Sony Pictures have had well publicized struggles in recent years but hit franchises and successful films such as
21 Jump Street,
Skyfall and
The Amazing Spiderman have helped the studio.
CEO Kaz Hirai talks about his hands on approach in the studios movie productions and The Amazing Spiderman 2 final film:
"I spend a lot of time trying stuff out for myself,""I went to see the final edits for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 before it came out; [Sony Entertainment CEO] Michael [Lynton] and [SPE co-chairman] Amy [Pascal] just wanted to get my thoughts on a few things," "I can't edit a film, I just know if this scene and that scene don't come together quite right, and so maybe we want to explain why this plane is out of control or blind in the air. I know if something is confusing,"
Hirai also revealed that he reads the scripts of the studios movies and suggests changes to Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton on whether or not "that story ending is not so good," or suggesting "this part is a little controversial. Do you want change this or that?"
Hirai refused to give details about the studios $50 million cuts stating:
Michael [Lynton] and his team have gone through everything with a fine-tooth comb, and they've identified savings across the board. There's no one area where it's being focused,"
Although there was little mention of movie production Hirai assured that it is still a primary focus:
"We may cut one or two films from the slate, but we're not getting out of movie production," "Having said that, at the investor day in Culver City, in L.A. last year, we did talk about putting more emphasis on television production, and our networks, especially those in places like India. If done right, there's a lot of margin in those businesses, and that allows us to offset some of the risk that we have with the theatrical releases."
Many fans would like to see Sony sell the Spiderman rights to Marvel to raise much needed finance but it looks like the properties future is set in stone at Sony in the mean time. Sound off your thoughts about Hirai's comments below.