Chapter 351 This guy must be a nouveau riche!
"Mr. Bradt, is there really nothing we can do?"
Teemo sighed and asked again.
Bradt shook his head, with a hint of helplessness:
"Universal's box office performance last year was poor, and the only films that were successful were "The Incredible Hulk," "The Hulk," and "The Big Brother."
The top management was very dissatisfied with our performance in the past two years. The head of the film department was replaced and the "Wanted" project was shelved.
A $60 million project that the new production executive couldn't risk re-approving. ”
If Teemo doesn’t give up, try to suggest:
"Mr. Bradt, in fact, the script has nothing to do with the original comic "Wanted" now, so it is not necessary to discuss investment with Universal."
"Timo, you don't understand this."
Bradt shook his head again:
“Among the eight major film studios, Universal is the most fond of filming involving super-power themes.
Such as the adventure-action "Twilight" series, the fantasy "Jurassic World" series, the horror-thriller "The Invisible Man" and so on.
Our "Wanted" film falls into the superpower category, so it is eligible for approval.
If it were any other company, they probably wouldn't even be able to get the script submitted for review. ”
"But we have invested enough in this project -"
"Timo, I also want to shoot it as soon as possible, but there is no point in hurrying."
Bradt interrupted him and said:
"I started planning this project two years ago and have gone through countless twists and turns. How can there be so many smooth things in Hollywood!"
After speaking, he gently patted Teemo on the shoulder and stood up.
Teemo sighed and stopped talking.
This comic adaptation is similar to his previously successful "Female Gladiator", which he has always been very optimistic about.
But even a penny can stump the hero. If the eight major Hollywood film studios don’t have any ideas, there is basically no solution at present.
At this time, the handsome Asian young man who had been standing next to him smiled and said:
"Hello, did you mention "Wanted" just now?
I'm also very interested in this comic. If you don't mind, can we talk about it? ”
"It doesn't matter. Mr. Bradt has been preparing for this project for a long time, and many people in the circle have heard about it."
Perhaps wanting to find someone to talk to, Timo Bekmambetov told Du Sheng about another setback in the "Wanted" project.
Michael Bradt had the idea to adapt the "Wanted" comics into a movie for a long time.
After some back and forth, Universal Pictures agreed to invest, but required the cost to be controlled at US$40 million.
Because it just wanted to make a low-budget thriller.
Although many producers and directors later expressed interest, and the script was revised many times to explore various shooting styles, the project was never officially launched.
It wasn't until Timo Bekmambetov attracted an investor and proposed to use Yusen Wu's violent aesthetic style to shoot, and submitted a 13-page outline to Universal, that he finally got the approval of production supervisor Joyce , the project was approved.
However, the good times did not last long.
The production executive, Joyce, was fired for embezzlement and the project collapsed.
Du Sheng is naturally very familiar with the movie "Wanted".
It was a hugely profitable work.
It grossed US$51.12 million in its opening week, and its global box office total reached US$340 million.
The hero and heroine became popular.
It also created a stunning 'bullet time' visual spectacle that will still be talked about for generations to come.
In addition, this movie ranks second in the "Non-Champion Box Office" in film history, and is firmly in the top three in the "Killer Movie" category, showing great popularity.
The production cost, even if Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie are invited as in the previous life, is only US$70 million.
But Du Sheng still had some doubts in his heart while listening to Timo's story.
It stands to reason that this movie should have entered the filming stage several years later.
I didn’t expect to start preparations now.
And it took three years to prepare.
However, considering that in recent years, Universal Pictures has been deeply affected by the financial crisis and has had to tighten its belt to live, it is understandable that the new production director does not dare to easily start the "Wanted" project.
Du Sheng probably figured out the whole story.
To be honest, the prospect of "Wanted" made him excited.
If done well, this is undoubtedly a gold mine.
It can also increase his global popularity in one fell swoop!
But there are still some details that need to be clarified.
"Mr. Bradt, since this project is adapted from a comic book, have you obtained the copyright of the original work?"
Bradt and Teemo, who sat down again, looked at each other and said:
"Of course I got it, but after two years of repeated polishing, the script is completely different from its original appearance,
Only retaining the concepts of the Loom of Destiny and the League of Assassins, it is not an exaggeration to say that it is a completely new creation. ”
Du Sheng nodded.
There are many popular movies like the gun battle theme, not only in Hollywood, but also around the world.
As for the original comics, because they are a niche and their popularity is limited to readers who like action, crime, anti-heroes and other themes, the copyright price is not high.
"I understand, then who owns the copyright of the latest script now?"
Bradt became more and more confused about Du Sheng's question, but since it was an open secret in the circle, he did not hide it:
"Of course the right to adapt this script is in our hands."
This was a joint revision of the previous version, so the copyright belongs to both of them.
