Super Burger King, a fast-food restaurant located on the roadside in West Hollywood, is known for its high value, affordability, and generous portions, primarily serving young people who come to Hollywood to chase their dreams.
It doesn't matter if you're strapped for cash; come here for a high-calorie, filling meal that can last you a whole day.
Considering James Wan and Leigh Whannell's current predicament, Eric didn't choose a high-end restaurant but instead set the meeting location here.
In the United States, when discussing business over a meal, it's customary to split the bill, which is completely different from China.
Because if one party treats, there's a suspicion of bribery, and it's hard to refuse favors when you've eaten someone's food, so it's generally avoided.
Similarly, when friends invite each other for a meal at home, they usually bring inexpensive items like food or alcohol, not valuables.
Another benefit of eating at Super Burger King is that you don't have to tip, as you order and pick up your food yourself. However, tips are unavoidable at even slightly upscale restaurants.
A meal can incur around a 15% tip, which is a significant expense, and in the US, it's not just restaurants that collect tips.
Aside from a few places like fast-food restaurants, government departments, hospitals, schools, and supermarkets, almost all other services require a tip. It's so exaggerated that Americans themselves often complain about the tipping culture.
Eric and Judy sat around a street-side round table. After a short wait, Judy tilted her chin: "Look behind you, they're here."
Eric turned to look and saw two young men in their twenties hurrying towards them.
The white young man in front was handsome, dressed neatly in a white shirt and slacks.
The Asian young man behind him was a bit less put-together, with a thin, lanky build and a somewhat short stature, especially the exaggerated, non-mainstream hairstyle on his head, which constantly made him stand out in a crowd.
Sighing, as a transmigrator, Eric really couldn't appreciate this outrageous hairstyle. From the movies, James Wan definitely understood aesthetics, but when it came to his own head, it was quite abstract; he seemed particularly fond of non-mainstream cuts and styles.
Eric waved at them: "James, Leigh, over here!"
The two didn't recognize him, but seeing Judy, they understood. They hurried over and extended their hands.
"James Wan, Mr. Cooper, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Leigh Whannell, Mr. Cooper, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Eric Cooper, it's a pleasure to meet you both as well."
The two ordered their meals, and everyone chatted while eating. For a big shot like Eric to choose to meet them here, they weren't fools; it was clearly an accommodation for them, and they immediately felt a good impression.
"Leigh, I've read your script. Although I only skimmed it, a good idea cannot be hidden. I think it's very good."
Leigh Whannell and James Wan exchanged glances. When they received the call, they had a feeling good luck was coming, and it seemed they were right.
Leigh Whannell got straight to the point: "Mr. Cooper, are you saying that MGM is interested in saw?"
"Of course, otherwise why would I invite you? To be clear, MGM is interested in investing. I want to make this story about life into a film."
A gust of wind blew, and James Wan felt a momentary blackout. He quickly smoothed his flowing hair: "Mr. Cooper, what about the director—"
Eric smiled at him: "Don't worry, I won't break you two up. I don't think anyone understands this story better than you."
His heart tightened, and James Wan suddenly began to tremble all over.
Leigh Whannell patted his shoulder: "Don't get too excited, this is what you've always wanted, isn't it?"
James Wan took a big bite of the hamburger on his plate, swallowed it whole, and looked gratefully at the handsome man across from him, who was even younger than him.
"Mr. Cooper, I really don't know what to say. We've been to almost every small company, but no one was willing to invest even just a million dollars."
"Then we went to Warner Bros., Universal, and Paramount, only to be turned away. Even if they wanted the script, they would never agree to let me direct."
As he spoke, James Wan choked up a little. In Hollywood, new actors have the easiest time, followed by new screenwriters, but new directors have the hardest time.
Actors can start with small supporting roles, and a mistake is not critical. Buying the wrong script is also fine; it can just be stored away.
But if the wrong director is hired, it's an absolute disaster. Even a small-budget film costs several million dollars to invest, and a loss could directly cripple a small film and television company.
For example, Josh Trank, whose small-budget sci-fi film chronicle made him famous overnight.
Then 20th Century Fox entrusted him with New fantastic four, which turned out to be a piece of garbage, causing Fox to lose over a hundred million dollars.
For such superhero blockbusters, the requirements for screenwriters are not that high, as everyone understands the story; the director is the key, and this is the consequence of using the wrong director.
Of course, this guy didn't fare well either; all his subsequent contracts were canceled, and he plummeted to the bottom. It wasn't until before Eric's transmigration that he seemed to hear news of him again, and this time, his disappearance lasted five years, showing the terrible after-effects.
"Mr. Cooper, your courage is absolutely top-notch in Hollywood. It's only been a few hours since we entered MGM, and I don't even know what I'm saying anymore," Leigh Whannell said, excitedly and clumsily trying to flatter him.
Eric chuckled: "If you're truly grateful, then the best way to repay me is to make a good film. But before that, we still need to discuss the details."
"First, there's the issue of compensation. Business is business, and I don't want trouble from the union later."
Leigh Whannell tentatively asked: "Can I really play the male lead?"
"If you insist, I agree. No one understands what the film wants to express better than you, but I hope you think clearly about your positioning, whether you are an actor or a screenwriter. This relates to your future career planning."
Leigh Whannell nodded: "I will consider your opinion. For the script fee, the union's minimum standard will be fine. I'm truly grateful that you're willing to give us this opportunity."
Eric then looked at James Wan, who hesitated and said, "May I ask first, what is MGM's budget?"
Eric spread his palm: "No more than 5 million US dollars, but the exact figure needs to be discussed internally by the company."
James Wan's face immediately broke into a smile: "Then, like Leigh Whannell, I'll only take the minimum compensation."
Eric was a bit puzzled: "So, what was the purpose of your question?"
"Mr. Cooper, Leigh and I had an expectation in our hearts. If MGM's investment was less than 2 million, we wouldn't take any compensation, only a share, to save costs."
"But if it's 4 million or even 5 million US dollars, we can go all out and make the soundtrack, props, editing, and other aspects even more perfect."
"Mr. Cooper, what Leigh and I truly want is an opportunity, a chance to prove ourselves, especially since I'm Chinese-American, you understand."
Eric nodded. The difficulty for Chinese-Americans to make it big in the US is well-known to the public; it's an open secret.
"James, Cameron was willing to exchange the directing rights for The Terminator for 1 dollar, and he became the King of the World. I believe you will be the next King of the World!"
On the second day of the trial, the editor said he wanted to reach a baseline of 300 active readers to get promoted, which means needing to increase by over 200 in three days. I'm still far from that.
I hope all my brothers can help out and give it their all!