The Best Director

In 1954, Gold Medal Press published "I-am-Legend", a new work by science fiction horror writer Richard Matheson. The story takes place in Los Angeles. The protagonist Robert Neville is a patient with similar symptoms. As the only survivor of a vampire virus pandemic, he hides during the day and at night, trying to develop a vaccine to cure the disease while destroying the society of new human zombies.

"I Am Legend" is regarded as the first modern vampire novel and had a profound influence on the subsequent zombie genre. It is so powerful that it must be put on the big screen. In 1964, American International Pictures (p), which has been bankrupt for 25 years, adapted it into the film "The Last Man on Earth" (The Last Man on Earth). , although it did not achieve successful box office results, it has a lofty reputation and status. You must know that it appeared 4 years earlier than "Night of the Living Dead" in 1968.

"Night of the Living Dead" grossed 10,000 US dollars at the box office with a budget of 114,000 US dollars. After adjusting for inflation, it exceeded 200 million US dollars. It can be said that it was the "Haunted Man" of the year, and it established George A. Romero's "modern zombie" in one fell swoop. "Father of Cinema" title, although this horror master's recent "Land of the Living Dead" ended dismally. Romero frankly admitted that the novel "I Am Legend" and the movie "The Last Man on Earth" are the source materials of "Land of the Living Dead", and no fan of Robert Neville can deny Robert Neville's legendary status.

So in 1971, Warner Bros., which obtained the filming rights, adapted it into the film "The Omega-Man". The story is still in Los Angeles, and the plague virus broke out due to biological warfare... "The Omega-Man" did not box office. It's not that good, even though it is regarded as a classic by many cuLT film lovers.

A high-level meeting was taking place in the bright conference room at the Santa Monica Fire Film Company headquarters.

"The filming rights of "I Am Legend" are still owned by Warner Bros." Looking at the young boss and everyone, Mark Slant adjusted his glasses with a troubled face. One of the themes of today's meeting is the many new films of Flame. According to the situation, the young SS had a new plan to direct, but he encountered this big problem! Seeing Wang Yang thoughtfully asking: "Do you want to buy it?" Mark Slant pointed to the information documents on the table and said helplessly: "If the buyer is not us, and the bid is high enough, there will be a great chance; But we want to buy..."

Wang Yang opened the same information file in front of him and looked at it. Mark Slant laughed at himself: "Now we are the public enemies of Hollywood." Production manager Sandy Parks, president Michael Burns, investment director Peter Wei Erkes and everyone else showed a helpless smile. You can't fail several times on purpose, right? There is a saying circulating in the industry: "Anything that Flame Movies likes, if you have it, keep it; if you don't have it, grab it."

This also leads to the fact that Fire Movies often pay a greater price for what they want to get. Fortunately, the greater the price, the greater the harvest. The tricks of falsehood and reality have also been invented many times, but this time it is ineffective against Warner Bros., who has the initiative.

In fact, Warner Bros. did not attach much importance to "I Am Legend".

The sci-fi horror style became popular again in the late 1990s, which gave rise to the emergence of films such as "The Idle Hand". As early as 1995, Warner Bros. began to develop the "I Am Legend" film project, Mark Plutose Veitch wrote the first draft of the screenplay, which takes place in San Francisco in 1999 and bears many similarities to the original novel.

Then Warner Bros. hired Neil H. Morro Ritz as the producer and Ridley Scott as the director. Tom Cruise, Michael Douglas, Mel Gibson and other big names were all Neville candidate, but the company preferred Arnold Schwarzenegger. After Scott and Schwarzenegger finalized their contracts, it was already July 1997. Filming was originally scheduled to start in September of that year, but Warner Bros. suddenly became worried about the film's lack of commercial appeal and sales potential, so they reconsidered the script.

Although Ridley Scott rewrote the script and reduced the budget by 10,000 yuan, "Batman and Robin" starring Schwarzenegger that summer gave Warner Bros. a heavy blow, and the production budget of "I" was still as high as 10,000 yuan. is Legend" was shelved.

