Hollywood Domination Chapter 79: Johnny’s invitation

As a beauty who doesn't want to cause trouble, Jenny is destined to be relatively passive socially. Not to mention Johnny, after knowing Claudia's existence, Jenny deliberately avoided some occasions with Josh during the filming, because the crew is indeed an environment that is prone to accidents, and such a large group of people were killed. Locked in a relatively closed space, living a life of close contact at two o'clock and one line every day, I saw you on the set, and it was easy to meet you when I went to the bar after work. If two people have sparks, it is easy to make mistakes if they are brewed repeatedly. In addition, on the set of "Pirates of the Caribbean", Jenny also had a need to avoid Gore, so she almost never went out to socialize, and closed herself in the hotel room to rest after the show.

And Johnny, the new father, also spends most of his time with his family. During the filming period, Vanessa visited several times, and the rest of the time he was honestly mixed with some male staff. At the same time, no studio scandals were fermented, which gave "Pirates of the Caribbean" a relatively clean shooting atmosphere, and Jenny also admired him because of this. ——It’s not that she looked down on Johnny’s character from the beginning, but that he had indeed lived a relatively chaotic life before. In the bar, according to common sense, when Johnny was young, he should have been partying every night, treating one-night stands as commonplace, and living the life of a typical Hollywood male movie star. He can restrain himself after he has a girlfriend. It's really hard for a man.

However, for lunch this time, there were only Johnny and his manager Tracy Jacobs, not Vanessa and the children. They had already gone back to their home in France. In the past few years, the mansion in the south of France has been the place where the Depp family often lives.

"Johnny, Tracy." Jenny greeted both of them. She and Tracy had met on some red carpet occasions before. When Johnny was doing the interview, Tracy must have Staring at the side, it is said that this is the result of being frightened several times by his whimsy and nonsense.

"Jenny." Tracy's attitude was much more enthusiastic than before. Jenny wanted to shake hands with her, but Tracy stepped forward and hugged her involuntarily. Overwhelmed by a pile of scripts? I heard everyone wants you in their new movie. Honey, if you need an opinion, come to me anytime, this is my number."

Jenny was caught off guard while holding the business card Tracy gave her. She glanced at Cesare and saw that the business smile on his face hadn’t faded. She deduced that it was just Tracy’s joke, so she took the business card and smiled. and said, "Thank you, Tracy, now I know who to call when Cesare is rude to me."

"That's right." Tracy went over to shake hands with Cesare and said hello, "Honey, how does it feel to be poached?"

"Okay, Tracy, you should be careful enough." Cesare smiled helplessly, "Don't you have no confidence at all to keep Johnny?"

Johnny made a grimace and invited Jenny to take a seat, "Let them go **** for tat, the industry that Hollywood hates the most is probably the brokerage, I dare say each of them wants to wake up and be the only one on earth Senior broker."

The most important job of an agent, besides helping clients negotiate remuneration, is to choose films for them. Johnny asked Cesare's opinion on "Pirates", which was tantamount to Cesare's "fishing out of bounds". Tracy's contract is not too difficult, as long as he pays a small compensation, he can fire Tracy immediately and find another agent. In their current situation, Johnny had already taken the majority of the initiative, so it was impossible for Tracy to protest against Johnny's behavior, and could only protest to Cesare half-jokingly.

For Johnny, the good friendship with Cesare will also make Tracy continue to maintain a high degree of enthusiasm for him, so he will not avoid Cesare because of Tracy. The truth, as an insider, Jenny can understand it after a little thought, so she is not too worried about the half-joking 'confrontation' between the two managers, but chuckled, "Then I think this manager will immediately Hire a broker and start brokering his brokerage ability.”

Johnny was also amused by the joke, "You know what—I think you're right."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and sat down at the dining table by the pool. Johnny's residence in Hollywood also fits his status. It is a big house with a courtyard and a swimming pool. Of course, it is not as exaggerated as Jerry's house. However, considering the land price of Beverly Hills, it is impossible for this house to be so cheap. The whole house is quite beautiful with flowers and trees. Jenny looked at it a few more times and praised, "It's a very beautiful garden."

