People with high Appearance have already won at the starting line; being handsome makes everything easier. This is a golden adage.
With his charming looks, surpassing everyone else present, and his approachable demeanor despite his immense wealth, Eric was effortlessly chatting and laughing with the Starry Entertainment people less than two minutes after meeting them.
"Stephen, you are truly too humble. Your films are excellent. I've seen Shaolin Soccer, and although the cultures are different, the scenes in the movie always make me laugh out loud."
"In you, I see similar traits to Jim Carrey and Charlie Chaplin. You are both humorous comedy masters."
"So when I heard Judy say you were looking for investment, I thought I absolutely had to secure it!"
Upon hearing this, Judy was speechless. If it were truly as he said, would he have made people wait for almost a day?
If it were any major Hollywood director, would he still be able to speak with such confidence?
After some pleasantries, everyone got down to business.
"Stephen, how much investment are you looking for with this film?"
Stephen Chow held up three fingers: "30 million US dollars. I think that's the minimum."
Eric frowned: "30 million US dollars? I remember Miramax bought the overseas distribution rights for Hero, Jet Li's film, which had spectacular scenes, but its investment was only 30 million US dollars."
"30 million US dollars, converted to RMB, is nearly 500 million, and converted to Hong Kong dollars, it's 400 million. That's enough to shoot a top-tier blockbuster."
"Is your Kung Fu as grand and epic as Hero?"
Stephen Chow shook his head slightly: "No, Kung Fu and Hero are completely different styles. Its scenes are not grand, but in my vision, Kung Fu will use a large amount of special effects."
"So Starry Entertainment plans to find a Hollywood special effects company? If it's from Hong Kong or Korea, I don't think it would cost that much," Eric asked again.
Stephen Chow is not a talkative person. Although Eric was smiling while speaking, his tone and context clearly indicated he was applying pressure. Money isn't that easy to get.
Beside him, a man with gold-rimmed glasses named Ryan hastily spoke up to express his opinion.
Eric had no impression of this person; he was likely an administrative staff member of Starry Entertainment, not an actor or screenwriter.
"Mr. Eric, I understand your thoughts. Yes, Kung Fu is not a grand spectacle, nor will it feature Jackie Chan or Jet Li, but its selling points are completely different."
"Just by reading the script, most people can't understand how many special effects a film will use, but from a director's perspective, Stephen has already constructed the general outline of Kung Fu in his mind."
"Stephen is a mature and capable director; he is top-tier in Asia, as I'm sure you know, which can be seen from Shaolin Soccer."
"Therefore, the 30 million US dollar investment he proposed is entirely based on the film's needs, Mr. Eric. You should understand that if the special effects are insufficient, many films cannot achieve their intended impact."
After listening to the other party ramble on, explaining and elaborating, Eric laughed heartily: "Ryan, are you saying I don't understand films? Do you think I can't understand those storyboards, or do you think I don't know market prices?"
The man with glasses repeatedly waved his hands: "No, that's not what I mean. I just want to make a good film. We all think that way, don't we? Excellent films earn more at the box office."
Taking a sip of coffee, Eric leaned back, adopting a boss-like posture. His tone slowed.
"Yes, everyone wants to make a good film, everyone wants more investment, because only by making a good film can you make money, but you can't treat investors as fools."
"Ryan, I'm not just a company vice president, I'm also a director. The film I'm currently directing is transformers. Do you think Kung Fu will have more special effects than transformers?"
"So special effects are not an excuse. I've read the entire script very carefully, and I've also done a professional evaluation. I also have the film's outline in my mind."
"30 million US dollars is too much. 22 million US dollars, that's the price MGM is willing to offer."
Upon hearing this price, the three people from Starry Entertainment changed their expressions. Cutting 8 million US dollars directly was lower than their psychological expectation.
After completing the script for Kung Fu, Stephen Chow intended to seek investment in Hollywood, because the cost, exceeding 200 million, was beyond what either Hong Kong or mainland China could afford.
Even if they could afford it, upon hearing that Stephen Chow would direct and star, they lost interest, as his box office appeal was not strong enough.
The investment for Hero was given out of respect for Jet Li; Zhang Yimou was nobody in Hollywood.
Stephen Chow first approached Miramax, which had handled the overseas distribution of Shaolin Soccer. He had hoped that the Weinstein Brothers would be generous due to their previous successful collaboration.
But it turned out he had overthought it; Harvey Weinstein directly cut the offer in half, only willing to invest 15 million US dollars.
