The success of the 'Saw' franchise

October 16, 2008 Given the films' enduring appeal amid a flood of horror product, it's a question whose answer provides insight into how to manage a low-budget franchise. Last October's installment dipped from "Saw III's" $163 million in worldwide boxoffice to $137 million, raising the question of how long the property can keep up its hugely profitable pace. The producers showed the short to Lionsgate's then-president of acquisitions Peter Block and senior vp acquisitions Jason Constantine, who nabbed the feature as a negative pickup.

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