"I heard that you haven't settled down yet?" Johnny used this topic to chat with Jenny about the daily life, "Are you looking at an apartment or a detached house like this recently?"

"I haven't been back from New York for too long," Jenny said with a smile, "I'm really planning to look at the house, but I can only rent it for the time being."

"We also rented this set and signed a one-year lease." Johnny said generously, "Since I will be on the set most of the time, and Vanessa accompanied the children back to France, I think You can live until the end of the year, and look for a house slowly during this period."

Nowadays, more and more films are moving to other places for shooting. The two films Johnny shot this year were not very budget, and almost all of them were shot in small cities in California.

"Thank you in advance, Johnny, but what if you go back to the city during the period?" Jenny said with a smile, not intending to agree.

"When I was a bachelor, I had a one-story apartment on the Sunset Boulevard. I kept that place after I was with Vanessa, but I rarely went back," Johnny said. Being a bachelor, I'm not so interested in big houses."

He showed a thoughtful expression, "You know, sometimes a room that is too big can make you feel uneasy, but a small space can make you feel warm and safe, like a safe haven."

In Hollywood, there are several types of stars. Few people can have a good relationship with any kind of star across several fields. Many actors from independent films and art films choose their agents and films based on whether the agent, director, and script have an aesthetic and artistic atmosphere similar to theirs. Johnny can be regarded as a very motivated literary school. On the one hand, he is really fun, drinking, and high marijuana. Jenny has seen it with her own eyes on the pirate set. On the other hand, he is not the kind of dragon and tiger on the screen. I only know the type who smokes, drinks, and plays with women. He is still very pursuing and aesthetic in his film career.

To be honest, Jenny finds it difficult to socialize with this kind of people. She is not very afraid of the obedient type. She only knows that she can play the erosive type. Most of those people are overly corrupted by drugs and alcohol. , There is no judgment at all, just perfunctory and keep a respectful distance. But for people like Depp, you talk about ideals with him, he talks about money with you, and when you talk about money with him, he talks about ideals with you, making it difficult for you to grasp his true intentions, like now , she clearly knew that Depp definitely intended to form an alliance with her in terms of salary, and having a friend like Depp would definitely be very beneficial for her to expand her contacts in Hollywood, but Jenny felt that it was difficult to make friends with him—— Negotiations, alliances and other business communications are no problem, but when it comes to friendship, she really has no idea, and it is difficult to find a common language with Johnny.

Of course, producers, directors, etc. are in the same predicament. There is no doubt that the Hollywood industrial system is dominated by men, so in this kind of career communication, men do have some advantages. Women, especially beauties, If it happens that you don't smoke, drink or take drugs, and you are always on a diet, then it is almost difficult to make powerful friends without showing off your looks. For example, now, Johnny intends to make friends, and Jenny feels a little out of place with him.

In Hollywood, connections are definitely the most important resource. Isn't it because of his wide connections that Cesare firmly occupies the center of the team? If she doesn't open up the situation at this point, it is very likely that she will never be able to take the lead. Jenny made a silent note in her heart: to make a breakthrough in communication.

She said with a non-stop smile, "Yes, I have a similar feeling. Unfortunately, in order to prevent the paparazzi from harassing the neighbors too much, I can only rent a detached house. Otherwise, even if I rent an apartment, I may not Will be kicked out soon."

"In terms of your current popularity, it is true." Johnny said, "The reason why Vanessa went back to France is also because she can't stand the paparazzi culture here."

The two people still have something in common in avoiding the paparazzi. Johnny starred in a blockbuster movie with a domestic box office of more than 200 million this year, and just gave birth to a young son. Of course, he is the darling of the paparazzi, but he Without Jenny's fashion baggage, she usually dresses casually in T-shirts and trousers, and goes out when she should go out, which is not ambiguous at all. The media and the public also readily accept this. ——In the United States, if a man is too trim, he will basically be associated with homosexuality.

"So today we're having dinner at home." After Tracy and Cesare joined the conversation, the atmosphere became more cordial and acquainted—although he gave Cesare a "offensive" by talking to Jenny, But the two managers are obviously very familiar with each other, and of course the old friend relationship between Cesare and Johnny has been verified long ago. "Jenny, you should really try this restaurant's crab salad. It has a light taste and won't burden your stomach. It is purely seasoned with salt and vinegar, and only a small amount of olive oil. It is absolutely healthy."

