Even Steven Spielberg has trouble getting the funding for his films these days. Spielberg and Peter Jackson have been trying to get Universal Pictures to approve a $130 million budget for the development of “Tintin,” a 3D animated flick based on the famous Belgian comic.

But that’s clearly too much for Universal, which – believe it or not – refused to finance the big project, according to the Los Angeles Times. Now the two filmmakers have to look for a new financial partner somewhere else.

Growing up in Europe, I always enjoyed reading Herge’s “Tintin” books, but I somehow understand Universal’s decision of considering the film adaptation a little too risky. After all, “Tintin” has never been a massive hit in the United States. And turning it into a 3D animated feature doesn’t make things easier.

Still, with Spielberg directing and Jackson producing, I still believe they can easily create a highly profitable film. Just look at how much money several other Hollywood productions collected in Europe alone over the past months. Even “Kung Fu Panda” has reached an overseas total of more than $400 million.

For now, the struggle for Spielberg and Jackson is not over. “As a result, Spielberg is having to go hat in hand to ask Paramount to finance all of "Tintin" at the same time he faces delicate negotiations regarding his and Geffen's split from the studio,” Claudia Eller wrote in her article.

Indeed, Spielberg and partner David Geffen are gearing up to leave Paramount after a 2 ½-year association. That too doesn’t make this deal easier. Hey Steven, I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

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