Chapter 114 - Black Deer Pictures

May 30, 2012 – Wednesday 1 pm – Black Deer Pictures

Two days passed since the award night and Tayaw and his crew is back in Teungeb. Tayaw decided to drop by to Clambu City to speak to one of the largest film distributors in Teungeb, Black Deer Pictures. Through Jouny's friend, Tayaw was able to set up an appointment with the office of the CEO of the Company.

"Hello. What can I do for you?" The receptionist asked seeing the sharply dressed Tayaw. "I have an appointment on 16th floor." Tayaw replied. "Wait a moment please… Okay. Please proceed through that elevator over there. Someone will buzz you in." "Thank you."

Tayaw then walked, took his time, and looked around to take everything in what a film headquarters look like. He stopped at some floors to see what are in it, but sighed as all he saw are conference rooms and offices. Seeing nothing important, he proceeded to the CEO's office.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Dagem. I'm Yarag Darbut. You don't know how much I've wanted to meet you." Yarag greeted Tayaw with all smiles. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Darbut. I didn't realize I was going to actually talk to one of the biggest names in film in Teungeb." Tayaw also said in courtesy. While Tayaw is not the type to kiss ass, his compliment for Yarag came from facts.

"Hah. It's because of the great film makers that I'm in my position right now. Anyway, this here is my assistant, Kyer, and the vice president for film productions, Jundiel Tuban." Yarag introduced. "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am, sir." Tayaw nodded to Jundiel and Kyer. Jundiel also returned the gesture but Tayaw saw a split second twitch in her eyes.

"So. Mr. Dagem, may I ask where you're from?" Yarag asked. "Well? I'm a Nabla native…" The two started the customary small talk about mundane things. "A young Teungebian like yourself to be a country star and an award-winning director, I have to say, is truly remarkable. When I was your age, I was still in college writing a thesis I never actually got to use." Yarag said.

"I'd say it's both luck and skills. I'm lucky that the music I play and the movie I made is appreciated by people." Tayaw could only say. "Luck. I have to agree. There are plenty of talented people out there. It just so happens that a small minority gets the opportunity and makes it." Yarag nodded.

"Many people say they're self-made but its luck that helped them. I admit I'm a good example. Had I not met a boss that was willing to listen to my ideas, had I not had a very talented team to supervise, my skills would have been useless.

"However. You, Mr. Dagem don't seem to belong to that category. You see, my team know films very well. What you made? Luck has little to do with it." Yarag concluded. "Well. I could only thank you for that assessment." Tayaw said, unsure whether Yarag is just buttering him up or is really sincere.

"Now, I wonder why you wanted to meet me Mr. Dagem. You're not thinking of making another movie again so soon, are you?" Yarag asked, finally getting to the reason of Tayaw's appearance. "Actually, no. I'm here to look for a distributor." Tayaw revealed. Tayaw heard a clatter and looked at the direction where it came from to see Jundie picking up her pen.

"Huh. It's obvious that we're surprised. I thought you'd have found a distributor by now. After all, your movie is in great demand." Yarag said in concealed excitement. "It is in demand. In fact, I already got a lot of offers from international distributors. It's just… 'September Ninth' is a Teungebian film so I need a distributor here in the motherland." Tayaw started.

"Well. Thank you for coming to us. If you choose us, I assure you that we'll put 110% of our effort in promoting your film." Yarag hyped up Black Deer Pictures. "Because of the reputation of your film, I don't think we have to market that much, so I'm only asking for 28%." Yarag directly went for the kill.

A film distributor's job is to promote and advertise the film, and to look for movie theaters to screen the film. Usually, how a ticket sale is distributed is that the movie theater takes 45% and the distributor takes the 55%. Anywhere in the world, a film distributor would then keep 30-35% of the 55% from the ticket sale as their share for distributing the film. Therefore, Yarag's offer of 28% is generous.

Tayaw, however is not satisfied with the offer. Since the award ceremony, 'September Ninth's made front page of almost every newspaper in Teungeb; the film is basically promoting itself. With this, Black Deer Pictures does not actually have to do much advertising.

"How about this? If I bear the costs of the promotion and advertising, how much would you offer?" Tayaw said. Even though Yarag tried to hide his disappointment at the question, Tayaw saw through it. "Well. That. I encourage you to leave the promotion to us. Promotion is not very simple. Mr. Dagem. The thing here is that your film is not mainstream; it's an indie film not made for profit, but an artistic expression. The thing with art is that it boils down to subjectivity. Others may like it, others may not even want to see it." Yarag explained. Tayaw internally shook his head.

