After everyone chatted for a while, Mel Gibson turned and walked away. Terry Semel looked at Gibson's leaving figure and said: "Simon, have you seen the copies of Mel's movies that I sent over? "
Simon didn't answer the question, but got right to the point: "Terry, I've said it before, I'm not going to cast an A-list star to play Bruce Wayne."
These days, Simon is already looking for an actor for Batman.
As the most important stakeholder in this project, Warner is also very concerned about this, and has actively recommended its favorite actor, Mel Gibson, the leading actor in last year's "Lethal Weapon".
Terry Semel took a glass of champagne from the passing waiter's tray, and motioned to Simon and Janet to feel free, and then said: "Simon, in fact, many directors have the same mentality as you. I don't want stars, I want stars." Fresh faces, I want talented actors, bala bala. Usually, when the agency really recommends their people, their thoughts tend to become 'who are these people', and they end up choosing stars. "
"Terry, I don't reject stars," Simon still shook his head and said, "However, you have overlooked one thing. Batman himself is a very big 'star', just like Superman. When the original "Superman" series was released, No one knew Christopher Reeve before, but that did not affect the movie's box office at all. On the contrary, the producers spent a lot of money to invite Marlon Brando and others, which did not have a significant boost to the box office."
"But if we don't use celebrities, how will we promote it in the future," Terry Semel continued to say earnestly: "Simon, we always need an entry point."
"If Warner insists," Simon pointed to himself and said, "How about Westeros? Winner of the Oscar for Best Editing."
Terry Semel couldn't help but shook his head and smiled, and said: "Simon, if not, I will arrange a meeting for you and Mel to have a detailed discussion. Compared with the production budget you are prepared to invest in this project, , Mel’s offer is not high. I don’t understand why you resist celebrities?”
Simon hesitated and said: "Terry, Warner will know about this sooner or later. It doesn't matter if I tell you now. I plan to sign a long-term contract with the actor who plays Batman, and Daenerys Films will have full control over it." Quan doesn’t have to worry about actor strikes or long-term contracts for the sequel. Gibson will definitely not agree to such conditions.”
Terry Semel thought for a moment and said, "Just like the Julia Roberts you signed a few days ago?"
Simon was not surprised that Terry Semel said this casually. For these studio executives, Hollywood has no secrets at all: "Yes, Terry, it's the same five movies. Anyone can think of it." To play Bruce Wayne, he would have to sign a five-film deal."
"Simon, I'm surprised by your confidence. You know, except for the 007 series, there are very few movies in Hollywood that can exceed a trilogy. This is the 'trilogy curse' that everyone recognizes. Are you sure that "Batman" can be made?" Five?"
"No one can guarantee the future, Terry," Simon shook his head and said, "However, I think "Batman" has enough potential to be filmed into a long-term series. Since this possibility is very high, I naturally want to advance it." Be well prepared.”
Terry Semel's expression changed for a moment, and he smiled bitterly: "It seems that it will be difficult for Warner to get back the copyright of "Batman". In addition, you should have the same plan for "Superman", right?"
"That's right." Now that he has both Superman and Batman firmly in his collection, Simon no longer deliberately conceals anything, and said: "If the time is right, I will let Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent appear on the big screen together. , Batman v Superman, Terry, what do you think of this idea?"
Terry Semel looked at Simon and said, "I think we need to renegotiate the contract."
Simon did not refuse, saying: "Maybe, but the most important thing now is to finish filming the first Batman. In this regard, I have to confess again, Terry, "Batman" will definitely not be able to make it to next summer's release. Well, I recently discovered that in order to complete some of the ideas in my conception, I need more than half a year to solve various technical problems. The film will start shooting early next year, and the post-production work of the film will be much longer than other films."
"Simon, I feel more and more now that I have made a big mistake."
Simon said with an innocent expression: "Terry, I can only say I'm sorry."
As time went by, more and more guests arrived, and Simon and Semel soon separated and were busy with their own entertainment.
After more than half an hour, Simon was talking with several of the main creators of "Dangerous Liaisons" selected by Warner. Terry Semel came over with a couple, and Simon recognized the taller one in the couple at a glance. The silver-haired man is none other than Steve Ross, the current head of Warner Bros.
Coming closer, without Terry Semel's introduction, Steve Ross stretched out his hand to Simon with a hearty smile: "I've been looking forward to meeting you, Simon, and I finally have the chance today. By the way, more First of all, congratulations on winning the Oscar. Although it is only the Best Editing award, Simon, this is the most rare thing. There are not many directors in Hollywood who can prove themselves in the Best Editing. As for the Best Director, I believe this will be the one sooner or later. What’s in your bag.”
"Thank you, Mr. Ross. It's nice to meet you too. Warner has always been a company that I admire very much."
After exchanging pleasantries, the others left knowingly. Janet also walked away with Ross's wife Courteney. Simon and Ross came to a booth and sat down.
After the waiter brought the drinks, Steve Ross said again: "Simon, just now Terry told me some of your thoughts on "Superman" and "Batman". Although the copyrights of these two superheroes are owned by you, We have the little guy in our hands, and Warner still hopes that their movie version will be successful. What I want to ask is, are you still interested in DC now?"
Simon nodded and said: "Of course, Steve, if Warner is willing to sell DC to me, I can offer a very good price."
"No, no, no," Steve Ross shook his head and said, "Simon, I am a person who hates selling company assets. To this day, I still regret that I sold MTV to Victoria just because of temporary difficulties. Yacom Group, the development of MTV over the years has more and more proved my original mistake. Therefore, I do not intend to sell DC to you, but we can exchange."
Simon didn't pretend not to understand, and said directly: "Warner wants to take a stake in Daenerys Pictures?"
