Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner addressed growing questions about the cost of Melania at the documentary\u2019s Kennedy Center premiere. The First Lady and filmmaker responded to scrutiny surrounding the Amazon MGM-backed project, which has drawn attention for its unusually large budget and high-profile release.<\/p>\n
Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner discuss the reported cost of their documentary<\/p>\n
At the premiere of Melania, director Brett Ratner and First Lady Melania Trump defended the documentary\u2019s reported $75 million budget, consisting of $40 million for production and $35 million for marketing, according to Deadline<\/a>. <\/p>\n Ratner stated, \u201cI think it\u2019s silly because there\u2019s a feature film and three episodes\u2026 We spent more money on music in this than I did on Rush Hour,\u201d referencing the film\u2019s high production value and a crew of 80 on the first day. Melania Trump said, \u201cWe achieved what we wanted to achieve for cinematic viewing, in the theaters, and then we have a doc series coming out\u2026 So I am very proud of the motion picture.\u201d<\/p>\n The film premiered at the Kennedy Center and will open in 1,500 theaters, accompanied by an extensive marketing campaign, including NFL playoff ads, subway and billboard placements, and black carpet branding with MELANIA in large letters. There was no advance screening for critics, and press was not allowed into the Opera House premiere screening.<\/p>\n Ratner described the theatrical distribution as a success: \u201cJust the fact that Amazon is great to distribute this theatrically.\u201d Melania Trump responded to questions about success by stating, \u201cFor myself, it\u2019s already successful, what we did, and it will speak for itself.\u201d<\/p>\n The documentary spans the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump\u2019s second inauguration. On stage at the premiere, Melania clarified the film\u2019s nature: \u201cSome have called this a documentary. It is not. It is a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights and moments.\u201d<\/p>\n