The initial production budget of $18 million was 50 percent more than that of the original. After the various increases in budget, "The Empire Strikes Back" became one of the most expensive films of its day, costing $33 million, and after the bank threatened to call in his loan, Lucas was forced to approach 20th Century Fox. Lucas made a deal with the studio to secure the loan in exchange for paying the studio more money, but without the loss of his sequel and merchandising rights. After the film's box office success, unhappiness within the studio over the deal's generosity to Lucas caused studio president Alan Ladd, Jr. (who had supported the deal) to quit. The departure of his longtime ally caused Lucas to take "Raiders of the Lost Ark" to Paramount Pictures.