Oz to Justice League Filmmakers: Not Our Fault!
Following up on a previous Hollywood Reporter article in which Warner Bros. blamed the delays in production of a Justice League film on script issues and problems with potential Australian tax deductions, Variety now reports that the government of Australia has denied any fault in the matter. Apparently, Warner Bros.’ implication of the Aussies couldn’t have happened at a worse time, with the announcement hitting Australian wires on the first day of a government-sponsored celebration of American-Australian tourism and trade relations.
Australian officials were quick to issue a statement assuring the public that there was no conflict with tax incentives, but rather a conflict with "creative issues" related to the script. However, Variety‘s report would seem to indicate that the truth lies somewhere in the middle:
Pics seeking the uncapped 40% refund need to meet specific criteria to be deemed Aussie, and this is where "Justice League" appears to have failed to qualify, despite the studio having inked helmer George Miller in September and some Aussie thesps such as model Megan Gale.
So now we know why they picked Megan Gale."Hey, I have this great idea! Let's make a JLA movie. We can make it on the cheap if we make it in Australia. What's that? Who'd star in it? Oh, that doesn't matter. We'll just get whoever. We don't need good actors for these things."I get more cynical every year. Right now I am wishing the WGA stays on strike forever, all the AMPTP industries crash, the entire country collapses, and we end up eating rice and human flesh for nourishment. BAH!
I'd agree with that. Except for the human flesh part…..The problem is, Hollywood execs ignore the fans and do what they THINK the fans want, instead of actually paying attention to what the fans tell them. Kinda like permanent blinders. That's why I refuse to watch anything JJ Abrams is involved with anymore. He's ruined enough already.
I can't be certain, but I believe I was first exposed to the phrase "an incestuous amplification of ideas" while reading David Brock's book, "Blinded by the Right." He was referring to political ideology, but I've found the term to be applicable in so many other cultures, too – especially the entertainment industry. Someone believes they know what people want, they find a few people within their circle who agree, and next thing you know, they believe they have a mandate to provide the public with this thing the public never really wanted to begin with…