Universal Studios Fire

Good morning.  I'm sure you're all aware of the fire at Universal Studios over the weekend.  If you were working at the Manka Bros. lot you couldn't help but see the smoke.  If you weren't working here over the weekend, you should be ashamed of yourselves because of the difficult year we're having.

I phoned the head of Universal, Ron Meyer, yesterday and offered any sort of help they might need (within reason).  I realize that their parent company, GE, is strapped for cash and might not be able to afford to rebuild everything that burned (and, from what I understand, they didn't have any insurance!). 

Ron Meyer and I have had our differences over the years (particularly over who really has the rights to "Jaws" and "E.T.") but I'm willing to put those aside during this difficult time for everyone at Universal.  I don't extend many olive branches because most people don't deserve them.  But this fire hit home for me and for Manka Bros. Studios.  Manka Bros. has burned to the ground fifteen times over the 90 year history of the studio.  It's just something that's in our blood.  So be good to your show business brothers and sisters at Universal for the next few days.

As part of my willingness to help them, I have offered our services to distribute The Incredible Hulk worldwide.  We'll make the prints and ship them out for a reduced 25% distribution fee.  It's the least we can do.  I'm just waiting to hear back.

Khan Manka Jr. - Chairman & CEO - Manka Bros. Studios