Chapter 296 Star Wars in hand (7K chapter, please subscribe~)
Twentieth Century Fox, President's Office!
Chu Huan, who was also excited inside but calm on the outside, Alan Hirschfeld sat there, and little Alan Ladd, who looked a little excited, sat beside him helplessly.
Ever since Alan Hirschfeld proposed to sell Star Wars to Chu Huan at the gate of Industrial Light \u0026 Magic, everyone went straight back to 20th Century Fox.
Mr. Hirschfeld, to be honest, I am personally very interested in the Star Wars project after talking with George Lucas, but if I want to take over now, I am afraid that I will be powerless!
Chu Huan said regretfully.
At this time, Alan Hirschfeld was already somewhat certain in his heart. After all, if Chu Huan didn't want this project, he could completely reject him on the spot, and there was no need to follow him back to 20th Century Fox.
I don't know what Mr. Chu is worried about?
Chu Huan nodded slightly, and said, First of all, projects like Star Wars can only be marketed in Europe and the United States. Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and other places are impossible!
Star Wars can become the national IP of North America because the history of their country is too scarce, so they put some of their emotions on such a movie.
The whole of Southeast Asia is influenced by the culture of China, and they are well-informed. A mere Star Wars is, in the eyes of the audience there, like a pediatrics.
It's easy! Since Alan Hirschfeld was eager to sell this project to Chu Huan, he naturally wanted to help Chu Huan find a way.
I know that your company has always wanted to enter the Hollywood market. This Star Wars can be your company's first project in Hollywood. As for the issue of distribution, we can leave it to 20th Century Fox, or even the two of us. Companies can be jointly responsible for distribution!
Chu Huan was noncommittal, and asked the second question: Secondly, although I am very optimistic about George's Star Wars, I have also heard friends talking about this project, and I know that the reputation of this project in Hollywood is actually still high. There are some problems, and my personal opinion cannot replace the views of European and American audiences.
Alan Hirschfeld was a little embarrassed at once, but this embarrassment did not last for a minute, so he pretended to be planning for Chu Huan, and said seriously: Mr. Chu, with all due respect, according to the fact that you are almost With zero influence, you should know that everyone wanted to get in touch with you before because of Bruce's Dragon Warrior and not because of anything else.
Chu Huan smiled and said indifferently: Of course I know this.
Alan Hirschfeld continued: According to Mr. Chu's influence in Hollywood, it is almost impossible to get a popular project, and even if you get it, there may be Bruce's Dragon Warrior before. In that case, I think it is best to seek wealth and insurance.
It is true that the market for Hollywood sci-fi films is not very good, but it is not impossible. Didn’t our company’s previous “Planet of the Apes” also sell well?
Earlier, Alan Hirschfeld had already 'know' Chu Huan's character from Rozier's mouth, so at this time he also adjusted his negotiating skills according to Chu Huan's character.
There is no need for him to hide some things that everyone knows on the surface!
I think according to Mr. Chu's financial resources, betting on a Star Wars is not a problem!
Chu Huan nodded and said, I can really afford to bet on a Star Wars, but this matter.
Seeing that Chu Huan was still thinking about it, Alan Hirschfeld couldn't help but said urgently: Mr. Chu, there is only one chance. If you lose it, if you want to make a difference in Hollywood, you may have to wait a long time. It's been a long time!
Chu Huan thought for a while, and said seriously: If Mr. Hirschfeld really wants to sell the Star Wars project, there are some things I still need to ask.
When Alan Hirschfeld heard what Chu Huan said, he immediately showed joy, and said directly: Mr. Chu, please speak!
Chu Huan said: I need to know the details of the contract signed between your company and George!
Alan Hirschfeld pondered for a moment, and said, Yes.
Then he told Chu Huan the details of the contract signed between 20th Century Fox and Lucas.
There is an upfront fee of $15,000, a screenwriting fee of $50,000, a director's fee of $100,000, some of which will be settled after the film is completed, and a shooting budget of $3 million.
That budget has been asked to go by George Lucas.
