Chapter 26 – Eyeing a New Target
Samuel Goldwyn Films remained ambiguous about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the price gap between the two parties was just too wide.
So Aaron shifted his focus to New Line Cinema.
After watching the rough cut, New Line chairman Robert Shaye expressed interest in distributing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
"Aaron Anderson, today's young generation is really something else!"
In New Line's Manhattan office, Shaye looked at the young man before him with a smile.
"You founded New Line in the seventies, took it public two years ago, and turned it into a representative second-tier distribution company. That's impressive."
Shaye chuckled. "But it was your declaration of the 'Independents' Era' at the Sundance Film Festival that really shook everyone. Sex, Lies, and Videotape's surprise success at Cannes pushed American indie cinema forward by leaps and bounds!"
Aaron replied casually, "'Independent' or 'art-house' films… those are just labels to distinguish from mainstream Hollywood. The anti-Hollywood filmmakers who once clustered around San Francisco are long gone. At the end of the day, box office matters most. Only the indie films that earn revenue are remembered."
Shaye nodded in agreement. "Next spring, New Line needs a release. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles seems suitable. How about a $3.5 million buyout for distribution?"
"After all, it's a B-grade action film directed by a Hong Kong filmmaker," Aaron noted.
He tapped his knee thoughtfully. New Line's offer was sincere, but it didn't match Aaron's expectations. He recognized the film's potential but lacked the capital. For such a project, a revenue-sharing distribution deal would be preferable to a flat buyout.
Yet as an international company, Golden Harvest couldn't afford to wait too long. Hong Kong's film industry was known for speed; they needed capital to return quickly.
Aaron looked at Shaye. "My expectations for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are higher than yours. I can accept $3.5 million, but we need a performance guarantee: if the North American box office exceeds $50 million, Golden Harvest takes 15% of the excess; exceed $100 million, the share rises to 25%."
Shaye smiled. "I don't think it will reach those numbers, and your requested share is high. Let's say 10% over $50 million, and 20% over $100 million."
Aaron considered it, then stood and shook Shaye's hand. "Pleasure working with you. I'll arrange for Golden Harvest's representative to come sign the agreement soon."
Shaye nodded, observing Aaron carefully. "As a manager, you're clearly here to expand your network and resources. Once you leave CAA, if you want, New Line could be an option."
"Thank you. I'll consider it," Aaron replied.
By late July, Golden Harvest and New Line signed the distribution agreement for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Golden Harvest chairman Tsou Wen-hwai personally traveled to New York for the signing ceremony.
In the hotel room afterward, Tsou expressed his satisfaction with Aaron's performance. "Thomas said no company was initially willing to bid $3 million. New Line offering $3.5 million is excellent."
Aaron shook his head. "The price is fine, but I'm more optimistic about the revenue share. Once the film releases next spring, you'll see how much profit that share can generate."
Tsou paused, then smiled. "In that case, Golden Harvest will certainly not hold back your bonus, Aaron."
Aaron didn't mind. If there were no revenue share, all the profits would belong to New Line, so helping Golden Harvest secure a fair deal was only reasonable.
"By the way, I heard Mr. Tsou came all the way from Seattle?"
Tsou Wen-hwai nodded. "A few days ago was the anniversary of a friend's passing. I went to pay my respects."
"Seattle… that must be Bruce Lee, right? He's one of my idols too. What a pity," Aaron quickly guessed—it had to be him. Bruce Lee was buried in Seattle.
"Is that so? Aaron, you like kung fu films too, don't you?"
Aaron nodded. "I do. And one of my signed young directors holds Hong Kong martial arts films in the highest regard."
"That's great. If you get the chance, you should visit Hong Kong. Their film industry is thriving now."
"Of course. Hong Kong's film exports are second only to Hollywood. When it comes to the global film industry, Hollywood and Hong Kong are in a league of their own…"
Meanwhile, Sony's acquisition of Columbia TriStar in Japan was nearing completion, and Mitsubishi Estate Co. had purchased Manhattan's Rockefeller Center—a move that sparked another wave of resentment in the U.S.
A political book co-authored by Japanese right-wing politician Shintaro Ishihara and Sony founder Akio Morita, titled Japan Can Say No, caused a sensation, radiating a sense of Japanese supremacy.
From electronics and automobiles to foreign debt, Japan's influence had reached its peak, saturating American life with Japanese elements.
With David Lynch about to start filming his dark road movie Wild at Heart, Nicole Kidman prepared to join the crew on set.
Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape was also set for release. After securing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Aaron had already begun scouting his next target.
In New York, Jennifer Connelly, having participated in several summer auditions, sat on her bed, conflicted as she studied the script for Critical Passion.
Since her breakout in Once Upon a Time in America, she had become America's darling, yet her subsequent films had barely made a mark, cementing her "damsel" image.
Although she transferred from Yale to Stanford, she still wanted to act. After consecutive audition failures, she now received a transformative role—a character requiring nudity and intimate scenes.
Her mother, who managed her career, supported the idea of dropping out and redefining her image.
However, this would inevitably spark controversy. Jennifer stared at a business card in her hand, dazed.
It was the card Aaron Anderson had given her during the Pretty Woman auditions in Los Angeles. When it came to professional matters, one should trust the professionals.
Aaron wanted to sign her, and Jennifer had researched him. Though a newcomer, he had an impressive eye for films and had recently brokered a deal.
Jennifer also felt he was around her age and wanted to hear his advice.
She got out of bed and walked to the phone, dialing the number on the card…