The document provides information about the 2013 film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), New Line Cinema, and WingNut Films. Directed by Peter Jackson, it starred Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, and Richard Armitage. It was distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. and had a budget of $250 million and worldwide box office gross of $950 million, resulting in a $700 million profit.

1. Film Production Company Case
Study
Lauren Hurley

2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of
Smaug (2013)
Production companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), New Line Cinema,
WingNut Films.
Director: Peter Jackson
Main Actors: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott
Distributors Include: Warner Bros. (Argentina, Germany, Spain, France, UK,
Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, USA) (Theatrical), Warner Home Video
(Germany, Spain, UK, Netherlands) (Blu-ray/DVD)
Based on “The Hobbit” a novel by J.R.R. Tolkien
Budget: $250,000,000
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $950,007,304
Worldwide Box Office Profit: $700,007,304

3. Marketing

4. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Production Company
MGM had an expertise in filmmaking which was famously said to
have “attracted more stars than the heavens”. The company was
created as a merger in April 1924 from Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Co
and Louis B. Mayer. Marcus Loew, a man who owned a well
established theatre chain, coordinated and bought the merger.
MGM were the production company for films such as The Wizard of
Oz(1939), Gone with the Wind(1939), Skyfall(2012), The Pink
Panther 2(2009).
Presently, MGM is an entertainment company focusing on the
production and distribution sectors of film globally.
Famous actors include: Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Lionel Barrymore,
Joan Crawford, Laurel & Hardy and the Marx Bros.

5. New Line Cinema
Production Company
New Line Cinema were founded in 1967 by Robert Shaye and are known to have a
successful past of producing well known films that appeal to a variety of audiences
around the world.
The company began as a private art films distributor, however it developed into a top
independent film production and distribution company.
The companies first commercially successful film was A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).
It cost an estimated amount of $1,800,000 to make yet grossed $25,504,513 in the USA
box office.
The production company merged with Warner Bros. Entertainment in 2008. New Line
Cinema has separate development, production, marketing, distribution and business
operations, but coordinates them with Warner Bros. Entertainment in order to maximize
their film performance and operating efficiencies.
Since merging with Warner Bros. Entertainment, the company has produced successful
films such as The Hobbit, Sex and the City, Valentines Day and He’s Just Not That Into
You.

6. The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)
Production Companies: Bwark Productions, Film4, Young Films
Director: Ben Palmer
Main Actors: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas
Distributors Include: Entertainment Film Distributors (UK) (Theatrical), Channel 4
DVD (UK) (DVD/Blu-ray), Wrekin Hill Entertainment (USA) (Theatrical)
Based on the Channel 4 Television Series: The Inbetweeners
Budget: £3,500,000 (estimated)
Opening Weekend Takings: £13,300,000 (UK) (23rd August 2011) (475 Screens)
$35,955 (USA) 9th September 2012) (USA)
The film did not do well theatrically on its opening weekend in the USA. This is because
firstly there was only 10 screens. Secondly, the humor is very British and therefore aimed at a British audience.