In addition, Lucas can hire a secretary for $175 a week; Gary Kurtz will be hired as a producer for $50,000; Marcia Lucas and Verna Fields will be in charge of editing; Walter Murch will serve as post-production supervisor.
In addition, 40% of the film's profits belong to Lucasfilm and 60% to Fox. At the same time, in order to ensure George Lucas' absolute rights in this film, the terms also stipulate that 20th Century Fox has no right to appoint an executive producer, and except for auditors, it is not allowed to interfere with the film production process.
After hearing these terms, Chu Huan finally understood why Alan Hirschfeld wanted to sell the movie to him so much.
I also know why George Lucas doesn't care about Alan Hirschfeld's anger, because they only have the right to pay and have no right to intervene in the filming.
They signed Star Wars because of Alan Ladd Jr.'s strong admiration for this project, but they didn't expect George Lucas to be so capable!
A year has almost passed, and the props are still being polished.
This is not something a film studio can accept.
What about the surroundings of Star Wars? Chu Huan asked the question he was most concerned about.
Is Star Wars a big box office hit?
Very impressive!
But compared with his surroundings, it's not enough!
So about this point, Chu Huan must ask clearly.
Alan Hirschfeld didn't pay much attention to this. Although the value of peripherals is higher, it depends on the box office and influence of the movie itself.
Since he doesn't like this movie, he naturally doesn't like the surroundings of Star Wars.
It's the same as the box office profit!
Alan Hirschfeld replied.
60% share!
Although it was quite a lot, Chu Huan felt that there could be more, but this matter was not discussed with Alan Hirschfeld, but with George Lucas.
Tell me a price!
Chu Huan finally gave the answer that Alan Hirschfeld most expected to hear!
On the other side, Alan Ladd Jr. immediately showed an expression of unwillingness. He was really optimistic about the movie Star Wars.
But at this time, this matter is no longer up to him.
Alan Hirschfeld immediately said: According to our company's previous investment of 3.3 million US dollars, plus 1.7 million US dollars, this movie is yours, Mr. Chu!
After Chu Huan finished listening, he shook his head and said, It's impossible. We've talked with George just now. We all know that the budget of this movie will definitely increase in the later stage. In addition, to be honest, after the movie is released, the budget will increase. , whether it can be accepted by the audience is also a major test, and it is not in the interest of our company to buy it for $1.7 million!
Right, right, absolutely not acceptable!
Little Alan Ladd immediately became happy when he heard Chu Huan's refusal.
Alan Hirschfeld said with a smile: Mr. Chu, 1.7 million US dollars is not much. Your 30% investment share in the movie Dragon Warrior has already been sold for 1 million US dollars!
Chu Huan continued to shake his head and said, This is different. Bruce has already proven his box office appeal in action movies, but it's the first time for George to direct a sci-fi movie, and it's a movie with such a large investment. It's hard to say Yes, the profitability of his movie is hard to compare with the movie Dragon Warrior!
Also, don't be afraid to tell Mr. Hirschfield that whether I want to buy the Star Wars project, I have to discuss it with my friend Ms. Kelly from Vertex Pictures, and Vertex Pictures also needs to be added before I can buy it. Guaranteed my rights and interests in this movie, so I also think about my partners!
It is true that Chu Huan really wants to get the Star Wars project, and it is true that he had a good chat with George Lucas before, but it is true that Chu Huan believes in George Lucas and the twentieth century that is responsible for releasing this movie. That's impossible for Fox.
After all, Chu Huan himself will not stay in Hollywood for a long time, and after this movie is released, it will definitely become a crazy cake for the whole Hollywood.
At that time, it was difficult for Chu Huan's black-and-white images to prevent all kinds of tricks that Hollywood used to deal with black-and-white images.
With Vertex Pictures, it is different. After all, this film company is in Hollywood, and Chu Huan believes that Vertex Pictures will definitely develop in the past two years, and has a certain right to speak here.
So Chu Huan needed Vertex Pictures to stand in front of him to protect himself from the wind and rain.
It is naturally impossible for Alan Hirschfeld to know what Chu Huan was thinking. After pondering for a while, he said, 1.5 million, I think this price should be very reasonable, right?
