After briefly describing the overall idea, Simon spent a few more minutes explaining several stories and interleaving patterns in "Pulp Fiction" to Mike Medowa in detail.
but.
After listening to Simon's narrative, Mike Medowa frowned tightly.
Although Simon had just explained it in great detail, Mike Medowa still felt that the whole story seemed confusing. Moreover, he completely missed the selling point of the movie.
Is it a non-linear narrative
Or, to put it more bluntly, insanity.
The three-stage parallel structure of "Run Lola Run" is indeed very interesting, but what is the so-called multiple closed-loop plot structure of this current film. If the audience can't understand the story, how can they still be interested in this movie
Thinking of this, Mike Medowa couldn't help but said earnestly: "Simon, it's okay to use non-linear narrative occasionally. The movie still has to tell a story in a very orthodox way. Moreover, this script seems too confusing. I don't think it is." By then the audience will be in the mood to sort out so many clues.”
Many classic films that have gone down in history have encountered various doubts during the development stage. Mike Medowa's denial did not surprise Simon.
Simon explained seriously: "Mike, I understand what you mean, and I also know that I have not fallen into the misunderstanding of deliberately pursuing a more complex film narrative structure. In fact, this is more like another attempt on my part. I just want to use A brand-new plot structure to tell a very interesting story. As for the audience, as long as there is proper promotion and guidance, I believe they will like this movie very much."
Mike Medova's expression still did not relax, and he continued: "Even so, Simon, according to your narration, this movie obviously involves violence, shooting, drugs and other restricted elements. Do you think it is suitable for you? Are 20-year-olds coming to shoot?”
Simon suddenly thought of Catherine, shrugged, and said: "Mike, I know what kind of person I am, and that's enough. In fact, I don't lack other ideas, but these ideas either can't be realized now or the production budget It’s too expensive. In comparison, the current movie is perfect. As long as it is run properly, the production cost should be controlled within $8 million.”
Mike Medowa relaxed a little when he heard Simon's budget numbers.
Hollywood's film production budgets have grown rapidly in the past two years.
Even last year, half of the top ten box office movies in North America had a production budget of less than US$10 million, and the box office champion "Top Gun" only cost US$15 million to produce. But this year, in just the first three months, two movies with budgets of US$15 million, "Lethal Weapon" and "Angel Heart," have already been released, and these two expensive movies were still released in March. unpopular schedule.
However, Mike Medova was still reluctant and continued: "Simon, why don't you make a horror thriller? Like "The Butterfly Effect" and "Death Is Here", these two scripts are very good, I miss you It would be easy to create a similar script again.”
Mike Medowa has always been very fond of the two scripts "The Butterfly Effect" and "The Resurrection".
Although "The Butterfly Effect" was poorly received by critics, Mike Medowa has no doubts about the project's profitability. As for "Death Comes", look at the sharing terms provided by Fox, and you will know how optimistic they are about this project.
Compared to the so-called "Pulp Fiction", he hopes that Simon can create and direct a similar horror thriller again.
"I have explained this problem many times," Simon said helplessly, "Mike, I don't like making horror movies because they lack challenge. I write those scripts purely to make money."
Mike Medowa heard Simon's tone of talking about his 'side job' and felt a little sour inexplicably when he thought of the high share of profits this young man could get from the "Death Is Coming" project.
Purely just to make money.
What a good reason.
It's just that if you want 'pure', we also want 'pure'!
Mike Medowa almost blurted out: Simon, let's just talk about projects that can 'purely' make money, okay? To hell with your Pulp Fiction mess!
Of course, Mike Medowa just thought so.
Over the years, no matter how much they criticize behind their backs, Hollywood studio management's outward attitude towards popular filmmakers has been to be as supportive and coaxing as possible, and Mike Medowa is used to doing this.
Relying on the popularity of "Run Lola Run", Simon's next movie will be easy to make money as long as the filming is not too bad. It's just that, no matter what, Mike Medova would rather see a slightly normal project, like "The Butterfly Effect" and "Death Is Here".
The waiter brought the dinner and everyone paused for a moment.
After taking a few bites of food and rearranging his words, Mike Medowa said again: "Simon, don't you have other ideas? Let's talk about it. As long as the script is good enough, it doesn't matter even if the production cost is higher."
Simon shook his head simply and said: "Sorry, Mike, I can only say that my next movie will be "Pulp Fiction". If Orion can't accept it, maybe you can wait for my third movie."
Mike Medowa was suddenly speechless.
Simon's second movie is definitely a sure thing, but after a third one, and especially the inexplicable Pulp Fiction , who knows if anyone will be interested in the name Simon Westeros.
After struggling for a moment, Mike Medowa had to say: "Simon, you just said that this movie only needs 8 million US dollars, right?"
After "Run Lola Run", Simon even proposed a production budget of US$20 million for his second film. Now, if you only need 8 million US dollars, even if the box office prospects are bleak and you have no choice, it is not unacceptable.