In August 1998, director Rob Bowman, who liked "I Am Legend" very much, hired Mark Plutosevich to write a third new script draft and submit himself, but Warner Bros. ignored him. Later, Rob Bowman Bowman filmed "The End of Fire" for Disney at a loss (2 years).

In March 2020, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the producer of "I Am Legend". He strongly lobbied Michael Bay to direct and Will Smith to star. They all joined and tried their best to reduce the budget of the project. However, the project was shelved again due to Warner Bros. President Alan F. Horn's disgust and disapproval of the script. In 4 years, Warner Bros. Production Director Jeff Robinoff invited Aziz, who won the Olska Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Beautiful Taobao Women's Tmall Taobao Mall Taobao Women's Winter Jacket M Soul" Var Goldsman rewrites "I Am Legend" script.

This project has been taking a full ten years, and there is still no news of the actual start of construction.

Although it is not difficult to find a screenwriter to create a new zombie apocalypse-themed sci-fi script of the same type, it may be a classic or vulgar, such as "Land of the Living Dead"; but the reputation, status, and fan base of "I Am Legend" are Put there, it's undoubtedly the best source material for a zombie movie.

"Warner Brothers can't agree to us. Our expression of interest will only strengthen their confidence in this project." Mark Slante said what everyone understands. Even if Warner Bros. has not produced "I Am Legend" in the past ten years, 》How much money is spent? It only takes one sentence from Miaiyang to become optimistic about it. Mars-Slant frowned, and there was more bad news: "And they are about to confirm the director, and production is expected to start next year." He added: "Of course, maybe it will be put on hold again before departure."

Thinking of the 7-year-old version of "I Am Legend" in the future film and television information database, Wang Yang held his chin with his left hand and shook his head: "I don't think so. Akiva Goldsman gave them enough confidence."

"It seems so." Mark Slant and others nodded in agreement. Obviously Goldsman is more convincing than Plutosevich, who currently only has his debut film "Invasion of the Brain Cells". Mark Slant suddenly said: "But I am sure that if you want to take over "I Am Legend", Warner will definitely agree." Peter Wilkes across the table agreed: "Yes, for sure." Everyone laughed, more than agreed? Those people at Warner Bros. are just dying of laughter!

"What I hope most is to see the animation of the Fire Movie at the beginning of the film." Wang Yang did not smile. He closed the information file and said with a serious expression: "Ask first! We always have to take the first move."

Mark Slant and others took note of it, and Sandy Parks considered the company's replaceable resources and said: "We need to prepare gifts." Michael Burns suggested: "Horn is not optimistic about this project. , but Robinov is more confident, we should choose to contact Horn first." Mark Slant nodded in agreement: "Impressing Horn is the breakthrough." Wang Yang suddenly felt a stinging pain in his head and couldn't help but tensed up. Pressing their faces against their foreheads, Slante and the others asked with concern: "Yang, are you okay?", "Are you okay?"...

"It's nothing, it just reminds me that two days ago, I was still comatose in the hospital bed." Wang Yang smiled at everyone, clicked his fingers with his left hand: "Go on, I probably know what Warner Bros. wants to do." What gifts do you want? Haha, I guarantee they will be happy." He opened the company's new film project list and said with a smile: "Next, let's talk about dog movies." Everyone nodded.

In the second half of this year, Huoyan Films also plans to release four new films on a large scale, namely "Dance My Life 2" (5-9-23), "Saw 3" (5--28), and "Brokeback Mountain" (5-12-16) and "He Summer's Day" (5-12-23). The first two films are both commercial films, but "Brokeback Mountain" has encountered many obstacles and is difficult to get into theaters in some conservative states. It will adopt the strategy of starting on a small scale and then gradually expanding; while "Love Summer" is well received by theater owners. look forward to.

It is expected that Flame will release a total of 7 new films on a large scale throughout the year. Needless to say, this summer's harvest will be great. The three films with a production cost of over 100 million have good reputations. Currently, "Husband Panda" and "Firefly" are sure to make huge profits. Moving gold bricks one after another into the flame movie's coffers. You must know that today's Flame Company relies solely on the profits generated by its film and television library, which is enough to maintain the company's daily expenses and salaries. The profits from the box office of new movies are like a pig cage pouring water into the water, and the wealth of Flame Company is getting higher and higher.

