Since he started planning the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Peter Jackson's first identity was first a director, and then industry insiders paid attention to him as the boss of a special effects company.

Before the filming of "The Lord of the Rings", it was not an exaggeration for Wita Studio to say it was a movie special effects workshop, but Wita seized the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of Peter Jackson as the director of the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, quickly broke through and became a special effects studio that caught up with Industrial Light and Magic.

Ronan stood in Peter Jackson's office, carefully looking at some items on the walls and cabinets. With his eyes, he could see these props that were all over the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

For example, the golden ring locked in the cabinet is clearly the Supreme Lord of the Ring.

Peter Jackson gave him coffee and asked tentatively: "Mr. Anderson is very interested in "The Lord of the Rings"?"

Ronan withdrew his gaze and said, "Peter, call me Ronan, you're welcome."

Peter Jackson responded with a smile.

Ronan said again: "Can I say...I am a crazy "Lord of the Rings" fan?"

Hearing this, Peter Jackson was quite surprised and said, "This is... my honor."

Ronan said directly: "I really like the three movies you filmed, even the Star Wars trilogy or other movies, which are not as good as those of you. I think the Battle of the Perano Plains is definitely one of the most inspiring shots in film history."

Peter Jackson didn't expect Ronan to give such a high evaluation and quickly said, "I just do my best."

Ronan whispered: "Peter, you created an era."

Peter Jackson could not understand the meaning behind this sentence.

That is, from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, from the fact that he had to give Gandalf a new talent in order to save money, the wizard or wizard industry has new profession characteristics on the Internet.

All wizards who don't hit people without wielding sticks are not good Gandalf.

It seems that after the entire "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Gandalf, who was promoted to white robe, did not let go of a few spells at all, and more of them rolled up his sleeves and chopped people.

Peter Jackson said at this time: "I heard you came to Vita Studio, come back quickly, and finally see you."

Ronan asked curiously: "Do you have something to ask me for?"

He knew Peter Jackson, but there was little intersection except for the business of Avatar and Vita Studios.

Peter Jackson himself is also a top-notch director in Hollywood. He doesn’t have to turn around or lower his posture and directly said to Ronan: “I got a copy of the movie adaptation rights some time ago and am going to direct this project myself. There is no confirmation of the production company yet. You are here in Wellington. Can we consider cooperation?”

Ronan's heart moved and asked, "Peter, can you be talking about the Hobbit?"

"No, not "The Hobbit." Peter Jackson quickly explained: "The film and television adaptation rights of "The Hobbit" are not in my hands. After Xinyi Film integrated the copyright of the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the copyright of "The Hobbit" came to Xinyi Film, and was later taken away by Xinyi's parent company Warner Bros.."

Ronan was somewhat disappointed: "I thought you were talking about the Hobbit."

Someone once summarized that Peter Jackson, who filmed Tolkien's works and Peter Jackson, who filmed other works, are two directors with very different levels.

Anyway, Ronan had some impression that even in his last year, Peter Jackson still had not escaped from Tolkien's works, as if he was born to image Tolkien's works.

Peter Jackson opened the filing cabinet, took out one, and handed it to Ronan: "This is the original work."

Next, Ronan looked at the cover and the name was very familiar - "Cute Bones".

Then he remembered more information, not from the past, but from the present, because Connie had collected some information about the work.

This book was published as early as 2002 and once stayed on the New York Times rankings for more than 70 weeks.

It is no exaggeration to say that "Cute Bones" is a veritable bestseller.

Because Connie and her assistant team have never interrupted their work in collecting literary works, Ronan has seen this book before and even browsed some content.

But Ronan was not moved at that time.

Ronan put it down and said, "I read it some time ago. I don't remember it was a year ago or two years ago."

Peter Jackson asked: "I watched it earlier. After seeing it, I bought the copyright and wanted to adapt it into a movie."

"When I see my favorite literary works, I have a strong idea of ​​adapting movies." Ronan said with a smile: "This is a common problem for those who work in our industry."

Peter Jackson asked: "Adaptation requires investment, promotion and distribution, Ronan, are you not interested?"

Instead of a positive answer, Ronan asked, "I remember you have been working with Universal Pictures."