Du Sheng was slightly happy after hearing this.
As long as the copyright is not in the hands of the eight major Hollywood studios, there will be room for maneuver.
"To be honest, I have read the comic "Wanted" several times and have always wanted to adapt it." Du Sheng said with a smile:
"I wonder if I can take a look at your script. If it's suitable, I'd be willing to give you a price that satisfies you."
What he said was a bit of a boast.
However, I have indeed seen the movie "Wanted" and have a rough impression of it.
But because of that idea, it is necessary to read the script, otherwise it would be too abrupt to just say buy it.
When Timo Sommers heard this, he immediately shook his head:
"NO, NO, NO, we don't plan to sell the script!
As you said, the comic "Wanted" also deeply attracted me, and I have always wanted to put it on the screen.
In particular, I wanted to show the super gun battle scene, but was delayed by various problems and couldn't do it! ”
Du Sheng didn't expect that the other party would refuse after opening his mouth. It seemed that he really took it seriously.
Thinking about it, Bradt, who has been preparing for the project for two years, will not let it go easily.
This is a problem.
Du Sheng's original plan was to acquire the copyright of the script first. In this way, no matter what the subsequent operations were, he would have the initiative.
But now it seems that neither Teemo nor Bradt is a fuel-efficient lamp.
But human nature is there, and the reason why you are not tempted is probably because the temptation is not enough.
Du Sheng didn't take it seriously and smiled:
"You two may not know, but in addition to being an actor and a boxer, I am also the person in charge of a media company."
"Oh?"
Teemo was a little confused and didn't understand the other party's intention.
"What I mean is that I may be able to bring you some financial support, but only if your project satisfies me."
"What? Are you planning to invest?"
"Do you know what the budget is? A full 60 million US dollars!"
Teemo and Bradt turned their heads in surprise.
Theoretically speaking, Du Sheng can indeed mobilize this amount of funds to the maximum extent, but it costs nothing to brag.
Of course, even if you really want to enter the process of extracting the script, you must have it reviewed by a professional lawyer to confirm whether it is legally authorized and whether there are risks such as plagiarism.
He doesn't want to make wedding clothes for others.
"Man, are you sure you can come up with $60 million?"
Du Sheng smiled and nodded.
However, after hearing this, the two of them were not very happy. Instead, they looked at Du Sheng with suspicion.
Anyone who has been around Hollywood knows that it is a breeding ground for liars.
Many bosses and investors have experienced being cheated.
Du Sheng shook his head in his heart. It seemed that his reputation was not famous enough.
If they were at the level of Leonardo, Stallone, and Bruce Willis, I'm afraid these two people would come to ask for cooperation.
Li Eucalyptus was chatting with the executives of Focus Pictures. Yang Ziqiong came to him and whispered:
"Brother Eucalyptus, Asheng seems to be in some trouble over there..."
Li Yu raised his eyebrows. Is there anyone else causing trouble on such an occasion?
How disrespectful is this to yourself?
He said sorry and stood up, then followed Yang Ziqiong back, ready to learn about the situation.
Should he say it or not, this can be regarded as an indirect demonstration of his ability and majesty, which is quite satisfying.
But as soon as he arrived in front of Du Sheng, before he had time to ask, Teemo took the lead and asked:
"AngLee, does this Du really own a media company in the East?"
Li Yu was startled for a moment, then nodded a little confused.
He is from Bay City and has always paid attention to the situation on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
He knew more about Du Sheng than most people present.
"Then can he get $60 million to invest?"
Li Yu was shaken all over and stared at Du Sheng who was calm and composed in surprise.
"A Sheng, you don't really plan to invest 60 million US dollars in their film, do you?"
Yang Ziqiong couldn't help blurting out in Chinese.
Du Sheng smiled lightly and explained:
"I'm just somewhat interested in the projects he mentioned."
The two parties were not very familiar with each other, so he would not say that he was just digging a hole.
"But with such a large investment of 60 million US dollars, it is not a child's play if something goes wrong!"
Yang Ziqiong was still a little surprised.
In all her years of filming, she has never seen a Chinese person so willing to spend so much money.
Moreover, these few people have just come into contact with it. What is it about the movie that is so attractive?
Li Yu next to him also hesitated to speak.
It's a bit ironic to say that as a first-line director in Hollywood, he has never made a production worth more than 60 million US dollars.
And the man in front of me can casually spend $60 million to invest in a movie?
This guy is a nouveau riche!
In comparison, his previous superior mentality fell apart in an instant.
My old face is even a little hot.
This show off is so impressive.
To be honest, he was even a little impulsive.
I really want to shout at Du Sheng, if you have the money, just invest in my next film!
Why should you vote for that foreigner?
But considering his status and the fact that there were so many people watching, he couldn't speak for a while.
………
(End of chapter)