Gossip in the press lounge: everyone's talking about the reported $10-12 million that Paramount has allegedly plunked
down last night for Little Miss Sunshine (no deal has formally been announced yet). The received wisdom is that
the deal was half-done before the festival even started – and that Paramount, afraid that another studio would
come in and best them, offered way too much money. A behind-the-scenes indie film legend was overheard saying that a
certain Hollywood reporter had already branded it "this year's Happy, Texas" – that is, the
film that will be acquired for way too much, and then fail to do the kind of business that could even recoup its
investment. But the indie legend disagreed – he's a fan of Steve Carell's performance in the film, and he said
that, if anything, Sunshine could be this year's Napoleon Dynamite - that is, Paramount probably
payed to much for it, but commercial prospects look very, very good. The film was directed by Jonathan Dayton and
Valerie Faris, first time feature makers perhaps best known for their video for The Smashing Pumpkins' Tonight,
Tonight, which was inspired by Georges Mellies' A Trip to the Moon. Steve Carell and Greg Kinnear star,
but neither is here to promote it – I was told by someone who tried to get the two together for an interview that
the actors "hate each other's guts."Sundance Deals: Is Little Miss Sunshine this year's Happy Texas?
Gossip in the press lounge: everyone's talking about the reported $10-12 million that Paramount has allegedly plunked
down last night for Little Miss Sunshine (no deal has formally been announced yet). The received wisdom is that
the deal was half-done before the festival even started – and that Paramount, afraid that another studio would
come in and best them, offered way too much money. A behind-the-scenes indie film legend was overheard saying that a
certain Hollywood reporter had already branded it "this year's Happy, Texas" – that is, the
film that will be acquired for way too much, and then fail to do the kind of business that could even recoup its
investment. But the indie legend disagreed – he's a fan of Steve Carell's performance in the film, and he said
that, if anything, Sunshine could be this year's Napoleon Dynamite - that is, Paramount probably
payed to much for it, but commercial prospects look very, very good. The film was directed by Jonathan Dayton and
Valerie Faris, first time feature makers perhaps best known for their video for The Smashing Pumpkins' Tonight,
Tonight, which was inspired by Georges Mellies' A Trip to the Moon. Steve Carell and Greg Kinnear star,
but neither is here to promote it – I was told by someone who tried to get the two together for an interview that
the actors "hate each other's guts."Related Headlines
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. I am Jon and Vals duaghter and i would like to say that Steve and Greg DO NOT HATE EACH OTHERS GUTS! also to my understanding they are there and they are haveing a good time!
-augusta d.
Posted at 8:00PM on Jan 21st 2006 by Augusta Dayton
3. Greg and Steve are actually great pals. They came to the "Thank You for Smoking" screening together, then went on to two parties together-- of their own volition. They weren't doing promo, just having fun. Their driver said they were practically inseparable. Plus, big mistake on the buyer of the film (Fox Seachlight not Paramount).
Get your facts straight!!
Posted at 11:17PM on Jan 26th 2006 by Hermione Messenger
1. Fox Searchlight just bought it for $10 mil +.
Posted at 7:24PM on Jan 21st 2006 by Horatio Hornblower