Peter Jackson strikes gold with 'King Kong'

Posted Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 4:32 PM Central

by John Couture

I'm sure that someone along the way told director Peter Jackson that he'd be able to write his own ticket after the Lord Of The Rings trilogy. That person only got it half right.

Not only is Jackson getting the opportunity to update one of the silver screen's classics in King Kong, but he'll receive an unprecedented $20 million upfront, against 20% of the total gross of the picture. $20 million is Harrison Ford country. $20 million is where Tom Cruise starts his negotiations for acting gigs. No director has ever earned $20 million for one movie - that is until now.

And for the cherry on the sundae? Jackson will also earn money on the backend considering that he owns the special effects and post-productions facilities scheduled to work on the project.