Just when it seemed like Battlefield Earth the film would never see the light of day, in walked Franchise Pictures. Franchise Pictures specialized in taking passion projects, streamlining the budgets, then releasing the films that nobody thought could be made. Since John Travolta was desperate to adapt Battlefield Earth into a movie, this was a perfect project for Franchise. Franchise brought the cost of the film down from an estimated $100 Million to $75 Million. With John Travolta signed onto the project and investing his own funds the picture got a speedy green light.
Are YOU the guy who talked me into this?
It wouldn’t take the cast and crew long to see that it seemed like every expense was being spared. The film was shot in Canada at a bargain rate. The special effects and costuming seemed cheap. The film was bizarrely shot using Dutch angles, supposedly for artistic purposes. In actuality, the Dutch angles were used to save money on sets and costuming.
Doesn’t this make me look taller and this film more expensive?
Even worse, the script was clunky and outdated. John Travolta chewed the scenery and acted like he was playing a dastardly villain from an old fashioned chapter play. It was obvious that he was desperately trying to make this all work. He wouldn’t realize until later that this was all just a massive scam. Franchise Pictures would purposely select passion projects because it could get big stars for discounted rates. This also led to less scrutiny from the big star who was just thrilled to be making their dream project. Outside investors, excited to be getting A-List talent for relatively nothing, would pony up the needed funds. After all, a $100 Million project being made for $75 Million was guaranteed to succeed. Franchise Pictures would then skimp on everything. For example, Battlefield Earth was sold to its investors as having a $75 Million budget. Franchise, however, most likely spent much less than $50 Million on the film, skimming the rest of the money for itself. The company would later spiral into bankruptcy, but would Battlefield Earth become the big hit that John Travolta and Scientology wanted? Stay tuned!
