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Laughing in Hollywood just got cheaper

Kai Ryssdal Jul 15, 2014
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Laughing in Hollywood just got cheaper

Kai Ryssdal Jul 15, 2014
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Hollywood is making a lot of comedy films this summer, but they’re not spending as much as they were before. The cost of making a comedy has dropped almost 50 percent in the past four years.

So what does this mean for the movies that weren’t a big hit in the box office, like “Blended,” starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore? Are those movies going to lose money?

“They’re still going to make money,” says Sharon Waxman, editor-in-chief at The Wrap. “It’s not going to make $100 million at the box office, like most Adam Sandler comedies have in the past, but it’s still going to make a profit.”

Hollywood has finally figured out how to pay the talent less, and keep production costs down. However, these movies are still profitable because overseas ticket sales make up 70% of the global box office.

“When it comes to comedies, humor is such a particular thing,” says Waxman. “It may work in some countries, and not work in others.”

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