Back in Hollywood, the first thing Eric needs to solve is the salary contract between MGM and Pierce Brosnan.
The great success of "Casino Royale" not only brought huge profits to MGM, but also helped MGM's market value to break through the $12 billion mark in the near future. The salary lion for the sequel opened his mouth wide, calling out what is likely to be the first salary contract in Hollywood history with a base salary of 20 million plus 20% profit sharing, and he is only willing to sign one at a time. If calculated according to the box office of "Casino Royale", the salary contract is worth nearly 70 million U.S. dollars. In recent years, the average salary of Hollywood superstars is less than 20 million U.S. dollars. Naturally it is impossible to agree.
Because of Eric's appearance, so far, the highest salary record for a Hollywood actor is still Jack Nicholson's $50 million in "Batman", and that was completely just an accident.
Hollywood's first-line big names such as Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson, who are both starring and participating in the production, often receive only 20 to 30 million US dollars in salary from each film. Although the global box office of "Casino Royale" has reached 1 billion, everyone knows that Eric's participation and the popularity of the MGM Agent movie universe are the key to the film's success. Pierce Brosnan's The importance is far less than imagined.
With the release of "Casino Royale", all six films in the first half of the first phase of the MGM Agent movie universe have come to an end, and the worldview of the entire Agent movie universe has also been completed.
In the plan, the second half of the first phase of the agent movie universe still includes six films.
Right now, "Charlie's Angels 3" has started filming, and it is expected to be released in summer next year. "Mission: Impossible 3" is also in the intense preparatory process, and the schedule is initially confirmed at the end of next year. The starring roles of these two films have been confirmed in advance, and there will be no issues such as salary disputes for the time being. However, if Pierce Brosnan's salary problem cannot be properly resolved, the other four planned "Bond 19", "Charlie's Angels 4", "Mission: Impossible 4" and "Bond 20" are likely to be released. Due to the lengthy salary tug-of-war between MGM and several protagonists, it could not be implemented smoothly.
Amy Pascal and Pierce Brosnan's agent had been talking for half a month, maybe because they thought they had a good grasp of MGM, but the other party just reluctantly agreed to reduce the sharing clause to 15%, 20 million US dollars The fixed remuneration is not the slightest concession. Eric didn't want to delay a salary contract for several months or even a year and a half, so he decided to intervene in person.
Brantwood Country Club Golf Course in Santa Monica, not far from Playa Vista Firefly Studios, Amy happened to have a membership card for this club, so she proposed a meeting with Pierce Brosnan Schedule it here.
Since we rushed back to Los Angeles and it was Monday again, Eric and Katzenberg finished breakfast together habitually, and brought him here before we finished talking about some things.
On the golf course, Eric missed again with one shot, ignored the girl's heartless titter, bent down to straighten the golf ball on the ground, and said to Katzenberg beside him: "So, now you understand why I We need to sign a long-term contract with Stewart and the others. If we don’t do this, the situation we will face in the future will definitely be worse than the current MGM. That is a group of superheroes who are enough to destroy the earth. At that time, all of them will ask for sky-high salaries. It’s become a job for them.”
Katzenberg glanced at Drew and Amy Pascal, who were whispering nearby, and said, "I'm just curious, how do you plan to solve this time?"
Eric set up the ball and swung it out. Looking at the white shadow flying far away this time, he and Katzenberg walked towards the distant landing point. Instead of answering this question directly, he said: "Everyone should understand who is the real master of Hollywood."
Katzenberg shook his head helplessly, and said: "But, Eric, you will make more and more first-line superstars refuse to cooperate with us."
"You still don't understand, Jeffrey," Eric said, "at least, here in Firefly, the era of superstars has ended early. The next twenty years, or even longer, will be the era of technology and special effects The Marvel Cinematic Universe that Firefly is brewing, MGM's upcoming "Lord of the Rings" series, and many other projects in the plan, their selling points will be the visual effects and the story itself, although the participation of first-line stars can be icing on the cake , but they are not required.”
Although Katzenberg didn't quite agree with Eric's words, he still nodded, turned his head to look at Drew and Amy who were also playing ball not far away, and said instead: "So, Eric, what's your next movie?" Is it planned, you know, this is what everyone asked me to ask."
In recent days, although the suppressing effect of "Casino Royale", which was released in the third week of release, on other films has been greatly reduced, the third film "Tarzan Forest" of Firefly Group's Bowei distribution system still performed tepidly at the beginning.
