertainment
Type Private
Industry Motion picture
Founded 2004
Founder(s) Thomas Tull
Headquarters Burbank, California, United States
Key people Thomas Tull
(Founder and CEO)
Jon Jashni
(President and CCO)
Jeremy Elice
(Head of Legendary Television)
Bob Schreck
(Editor-in-Chief of Legendary Comics)
Kathy Vrabeck
(Head of digital division)
Kelvin Wu
(CEO of Legendary East)
Owner(s) Thomas Tull (majority)
Fidelity Investments
Fortress Investment Group
Divisions Digital
Legendary Comics
Legendary Pictures
Legendary Television
Subsidiaries Legendary East (40%)
Website www.legendary.com

Legendary Pictures is an American film production company, whose parent company, Legendary Entertainment, is based in Burbank, California and was founded by Thomas Tull in 2004. In 2005 the company concluded a 40-picture agreement to co-produce and co-finance with Warner Bros.

Contents

[edit] History

Thomas Tull founded Legendary Entertainment after raising $500 million from private equity firms.[1] It was one of the first companies of its kind to pair major motion picture production with major Wall Street private equity and hedge fund investors, including ABRY Partners, AIG Direct Investments, Bank of America Capital Investors, Columbia Capital, Falcon Investment Advisors, and M/C Venture Partners.[2] In 2005 the company signed a seven-year agreement with Warner Bros. to co-produce and co-finance 40 films over seven years.[2] In 2010 Tull and two other investors, Fidelity Investments and Fortress Investment Group, bought all the shares of the original investors. Following the transaction, Tull became the largest shareholder, thus enabling him to more easily direct the company's operations.[3] By 2011 the company was reported to have been valued at more than $1 billion.[2] In September 2011, Chief Creative Officer Jon Jashni was appointed to the new position of President.[4]

[edit] Divisions and ventures

In addition to producing American feature films, Legendary Entertainment has announced various other business endeavors, which are currently in the early stages of development.

In 2009, the company announced the establishment of a digital division, to be headed by Kathy Vrabeck, that would primarily focus on game development, a move which surprised many industry analysts because of the film industry's previous disengagement with the video game industry.[5]

In 2010, the company announced the launch of a comic book division called Legendary Comics under the direction of editor-in-chief Bob Schreck.[6] The first graphic novel published by the company was Holy Terror by Frank Miller, which was released in 2011.[7]

In 2011, the company announced the creation of Legendary Television to focus on developing television productions. The division will be headed by Jeremy Elice and a co-financing contract with Warner Bros. Television was reported to be under consideration.[8]

In 2011, the company also announced the formation of Legendary East, a joint venture film production company based in Hong Kong. Half of the company will be owned by the shell corporation Paul Y. Engineering Group (which will be partially owned by Kelvin Wu, who will be Legendary East's CEO), 40% will be owned by Legendary Entertainment, and 10% will be owned by the Chinese film distributor Huayi Brothers International.[9] Starting in 2013 Legendary East is slated to produce one to two globally marketed English-language films per year and could finance a quarter of the production of an additional two films per year. Because the company will be based in China, it will be able to circumvent the quota on theatrically released foreign films.[9] The company hoped to raise $220.5 million (USD) through the sale of stock of Paul Y. Engineering Group on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange by the end of 2011.[10] However, because financing did not meet the targeted goal, Legendary East is planning to continue its efforts to secure financing in 2012.[10] The first film announced by the company is The Great Wall.[11]

[edit] Filmography

Legendary Entertainment has co-produced 22 feature films. In addition, the company is also in the process of producing an additional five films and is developing various other projects. Of the 22 feature films produced, 21 have had theatrical releases and one has had a direct-to-video release. All films that were theatrically released were distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (except for Watchmen which was distributed by both Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures) and the direct-to-video film was distributed by Warner Premiere. Note that in all cases the distributor or distributors are also co-producers. Also, in all cases the film listed is a work of Legendary Pictures, unless the film's name is followed by a subscript "E", indicating that Legendary East is the production company. The box office column reflects the the worldwide gross for the theatrical release of the film in United States dollars.

