Hollywood Hunter

Chapter 160 Steve Ross (repair)

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After a few chats, Mel Gibson turned and walked away, and Terry Semel looked at Gibson's leaving figure and said, "Simon, have you seen the copies of Mel's movies that I sent over to me? "

Simon didn't answer the question, but said straight to the point: "Terry, I've said it before, I'm not going to pick an A-list star for Bruce Wayne."

These days, Simon has started casting for Batman.

As the most important stakeholder of this project, Warner is also very concerned about this, and also took the initiative to recommend its favorite person to play the role, which was last year's "Lethal Weapon" actor Mel Gibson.

Terry Semel took a glass of champagne from the tray of the passing waiter, motioned Simon and Janet at will, and continued: "Simon, in fact, many directors have your thoughts, I don't want stars, I want Fresh faces, I want talented actors, Balabala. Usually, when agencies do recommend the people they describe, they tend to think 'who are these people' and end up choosing star."

"Terry, I don't reject stars," Simon still shook his head and said: "However, you have overlooked one point, Batman itself is a very big 'star', just like Superman, the original "Superman" series, released No one knew Christopher Reeve before, but that didn't affect the film's box office at all. On the contrary, Marlon Brando and others who were invited by the producers for a lot of money did not play a significant role in promoting the box office."

"However, if we don't use stars, how will we promote it in the future," Terry Semel continued bitterly: "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 shaking his head and smiled, but still said: "Simon, otherwise, I will arrange a meeting for you and Mel, and you can talk about it carefully. Compared with the production you are going to invest in this project. The budget, Mel's offer is not too high. I don't understand why you resist the star?"

Simon hesitated and said, "Terry, Warners will know about this sooner or later, and it's fine to tell you now. I plan to sign a long-term contract with the actor who plays Batman, and Daenerys Pictures will take the initiative. Kwon doesn't have to worry about the actor's strike or the long-term contract of the lion's mouth for the sequel. Gibson will definitely not agree to such a condition."

Terry Semel thought for a while and said, "Like the Julia Roberts you signed the other day?"

Simon wasn't surprised by Terry Semel's casual remarks, and Hollywood had no secrets to these studio executives: "Yes, Terry, the same five, anyone. To play Bruce Wayne, he would have to sign five films."

"Simon, I'm surprised by your confidence. You know, apart from the 007 series, few movies in Hollywood can exceed the trilogy. This is the well-known 'trilogy curse'. 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 shot into a long-term series. Since this possibility is very high, I naturally want to advance Be well prepared.”

Terry Semel's expression changed for a moment, and he smiled bitterly: "It seems that it is very difficult for Warner to take back the copyright of "Batman". In addition, you should have the same plan for "Superman", right?"

"That's right," now that he had both Superman and Batman firmly in his hands, Simon no longer deliberately concealed it, and said, "If the time is right, I will make Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent appear on the big screen together. On, Batman v Superman, Terry, what do you think of the idea?"

Terry Semel looked at Simon and said, "I think we need to renegotiate the contract."

Simon smiled and said: "Perhaps, but the most important thing now is to make the first Batman film first. In this regard, I have to confess again, Terry, "Batman" will definitely not be in time for next summer. , I recently discovered that to complete some of the ideas in the concept, I need more than half a year to solve 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've made a big mistake."

Simon said innocently: "Terry, I can only say sorry."

As time went on, more and more guests arrived, and Simon and Semel soon separated to be busy with their own entertainment.

After more than half an hour, Simon was talking with Sandra and some of the main creators of "Dangerous Relationships" selected by Warner. Terry Semel walked over with a couple, and Simon recognized the pair at a glance. The tall, silver-haired man in the couple is Steve Ross, the current head of Warner Bros.

Coming near, without Terry Semel's introduction, Steve Ross stretched out his hand to Simon with a hearty smile and said, "I've been looking forward to meeting you, Simon, I finally have a chance today. By the way, First of all, congratulations on winning the Oscar. Although it is only a best editing award, it is the most rare. 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 sooner or later. What's in your pocket."

"Thank you, Mr. Ross, and it's a pleasure to meet you, too. Warners has always been a company I greatly admire."

After complimenting each other, everyone else left wisely, Janet and Luo

His wife Courteney walked to the other place together, Simon and Ross came to a booth and sat down.

When the waiter brought the drinks, Steve Ross added: "Simon, Terry and I just told me some of your thoughts on "Superman" and "Batman", although the copyright of these two superheroes is owned by you The little guy is in his hand, and Warners still hopes that their movie version will be successful. What I want to ask is, are you still interested in dc?"

Simon nodded: "Of course, Steve, if Warners is willing to sell DC to me, I can offer a very good price."

"No, no, no," Steve Ross immediately shook his head and said, "Simon, I am a person who hates selling company assets, and until now, I still regret that I sold mtv to MTV just because of temporary difficulties. Viacom, the development of mtv over the years has more and more proven my mistakes. So, I'm not going to sell dc to you, but we can exchange."

Simon said directly: "Warner wants to take a stake in Daenerys Pictures?"

"That's right," Steve Ross admitted; "I've seen your company profile, Simon, what Daenerys is lacking the most right now is a strong publisher, and Warner can just do that. Help. Even though you have a lot of money now, in Hollywood, the distribution problem is not solved by money alone.”

