(What, you thought George Lucas could dress himself?)

In today’s Hollywood Reporter is an article about Universal Studios hoping to renegotiate their “consulting” contract with Steven Spielberg.

Under the contract, Spielberg gets a flat fee and a percentage of revenue of movie or television-themed attractions in exchange for advising the theme park resort and working on other projects around the world. Although there is no expiration date for the arrangement, starting in June 2010 Spielberg has the right to end it. He can then can get a single lump sum payment based on his interests in the Orlando parks and other projects around the world.

Basically, they pay him to continue being Steven Spielberg and must do so in perpetuity.  And because he negotiated a deal with them when they just started out, according to Sharon Waxman and Nikki Finke, he’s been getting 2% of Universal Studios’ annual gross receipts, totaling an estimated $30-50 million.  And now they’re hoping to buy him off with a single lump sum. If you want an idea how good their offer will have to be, become an Arab terrorist, rid a whole continent of infidels, and then go to heaven.

[via /Film]

^{Michael Bay admires his new artwork}

A while back I reported that Universal Studios was building a Transformers ride, for which they claimed to be collaborating with Michael Bay.  Michael Bay recently denied involvement with the project on his official website, in the kind of blurb that shows what a comedic genius Michael Bay would be if he were a little more self aware.

The Transformer Ride at Universal making all the press rounds – not sure yet – they had me in a press release saying I supported it – but Universal has a long way to go in my mind. I don’t support it yet – I’m not involved and not sure the story of the ride works, and I know Optimus is not going to just show up to be directed by some new people that have never worked with him. I hate when people bullshit a quote from me that I never said.
I’ll keep you informed. Maybe the guy making the rides at Universal will direct Transformers 3????
Bay

He used four question marks there so he must be pretty skepticle.  “The Viper has nine teardrop loops, a 50-story freefall and a corkscrew turn, but what really makes it is the story.  Why am I hurtling around this steel track?  What is my motivation?  What is this Viper looking for?  See, I know Optimus Prime.  I’ve worked with Optimus Prime.  Optimus Prime is one of my closest friends.  This ride, sir, is no Optimus Prime.  Repeat, I did not approve this.  This is a sham, phony, pure Baykery.”