[edit] Released

Year Title Director Co-production company(s) Distributor(s) Box office Ref.
2005 Batman Begins Nolan, ChristopherChristopher Nolan Syncopy Films Warner Bros. $372,710,015 [12]
2006 Superman Returns Singer, BryanBryan Singer Bad Hat Harry Productions Warner Bros. $391,081,192 [13]
2006 Lady in the Water Shyamalan, M. NightM. Night Shyamalan Blinding Edge Pictures Warner Bros. $72,785,169 [14]
2006 The Ant Bully Davis, John A.John A. Davis Playtone and DNA Productions Warner Bros. $55,181,129 [15]
2006 Beerfest Chandrasekhar, JayJay Chandrasekhar Gerber Pictures, Cataland Films, and Broken Lizard Warner Bros. $20,387,597 [16]
2006 We Are Marshall McG Thunder Road Films and Wonderland Sound and Vision Warner Bros. $43,545,364 [17]
2007 300 Snyder, ZackZack Snyder Virtual Studios Warner Bros. $456,068,181 [18]
2008 10,000 BC Emmerich, RolandRoland Emmerich Centropolis Warner Bros. $269,784,201 [19]
2008 The Dark Knight Nolan, ChristopherChristopher Nolan Syncopy Films Warner Bros. $1,001,921,825 [20]
2009 Watchmen Snyder, ZackZack Snyder Lawrence Gordon Productions Warner Bros. / Paramount $185,258,983 [21]
2009 Observe and Report Hill, JodyJody Hill DeLine Pictures Warner Bros. $26,973,554 [22]
2009 The Hangover Phillips, ToddTodd Phillips Green Hat Films Warner Bros. $467,483,912 [23]
2009 Trick 'r Treat Dougherty, MichaelMichael Dougherty Bad Hat Harry Productions Warner Premiere [24]
2009 Where the Wild Things Are Jonze, SpikeSpike Jonze Playtone and Village Roadshow Pictures Warner Bros. $100,086,793 [25]
2009 Ninja Assassin McTeigue, JamesJames McTeigue Dark Castle, Silver Pictures, and Anarchos Productions Warner Bros. $61,601,280 [26]
2010 Clash of the Titans Leterrier, LouisLouis Leterrier Thunder Road Films and The Zanuck Company Warner Bros. $493,214,993 [27]
2010 Jonah Hex Hayward, JimmyJimmy Hayward Mad Chance and Weed Road Pictures Warner Bros. $10,903,112 [28]
2010 Inception Nolan, ChristopherChristopher Nolan Syncopy Films Warner Bros. $825,532,764 [29]
2010 The Town Affleck, BenBen Affleck GK Films and Thunder Road Films Warner Bros. $154,026,136 [30]
2010 Due Date Phillips, ToddTodd Phillips Green Hat Films Warner Bros. $211,780,824 [31]
2011 Sucker Punch Snyder, ZackZack Snyder Cruel and Unusual Films Warner Bros. $89,792,502 [32]
2011 The Hangover Part II Phillips, ToddTodd Phillips Green Hat Films Warner Bros. $581,464,305 [33]
Box office total: $5,891,583,831

[edit] In production

Year Title Director
2012 Wrath of the Titans Liebesman, JonathanJonathan Liebesman
2012 The Dark Knight Rises Nolan, ChristopherChristopher Nolan
2013 Jack the Giant Killer Singer, BryanBryan Singer
2013 Pacific Rim Del Toro, GuillermoGuillermo del Toro[34]
2013 Man of Steel Snyder, ZackZack Snyder

[edit] In development

Year Title Director
2013 The Seventh Son Bodrov, SergeiSergei Bodrov[35]
TBD 42 Helgeland, BrianBrian Helgeland[36]
TBD 300: Battle of Artemisia Murro, NoamNoam Murro[37]
TBD Godzilla Edwards, GarethGareth Edwards[38]
TBD The Great Wall (E) Zwick, EdwardEdward Zwick[11]
TBD The Lost Patrol Norrington, StephenStephen Norrington[39]
TBD Gears of War adaptation TBD[40]
TBD Gravel adaptation TBD[41]
TBD Here There Be Monsters TBD[42]
TBD Kung Fu (E) TBD[43]
TBD Mass Effect adaptation TBD[44]
TBD Spectral TBD[45]
TBD Technotise: Edit & I adaptation TBD[46]
TBD Warcraft adaptation TBD[47]

[edit] Bibliography

Legendary Comics has published one graphic novel. An addition four are in production.

