Chapter 11

In a short period of time, several film selectors consecutively changed their views on this film.

The content of the film is straightforward: three film students mysteriously disappear in the woods near Burkittsville, a small town in Maryland, USA. At the time, they were shooting a documentary about the local ancient legend of "the Blair Witch."

A year later, their backpacks were found, containing tapes, Hi-8 cameras, 16mm cameras, and other items, clearly documenting the trio's final journey.

Apart from a somewhat attractive female lead and a slightly eerie atmosphere, the entire film lacks any remarkable aspects.

However, this is an indescribable film. Despite its trashy quality, it has a promotional plan impressive enough to dazzle anyone.

Based on his years of distribution experience, as long as the plan is executed properly, it's almost guaranteed to achieve decent box office results.

Moreover, the film in question has a pitifully low investment.

Even if some resources are needed for promotion, it won't require much funding, just a little push.

Then, those TV stations and newspapers will eagerly come forward to cover and publicize the whole thing.

The only thing that makes one hesitate is that once the truth is revealed after the film's release, facing the deceived news media and countless PR people and fans, if not handled properly, it could affect the company's reputation.

Of course, he hesitated for only a moment. As one of the managers of the distribution department of 20th Century Fox, as well as an excellent film selector, he even has a say in the acquisition and distribution of films by the company.

Unlike film critics, who focus too much on the details of the film, many blockbuster films barely pass the filming standards.

He is more concerned about market changes and what types of films the North American public and fans want to see.

Apparently, the film "The Blair Witch" has such potential, catering to the curiosity of the North American public and fans.

Moreover, if simultaneous distribution can be achieved, it could do well in English-speaking regions too.

At the moment, his attention is entirely focused on conversing with the two selectors beside him, discussing the promotional plan in a low voice, showing no interest in the content of the film.

According to the plan in his hands, as long as the promotion succeeds and there are no obvious flaws in the plot or logic, other aspects can be completely ignored.

"It's worth a try," Colette-Singh seems to be talking to himself, while also seeming to ask the opinion of his colleague beside him.

"It's definitely worth a try."

The two colleagues next to him nodded in agreement.

For other distribution companies, they might still consider it, but 20th Century Fox doesn't need to. With News Corporation's support, they don't need to worry about promotion.

"What an amazing promotional plan. I wonder how he came up with it."

One of the selectors had a very complicated tone. He had never encountered such a situation before, where the decision to distribute a film depended on a promotional plan.

"I really want to see how this film will perform when it's released. Even if it only makes a few million at the box office, it's still a guaranteed profit. And the potential of this film in front of us is obviously not just a few million dollars."

Maybe 20th Century Fox will release a film that will go down in history as a big seller for low-budget Hollywood films.

"The Blair Witch" film is only a little over ninety minutes long, so the screening didn't last long.

As the screening ended, Colette-Singh immediately walked over eagerly, wearing a smile. "A very good film."

Ryan was very polite, saying, "Thank you for your praise."

Colette-Singh shook hands with him, smiling, and said, "That's not praise."

"To be honest, if it weren't for Mr. Lucas's invitation, I would never have attended today's screening."

"But it seems you've brought me a pleasant surprise today."

"Maybe we can sit down and talk."

Without saying much, Ryan could tell that Colette-Singh was very interested in "The Blair Witch."

But Ryan didn't agree directly; instead, he glanced at Helen and saw her nodding slightly before agreeing, "Of course."

So the three of them went to a nearby café and started chatting.

They all knew that this was just a simple meeting for now, and specific details would need to be discussed separately. After all, the distribution department of 20th Century Fox also needed time for discussion.

One thing was certain: as long as the two in front of him didn't ask for too much, everything would follow Hollywood's rules, and 20th Century Fox would not refuse to distribute this film no matter what.

In his view, George Lucas was just one aspect; the most crucial aspect was the promotional plan in his hands.

"A great promotional plan, indeed."

Colette-Singh thought for a moment before speaking first, "But the film itself has no merits to speak of. Frankly, if it weren't for the existence of this promotional plan, even if recommended by Mr. Lucas, this film would hardly have made it to theaters."

"So you should be aware that distributing such a film poses great risks for the distribution company, so the price of buying out the rights may not be too high."

He deliberately emphasized the rights, without mentioning profit sharing.

Whether it was Ryan or Helen, they were prepared for this. For a film like this, plus a relatively unknown director, no distribution company would agree to share profits.

"I can agree to buyout the rights."

Ryan shrugged, saying, "But as for the specific price, I believe 20th Century Fox won't be stingy."

Helen frowned slightly at this, but didn't speak up in the end.

Not stingy!

If outsiders heard this, they would laugh out loud.

In Hollywood, no film company or distribution company is not stingy, unless the other party has more benefits.

Colette-Singh felt a bit embarrassed. If it were someone else saying this, he would have unhesitatingly agreed and quoted a very low price, at most three to five hundred thousand dollars to buy the rights.

But Ryan was different. Apart from the impressive promotional plan for the film, his relationship with George Lucas meant there could be no deception.

He knew very well how important George Lucas was to the company's top management, as it was related to the reboot of the "Star Wars" series.

"Well, Mr. Ryan, I can represent 20th Century Fox and offer $800,000 to buy out all the rights to this film."

Colette-Singh hesitated for a long time before stating what he considered a very high price. Then, fearing Ryan might refuse outright, he added, "Of course, this is just my personal offer, and specifics need to be negotiated."

Helen felt a sense of relief. With a production cost of just over forty thousand dollars, getting an offer of eight hundred thousand dollars was already rare.

Moreover, based on her experience, she could probably negotiate for a slightly higher price later on.

Eight hundred thousand dollars!

Ryan nodded inwardly. This price could be considered quite high, perhaps due to George Lucas's influence, or maybe it was just a generous offer.

However, he remembered how successful "The Blair Witch" was in his previous life, grossing $140 million in North America and $248 million worldwide.

Selling all rights for eight hundred thousand dollars seemed a bit unsatisfactory to him.

"That's a sincere offer."

Ryan remained calm and said, "I have no doubts about the price. But as for the profit sharing between producers and directors, that's something you'll need to discuss with Helen."

He had already thought about this. He wanted a stair-step profit-sharing scheme, even if the starting point was higher.

Stair-step profit sharing!

"Since you're confident in the film's box office, I can try negotiating with the distribution department of 20th Century Fox," Helen said without any surprise.

She knew very well that Ryan had high expectations for the film's box office, and he was willing to make some concessions on the buyout price in exchange for a certain percentage of the box office.