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The Big Picture poster
5.9 / 10(112 votes)IMDbPG-1319891h 40m$117K Worldwide GrossUnited States of America

The Big Picture

“Film school prepared Nick for everything... everything but Hollywood.”

Synopsis

Hollywood beckons for recent film school grad Nick Chapman, who is out to capitalize on the momentum from his national award-winning student film. Studio executive Allen Habel seduces Nick with a dream deal to make his first feature, but once production gets rolling, corporate reality begins to intervene: Nick is unable to control a series of compromises to his high-minded vision, and it's all he can do to maintain his integrity in the midst of filmmaking chaos.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

The Big Picture (1989) Trailer | Kevin Bacon | Jennifer Jason Leigh

Type: Trailer • Published 2017-06-13

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

September 15, 1989

Wide Cinema Exhibition

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

March 5, 1990

Physical Home Media

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedUnderperformed (0.02x ROI)

Production Budget

$5M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$117K

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

0.02x

-$4.9M deficit

Theatrical Status

Budget Return

Box office tier

Budget: $5MWorldwide: $117K

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Christopher Guest
Screenplay & Story
Michael McKean, Michael Varhol, Christopher Guest
Original Score
David Nichtern
Original Title
The Big Picture
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 40m
Production Budget
$5M
Worldwide Gross
$117K
Production Studios
Aspen Film Society, Columbia Pictures

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Christopher Guest

Screenplay & Story

Michael McKean, Michael Varhol, Christopher Guest

Original Score & Music

David Nichtern

Director of Photography

Jeffrey Jur

Film Editing

Martin Nicholson

Producers

Michael Varhol, Richard Gilbert Abramson, William E. McEuen

Department Leadership Roster

Christopher Guest

Christopher Guest

Director

Michael McKean

Michael McKean

Screenplay

Michael Varhol

Screenplay

Christopher Guest

Christopher Guest

Screenplay

Karen Patch

Costume Design

Martin Nicholson

Editor

Jeffrey Jur

Jeffrey Jur

Director of Photography

David Nichtern

Original Music Composer

Michael Varhol

Producer

Joseph T. Garrity

Production Design

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: PG-13

PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)M

Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.

United States (MPAA)PG-13

Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Big Picture.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Big Picture.

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Behind The Scenes

Welcome to the fascinating world behind the silver screen, where movies not only entertain us on-screen but also captivate us with the stories unfolding behind the scenes. From gripping documentaries to imaginative fictional narratives, these films offer a peek into the intricate workings of the film industry and the creative minds that bring our favorite stories to life. In this realm, documentaries serve as windows into the real lives of filmmakers, actors, and crews, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and relentless passion that drive them. They uncover the meticulous planning, intense collaboration, and sometimes unforeseen obstacles that shape the making of cinematic masterpieces. Whether delving into the groundbreaking techniques of visionary directors or chronicling the historic moments that shaped cinematic history, these documentaries offer an unfiltered look at the artistry and dedication behind every frame. Conversely, fictional narratives transport us into imaginative realms where the line between reality and illusion blurs. These films craft compelling stories that weave together the personal and professional lives of characters navigating the complexities of filmmaking. Through these narratives, we witness the emotional rollercoaster of artistic creation, from the exhilarating highs of inspiration to the gut-wrenching lows of artistic and personal conflict. They explore themes of ambition, betrayal, redemption, and the enduring power of storytelling itself. Together, these behind-the-scenes movies celebrate the magic of cinema while shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes and visionaries who transform dreams into reality. Whether you're a cinephile seeking deeper insight into your favorite films or simply curious about the inner workings of Hollywood, join us as we explore the captivating world where imagination meets celluloid.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Big Picture

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The Big Picture about?

Hollywood beckons for recent film school grad Nick Chapman, who is out to capitalize on the momentum from his national award-winning student film. Studio executive Allen Habel seduces Nick with a dream deal to make his first feature, but once production gets rolling, corporate reality begins to intervene: Nick is unable to control a series of compromises to his high-minded vision, and it's all he can do to maintain his integrity in the midst of filmmaking chaos.

Who directed The Big Picture?

The Big Picture was directed by Christopher Guest.

Who stars in The Big Picture?

The principal cast of The Big Picture includes Kevin Bacon, Emily Longstreth, J.T. Walsh, Teri Hatcher, Michael McKean.

When was The Big Picture released and how long is it?

The Big Picture was released in 1989 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.

What was the box office and production budget of The Big Picture?

The Big Picture had a reported production budget of $5M and grossed $117K at the worldwide box office (0.02 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).

Who composed the musical score for The Big Picture?

The original motion picture soundtrack for The Big Picture was composed by David Nichtern.

What is the age rating and content advisory for The Big Picture?

The Big Picture holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).