I Know Everything - Chapter 619

Chapter 619: Cooperation.

Todd was struggling to decide whether he should tell Chen Huan the truth or not.

He sought after not less than 20 different producers or investment companies so far, including his good friend the well-known actor and producer Bradley Cooper, who was the owner of copyrights for Hangover and star of the movie, but they all refused to invest in this script.

The reason was they thought a dark and depressing movie like ‘Joker’ wouldn’t be a success.

Moreover, there was also the copyright dispute with Warner and they wouldn’t make much no matter how they calculated it. Even if they made a profit, it would be taken away by Warner.

People in Hollywood never made anything for nothing. They do everything for fame and fortune.

Friendship and feelings were no use concerning investment in movies.

Todd Phillips became desperate just like those script writers in the streets, trying their luck everywhere.

Chen Huan was just one of his bets and he had another person he had to meet in the afternoon.

However, Todd felt optimistic about Chen Huan.

Todd had a very sharp instinct as a great director and felt there would be a movie to be shot this time.

So he chose to trust his intuition this time.

“Mr. Chen…” Todd started to organize his words, “Maybe you know that in Hollywood, the producer is in charge of the projects.”

“The films here are usually produced by well-known producers from big companies that find the projects and raise the funds to get the movie shot before handing it over to the film companies to get it distributed.”

“So the most powerful people in Hollywood were the producers as they controlled all the productions of the movies in Hollywood, including blockbusters, horror movies, artsy movies and so on…”

“Many producers don’t think highly of the ‘Joker’ script so they don’t want to invest in it and do the work for it so if I want to shoot it, I will have to do the producer job too.”

“As long as we manage all the shooting and production on our own and as long as Warner didn’t have to pay and could make a profit from the dividend as well as the copyright fee, they shouldn’t make it hard on us.”

Chen Huan asked, “What is your estimated budget?”

Todd quickly answered, “50 million dollars is enough! It doesn’t need any large scale special effects for fights and we only need to pay for the actors and filming locations as well as some editing…”

Chen Huan gave a neutral smile as he said, “I feel like that you’re meaning that I’m the one shouldering all the financing in this movie.”

“It would be great if you can finance more but if not, I can go look for other investors.” Todd quickly answered.

“How many people are interested in this?” Chen Huan asked.

Todd was silent for a bit before he said in shame, “You’re the first showing interest.”

Chen Huan laughed and thought this guy was quite honest.

It was conceivable to think that if he agreed to invest in this, Todd would use his name as a genius to fool other people into investing.

“Do you know what Warner is asking?” Chen Huan asked him.

“I did talk with the one overseeing this and if we are responsible for the financing and that they are only responsible for promoting it and distributing it, 10 million for the copyrights, 10% of the box office shares and 20% of the advertising fee will be paid by us.” Todd cautiously said, “They also want 30% shares of the products resulting from that.”

Chen Huan couldn’t help but laugh, “What?! Are they treating Joker as a 500 million dollars movie before it’s even shot?”

“Deadpool only grossed 783 million dollars worldwide even with the Marvel brand and Disney’s marketing.”

“Even if Joker was the most popular villain, could the villain and simple plot carry the movie to such heights?”

Todd had nothing to say against that.

Chen Huan was right as Warner’s demand was too high.

10% of the box office, 20% share of the advertising fee and 30% of the products after the movie.

This wasn’t a profit dividend from the box office but based on the total box office, the cost was still in it!

Todd just said the budget was 50 million dollars.

But if they added Warner’s demand at the box office as well as 10 million fee, the movie would have to gross at least 400 million at the North America box office.

But even Suicide Squad didn’t get that much so they have to add the overseas box office.

The overseas box office generally accounted for 30% of it.

So after calculation, 500 million dollars estimation for it seemed to be a reasonable figure.

Not to mention that they still have to dig out the 30% benefit of the later profit.

This was the most important reason why producers were unwilling to take over the project.

Moreover, it was a R-rated movie, estimating a box office of 500 was too high, it seemed almost impossible.

Why would they work so hard for all the benefits to go to Warner?

“Maybe we can make some money from the Chinese market…” Todd said nervously.

“How many R-rated movies can be released in China?” Chen Huan shook his head, “Even uplifting movie like ‘Deadpool’ couldn’t be released in China, let alone ‘Joker’… isn’t it the same for ‘Suicide Squad’?”

Todd turned silent.

His heart sank but didn’t forget to throw his final bargaining chip, “Mr. Chen, I can give up all the rights from it as long as you let me be the director and producer, I also won’t take a penny from the movie unless it makes a profit!”

“Even if it’s profitable, I only require 5% of the box office profit and I don’t want any subsequent profit from it! The copyright from this movie can also be given to you! I assure you it’ll be a great movie!”

It was indeed a lot of sincerity shown when a director decided he wouldn’t take money unless the movie made a profit and gave up the shares from the after release profit.

Giving the copyrights to Chen Huan was tantamount to giving up everything after the movie was released and giving all power to Chen Huan.

But the sincerity shown had little effect when the movie was pressured to make at least 500 million dollars.

Todd was just following desperate measures.

“I really love this script.” Chen Huan gave a smile after pressuring the other party enough, “It’s not that I can’t give you 50 million dollars but I need you to promise me some things.”

“Say it!” Todd was like a drowning man grabbing onto a log as his morale lifted up, “I won’t reject it as long as I can do it!”

“I’m not happy with Warner’s conditions.” Chne Huan said, “Go discuss with them and you can increase the copyright fee to the limit. I would rather give them more money than share a bigger box office dividend.”

“Are you optimistic about the box office?” Todd asked in shock.

“Regardless of whether I’m optimistic about the box office or not, I don’t agree that they should be able to grab the benefit so unscrupulously.” Chen Huan said solemnly, “Reduce as much as possible their shares, including the benefit shares after release, this is my first request from you!”

“They would be able to see our sincerity as long as the funds are here so we can negotiate.” Todd quickly answered, “The company’s goal is to make money and when they see real money, they will make concessions.”

“Good.” Chen Huan smiled, “The second point, who are you going to cast as the protagonist?”

“I think Joaquin Phoenix is very suitable! His films, ‘Gladiator’, ‘The Master’ and ‘A Beautiful Day’ show his artistic sense and great acting skills.” Todd gave this suggestion without hesitation.

“What about the female lead?” Chen Huan asked, “The single mother who is the love interest.”

“Uh…”

Todd wasn’t stupid and lightly coughed before he said, “I’m ready to have Miss Bu Yiyi play to role but the role can be changed a bit. What do you think of a struggling single mother who is dealing with poverty and domestic violence?”

“Then I have nothing to complain for now.” Chen Huan was very satisfied by his quick wit and extended his hand, “I think we can carry on for a formal investment talk!”

“Thank you!”

Todd excitedly shook Chen Huan’s hands and almost cried.