[Chapter 167: Negotiation]
"I heard your company has recently launched two new projects. Can we continue to collaborate?" Lou Wasserman shifted the topic and asked about Linton's company's new projects.
"We came to you today to see if you are willing to collaborate. Here is the script and project proposal for The Rock. Take a look first." Robert handed over the materials.
"An investment of 55 million dollars? This is a top-tier commercial production. Hold on a moment, I will call Levitt and Roman over to discuss it. I hope you don't mind if I make two copies."
"No problem, they are experts and old acquaintances."
Lou Wasserman asked his secretary to make the copies and notified the two men to join the meeting.
...
"Linton, The Rock is a great project, but this big project, why did you choose Michael Bay as director? I recall he used to be an ad director and only served as an assistant director on Speed," Levitt was the first to speak.
"Yes," Linton acknowledged without hiding the fact.
"Isn't it too risky to have someone with no directing experience helm such a high-budget commercial film?" Levitt asked his concerns, with Lou Wasserman and Roman showing similar doubts.
"Choosing Michael Bay was a carefully considered decision. When shooting Speed, I noticed his great directing talent -- his sense of camera work and ability to schedule large-scale scenes was outstanding. I aimed to cultivate him then. He independently handled most explosion and car chase scenes on set, including post-production. I believe he is fully capable of directing a commercial film," Linton explained.
"Why not let him direct a smaller budget film first? I suggest you direct and star in this one," Levitt revealed his ultimate point.
"No need. Before deciding to give him the director role, we assessed him. The storyboards and shooting schedules he prepared met my requirements. I think he can handle it. Also, I'm busy the second half of this year. I have a record contract with Universal Records with an album to finish. But don't worry, Robert will be the producer, and I'll be co-producer to help control the filming direction," Linton replied.
Though Linton's words didn't fully ease their doubts, the three could only reluctantly accept. Roman then raised the second question from production department:
"I read the script and production plan. So many large-scale scenes need advanced aircraft, various weapons, explosions. Even if we don't invite top stars, 55 million budget won't be enough, right?"
"We plan to follow the model of Speed's cooperation with LAPD and seek funding from the Pentagon. Look carefully, The Rock is a patriotic American blockbuster promoting patriotism and military spirit, it must appeal to the Pentagon.
We are confident they will generously support the film with advanced aircraft, weapons, and equipment, free of charge, which will save us a lot."
"That's worth trying. The Pentagon sponsors some Hollywood films yearly, but such huge funding might be tough."
"It might be difficult now. Our plan is to approach after Speed's release. After seeing its campaign effect, the Pentagon will likely be interested."
"Can we decide after Speed's release? You know, for such a big investment, we need to go through the project review board and directors. With uncertainties now, I guess support will be hard," Lou Wasserman admitted awkwardly but frankly.
"Another option is to increase budget to 60 million ignoring Pentagon funds for now. If later we get the sponsorship, we reduce our investment accordingly," Robert proposed.
"Let's wait. I think the Pentagon's funding chance is quite high."
"Okay, but our company has already launched the project, formed a team, started preparations. Whether you invest or not, we won't stop. If you don't join, we invest independently without issues," Linton implied clearly this wasn't a plea for funding.
"Last question: if we invest, what share can we get? What's the cooperation detail?"
Lou Wasserman was inclined to invest, since Linton had consecutive successes. Cooperation with successful figures was a Hollywood tradition.
"Max 40% share. The project is mainly controlled and produced by Linton Films. Other terms same as Speed. But I have a condition."
"What condition?"
"As you know, I recently acquired Miramax. The company has some distribution power now. We want to participate in North American distribution of The Rock. Our share needn't be high, 30% is fine. We won't join overseas distribution, which you handle all."
"We'll consider it."
"This is a prerequisite. If you can't agree, we have no cooperation. I'll seek other majors from Hollywood Big Seven Studios."
"Sure, we will consider carefully. Also, didn't you initiate two movies? Doesn't Happy Death Day need investment?"
"Happy Death Day's total budget is only 6 million, including my scriptwriting fee and co-producer payment of 3 million, so actual investment is just 3 million. Such a small investment isn't necessary."
"Distribution?"
"Small budget, we plan to distribute ourselves. I don't expect much, as long as it doesn't lose money. Consider it as training our distribution team."
"Not necessarily. Step Up and The Shallows were small investments but huge box office hits. I believe Happy Death Day can do well too. Should we co-distribute?"
"No need. Such a small investment isn't needed. But if it really does well in North America, I can give you priority for overseas distribution."
"Just priority?"
"I don't even know if I can get overseas distribution now. What if North American box office is poor?"
"How about a trigger clause? If North American box office reaches 15 million, Universal helps push overseas with terms like The Shallows."
"No problem. Sign it together with The Rock later."
"Linton, Speed premieres on July 9. Can you stir up some rumors with lead actress Catherine? Boost selling points and publicity materials."
Discussing collaborations on The Rock and Happy Death Day finished, Levitt turned to Speed's distribution.
"Sure, I fully cooperate."
"June 9 is Jurassic Park premiere. Both of you attend together, act close. I'll arrange reporters to photograph."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.