Robert Altman won't 'runaway' to Canada

Canoe Jam Showbiz ^ | Monday December 29 2003 | CP

[xp38]

CHICAGO (CP) -- Add veteran director Robert Altman to the list of American filmmakers who say they won't shoot a "runaway production" in Canada.

In an interview with film critic Roger Ebert in Friday's edition of the Chicago Sun-Times, Altman, 78, said it's obscene to move a film production to Canada, just to save money on tax breaks offered by the government.

"There's no reason to let a political decision decide where a picture is shot," Altman is quoted as saying. "Why was (the musical) Chicago made in Toronto? To save a couple of million dollars -- which, of course, doesn't go to the artists. On moral grounds, I won't do it."

The creator of such films as MASH, Nashville and Gosford Park said he was preparing to make a Paul Newman film about a bear when producer Harvey Weinstein decided to take the film to Canada to save $2 million.

"I said 'Fellas, goodbye.'"

[xp38]

Robert Altman the patriot. BTW he shot McCabe and Mrs. Miller in Canada. Why isn't he living in France?

[TheBigB]

Robert Altman has been, along with Tarantino, the most overrated hack "Director" of the past fifty years.

[goldstategop]

Why is he opposed to making a movie in Canada? You'd think, Big Name Liberal like him would want to stick it to President Bush. But when it comes to putting his beliefs into effect, Robert Altman is as they say, "all hat and no cattle."

[xp38]

I think he wants union cred. He is taking a moral stand by not taking any food out of the mob controlled IATSE.

[xp38]

IATSE= International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. You see their 5 petal logo at the end of credits on movies. Nothing in big time show biz happens without them taking a cut.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Robert Altman won't 'runaway' to Canada"

How about if we chase him waving sharp sticks?

[reformedliberal]

I agree.

I had a close relative (now deceased) who was in the SWG (Screen Writers Guild). Hollywood is a closed union town. Very difficult to break in for the craft unions that aren't just the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and one can be punished for going against the rules, written and unwritten.

[narby]

"Why was (the musical) Chicago made in Toronto? To save a couple of million dollars

There's the real rub. Why should it cost so much in the US? I suspect a lot of it is Union restrictions.

[Redbob]

Earth to Altman: "Money doesn't have politics!"

(By all means make your next movie oversees - then stay there!)

[xp38]

There are unions in Canada too but since the movie industry isn't as well entrenched the pay rates are less than in the US. Exchange rate until recently was very much in favor of Canada too. The Lord of the Rings was made in New Zealand and I suppose could have been made in the US but I'm sure it was much cheaper making it there.

[Welsh Rabbit]

"..To save a couple of million dollars -- which, of course, doesn't go to the artists..."

No, it goes back to the studio so they can continue to make movies and employ artists. That's why you're not a producer.

[irv]

Earth to Altman: "Money doesn't have politics!"

Liberals think it does. Money = Power and to liberals, all power is political.

That was an important clue to a weird - but common - way of thinking.

[glorgau]

Harold Ramis sent in a letter to the Chicago Tribune talking about a movie he was going to shoot in Chicago (he lives there). The difference in cost between Chicago and Toronto was substantial - in the millions. He was pleading for reduction in taxes.

BTW, the City Council (i.e Daley's sycophants) wants to raise the rental car tax another 4%.