[edit] Released

Year Title Writer Artist
2011 Holy Terror Miller, FrankFrank Miller Miller, FrankFrank Miller

[edit] In production

Year Title Writer Artist
2012 The One Trick Rip-Off + Deep Cuts Pope, PaulPaul Pope Pope, PaulPaul Pope[48]
2012 PulpHope 2012 Pope, PaulPaul Pope Pope, PaulPaul Pope[48]
2013 Paradise Lost Niles, SteveSteve Niles Kaluta, MichaelMichael Kaluta[48]
TBA The Tower Chronicles: The Phantom Hawk Wagner, MattMatt Wagner Bisley, SimonSimon Bisley[48]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Brophy-Warren, Jamin (2009-02-27). "A Producer of Superheroes". The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123569749220089025.html. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  2. ^ a b c Abrams, Rachel and Marc Graser (2011-04-15). "Legendary Pictures eyes new credit line". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118035532. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  3. ^ Fritz, Ben (2010-10-05). "Legendary Pictures chairman engineers takeover". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/05/business/la-fi-1005-ct-legendary-20101005. Retrieved 2011-06-07. 
  4. ^ Weinstein, Joshua L. (2011-09-20). "Jon Jashni Promoted to President of Legendary Pictures". The Wrap. http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/jon-jashni-promoted-president-legendary-pictures-31138. Retrieved 2011-09-24. 
  5. ^ Pham, Alex (2009-03-18). "It's official: Legendary Pictures hired Kathy Vrabeck to head up digital division". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/05/legendarygamestullvrabeck.html. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  6. ^ Eller, Claudia (2010-11-03). "Legendary Pictures forges into comic books". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/legendary-films-launches-comic-book-unit.html. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  7. ^ Boucher, Geoff (2011-06-30). "Frank Miller brings ‘Holy Terror’ to 9/11 anniversary: ‘I hope it shakes people up’". Los Angeles Times. http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2011/06/30/frank-miller-brings-holy-terror-to-911-anniversary-i-hope-it-shakes-people-up/. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  8. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (2011-01-18). "Legendary Pictures Forms TV Division To Be Based At WBTV & Taps AMC’s Jeremy Elice". Deadline.com. http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/legendary-pictures-forms-tv-division-to-be-based-at-wbtv-taps-amcs-jeremy-elice/. Retrieved 2011-09-24. 
  9. ^ a b Fritz, Ben (2011-08-22). "Legendary East to go public with initial value of $441 million". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/08/legendary-east-to-trade-publicly-in-deal-valuing-company-at-441-million.html. Retrieved 2011-08-22. 
  10. ^ a b Fritz, Ben (2011-12-30). "Legendary's China venture faces funding delay". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/12/legendarys-china-venture-faces-funding-delay.html. Retrieved 2012-01-06. 
  11. ^ a b Weinstein, Joshua L. (2011-08-23). "Edward Zwick to Direct Legendary East's First Project". The Wrap. http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/edward-zwick-direct-legendary-easts-first-project-30382. Retrieved 2011-08-23. 
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  13. ^ "Superman Returns (2006)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=superman06.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  14. ^ "Lady in the Water (2006)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ladyinthewater.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  15. ^ "The Ant Bully (2006)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=antbully.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  16. ^ "Beerfest (2006)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=beerfest.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  17. ^ "We Are Marshall (2006)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=wearemarshall.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  18. ^ "300 (2007)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=300.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  19. ^ "10,000 B.C. (2008)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=10000bc.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  20. ^ "The Dark Knight (2008)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=darkknight.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  21. ^ "Watchmen (2009)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=watchmen.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  22. ^ "Observe and Report (2009)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=observeandreport.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  23. ^ "The Hangover (2009)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hangover.