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Halo Script Hawked To Studios
Gamespot has the story of Microsoft's crusade to sell the Halo movie script to a studio. They really went all out, apparently, with messengers dressed as Master Chief delivering the scripts to the major studios. From the article: "Whatever studio picks up the project would also have to relinquish 'strict control of development' to Halo developer Bungie Studios, who have written a 'bible' which any director and producer would have to follow. Variety's sources say the purpose of the 'bible' is 'to make sure any changes to the script don't alter the universe established in the first two Halo games that will continue in future sequels,' apparently further confirming Halo 3 is in the works."
but it does help with creating a believable universe
Not really. Check the Matrix for a prime example. And note that good FX != believable.
Regarding LOTR, the actors were all relative unknowns at the time they were hired. All of them were good actors, yes (although Elijah Wood sadly still doesn't convince as Frodo - ho hum), but none of them were doing it for the money. In fact, none of the crew were doing it for the money at all. Watch the "making-of" bits on the extended DVDs and you'll see how personally committed they all were, and how much each group (actors and support, digital FX, model-makers, etc) really became a family. The sheer *closeness* of them all afterwards was unbelievable.
Personally I don't there's any other movie that could inspire that kind of commitment, or ever will again. The reason they all committed was bcos it *was* LOTR, not bcos they were being paid. LOTR was a one-off, and I can't see any here-today-gone-tomorrow computer game tie-in getting anywhere near. Certainly not just bcos some studio boss has splurged $10m for the rights.
Grab.