Chu Huan, who was also excited inside but calm on the outside, sat there, and Alan Hirschfeld, who looked a little excited, sat helplessly aside.
Ever since Alan Hirschfield proposed at the door of Industrial Light & Magic that he reluctantly sold "Star Wars" to Chu Huan, everyone went straight back to 20th Century Fox.
"Mr. Hirschfeld, to be honest, I have been very interested in the "Star Wars" project since we talked with George Lucas. But now that I am asked to take over, I am afraid that I am powerless!"
Chu Huan said regretfully.
Alan Hirschfeld felt somewhat certain in his heart at this time. After all, if Chu Huan didn't want this project, he could reject him on the spot, and there was no need to follow him back to 20th Century Fox.
"I wonder what Mr. Chu is worried about?"
Chu Huan nodded slightly and said: "First of all, projects like "Star Wars" can only have a market in Europe and the United States. It is impossible in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and other places!"
"Star Wars" has become a national IP in North America because their country's history is so lacking that they pinned some of their emotions on such a movie.
The whole of Southeast Asia is influenced by Chinese culture and is well-informed. A mere "Star Wars" is just child's play to the audience there.
"This is easy!" Since Alan Hirschfield 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 definitely be your company's first project in Hollywood. As for the distribution issue, this can be left to us at 20th Century Fox or even the two of us.
Companies can be jointly responsible for distribution!”
Chu Huan asked the second question without comment: "Secondly, although I am personally very optimistic about George's "Star Wars", I have also heard friends talk about this project, and I also know that this project actually has a poor reputation in Hollywood.
There are some problems, and my personal views cannot replace the views of European and American audiences."
Alan Hirschfield was suddenly embarrassed, but this embarrassment did not last for a second. He looked like he was planning for Chu Huan and said seriously: "Mr. Chu, with all due respect, according to what you are doing in Hollywood now.
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 chuckled and said nonchalantly: "Of course I know this."
Alan Hirschfield continued: "According to Mr. Chu's influence in Hollywood, it is almost impossible to get a popular project. Even if you get it, there may be Bruce's "Dragon Warrior"
In that case, I think it is best to seek wealth and wealth through risk.
It is true that the current market for science fiction films in Hollywood is not very good, but it is not impossible. Didn’t our company’s previous "Planet of the Apes" also sell well?"
Previously, Alan Hirschfield had already 'knew' Chu Huan's character from Rozier's words, so at this time he also adjusted his negotiation skills based on Chu Huan's character.
There is no need for him to hide some things that everyone knows publicly!
"I think with Mr. Chu's financial resources, betting on a Star Wars movie is not a problem!"
Chu Huan nodded and said: "I can indeed afford to bet on a "Star Wars", but this matter..."
Seeing that Chu Huan was still thinking about it, Alan Hirschfield couldn't help but said urgently: "Mr. Chu, you only have this chance. If you lose it, you will have to wait a long time if you want to make a difference in Hollywood."
It’s been a long time!”
Chu Huan thought for a moment and said seriously: "If Mr. Hirschfeld really wants to sell the "Star Wars" project, there are some things I still need to ask clearly."
When Alan Hirschfield 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 Hirschfield pondered for a moment and said: "Okay."
Then he told Chu Huan the details of the contract signed between 20th Century Fox and Lucas.
There is an upfront fee of US$15,000, a script creation fee of US$50,000, and a director's fee of US$100,000, some of which will be settled after the film is completed. In addition, there is a shooting budget of US$3 million.
That budget has already been taken away by George Lucas…
In addition, Lucas can hire a secretary for $175 a week; hire Gary Kurtz as a producer for $50,000; Marcia Lucas and Verna Fields will be responsible for editing;
Walter Murch will serve as post-production supervisor.
In addition, 40% of the movie's profits belong to Lucasfilm and 60% to Fox. At the same time, in order to ensure George Lucas's absolute rights to the film, the terms also stipulate that Twentieth Century Fox has no right to delegate
Executive producers, and other than auditors are 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.
We also know why George Lucas doesn't care if Alan Hirschfeld is angry, because they only have the right to pay and have no right to interfere with the filming of the film.
They originally signed "Star Wars" because Alan Ladd Jr. highly praised the project, but they didn't expect George Lucas to be so polished!
A year has almost passed and we are still polishing the props.
This is not acceptable to a movie studio.
"So what about the "Star Wars" peripherals?" Chu Huan asked the question he was most concerned about.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Is the box office revenue of "Star Wars" considerable?
Very impressive!
But compared with his surroundings, it’s not good enough!
Therefore, Chu Huan must ask clearly about this point.