"Mike, I'm just talking about an ideal situation. There are a lot of characters in this movie, and it's impossible to use all unknown actors. The actors' remuneration will definitely account for a large part of the production budget. So, if we can successfully convince the participants to By reducing the film remuneration and controlling online expenses to less than US$5 million, I will be confident enough to compress the production budget to US$8 million."
Film production budgets are mainly divided into two categories: online expenses and offline expenses.
The so-called online expenses simply refer to the salaries of screenwriters, directors, actors and other main creators, while offline expenses include equipment rental fees, salaries of behind-the-scenes staff, and expenditures on technical equipment such as transportation, makeup, and insurance.
For Simon's previous "Run Lola Run", online expenses only accounted for a very small part. But for "Pulp Fiction", think about the big names such as John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, etc. This is definitely a film whose online expenses exceed the total budget by more than 50% .
The production cost of the original "Pulp Fiction" was US$8 million, which was obviously all because John Travolta and others had reduced their salaries.
Now, if you want to make this movie seven years in advance, some people will definitely not be able to use it, some people Simon himself also wants to replace, and some people may no longer be willing to reduce their salary. Under the influence of this series of uncertain factors, Simon still The estimate of $8 million is neither too high nor too low.
Seeing Simon's insistence, Mike Medova knew that talking more would be useless, so he had to say: "Let's do this, Simon, take out the script as soon as possible, and we will discuss it then."
"Of course," Simon nodded, took a sip of the red wine, put down the glass, and proactively said: "Mike, there is one more thing. Regarding the release of "Lola Run" through other channels, I hope to release these at once. All rights are sold, will Orion be willing to take over?”
Mike Medowa suddenly showed an obviously surprised expression.
The box office situation of "Run Lola Run" is very good. According to the practice of most film companies, they will definitely "intensively cultivate" the subsequent release of the film. This can not only maximize profits, but also increase profits in the process. Accumulating channels to expand your network is a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.
Although it has the priority to distribute "Lola Run" through other channels, Orion originally only expected to be able to get local video distribution agents. Naturally, such agents signed a share-sharing contract.
Unexpectedly, Simon wanted to sell it all at once.
This is obviously not a wise choice. It is equivalent to fishing for the best. Not only is it impossible to obtain high returns, but it also ruins a long-term income channel. According to the operating cycle of distribution through various channels, just one "Run Lola Run" was enough to sustain Daenerys Pictures for more than three years.
Thinking in his mind, Mike Medowa asked: "Simon, why are you in such a hurry?"
Simon didn't shy away from it and said bluntly: "I need money."
When Mike Medowa heard this, he shook his head slightly, and suddenly smiled with some emotion and said: "Actually, everyone needs money."
Movies are an investment that pays off very slowly.
In recent years, as the North American economic situation continues to boom, many second- and third-tier film companies have been aggressively expanding. Then, suddenly looking back, I realized that my stall was too big and I could no longer sustain it without realizing it.
De Laurentiis Entertainment, the investment company that was on the verge of bankruptcy in "Night of the Blood Corpse", Canon Pictures, which is also in trouble now, and Orion Pictures' takeover crisis last year, are all ultimately due to lack of money.
Simon just smiled in agreement and waited patiently for Mike Medowa's response.
Mike Medowa thought carefully for a moment and said: "Simon, Orion will definitely not be able to afford the full buyout. However, we can buy the North American video distribution rights."
Video tape sales in North America last year exceeded total box office revenue. Therefore, video tape distribution is undoubtedly the most profitable piece of cake in the follow-up release of "Lola Run".
Mike Medowa's answer was exactly what Simon expected.
However, if Orion takes away the North American video distribution rights of "Run Lola Run", it will be difficult to sell the film's subsequent television broadcast rights alone. Although the income from TV broadcast rights is also very considerable, the operation cycle is longer.
Normally, when a movie is released in North American theaters, it can be released on video tape after a three-month window, but sales of TV broadcast rights often require more than six months.
Moreover, unlike distribution channels such as theaters and video tapes, which have intensive revenue periods, TV platforms are a typical long-tail market. Although the revenue scale is equivalent to box office and video tapes, the operation cycle often takes several years.
Since he had anticipated Mike Medova's response, Simon had already had a response strategy. At this time, he said: "Mike, of course Orion can take away the local video distribution rights. However, it can't be just this. I have considered, "Run Lola Run" "The follow-up release of "The Movie" will be divided into two parts, domestic follow-up video tape and TV release, and overseas theatrical release, video tape release and TV release. If Orion can't eat them all, it can only choose one of the two."
Although it has been established for many years, Orion actually does not have much overseas distribution capabilities, and basically relies on the seven major international channels.
Simon said this, and Mike Medowa understood that Orion could only choose the former, which was local video and television distribution, or give up directly.
After thinking for a while, Mike Medova said: "Simon, where's the quotation?"
Simon said simply: "$40 million."
"It's too high," Mike Medova immediately shook his head, then smiled and said, "Besides, this is not something I can decide. I need to discuss it with Arthur and the others first."