Although the film reviews were good, the film only received more than 16 million U.S. dollars in the first three days of the weekend, which was only half of MGM's "Scream 2" released at the same time. , "Scream 2" earned a box office of 32.92 million US dollars in the first three days of the weekend. Based on the cost of "Scream 2" of only 24 million US dollars, MGM can fully recover the cost in the first week. In comparison, for Firefly, the cost of "Tarzan Forest" is 55 million U.S. dollars, including "Jedi Men 2", which was hit by "Casino Royale" and failed at the box office, and "Prison in the Sky", which was also not too successful, Firefly's several live-action movies this year can be described as annihilated. Although there will be a new line "Reaper 2" next, that movie cannot be regarded as mainstream after all.
Therefore, even with a film like "Finding Nemo" that is enough to support the entire summer file with a global box office seed of 1 billion, it is still difficult for the top executives of Firefly to be happy, especially when Eric went to work on "Casino Royale" directed by MGM. "With such dazzling results.
"The next movie," Eric said, thinking, "When the girl group in the UK is established, I would like to direct a music MV first, a very interesting MV."
Katzenberg couldn't help but twitched the corners of his mouth, wanting to yell, 'Boss, can we do something serious? ', in fact, if Eric was his subordinate, not the boss, with Katzenberg's fiery temper, he must have really yelled it out.
Seeing Katzenberg's uncomfortable face, Eric laughed and comforted: "Okay, Jeffrey, this kind of thing can't be rushed. You see, the global box office of "Casino Royale" will definitely reach 1 billion, since I have produced two consecutive films with a global box office of 1 billion, wouldn’t it be better if the next film can continue to maintain this box office level?”
Katzenberg involuntarily imagined the scene Eric had depicted, and felt his facial muscles twitch again, and said, "You mean, three consecutive films, 1 billion in the world?"
Eric nodded and said: "Yes, actually, I really want to surpass the box office record created by Jim, but after all, I can't achieve his dedication to excellence, so I will win by quantity. If the global box office of three consecutive films can be kept at US$1 billion, it should be regarded as a pioneering work.”
"Well," Katzenberg felt that Eric's plan was a bit unbelievable, but he did not doubt that Eric had the ability to achieve such a miracle, but just nodded, he immediately added: "However, Eric, you have to promise that the next movie must belong to Firefly."
"Of course, that's for sure," Eric nodded with a smile, beckoned Natasha, who was standing not far away as a guest caddy, to come over, changed a club, and continued: "Also, I won't let everyone wait Too long."
The two chatted while playing ball. After a while, Drew and Amy led a middle-aged man in his forties over.
When Amy was about to speak, the middle-aged man reached out and introduced himself, "Mr. Williams, hello, I'm Pierce's agent, Rick Cozman."
Eric shook hands with the other party politely, and said, "I remember I said that I hope Pierce will come over in person."
"Well, I'm really sorry, Mr. Williams," Rick Cozman said with a perplexed look on his face, without seeing the slightest flaw, "Pierce was unable to come due to urgent matters, and he specifically asked me to apologize to you."
In order to avoid too much trouble with the film company during the salary negotiation process, the stars usually do not come forward in person, so that even if something happens, the two sides can reserve some room for buffering.
Eric naturally knew the rules and was not angry. After Rick Cozman greeted Katzenberg, he said, "If this is the case, let's be honest. MGM hopes to be able to do it once Signed a four-part deal with Pierce, two originals and two crossovers."
When Eric said this, Rick Cozman interrupted: "Mr. Williams, this won't work, we will only sign one film contract with MGM at a time."
Eric glanced at Rick Cozman, and waited for the other party to shut up wisely, before continuing: "I have two sets of salary plans for the four-part contract. First, the two main films are paid 20 million each. The remuneration for each crossover episode is 15 million, a total of 70 million U.S. dollars. If Pierce is willing to choose this option, MGM can pay the full amount at one time. Second, the basic salary of the four films is all 10 million U.S. dollars, and Pierce can get it from the main story 10% of the box office profit share, and 5% of the profit share for cross-concentration.”
Rick Cozman couldn't help opening his mouth several times, but he endured it. When Eric finished speaking, he shook his head impatiently and said, "Mr. Williams, this contract is too dishonest. We're not going to say yes, you know, "Casino Royale" can bring MGM a billion dollars at the box office."
"Yeah," Eric nodded, looking at Rick Cozman, with a faint smile on his lips, and said, "It seems that you also know this, it is "Casino Royale" that brought MGM 10 $100 million for MGM, not Pierce Brosnan for $1 billion."
Rick Cozman didn't expect his own words to get him into it, but he was also used to this kind of scene, his expression didn't change at all, and he insisted: "However, compared to Pierce's 007, which brought MGM profits, I think we should be adequately compensated."
Eric held a cue in his hand, nodded in agreement, and said: "In this case, I recommend you to choose the second set of salary plan. I think that in this case, Pierce will definitely get more, and finally get 100 million Neither dollar is out of the question.”
