Subway Restaurants president and co-founder Fred
DeLuca has made a mid-six figure investment in Minnesota filmmaker
Tim VandeSteeg's first independent feature, "Mulligan." But would-be
Kevin Smiths should not pick up the phone just yet. Subway execs
made clear Tuesday that the global fast-food chain -- which opened
its 14,000th restaurant last week -- is not getting into the movie
business. The "Mulligan" money was a personal investment by DeLuca,
who is no relation to New Line production chief Michael DeLuca.
"I don't want to be deluged with calls from a million people trying
to get me (and Subway) to fund their films," Subway vp Richard
Pilchen said. "We are not in the film business. We are helping
a guy get a start." Pilchen also said that backing VandeSteeg's
non-star, 20-something golf/buddy movie is not a promotional ploy,
either. "The interesting thing is, this has not even been discussed
with the advertising end of our business," Pilchen said, "but
that's run by our franchisees."
With a $1000 loan from a family friend, Subway was started in
1965 by DeLuca in Bridgeport Conn. Several years ago the chain
started a micro-credit program with $1,500-$2,000 loans for people
trying to get a promising business off the ground. Subway spokes-woman
Michelle Klotzer said DeLuca's "Mulligan" investment
was not part of the microcredit program, though it reflects his
commitment to entrepeneurs.
As for moviemaking , Klotzer said, "Product placement, location
and licensing -- thats still the bottom line for us and every
other quick-serve resturant."
VandeSteeg got DeLuca's backing on the strength of his $3000 trailer.
Six weeks of production ended in August, a Subway resturant is
seen briefly on camera. "It's under a minute," VandeSteeg
said. The film also culled about 27 other product tie-ins and
sponsorships, including Addidas, Sun Country Airlines, Mail Boxes
Etc, and the Lifetime Fitness health club chain. The film is seeking
a distributer.
