Chapter 421： He can't make waves!

Miramax is just an independent film company, and it can't invest too much money at all. It hollowed out its wealth, and it took out $75 million.

Peter Jackson is very excited, because he can finally take over commercial production for the first time!

Although the budget of 75 million US dollars, to make two films back to back, it is indeed a pitiful little.

Soon, the script came out - "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The War of the Ring".

But at this time, Miramax had a new evaluation of the project. To complete the two films, at least 140 million US dollars must be invested!

Harvey Weinstein had connections, resources, and abilities, but no money.

He had to find Disney CEO Joe Ross, and after being rejected, found CEO Michael Eisner.

Michael Eisner was very cold.

It is impossible for him to allow Miramax to also invest in commercial blockbusters to compete with Disney headquarters. He insisted that the maximum investment is 75 million US dollars, and there is no more!

Harvey Weinstein collapsed instantly.

Because in the preparatory process of the project, he has spent 10 million US dollars.

At this time, Harvey Weinstein had to take the last route - to sell the project.

Transfer projects are common in Hollywood.

Miramax's "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love" are from the transfer, "Vulgar" and "Good Will Hunting" are also foreign second-hand goods, but these have become treasures.

Harvey Weinstein knew the potential of "The Lord of the Rings", but in the face of financial pressure, in order to prevent the project from being aborted/produced, he could only find new investors.

"At the time, Harvey put forward three very demanding conditions. First, any company that took over had to pay $12 million within 24 hours; second, the Weinstein Brothers would be named executive producers; third , Miramax will take 5% of the global box office, and the copyright owner of "The Lord of the Rings" Sal Zaenz will also have 5% of the box office."

Bob Shea shrugged, his tone was flat, but from his expression, it was not difficult to see his irresistible look.

Investing in such a large project and accepting such harsh conditions requires great courage for decision makers!

"At the time, there were two companies that were interested in the project, besides New Line, and Polygram. The record company released a series of blockbuster films during that time, and it tasted the sweetness of the film. But soon, Polygram broke the capital chain, faced bankruptcy, was acquired by Universal Music, and in the end, only New Line Pictures was left."

Dunn nodded, "So...you agreed to take over the project of The Lord of the Rings?"

Bob Shea laughed: "Peter Jackson was still a nobody at the time, and he didn't have a single box office success on his resume; the fantasy and epic elements required extremely high computer special effects; continuous shooting meant that the budget would be amazingly high. New Line Films has never run a project of this magnitude in the past, but I finally took it."

"Not only that, but you've expanded your budget, right?"

"That's right, the Lord of the Rings series has three books, so why make it into two parts? Of course a trilogy would be better. We expect to spend over $270 million for this unprecedented project."

Tang En smiled, "270 million to make 3 movies, the investment is not too much. You know that James' "Unsinkable" cost me a full 200 million US dollars!"

Bob Shea sternly said: "It's different! "Unsinkable" was filmed in the United States, and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was made in New Zealand. There are better tax cuts and better labor there. Spending. $270 million in New Zealand is equivalent to $400 million in the US!"

Tang En smiled slightly and did not deny it, but he was thinking about another thing in his mind.

"The Lord of the Rings" has not yet been released, but anyone who has seen the finished film knows that Peter Jackson's work will shine!

The poorly-received and shoddy cartoon 30 years ago had a good box office, not to mention this beautifully produced film with excellent special effects?

Undoubtedly, the biggest player behind the scenes is Harvey Weinstein.

Without his initial investment of more than 10 million US dollars, as well as the communication, coordination and operation between various agencies, producers, and film companies, the "Lord of the Rings" project would not have emerged.

"I don't deny Harvey Weinstein's ability, but I hate his character extremely!" Dunn did not hide his thoughts.

Barry Mayer frowned: "Harvey Weinstein is not Brett Ratner. For now, you can't move him! You can't, neither can I!"

Dunn shrugged nonchalantly, he already had a comprehensive plan.

Bob Shea suddenly thought of something, and said: "By the way, when transferring The Lord of the Rings, Harvey Weinstein also put forward an additional condition, if New Line Pictures runs the "Hobbit" project in the future , he will also participate in the share.”

Tang En glanced at him with a half-smile, "That's very simple, as long as Sal Zaenz chooses a new partner, the cooperation between New Line Cinema and Harvey Weinstein will naturally be voided."

Bob Shea's complexion changed, and the look in Dunn's eyes was a little frightened.