When Rick Cozman heard the figure of 100 million US dollars, he couldn't help jumping in his heart. If it was true, then he could get 10 million US dollars of brokerage share from it. In the whole of Hollywood, there is no agent who can get 10 million US dollars from a star at one time, even the former Michael Ovitz cannot do this.
However, after a brief trance, Rick Cozman quickly calmed down, and at the same time understood another thing. Since Eric said such things, he must be full of confidence in the box office of the next few films , In this case, MGM is even less likely to allow Pierce Brosnan to leave.
Secretly proud that he had found another bargaining chip, Rick Cozman smiled and said: "Mr. Williams, as I said just now, Pierce will only sign one contract with MGM at a time, and, just now The remuneration is definitely not acceptable."
"I think you misunderstood something, Rick," Eric shook his head, and said, "I'm not negotiating with you now, I'm just informing you of my decision."
Rick Cozman was stunned for a moment, looked at Drew and Amy next to him, smiled and shook his head, and said, "Mr. Williams, it seems that it is impossible for us to reach an agreement today."
Eric ignored Rick Cozman's eyes on the girl and Amy, and continued: "Of course, I don't have time to delay this matter for too long. Now go back and talk to Pierce, you guys have a day At this time tomorrow, if MGM does not get a positive recovery, we will issue an announcement and start selecting a new Bond. Oh, and in addition, Pierce’s original intentional contract with MGM will not matter. Already, let’s all get together and break up.”
Rick Cozman stared at Eric for a few seconds, then nodded decisively, and said, "Okay, since that's the case, I'll tell Pierce about it."
After saying this, Rick Cozman didn't stay any longer, nodded with the others, turned around and walked out of the golf course. He was sure that MGM would not easily replace the Bond candidate, and thought that Eric's words were just to force them to accept the contract, so he made a 'counterattack' without delay. He believes that even if they don't give a reply tomorrow, it is impossible for MGM to publicly replace Bond. After all, MGM's market value has just risen to a high of 12 billion US dollars recently, which is entirely due to "Casino Royale" Stimulated by the success of the box office, if MGM dares to kick Pierce at this time, the stock price is likely to face a sharp drop. This is very unfavorable for MGM, which is about to finance the acquisition of those cable TV stations recently.
When Rick Cozman walked away, Katzenberg, who had been quietly listening, looked at the worried Amy Pascal, and tentatively said, "Eric, isn't this a big bet? "
Eric swung his club lightly and hit the small ball on the ground towards the hole not far away. He shook his head and said, "I'm not betting on anything. If Brosnan doesn't accept this contract, then forget it. If we The first time we choose to give in, and next, Kevin Costner and Kate will all demand the same pay. When the time comes, a film actor’s pay will be higher than the production cost, and a large amount of profits will be shared. There is no need to continue the whole plan. Instead of this, it is better to be tough now, so that others will not talk about it. Moreover, compared to the other two series, the risk of changing the Bond actor In fact, it is the smallest one. After all, this series has replaced several 007s. Okay, Amy, don’t make such a face, at worst, I will continue to be the producer of "Bond 19". Tell me about you and the foundation How are the negotiations with Cable Media regarding Rainbow Media going?"
On the other side, Rick Cozman separated from Eric and the others, and tried his best to suppress his urge to look back at him. He kept walking, but there was an inexplicable feeling of anger in his heart, or, Knowing what emotion it was, in short, when he walked out of the golf course, he even felt his body trembling slightly.
A fixed salary of 70 million U.S. dollars, 40 million basic salary plus share, well, this is indeed a lot of money, but, this is four movies, maybe, okay, but they absolutely dare not lose Pierce, absolutely.
With such firm belief, Rick Cotzman came to the parking lot and got into his gray Chevrolet. Pierce Brosnan, who was sitting in the co-pilot, looked over expectantly: "Rick, how are you?" ?”
Shaking his head, Rick Cozman suddenly decided not to tell Brosnan about Eric's conditions. Anyway, MGM would definitely not dare to make any announcement tomorrow, and speaking out might shake the confidence of his customers, so He said: "There is still no result, Pierre, let's go back to Century City first."
Pierce Brosnan felt that the manager's expression was a little strange, and asked: "Then what did Eric say?"
Rick Cozman started the car with a calm expression, and said: "It's still those words, I hope you can reduce the pay, um, and play the emotional card or something. Don't worry, I will try my best to talk to Amy Pascal next. Contact, this woman should be our breakthrough point."
Seeing that the agent had already started the car, Pierce Brosnan had no choice but to pause the questioning. He originally planned to go to see Eric with Rick Kotzman, but was persuaded by the agent before staying in the car. Since entering Hollywood, Rick Cozman has been his agent. The cooperation between the two has been pretty good over the years, and Pierce Brosnan has no doubts that he will hide anything from himself. (To be continued.)