Alan Hirschfeld didn't care too much about this. Although the value of the peripherals is higher, it depends on the box office and influence of the movie itself.
Since he is not optimistic about this movie, he naturally is not optimistic about the peripheral products of "Star Wars".
“It’s the same as the share of box office profits!”
Alan Hirschfeld replied.
60% share!
Although it was already a lot, Chu Huan felt that it could be more, but this matter should not be discussed with Alan Hirschfeld, but with George Lucas.
"Say a price!"
Chu Huan finally gave the answer that Alan Hirschfield expected to hear the most!
Little Alan Ladd on the other side immediately showed an unwilling look. He was really optimistic about the "Star Wars" movie.
But at this time, this matter was no longer up to him.
Alan Hirschfield immediately said: "Based on the US$3.3 million previously invested by our company, plus US$1.7 million, this movie belongs to you, Mr. Chu!"
After hearing this, Chu Huan shook his head and said: "This is impossible. We have just talked with George. Everyone knows that the budget of this movie will definitely be increased in the later stage. In addition, to be honest, after the movie was released,
, whether it can be accepted by the audience is also a major test. Buying it for US$1.7 million is not in the interest of our company!"
Yes, yes, you must not accept it!
When little Alan Ladd heard Chu Huan's rejection, he immediately became happy.
Alan Hirschfield smiled and said: "Mr. Chu, 1.7 million US dollars is not much anymore. 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 this is George's first time directing a science fiction movie, and it is also a movie with such a large investment, which is not nice to say.
Yes, the profitability of his movie is hard to compare with the movie "Dragon Warrior"!"
"Moreover, I am not afraid to tell Mr. Hirschfeld that whether I want to buy the "Star Wars" project or not, I have to discuss it with my friend Ms. Kelly of Apex Pictures, and I also need to add Apex Pictures to it."
Guarantee my rights in this movie, so I also have to consider it for my partners!"
It's true that Chu Huan really wanted to get the "Star Wars" project, and it's true that he had a happy chat with George Lucas before, but it's true that Chu Huan believes in George Lucas and the 20th Century who is responsible for releasing this movie.
Fox that's impossible.
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 cake that the entire Hollywood is crazy about.
At that time, it was difficult for Chu Huan's black and white images to prevent the various little tricks used by Hollywood to treat black and white images.
With Apex Pictures, it's different. After all, this film company is in Hollywood, and Chu Huan believes that Apex Pictures will definitely be able to develop in the past two years and have a certain say here.
So Chu Huan needs Vertex Pictures to stand in front of him and protect him from the wind and rain.
It was naturally impossible for Alan Hirschfeld to know what Chu Huan was thinking. He pondered for a moment and said: "1.5 million, I think this price should be very reasonable, right?"
Chu Huan waved his hand and said: "1 million. In my mind, this project can only be worth 1 million. If it costs more, I would rather give up!"
Alan Hirschfeld thought for a while and said with a smile: "Okay, when will Mr. Chu plan to sign this contract?"
Chu Huan suppressed the excitement in his heart and said with a smile: "Since the cooperation has been negotiated, the contract can be signed now!"
Without any hesitation, Alan Hirschfeld immediately called his secretary and told him to prepare the contract!
"Mr. Hirschfeld, I don't agree!" Little Alan Ladd saw that the two parties were about to sign a contract, and he really couldn't sit still.
"Alan Ladd!"
After hearing little Alan Ladd refuting his decision in front of Chu Huan, Alan Hirschfield suddenly became dissatisfied.
Chu Huan doesn't want little Alan Ladd to affect this cooperation now, but he also knows that if he speaks out at this time, it will definitely arouse Alan Hirschfeld's suspicion.
After thinking about it for a while, Chu Huan decided to wait and see what happens!
"Mr. Hirschfeld, although the "Star Wars" project seems to be a bit expensive, successful movies always require patience and strategic vision. If you sell this project now, I am sure that you will definitely sell it in the future."
regrettable!"
Alan Ladd Jr. preached seriously.
I will regret it if I don't sell it now... Alan Hirschfield loudly preached: "The company has decided on this matter, Rad, you can leave!"
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 so, George will definitely be very dissatisfied!"
Later, little Alan Ladd said to Chu Huan: "Mr. Chu, you have talked with George before. You should know that George is a very proud man. If you just let this project go without notifying him,
If you buy it, George will definitely feel that he has been greatly humiliated!"
Little Alan Ladd's words made Chu Huan a little moved. It was not that Chu Huan was persuaded by little Alan Ladd, but that Chu Huan also understood that people like George Lucas definitely valued their own glory.