None of the best managers is a simple person. Jenny herself doesn’t know how Tracy figured out her recipe habits. This bowl of crab salad meets her eating standards in terms of taste and calories, and it also comes with With high-protein crabmeat, she could eat a whole portion without feeling guilty, which made her feel good about Tracy. "Thank you, Tracy, I've seldom had anything so appetizing at a social dinner."

Tracey gave her an exaggerated wink, several people laughed out loud, and Cesare said, "Well, Johnny, it seems that I can only talk to you about your next new film Only then can we win back a city."

In a happy laugh, Johnny actually answered, "Yes, Tracy has selected a few scripts for me, but I really want to hear your opinion. —Maybe wait After we finish talking about the pay for the "Pirates" sequel, you and I can go to the cigar room and have a drink and look at the scripts."

Jenny made another note in her heart - Cesare doesn't smoke, doesn't take drugs, and obviously doesn't have sex, but he also needs to open up the situation in social life, cigars, spirits and golf are tasteful luxuries Hobbies seem to be the breakthrough point of his choice.

"John, I'm glad to know that you haven't forgotten the biggest purpose of today." Tracy rolled her eyes helplessly, but her tone was not too harsh. It seems that the close relationship between Johnny and Cesare, She wasn't as opposed to it as she showed, or Tracy knew how to hide her true thoughts so as not to anger Johnny. "Let's eat and talk, Cesare, and tell me what you know about the sequel."

"Since last week, "Pirate" has been screened around the world one after another." Cesare said, "Continuing the high evaluation of the film critics at the premiere, so far the reputation has been good, and the overseas box office is also high. Yesterday Disney’s latest forecast is US$350 million in North America, and overseas should also reach this figure, or even higher.”

Disney's box office forecast for "Pirate" can be said to have always been a little too low, so they are constantly revising it. Small declines are summed up. If overseas and Disney's predictions are the same, it is conservatively estimated that the global box office of "Pirate" can reach 700 million U.S. dollars. In 2003, this figure was already very appalling. Just the box office means a profit of 100 million for Disney. , and for Disney, which is very good at developing peripherals, what they value is not the DVD of "Pirate" and subsequent copyright profits, but the sales of peripherals of this movie and the advertising effect it brings to Disneyland. It is no exaggeration to say that the "Pirates of the Caribbean" project is a hen that can lay golden eggs, so Disney's determination to make a sequel is also growing stronger. It can be said that the negotiations progressed differently every day, and Cesare completely controlled the progress. Jenny only heard some news occasionally. This was the first time she heard Cesare talk about the sequel in detail.

"The box office of 700 to 800 million US dollars, the model that can be copied, and the interface of the first episode that leaves room for it." Cesare took a sip of red wine, "Disney is already crazy about sequels, and their latest idea is to Let the 2 and 3 episodes be packaged into one contract, and the idea of ​​the entire 2 and 3 episodes has also taken shape. The shooting schedule should be from the second half of 2005 to the first half of 2006. The two episodes will be filmed and produced at the same time, and then in 2006 Do some reshoots between the second half of the year and the first half of 2007. ——That's all I know so far.”

Tracey and Johnny both smiled, and Tracy rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, "Comeon, Chesa, who wants to listen to these platitudes? You know what we want, Spill!"

"Honey, the business of two consecutive film sequels requires nearly 600 million funds. This business is now completely a top-level game. Even my mother has no news." Cesare Leisurely said, "What's more, you know our family's tradition, business affairs are always public, because I'm managing Jenny, and my mother didn't even ask about the progress of the "Pirates 1" project during the casting stage, and she only got involved after the contract was signed. Of course this time will be no exception."

Tracy's eyes rolled more obviously, but Johnny stopped her, "Tell me something we know, Tracy, or Chesa won't budge. When did you see him in Suffering in this kind of thing?"

"Okay, okay." Tracy sighed, she lit a long thin women's cigarette, and took a deep breath, "Jerry and I had a breath before, the production of the next two episodes Of course, the cost has increased, but in the concept proposed by Gore, the special effects budget has also been greatly improved, and the maximum amount of money that Jerry can spend on the cast and crew in the second film is only 50 million."

"This is similar to the news I got," Cesare said with a natural expression, "What do you think?"

"Johnny and I want to form a negotiating alliance with you," Tracy said flatly, "Johnny wants to bid 20/20, and at the same time make sure that Jennifer can get 8."

Here she omitted the unit of measurement million, and the 20/20 she mentioned is also a term: 20 million remuneration plus 20% of the box office profit share of the producer beyond the 20 million profit. There are some additional points, which vary from person to person. ——20/20 is the highest standard of treatment that Hollywood's top male stars can enjoy.

"Then you're only leaving two million for Josh." Cesare raised his eyebrows, "Are you trying to force Josh out? Tracy?"

Tracey curled his lips in disdain, "His performance is only worth two million."

Jenny has been in the entertainment industry for the past few years, of course, it does not mean that she has not made a single friend. She will also learn some basic common sense through various means during filming, including the "date" with Josh. I also often talk about this matter, and Cesare sometimes talks to her, so she knows how Cesare calculated from 50 million, Johnny's 20 million, and her 8 million to Joe Something like two million.

For a film like "Pirates of the Caribbean" that combines real scenes and special effects, the production budget cannot be saved much. Of the 140 million production budget for the first episode, 10 million was spent to hire Johnny, Joe Shi's salary is 3 million, and then he has to find Jenny who is 300,000. It can be seen how tight the actor's budget is, and the rest of the money is used for filming itself and special effects production. Although the 50 million yuan may seem like a lot, it is not divided equally among the three leading actors. First of all, directors, you have to increase the price. Also, after such a successful project, special effects artists, makeup artists, and photographers are also considered worthy. If you have seniority, you still have to raise the price if you hire the original crew, right? Also, if there is a big scene, do you want to invite him for a part-time performance? Should producer salaries go up? There are still many people to share this piece of cake. Even if those small shrimps are not counted, for 50 million miles, Gore will have to share nearly 10 million dollars first. This is a very certain amount. After all, "Pirates of the Caribbean" can enter seven The film that hit the 100 million mark, just looking at the history of eye shadow, and taking into account the inflation factor, there will not be more than 50 films like this. Gore's asking price will definitely not be lower than seven million,-seven million is the bottom line of a first-line commercial director.

In the next 43 million miles, Jerry will split more than 2 million. The producer's money is still more in box office dividends. The cash received in advance is the same amount. The actor Geoffrey Rush must have more than one million yuan, and if you count the remuneration of the rest of the cast and crew, the remaining money for your three leading actors is only about 30 million yuan, which is the widest, that is to say If it’s more than this amount, Jerry or Disney think it’s not worth it. If the combined asking price of the three leading actors exceeds 30 million, they may shelve the project, or directly replace the actor.

However, what Jenny doesn't understand is why Johnny proposed to tie her up and set her share at eight million, which is unreasonable. Johnny doubled the asking price and asked for 20% of the box office share. This is a serious price increase. He is asking for the treatment of a top Hollywood male star. He has never received this price before, and even said that "Pirates of the Caribbean 1 10 million is his high price, and now that the asking price is so high, he should hope that Jenny and Josh will share the remaining 10 million honestly——Jenny’s change from 300,000 to 5 million is a big deal for him. A gratifying change, Josh went from three million to five million, which is also a good result for his tepid film critics and audience feedback. In this way, the filmmaker is more likely to agree to his asking price, rather than the seemingly absurd plan in front of him, which even cut Josh's salary.

Of course she didn't show her doubts, but assumed the attitude of an outsider. She didn't seem to be touched by the eight million, but looked at Cesare very trustingly—she estimated that the changes inside It was Cesare who made it up for her.

"It is very unlikely that this salary plan will pass Disney." Cesare's tone could not be heard, and he felt very matter-of-fact. "It can only be used as the first step in asking for a price. A feasible salary plan should also leave some room for compromise for Josh, and it is impossible to kick him out."

"I don't understand why you keep Josh." Tracy said in a confused tone, "Is he really that important? Look at the audience feedback, we can let Elizabeth empathize in the second part Don't fall in love, start an affair with Captain Jack, and let them formalize the relationship in the third part, don't you think it's better? Chesa?"

