WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for The Studio episodes 1 & 2.
Catherine O’Hara’s character, Patty, strikes a crucial deal with Seth Rogen’s Matt in the new Apple TV+ series, The Studio. Following Matt’s ascension to the position of head of Continental Studios, primarily due to his willingness to collaborate with Bryan Cranston’s Griffin Mill on a Kool-Aid movie project, he visits Patty at her home in an effort to reconcile in the first episode titled “The Promotion.” Patty, who dedicated countless years to Continental, was let go by Griffin, but Matt is determined to support her during her challenging time.
In The Studio, both Matt and Patty play pivotal roles, with Patty serving as Matt’s mentor during their time at Continental Studios. Given their deep professional and personal bond, Matt is motivated to negotiate a new role for Patty, who was dismissed under unclear circumstances. Although Matt is thrilled about his new job, he feels a deep sense of loss for Patty; he takes the position without reveling in her misfortune. Despite not being obligated to assist Patty, he feels a sense of responsibility for her support throughout his career, particularly as he transitions into this new leadership role.
Understanding the Concept of “Put Pictures” in Filmmaking
Defining Movies with Guaranteed Distribution Rights
In the closing moments of The Studio episode 1, Matt makes an earnest effort to negotiate a deal with Patty to reinstate her as a producer at Continental, albeit at a lower rank than before. In her negotiations, Patty boldly requests a substantial three-year contract that includes ten million in overhead and the production of two put pictures annually, along with first-look nonexclusive rights. Although Matt initially deems her proposal outrageous and unprecedented, they eventually reach a compromise of eight million for one put picture with a budget capped at five million, inclusive of nonexclusive intellectual property rights.
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A “put picture” in Hollywood terminology refers to a feature film that a major movie studio, such as Continental Studios, is legally obligated to release under its banner. Patty’s request for a “put picture” ensures that the film she produces will receive distribution in theaters by Continental, or potentially through modern streaming platforms. If Patty failed to secure such rights, Continental would not be compelled to distribute her film. The nonexclusive rights also enable Patty to approach other distributors, meaning Continental wouldn’t own the intellectual property associated with the film.
The Strategic Importance of Patty’s Role as Producer for Upcoming Films
Patty’s Established Relationship with the Writer of the Kool-Aid Movie
Matt’s decision to offer Patty a new role as a producer at Continental was not merely out of pity; it was a strategic move. He needed to re-engage writer/director Nick Stoller, who initially conceived the concept for the Kool-Aid movie that Griffin was excited about. Stoller had felt sidelined when Matt opted for Martin Scorsese’s Jonestown project instead. Stoller himself acknowledges in The Studio episode 1 that Patty played a crucial role in launching his career in Hollywood. Thus, Matt understood that the only way to convince Stoller to return and collaborate on the Kool-Aid film would be through Patty’s involvement.