The fat on Peter Jackson's face moved: "My cooperation with Universal Pictures is over."

Ronan roughly understood that after "King Kong", Universal Pictures will not easily cooperate with Peter Jackson.

The reputation and box office of "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" were both super famous. Peter Jackson and Oscar-Best Director's Power reached an agreement with Universal Pictures to direct the new version of "King Kong" movie. Among them, the later part of the Peter Jackson couple and the production team were divided into one, accounting for 20% of the global box office of the film!

This is the early share, not the later share of profits.

It can be imagined that with the box office of "King Kong", Peter Jackson made a fortune, but Universal Pictures would not be able to feel much more painful.

Ronan looked at the person in front of him and asked, "Peter, there are a few things I need to ask."

Peter Jackson nodded: "Just ask."

Ronan asked directly: "How do you plan to shoot and make this video?"

"A small project." Peter Jackson roughly understood that people like Ronan are most concerned about investment and returns: "Although blockbusters can conquer countless fans, for me, shooting "The Lord of the Rings" or "King Kong" is an extremely tiring job. The pressure of shooting that kind of movie is unimaginable to ordinary people. The huge investment, strict shooting plans, and team management of hundreds of people... These things will circulate in my mind for more than half a year, and I can't stop at all."

He shrugged: "So, I'm going to focus on small projects, "Cute Bones" is my carefully selected."

Ronan is full of questions: "I remember many people said that the original book "Cute Bones" is one of the most difficult literary works to adapt to a movie."

Peter Jackson waved his hand and was confident: "There are not so many troubles. In fact, the so-called difficulty of this story lies in grasping the transition between tragedy and comedy. This is a sad and angry story because it is an outbreak of the dark side of this deformed society. It tells the story of an innocent little girl being cruelly killed. Although many directors have filmed similar subjects, it is probably the first time that the whole thing looks at from the perspective of the dead little girl."

He said with great certainty: "This will give the audience a fresh attraction."

"Where is the budget?" Ronan asked the most critical question: "How much budget do you need for this small project?"

If you can handle it for 10 or 20 million US dollars, you can consider it completely. After all, the influence of the original work and Peter Jackson is still obvious.

Peter Jackson smiled and said, "If you don't invite first-line star actors, it's about $60 million."

As soon as this number came out, Ronan was stunned for a moment. Didn’t he agree on a small project? Is Peter Jackson joking about the $60 million small project, or is he wrong in his cognitive concept of the small project?

Ronan shook his head slowly: "Peter, are you sure?"

Peter Jackson frowned slightly and said, "$60 million may not be enough."

Ronan said: "This is not a small project. $60 million is already a medium-sized investment. This year, the production cost of "The Three Hundred Warriors of Sparta" by Relativity Entertainment, is only $60 million."

Peter Jackson understood what Ronan meant, and wanted to fight for it, and said, "Ronan, listen to me..."

Ronan interrupted Peter Jackson: "If the budget is less than $20 million, Peter can bring the project to Shahai Entertainment for negotiations. More than this number, especially the $60 million you said, I wouldn't consider it."

Out of respect for Peter Jackson, Ronan further explained: "This is not decided by me, nor is it determined by you, but by the market. I have generally read the original work of "Cute Bones". No matter how adapted it, it cannot change its essence of the theme of niche movies. Niche themes naturally have huge flaws in the audience. It does not mean that the audience who shoots well will go to the theater to watch it. The high investment will only bring huge risks. If the film is in a situation, the investor will lose all his money."

After hearing these words, Peter Jackson said, "I understand." He changed the topic: "Ronan, how many days are you staying in Wellington? I will take you to visit Vita Studio tomorrow."

Ronan said: "Thank you. Time doesn't allow, I'm leaving New Zealand tonight."

As for whether Peter Jackson listened to it, it was not something Ronan could decide. Anyway, $60 million allowed him to invest in such a niche subject matter, it was absolutely impossible.

Peter Jackson said: "It's so regretful."

Ronan couldn't tell whether he was regretting that he was leaving or whether the two sides could not cooperate.

But he couldn't lower the risk control requirements of the project just because the opposite side was Peter Jackson.

$20 million is too far away from $60 million, and the two sides are destined to be unable to reach cooperation.
Chapter completed!