Chapter 39

Leaving the screening room, Ryan and his companions returned to Starry Sky Talent Agency.

"A film's release is the most crucial aspect apart from its production," Ryan remarked.

Whether in my previous life or this one, film distribution remains a challenge.

"However, that's just how Hollywood works," Helen remarked casually, "Whether it's limited screenings, wide releases, direct-to-video distribution, or selling various rights and marketing, it all depends on distribution companies."

Sophia Coppola shrugged and said, "That's because distribution companies hold the upper hand in Hollywood. Sometimes they can even extract forty percent of the revenue from the producers."

Of course, she exaggerated a bit. Hollywood distribution companies always look down on people. Unless it's a foreign film or a film from the same conglomerate, it's unlikely to get a forty percent cut.

The former is to maximize profits, while the latter is to minimize the financiers' profits. Many films have been huge hits, but the financiers have made little profit or even faced losses.

Hollywood's financial calculations are always murky, especially concerning investments from overseas.

"Let's think about how to deal with those vampires this afternoon. Hopefully, we'll get a good outcome," Ryan said, though he didn't hold much hope.

He wasn't worried about whether "Saw" would be released; he was only concerned about the distribution and whether any company would accept a revenue-sharing deal and not impose overly strict terms.

That's what worried him the most.

After a simple lunch, the three drove away from Starry Sky Talent Agency.

This time, they didn't use Lucasfilm's screening room but went directly to the headquarters of 20th Century Fox.

As soon as they entered, Ryan spotted Collette Singh, who came over before he could greet him.

"Mr. Ryan, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon," he said warmly.

"From what Helen told me, this is a horror film?" Collette asked, his enthusiasm apparent.

Even though the revenue-sharing agreement for the previous film had caused some discontent within 20th Century Fox, Collette showed no signs of it.

However, when he mentioned Helen, his tone visibly shifted.

"Hello, Mr. Singh, indeed, it's a horror film," Ryan replied calmly.

"An excellent genre."

"I hope you can surprise me again," Collette didn't beat around the bush.

Naturally, Ryan wouldn't refuse. They went upstairs together to a not-so-large screening room. Sophia held a copy and operated the projector herself. Soon, light appeared on the screen.

In a moment, everyone in the room, including Collette, focused on the screen.

Although Ryan was currently low-key, everyone knew the miraculous success he had achieved with his previous film. Dismissing someone who had grossed over a hundred million dollars in North America and over two hundred million worldwide, and who held positions as an investor, producer, director, writer, and publicist?

That would be ludicrous in Hollywood.

As the film's plot unfolded, an atmosphere of fear filled the screening room.

As scenes of blood, dismemberment, and traps unfolded, Collette's heartbeat quickened, finding it spine-chilling.

Many couldn't help but subconsciously glance at Ryan, trying to fathom what kind of genius could create such a horror film.

It was hard to believe that the director's previous work had just grossed over a hundred million dollars in North America.

The more frightening it was, the more it proved to be an excellent horror film. If even the audience didn't feel scared, then as a horror film, it would undoubtedly fail.

Collette nodded to himself. A refreshing horror film like this could potentially change the landscape of American horror films.

This film was indeed terrifying and vastly different from traditional horror films.

The interconnected plot, unexpected traps, the darkest sides of human nature, and the elusive real culprit, much like a suspense film, often unexpected yet not forced.

Many scenes in the film could be watched repeatedly for enjoyment.

Don't underestimate this; attracting audiences for repeat viewings is equally beneficial for direct-to-video distribution.