Chu Huan waved his hand and said, One million, this project can only be one million in my heart. If I go out more, I'd rather give up!
Alan Hirschfeld thought about it for a while, and said with a smile: Yes, when is Mr. Chu going to sign this contract?
Chu Huan suppressed the excitement in his heart, and said with a smile: Since the cooperation has been negotiated, we can sign the contract now!
Without any hesitation, Alan Hirschfeld immediately called his secretary and told him to prepare the contract!
Mr. Hirschfield, I don't agree! Little Alan Ladd saw that the two parties were about to sign a contract, and he couldn't sit still.
Alan Ladd!
Hearing little Alan Ladd refute his decision in front of Chu Huan, Alan Hirschfield immediately preached in dissatisfaction.
Chu Huan doesn't want this little Alan Ladd to affect this cooperation, but he also knows that if he speaks out at this time, it will definitely arouse Alan Hirschfeld's suspicion.
After thinking about it, Chu Huan decided to wait and see what happened!
Mr. Hirschfeld, although the project of Star Wars seems to be a bit of a waste of money, successful movies have always required patience and strategic vision. If you sell this project now, I'm sure you will in the future. regrettable!
Alan Ladd Jr. preached earnestly.
I'll regret it if I don't sell it now. Alan Hirschfeld said loudly: The company has decided on this matter, you can leave, Ladd!
Alan Ladd Jr. did not leave, but argued with reason: Lucasfilm is our partner, if we sell the Star Wars project without notifying the other party If not, George will definitely be very dissatisfied!
Afterwards, Alan Ladd said to Chu Huan again: Mr. Chu, you have also talked with George before, and you should know that George is a very proud person. If you buy it away, George will definitely think that he has been greatly humiliated!
Little Alan Ladd's words made Chu Huan a little moved, not because Chu Huan was persuaded by Alan Ladd, but because Chu Huan also understood that people like George Lucas definitely value their own glory very much Well, if he bought the Star Wars project from 20th Century Fox without his knowledge, it would definitely affect the follow-up cooperation between the two parties.
The ongoing Star Wars George Lucas naturally has no way to refuse to cooperate, but what about the latter?
In the future, Star Wars will definitely be successful, and George Lucas will definitely have more say. This is an IP series that can be continuously developed, and it is definitely not a one-off deal!
Originally, what Chu Huan thought was to finish the project with Fox first, and then talk to George Lucas. In fact, before that, Chu Huan had already thought about the interests and control of the IP of Star Wars. Be sure to hold it firmly in your own hands.
Even if he would rather fall out with George Lucas later, he would not be allowed to regain control of this IP.
It's a big deal, and everyone ends up shooting and breaking up.
There are too many projects that can make money in this world, one Star Wars is gone, and there are others.
But this is just the worst plan. The best result is to finalize everything with George Lucas in advance. As the creator of this IP, it doesn't matter if he takes part of the benefits within the acceptable range of Chu Huan. Even in the filming of this movie, Chu Huan will not participate, after all, what Chu Huan really wants is the income of this movie.
Therefore, there is absolutely no possibility that you will pay the money yourself and the other party will take away the bulk of the proceeds.
Seeing that Chu Huan stopped talking, Alan Hirschfeld was so angry that the two parties were about to sign a contract, but Alan Ladd made a fuss, and Chu Huan hesitated!
If he had a gun in his hand, Alan Hirschfeld would definitely give Alan Ladd Jr. a shot.
Mr. Chu
Chu Huan didn't wait for Alan Hirschfeld to finish, and said directly: Mr. Hirschfeld, what Mr. Ladd said is not wrong, but since I have promised your company to buy this project, then This decision will not change, but I also hope to have another chat with George, if all three of us can happily accept this transaction, wouldn’t it be better!”
Seeing that Chu Huan did not intend to give up the project, Alan Hirschfeld breathed a sigh of relief and said, Okay!
After Chu Huan said that the acquisition plan would not change, Alan Hirschfeld breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: Since this is the case, I will let the other party prepare the contract first!
