![The Acclaimed Film That Resulted in a Studio Executive’s Termination 2 l intro 1716425890](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/l-intro-1716425890.jpg?w=1170)
The exceptional success of “The Sixth Sense,” both in terms of critical reception and box office earnings, is well-documented. The movie, which was produced on a budget of $40 million, astonishingly grossed $672.8 million globally and was second only to “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” in terms of revenue in its release year. David Vogel, a high-ranking studio executive at Disney, exhibited foresight and made a prompt decision to secure the film, anticipating its triumph. Yet, his decision-making was soon questioned, as Vogel described in a Desert Sun editorial, which highlighted an increasingly controlled corporate environment at Disney. Where once Vogel had autonomy to greenlight projects, he now found himself entangled in layers of approvals.
Unwilling to be hampered by the bureaucracy, Vogel chose to bypass the system when he encountered the script for “The Sixth Sense.” He sensed a wildly successful venture, something he had never encountered before in his career. Despite the record-breaking $2.25 million paid for the script, a figure that was certain to trigger corporate scrutiny, Vogel proceeded with the acquisition. His defiance of the protocols, however, did not sit well with his superior (who remains unnamed). In a compromise move to recover some of the expenses, Vogel’s boss reluctantly relinquished a significant portion of “The Sixth Sense” financing to Spyglass Entertainment, leaving Disney with a mere 12.5% stake in the film. The outcome of these transactions led to Vogel’s abrupt dismissal from the company.
FAQs about ‘The Sixth Sense’ and Studio Politics
- How much did “The Sixth Sense” earn worldwide?
“The Sixth Sense” earned approximately $672.8 million worldwide. - What year was “The Sixth Sense” released?
“The Sixth Sense” was released in 1999. - Why did David Vogel get fired from Disney?
David Vogel was fired because he approved the script purchase and production of “The Sixth Sense” without seeking the necessary corporate approvals, and as a result of the financial dealings that ensued. - How much of “The Sixth Sense” did Disney own after the financial adjustments?
Following the financial adjustments involving Spyglass Entertainment, Disney was left with only 12.5% ownership of “The Sixth Sense.”
Conclusion
The story of “The Sixth Sense” extends beyond its cinematic achievements to encompass an intriguing narrative of corporate dynamics and creative vision within Hollywood. David Vogel’s dismissal from Disney underscores the delicate balance between business acumen and artistic intuition in the film industry. This tale serves as both a cautionary episode and a testament to the power of conviction in one’s creative instincts. Although Vogel’s career at Disney reached an untimely end, his association with “The Sixth Sense” remains an enduring highlight and a marker of his legacy within the executive ranks of the motion picture industry.