At the same time, after years of development, Huoyan Films has either discovered new talents or made gold shine, and has good relationships with many producers, directors, screenwriters, actors, agents, media reporters, etc., and has established a brand of its own from scratch. own power. The vibrant FF has already emerged as the well-deserved leader of independent film companies. There are many new films planned for the next two years, including "Ice Age 3", "The Hangover 3", and "Rush 2" in next 6 years. ", "Mamma Mia", "Saw 4", "The Prestige".

The first four films will be released in the summer, while the last two films are planned for next year.

The production of the three blockbuster sequels is in progress in an orderly manner. Whether James Wan will direct "sa4" will need to be discussed after the release of "sa3"; "Mamma Mia" will be adapted and produced by the original cast of the stage play, Judy- Kramer is the first producer, Katherine Johnson is the screenwriter, Phyllida Lloyd is the director, and Meryl Streep and others are invited to star; in terms of "The Prestige", it has obtained the copyright and funds for the original work. The Nolans and Nolan brothers have already started production, and both movies are expected to start shooting early next year.

There is currently only one summer blockbuster film "The Green Hornet" scheduled for the next 7 years. Flame Films has been looking for someone who can ease Stephen Chow and Jim Carrey and make them have a chemical reaction, and at the same time can produce, so that they can rest assured He handed over the director's microphone to Stephen Zhou. If Wang Yang was willing to take action in person, it would not be a problem. But now after looking around, the Flame Production Department found that the person was at Blue Sky Studio, the director of "Husband Panda" Steve Odeko gram!

Oedekirk (1961) and Jim Carrey (1962) are old friends who have a good relationship. The two have collaborated on "In Living Color" (screenwriter), "The Hands" (screenwriter + co-producer), "Fake God" (screenwriter + planner); he also loves Hong Kong martial arts films, and has profound knowledge and unique insights. His creative ideas and Stephen Chow hit it off, and there was no birth of Stephen Chow (1962) + Seth Rogen ( 1982) serious creative differences based on generation gap and cultural differences.

Steve Oedekirk, Stephen Chow, and Wang Yang will jointly create the script for "The Green Hornet"; Stephen Chow will direct it, but will not have final editing rights; Oedekirk is the first producer, and Wang Yang will also serve as executive producer. The film is expected to start filming next summer.

Of course, Oedekirk will also be involved in the production of "Husband Panda 2", which is aimed at the summer release of 8 years, but the meeting is now discussing 7 years. Whether "Assassin's League 2" can be made depends on the box office results of the department. Blue Sky Studio is currently Looking for new animated film projects; excluding "I Am Legend" which is currently uncertain, Flame executives feel that it is time to add new film projects to be released in 2007.

"Have you ever heard of the classic Japanese dog movie "The Tale of Hachiko"? It is a very touching story. There is also a bronze statue of Hachiko in Shibuya, Tokyo." Wang Yang glanced at everyone with a smile , expressed his plan: "I think we can adapt it and remake it into a Hollywood version." Everyone looked at the relevant documents in front of them. Mark Slante, who knew the plan in advance, said: ""The Tale of Hachiko". "The rights to remake the movie are still in the hands of Shochiku Co., Ltd. If we buy it, we just need to pay attention to those who are fighting for it."

Although he was very convinced of the young SS, Peter Wilkes still performed his duties as investment director. He expressed his opinion: "Yang, what I mean is that the commercial appeal of this project is not high. People prefer to watch it." Animal comedy, instead of the main character dying.”

Among all the movies starring dogs from 1974 to the present, the North American box office champion is "Scooby-Doo" in 2016 (153 million), the runner-up is "1 Dalmatians" in 1996 (136 million), and the third runner-up is "Cats" in 1996. "Dog Wars" (93.38 million), followed by "Scooby-Doo 2", "Ice Dog Mission", "Turner and Hooch", "2 Dalmatians"... these high-grossing dog movies all have "family" /Comedy/Adventure" category, there are no Japanese tear-jerking movies like "The Story of Hachiko" and "Guide Dog Q".