Then he approached New Line Cinema, Lionsgate, Disney, and others, but the results were either disinterest or investment amounts that didn't meet his expectations.
A few days ago, he went to Sony Columbia to lobby. Columbia was willing to invest, but they firmly stuck to 20 million US dollars and wouldn't invest any more.
Finally, he came to MGM. Starry Entertainment had almost run through all the major Hollywood companies, and the experience was similar to the Olsen Sisters' struggle to secure investment for new york minute.
Stephen Chow's expression was solemn: "Eric, I think—"
Eric interrupted directly: "Stephen, 22 million US dollars is already the highest price. I think in Hollywood, you'll be hard-pressed to find a company more generous than MGM."
"After all, your film doesn't have Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Without those two, Chinese films struggle to gain traction."
"Perhaps my words sound harsh, but this is the truth. You should understand, and I hope you do."
Seeing Eric's attitude, Stephen Chow knew that talking was useless. In business, liking your film and being willing to invest in it are two different things.
It's like falling in love; a crush doesn't cost money, but truly pursuing someone requires real cash.
Want to fall in love without money? Do you think you're some rich playboy?
After pondering for a moment, Stephen Chow asked: "Eric, if Starry Entertainment accepts MGM's investment, what do you plan to take? How much will I have to give up?"
Eric smiled. Columbia was offering a maximum of 20 million US dollars, and he was offering 2 million more.
2 million might seem like a drop in the ocean to him, just the cost of one AK Films movie.
But to Stephen Chow, that wasn't just US dollars; it was 16 million Hong Kong dollars. They were in completely different environments.
Moreover, he hadn't collaborated with Columbia before; both were strangers, so naturally, he would listen to whoever offered more.
"Stephen, I am the investor, so the copyright first belongs to MGM. Then there's distribution. MGM has distribution rights worldwide, except for a few specific regions where it will be difficult."
"Are you referring to markets like the Middle East and mainland China?"
"Exactly. In fact, MGM is planning to establish a branch company in China. I predict that in a few years, that market will experience an explosion."
"That's a good idea. Taking advantage of this opportunity with Kung Fu, you could establish the branch company in Hong Kong."
Eric shook his head slightly: "Hong Kong is out of the question; its market is shrinking. I lean more towards Beijing."
Stephen Chow didn't offer more opinions on this matter, as he clearly knew that the Hong Kong market was indeed severely shrinking; otherwise, co-productions wouldn't be so popular now.
After chatting for a while, Stephen Chow stated that he needed to carefully consider the investment, declined MGM's dinner invitation, and left with the Starry Entertainment people.
After another week of screening, saw was also nearing the end of its wide release.
Now, it was only showing in more remote small towns and cities. Since the premiere dates in these places were later than in major cities, it would be postponed by about another week, but it was merely a negligible amount.
In the final week, saw's North American box office grossed 6.1 million US dollars. This was the result of a wide release; when averaged across each cinema, profits had bottomed out, and it was time to make way for new films.
Overseas box office this week reported 20.69 million US dollars. After another week of screening, it would also be taken off screens. The global box office currently stood at 370 million US dollars.
And in this week, films like catch me if you can and chicago also ended their wide releases.
catch me if you can's North American box office was around 160 million US dollars, and its global box office was around 350 million US dollars, living up to Spielberg's reputation.
chicago, on the other hand, suffered. First, it was hit by the impact of sharknado. As soon as the sharks swam away, saw came to chop its legs.
Even with Oscar nominations, its North American box office still fell short of expectations. Analysts had predicted 150 million US dollars in North America, but it ultimately only earned over 85 million.
The overseas market fared similarly, with the final global box office reaching 170 million US dollars.
Compared to its production cost of 45 million US dollars and considerable marketing costs, earning big money with this box office performance was out of the question.
Miramax could only be considered unlucky. After the Oscars, the Weinstein Brothers would find ways to slowly recoup their money from copyright and DVD sales.
The investment in Kung Fu progressed surprisingly smoothly.
Just two days later, Stephen Chow visited again, and both parties directly signed the contract, making it legally binding.
What Eric didn't know was that in those two days, Stephen Chow had another bidding session with Sony Columbia, hoping to secure 25 million US dollars in investment.
However, Columbia firmly stuck to 20 million US dollars, not a penny more, even when he lowered his request to 23 million.
There was no other choice then; the road in Hollywood had essentially reached its end, and MGM was indeed the optimal solution.
The contract content was lengthy, but the key clauses were only a few.
Firstly, the film's copyright belonged entirely to MGM. MGM was solely responsible for promotion and distribution, except for mainland China.
