10 Genius Times Studios Beat The Film Director

7. Convincing James Cameron To Direct For Free - Titanic

American History X Edward Norton
Fox

It's no secret that production on James Cameron's Titanic was a trying nightmare for just about everyone involved, in large part due to the shoot running massively over-budget and over-schedule.

By the time it was finished, Titanic cost $200 million, almost double its original $110 million price tag, ensuring that co-financiers Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox grew extremely nervous about the epic disaster film's box office prospects.

And so, Cameron ultimately came to an agreement with the studios to ease their understandable concerns - he not only forfeited his $8 million directing salary, but agreed to give up his cut of the initial gross, ensuring he would only be paid if the movie was a hit.

But amid a slew of negative press convinced the movie would bomb, Titanic released to rave reviews and went on to have an historic box office run, grossing over $2.2 billion (including a couple of re-releases).

As a result, the studios made a fortune while Cameron eventually received a stonking payday estimated to be in excess of $100 million.

Basically, it was a happy ending for all involved, but Paramount and Fox were smart to cover their asses upfront by persuading a world-class filmmaker to work for free.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.