Movie Empire

About this board game

Movie Empire is a 2020 worker-placement and set-collection board game for 1–4 players, with an approximate play time of 120 minutes. You take the role of a junior Hollywood producer competing to become the heir to Mr. Bartholomew Grumpy’s throne.

Build your production empire by making movies ranging from major blockbusters to several smaller trash films. Send your production assistants to secure production assets, cast stars, buy scripts, and complete other important tasks. Since many spaces can be occupied by only one player, every decision requires careful planning.

Resources must be attached to a movie while following special placement rules and requirements. The order of your work matters: for example, post-production must take place after shooting rather than before. Once a film is ready, choose when and where to release it, selecting from markets that each provide their own advantage.

Timing is essential. Releasing the right movie at the right moment can help you match current trends and earn awards. At the same time, you must keep Mr. Grumpy satisfied, because his opinion affects your assets and determines your budget each round. A high sympathy value can also unlock a second production line.

• Grumpy phase: account for your boss’s influence.
• Working phase: place workers and develop your movies.
• Premiere phase: release films into the markets.
• Upkeep phase: prepare for the next round.

For players seeking a sharper Hollywood rivalry, the optional black dossier variant adds a take-that mechanism. In Movie Empire, choosing the right projects, timing your premieres, and managing your relationship with the boss are all part of the race to the top.