Chapter 137： Imagine (for subscription)

According to the director’s remuneration agreement, when the film’s North American box office reaches 100 million U.S. dollars, Duke will receive a basic reward of 500,000 U.S. dollars. Starting from a five percent share of 150 million U.S. dollars, the North American box office increases by 50 million U.S. dollars. His box office points achievement increased by 5%, and the maximum share limit was 20%.

Today, the North American box office of "Independence Day" has reached 309.93 million U.S. dollars, and Duke can fully enjoy the 20% ceiling of the North American box office.

"I promise, Duke."

Townsend Rothman vowed to say, "Your share is not less than a cent."

It takes time for the division to get it. Duke knows this and just wants to remind Twentieth Century Fox, as a North American publisher, not to delay too long.

Now, his value is undoubtedly manifested, as well as professional team supervision. He is no longer an unknown director. Duke believes that 20th Century Fox will not make unwise decisions.

After all, whether it is Warner Bros. or Twentieth Century Fox, both parties have a basis for cooperation. Under the same conditions, Duke will definitely choose them as partners first. The senior executives of these two companies must also understand this.

Townsend Rothman didn't wait much, obviously +︽, knowing that he didn't have any power to impress Duke, he soon left, and made an appointment with Nancy Josephson for lunch tomorrow.

"Let's find a place to rest for a while."

A gesture to Sophia and Nancy, Duke first walked to the rest area on the far left of the banquet hall, found a table casually, and asked the waiter to bring three glasses of juice, sitting down just wanted to say a few words "Independence Day "Overseas box office topics, someone came over again.

However, this time it is not a representative of a major Hollywood company. But the old acquaintances Cruz and his wife.

"Long time no see, Duke."

Before getting closer, Tom Cruise greeted him with a big smile, and Duke stood up out of courtesy, "Yes. It's been a long time, Tom and Mary, just sit down."

When they sat down, Sophia called in the waiters, consulted them, and ordered two cups of soda.

"Duke, I think there may be some misunderstanding between us." Tom Cruise rarely took the initiative to speak.

"Nothing, Tom." Duke shook his head. It seemed that he didn't care at all, and said casually, "It's just a trivial thing."

In a place where neither Duke nor Tom Cruise could notice, Sophia Coppola rolled her eyes, as if mocking some people's unpleasant words with her eyes.

"When I came here just now..." Tom Cruise quickly turned the topic to the movie. "I heard that many companies are interested in investing in your new movie?"

"It's just an intention." Duke smiled faintly, "You know, Tom. The audit system of Hollywood companies is very cumbersome."

"Can you know the type of subject?"

Hearing Tom Cruise's question, Duke understood thoroughly. "A story based on the experience of the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division during the Normandy landing, it can be regarded as a war theme."

"So it's going to be released next year." Tom Cruise immediately thought that next year would be the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II.

"The premise is to find film companies to invest." Duke did not answer positively.

"Will your movie lack investment?" Tom Cruise thought for a while, and suddenly proposed, "I have a sum of money on hand, why..."

"Thank you, Tom." Duke shook his head slowly. Randomly pulled a shield, "I have an agreement with Warner Bros. They have priority investment rights. If they give up, I think we will have a chance to cooperate."

Eyes swept across Tom Cruise's face. Duke sighed in his heart. The huge success of "Independence Day" brought a chain reaction that was terrifying. Even people like Tom Cruise could temporarily throw away the contradictions of the past and come directly to cover up and even propose investment. Suggestions.

Of course, Duke would not accept the investment. After all, if he wanted to be the leading actor, he wanted to invite another one more than the Tom in front of him.

Again, if Tom Cruise is willing to cut his salary and don’t mind playing a small role with few roles, Duke will definitely welcome with his hands. The problem is that Tom Cruise will give Tom Hanks in the film. Be a subordinate? Or is it to set off the latter kind?

As for the real actor, Captain Miller, Duke will never choose Cruise. His acting skills are really...

After chatting for a few more words, Cruise took the initiative to leave. Seeing the two people away, Duke didn’t say anything in particular. There are too many contending events in Hollywood. As long as the other party does not violate his interests in the future, he will also Without so much time and energy, entangled with an actor.

Throwing Tom Cruise behind his head, Duke’s thoughts shifted to the new movie. Perhaps it was preconceived notions, or perhaps Hanks’ acting skills were too impressive, and Tom Hanks was him. First choice in mind.

