Mulholland Dr.

"Mulholland Dr." was initially conceived as David Lynch's venture back into television, following a reworking of a script co-written with TV screenwriter Joyce Eliason for ABC. The channel approved the initial script but ultimately decided against airing the resulting 94-minute pilot in 1999, despite Lynch's attempts to tailor it to their preferences. This project remained in limbo until French company Studio Canal Plus, producers of "The Straight Story," acquired the pilot for $7 million and budgeted a few additional millions to transform it into a two-hour, 27-minute film. The budget eventually doubled to $14 million as sets needed reconstruction and actors were called back for reshoots. This unique production journey reflects Lynch's unwavering dedication to his artistic vision while navigating the complex world of television and film financing.