Chapter 05S – Decision Theory
The head of operations for a movie studio wants to determine which of two new scripts they
should select for their next major production. (Due to budgeting constraints, only one new
picture can be undertaken at this time.) She feels that script #1 has a 70 percent chance of
earning about $10,000,000 over the long run, but a 30 percent chance of losing $2,000,000. If
this movie is successful, then a sequel could also be produced, with an 80 percent chance of
earning $5,000,000, but a 20 percent chance of losing $1,000,000. On the other hand, she
feels that script #2 has a 60 percent chance of earning $12,000,000, but a 40 percent chance of
losing $3,000,000. If successful, its sequel would have a 50 percent chance of earning
$8,000,000, but a 50 percent chance of losing $4,000,000. Of course, in either case, if the
original movie were a “flop,” then no sequel would be produced.
99. What would be the total payoff if script #1 were a success, but its sequel were not?
100. What is the probability that script #1 will be a success, but its sequel will not?