Chapter 75 75. Madness is like gravity, all you have to do is give it a gentle push (please subscribe and give rewards)
People with good looks have already won at the starting line. Being handsome makes it easy for you to do anything. This is good advice.
With his handsomeness that surpassed everyone else present and his approachable temperament, Eric was chatting and laughing with the people from Xinghui easily within two minutes of meeting them.
"Stephen, you are so modest. Your movie is great. I've seen Shaolin Soccer. Although the culture is different, the scenes in the movie always make me laugh."
"In you, I see similar characteristics to Jim Carrey and Charlie Chaplin. You are all masters of humorous comedy."
"So when I heard Judy say you were looking for investment, I thought I had to get it!"
Hearing this, Judy was speechless. If it was really like what you said, would people have waited for almost a day in vain? If it was any big Hollywood director, would you still be able to speak as toughly as you do now?
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, we got down to business.
"Stephen, how much investment do you want for this movie?"
Stephen Chow held up three fingers: "30 million US dollars, I think this is the minimum."
Eric frowned. "30 million dollars? I remember Miramax bought the overseas distribution rights for Hero, which was a Jet Lee movie. The movie had spectacular scenes, but the investment was only 30 million dollars."
"30 million US dollars is nearly 250 million RMB, and 240 million Hong Kong dollars, which is enough to shoot a top-notch production."
“Is your Kung Fu movie as grand as Hero?”
Stephen Chow shook his head slightly: "No, Kung Fu and Hero are completely different styles. Its scenes are not that big, but in my conception, Kung Fu will use a lot of special effects."
"So, is Star Shine planning to look for a special effects company in Hollywood? If it's from Hong Kong or South Korea, I don't think it would cost so much money," Eric asked again.
Stephen Chow is not a talkative person. Although Eric spoke with a smile, it was obvious from his tone and context that he was putting pressure on him. It is not so easy to get money.
Next to him, a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and named Ryan hurriedly spoke up to express his opinion.
Eric had no impression of this person. He should be an administrator at Star Shine Company, not an actor or screenwriter.
"Mr. Eric, I understand your idea. Yes, Kung Fu is not a big movie, and it won't have Jack Chan or Jeter Lee in it, but its selling point is completely different."
"If you only read the script, most people can't understand how many special effects a movie will use, but from a director's perspective, Stephen has already constructed the general outline of Kung Fu in his mind."
"Stephen is a mature and capable director. He is top-notch in Asia, as I think you know, as can be seen from Shaolin Soccer."
"So the $30 million investment he proposed was entirely based on the needs of the film. Mr. Eric, you should understand that many movies cannot be effective without sufficient special effects."
After listening to the other party's long and rambling explanations, Eric laughed and said, "Ryan, are you saying that I don't understand movies? Do you think I can't understand those storyboards, or do you think I don't understand market prices?"
The man with glasses waved his hands repeatedly: "No, that's not what I meant. I just want to make a good movie. We all think so, don't we? Only high-quality movies can earn more box office."
After taking a sip of coffee, Eric leaned back, sitting like a boss, and his breathing slowed down.
"Yes, everyone wants to make a good movie, and everyone wants more investment. After all, only good movies can make money, but investors cannot be treated as idiots."
"Ryan, I'm not only the vice president of the company, but also a director. The movie I'm directing is Transformers. Do you think Kung Fu has more special effects than Transformers?"
"So special effects are not an excuse. I read the entire script very carefully and did a professional evaluation. I also have the outline of the movie in my mind."
"$30 million is too much. $22 million is what MGM is willing to pay."
Upon hearing the price, the faces of the three people from Star Shine Company changed and they directly cut it down to 8 million US dollars, which was lower than their psychological expectations.
After finishing the script of "Kung Fu", Stephen Chow planned to go to Hollywood to solicit investment, because the cost of more than 200 million yuan was unaffordable both in Hong Kong and the mainland.
Even if they can afford it, they will lose interest when they hear that it is directed and starred by Stephen Chow himself, because you don't have the box office appeal.
The investment in Hero was given out of respect for Jet Li. Zhang Yimou is nothing in Hollywood.
The first company Stephen Chow approached was Miramax, which was responsible for the overseas distribution of Shaolin Soccer. He thought that based on the successful previous collaboration, the Weinstein brothers would be generous enough to donate money.
But it turned out that he was overthinking it. Harvey Weinstein cut the price in half and was only willing to invest $15 million.
Then we approached New Line, Lionsgate, Disney, etc., but either they were not interested or the investment amount did not meet our expectations.
