 After Ladd was fired from Fox in 1979, Parker discussed the project with Sherry Lansing, the studio's head of production, who baulked at the film's proposed budget of $12 million.Parker then discussed the project with David Begelman, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), who agreed to green-light the film on the conditions that Parker stay on budget and secure Diane Keaton, a sought-after actress, in a leading role.In their search for actors, Parker and casting director Juliet Taylor held open casting calls in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City.