An independent United Artists |or| Transamerica Films

So this is a neat little pair of PODs.

In 1977-8 Arthur Krim (UA Chairman) tried to convince Transamerica to spin off UA as the holding company had various issues with UA. He failed and thus decamped with his entire team to form Orion Pictures. Transamerica then planned to turn UA into Transamerica Films, but ran into Heaven's Gate so Transamerica washed their hands post-haste after the bloodbath loses of that film (Final Cut is an excellent book covering this era)

In the first case we essentially combine OTL's UA with Orion, all kinds of interesting knock-on effects for movies there. In the second case we destroy an iconic movie studio's history, although still with interesting knock-on effects because UA is not sold to MGM.
 
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Go with the first case. Arthur Krim not leaving means that Heaven's Gate will probably not be made. Box office successes like 10, Caddyshack, Arhtur, and Dressed to Kill that were produced by Orion in 1979-1981 will be produced by UA instead. The more stable financial footing from these successes will ensure that UA will be able to prepare a stronger promotional campaign for "Raging Bull," ensuring that it will win Best Picture over "Ordinary People." We should also think long term. In 2015, would United Artists still be a major studio on the level of Warner Brothers and Disney? Or would it be a mini-major like Lionsgate?
 
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