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"I had a month, that was it," he explains. Washburn did not interview any veterans to write the script, nor do any research. The script eventually went through several drafts, evolving into a story with three distinct acts. Releasing high-profile films near the end of the year to increase their Oscar chances as well as their subsequent box office potential has become standard practice since.Īccording to Deric Washburn, he and Michael Cimino spent three days together in Los Angeles at the Sunset Marquis hammering out the plot. When The Deer Hunter received critical acclaim as well as nine Oscar nominations, it was given a wide release and a promotional campaign that underscored the artistic success, leading to a substantial box office success. The film was then pulled from distribution, except for a few screenings on a cable network that catered to cinephiles. He gave it a very limited release in two theaters near the end of the year, for an audience of critics and Academy members, and for the period that would qualify the film for Oscar eligibility.
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As a consultant, they hired veteran producer Allan Carr, who realized that the movie would only attract an audience if it received recognition from the Academy.
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When the first test screening turned out disastrous, the studio was unsure how to market a movie with such grim and depressing subject matter. This movie is one of the earliest examples of successful 'Oscar baiting' in order to maximize box office performance.