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K/O Paper Products

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K/O Paper Products
FormerlyKurtzman/Orci Productions (2004–2010)
Company typePrivate
IndustryEntertainment, Books, Music, Movies, Animation, Games and Television
Founded2004; 20 years ago (2004)
FoundersAlex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci
DefunctSeptember 16, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-09-16)
SuccessorsSecret Hideout
Paper Products
Sneaky Shark Productions
HeadquartersBeverly Hills, California, United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Andrew Orci (Chairman and CEO)
  • J.R. Orci (CCO)
  • Bobby Cohen (President, Film and TV Division)
  • Heather Kadin (President, TV Division)
  • Jay Williams (President, Global Marketing and Brand Division)
  • Aaron Baiers (Vice President, TV Division)
Products
  • Television series
  • Motion pictures
  • Books
  • Music
  • Animation
  • Video Games
OwnersAlex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci
Divisions
  • K/O Records
  • K/O Books
  • K/O Animation
  • K/O Interactive
  • The K/O Group
  • K/O Family Entertainment
SubsidiariesK/O Channel

K/O Paper Products (also known as Kurtzman/Orci Paper Products) was an American television and motion picture production company founded by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci[1] c. 2004, after signing a deal with DreamWorks Pictures to rewrite the script of the 2005 film The Island.[2]

History

[edit]
Orci's longtime writing partner Alex Kurtzman

Orci and Kurtzman began their writing collaboration on the television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,[3] after being hired by Sam Raimi.[4] They were also involved in the sister-series to Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess.[4] They sought to move to writing for a network-based television series, but found this difficult. After receiving a series of negative responses, they met with J. J. Abrams who was starting work on Alias at the time. The meeting went well, and resulted in them working on the series.[5] They would go on to work together again on the Fox science fiction series Fringe, where all three were listed as co-creators.[6]

Orci in 2009

In 2003, the duo began writing their first feature project, the sequel to The Mask of Zorro, The Legend of Zorro for Columbia Pictures.[7] Orci and Kurtzman received their break in writing for films in 2004, with the Michael Bay film The Island,[3] for which they developed the spec script by Caspian Tredwell-Owen.[8] When Kurtzman and Orci first met Bay, he asked the pair "Why should I trust you?",[9] to which Orci replied: "You shouldn't yet. Let's see what happens."[9] While this was not an overwhelming success, they were brought back for Bay's following film, Transformers, after producer Steven Spielberg asked them to come in for a meeting.[3][10] The movie took $710 million at the box office.[3] Orci's first credit solely as a producer came with the film Eagle Eye, where he worked once again alongside Kurtzman. He said in an interview with the magazine Extra that he had previously been involved in productions where the producers had writing backgrounds and had looked to them for help, and he was happy to provide that same support to the writers on Eagle Eye.[11] The director of the film, D. J. Caruso, praised the duo saying that "What's unusually cool about them is that they have maintained the producer-writer power that they earned in television and carried that over into the feature film area, and that is extremely rare."[12] Following their work on Eagle Eye, they were executive producers on the Sandra Bullock film, The Proposal.[12]

Orci and Kurtzman were asked to write the script for a new Star Trek film, but initially turned it down, despite Orci being a fan of the series.[4] Orci suggested rebooting the timeline as seen previously in the films and television series,[13] and adding the return of Leonard Nimoy as Spock from Star Trek: The Original Series.[4] He considered the first two films in the reboot series to be the origin story for the crew, and that the third film would start where the crew was at the beginning of Star Trek: The Original Series.[14] Orci felt that the relationship between the James T. Kirk and the younger Spock was reflective of the partnership of himself and Kurtzman, he said that "We didn't even realize we were writing about ourselves until we were halfway through the script, that was a little embarrassing.[12]

As of June 2009, Star Trek was the biggest grossing film at the domestic box-office in the United States, resulting in a sequel being greenlit by the studio and Kurtzman and Orci being asked to write it.[15] The studio set aside a larger budget for the sequel, which was revealed by Orci in an interview with TrekMovie.com.[16] Orci ruled out the "hero quitting" staple of a second movie, which had featured in the Transformers sequel, saying that the crew of the Enterprise were committed and that type of story doesn't have to apply to all sequels.[17] During the buildup to the film, called Star Trek Into Darkness, Orci was one of the production team who didn't give much away about the villain in the film and denied that Benedict Cumberbatch was to play Khan Noonian Singh.[18][19]

The criticism of the sequel resulted in Orci posting controversial comments on a Star Trek fan site. In response to a fan upset over Into Darkness, Orci called him a "shitty fan".[20] He later apologized and deactivated his Twitter account.[21]

The company itself

[edit]

In 2004, Kurtzman and Orci launched their own production company, signing a first-look deal with DreamWorks Pictures to produce feature films for the studio, after doing a successful rewrite on three of its films, The Island, The Legend of Zorro and Mission: Impossible III.[2] The studio successfully developed its first feature film, Eagle Eye in 2008.[22]