, if he buys the "Star Wars" project from 20th Century Fox without his knowledge, it will definitely affect the subsequent cooperation between the two parties.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! George Lucas naturally has no way to refuse cooperation in the ongoing "Star Wars", but what about the rest?
"Star Wars" will definitely be successful in the future, and George Lucas will definitely have more say. This is an IP series that can be developed sustainably, and it is by no means a one-time deal!
Originally, Chu Huan wanted to finish the project at Fox first, and then talk to George Lucas. In fact, Chu Huan had already thought about the interests and control of the "Star Wars" IP before that.
Be sure to hold it firmly in your own hands.
Even if he later fell out with George Lucas, he could not be allowed to regain control of this IP.
At worst, everyone breaks up in the end.
There are so many money-making projects in this world, there is no more "Star Wars", and there are others.
But this is only 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 away some 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 profit from this movie.
Therefore, there is absolutely no possibility that you will contribute money and the other party will take away the majority of the profits.
Seeing that Chu Huan stopped talking, Alan Hirschfeld was so angry. Seeing that the two parties were about to sign a contract, but little Alan Ladd made a fuss, Chu Huan actually hesitated!
If he had a gun in his hand, Alan Hirschfeld would definitely shoot little Alan Ladd.
"Mr. Chu..."
Chu Huan didn't wait for Alan Hirschfeld to finish speaking, and said directly: "Mr. Hirschfeld, what Mr. Ladd said about this matter is not wrong, but since I have agreed that your company wants to buy this project, then
This decision will not change, but I also hope to have another conversation with George. Wouldn’t it be better if all three of us could happily accept this transaction?"
Seeing that Chu Huan did not want to give up the project, Alan Hirschfield breathed a sigh of relief and said: "Okay!"
As Chu Huan said that the acquisition plan would not change, Alan Hirschfeld breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "If that is the case, then I will let the other party prepare the contract first!"
Chu Huan nodded and said, "I also need to contact Miss Kelly from Apex Pictures first."
Then Chu Huan left Fox Pictures and came to Industrial Light and Magic again!
Seeing Chu Huan leave and come back, George Lucas showed a puzzled expression.
When Chu Huan explained his purpose, George Lucas showed an angry expression as expected, but this anger had nothing to do with Chu Huan, but anger at the betrayal and humiliation of him by 20th Century Fox!
That's right, George Lucas considers this behavior of Twentieth Century Fox to be a betrayal and humiliation!
"Chu, I was very happy to talk with you before. Now that your company has chosen my project, I am also very happy personally. You don't have to have any worries. I am very much looking forward to cooperating with you!"
Out of anger, George Lucas happily accepted Chu Huan's suggestion. Since the distribution was still handled by 20th Century Fox, George Lucas did not need to worry about the film's release in Europe and the United States.
Chu Huan was also very happy to receive the response from George Lucas.
But that's not the real purpose of finding George Lucas.
"George, during the conversation with you just now, I know that the length of a movie cannot satisfy the story in your mind. Fox Pictures does not know the treasure, which does not mean that others do not know the treasure. I am now representing the black and white image.
, Apex Pictures promises you that regardless of the box office performance of the "Star Wars" movie, both of our companies are willing to continue to invest in the sequel of this movie."
This commitment is more like a sign of respect for George Lucas. After all, after signing the contract with 20th Century Fox, Black and White and Apex Pictures already own 60% of the copyright of the "Star Wars" IP!
In other words, as long as George Lucas wants to run this project, he cannot do without these two companies.
Sure enough, after hearing this, George Lucas looked moved 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 the contract was settled, Chu Huan revealed one of his true intentions.
"George, I know that movie special effects are a very expensive job. Even if you get part of the advance payment from Fox Pictures for "Star Wars", you still have limited resources to support the development of Industrial Light and Magic, so
I am personally willing to invest US$3 million to invest in Industrial Light & Magic and continue to support your efforts in film special effects!"
What a good man!
Chu Huan is a truly good person!
Not only does he appreciate his own movies, but he is also willing to invest in a special effects company that no one in Hollywood is optimistic about now. At this time, George Lucas believes that Chu Huan is the person who knows him 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 definitely achieve great success."
Chu Huan happily accepted George Lucas's flattery, and the main event was about to begin.
"That's not all, George, do you know the comic "Fantasy Comics" that is now popular in North America?"
George Lucas nodded and said, "I know."
Chu Huan smiled and said: "Actually, "Fantasy Comics" is my personal company, just like Black and White Image!"
"What?" George Lucas couldn't help but said in surprise: "Fantasy Comics actually belongs to you!"