I went to Sony Columbia to lobby a few days ago. Columbia was willing to invest, but it insisted on $20 million and would not invest more.
Finally, I came to MGM. I had visited almost all the big Hollywood companies and my experience was similar to that of the Olsen sisters when they were trying to get investment for "The New York Times".
Stephen Chow's face was serious: "Eric, I think..."
Eric interrupted directly: "Stephen, $22 million is already the highest price. I think in Hollywood, it is difficult to find a company more generous than MGM."
"After all, your movie doesn't have Jack Chan and Jeter Lee in it. Without them, it would be hard for Chinese movies to be popular."
"Maybe my words sound a little harsh, but this is the truth. You should know and I hope you understand."
Seeing Eric's attitude, Stephen Chow knew that it was useless to say anything. From a business perspective, liking your movie and being willing to invest in you are two different things.
It's like falling in love. You don't need to spend money to have a secret crush on someone, but if you really want to pursue that person, you'll have to spend real money.
Want to fall in love without money? You think you are a rich man! After thinking for a while, Stephen Chow asked: "Eric, if Star Shine accepts MGM's investment, what are you going to take? How much will I have to pay?"
Eric smiled. Colombia could only offer 20 million U.S. dollars at most, and he had 2 million more than that.
2 million may seem like a drop in the bucket to me, just the money for a movie made by AK Films.
But in Stephen Chow's view, that was not US dollars, but 16 million Hong Kong dollars. The environment everyone was in was completely different.
What's more, he had never cooperated with Columbia before, and both of them were strangers, so of course he would listen to whoever gave more.
"Stephen, I'm an investor. The copyright belongs to MGM first, and then it's distributed. MGM has the distribution rights all over the world, except for those specific places where it will be difficult."
"You mean the Middle East, China, and other markets?"
"Yes, in fact, MGM is planning to open a branch in China. I have a feeling that in a few years, the market there will usher in an explosion."
"That's a good idea. Taking advantage of the opportunity of Kung Fu, you can set up a branch in Hong Kong."
Eric shook his head slightly: "Forget about Xiangjiang, its market is shrinking. I prefer Yanjing."
Stephen Chow did not comment further on this matter, because he knew very well that the Hong Kong market had indeed shrunk seriously, otherwise co-production films would not be popular now.
After chatting for a while, Stephen Chow said that he would carefully consider the investment, rejected MGM's dinner invitation, and left with the people from Star Overseas.
After being screened again for a week, it was time for Saw to be taken off the screen on a large scale.
Now only the more remote small towns are still showing the film. Since the premiere in these places is later than in big cities, it will be delayed for about a week, but it's just a drop in the bucket.
In the last week, "Saw" grossed $6.1 million in North America. This is the result of large-scale screenings. When distributed to every cinema, the profits have bottomed out, and it's time to make way for new films.
The overseas box office closed this week at $20.69 million, and it will be time to take the film off the screen after another week of screening. The global box office is currently $237 million.
During this week, movies such as "Catch Me If You Can" and "Chicago" were also pulled from theaters on a large scale.
"Catch Me If You Can" grossed around $160 million in North America and around $350 million worldwide, living up to Spielberg's reputation.
"Chicago" was in a terrible situation. It was first hit by "Sharknado". As soon as the sharks swam away, chainsaws came to chop off its feet.
Even with the blessing of an Oscar nomination, the North American box office was still lower than expected. Analysts predicted that the film would take in $150 million in North America, but it ultimately only earned more than $85 million.
The film faced the same situation in overseas markets, and ultimately grossed $145 million worldwide.
Compared to its $45 million production cost and the considerable publicity and promotion costs, it is impossible to make big money from this box office result.
Miramax can only consider it bad luck. After the Oscars, the Weinstein brothers will find ways to slowly make back the money from the DVD copyrights.
The investment in "Kung Fu" went very smoothly, beyond my expectations.
Just two days later, Stephen Chow came to visit again and the two parties signed the contract directly, which came into effect legally.
What Eric didn't know was that in the past two days, Stephen Chow made another offer to Sony Columbia, hoping to get an investment of 25 million US dollars.
The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!
But Colombia insisted on $20 million and would not give a penny more, even if he reduced it to $23 million.
Then there is no choice. Hollywood's road has reached its end, and MGM is indeed the best solution.
The content of the contract is very lengthy, but there are only a few key clauses.
One is that the copyright of the film is completely owned by MGM, and MGM is responsible for the promotion and distribution except in mainland China.