Chu Huan nodded and said, I also need to contact Miss Kelly from Vertex Pictures first.
Then Chu Huan left Fox Films and came to Industrial Light \u0026 Magic again!
Seeing Chu Huan go and come back, George Lucas showed a puzzled expression.
When Chu Huan explained his reason for coming, George Lucas really showed an angry expression, but this anger had nothing to do with Chu Huan, but anger at 20th Century Fox's betrayal and humiliation of him!
That's right, 20th Century Fox's behavior made George Lucas think it was a kind of betrayal and humiliation!
Chu, I was very happy talking with you before. Now I am very happy to be selected by your company for this project. I am also very happy. You don't have to worry about any aspects. I am very much looking forward to cooperating with you!
Angry, George Lucas readily accepted Chu Huan's suggestion. Anyway, 20th Century Fox would still distribute the film. George Lucas didn't need to worry about the film's release in Europe and America.
Chu Huan was also very happy to get the response from George Lucas.
But this is not the real purpose of coming to George Lucas.
George, in the process of talking with you just now, I know that the length of a movie cannot satisfy the story in your mind. Fox Films does not know the treasure, which does not mean that others do not know the treasure. I am now representing black and white images. , Vertex Pictures promises to you that no matter what the box office of the Star Wars movie is, our two companies are willing to continue to invest in the sequel of this movie.
This kind of commitment is more like a kind of respect for George Lucas. After all, after signing the contract with 20th Century Fox, Black and White Image and Vertex Pictures already own 60% of the IP rights of Star Wars!
In other words, as long as George Lucas wants to operate this project, he cannot do without these two companies.
Sure enough, George Lucas showed a moved expression after listening to it, and said, Chu, don't worry, this movie will definitely make Fox Pictures regret it in the future!
Haha! Chu Huan laughed loudly and said, I think so too, otherwise I wouldn't be so determined to sign this movie.
After talking about the contract, Chu Huan revealed one of his real goals.
George, I know that film special effects are a very expensive job. Even if you get a part of Fox Films' advance payment for Star Wars, it is still stretched to support the development of Industrial Light and Magic, so Personally, I am willing to invest 3 million US dollars in Industrial Light and Magic, and continue to support your efforts in film special effects!
Good man!
Chu Huan is a real good person!
He not only appreciates his own movies, but is also willing to invest in special effects companies that all Hollywood people are not optimistic about. At this time, George Lucas thinks that Chu Huan is the person who knows himself best and the best person in the world.
Chu, your decision is really great. You have a long-term vision that ordinary people don't have. Now I believe that even if you start a business in Hollywood, you will be able to achieve great success.
Chu Huan readily accepted George Lucas' flattery, and the main event was about to come.
It's more than that, George, do you know the comic Fantasy Comics that is popular in North America right now?
George Lucas nodded and said, I know.
Chu Huan said with a smile: Actually, Fantasy Comics is my personal company, just like black and white images!
What? George Lucas couldn't help being surprised and said, Fantasy Comics is yours!
Chu Huan nodded and said: That's right, we can use the influence of Fantasy Comics to publish a comic of the same name about Star Wars on it, so as to increase the influence of Star Wars.
George Lucas immediately expressed excitedly: If this is the case, that would be great!
In another time and space, George Lucas's Lucasfilm has cooperated with Marvel and launched a comic of the same name at the same time as Star Wars was released.
The booklet sold millions of copies.
Finally, Chu Huan proposed his ultimate goal!
George, there are some things I still need to discuss with you!
Seeing Chu Huan's serious expression, George Lucas froze for a moment and asked, What's the matter?
It's about Star Wars merchandise and box office revenue!
If everything that Chu Huan said before was ideal, then what we are going to talk about now is the real benefits.
George Lucas, who was very excited just now, also put away his excitement at this time. As I said before, George Lucas is more like a businessman than a movie director.
There is nothing wrong with a businessman's heavy profit!
At the same time, George Lucas is a very confident and conceited person, otherwise the contract signed with 20th Century Fox would have specifically stated that 20th Century Fox is not allowed to interfere with the filming of the film.
