Chapter 12
The personnel from the distribution department of 20th Century Fox gathered in a spacious conference room, discussing the film "The Blair Witch."
In the eyes of these professionals, "The Blair Witch" had nothing noteworthy about its plot, filming techniques, materials, or the performances of the main actors. It could be said to have no commercial value.
Yet it was paired with a stunning promotional plan, leaving people uncertain about how to proceed.
Of course, George Lucas's influence couldn't be ignored either.
"Let's hear everyone's thoughts on this film," Colette-Singh glanced at everyone present and said.
"In my opinion, the film itself is extremely ordinary and lacks any commercial value."
"It's the promotional plan that's intriguing," one man with glasses commented, seemingly very impressed with the film's promotional plan.
"That new director, Ryan Goslin, clearly has some ideas. I even suspect that the promotional plan came first, and then the film was specifically shot for it."
"So personally, I think we should give it a try," a man with black hair chimed in.
"I admit that the film indeed has some commercial value."
"But this is ultimately a low-budget film, and we need to face significant risks, so costs must be minimized."
"Absurd conditions like profit-sharing for producers and directors are definitely out of the question."
"And another thing!" a shrewd-looking man paused for a moment before saying, "Perhaps we can have someone else shoot a similar film. It won't cost much anyway, and we can release it ahead of this one."
These kinds of shady dealings were happening almost all the time in Hollywood. Even if the plots were somewhat similar, it didn't matter. The key to a film's success was its promotion, not the film itself.
As for taking the matter to court!
That was a joke. The expensive lawyer fees would deter most people.
"Alright, I don't want to hear any more of these kinds of suggestions," Colette-Singh's gaze turned sharp, with a hint of displeasure, "Remember, this film was recommended by George Lucas. Unless it's approved by the board of directors, no one is allowed to mess with it."
"As for the distribution terms of the film, I will personally consult with the higher-ups."
With that said, Colette-Singh stood up and walked out of the conference room.
For the sake of a film, if it caused dissatisfaction in George Lucas, the company's top management would definitely kick him out to appease George Lucas's anger.
Over the next few days, Ryan stayed at home preparing for a new script, while Helen continued negotiating with 20th Century Fox.
For Ryan, "The Blair Witch" was just a beginning. He had new plans ahead.
But for Helen, "The Blair Witch" was a turning point. Once the film was released and achieved good box office results, it would mean having a somewhat famous director under her wing and three somewhat famous actors. Stellar Agency would then have a foothold in Hollywood and access to a whole new level.
"Miss Helen, you should be very clear about our sincerity. With a price of nine hundred thousand dollars, buying out all the rights to this film is already a high price," Colette-Singh looked at Helen before continuing, "However, I have to admit that your insistence on profit sharing is not giving in."
Hearing this, Helen remained unchanged, appearing very indifferent.
"It's impossible," Colette-Singh immediately refused without any hesitation.
Helen's attitude left Colette-Singh feeling helpless. He could only show a helpless expression and say, "Miss Helen, you should be aware that according to Hollywood's distribution rules, the profit sharing for the film's producers and directors is already included in the buyout fee."
"Besides the profit sharing stipulated by the Producer's Guild and the Director's Guild, we won't agree to any additional profit sharing conditions."
"Of course, apart from profit sharing, if you have other conditions within a reasonable range, you can also propose them."
According to the agreements signed between the Producer's Guild, the Director's Guild, and the major Hollywood studios, all members of the guilds are entitled to a certain percentage of the box office and home video revenues. However, the percentage is not very high.
Actually, agreeing to the profit sharing stipulated by the guilds was already a significant concession. For another person, they probably wouldn't even get the guild's profit sharing.
"Sorry, Ryan is neither a member of the Producer's Guild nor the Director's Guild."
Helen furrowed her brows slightly and said, "Perhaps we can sign a stair-step profit-sharing agreement. If the North American box office of 'The Blair Witch' reaches a certain number, we can automatically gain a certain percentage of the box office profit."
Hearing this, Colette-Singh shook his head helplessly, saying, "Miss Helen, then I can only say sorry again. The higher-ups at 20th Century Fox will never agree to such conditions."
Helen remained calm and showed no signs of urgency.
On the contrary, Colette-Singh felt a bit uneasy. He had to make the other party give up their fantasies about profit sharing from box office revenue.
"I'll say it again, no Hollywood distribution company will agree to it."
"No matter how outstanding the promotional plan for the film is, it doesn't change the fact that it's just a work by a new director and has pitifully low investment."
"I estimate that the investment in this film shouldn't exceed a hundred thousand dollars, but 20th Century Fox will have to spend a large sum on promotion, plus the cost of printing copies, which will amount to millions of dollars, not to mention the money to buy out the film's rights."
"So we have to refuse profit sharing from box office revenue, unless you can bear all the distribution expenses, including the cost of printing copies. Then I can try to apply to the board of directors for a profit-sharing agreement."
"Even though both you and I know that the board of directors won't agree."
Even with George Lucas's influence, 20th Century Fox wouldn't agree to a profit-sharing agreement.
Helen naturally wouldn't agree to bear all the distribution expenses, including the cost of printing copies.
The distribution expenses were so shady that many films, after their release, ended up with negative earnings, with the production side not getting a penny.
Helen calmly said, "Since 20th Century Fox doesn't agree to the stair-step profit-sharing, then I can only say sorry."
With that, Helen stood up, "I have to meet with the head of Paramount's distribution department later."
If the top management of
20th Century Fox always wanted George Lucas to reboot the "Star Wars" series, then Paramount had always wanted to negotiate with George Lucas about when to reboot the "Indiana Jones" series.
It could be said that George Lucas's relationship with Paramount was not inferior to that with 20th Century Fox.
Paramount!
Colette-Singh's face changed instantly. He was naturally very clear about the few Hollywood giants that could rival 20th Century Fox. If Paramount got involved, things would undoubtedly become troublesome.
Even though he was well aware that Helen bringing up Paramount was just a negotiation strategy, he had to try to persuade her to stay.
"Helen, please wait."
Colette-Singh hurriedly stopped Helen, took a deep breath, and said, "Regarding the stair-step profit-sharing, I need to report to the company's higher-ups."
"Please give me a day."
Seeing this, Helen smiled gracefully, saying, "I believe the higher-ups at 20th Century Fox will make the most correct decision."
"I hope so." Colette-Singh felt somewhat powerless.
If it weren't for this beautiful woman in front of him having an unusual relationship with George Lucas, he would have been firm and refused, and wouldn't have kept conceding.
Even when facing Paramount, as a member of 20th Century Fox, he wouldn't back down.
However, he couldn't help but feel a headache when he thought about George Lucas's relationship with Paramount.
If Paramount got involved, it wouldn't be a good thing for him.