Secondly, since Star Overseas has completely given up the copyright, Stephen Chow’s dividend must be increased by 3 percentage points. As he is the screenwriter, director, and leading actor, he can get a total of 12% of the gross box office profit.
As for the fixed salaries of his screenwriters, directors and actors, these are part of the film cost and are included in the $20 million.
The third is the cost issue. MGM will send a producer to supervise the work on site, but after all, it is filmed in China, and MGM cannot control so much.
So if the cost of a movie goes over budget, the overrun will be made up by Star Shine, and Star Shine cannot use this as a reason to make other demands.
The main purpose of doing this is to prevent Stephen Chow from giving himself sky-high pay or colluding with other actors to get sky-high pay.
The last item is the issue of distribution in mainland China. The specific details will be handled by Star Shine. Eric doesn’t know why Stephen Chow insisted on adding this item. It is most likely because of kickbacks or private channels.
It's just an undeveloped market. It doesn't matter to MGM, which makes money in dollars. Just give it to him if he wants.
According to the terms of the contract, the "Kung Fu" crew must start filming before May 10 this year at the latest, and MGM will send someone to participate at that time.
The two glasses clinked together and Eric smiled.
"Stephen, I wish us a smooth cooperation!"
“The cooperation went smoothly!”
Eric took a sip of the red liquid and said, "Oh, by the way, there is one more thing I need to trouble you with. Do you know anyone familiar with the Chinese mainland? I want to set up a branch company as soon as possible."
MGM gave concessions to Star Overseas on the issue of distribution in mainland China, so naturally Stephen Chow had to return the favor.
"I have a good relationship with Han Sanping of Huaying Group. If MGM needs it, I can act as an intermediary to introduce them."
Hearing Han Sanping's name, Eric nodded secretly in his heart. If he remembered correctly, although he has not yet taken the position of Chairman of Huaying, he is also the Vice Chairman.
Moreover, he has a lot of say in the company and is in charge of production. Huaying is also in charge of the introduction of overseas films, so he is someone worth making friends with.
Eric smiled and said, "Okay, I've also heard of Han Sanping. How about this, when you get back, say hello to Mr. Han first."
"Please help me get the feel for him. If he welcomes it, MGM will send someone over as soon as possible."
"I think there is no reason for Mr. Han not to welcome you, Eric, just wait for good news."
After seeing off Xinghui's people, the Olsen sisters came to the door.
Double Star Entertainment is also in Los Angeles, and the two are actually not far away. If the traffic conditions are good, it only takes half an hour to drive there.
Seeing the two sisters, the young receptionist was so surprised that she ran over to ask for their autographs and a photo.
In the words of this little girl, I grew up watching your dramas and you were my childhood idols.
The Olsen sisters were happy to meet their fans, but when they heard the word "childhood", they felt a flash of loss in their hearts.
If they don’t find a solution, their popularity will really be lost, and by then they might not even be able to keep their childhood fans.
"Ashley, Mary, welcome, welcome."
He hugged the two sisters separately. One of them smelled faintly of roses, but Eric couldn't smell the other one.
"It's been over a week since we last met. How have you been?"
Sister Mary Olsen smiled bitterly: "It was a tough time. We hired a professional script doctor in the hope of revising and improving 'The New York Hour', but the results were still not good."
"Eric, maybe it's just like you said. If we want to make this script a success, we have to start over."
"Alas! You are still thinking about The New York Times. Excuse me, it's rubbish. It's really not worth wasting time on this kind of thing."
The Olsen sisters looked a little embarrassed, but still said helplessly: "You are right, we even asked the top screenwriters to re-evaluate it, but it is really a bunch of garbage."
"So what's there to think about? You have to transform, and it's urgent. Blue Is the Warmest Color is undoubtedly the best opportunity."
Sister Ashley said: "Eric, Mary and I have discussed your suggestion for a long time. We discuss it almost every day."
"But we are sisters after all. This is difficult. We don't know what the outcome will be, good or bad?"
"Really? But I don't think so. You have been in the industry for many years. You must know that every movie is a gamble, a gamble of money and reputation. If you can't let go of anything, perhaps child star is the most suitable path for you."
It is really incredible that sisters play lesbians.
But the word "child star" once again stabbed the sisters' hearts like a knife. Since they came here today, they already had a tendency in their hearts, but they lacked the final push.
And Eric was the hand they found for themselves.
As the saying goes: Madness is like gravity, all you have to do is give it a nudge.
(End of this chapter)