There were two reasons why it held back.

Firstly, it was going to cost $150m.

Secondly, and more crucially, it was likely to be an R-rated end product.

When studios spend big bucks on a movie, they want a PG-13 in return.

And if your project cant promise that?

You might just be in trouble.

However, help is at hand.

Particularly a bawdy one, that tends to help.

Declare that your project is something random, but crossed withThe Hangover.

Either way, it does have a habit of working.

Whichever, it inevitably ends up hurting your bank balance.

Had he not done that?

Chances are,Cop Outmay just have been a PG-13.

Basically, a studio often believes its making a sacrifice by releasing an R-rated film.

And itll expect you to make a sacrifice, too.

Quid pro quo, Clarice…

If Youre Making A Comic Book Movie, Dont Tell Anybody Its A Comic Book Movie

A crucial rule.

Dont be thrown by this, or by thoughts in your head that they may not be right.

They have spreadsheets, and theyre not afraid to use them.

Instead, if this line of argument comes up, you have but one choice: to run.

You have absolute permission to think they are a pillock, however.

Best not to mention it out loud, though.

Try and paint a picture for your studio suit.

A good R-rated movie means that they might get an Oscar nomination.

And that they might on the telly, too.

Instead, what they fear is an R-rated movie that doesnt look like it should have an R rating.

Tone is not of interest, friends.

You must assure them that your film containsExpendables-levels of violence.

Or, failing that, that its wall-to-wall bonking.

You get bonus points for promising a high-profile battle with the ratings board.

And you get to tease them with the idea of an unrated cut for the DVD, too.

They love shit like that.

Theyre at least going to take the meeting.

Then drop in that your powerful pretend friend wants to get involved, but is keeping it quiet.

You know what theyre like, you could say, with a cunning wink.

It is, clearly, a foolproof plan.

This is, to be clear, subject matter to avoid at all costs.

Pursue this line, and youre more likely to meet security than any studio executive again.

Aim your film at teenagers

Making a movie for grown-ups is not a good plan.

That way, theyll all pile in, and all concerned can sit back and count the cash.

Basically, if all else fails, youve just got to chop the budget.

But heres the thing: you only have to pretend to chop it!

And then, only when on set, start to accidentally overspend.

Staying a good 50 miles away from a five star hotel is a workable plan, too.

Dont attempt to adapt a highly regarded 20th century sci-fi horror novel

Just ask poor Guillermo del Toro…