Chu Huan nodded and said: "Yes, we can definitely use the influence of "Fantasy Comics" to publish comics of the same name about "Star Wars" to increase the influence of "Star Wars"."
This chapter is not over, please click on the next page to continue reading! George Lucas immediately expressed excitement: "If that's the case, that would be great!"
In another time and space, George Lucas's Lucasfilm collaborated with Marvel and launched a comic book of the same name at the same time as "Star Wars" was released.
The single volume 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 was stunned for a moment and asked: "What's going on?"
"It's about "Star Wars" peripherals and box office share!"
If everything Chu Huan said before was ideal, then what we want to talk about now are real benefits.
George Lucas, who was very excited just now, also put away his excitement at this time. As mentioned before, George Lucas is more like a businessman than a film director.
It is understandable that businessmen value profits!
At the same time, George Lucas is a very confident and conceited person, otherwise the contract signed with Twentieth Century Fox specifically stated that Twentieth Century Fox was not allowed to interfere in the filming of the movie.
Therefore, George Lucas is confident that his "Star Wars" can be successful, and he is also confident that its surrounding products will definitely generate good profits.
Now that Chu Huan has proposed re-dividing the distribution of peripherals and box office, this will definitely make George Lucas pay careful attention.
"I don't know what you mean, Chu?"
Chu Huan said: "As you just knew, not only will my black and white images be involved in the movie "Star Wars", but Hollywood's Apex Pictures will also be involved.
Before I came to see you, I had already had a phone call with Ms. Kelly, the president of Apex Pictures. The other party proposed that if we both invest in "Star Wars" but the box office profit share each party receives is not as much as Lucasfilm,
This is not in line with Apex Pictures’ investment philosophy.
So Apex Pictures hopes that our two companies will each hold 40% of these shares, while Lucasfilm will hold 20%!”
As expected, George Lucas was a little angry because he wanted to share his profits, but this was towards Apex Pictures, after all, he and Kelly had not met yet!
"Chu, this share is unacceptable to me!"
Naturally, George Lucas cannot accept that his profits will be diluted!
Chu Huan had already anticipated George Lucas's reaction, and said with a smile: "Of course I know you won't agree, George, but through my discussion with Miss Kelly, our two companies will each come up with
The $5 million is considered a 20% gain from the purchase of George!
It can be regarded as my fight for our friendship!
At the same time, our two companies also assure you that our two companies will never be involved in the filming of the "Star Wars" project. At the same time, if you have budgetary needs, we can also give you priority in equipping it!"
With this condition in mind, George Lucas fell silent and began to get excited. No matter how conceited and confident he was, he could never have guessed what kind of sensation the "Star Wars" movie would cause after it was released.
In addition, this movie is not recognized by the mainstream Hollywood market, and now no one except Chu Huan and Apex Pictures is willing to invest in this movie.
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 justice. I am very happy to be friends with you!" After praising Chu Huan, George Lucas said: "Okay,
I agree with Apex Pictures’ decision!”
call!
Chu Huan finally breathed a sigh of relief, this matter was finally settled.
From now on, the "Star Wars" project is firmly in his hands.
Of course, after the "Star Wars" movie is released and causes a sensation, there will definitely be a lot of bullshit, but it won't matter anymore.
As long as the initiative is in your own hands, everything is negotiable.
"Then let's go to Fox Studios together and sign the contract!"
George Lucas had no objection and returned to 20th Century Fox together 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 arriving, his expression suddenly became ugly. He knew that if no accident happened, the matter this time 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. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today, but some
It’s not something we can decide!”
The only hope in little Alan Ladd's heart was completely extinguished, and his whole body was like an eggplant beaten by frost!
Seeing Chu Huan who was the initiator, he couldn't help but said bitterly: "Mr. Chu, you have got a big deal this time!"
Chu Huan laughed and agreed with little 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 Hirschfield curled his lips, but then looked very happy, finally getting rid of the burden of "Star Wars"!
Now that everyone has arrived, the natural next step is to sign the contract.
First, Chu Huan represented Black and White Pictures, and Kelly represented Vertex Pictures and 20th Century Fox, represented by Alan Hirschfield, signed a contract to transfer the "Star Wars" project.
Later, Chu Huan signed a transfer contract for Li Xiaolong's "Dragon Warrior" investment share with 20th Century Fox on behalf of Black and White Pictures!
Finally, Chu Huan and Kelly signed a new profit sharing agreement with George Lucas on box office, peripherals, copyrights, etc.!
Since then, the IP of "Star Wars" has truly fallen into Chu Huan's hands!