The Formula (1980 film) was released by a media company.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. ( abbreviated as MGM or M-G-M , also known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures , Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer or simply Metro , and for a former interval known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists , or MGM/UA ) is an American media company , involved primarily in the production and distribution of feature films and television programs . The Formula is a 1980 American mystery film directed by John G. Avildsen and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer .