Hollywood Domination Chapter 179: We’llsee

Actually, Jenny would choose this time to speak to Robert, in fact, she said, "I can't be as good as I want, but I want to be worthy of my heart", although "Old Friends Are Rich" and "Lovely Love God" have not yet started to make money , and Dameng wants to invest almost all the funds in several films. She only has the commercial miracle of "The Fifth Sally" to support Disney's confidence in her, but now the Avatar project has progressed to a Subtle stage - according to Jenny's judgment, it is possible that James and Universal are about to say goodbye. If you refer to the history of the parallel world, then Fox should take over. In other words, if Disney wants to participate, this It is probably the last chance. Once missed, after James finds Fox, there will be nothing for Disney...

"Universal is already very disturbed by the re-inflated costs." Jenny has actually crossed the line of business ethics now-she should not disclose the progress of Universal's projects to Disney people. "Even if the male and female lead actors don't get a commission-compared with the connotation of this film, it is actually unrealistic to not get a commission at all-but even if we are all willing to not take a commission and just get cash compensation, it is difficult for Universal Invite me for a price below 20, of course, the price of Leo or Chris will not be much lower than mine - if not higher than mine."

Hollywood has a lot of default rules, one of which is that when the stars are almost the same and there is no obvious difference in the role, the salary of the male lead is often higher than that of the female lead, but the reverse is rarely the case . So, don't think that both Leo and Chris are interested in this role now, the film studio can take this opportunity to bargain, CAA will never let such a thing happen. In fact, according to the rules, Chris also has a big-selling movie, and now he has a movie king, and he is already the first person of this generation. If he didn't have a relationship with James, Leo would not have much competitiveness in front of him. of.

"The cost of 40 million is not a lot for a project with a basic budget of 500 million." Robert's expression was also a little dignified. It's going to cost 100 to 200 million—it's a big project close to a billion, Jennifer."

Jenny heard his faint rejection, she sighed secretly, still speaking earnestly. "Yes, and because of this, Universal wants to reduce the risk as much as possible—according to the current script, I have no chance to show my face at all, and only a small part of the male lead is played by real people. Universal hopes that James can modify the plot. , allowing us to show our faces more time and reduce cg time, which can effectively reduce costs and ensure box office. After all, if the current performance format is followed, they think that a large part of the audience will probably express dissatisfaction. Of course , you can imagine how displeased Bob would be about this. - If we want to get involved, this is probably the best chance, Bob, IMHO, the last time James and Disney worked together was not pleasant, But now he is somewhat helpless, if Disney is willing to accept a budget of 500 million, James is likely to return to Disney's arms."

After many training sessions with Cesare, now she is no longer afraid of such negotiations where her side is at a disadvantage. Of course, this is also because Jenny is not fighting with her back. What's on this plate——After years of hard work, now I finally have my own foundation, I really have a little more confidence in my words.

"Jennifer." Robert smiled with a hint of embarrassment, "Of course, if Disney wants to intervene, now is probably the best time - I am also grateful for your trust in me, but the problem is ..."

His embarrassed smile undoubtedly explained his attitude, and Jenny was not surprised, she pondered for a while, "Let's put it this way, Bob, I know that a film project from its inception to its introduction to the market is actually like A gamble. Every idea looks like a money maker in the scheme of things, but none of us know how it will end up. You must have seen a lot of reports on the possibility of profitability of imax, 3d, James and Disney cooperation The box office of the documentary released can also explain a lot, I think it is difficult for me to use statistics to convince you that "Avatar" can make money, Bob—"

Under Robert's tacit smile, Jenny lowered her tone, "But if I say that the last time I was so earnest in convincing another person to participate in the project, Cesare was sitting opposite me, And the projects we’re talking about are The Notebook and The Devil Wears Prada? Bob, does my word suddenly sound a little more convincing?”

Speaking of these two dark horse projects that have made a lot of money, Robert's expression also changed a little, he was a little dubious, "Jennifer, are you saying that you are looking for this project, not Chesa?" The result that Lei chose for you?"

"At that time, Cesare wanted me to choose "50 First Dates,"" Jenny said frankly, "You can ask him yourself——for these two projects, Cesare is not very optimistic, but I am From the very first glance at the script, a voice told me: 'This is my chance, this is going to be a blockbuster project' - to be honest, Cesare was going crazy when I insisted on being in it Well, I was nervous myself, but, what should I say? Women are intuitive creatures, and I especially, I chose to listen to my screaming instincts—and you see the results.”

If it is said that Cesare's skepticism was the reaction any normal person would have when she was selling the theory of intuition, today, Jenny's "intuition theory" is no longer so pale and weak. First of all, she does have two extremely successful cases as support. Secondly, now that Jenny has come to this point, she claims that her intuition is accurate, and everyone must accept it. This is a bit of a superstitious reason for authority. Because Hollywood is indeed a superstitious circle, as is any circle with high risks and heavy gambling-she can get to this point without intuition and luck. Stronger than everyone, so you can do what they can't do?

For the first time, a thoughtful expression appeared on Robert's kind face. He stared at Jenny exploratoryly, as if trying to figure out whether she was telling the truth or not. He probed, "Bob, if I didn't really believe in the prospect of "Avatar", why would I participate in it, why would I bring money into the game? Why would I come to convince you to grab this project? Of course, in the final analysis, this It's your decision—"

Her words seemed to finally help Robert make up his mind. He started to walk again, and said in a gentle tone, "Yeah, according to your inventory, the Disney department has actually occupied a place in this project, Jennifer, this After all, it is a big project of 500 million yuan, and to achieve breakeven at the box office, the box office must be as much as 1.5 billion—we are talking about 1.5 billion, which is 500 million more than the global 1 billion. It can be said that Universal If "Avatar" is not made into a series, it will be difficult to pay back on the first part alone. But if it is to be made into a series, this is a budget of 1 billion or 1.5 billion. This level of expenditure, even for Disney It is also a big decision, and the company has just acquired Pixar, and our focus will be on Pixar's 3D animation. 3D is a trend, and I agree with you, but it is cheaper to start testing the waters from animation, and It is more secure, this is a decision passed by the board of directors, and the management has also unanimously approved it. In the next few years, it will be difficult for Disney to squeeze out the budget to shoot "Avatar."

This is a very clear rejection. However, Robert still gave a very convincing reason. His decision is of course very reasonable from the current perspective. Jenny nodded, and Robert's answer It's not surprising either. In the pre-analysis, Cesare had already pointed out Robert's possible thinking, "So, you don't object to Dameng investing the activity funds in "Avatar"?"

Robert rejected her once just now, and now of course he has to take Jenny's face into consideration. He said with a smile, "Of course I don't object. Disney doesn't get involved in the actual operation. It's written in the contract—what, isn't it? Cesare opposes your proposal, do you need to fight for Disney's vote?"

With Robert's words, the conversation just now is not in vain. After all, although there is a requirement for voting rights, Disney has invested hundreds of millions of dollars, so it must still pay attention to the trend of the big dream. If Robert strongly opposed Dameng's investment in "Avatar" and Dameng's "willing to go his own way", the relationship between the two parties might be alienated, which is what Jenny and Cesare don't want to see. Jenny smiled, "Cesare certainly hesitated about this project, but after "prada", he has surrendered to my intuition, but he still values ​​your opinion, so yes, If you object, maybe my idea really won't pass."

Although she made it clear that she was flattering, Robert still laughed happily, "Oh, pretty girl, you can go back and tell him that old Bob trusts Jennifer's eyes very much, and she has my permission. "

He held Jenny's shoulder and patted her. Jenny instinctively shivered, and looked at Robert with a smile and explored. She was relieved when she found Robert's expression was calm, and she laughed at herself: This is indeed a 'man's world. ', the top of any industry is almost always occupied by men, and it is always inconvenient for a woman to walk at the top of power, even though she should already be one of the best women in Hollywood, but in daily official business , It is inevitable to feel the constraints of this social rule on women.

"Let's talk about "Alice"." She changed the subject, "I see the script in the second half of the year, if everything goes well, start shooting after "Avatar", Bob, what do you think? How to put it, "Avatar" will bring about a revolution in 3D and imax shooting technology. If the shooting starts earlier than it, our exploration experience will become its nourishment, and if it is produced later, then the valuable experience of "Avatar" will be able to Helped make Alice even faster."

It is also hoped that the shooting schedule of "Alice" will be put after "Avatar". Now that Jenny is looking at it from another angle, Robert finds it easy to accept, and he readily said, "Sounds very attractive, Jennifer, Keep your eyes open on the set of "Avatar". If possible, I want you to be the producer of "Alice". There are not many directors who have used full 3D and imax cameras to shoot. If we finally find someone like this An experienced producer will be of great help to him.”

Of course, such a blank check can't make Jenny really excited, but it's good for Robert to have this idea. After all, Jenny doesn't have much interest in "Alice", and there is no suitable role for her in this film. To be honest, there is no role that makes her want to play or has a strong response. For the box office, "Avatar" is enough. If she can, she would rather just make a cameo, and then act as a producer and investor. Add some performance for the big dream. ——Now she is more and more able to understand the mood of those big-name actors who lowered their salaries to appear in literary films. If they act in too many commercial films, they will indeed feel tired of being overqualified and eager for difficult challenges, even if it means not So successful at the box office.

She smiled and said, "So you have made up your mind to make 3D movies instead of post-production? Bob?"

"Disney really can't afford a big project like Avatar, but 3D is definitely the direction of film development. It is also necessary to test the water and practice with a project worth 200 million dollars." Robert said in his tone Inadvertently brought the arrogance of the CEOs of the six major film companies, "You can regard it as our 'Slip Run' - of course, the premise is that "Avatar" can achieve the success you intuitively imagined."

In a tongue-in-cheek tone, he asked, "Does your gut tell you how much Avatar is going to make? Jennifer? We're talking about a $500-$600 million investment, and that's just It's just the cost of filming."

Judging from his tone, Robert should have already confirmed the idea of ​​letting "Alice" pick up the leftovers from "Avatar". Even if "Avatar" is no worse than "Avatar", "Alice" is still the winner, and Robert's pressure on the board of directors will not be too great. If "Avatar" has a good reputation but loses money because of its high cost, "Alice" " is very likely to make a small profit, which is a very good project. Of course, if "Avatar" becomes the winner, even if the probability is very small, it is also great news for "Alice", because If "Avatar" is to succeed, it must become a phenomenon-level miracle-the threshold is 1.5 billion, which means that the bottom line of "Avatar" is to become the number one box office in history-and in that case, "Alice" Taking advantage of this updraft to hype the concepts of 3D and imax can also make a lot of money.

It’s still the same sentence. Robert is indeed the man who brought Disney to glory. The thinking is almost completely the same: Robert will not agree to invest in Avatar, but he will not object to the proposal of Dameng investing and following the trend of "Alice". ——In Cesare's original words, "Robert has an excellent mind. After listening to your ideas, this is the most likely decision with the chips in his hand. He will not completely reject your proposal , I think he will still trust your intuition a little bit, but it is unlikely that he will desperately squeeze out cash flow, or even borrow or issue bonds to invest in "Avatar". That is too desperate and crazy. Besides, smart people never Believe in miracles."

"How sure are you of your speculation?" Jenny asked at the time, and Cesare's answer was only a confident raised eyebrow, and an unspoken reason—"Because great minds are alike."

Well, Jenny actually agrees with Cesare's judgment, but she still wants to make this suggestion to Robert. She doesn't think it's useless. In fact, her main consideration is not Disney's profit, or even Now—she was thinking about the future after "Avatar" was released.

After all, Cesare may be able to care less about her forever playing the 'innocent romantic and relatable talented actor' in front of Robert - and Jenny won't blame him, he has no such obligation - but a girl has to learn to think for herself .

"I know what you mean, Bob." She replied slowly, "With the investment volume of "Avatar", it needs a miracle to survive at the box office—"

"And you believe in miracles." Robert showed an elder's attitude, as if looking at a young and immature rookie who was about to make countless mistakes, he asked kindly, "Jennifer, are you even willing to believe in this miracle? ?”

Jenny also had a meaningful smile on her face, "we', bob, we'."