Yes, his new movie is "Saving Private Ryan"!

Although this film also has many explosion scenes, it has higher requirements for narrative ability. After three consecutive films, especially after the super sales of "Independence Day", "Saving Private Ryan" is Duke can find The most suitable choice.

If the lower part of the film is still pure sensory stimulation, even if you choose some explosive or visual effects films that have been relatively successful, Duke feels that the possibility of hitting the street far exceeds the possibility of success.

The film is definitely not a product that can be successfully copied simply. There are too many factors that affect it. "Independence Day" made Duke reach a peak in explosion and sensory stimulation, but after the peak it went downhill, a director’s style Long-term fixation will inevitably bring about aesthetic fatigue. Once Michael Bay and Roland Emmerich are clear examples.

After the "Independence Day" has a huge sale, some films may succeed when put on other directors, and may fail when put on him.

As long as the style is similar to the previous three films, the audience will come up with "Independence Day" for comparison as soon as possible. Today's special effects will not have a qualitative leap in a short period of time. Preconceived comparisons can easily bring many prejudices. Prejudice will affect the reputation of the audience, and even lead to unsatisfactory box office and even failure.

Although there are many explosion scenes in "Saving Private Ryan", it is fundamentally different from the pure sensory stimulation film.

Transformation is simple to say, but in fact it is not easy to do. Duke is not worried about the control of the war scenes, but a little worried about his own literary drama. Fortunately, he has shot three movies in three years, plus the previous accumulation and the shooting. Experience and experience can always bring a lot of help to the future production of this movie.

There is also Tom Hanks. Although "Forrest Gump" has not exceeded US$300 million at the North American box office for the time being, it is inevitable that the film will sell well. This is not the kind of "Once Upon a Time in Philadelphia" movie that is not popular, Hank The pay of Sri Lanka is bound to rise sharply, and it is not excessive to ask for a basic pay plus share price.

However, these are issues that the producers should consider. Duke does not intend to invest in the film. With the "Independence Day" super sales, he plans to let Nancy Josephson fight for the top in Hollywood on this project. The director’s share agreement.

Maybe there will be a conflict with Tom Hanks?

Suddenly, Duke thought of this. Now it is not after the new century. The film party will give up at most 25% of the total film revenue. If he and Tom Hanks bid high prices at the same time, one of them must compromise. .

After thinking about it for a while, Duke put it aside for the time being. If there is a conflict, he cannot give up his own interests. If Tom Hanks does not give in, he will not hesitate and will definitely give up Hank. S.

The probability of this kind of thing happening is extremely high. Tom Hanks is indeed a well-known good person in the circle, but when it comes to interests, he will not shrink back, and it is not only related to himself, but also the public relations surrounding him. , Assistants, brokers and many other team members, these people will be silent?

Everyone will be affected by the surrounding environment.

The film has not been approved yet, and these are still far away. Duke has turned his energies back to the party. The new film project requires Nancy Josephson to discuss with various companies, depending on whose conditions are more suitable.

After socializing with Mario Casa who came to say hello, Sophia asked Duke curiously, "Are you planning to take a vacation?"

"Yeah." Duke nodded. "The work will be handed over to Nancy for the time being. I plan to go to Europe. Are you interested? We can go together."

"It's better to find your temporary lover." Sophia refused without thinking.

"I would rather go alone."

Although he wanted to go to Europe, Duke’s plan was destined to fail. On the afternoon of the day after the party, Nancy Josephson informed him that an agreement was basically reached on the film adaptation rights of the British epic. Need to participate in the final round of negotiations on behalf of the Duke’s studio and sign the subsequent transfer agreement. Europe will definitely not be possible.

As long as the transfer price is basically agreed, other negotiations will go smoother. After agreeing to pay three times a total of US$8 million for the transfer of film rights to the film copyright owner, Saul Saz, and the representative of the London copyright agency After Tolkien’s descendants had a share of 7.5 percent of the film’s net profit, the three parties formally signed a copyright agreement and a memorandum.

Duke also got the film adaptation rights for his favorite work.

In September, when Nancy Josephson was negotiating with many Hollywood companies, she had not neglected the project she was responsible for packaging. The "Friends" co-produced by icm and Warner Bros. landed on nbc television this month, with only two episodes. After that, it caused quite a response...

At the same time, the North American screening of "Independence Day" came to the end, and the North American box office growth rate has completely turned into a snail crawl. (To be continued...)