Chapter 515 An Adventure
Darren is also a professional, either an amateur or an amateur.
He knew clearly that choosing Anson would be an adventure for Anson and "Elephant".
For Anson, the young and handsome image he has worked so hard to build so far is moving firmly in the direction of becoming the new American dream lover; at such a juncture, starring in a work full of controversial topics, It is very likely that Anson will be involved in a storm of public opinion.
For "Elephant", the project itself carries heavy pressure. Once Anson is cast, it will undoubtedly attract the attention of the entire North America. It may even blur the focus because of Anson's existence, causing the film to The subject of self-discussion becomes blurred.
From all aspects, this is a cooperation full of variables.
And.
“One more thing, the production budget of this film is limited.”
“Although HBO did not tell me the specific number, from what I heard, the budget should be three million US dollars. Considering that this movie requires a professional team to be responsible for the gun special effects, the cost should not be low, which also means that every cent of the crew must be spent wisely."
"I'm afraid the salary figure may not be as high as possible. Too high.”
At the moment when Darren and Anson started talking, "Spider-Man" was still in theaters and the box office was rising steadily, but the final box office figures were not yet known. Despite this, Anson's base salary for starring in "Spider-Man" was two million U.S. dollars. That's the price an "Elephant" crew couldn't possibly pay.
In fact, Anson's salary for starring in "Spider-Man" was two million U.S. dollars plus a 3% box office dividend -
Only limited to the portion of the North American box office exceeding $100 million.
At the time of the signing, Sony Columbia thought it was a cost-effective deal, saving money, investing in production, and passing on risks. Although the box office dividend was a bold move, considering that there had been no superhero movie for ten years The North American box office of the movie can exceed the threshold of 100 million US dollars. Instead, they believed that Anson's move was to advance and retreat with the film crew, and they expressed their appreciation and approval.
However! but! Never expected it!
Actually!
Six hundred million in North America. 600 million in North America? 600 million in North America!
At this time, Sony Columbia completely dislocated their jaw. Amid surprise and madness, they realized what that salary contract meant.
Eventually.
Anson relied on "Spider-Man" to earn a box office dividend of 15 million US dollars, and the total salary reached an incredible 17 million US dollars.
amazing! Horrible!
Soaring into the sky, one step at a time.
Although he did not enter the 20 million club, he is now almost the same, pushing Anson to the top of the pyramid and occupying a place.
Of course, for now, Anson doesn’t know that “Spider-Man” will eventually exceed 600 million in the North American box office, which is indeed a feat; but it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t know, it doesn’t matter. Prevent Anson from making rational and objective judgments.
First of all, it is actually an accident that the total salary of "Spider-Man" can reach such a high level. Although Anson can still seize the opportunity to increase his net worth, for Anson who has only appeared in two movies, it is now It would be difficult to find projects that offered a salary of $15 million.
In this regard, Edgar also keeps a clear head. He believes that the salary they are offering now should be ten million US dollars, which is the most appropriate:
If it is lower, box office dividends can be considered; If it's higher, the producers probably won't be able to make up their minds.
Secondly, commercial films and independent art films are two different systems. Naturally, the remuneration cannot be confused and should be listed and considered separately.
Actually, in Anson's view, these things are not important, at least not that important -
Controversy itself represents a kind of discussion and thinking.
Some movies are purely a kind of entertainment, without thinking and it doesn't matter; but some movies are a kind of thinking and reflection from the beginning of their production. It can cause controversy, attention and discussion, which is the original intention of the movie.
At least it is much better than those chicken soups for the soul that talk about a lot of things but do not explore any problems and cannot solve the problems. Violence will not disappear because you refuse to discuss or remain silent; on the contrary, after violence occurs, you can only face the problem and dig deeper. It is not about treating the headache and treating the problem, but truly going deep into the essence and analyzing the causes from the family and society. , only by making people aware of the seriousness of the problem can the tragedy be avoided from happening again.
"Elephant" is such a movie.
Those potential disputes should not only be feared, but also welcomed with open arms.
As for the salary, it is even less important.
Participating in such a film project, experiencing, showing, speaking out and discussing as an actor is also part of art.
"Haha, I know, but for starring in such a project, the pay is not the focus, and it shouldn't be the focus, right?" Anson said.
"Uncle Darren, how about this, you tell Director Gus that I am willing to participate in the project and the salary will be decided by him. I don't think the number is that important."
Dividends?
Also not necessary.
A movie like "Elephant" cannot win more attention during the awards season, nor can it attract attention in movie theaters. The box office numbers are probably not worth mentioning. Although Anson can't remember the box office of this movie, it should be Without breaking through 10 million US dollars, even the blessing of the Palme d'Or cannot change the situation.
In regular theater screenings, only a few art theater audiences are willing to buy tickets to enter.
So, how does a movie like this make money?
After all, in addition to artistic value and social significance, HBO's investment in film projects is not charity.
Such projects often need to go to different film festivals for special screenings, and senior film lovers are willing to buy tickets to enter. At the same time, they rely on the rental and sale of video tapes, DVDs, etc. to achieve profits.
So, as Anson said, the pay is really not that important.
“But the one who really needs to be carefully considered is Director Gus, right?”
“Generally speaking, the biggest reason why independent films want to find famous actors is to attract the attention of producers. And find investment funds; but Director Gus does not need to worry about this, HBO has stepped forward."
"So, he hopes to find non-professional actors as much as possible to maintain the unpolished simplicity of the film,' Spider-Man's current success should be a burden to him."
"Are you sure Director Gus will be interested in this proposal?"
"Otherwise, with his reputation in the field of independent films, there will definitely be countless actors willing to star in the film, talented young actors. There are quite a few.”
“After all, this is Hollywood.”
Sane and transparent.
Every step of the "Spider-Man" in front of him is creating a new history. It is rare that Anson can still stay awake, which really impresses Darren.
Involuntarily, Darren smiled.
"Haha, I definitely need to ask the director for his opinion. Before talking to the director, I need to confirm your wishes and ideas."
"But, Anson, you are sure ”
“If the director nods, are you really willing to star in this movie?”
(End of this chapter)