Rembrandt
the artist
Those early investors ate good
200%. Wouldn't be surprised if they were in on it or at least nowhere as oblivious as everyone immediately after them and down the line.
He didn't make enough people happy.
Look at Adam Sandler. His films are trash, but he produces something and others are able to eat so he gets by.
The mistake made is not greasing enough palms.
Granted, sony did catch on and lots of them were sick and tired of essentially paying for him and his friends vacation for a shytty movie
But like you said, he greased their palms when it was all said and done