Jon Hamm Takes Pay Cut To Make This 80s Comedy Happen
Image Source: TV Insider
We are all familiar with the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” It’s easy to say, but often tough, if not impossible, to see to fruition. Actor Jon Hamm, however, did just that in the name of art alone.
What did Hamm believe in so greatly to offer up 60% of his own salary to make it happen? The answer is Confess, Fletch. This crime comedy is based on the 1976 novel of the same name, written by Gregory Mcdonald. The title character, Irwin Maurice “Fletch” Fletcher, is an investigative reporter who finds himself in rather comedic circumstances while working to solve a mystery. Think Agatha Christie’s Poirot without the mustache and accent, then add in some tickling of the funny bone.
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Fletch inspired two comedic movies in the 1980s that starred Chevy Chase. The film received some financing from Bill Block with Miramax, which covered 27 days of the filming. Director Greg Mottola reported that he gave up some of his own money as well to support the indie project; however, Hamm gave back the lion’s share of the financing to complete shooting. It was debated at first that this type of film and character might not be relevant in today’s market, but Hamm and Mottola believe in it strongly enough to put up their own money to make it happen. They were able to bring the number of days to shoot the picture up to 30, which was just enough to make it work. As a bonus, Miramax allowed them freedom to cast whoever they wanted without a fuss.
Confess, Fletch is now playing in theaters and can be viewed on demand as well.
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Source(s): Variety, Gregory Mcdonald