Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
At one time, Harvey Weinstein was the most influential and powerful Hollywood producer. Through his production company Miramax, various award-winning films were made and every actor/actress wanted to be associated with him. The studio was responsible for Oscar-winning films likePulp Fiction, The Crying Game, Good Will Hunting,andShakespeare in Love.
The studio was already among other prestige names in Hollywood by the late 90s. The studio supported both commercial films as well as indie filmmakers who were trying to make their name in the industry. However, they passed on the opportunity to distribute a micro-budget horror filmThe Blair Witch Projectin 1999, which went on to become a big commercial success.
Miramax Missed Out On Nabbing One of The Greatest Success Stories in Hollywood
By the 90s, Miramax was putting out some of the best films of the decade and had a great reputation among filmmakers and actors. Harvey Weinstein and his team were very involved in what films they chose to distribute, frequently welcoming new artists and filmmakers who wanted their voices heard (for example Matt Damon & Ben Affleck withGood Will Huntingand Kevin Smith withClerks).
“I’m not giving you s*ckers a single dollar in cash”: Harvey Weinstein Financed an Insanely Controversial Ben Affleck, Alan Rickman Movie No One Ever Dares to Watch Today
In the late 90s, student filmmakers Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez had an idea for a film titledThe Blair Witch Project. The film was shot with a small budget of over $200,000 (viaThe Hollywood Reporter) and was a found footage style feature chronicling three students who disappear while exploring the myth of the Blair Witch.
The director-writer duo pitched their idea to several independent studios including Miramax. However, according toWhat Culture, Jason Blum who was working in Miramax at the time, passed on the opportunity to distribute it. Artisan Entertainment eventually struck a deal with Myrick and Sánchez to be the film’s distributor domestically.
“You’re gonna alienate women”: Harvey Weinstein Feigned Concern to Force Quentin Tarantino Into Deleting a Violent Scene That Would Have Doomed His Movie
Upon release in 1999,The Blair Witch Projectreceived race reviews from critics and fans. The film became one of the most profitable films ever made, grossing $248 million against its $200,000 budget (viaBox Office Mojo).The Blair Witch Projectalso started the whole genre of found footage films and is considered a landmark horror film. Miramax and Weinstein surely missed out big time by passing on the film.
Gwyneth Paltrow Fought Back Against Harvey Weinstein’s Tantrums OnShakespeare in Love
In the 90s, Gwyneth Paltrow featured frequently in films produced underHarvey Weinstein‘s Miramax such asThe Talented Mr. Ripley, Emma, The Pallbearer,andShakespeare in Love. The disgraced producer was known for his authoritative conduct and frequently butted heads with Paltrow during their collaborations.
“He slammed the door, and I burst into tears”: Horizon Saga Star Sienna Miller Felt ‘Honored’ by Harvey Weinstein’s Abuse After He Dragged Her from a Rehearsal
During an interview withVariety,as she recollected making the latter, Paltrow revealed that Weinstein was a bully but had no problem standing up to him and pushing back against his erratic demands. Additionally, the actress stated that they made a beautiful film and its image is not tarnished by Weinstein’s disgraced reputation. She said,
He was a bully. I never had a problem standing up to him. I wasn’t scared of him. I also felt for a period of time, I was the consumer face of Miramax, and I felt it was my duty to push back against him. We had a lot of fights. It’s a beautiful film. A movie is not going to be successful if it’s not a good movie, not like that.
Shakespeare in Lovewas a career-defining film for Paltrow as she won anOscarfor Best Actress for her performance in the film. The film also went on to win Oscars for Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actros for Dame Judi Dench, and Best Picture.
Fans can watch/rentShakespeare in Loveon Apple TV+.
The Blair Witch Projectis available to rent on Apple TV+.
Rahul Thokchom
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1276
Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.
More from Rahul Thokchom
“His team is non stop with trying to paint him as the goody two shoes”: Jennifer Lopez Gets Surprise Fan Support as Ben Affleck’s Controversial Past Surfaces Amid Divorce
“I don’t know what I’m looking for anymore”: Playing Homelander for So Long Has Made Antony Starr Make a Confession That’s Devastating News for DCU Fans Hoping He Plays an Iconic Justice League Villain
“We didn’t have a lot of money..”: Eric Bana’s Hulk Was a Big Threat to Will Smith’s $273 Million Movie Along With Keanu Reeves’s Highest Grossing The Matrix Movie
Recommended
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – How the 2008 Comic Arc Could Shape Tom Holland’s Next Movie
One Piece: Why Luffy’s Final Fight Will Break Shonen (& It Won’t Be Against Imu or Blackbeard)
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 10 Episode 9: Release Date and What to Expect
NYT Strands July 19, 2025 Hints and Solution
You Can Finally Watch Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Blockbuster at Home: Digital Release Date Revealed - Report
NYT Pips Solution for June 04, 2025
Harvey Weinstein