The story of "The Story of Hachiko" is indeed moving, but it is also really sad. Looking at the tenth place on the list "K-9" only has a North American box office of 43.24 million, you will know that this genre is not a gold mine, so "Hachiko" was remade. Of course, it is not favored by others. It is estimated that no one will fight for it this time.

"We have many, many dog ​​comedies. Yes, they are more profitable." Wang Yang looked at the calm faces of everyone seriously and said what he meant: "I also like to watch them, they will make you laugh all night long. ; But I also like to watch the kind of dog movies that are so touching that they make you cry all night. They have a unique touch." Seeing everyone nodding, Wang Yang continued: "No matter how "The Tale of Hachiko"... The remake will not be a big production, the cost of 230 million is enough, and even if we give up the North American market, I think the Asian market alone will be enough to recover the cost."

He made a decision and tapped the blue document of "Hachi" and told everyone: "I don't think there is anything to worry about in this project. We can't pursue 200 million or 300 million box office for every movie. There are At that time I just wanted to produce, now I do.”

"Okay.", "That's right.", "I have no objection." The Flames' senior executives all smiled. This was not a plan that was bound to lose money, and why should they doubt Miyazaki's gaze? It's a low- to medium-budget film, so he can do whatever he wants! Besides, no one blamed him for losing 120 million.

"Thank you everyone." Wang Yang smiled and thanked everyone for their support, and suddenly raised his voice: "But! This is not the only plan we have. I said I like dog comedies, and I must repay my good boy Danny. Life-saving grace, otherwise my wife will not let me go." Everyone chuckled a few times. Wang Yang pointed to a red document on the table and said with a smile: "So we have a second plan, Labrador, ‘Marley and Me’.”

"Marley \u0026 Me: A Happy Life with the World's Most Mischievous Dog" (mar1ey\u0026me: fe-and-ve-ith-the-or1ds-orst-g) is a best-selling autobiographical novel recently on the book market, written by John G. Rogan is a reporter for the New York Times. He tells the story of Marley and his family for 13 years in a first-person account. Marley is a yellow Labrador with a crazy, high-strung, and active personality. Excessive, unrelenting hunger, constant destruction of their property (but with absolutely no malice), constant failure to live up to others’ expectations of it…

This book was very popular as soon as it was published, and now it continues to top the New York Times bestseller list. However, despite this, it was not considered suitable to be adapted into a movie because the entire book spans too long and the content is too long. Interesting daily life incidents, no theme, seems more suitable for filming as a TV sitcom.

How to organize this into a movie script? This job is really underappreciated, but currently the studios are not taking "Marley and Me" seriously at all. Looking at the relevant information, Peter Wilkes frowned and said: "This subject has its selling points, but I have to read the novel to know the specific feeling."

"'Marley and Me' is very interesting. Some of the incidents seem to be exaggerated, but you can find the shadow of your own dog; but the ending is very sad." Wang Yang looked at Sandy Parks and ordered: "Take it at all costs Winning the film rights, this is a project with huge market potential!" He said and laughed: "I really like that book, Danny is also a Labrador, and he has many similarities with Marley. The place is now ready to welcome the family’s baby.”

Everyone is more optimistic about "Marley and Me" and naturally they have no objection.

After talking about the new film plan that was the scope of today's meeting, everyone then talked about the DreamWorks acquisition. The way Flame Films participated was to purchase some film copyrights, script copyrights, etc. from the DreamWorks library in cash. In other words, "DreamWorks" City" shopping. Because whether Universal or Paramount ultimately acquires DreamWorks, they will sell those useless assets to other companies or private equity investors in order to raise funds for the acquisition.

Big Eater Flame Movie has a lot of cash, and he hopes to follow his usual style and find some treasures that no one wants in DreamWorks City.