She turned to Jenny, "What do you think, Jennifer, would you rather be a couple with Josh or Johnny?"

Jenny looked at Johnny, he looked indifferent, he was still eating and drinking, and then looked at Cesare - he put down the knife and fork, tearing a piece of bread in his hand, looking back at Jenny indifferently .

She sort of got it.

No wonder Tracy wants to pull Johnny... This is bullying her for not being deep in the profession. It should be that this proposal cannot be passed by Cesare, so he wants to persuade her directly. After all, she is no longer the unknown person who relies on Cesare's resources to make progress. After gaining popularity, even Cesare has to follow her opinion. It is impossible to object to the end.

Jenny is not really only 22 years old. Regardless of whether there is any conflict between her and Cesare, the best thing to do now is not to hold Cesare back. "To be honest, I don't know anything about these things, Tracy, from before, everything was decided by Chesa, and I just signed it. Now I don't even know what you are talking about, Chesa—we What are you talking about?"

Her innocent tone obviously made Tracy a little unhappy. She forced a smile and turned back to Cesare, "Is there really no room for compromise, Cesa?"

"About this, I really have to ask Jenny for her opinion." Cesare picked up the napkin and wiped the corner of his mouth, "Tracey, can you give us a moment? I have to explain to Jenny—— The only thing in the girl's head is her fitness plan, and she really doesn't ask about these things at all."

"Okay." Tracy squeezed out a smile. Johnny also enjoyed the food leisurely.

The 'empty-headed' Jenny and her manager came to the bar at the other end of the swimming pool. The waiter politely left the bar after pouring two glasses of wine. Cesare picked up the glass and took a sip a mouthful.

"Things are a bit out of my expectation," he admitted to Jenny, "I didn't expect Tracy to come up with such a crazy plan-let me give you the background of the whole thing first."

Jenny nodded silently, "This is related to the sequel negotiations. I know what the conditions you originally offered were that Tracy wanted to use this alliance invitation to bribe you, even at the expense of Josh Squeeze out?"

"Actually, it's very simple. I commissioned ExhibitorRelation to make a numerical report. Based on audience feedback, online popularity, and box office decline this time, I predicted the personal box office appeal of you, Josh, and Johnny in the sequel. The conclusion is that, in an ideal situation, if 10 people walk into a movie theater to watch the sequel, 3 people may be for the original plot or other irrelevant factors, 4 people are to watch Johnny, 2.5 people are to watch you, and the rest 0.5 is just to see Josh." Cesare said, "So I proposed that the salary should be distributed according to this ratio. Your salary should be 62.5% of Johnny. Since you are a newcomer, I am willing to make a compromise. As long as you have Johnny's 50% is enough, so if Johnny wants to propose 20/20, we can get-"

"10/10," Jenny said, "according to this calculation, Josh can only get 0, and it is absolutely impossible for Disney to agree."

"Yes, but if Johnny gets 18, you get 9, and Josh still has 3." Cesare said, "If Johnny gets 15...you know my math."

"I see," Jenny said, "that would significantly reduce the pressure on us to bargain, wouldn't it? And the worst case scenario, Johnny doesn't raise the price, he gets a 10 and we get a 5, which is what we are The best estimate under normal circumstances."

"Of course." Cesare nodded, "This is tantamount to putting our pressure on Johnny. One of the big problems Johnny has to face is that he can't avoid the fact that all the movie reviews mention When it comes to your performance, your popularity, your popularity, in all these feedbacks, you are comparable to him as a movie icon, and you have surpassed him on IMDB for a while. So Disney will Constantly questioning whether he is qualified to get as much as 20/20, and if we and he stick to this negotiating strategy, the biggest possibility is that because the actor's budget is seriously overrun, Disney cuts a main role, and then continues to shoot sequels—— Anyway, they must make a sequel anyway, Tracy and I can be sure of that."

