"It is, categorically, a financial benefit, if your film is still in release, " Fellner told me.

CNN: Oscar Nomination More Bankable than Winning

Interestingly, Fellner told me that his 'European' films are not dependent on making a splash in U.S. theatres.

CNN: Oscar Nomination More Bankable than Winning

The source of Universal's confidence: Working Title, Universal's London-based production house run by Tim Bevan, 43, and Eric Fellner, 42.

FORBES: Hollywood On The Thames

"It's quite tough, " to get people to watch a musical, Fellner said.

CNN: Oscar Nomination More Bankable than Winning

"It's fantastic to see Les Miserables become the top-grossing film at the UK box office, " said Eric Fellner, of film company Working Title.

BBC: Les Miserables tops UK box office chart

"It was a complete shock, " said Working Title's Eric Fellner.

BBC: Entertainment & Arts

Fellner was all business in our interview.

CNN: Oscar Nomination More Bankable than Winning