"Wang Yang has taken a liking to "I Am Legend"!!?" In the spacious office, hearing the call from Mark Slante, Warner Bros. President Alan F. Horn's heart skipped a beat, what! That boring script? That big trouble that has been dragging on for years? Miraculous Yang actually wants to buy "I Am Legend"! ? Horn's first reaction was: "Don't give it to him, don't give it to him! Whatever Wang Yang likes, if you have it, keep it!" Calm down! calm! It is rare to hear that Magic Yang will ask for help in this regard. Regardless of whether it is sold or not, this time Warner Brothers can sit back and raise the price...

Horn quickly calmed down his shock, crossed his legs leisurely, and asked into the microphone: "Mark, why do you want to buy "I Am Legend"?" Mark Slant over there complained: "I I don’t know! Young must shoot it. It is said that he had a similar dream when he was in a coma. You know directors have a lot of dreams." Horn picked his ears comfortably: "Then he can come over and take over. We are very happy. Welcome." Mark Slante said seriously: "He just has this quirk, he likes to invest on his own without having to worry about any possible accidents, just like a control freak."

The two of them talked back and forth for a while. The sly and cunning Horn was not misled by anything. He knew that there must be something special about "I Am Legend"; but he also knew that it was different from "Crash". At most, it shows that the subject matter of "I Am Legend" is not garbage. It does not mean that the scripts currently in Warner's hands and future movies will be like that. Wang Yang's directing and editing ability is the key, just like "Batman and Robin" ", "Batman Begins" if he were at the helm...

After talking for a while, Horn had made up his mind. He began to speak directly: "Mark, can you give us a reason for agreeing?" What benefits can the Flames bring to Warner? If exciting chips are offered, everything is negotiable.

"Batman." Mark Slant's crisp words seemed to have a power that penetrated people's hearts. Horn's heart suddenly jumped, "Batman"! ? Amazing Young is willing to take over Gotham! ? He couldn't help but secretly take a deep breath, and his voice was a little urgent: "Let Yang and I talk in person!"

In an almost uneasy state of nervousness, Horn soon heard Wang Yang's voice, and heard him say with a smile: "Warner Brothers has transferred the filming rights of "I Am Legend" to us. The North American rights belong to Flame, and the overseas rights belong to Flame." Let everyone cooperate; then leave the sequel of "Batman" to me to produce, and Warner Bros. will see a resurrected Wayne with a global box office of no less than 500 million."

Wow - Alan F. Horn held his breath, 500 million! ! It's not like he hasn't seen movies with a global box office of 500 million, but God, the "Batman" series has been stuck in the quagmire for 8 years! ! "Batman and Robin" with a production cost of 1.25 billion has earned 700 million in North America and 238 million worldwide. This summer's "Batman: Begins" with a production cost of 1.35 billion now only has a pitiful global revenue of 100 million! ! They didn't know how to clean up this mess. They said they couldn't blame Darren Aronofsky. The problem was how to film the second part?

Either wait for several years, and if the sales are good in the later period, start the plan; if it doesn't work in the later period, start a new cycle. But if the sequel has Miracle Young at the helm and has a global box office of 500 million, it means that this brand series has come back to life. This is not just about one movie, but about the entire surrounding area, as well as "Batman 3", "Batman" Xia 4》! Horn was confused and hesitant: "500 million?" Wang Yang suddenly said: "If you think it's too small, 600 million."

"Oh... what if "Batman 2" doesn't have the results you guaranteed?" Horn was inevitably moved. Wang Yang over there asked with a smile: "Then what do you want to do?" Horn gave a preliminary idea. Plan: "We can write it clearly in the contract. If it doesn't reach 500 million... 600 million! Then you have to personally direct a movie for Warner Bros. with an investment of over 100 million, no, no, no, two, two!"

"Then I also need to add a clause. The promotional cost of "The Dark Knight" is at least 100 million." Wang Yang's laughter came from the microphone, and Horn was confused for a moment: "What? "The Dark Knight"? What?" Over there Wang Yang explained: "The title is the title of "Batman 2"." Horn was suddenly surprised again: "You mean... you don't plan to use 'Batman'?" Wang Yang smiled and said: "Yes. Yeah, obviously, everyone hates Batman."

Horn cursed inwardly: Damn it!

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