He drank a glass of wine and continued, "Because of the emotional line between Elizabeth and Will, and the couple effect of these two characters is also obvious, these two characters are actually tied together, and this becomes Joe. What + you vs. Johnny, it’s a two-choice situation. If you are cut off, there is no need for Josh to continue to exist. The trio replaces two big changes, and a well-received character and the focus of housewives are cut off. , the damage to the box office is obvious, and the risk is immediately increased several times. If Johnny is cut off, it will also be a serious injury. It is hard for the audience to imagine "Pirates of the Caribbean" without Captain Jack. Disney is now facing a dilemma. Select."

He smiled, "What strategy do you think Disney will adopt now to deal with this change?"

"Uh... I don't know," Jenny had to admit that she really didn't know enough about this circle. "Put my salary at 6 million or 7 million? Then you will cut me off if it is high, so there is nothing to talk about?"

"No, Disney won't do such a terrible thing to a pillar character." Cesare shrugged, "The biggest possibility is that they put the negotiation on hold and wait a year or so. Johnny will have multiple films this year and next year. However, most of these films are small productions, and according to Disney's forecast, the profit may be very low-this is the slim literary films I told you, after he failed three or four films in a row, maybe one thousand two A million dollars can coax him in, although Disney will lose the most precious time in doing so, and it also takes a certain degree of risk-if another Johnny movie is a hit, his asking price will be more emboldened , but in any case, in the long run, this is beneficial to Disney.”

"What about this strategy for us?" Jenny asked.

"Of course it's also beneficial." Cesare gave her a strange look, "One year is enough for two films to go from production to release. If your box office ability is proved by these two films, then you can get more money in Johnny." At the same time as 12 million, you may be able to get 10 million, within a certain number of years, the later the contract is negotiated, the better for you, because what you lack now is time."

"It's a logic based on consistent success." Jenny pointed out, "If my next two films fail—"

"As long as it's not a disastrous failure at the box office and a small loss, then you can get about three to four million." Cesare said, "Of course your situation is different from Johnny's. It's not without risks, but the benefits are even greater. .”

Jenny also immediately figured out the reason behind this. Johnny is an excellent actor, but no other major commercial productions have been released recently. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was still in 2005, and it was Tim the Ghost Produced by Bolton, this is almost equated with cult classics. His films in 2003-04 were all small productions, and the profit expectations were relatively average. Disney did not recognize his 20/20, so he believed that several films were at the box office. A mediocre performance on the court will crowd out his asking price. But Jenny's current popularity and the tens of millions of box office brought by "Oprah Show" (since it is impossible for everyone who is interested in her to go to the movies in those three days, so according to the data model, she brings The box office has tens of millions or even more), it is worth 3 or 4 million, as long as she does not make a big mistake afterwards, this is the worst expectation.

Compared to her psychological price of 5 million, if it succeeds, it will be 5 million higher, and the profit will be doubled. If it fails, it will lose 20%. This is a very cost-effective deal with very little risk.

"So it is the best solution for us to stick to the current negotiation policy." Jenny said, "Is that what you mean? We shouldn't agree to Johnny and Tracy's invitation?"

"This is an idea from one angle, but from another angle, if we accept the current conditions, you will be worth 8 million, and you can also talk about some box office dividends." Chesa Ray pointed out to her, "Tracey didn't talk about this just now, she was obviously waiting to bargain with us, and reserved these spaces. If you make this contract now, it will be very beneficial to your asking price for the next film. , Of course, if you hate Josh, this is also an opportunity to kick him out."

His blond hair gleamed in the sun, his handmade suit was radiant, and even his slightly defiant smile shone, "We all know you're an ambitious girl, Jenny, tell me now, you How would you choose?"

The author has something to say: Notes: 1. Tracy is a real person. She is also Nicolas Cage's agent, a big shot at UTA. Cage introduced her to Depp back then.

2 Depp really smokes marijuana, and he even took a marijuana pipe to wander the streets, and was photographed by the paparazzi, you can see it on Baidu Depp + marijuana... Have you tried a higher one? I don't know... Another little anecdote is that the talented actor Fenghuang He died at the door of the bar he opened because of excessive drug use

320/20 is traditionally the highest asking price for a top Hollywood actor, but it’s not like no one has asked for more, for example... Brother Tom... I remember Will Smith also asking for such a high price .

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Guess how Jenny would answer, if you were Jenny, how would you choose XD