Was the Oscar Tab Worth it in 2017?

We just witnessed not only the biggest live TV blunder but also the least attractive Oscar ceremony in decades. Production seemed old and fatigued. Kummels performance as MC was uneventful and even the red carpet lacked the splendor of the past. And to top this all the winning movie had only grossed $22.3 M at the box office.

The price tab for this fuss was $42.8M which does not include indirect costs such as hospitality; entertainment; wardrobes and lobbying that was worth another $100 million. This figure can be deconstructed into diver items that include:

• Specialist PR consultant: $10,000-$15,000. Per month for six months = $60,000- $80,000
• Advertising: $1m before nomination; $800,000 after.
• TV commercials and promo: $1.5m.
• Talent costs: $900,000.00 for engaging artists into film promotion tours;
• Film screenings: around $160,000.00 and at least four are scheduled for the top contenders which brings the price tag to $640,000.00.

Rounding up each top contender spends on the average $4,920,00 just to compete. Considering that there at least are 10 strong contenders, the lobbying effort represents about $50,000,000 which is half the total Hollywood lobbying expenditures.

Guests walk away with a «goody bag» prepared by the firm Distinctive Assets for the 89^th Oscars the value of each goody bag was set at $160,000. This cost is not part of the show’s price tag. As a matter of fact this is an investment in a marketing strategy by a myriad luxury goods and services providers. Last year, the Academy suit the company for copyright infringement. The parties recently settled their dispute. Receivers would find among other items in this year’s bag   a three-day stay at the Lost Coat Ranch ($40,000), 10 sessions with a celebrity fitness trainer ($900) and a cellulite massage mat ($99).

Fashion and jewelry investments or expenditures are yet another chapter. Average price per gown is $15,000.00 while jewelry rent is about $5,000.00 while makeup and hairstyle can go as high as $4,000.00. This pushes the price tag to $4,800,000.00 just for 200 guests. Considering all these investments what we saw on our screens left much to be desired.