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  24. ^ "Trick 'r Treat (2008)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=trickrtreat.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  25. ^ "Where the Wild Things Are (2009)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=wherethewildthingsare.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  26. ^ "Ninja Assassin (2009)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ninjaassassin.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  27. ^ "Clash of the Titans (2010)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=clashofthetitans10.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  28. ^ "Jonah Hex (2010)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=jonahhex.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  29. ^ "Inception (2010)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=inception.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  30. ^ "The Town (2010)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=town10.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  31. ^ "Due Date (2010)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=duedate.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  32. ^ "Sucker Punch (2011)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=suckerpunch.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  33. ^ "The Hangover Part II (2011)". Box Office Mojo. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hangover2.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-15. 
  34. ^ "Warner Bros Shifts ‘Pacific Rim’ Release". Deadline.com. 2011-10-13. http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/warner-bros-shifts-pacific-rim-release/. Retrieved 2011-11-06. 
  35. ^ "Release Date Roundup: Warner Bros’ ‘Seventh Son’, Sony’s ‘Underworld Awakening’, Lionsgate’s ‘The Possession’". Deadline.com. 2010-07-13. http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/release-date-roundup-warner-bros-seventh-son-sonys-underworld-awakening-lionsgates-the-possession/. Retrieved 2011-11-06. 
  36. ^ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (2011-10-13). "Jack Nicholson Offered a Role in the Jackie Robinson Biopic". The Hollywood Reporter. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/10/jack_nicholson_jackie_robinson.html. Retrieved 2011-11-06. 
  37. ^ Kit, Borys (2011-07-15). "Warner Bros. Chooses Noam Murro to Direct '300' Spin-Off (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-chooses-noam-murro-212149. Retrieved 2011-07-18. 
  38. ^ Truitt, Brian (2011-02-23). "Monster fan Gareth Edwards sizes up 'Godzilla'". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-02-22-monsters22_ST_N.htm. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  39. ^ Lang, Brent (2010-01-12). "Legendary Taps 'Blade' Director for 'The Lost Patrol'". The Wrap. http://www.thewrap.com/article/legendary-taps-blade-director-lost-patrol-12856. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  40. ^ "Legendary Pictures co-financing "Gears of War" movie". Variety. 2008-07-24. http://weblogs.variety.com/the_cut_scene/2008/07/legendary-pictu.html. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  41. ^ Graser, Marc (2009-10-08). "Legendary digs 'Gravel'". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009750. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  42. ^ Weinstein, Joshua L. (2011-07-26). "Brian Helgeland to Write Warner/Legendary's 'Here There Be Monsters'". The Wrap. http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/brian-helgeland-write-sea-monsters-movie-here-there-be-monsters-29468. Retrieved 2011-11-06. 
  43. ^ Fleming, Mike (2011-10-31). "Bill Paxton In Talks To Direct ‘Kung Fu’". Deadline.com. http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/bill-paxton-in-talks-to-direct-kung-fu/. Retrieved 2011-11-06. 
  44. ^ Graser, Mark (2010-05-24). "Legendary turning 'Mass Effect' into film". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118019803. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  45. ^ Kit, Borys (2011-11-03). "Supernatural Action Project 'Spectral' Lands at Legendary Pictures (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/legendary-spectral-ian-fried-257322. Retrieved 2011-11-14. 
  46. ^ Kit, Borys (2011-03-09). "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Movie in the Works (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/macy-s-thanksgiving-day-parade-movie-165986. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  47. ^ Fritz, Ben and Pamela McClintock (2006-05-08). "Brave new 'World'". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117942792. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  48. ^ a b c d Sunu, Steve (2011-10-15). "NYCC: Legendary Comics". Comic Book Resources. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=34945. Retrieved 2011-10-16. 

[edit] External links

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