In 2009, Bobby Cohen joined the company, becoming the CEO of its films division.[23]

In 2010, it was announced that Kurtzman and Orci had signed a three-year development deal with 20th Century Fox Television, to produce television shows for its cable and networks, who had just came off the success of Fringe, resulting in the development of Hawaii Five-0 and Transformers: Prime.[24]

Heather Kadin, who was formerly employee of Warner Bros. Television, joined the company that same year, becoming president of the television division.[25]

In 2011, it attempted to move over its film unit from DreamWorks to Skydance Productions, but it failed.[1] In 2012, the studio successfully signed a deal with Universal Pictures to produce its feature films.[26]

In 2013, Fox announced that they will pick up a television series by Kurtzman and Orci, Sleepy Hollow.[27]

Later that same year, Kurtzman and Orci confirmed that the company's television division will move over from 20th Century Fox Television to CBS Television Studios.[28]

Breakup of the partnership

[edit]

In April 2014, Orci and Kurtzman confirmed to Variety that they are no longer going to work together on film projects, but will still collaborate on television.[6][29] Kurtzman wanted to work on the Spider-Man film franchise, while Orci was linked to the directorial role for Star Trek 3.[6] Orci confirmed later that year in July that he was not involved in the production of The Amazing Spider-Man 3 alongside Kurtzman.[30] Orci and Kurtzman's K/O Paper Products continues to operate as a production company within CBS Television Studios, and has created the series Scorpion, inspired by the life of Walter O'Brien, as well as Limitless, based on the 2011 film.[31][32]

Prior to the split of Kurtzman and Orci, the duo were lined up to write the third film in the new Star Trek series.[33] In May 2014, Skydance and Paramount Pictures announced that Orci was to direct the third installment of the Star Trek reboot franchise,[34] after Abrams moved on to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This would have marked Orci's directorial debut, and he was to write the script alongside JD Payne and Patrick McKay.[35] Due to his commitment to Star Trek 3, he dropped out of a new Power Rangers film, on which he would have been executive producer.[36] But, on December 5, it was announced he would no longer be directing the Star Trek film.[37] He remains credited as a producer on the film,[38] and was replaced by Doug Jung and cast member Simon Pegg as the script writers after Orci's initial script was dropped.[39][40] Orci was replaced as director by Justin Lin, who had previously directed films in The Fast and the Furious franchise.[39]

Orci created Matador with the idea that the main character would be a "soccer player by day who is a spy by night", and called him a "Latin James Bond". The series was broadcast on the El Rey Network created by Robert Rodriguez. It was renewed for a second season shortly before the pilot was broadcast,[41] which had been directed by Rodriguez. But, following the production of the first season, the series was cancelled despite the earlier renewal. This decision was blamed on poor international sales.[42]

Television only

[edit]

On June 27, 2014, it was announced that Aaron Baiers, at the time was Director of TV development, will become the vice president of the TV division under Heather Kadin.[43] In 2016, it was announced that Kurtzman and Orci were to dissolve their television partnership, thus rendering the company defunct.[44]

Filmography

[edit]
Release TV and Internet Film
2008-2013 Fringe
2008 Eagle Eye
2009 The Proposal
2009 Star Trek
2010–2020 Hawaii Five-0
2010–2013 Transformers: Prime
2011 Cowboys & Aliens
2011 Exit Strategy
2011 Locke & Key
2012 People Like Us
2013 Star Trek Into Darkness
2013 Now You See Me
2013 Ender's Game
2013 Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising
2013–2017 Sleepy Hollow
2014 The Amazing Spider-Man 2
2014 Matador[45]
2014–2018[46] Scorpion
2015–2016 Limitless
2016 Now You See Me 2

