Chapter 585 Fair Deal
“Ten million dollars.”
As soon as he opened his mouth, he cut it in half.
New Line Cinema is billed as an independent film company. Even for projects like "Lord of the Rings", it always insists on controlling costs; but now it seems that this is just talk. It was acquired by Time Warner. The nature of the company It is inevitable that changes will occur, and with the perspective of a large company, the attitude will be different.
Even though Mikey and Eric were mentally prepared, they still took a breath and pressed the pause button in their brains, not even knowing how to react.
Anson also knew that there was a huge amount of information, so he continued without pausing, "Of course, we have two options."
One is Warner Bros. and the other is New Line Cinema.
Only at this time did Anson tell Jeff Robinov's suggestion and give it to McGee and Eric for reference.
“Different choices, different situations.”
There was some silence in the carriage, and both Mikey and Eric were caught in the tug of war between heaven and man——
I originally thought that things were finally turning around, but now it seems that one problem has been solved, there is another, and there may be more to come.
This also proves once again that the work of producers and actors are fundamentally two different things.
This is the true face of Hollywood.
Everything is closely related to interests. Behind each threshold is another threshold. They, the chess pieces living at the bottom of the pyramid, have no right to speak at all. The result is that they face one vampire after another, exploiting their rights and interests layer by layer. Benefit.
This is also one of the important reasons why Eric and McGee continue to hit the wall and become trapped animals——
It is still unrealistic to rely solely on talent to open up the situation.
However, the situation is slightly different now:
Anson.
At least, among them, Anson is considered to be the one who initially has the right to speak. What just happened at the chain burger restaurant also deepened this impression.
Eric was more honest and turned to look at Anson, "What do you think?"
"I choose New Line." Anson had no reservations. As a producer, he should participate in the film's production decisions from a professional standpoint.
McGee frowned, showing some concern, "But, with such a budget..."
McGee raised his head and glanced at the rearview mirror: Even Anson's salary is estimated to be quite high. .
Anson understands clearly, "If I choose New Line, then I will give up the salary. Instead, I will take 10% of the box office dividends and become a shareholder in this way."
Although there is no hard and fast rule, the project The difference between the project and the project is ultimately reflected in the specific negotiations, but generally speaking, the upper limit of box office dividends for directors, producers, and actors is 20%. If you want to break through this number, you need Steven Spielberg Grid and Tom Cruise are at this level.
In other words, assuming they can reach a cooperation agreement with New Line Cinema and take away 20% of the dividends, then Anson will directly take half of it.
But what if it doesn’t work?
In Hollywood, there are still only a few directors, actors and screenwriters who can participate in box office dividends. Most of them are paid a sum of money. Almost all of them, like Mikey and Eric, are like this. .
Therefore, the dividend figure does not reach 20%, which is a high probability event.
Then, Anson’s dividend is still 10%, at the cost of McGee and Eric giving up part of their interests.
See, Anson's role as a producer on "The Butterfly Effect" wasn't a charity, either.
Although McGee and Eric are the writers and directors and the original creators of the entire project; without Anson, this project may not be able to be put into production and will never be able to meet the audience, even if they find a film company willing to invest in the production , the box office dividends are probably also reflected in the mirror.
Things are so simple. Therefore, Anson took the bulk of the dividends openly and without any guilt; in fact, Anson only took 10% and did not aggressively fight for 15% or even 18%. This is considered a conscience.
Of course, dividends account for the bulk, but it also means that Anson needs to take huge risks——
There is no remuneration required and the performance is completely free.
Once the movie fails, Anson will suffer equally heavy losses. Although it will not affect Anson's career, Anson may face problems the next time he tries to become a producer, or tries to change his acting career and challenge a different role. More challenges.
After all, the entertainment industry has always been harsh on vases.
Now, Anson is truly in the same boat as McGee and Eric, sharing the same boat through thick and thin.
The more this is the case, the more frankness is needed. This is the basis for good cooperation, so there is no roundaboutness or politeness. Anson openly and honestly lays out his conditions.
Suddenly, the carriage became quiet, with only the whistling of the wind.
Anson did not speak, did not try to persuade or interfere with their judgment -
Cooperation, forceful melons are not sweet, if you are willing, of course it is the best; if you are not willing, there is no chance It's necessary to hurt feelings, it's just a matter of business.
Then.
Eric carefully turned sideways and said, "Anson, then... how much box office dividend can we get?"
Mikey stared at Eric speechlessly, "Is this important?"
Eric stiffened his neck, "Why isn't it important? I won't be able to pay the rent. Now New Line Cinema If the production fee is cut again, our screenwriter's income and director's income may have to be converted into production fee deductions, and then we will get box office dividends. This means that we have to continue to wait for more than half a year. I need to know whether it is worth it."
To be honest, none of them are saints. They would rather sacrifice themselves for art. Everyone has their own struggles. Things are far from that simple.
McGee sighed, "Eric, I know your difficulties, and so do I, but the point now is that we have the right to decide the script, and control the editing and shooting, otherwise Once the movie is shot, it will fail like 'Alien 3'. No matter how much box office dividends are given to you, it will be useless, because the movie may not even be able to pay the distribution fees and theater dividends."
"We need it. Confirming the film’s success ”
"If the box office can reach 100 million US dollars, even a 1% box office dividend will still be considerable."
However, Eric shook his head, "We can no longer support the release of the movie and may be evicted by the landlord. I'm out of the house, so, are you going to sleep on the set?"
"If I know the dividend ratio, at least I can ask for money from my family, or even go to the bank for a loan. This is all convincing. Otherwise we won’t be able to hold on until that time.”
Each has his own opinion, and both of them have a point.
Seeing that McGee wanted to continue arguing, Anson interrupted them first.
"We still need to continue negotiations with New Line Cinema for box office dividends, but I think there is no problem with the 20% dividend for the creative team. They have kept the production costs down, and we share the shares with our talents. Both parties bear the risk together. They have no reason to refuse."< br>
“As for creative rights.”
“McGee, this is the premise for us to choose New Line Cinema. They do not interfere in film creation. The executive producer is only responsible for controlling the budget and promoting film production. , the creative part will be left to the two of you."
"If they don't agree, we can choose Warner Brothers."
Although Warner Brothers may interfere in the creation, Anson will also do it. If you don’t think you are a soft persimmon, then let’s see who can have the last laugh in the direct confrontation between the crew.
Obviously, like McGee and Eric, Anson also has his own calculations.
(End of this chapter)