Prince Of Persia: How To Make A Summer Blockbuster 101

If there were a modern default setting for a summer blockbuster, Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time might very well be it. so if you're a producer looking to create the next studio tentpole, here are a few hints and tips to guide you:-

1/ In this scenario a script is needed, but you don't have to worry about putting too much work into drafting poetic dialogue, original action beats or a tightly plotted narrative.

2/ Your first choice of director is an ex-commercials guy with a history of trashy, glossy action fare. If Tony Scott and Michael Bay are unavailable employ anybody with a non-decrepit visual style who also has a familiarity with big effects movies (like an ex-Harry Potter director).

3/ Since effects sell movies these days, not star actors, cast two young, beautiful people in your male and female leads. It doesn't matter if he lacks a magnetic personality, as long as he's not Sam Worthington (that's if the studio hasn't already bullied you into casting Worthington). As for her, you're looking for a spectacular beauty. If she's got spirit and has a radiant personality...you might have overdone it for our desired default setting blockbuster. Back up your young babies with talented character actors (Brits like Kingsley and Molina are to be recommended) to play baddies, people in authority, father figures and sidekicks.

4/ Now all you have to do is over-do it. Forget the saying "less is more". Therefore construct huge intricate sets that can't be distinguished from one another and hire a barely adequate effects company to stuff your film with three time the amount of CGI that's actually required to tell your story.

5/ You also don't need to fret about originality either. By copying the slow-mo action shots that are all the rage, and by editing your close-quarters combat scenes with the zeal of a victim of full body tourettes, you should be able to make your action stuff indistinguishable from any superhero/fantasy blockbuster opening withing 2 weeks of your movie.

6/ Ensure that coloured gels are placed on the camera at every opportunity...natural lighting is for the old and square. Your music score will need no personalty or recognizable theme if your film is to fit in. You're also afforded an opportunity to place a song over the end credits, but you should make sure that in these modern times, it isn't good enough to chart successfully.

That should do it. You should be able to pick up around $130-$170 at the domestic box office and around $400 worldwide, despite the guaranteed luke warm reviews.
Pat on back. Job well done.