Miramax's Role w/ Lord of the Rings?

[Instidude]

This is the first time I've started a topic here, but have been in on discussions for a while. But, I just, finally, got to watch LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring (which was a fantastic movie, now I need to see the second act), and couldn't help but notice that the Weinstein's (of Miramax fame) are executive producers of this picture. Maybe this has been discussed before, but does anyone know how they are connected to the movie, and if Miramax has any financial component of the picture?

[jonvn]

Peter Jackson was originally going to do the film for Miramax, as a two parter. Miramax wanted to do the entire thing as one movie, but Jackson did not think he could effectively tell the story in one film.

So, he got permission to shop the film around, and took it to New Line Cinema, which came up with the idea of not doing 2 films, but 3.

I believe Miramax either got some money for releasing the rights, or is paid some small royalty for it, and they get a credit in the film.

The Two Towers just passed the $300 million mark in ticket sales.

[woody]

Miramax gotten back their investment and some merchandising royalties.

[hippie1kenobi]

Yeah, jonvn is correct. I remember Jackson talking about that on Charlie Rose. IIRC, it was 5% for Mirarmax. Could be wrong on the number.

[Instidude]

Do the Weinsten's also get credit (as in $$$) for being the executive producers?