Chapter 12: paramount

Relevant personnel from 20th Century Fox's distribution department gathered in a large conference room and were discussing the film "The Blair Witch".

In the eyes of these professionals, the plot, filming techniques, materials, and acting skills of several leading actors in "The Blair Witch" are simply useless.

It can be said that there is no commercial value.

It happened to be paired with an amazing publicity plan, which made people wonder how to choose for a while.

Of course, it does not rule out the relationship with George Lucas.

"Everyone can talk about their views on this film." Colette Singer said with a glance at everyone present.

"In my opinion, the film itself is very ordinary and boring, with no commercial value."

"But this promotional plan is interesting." One of the men with glasses seemed to appreciate the film's promotional plan very much.

"The new director named Ryan Gosling obviously has a lot of ideas. I even suspect that he made this film because of his promotional plan first."

"So I personally think you can try it." A black-haired man said.

"I admit that this film does have some commercial value."

"But this is a low-cost film after all. We need to face great risks and must reduce costs."

"Similar to the producer and director's share, such ridiculous conditions must never be agreed."

"Also!" The shrewd man paused and said, "Maybe we can get someone to shoot another similar film. Anyway, it won't cost much money, and it will be released first."

Dark things like this happen almost every moment in Hollywood.

It doesn't matter even if the plot is similar, anyway, the key to the film is publicity, not the film itself.

As for going to court to sue!

Don't be kidding, expensive legal fees will discourage most people.

"Okay, I don't want to hear about topics like this."

Colette Singer's eyes became sharper, with a hint of dissatisfaction, he said, "Remember, this is a film recommended by George Lucas, and no one can mess around unless the board of directors approves it."

"As for the distribution conditions of the film, I will personally ask the higher authorities for instructions."

After speaking, Colette-Singer stood up and walked out of the meeting room.

For a film that made George Lucas dissatisfied, the company's senior management would definitely kick him out of the company to appease George Lucas' anger.

For the next few days, Ryan stayed at home preparing a new script, while Helen continued to negotiate with 20th Century Fox.

For Ryan, "The Blair Witch" is just the beginning, and he has new plans next.

But for Helen, the film "The Blair Witch" was a turning point for her. Once the film was released, it achieved good box office results.

Then she must have a well-known director and three well-known actors under her umbrella. Starry Sky Agency will open a corner above the gate of Hollywood and get in touch with a whole new level.

"Miss Helen, you should be very clear about our sincerity. Buying out the entire copyright of this film at a price of 900,000 US dollars is already a very high price."

Colette-Singer looked at Helen in front of him, no matter in terms of figure or appearance, he was almost as good as those beautiful actresses in Hollywood, but he didn't have any thoughts in his mind, what he had was just a headache.

After three days of negotiations, he has raised the price from US$800,000 to US$900,000.

But the beautiful female manager in front of him didn't give in at all in her insistence on the share.

Hearing this, Helen's expression remained unchanged, appearing very indifferent.

"The buyout price can remain unchanged. My only requirement is a certain share of the box office."

"It's impossible." Colette Singer refused without any hesitation.

Helen's attitude left Colette Singer with no choice but to show a helpless face and said, "Miss Helen, you should know that according to Hollywood's distribution rules, the film's producer and director's share of the box office already includes In the buyout fee."

"We will not agree to any sharing conditions other than the sharing quota stipulated by the Producers Union and the Directors Guild."

"Of course, apart from the box office share, if you have other conditions, as long as they are within a reasonable range, you can also raise them."

According to the agreement signed by the Hollywood Producers Union and the Directors Guild with major Hollywood companies, all members of the guild can get a certain percentage of the box office share and the video tape share.

Of course, the amount divided will not be too much.

In fact, being able to agree to the share stipulated by the guild is already a big concession. If it were another person, I am afraid that he would not even have the share stipulated by the guild.

"Sorry, Ryan is neither a member of the Producers Union nor the Directors Guild."

Helen frowned slightly, and said: "Perhaps we can sign a step-sharing agreement. If the North American box office of "The Blair Witch" reaches a certain number, we can automatically obtain a certain percentage of box office sharing rights."

Hearing this, Colette Singer shook his head helplessly, and said, "Miss Helen, then I can only say sorry, the top management of 20th Century Fox will never agree to such a condition."

Helen remained silent, showing no sign of hurry.

On the contrary, Colette-Singer felt a little uneasy. He had to make the other party give up the fantasy of getting a share in the box office.

"I'll say it again, no distribution company in Hollywood would agree to that."

"No matter how outstanding the film's publicity plan is, it can't change that it's just a new director's work, and the investment is pitiful."

"I estimate that the investment for this film should not exceed one hundred thousand dollars, but Twentieth Century Fox will have to pay a large amount of publicity expenses, plus the money for printing and printing, it will reach several million dollars. That’s not counting the money to buy out the copyright of the film.”

"That's why we refuse the box office share. Unless you can bear all the distribution costs, including the money for printing copies, then I can try to apply to the board of directors to sign a box office share agreement."

"Even if you and I know very well, the board of directors will not agree."

Even with the George Lucas relationship, 20th Century Fox would not agree to sign a box office sharing agreement.

Naturally, Helen would not agree to bear all the distribution costs and the cost of printing copies.

The distribution fee is frighteningly tricky. After the release of many films, the distribution company's calculations turned out to be negative, and the producers couldn't get a penny.

Helen said calmly, "Since 20th Century Fox disagrees with the split of the box office ladder, I can only say sorry."

After finishing speaking, Helen stood up, "I have to meet with the director of the distribution department of Paramount in a while."

If the top management of Twentieth Century Fox has always wanted George Lucas to restart the "Star Wars" series.

Then Paramount has been wanting to negotiate with George Lucas about when to restart the Indiana Jones series.

It can be said that the relationship between George Lucas and Paramount is not inferior to that of 20th Century Fox.

Paramount!

Colette Singer's expression changed immediately. For the few Hollywood giants that could rival 20th Century Fox, he knew very well that once Paramount got involved, things would inevitably become troublesome.

Even if he knew very well that Helen's mention of Paramount was just a negotiating tactic, he had no choice but to persuade him to stay.

"Miss Helen, please stay."

Colette-Singer hurriedly stopped Helen, took a deep breath, and said, "I need to report to the company's senior management about the split of the box office ladder."

"Give me a day, please."

Seeing this, Helen showed an elegant smile and said, "I believe that the top management of 20th Century Fox will definitely make the most correct decision."

"I hope so." Colette Singer was a little weak.

If it weren't for the beautiful woman in front of him who had an unusual relationship with George Lucas, he would have already firmly refused, so how could he have repeatedly backed down.

Even in the face of Paramount, as a member of 20th Century Fox, he will not back down in the slightest.

Still, the thought of George Lucas' relationship with Paramount gave him a headache.

It would not be a good thing for him to let Paramount get involved.