So George Lucas is confident that his Star Wars will be successful, and he is also confident that its surroundings will definitely have a good profit.
Now that Chu Huan proposed to re-divide the peripheral and box office shares, this must have made George Lucas pay attention.
I don't know what you mean?
Chu Huan said: Just now you already know that not only my black and white images will participate in the movie Star Wars, but Hollywood's Vertex Pictures will also participate.
Before I came to see you, I already had a phone conversation with Ms. Kelly, the president of Vertex Films. The other party suggested that if both of us invest in Star Wars, each party's box office profit share will not be as much as that of Lucasfilm. This is not in line with Vertex's investment philosophy.
Therefore, Vertex Films hopes that the two of us will each hold 40% of these shares, and Lucasfilm will hold 20%!
Sure enough, he wanted to share his own profits. George Lucas felt a little angry, but this was for Vertex Pictures, after all, he and Kelly hadn't met yet!
Chu, I'm sorry I can't accept this share!
It is naturally impossible for George Lucas to accept that his profits have been diluted!
Chu Huan had already anticipated George Lucas' reaction, and said with a smile, Of course I know George that you won't agree, but through my discussion with Miss Kelly, our two companies will each provide 5 million US dollars comes out, which is considered to be 20% of the income in your hands for buying George!
It can be regarded as my fight for the friendship between you and me!
At the same time, our two companies also assure you that our two companies will never participate in the shooting of the Star Wars project. At the same time, if you have budget needs, we can also give you priority!
With this condition, George Lucas fell into silence and began to feel excited. No matter how conceited and confident he was, he couldn't guess what kind of sensation the movie Star Wars would bring after it was released.
In addition, this movie is not recognized by the mainstream Hollywood market, and now no one is willing to invest in this movie except Chu Huan and Vertex Pictures.
In fact, George Lucas also knew that he had no more choices.
Chu, thank you very much. You are a person who values love and righteousness. I am very happy to be friends with you! First, George Lucas praised Chu Huan, and then said: Okay, I agree with Vertex Pictures' decision!
call!
Chu Huan finally breathed a sigh of relief, the matter was finally settled.
From now on, the Star Wars project is firmly in his own hands.
Sure, there's going to be a lot of bullshit going on after Star Wars hits theaters, but it doesn't matter.
As long as the initiative is in your own hands, everything can be discussed.
Then let's go to Fox Films together and sign the contract!
George Lucas had no objection either, and returned to 20th Century Fox with Chu Huan.
When the two rushed here, Kelly had already arrived at the scene.
George, are you really going to agree to this?
When little Alan Ladd saw George Lucas coming, his expression suddenly became ugly. He knew that if no accident happened, this time's matter would be considered a certainty!
George Lucas patted Alan Ladd Jr. on the shoulder, and said seriously: Alan, thank you for trusting me in this movie before, without you, I would not be where I am today, but some Things are not up to us!
The only hope in little Alan Ladd's heart was completely wiped out, and he was like an eggplant beaten by frost!
Seeing the instigator, Chu Huan, he couldn't help saying sourly, Mr. Chu, this time you've got a great deal!
Chu Huan laughed, agreeing with Alan Ladd's statement.
I believe that after Star Wars is released, everyone will know what kind of treasure Chu Huan picked up this time!
Alan Hirschfeld curled his lips, but then he seemed very happy, and finally got rid of the burden of Star Wars!
Now that everyone has arrived, the next step is to sign the contract.
First, Chu Huan represented the black-and-white image, Kelly represented Vertex Pictures, and 20th Century Fox represented by Alan Hirschfeld signed a contract to transfer the Star Wars project.
Later, Chu Huan signed the transfer contract of Li Xiaolong's Dragon Warrior investment share with 20th Century Fox on behalf of Black and White Image!
Finally, Chu Huan and Kelly signed a new profit sharing agreement with George Lucas on box office, merchandise, copyright, etc.!
Since then, the IP of Star Wars has truly fallen into Chu Huan's hands!
Today is gone, thank you everyone, the next chapter will be tomorrow at 12 o'clock in the morning~