Chapter 350: Stars Holding the Moon
Obviously it was a test, but in a self-deprecating way, you can see Edgar’s brilliance at this time, which once again made Steven’s eyes light up:
Why has William Morris never heard of this agent before?
Tom doesn't like this kind of confrontation, it's full of calculations and hypocrisy.
Of course, Tom knows that this is part of the industry, and he himself cannot avoid it; but he still tries to be as straightforward and sincere as possible.
For example, Tom is now undoubtedly a member of the 20 million dollar club. At least so far, he has not had any of his works that actually require a salary of 20 million US dollars, but the fame and status are still there.
In front of you is an example.
Obviously the two sides have reached a consensus, but they are still pulling back and forth.
Tom has a mischievous mentality, "Your source is correct, the matter has been decided, Anson will play Frank Abagnale Jr., the male lead, of course, provided that you both reach an agreement on the remuneration issue. Agreed, then you can sit down with him and discuss the salary.”
Steven looked helpless, even though he didn’t like this kind of game, but with this showdown, things suddenly became boring. But he wasn't angry. He glanced at Tom speechlessly, and then looked at Edgar.
"Yes, that's true."
Seriously, Steven stopped being secretive and told the whole story, and formally extended an invitation to cooperate.
“I am preparing to shoot a project tentatively named ‘Cat and Mouse Game’, based on the autobiography of Frank Abagnale Jr. I have two missions in Paris this time, one of which is to see Anson."
"I think Anson is very suitable for this role. I hope to cooperate with him and look forward to seeing him show his magic as an actor on the set, just like today's catwalk, bringing us surprises. "
"Of course, the premise is that you will not ask for a salary of 20 million US dollars, because the crew's salary has been taken up by the gentleman next to him. Now the budget is limited, and we don't want the project to be in financial difficulties. .”
A joke, and Tom was hit by an arrow.
Tom, "Hey! Don't you know that actors' pay is an industry secret?"
Edgar is very happy, very, very happy. This is undoubtedly an important turning point, but He controlled himself, and although he was now eager to clench his fists and cheer, his reason still reined in the reins and calmed down.
Joy is only temporary.
At the first moment, Edgar keenly noticed the tacit cooperation between the two big guys in front of him——
The latter part of the joke was obviously to make Edgar dare not speak loudly when asking for the paycheck.
Is this... trying to suppress Anson's salary?
Some people may think, how is it possible!
“Cat and Mouse Game” is a collaboration between two industry giants, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. How could it lack investment costs? How could it be possible to keep a newcomer's salary down?
Absurd, ridiculous, unreasonable.
In fact, this is not the case.
"Cat and Mouse Game" is invested and produced by DreamWorks, and Steven is one of the three partners of DreamWorks. He is not only a director, but also a producer, and he is also the boss of the studio. Cost control is a must.
Since its establishment in 1994, DreamWorks has grown rapidly in just seven years and has now become one of the seven major Hollywood film companies. Over the years, one hugely successful box office movie has been produced one after another. It even makes Paramount and Universal Pictures look extremely embarrassed.
However, behind the superficial beauty, we are facing severe operational challenges.
There are two main reasons.
First, DreamWorks does not have its own distribution channels. They have not signed agreements with theaters. All distribution must cooperate with other companies, which also means that their profits must be divided among the distribution companies.
Second, cost control, because DreamWorks was idealistic when it was founded. They hoped that directors could freely develop works according to their own ideas, so DreamWorks dared to break the framework and routines. In this context, DreamWorks produced classic works such as "Shrek", "Gladiator", and "American Beauty"; but it also wastes costs without restraint and has to face "The Prince of Egypt" and "Unlocked". ", "Doomsday Alert" and other works that did not meet expectations caused losses.
Unlike the six major Hollywood film companies, DreamWorks has no backer and unstable capital chain. They will suffer serious losses from others who suffer a drop in the bucket.
Now, they are facing severe capital chain problems.
Naturally, Steven also had to control costs.
So, how should Edgar respond?
It is true that this cooperation opportunity is rare. Even if the salary is reduced, we should seize the opportunity. After all, these are Steven and Tom. They have a long-term view and there is no need to worry about immediate interests; but one code is the same, What should be fought for must still be fought for, and at least a gesture needs to be made.
Even if they voluntarily lower their pay to appear in the film, Steven and Tom must be aware of this; they cannot join the crew in obscurity -
Charity is charity, and favor is favor, but they cannot be ignored. Leave a name.
In front of them, Steven and Tom were joking, and Edgar also joked, "Haha, I can confirm that we are not at Leonardo's level yet."
In one sentence, it's already enough.
Steven and Tom exchanged glances and both laughed brightly.
Let’s just stop talking. There will naturally be other arrangements for the following salary meeting. We will then take a look at each other’s sincerity and psychological position.
After turning a corner, the view suddenly became clearer, and Edgar led two people into the backstage.
The crowds are surging.
Even though he was not close, Steven could see Anson's location at a glance.
Slender height has no advantage among a group of models, but among a group of handsome faces, Anson can still be found easily.
Because Anson is the center at this time——
The stars are over the moon.
Big names in the fashion field all gathered around Anson, and the crowds of people rushing backstage were all here for Anson.
No exceptions, including Karl Lagerfeld.
A smooth white hair is casually tied into a ponytail. Even indoors, he wears a pair of sunglasses and the iconic Chanel black suit jacket. His whole body naturally exudes a strong aura, surrounded by spontaneity. The ground cleared out a small space.
Others could not see what was behind the sunglasses, but they could tell from the angle of his head and the direction of the conversation that Carl was communicating cordially with Anson.
So much so that Anna and Eddie had to step aside a little.
There was a surging crowd behind him, but no one dared to rush Karl.
Who would have thought that on such an occasion, it would be a layman who would become the center of attention like the sun?
Some people think that Eddie should be disappointed, after all, this should be his moment to shine in the audience; but looking over, he found Eddie's face full of contentment, standing quietly beside him, quietly listening. Listening, he actually showed a somewhat comfortable expression, which was also surprising.
Edgar was about to lead Steven and Tom forward, but was stopped by Steven, "No, forget it, we two laymen won't step forward to break the formation. Let's do it another day, We will meet again another day, this is not our home court after all.”
(End of this chapter)