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Weinstein, Joshua L. (October 25, 2011). "Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman Moving to David Ellison's Skydance". The Wrap. The Wrap News Inc. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Fleming, Michael; LaPorte, Nicole (2004-10-14). "DreamWorks duet". Variety. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  3. ^ a b c d "Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman: Hollywood's Secret Weapons". Forbes. May 18, 2011. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d "The Wonderful World of Orci & Kurtzman". Empire. August 1, 2009. Archived from the original on March 29, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  5. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (October 16, 2009). "Abrams keeps it all in the fan family". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  6. ^ a b c Kit, Borys (April 22, 2014). "Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci Splitting Up as Movie Team". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  7. ^ Fleming, Michael (2003-10-31). "Sony planning 'Zorro' sequel". Variety. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  8. ^ "McGregor hopping to 'Island'". Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. August 10, 2004. Archived from the original on May 3, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  9. ^ a b Fernandez, Jay A. (April 14, 2011). "The Scribes of Summer". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 13, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  10. ^ Gilchrist, Todd (July 2, 2007). "Exclusive Interview: Roberto Orci". IGN. Ziff Davis LLC. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  11. ^ Martinez, Kiko (September 24, 2008). "Roberto Orci". Extra. Archived from the original on March 29, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  12. ^ a b c Boucher, Geoff (April 5, 2009). "'Star Trek' pair cling to writing partnership". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  13. ^ Ashley, Kendall (26 December 2014). "Roberto Orci Continues To Attack Star Trek Fans Online Over His Reboot Choices". Cinema Blend. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  14. ^ Williams, Owen (June 27, 2014). "Roberto Orci Hints At Star Trek's Future". Empire. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  15. ^ Weintraub, Steve (June 19, 2009). "Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman Talk Star Trek Sequel Villain Ideas and Cowboys and Aliens". Collider. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  16. ^ Fowler, Tara (January 22, 2012). "Roberto Orci: 'Star Trek 2's budget will be bigger'". Digital Spy. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  17. ^ Anders, Charlie Jane (July 29, 2009). "Roberto Orci: Star Trek 2 Won't Follow Transformers 2 Formula". io9. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  18. ^ "Star Trek 2 – Roberto Orci Talks Star Trek Sequel". IGN. April 4, 2011. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  19. ^ Woods, Travis (July 16, 2012). "'Star Trek 2' Writer Denies Villain Reveal, Announces Trailer Release". Screen Crave. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  20. ^ Bailey, Jason (September 9, 2013). "'Star Trek' Writer's Comments-Section Meltdown Proves Creators Need to Leave Angry Fans Alone". Flavorwire. Flavorpill Media. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  21. ^ Kaye, Don (December 9, 2014). "Roberto Orci surfaces online to speak out on Star Trek 3". Blastr. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  22. ^ Fleming, Michael; McClintock, Pamela (2007-06-26). "'Disturbia' duo set for 'Eagle Eye'". Variety. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  23. ^ Fernandez, Jay A.; Kit, Borys (April 13, 2009), "Bobby Cohen to head Kurtzman/Orci", The Hollywood Reporter, retrieved February 20, 2016
  24. ^ Schneider, Michael (2010-02-02). "Hot team to 20th TV". Variety. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  25. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (2010-04-14). "Ex-WBTV exec Heather Kadin Eyed to Run Kurtzman and Orci's TV Company". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  26. ^ Kroll, Justin (2012-05-01). "Orci, Kurtzman sign two-year Universal deal". Variety. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  27. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (2013-05-09). "Fox Aims for Men with Four Drama Series Orders". Variety. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  28. ^ "Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci Ink Overall Deal At CBS TV Studios". The Hollywood Reporter. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  29. ^ "Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci Splitting Up on Bigscreen (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. April 22, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  30. ^ Alexander, Susannah (July 13, 2014). "The Amazing Spider-Man 3: Roberto Orci confirms departure". Digital Spy. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  31. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (February 4, 2014). "CBS Orders Genius Drama From EPs Scooter Braun, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  32. ^ Goldberg, Leslie (January 28, 2015). "'Limitless' Remake Among CBS Pilot Orders". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  33. ^ Kroll, Justin (August 5, 2013). "Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci Return to Write 'Star Trek 3′". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  34. ^ Kroll, Justin (May 13, 2014). "Roberto Orci to Direct 'Star Trek 3' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2016
  35. ^ Geoghegan, Kev (August 11, 2014). "Simon Pegg hails new Star Trek director Roberto Orci". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  36. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 19, 2014). "Roberto Orci's 'Star Trek 3' Commitment Knocks Him Out Of 'Power Rangers' Pic". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  37. ^ Kroll, Justin (December 5, 2014). "Roberto Orci Will No Longer Direct 'Star Trek 3'". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  38. ^ Kreps, Daniel (December 6, 2014). "Director Roberto Orci Drops Out of 'Star Trek 3'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  39. ^ a b "Simon Pegg to co-write Star Trek 3". BBC News. BBC. January 22, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  40. ^ Wales, George (December 28, 2014). "Roberto Orci reveals Star Trek 3 will not use his script". GamesRadar. Future plc. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  41. ^ Castellanos, Melissa (July 10, 2014). "Roberto Orci Reinvents the American Hero, Busts Stereotypes with 'Latin James Bond' in 'Matador' on Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network". Latin Post. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  42. ^ Khatchatourian, Maane (November 29, 2014). "El Rey's 'Matador' Cancelled". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  43. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (June 27, 2014). "K/O Paper Products Promotes TV Exec as Production Slate Grows (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  44. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (2016-09-16). "Alex Kurtzman Inks Overall Deal With CBS TV Studios For His New Company". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  45. ^ Bibel, Sara (January 12, 2014). "Scripted Series 'Matador' to Premiere in Summer 2014 on El Rey Network". TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on January 13, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  46. ^ "'Scorpion' canceled by CBS after 4 seasons". EW.com. Retrieved 2018-06-14.
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