David Ayer was also sizing up Cao Kun: "You're the director of 'Saw,' I didn't expect you to be so young."
Cao Kun wasted no time and got straight to the point: "I heard you wrote a racing script. I'm quite interested in that kind of subject matter. Could I take a look at it?"
“Of course.” David Ayer took out several printed copies from his bag.
Cao Kun glanced at it and found that it was written very roughly. Strictly speaking, it could only be considered a complete outline, not a script.
However, this is not surprising.
There are roughly three models in Hollywood.
The first type is a production company that wants to create a project.
So, they arranged for a producer to find a screenwriter to write a script based on the project.
This is also the method most commonly used by Hollywood.
The second type is a screenwriter with a certain reputation. After having an idea, they first write a synopsis, which is what Cao Kun is currently seeing.
Then, we'll talk to film companies to see which ones are interested.
Once you're interested, you can discuss terms.
Once the conditions are right, we can write the complete script.
The third scenario involves a screenwriter painstakingly writing a complete script and then searching everywhere for investors.
Just like James Wenger and Ray Warner before him.
There are many such methods, but they have the lowest success rate.
David Ayer entered the industry last year with "U-571".
Although the movie hasn't been released yet, it has at least built up some connections.
So he started using the second method to sell his idea to film companies.
Cao Kun glanced at the script and found that the story was roughly the same as the original film.
But it's just a general outline, and you can't see much more.
He quickly finished reading and asked, "I heard you talked to Global Times."
David Ayer immediately replied, "Yes, they are very interested."
Cao Kun stared into his eyes: "I'm giving you a chance to tell the truth."
David Ayer felt nervous as Cao Kun stared at him. His mouth started to water rapidly, his palms began to sweat, and his heart began to race uncontrollably.
He found it strange; he had never been this nervous when facing his instructors or veterans who had been on the battlefield.
But he knew that if he lied again, he would lose this rare opportunity.
David Ayer chuckled dryly: "Actually, Universal isn't too interested. They said they'd have to discuss it at a meeting."
But I still haven't received a reply.
Cao Kun nodded: "I'll buy this script. Name your price."
David Ayer was overjoyed and immediately said, "Five hundred thousand dollars."
Cao Kun frowned: "Say it again."
David Ayer felt a lot of pressure and changed his answer to, "Four hundred thousand."
Cao Kun reiterated his previous statement: "Say it again."
David Ayer gritted his teeth: "Three hundred thousand."
Cao Kun's expression remained unchanged: "Say it again."
David Ayer said with a bitter face, "Mr. Cao, this price is not high."
Cao Kun: "If you dare say no to $100,000, I'll leave immediately."
David Ayer fell silent.
He considered for a moment, then slapped his thigh and said, "Okay, $100,000 it is. But I have one condition."
Cao Kun: "Speak."
David Ayer: "My writing isn't very good, and I'm not very good at dramatic scenes either. You need to find a screenwriter who is good at dramatic scenes."
Additionally, we need to find someone to polish the script.
Also, I want the credit for being the first screenwriter.
Cao Kun: "You have three conditions."
David Ayer: "Anyway, these are my terms."
Cao Kun: "Okay, I agree."
David Ayer was somewhat surprised, not expecting Cao Kun to agree so readily.
Cao Kun: "You can call your agent now. You can sign the contract here or go to my company."
“Let’s go to the company,” David Ayer said.
Around 2 PM, Cao Kun, witnessed by lawyer Mia, officially signed the contract with David Ayer.
From then on, the copyright of the "Fast & Furious" project belonged to Cao Kun's "Cao Xiang Film and Television Production Company".
As per the contract, Cao Kun immediately transferred 30% of the first payment to David Ayer, which was $30,000.
David Ayer was delighted to receive the money and immediately went back to begin writing the first draft of the script.
However, before leaving, he asked Cao Kun to quickly find him the person he needed.
Looking at the contract in his hand, Cao Kun almost burst out laughing.
In other words, they took advantage of David Ayer being a newcomer to acquire such a treasure series for just $100,000.
If it were a famous screenwriter—no, not even famous, but David Ayer a few years from now—he would probably have to earn several times more, or even seven figures, to have a chance.
After David Ayer and his agent left, Mia's lawyer also took her leave.
She walked to the conference room door, then turned back and said, "Damn, does the 17th Bureau's matter have anything to do with you?"
Cao Kun grinned, revealing eight pearly white teeth: "What do you think?"
Mia stared at Cao Kun for a few moments but couldn't figure it out.
But she sensed an extremely dangerous feeling from Cao Kun.
However, this sense of danger also gives people an urge to take risks and explore.
Her heart began to race.
She stopped dwelling on the question and simply asked, "Should we continue preparing for the lawsuit?"
Cao Kun: "Of course, I will try my best to get my 50 million back as soon as possible."
"I will."
Mia left Cao Kun's company and stood at the door, muttering to herself, "Nico is in danger."
Through Crowley, Cao Kun quickly found two screenwriters to help David Goyer.
That's how Cao Kun bought the Fast and Furious franchise.
However, it's unclear how long it will take before filming begins.
It will probably take David Ayer at least three months to finish writing the script, and if things go slowly, it could take six months to a year.
Then, finding producers, directors, lead actors, etc., all require a lot of time.
This time, we can't just wash our hands of things like we did when we were filming "Saw".
Unless we find another reliable director like James Wan and delegate everything to him.
"By the way, who directed the first Fast & Furious movie again?"
Cao Kun thought for a moment and realized he really couldn't remember.
He only remembered this series, and the two most famous directors.
Coincidentally, both of them are of Asian descent.
One of them was James Wan, with whom he had previously collaborated.
Moreover, it was James Wan who created the highest box office for this series.
It reached an astonishing $1.5 billion.
Of course, this is also why they profited from the tragedy of one of the main actors' deaths.
The other director is Lin Yibin.
After Fast & Furious 3, the series almost died.
It was Lin Yibin who single-handedly saved this series.
Although Lin Yi-bin also directed "Fast & Furious 3".
However, it is said that at that time, because he was a newcomer and had no control over the project, the film was not what he wanted at all.
Whether this is true or just his fans trying to defend him, Cao Kun doesn't know.
Everything can only be confirmed once it happens.
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