Simon asked: "What about the specific plan?"

"If you want dc, I can give you $50 million," Steve Ross said: "On the other hand, I can give you a $200 million valuation of Daenerys Pictures, including dc, Warner will invest another 125 million US dollars in exchange for a 70% stake in the new company after the merger of Daenerys Pictures and dc. The new company will still be run by you alone, and at the same time, you need to ensure that you will not leave Daenerys Films within 5 years. Start a new business.”

Although Daenerys Pictures has launched a lot of projects, strictly speaking, the only film under the company that has proved successful is "When Harry Met Sally", and last year's "Death Comes" only A Fox movie.

Therefore, for Steve Ross, who has absolutely no idea of ​​the real commercial value of "Rain Man", "Dead Poets Society" and a large number of copyrights held by Daenerys Pictures, the other party's valuation of 200 million US dollars is still Very generous, and it also means that Warners will share a $100 million debt to Daenerys Pictures' name.

DC's price of $50 million is also very reasonable. Simon's last tentative offer to Time Warner happened to be $50 million.

Moreover, Simon does not actually intend to keep Daenerys Pictures private all the time. If necessary, he will also choose to introduce other investors or go public.

but.

This is definitely not the case now.

Simon worked hard to put up the framework of Daenerys Pictures, it is impossible to cut 70% of the share to others just after a small seedling blooms.

So, when Steve Ross finished speaking, Simon shook his head and said, "Sorry, Steve, although I don't refuse to work with other companies, but not now. If you want, maybe, in two or three years, I can Make Warner a shareholder in Daenerys Pictures."

"I understand what you're thinking," Steve Ross said with regret on his face, but nodded understandingly, "Well, why not, Simon, how about we sign a package and release contract, Warners can take on Daenerys The distribution of all films produced by the studio for the next three years. Of course, in exchange, Daenerys Pictures will also need to agree to Warner’s investment in some of these projects.”

Simon noticed the shrewdness in Steve Rose's eyes, and suddenly realized that this should be the real purpose of the other party today.

With Simon's current net worth, anyone with a little brains should understand that it is impossible for him to sell Daenerys Pictures now.

But on the other hand, following the box-office success of When Harry Met Sally, all seven studios have apparently begun to reassess the commercial potential of Daenerys' portfolio of projects.

About half of the films that Daenerys has set up projects have already confirmed their distributors. But for the remaining half, as long as there is another North American box office work that exceeds 100 million yuan, it is completely worthwhile for the seven majors to win the distribution rights of all projects.

After all, in this era, the average annual box office of films exceeding 100 million is not enough for each of the Big Seven, but these top-grossing films basically provide most of the profits for the studios.

After a little bit of sorting out, Steve Ross's strategy is also very clear.

This Hollywood boss, who is said to be very good at business negotiation, first proposed a cooperation plan full of sincerity but destined to be rejected by Simon. After being rejected logically, he proposed an equally sincere plan.

Simon has already refused once, and if he refuses again, it will be too impersonal or even ignorant.

However, Simon is not a young man who is only 20 years old on the surface, so he has no psychological burden to refuse again.

Shaking his head again, Simon said: "I can only say sorry, Steve, Daenerys Pictures hopes to try the film distribution business on its own. We all know that it is a shame to rely entirely on others for distribution channels. A very unwise thing."

Steve Ross was a little surprised by Simon's decisive rejection, but his expression remained unchanged, and said: "Well, it seems that it is difficult for us to reach a cooperation today. However, if you change your mind, you can call me at any time, Steve 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, and Steven should also Pass

Come, you will definitely have a common language. "

Steve Ross and Steven Spielberg have a very close relationship. Spielberg's "Schindler's List," which earned him an Oscar for best director, was subtitled "For Steve Ross."

When Simon heard the words, he immediately showed an expression of interest and said, "Of course, I'm also looking forward to chatting with Mr. Spielberg."

The two spoke so casually, got up and left the booth and entered the crowd together, as if nothing had happened just now, and began to socialize at the party like good friends.

It was not until nearly twelve o'clock that Simon and Janet left the party.

Because of Sandra's unceremonious rubbing behavior, the extended courtesy car first turned to Beverly Hills to take Sandra home, and then turned to Sunset Boulevard.

Although he has bought the mansion in Palisades, Simon no longer lives there, but rushes back to Malibu with Janet.

It was already late at night, and the journey of more than 30 kilometers was not too long. When the courtesy car stopped outside the mansion on the west side of Du Meijia Manor, it was already one o'clock in the morning.

Janet drank more wine at the party. At this time, her face was flushed, and she didn't know if she was really drunk or pretending. Simon was pestering Simon like a little girl. Simon had to use the princess hug to carry the woman out of the car and all the way to the villa.

Putting the woman on the sofa, Simon looked at Janet's sleepy appearance with the little golden man in his arms, and said with a smile, "Would you like to take a shower first?"

"No," Janet picked up the golden figure and waved at Simon, put it aside, and then opened her arms at him: "Simon."

Simon was unprepared. He smiled and leaned forward. He felt that the woman was hugging him, and just as he was about to kiss, Janet bit his small white teeth on his shoulder.

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