Getting Spielberg's approval

From the get-go, Steven Spielberg – the co-founder of Dreamworks SKG - knew 'Gladiator' would be a smash-hit.

During a meeting with the filmmaker, screenwriter David Franzoni, who penned the plot,

was asked three basic questions before Spielberg gave him the thumbs up.

He recalled: “[Steven] really had three basic questions. My gladiator movie, 'it was about ancient Roman gladiators - not American, Japanese, whatever else?', 'Yes', I said. Taking place in the ancient Colosseum?', 'Yes'.

'Fighting with swords and animals to the death and such?', 'Yes'. 'Great, let's make the movie.’”