

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.
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
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Kevin Bacon
Nick Chapman
Emily Longstreth
Susan Rawlings
J.T. Walsh
Allen Habel
Teri Hatcher
Gretchen
Michael McKean
Emmet Sumner
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Lydia Johnson
Kim Miyori
Jenny Sumner
Dan Schneider
Jonathan Tristan-Bennet
Jason Gould
Carl Manknik
Tracy Brooks Swope
Lori Pressman
Don Franklin
Todd Marvin
Gary Kroeger
Mark
Alice Hirson
Mrs. Chapman
Grant Owens
Mr. Chapman
Fran Drescher
Polo Habel
Suzy Cote
Mindy Habel
Eddie Albert
M.C.
June Lockhart
Janet Kingsley
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 15, 1989
Wide Cinema Exhibition
March 5, 1990
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
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
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
Christopher Guest
Michael McKean, Michael Varhol, Christopher Guest
David Nichtern
Jeffrey Jur
Martin Nicholson
Michael Varhol, Richard Gilbert Abramson, William E. McEuen
Department Leadership Roster
Christopher Guest
Director
Michael McKean
Screenplay
Michael Varhol
Screenplay
Christopher Guest
Screenplay
Karen Patch
Costume Design
Martin Nicholson
Editor
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.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
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.).




