"That's right," Steve Ross admitted; "I've seen your company's information, Simon, you know, what you lack most now is a strong publisher. In this regard, Warner can just help To you. Although you now have a lot of money, in Hollywood, distribution channels are not something that can only be solved by money.",
Simon did not refuse, but asked: "Steve, what are the specific cooperation plans?"
"If you want DC, I can give it to you at a price of US$50 million," Steve Ross said: "On the other hand, I can give your Daenerys Pictures a valuation of US$200 million, including DC. Warner will invest another US$125 million in exchange for 70% of the new company after the merger of Daenerys Pictures and DC. The new company will still be operated by you alone. At the same time, you need to ensure that you will not leave Daenerys Pictures within 5 years. Start a new business. Simon, what do you think?"
Although Daenerys Pictures has launched a lot of projects now, strictly speaking, the only film under the company that has proven successful is "When Harry Met Sally", and last year's "The Return of Death" was only It can be regarded as a Fox movie.
Therefore, for Steve Ross, who has no idea about the real commercial potential of a large number of copyrights held by "Rain Man", "Dead Poets Society" and Daenerys Pictures, the valuation of US$200 million is still Very generously, it also means Warners will share $100 million in Daenerys Pictures debt.
DC Comics’ price of US$50 million is very reasonable. Simon’s last tentative offer to Time Warner was exactly US$50 million.
Moreover, Simon actually has no intention of keeping Daenerys Pictures private. If necessary, he will choose to introduce other investors or go public.
But, this is definitely not the case now.
Simon has just put a lot of effort into setting up the framework of Daenerys Pictures. It is impossible for a seedling to just bloom and give 70% of the share to others.
Therefore, after Steve Ross finished speaking, Simon shook his head and said: "Sorry, Steve, although I do not refuse to cooperate with outsiders, but not now. If you are willing, maybe, in two to three years, I can let Warner becomes shareholder of Daenerys Films."
"I understand what you're thinking," Steve Ross nodded immediately with understanding and said, "Well, how about this, Simon, how about we sign a fixed distribution contract. Warner can bear the responsibility for the next three films of Daenerys Films. Distribution work for all films produced within 20 years. Of course, in exchange, Daenerys Pictures also needs to agree to Warner's participation in investment in some of these projects."
Simon noticed the shrewdness flashing in Steve Ross's eyes, and suddenly realized that this should be the real purpose of the Warner boss today.
Anyone with any sense should understand that there is no way he can sell Daenerys Pictures now.
But on the other hand, after the box office success of "When Harry Met Sally", the seven major studios have apparently begun to re-evaluate the commercial potential of a series of projects under Daenerys Pictures.
More than half of the films Daenerys Pictures has developed have confirmed distributors. But for the remaining half, if there is another work with a box office of over 100 million in North America, it is completely worthwhile for the Seven to win the distribution rights of all projects.
After all, in this era, the average number of movies with a box office of over 100 million every year is not enough for each of the seven major companies. However, these top-grossing movies basically provide most of the profits for the studios.
After a little combing, Steve Ross’s negotiation strategy is also very clear.
This Hollywood tycoon, who is said to be very good at business negotiations, first proposed a sincere cooperation plan that was destined to be rejected by Simon. After being rejected naturally, he proposed an equally sincere plan.
Simon has already refused once. If he refuses again, it will seem too unkind and even disrespectful.
However, after all, Simon is not the twenty-year-old young man he appears to be, so there is no psychological burden at all in rejecting him again.
Shaking his head again, Simon said: "I can only say sorry, Steve, Daenerys Pictures hopes to try the film distribution business independently. We all know that it is a mistake to rely entirely on others for distribution channels. A very unwise thing to do.”
Steve Ross was a little surprised by Simon's decisive rejection, but his expression remained unchanged and said: "Well, it seems that it will be difficult for us to reach a cooperation today. However, if you change your mind, you can call me at any time, Ross said, took out a business card and handed it to Simon, and said: "By the way, you can also contact Terry. Now, let me take you to meet some good friends. Steven should be here too. You guys There’s definitely a common language.”
It's no secret that Steve Ross and Steven Spielberg have a very close relationship.
Spielberg's "Schindler's List," which won him the Oscar for Best Director, was specially marked with the subtitle "For Steve Ross."
When Simon heard this, he immediately showed an interesting expression and said: "Of course, I am also looking forward to chatting with Mr. Spielberg."
An old fox and a young fox said this, and they stood up and left the booth together, as if the two cooperation plans that had just failed to come to fruition had never happened at all, and they started socializing at the party like good friends.
It wasn't until nearly twelve o'clock that Simon took Janet out of the party.
Because of Sandra's rude behavior, the limousine first took a trip to Beverly Hills to take Sandra home, and then turned onto Sunset Boulevard.
Although he had bought the mansion in Palisades, Simon no longer lived there and rushed back to Malibu with Janet.
Because it was late at night, the journey of more than thirty kilometers was not too long. By the time the courtesy car stopped outside the mansion on the west side of the Dume Cape Manor, it was already one o'clock in the morning.
Janet drank too much wine at the party. Her face was flushed at this time. She didn't know whether she was really drunk or pretending. She pestered Simon like a little girl. Simon had to carry the woman out of the car with a princess hug and all the way to the villa.
Because it was late at night, the journey of more than thirty kilometers was not too long. By the time the courtesy car stopped outside the mansion on the west side of the Dume Cape Manor, it was already one o'clock in the morning.
Janet drank too much wine at the party. Her face was flushed at this time. She didn't know whether she was really drunk or pretending. She pestered Simon like a little girl. Simon had to carry the woman out of the car with a princess hug and all the way to the villa.