This guy, wouldn't he have taken a fancy to "The Hobbit" and wanted to grab this project with the new line? This is against Hollywood rules!

Barry Mayer couldn't help frowning.

If Dunn really comes forward in person, with his golden nameplate, Sal Zaenz may really choose to cooperate with Dunn Pictures at that time.

Tang En said with a smile: "Don't worry, I won't reach out and grab my friend's prey."

The copyright of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" are too complicated, not only Sal Zaenz, but also Harvey Weinstein, as well as the film and television rights of New Line Pictures, the distribution of MGM Copyright, and a 7.5% share of profits from the Tolkien Estate Trust...

Overly complicated copyright disputes will seriously affect the operation of the film surrounding.

In the future, copyright lawsuits with uneven distribution of benefits are also logical.

In contrast, Dunn is more interested in the TV rights of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" series!

At that time, Tolkien sold the film rights, but the TV rights were still in the possession of the Tolkien Heritage Trust, and there were no complicated copyright disputes.

In 2017, Amazon spent a staggering $250 million in order to buy the global TV series rights of "The Lord of the Rings"!

It is only in 2001, Dunn is very interested in the TV rights of "The Hobbit", "The Lord of the Rings" and the derivative adaptation rights of related content, packaged in the bag.

If there is also Silmarillion, even better!

"The Lord of the Rings" has not yet been released, even if the other lion opens his mouth, the price should not be too high.

...

Tang En has been working very hard recently. He has been writing script outlines, mainly American dramas that are relatively well-known in the future, and then register them.

In addition to this job, Dunn also ordered the Copyright Department to acquire the copyright of works in the market. Of course, the most famous one is "A Song of Ice and Fire".

It's just that George Martin refused to sell the copyright. He believed that the existing special effects technology could not make the Westeros continent he imagined.

"Forget it, if he doesn't sell it, he will put it on hold for the time being. When the new line of "The Lord of the Rings" is released, he will know what kind of wonderful scene the current computer special effects can present."

Dunn called the copyright manager Manola Daggis and gave her a new task, "I want to get the TV rights of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings!"

Of course, Manola Daggis has paid attention to such a classic work, and immediately said: "It shouldn't be difficult. The film rights of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" have long been out, and it is very important to Tolkien Jr. It is said that he has lost control, so there is no need to retain the TV copyright. However, the copyright of "Silmarillion" is very complete, and it is in his hands. It will be very difficult to obtain the copyright of this work. "

Tang En said: "The Silmarillion... It doesn't matter if you can get it the best, it doesn't matter if you can't get it. The adaptation of this work is too difficult."

Manola Dages nodded, suddenly thought of something, and said with a smile: "By the way, I watched the final film of "Juno", Miss Portman has a chance to win the award~www.novelhall.com ~ Dunn shook his head, "I know her acting skills are still a little immature, but... with a little operation, it shouldn't be a problem to win an Oscar nomination. "

This year is 9/11, and war will break out soon.

It is a miracle that the Oscars the following year can go smoothly. The choice of awards will definitely be tilted towards political correctness. The actresses and best actors are all black actors. The feminist tendencies of "Juno" are also in line with the trend.

"But..." Manola Dages hesitated, glanced at Dunn, and said hesitantly, "But I have heard some rumors."

"Rumour?"

"There is a senior in the industry who is not satisfied that the Oscar is too young and young, especially represented by you and Miss Portman. You were the best adapted screenwriter award at the last Oscar, and she was the best supporting actress. I heard that next One Oscar, to improve the atmosphere."

"Senior in the industry? It's impossible for the academy to spread such remarks!" But soon, Tang En reacted, and suddenly thought of a person, his eyes flashed sharply, "Could it be Kirk Douglas?"

Manola Dages shook her head and said, "I just heard that you have a wide network of contacts, so you can investigate."

Tang En snorted coldly, "The general trend is the general trend, and he can't dominate the Oscars! In the context of political correctness, "A Beautiful Mind" is destined to be a big hit at this Oscar."

"But what about Miss Portman? Even if "Juno" doesn't make her a queen, she should at least have a nomination? You can't lose a chance for nomination because of external factors."

"Okay, let's talk about it after the release of "Juno", and we will talk about it during the awards season. We are not in a hurry."

Tang En's expression was calm, but his expression was a little indifferent, "I really don't believe that an old guy can make waves!"

(Sanqi Chinese)