This was too chaotic, and Cao Kun wasn't entirely sure either, so he had to put it aside for the time being.
He skimmed through the script, turning it from beginning to end in a flash.
Seeing how quickly Cao Kun read it, the light on James Wen and Ray Warner's faces dimmed again.
Cao Kun's attitude doesn't seem like he's really interested in investing.
At this moment, they saw Cao Kun close the script and say, "The script is good, but the name Jigsaw needs to be changed."
James and Wen were both puzzled: "Why?"
Because the real Jigsaw was named John Kramer, writing it out directly has a certain probability of revealing the horror that has come to life.
Of course, this matter cannot be discussed.
Cao Kun said firmly, "If you want me to invest in making this movie, you have to make changes."
“Of course, you’re the boss, you call the shots.” James Wan showed no intention of insisting.
It's just a name; it's not like the character's personality has been changed, so it has absolutely no impact on the plot.
James Wan: "What name do you want him to have?"
Cao Kun: "That's your business, just don't call him John Kramer."
"Then why change it? Did this name offend you?"
James Wen thought to himself.
Cao Kun: "How much money do you think it would take to make this movie?"
The two were taken aback when Cao Kun brought up money so quickly.
After James Wan realized what was happening, he immediately said, "1.5 million, I can bid for it for just 1.5 million dollars."
Cao Kun shook his head: "No, that's too much."
James Wan thought for a moment: "Then $1.2 million."
Cao Kun continued to shake his head: "There are still too many."
James Wan gritted his teeth: "One million, no less."
“1 million is fine, but that includes your fee as director and your fee as the lead actor.”
Cao Kun's gaze swept over the two of them: "You can decide for yourselves how to allocate the spoils."
I have no objection to each of you taking 400,000.
"Just give me a film that's exactly like this script, and I guarantee its quality."
"Oh, we also need to include the director's fee?" James Wyn said with a bitter face. This would further squeeze the budget.
He immediately did some mental calculations.
The male lead was played by Ray Warner, and all the other roles were played by unknown actors, so they saved money on salaries wherever possible.
The rest can be used for set design, filming, and post-production, which should be just enough.
James Win said, "Yes, Mr. Cao, we can film it."
Cao Kun picked up his water glass and said with a smile, "Cheers to our upcoming collaboration."
After setting down his cup, James Wan eagerly asked, "Mr. Cao, when will the first round of funding arrive? When will filming begin?"
Cao Kun: "This will have to wait a while. I need to register a film company first."
"ah……"
The two were dumbfounded again.
Is this person really reliable?
Could he be a scammer?
However, it seems that the two of them have nothing else to deceive besides this script.
Moreover, at this point, they seem to have no other choice.
But even if the movie is made, will it actually be released?
The next day, Cao Kun made a phone call to Nicole Kidman.
When the phone rang, Nico was a little excited: "Damn, you've finally come to your senses? You want to play a role?"
Cao Kun didn't mince words: "Niko, do you have a reliable lawyer? Can you recommend one to me?"
You need to know how to register a company and be familiar with various Hollywood laws.
When Niko heard that Cao Kun wasn't going to film her movie, she was immediately disappointed.
I wanted to refuse, but I just couldn't bring myself to say it.
Inwardly cursing himself for being so spineless, Nicole Kidman said, "Tom and I have been using the same lawyer for the past few years."
However, I can introduce you to my former lawyer; she can meet your needs.
"Thanks, Nico, let's meet another day."
Just as Cao Kun was about to hang up, Nico asked, "When is 'another day'?"
Cao Kun was speechless for a moment: "Wait until you finish making that movie."
Nico immediately said, "It's a promise, you can't go back on your word."
After hanging up the phone, Cao Kun sighed inwardly, "Nico and Tom's marriage is probably beyond repair."
More than half an hour later, at Mia's law firm.
Cao Kun saw a female lawyer dressed in a professional suit and looking very elegant.
This woman looks to be around thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, and her appearance is actually quite good.
However, despite using high-end skincare products and wearing exquisite makeup, she still couldn't hide the fact that her skin was starting to sag.
This is a common problem among the vast majority of Western women.
Once they turn 30, they age several times faster than East Asian women.
After listening to Cao Kun's request, Mia calmly said, "This is just a small matter. You just need to sign a personal agreement with the other party first."
Once your company is registered and a formal contract is signed, you won't have to worry about your copyright being stolen by others.
As for registering a company, that's very simple. I can help you with it; it should be done in three days at most.
“Okay,” Cao Kun said. “Then come with me to sign a personal contract first.”
“No problem,” Mia said. “I have a pre-made template here. I’ll modify it a bit and print it out.”
More than an hour later, it was the same restaurant as yesterday.
In the presence of lawyer Mia, James Wan and Ray Warner each signed personal agreements with Cao Kun.
Because the copyright of "Saw" belongs to the two of them.
In addition to the copyright transfer agreement, there are also directing agreements and lead actor agreements.
"It's a pleasure to work with you."
Cao Kun shook hands with James Wen and Ray Warner respectively.
If only Cao Kun came, the two of them would be a little uneasy.
However, after seeing the extremely professional lawyer Mia, the two felt that this matter might not be so unreliable after all.
In short, the two of them are currently experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions.
It goes up and down, with huge fluctuations.
There's still no end in sight.
As they left the restaurant, Cao Kun shook hands with lawyer Mia again: "Thank you."
"You're welcome. You'll get your business license in three days. Oh, and don't forget to settle your bills."
Attorney Mia maintained a strictly businesslike demeanor, showing no leniency whatsoever just because she was referred by Nicole Kidman.
Cao Kun: "If I wanted to hire you as my company's legal counsel, how much would it cost?"
Mia, the lawyer, smiled and said, "I'm very cheap; $30,000 a month is enough."
If there is litigation requiring court appearances, additional charges will apply.
"That's really expensive."
Cao Kun sighed inwardly.
No wonder being a lawyer is one of the most desirable professions for people in the US.
$30,000 may not seem like a lot, but don't forget, this is just for his one company.
Mia can serve as legal counsel for multiple companies.
The minimum monthly income is six figures.
This was in 1998.
Of course, only lawyers like Mia, who have been in the industry for many years and have already made a name for themselves, can earn this kind of income.
Those who are new to the industry are also like cattle and horses.
Cao Kun: "Sure, once the company is registered, we can sign an employment contract."
Mia smiled and said, "It seems that Nico has introduced me to a high-quality client this time."
Three days later, a business license was handed to Cao Kun.
The company's name is "California Cao Xiang Film Production Co., Ltd."
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