While 'September Ninth' is indeed an art-house film, the awards it got has elevated its marketability. It can compete with many mainstream films. It is also a love story so it appeals to the current preferences of movie goers.

"Okay. I don't think it's that difficult. So if you offer me something just for the distribution fees, I'd appreciate it." Tayaw said. "I can offer you the usual 17.5%." Yarag said. Tayaw nodded, expecting the price. "But, we'd prefer it if you let us handle the advertising. How about this? Instead of 28%, I'll ask for only 25%." Yarag insisted. Tayaw almost chuckled. Yarag is not a CEO for no reason. It's not his job to negotiate, but he's doing well.

Tayaw however, is confident that his film would do great. Making a deal of 17.5% for only the distribution is the right choice for him. If he takes the 25%, he is basically just giving away an extra 7.5%. The expenses Tayaw would bear for the promotion is going to be a fraction of the extra 7.5% he would pay Yarag.

"Look. I'm a relatively known musician in Teungeb. I'm also friends with famous musicians. I don't know if you've heard of that famous author from Ouigab? That guy's my friend too. One post from my friends on their social media; that would attract viewers immediately. If they also advertise the awards the film won, it assures the quality of the film to their fan bases even more. Finally, instead of me paying talk shows for the exposure, the TV people are already looking for my film's actors for interviews." Tayaw started countering.

"Therefore, the best choice for me is to have a deal for JUST the distribution. So, I'll think about your offer. Maybe ask around more." Tayaw concluded, half-bluffing and half-serious about looking for other film distributors for a better deal. He actually wants to finish signing with a distributor today.

Tayaw's words made Yarag and his companions silent for a few moments. Tayaw, not wanting to be rude, waited. "Alright. You don't have to go anywhere. How about this? As a sign of good faith, instead of 17.5%, I'll take 17%." Yarag finally relented. "Thank you, Mr. Darbut." Tayaw smiled. Jundiel, who was silent throughout the meeting, grunted in disapproval. Yarag just gave her a look.

"No. Thank you. By the way, have you chosen other distributors yet for international release?" Yarag asked. "Well. I'm still debating which one to choose." Tayaw said, to probe for Yarag's actual intention with his question. "I actually recommend Werner Company. They're an independent studio and distributor. Nearly almost every film they made or distributed made profits." Yarag said. Tayaw, glad with Yarag's good intentions, finally decided to drop another bomb.

"Hmm. I heard they're indeed the champions for art-house films. BUT, I'm still hesitant. That's actually one of the reasons why I came here. Your combat sports films are selling well internationally, right? I noticed that you also handled the international distribution for those films. You already have the resources, why not distribute my film internationally as well?" Tayaw proposed.

Yarag and his companions were shocked this time. Yarag then gave a smug look at Jundiel. Jundiel also quickly realized how big this deal turned out. Her disapproval for the .5% decrease in the fees earlier was overturned and replaced with excitement that almost made her hyperventilate.

Black Deer distributing movies internationally is not a big deal for them. What makes Tayaw's proposal is more than just a blessing for them because of the reputation of his film.

"Sure! Only an idiot would refuse your film." Yarag said. "Hmm. This time, however, I want you to take care of the promotion and advertising." Tayaw said. "Alright. Because international distribution is different, this is going to be in a separate contract." Yarag said. "That's understandable. So, what do you offer?" Tayaw asked. "We're back at 28%. That's a little lower than the usual." Yarag proposed.

"I can handle the marketing in the USA. I've also finished the English dubbing and English subtitling. So I'd appreciate it if you lower it a bit more." Tayaw said straightforwardly. "That… Jundiel? What do you think?" Yarag asked his vice president. "How are you going to promote it there, Mr. Dagem?" Jundiel asked.

"I can talk to an influential person. In addition to that, the biggest country band there owes me a lot, so they'll do the promoting for me." Tayaw explained. This made Jundiel exchange looks with Yarag.

"Well. In that case. We'll take 25%." Yarag said. With that, the negotiation was done. Tayaw would hire lawyers and representatives for the actual signing of the contract after the two parties are finally prepared.