March 26th.
Since the casting for "Harry Potter" began on March 9th, it has lasted for a full 18 days, and the main actors have basically been finalized.
Harry Potter: This role is played by Daniel;
Ron Weasley: Played by Rupert Grint;
Hermione: Played by Emma Watson;
The original Hogwarts Golden Trio remained unchanged.
"I have to say, Warner's casting in the previous life was truly amazing."
When Kyle started the casting for "Harry Potter," he had considered whether the choice of main actors would change.
However, when Kyle launched the casting plan, and after 8 rounds of selection, he found that Daniel, Emma, and Rupert were truly incredibly suited for the roles of the Hogwarts Golden Trio.
It makes sense.
In the original timeline, Warner conducted 10 rounds of selection for casting before finally deciding on the actors.
At Daniel's home.
"Do we have to sign a contract for the entire series?" Daniel's father hesitated.
"Can we sign a contract for three films first?" Daniel's mother echoed.
Bang!
The agent slammed the table and roared, "What are you thinking?"
"If you don't sign a contract for the entire series, do you think Page Pictures will still choose Daniel to play Harry Potter? Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, but for Page Pictures, they can replace Daniel at any time."
"Also, what does it matter if the salary for the first film is lower?"
"As long as the 'Harry Potter' movie is successful, it means Daniel will be famous all over the world!"
"At that time, when filming the second and third parts, although there are contractual restrictions, we can completely propose to amend the contract, and they won't dare to refuse."
The agent said in a deep voice, "What's the point of thinking so much now? If you hesitate any longer, the production company will definitely replace him."
Immediately, Daniel's parents were shocked.
Facing the production company, they were always in a weak position.
At the same time.
At Emma Watson's home.
"Sign a contract for the entire series?"
Unlike Daniel's parents' hesitation, Emma Watson's parents accepted all the terms of the contract without hesitation.
"Are you kidding? Only a fool would refuse."
"A salary of 500,000 US dollars is a low salary in Hollywood A-list productions, but this is an opportunity."
"As long as we seize it, there will be 100 times 500,000 US dollars in the future!"
Not only did Emma Watson's parents agree readily, but the parents and agents of the other cast members also accepted the contract without hesitation.
Who would dare to miss an opportunity to become famous overnight?
Do you really think a movie with a production cost of 130 million US dollars is a common cabbage!
...Los Angeles, Page Pictures.
"They all signed long-term contracts, that's good. This way, in the subsequent series of films, even if the young actors want to amend the contract, raise their salaries and share of profits, we will still be in a dominant position, ensuring our own interests to the greatest extent possible." Kyle smiled.
Think about the previous life.
Before the filming of the eighth "Harry Potter" movie, which was the last in the series, the three main actors, Daniel, Emma, and Rupert, all made exorbitant demands, not only asking for a salary as high as 20 million US dollars but also a huge share of the box office, completely treating the production company, Warner Bros., as a cash cow to be slaughtered.
Can it be tolerated?
If their demands were really met, then Warner's investment of 200 million US dollars would mean that all the money earned would be taken by the young actors, leaving only a tiny bit of profit for Warner. Would all that effort still be meaningful?
"I will never give them a chance to make exorbitant demands!"
"If that day really comes, I will definitely follow Warner's example and use special means to create a book loss, so you won't get a single cent in dividends!"
Kyle thought fiercely.
"Boss, this is the latest box office report for 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' that you requested." Alexander handed Kyle a report.
"I definitely have to take a look." Kyle smiled.
"Not bad at all!"
As soon as Kyle scanned the contents of the report, he revealed a smile.
201 million US dollars!
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" has been released for 44 days, with a cumulative North American box office of 201 million US dollars, currently ranking first in the 1999 North American box office chart.
"What about overseas?" Kyle asked again.
"Boss, overseas, our box office has also exceeded 100 million US dollars. If nothing unexpected happens, the North American box office can still grow by 40 to 60 million US dollars, and the overseas box office can still grow by about 20 to 40 million US dollars. This means that the global box office for 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' is expected to land between 360 and 400 million US dollars."
Alexander sighed, "I really shouldn't have believed that a movie with a production cost of 5 million US dollars could achieve such a high box office."
He was shocked.
In fact, major film companies throughout Hollywood were also astonished.
The movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" broke the historical box office record for romantic comedies in North America.
A production cost of 5 million US dollars, with an estimated global box office of nearly 400 million US dollars!
A return on investment ratio as high as 80 times!
Although this return on investment ratio is not the highest in Hollywood, it is definitely enough to make many people crazy.
"In terms of box office alone, we can earn about 150 million US dollars, plus offline DVD and video tape revenue, peripheral licensing, and other profits, our profit will be at least 250 million US dollars." Alexander said excitedly.
250 million US dollars!
Let alone those small and medium-sized film companies in Hollywood, even among the Hollywood Big Six, apart from those popular films, it is rare for a single film to achieve such high profits.
Envious!
"Damn Page Pictures, they're really lucky."
"I also watched the 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' stage play at the time, why didn't I realize it could be brought to the big screen? Damn it, this opportunity should have been mine."
Many film company owners became envious and jealous.
"Hmph!"
Steve Ross, Chairman of Time Warner, snorted, "Be proud, go ahead and be as proud as you like. When I free up my hands, you'll have something to cry about in the future."
The assistant beside him immediately fell silent, awestruck.
Steve Ross had no intention of giving up; he was determined to make Kyle pay.
However, Kyle was also the same.
Kyle was waiting for an opportunity!
As everyone knows, in 2000, America Online would acquire all of Time Warner's shares for a whopping 181 billion US dollars in cash + stock, forming the world's largest media group company, and an undisputed behemoth.
But!
This merger of old and new media giants was later described as the "most disastrous merger and acquisition case at the turn of the century"!
America Online's main business was providing dial-up internet services, but with the rise of broadband internet services, it was clearly being phased out by the times.
Coupled with the bursting of the dot-com bubble, it undoubtedly caused huge losses for Time Warner!
"This is my chance!"
"I must use this opportunity to cut a big piece of flesh from Warner, to let you know that I, Kyle Page, am not to be trifled with."
Kyle secretly vowed.
However, just as Kyle was still waiting for the opportunity, Warner made quite a few targeted small moves again.
Mainly targeting Page Pictures' upcoming "300 Red Underpants," oh, it's "300 Spartans"!