Secondly, since Starry Entertainment completely relinquished copyright, Stephen Chow's share of profits had to be increased by 3 percentage points. Combining his roles as screenwriter, director, and lead actor, he could collectively receive 12% of the film's gross box office profit.
As for his fixed fees as screenwriter, director, and actor, these were part of the film's cost, expended from the 20 million US dollars.
Thirdly, regarding cost issues, MGM would send a producer to supervise on-site, but since the film was being shot in China, MGM couldn't manage everything so closely.
Therefore, if the film's cost exceeded the budget, Starry Entertainment would cover the excess, and Starry Entertainment could not make other demands based on this reason.
This was primarily done to prevent Stephen Chow from demanding exorbitant fees for himself or colluding with other actors to demand sky-high salaries.
The last point was about the distribution in mainland China. Starry Entertainment was responsible for the specifics of how to handle it. Eric didn't know why Stephen Chow insisted on adding this clause, most likely due to kickbacks or private channels.
It was just an undeveloped market, and for MGM, which earned US dollars, it didn't matter. If he wanted it, he could have it.
According to the contract terms, the filming for Kung Fu had to start by May 10th of this year at the latest, and MGM would send dedicated personnel to participate then.
Two wine glasses clinked together, and Eric smiled.
"Stephen, here's to a smooth collaboration!"
"A smooth collaboration!"
Eric took a sip of the red liquid: "Oh, by the way, there's one more thing I need your help with. In mainland China, do you know anyone familiar with setting up a branch company? I want to get this done as soon as possible."
MGM had made concessions to Starry Entertainment regarding distribution in mainland China, so Stephen Chow naturally wanted to return the favor.
"I have a good relationship with Chairman Han Sanping of China Film Group Corporation. If MGM needs it, I can act as an intermediary for an introduction."
Hearing Han Sanping's name, Eric nodded inwardly. If he remembered correctly, although this person hadn't yet taken the position of Chairman of China Film Group Corporation, he was still the Vice Chairman.
Moreover, he held significant sway within the company, overseeing production, and China Film Group Corporation controlled the import of overseas films, making him a valuable contact.
Eric smiled: "Good, I've also heard of Han Sanping. How about this, after you go back, first greet Chairman Han."
"Help me sound him out. If he welcomes it, MGM will send someone over as soon as possible."
"I don't think Chairman Han has any reason not to welcome it, Eric. Just wait for the good news."
After seeing off the Starry Entertainment people, the Olsen Sisters immediately arrived.
Dual Star Entertainment was also in Los Angeles, so the two parties weren't actually far apart; with good traffic, it was only a half-hour drive.
Seeing the sister duo, the young receptionist was immediately delighted and ran to ask for autographs and a photo.
In the words of the young woman, "I grew up watching your shows; you were my childhood idols."
Meeting a fan, the Olsen Sisters were initially happy, but upon hearing the words "childhood," a sense of loss flashed through their hearts.
If they didn't find a solution soon, their popularity would truly be lost, and then they might not even retain their childhood fans.
"Ashley, Mary, welcome, welcome."
He hugged both sisters individually. One had a faint rose scent, the other Eric couldn't identify.
"Haven't seen you in over a week. How have you been?"
The younger sister, Mary Olsen, gave a bitter smile: "It's been a tough time. We even found a professional script doctor, hoping to revise and improve new york minute, but the results are still not good."
"Eric, perhaps, as you said, to make this script work, we'll have to start from scratch."
"Sigh! You're still clinging to new york minute. With all due respect, that's trash. It's truly not worth wasting time on such a thing."
The Olsen Sisters' expressions were a bit awkward, but they still helplessly stated: "You're right, we even had top screenwriters re-evaluate it, but it truly is a mess."
"So what's there to consider? You must transition, and it's urgent. blue is the warmest color is undoubtedly the best opportunity."
Ashley, the older sister, said: "Eric, Mary and I have discussed your suggestion for a long time. We talk about it almost every day."
"But we are biological sisters, and this is very difficult. We don't know what kind of results it will produce, good or bad?"
"Is that so? But I don't think so. You've been in the industry for many years; you must understand that every film is a gamble, gambling money and gambling reputation. If you can't let go of anything, perhaps child stardom is the most suitable path for you."
Biological sisters playing lesbians is indeed quite unbelievable.
But the words "child star" once again pierced the sisters' hearts like a knife. Since they came today, they actually already had a leaning in their hearts; they just lacked that final push.
And Eric was the hand they found to give themselves that push.
As the saying goes: Madness is like gravity, all it takes is a little push.