The Comedy Conflict

This post is not a part of the planning stages for our film trailer, but instead something I found when investigating how to have a strong connection between film producers and actors. It is true, that in our film trailer, it is likely that we will all have much enjoyment and probably a lot of laughs but when making films on a large sum of money where you can't afford to go wrong, you can imagine the tension in the studios. In another of my A Level subjects, Economics, we look at something called the 'principal-agent problem'. The principal-agent problem describes the tension and difference of opinion between managers and shareholders. It is the case of two parts of a business having different ideas causing tension. For example, a shareholder may want money quickly and in a large amount whereas a manager may be spending heavily on investment ready for the future. The article I found between actor Bill Murray and director Harold Ramis reminded me of this theory. The film 'Groundhog Day' made in 1993 is one of my favourite ever but behind the scenes were huge tensions. Murray had worked with Ramis for years before and they became a some-what comedy duo. However, during Groundhog Days production, Murray reportedly often turned up late, argued with Ramis a lot about the direction of the film and had many different ideas. Many believe that Murray had had enough of his career always being because of Ramis and wanted to prove he had what it takes to be successful without Ramis. The duo didn't talk for around 21 years but when Ramis hit his deathbed, Murray did visit and had personal talks. It is believed the duo made up at the last minute and Murray can be seen in the clip below respecting Harold Ramis at the Oscars.