Through the window, Eric could see the two arguing as they got into the car and drove away.
It seemed Avi Arad's impolite attitude and words had greatly displeased Isaac Perlmutter.
One exchange was enough to see that these two were fundamentally different.
The former was a standard businessman, for whom nothing was more important than money. Such a person was easier to deal with because everything had a clear price in their mind.
The latter was more difficult to handle. Trying to get an old otaku to sell his treasured figurines and cards...
Unless the sky fell, no one would succeed.
Since it was difficult, Eric decided not to handle it himself and simply tossed it to Isaac Perlmutter.
For his own benefit, Perlmutter would undoubtedly stop at nothing.
As for the equity swap he proposed, it wasn't entirely unacceptable, but the terms needed to be carefully managed.
Currently, MGM's equity is divided into five parts: I hold 2%, Judy holds 1%, Billy and Bordeaux each hold 3%, and Warren holds 2%.
Back then, the four of them followed Eric's bet on the World Cup and each won some money, investing a total of 20 million US dollars.
Although the shares were not many, they would be worth tens of millions of US dollars once MGM was relisted a few months later.
If Isaac Perlmutter and Avi Arad reached an agreement, Eric's internal price would be that the former could swap for no more than 4% of the shares, and the latter no more than 5%.
He would then acquire 27% of Marvel's equity, becoming the largest individual shareholder.
Then, under MGM's name, he would acquire 20% of Toy Biz's shares. In this way, his direct and indirect control would reach 47%.
This would not violate regulations, yet it would firmly turn Marvel into his personal domain, with no one having the right to challenge his position.
After seeing the two off, Judy came over to report on work.
She now held the positions of Deputy Head of both the Script and Production departments. Everyone at MGM knew she was Eric's most trusted and capable subordinate.
"Boss, regarding the offer for inception, Christian Bale has agreed to star, and his asking salary is 6.5 million US dollars."
"Heath Ledger is also very willing to star, and perhaps fearing that his asking price would be too high and he would be screened out, he lowered his salary to only 2 million US dollars, which is below market price."
Hearing this, Eric laughed, "It seems they are all discerning people who understand the excellence of this movie."
"Indeed, Heath Ledger hasn't been doing well recently. The commercial and artistic performances of The Kelly Gang and The Sin Eater were not good."
"He originally hoped to establish himself as the number one new-generation actor in Australia with these two films, but unfortunately, he failed."
"In short, he urgently needs a critically acclaimed work to make a comeback."
Anyone in the entertainment industry knows how devastating continuous flops can be for an actor, easily earning them the title of 'box office poison.'
"When we were auditioning male leads for transformers, I said I would work with him, and this time it counts as fulfilling that promise."
"Accept their salary demands. I will personally talk to Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron."
"Personally? It seems your relationship with these two women is really very good," Judy suddenly teased.
"Watch your tone, madam. If there's nothing else, you may leave."
"Wait, there's more. Clint Eastwood has agreed to direct and star in million dollar baby, charging a total of 14 million US dollars for both jobs."
"That expensive? Is his market price really that high?" Eric was a little surprised.
Judy explained, "Because this old man gave up his box office share. He probably thinks sports themes don't have much box office potential."
"Hilary Swank has also agreed to play the female lead, and her salary is much cheaper, only 4 million US dollars."
At this point, Judy suddenly frowned, "Actually, I've always felt it's a bit unfair. Christian Bale hasn't won any significant awards, but he can ask for 6.5 million US dollars."
"And Hilary Swank is an Oscar Winner, yet she only dares to ask for 4 million US dollars. This phenomenon is really unreasonable; the salary difference between male and female actors is too great."
Eric chuckled, "What are you trying to say? Sexism?"
Judy waved her hand, "Forget it, as a woman, I just can't help but complain. Ultimately, salaries are determined by the market, and the market's choice is the audience's choice."
"Audiences naturally include male audiences and female audiences. So, half of the reason why actresses' salaries are low is because of women themselves."
"Those of us who study finance understand that women themselves choose to devalue themselves."
Eric spread his hands, "Yes, you can't blame others for your own choices. In fact, for the vast majority of actors, male and female salary standards are the same; there is no discrimination at all."
"The standard for extras is 100 US dollars a day, and newcomers playing supporting roles for the first time will not earn more than 20,000 US dollars. Everyone starts at the same point."
"And these actors account for more than 99% of all practitioners, so the salaries of male and female actors are very fair."
"As for the less than 1% of big stars, these people are survivors' bias and simply cannot represent the acting profession as a whole."
"And as for why the salaries of big stars are unequal, the audience should really ask themselves what the reason is."
"It's the same in the modeling industry. Why do top female models earn far more than male models? Men should ask themselves what the reason is."
"Alright, let's not talk about this topic anymore. In short, I've agreed to the salaries. Coordinate with Clint Eastwood as soon as possible. I hope the project can start within five months."
The reason for such a long preparation time was mainly to give Hilary Swank time to train and learn boxing.
This was a movie aiming for the Oscar, so everything had to be perfect to have a chance.
Also, barring any accidents, the actual filming time for this type of movie would not exceed two months.
Clint Eastwood's efficiency in filmmaking is well-known in the industry, and finishing within a month and a half is normal. It's definitely set to be released next year, no problem.
Judy noted the request, "Next is the passion of the christ. The movie is complete, and Mel Gibson wants to invite you to an internal screening."
"Also participating will be evangelical Christians from Colorado Springs and religious leaders from Pennsylvania, to ensure the film's content does not violate the Bible."
Hearing this, Eric refused without even thinking. He had no interest in such purely religious films and didn't want any other involvement besides distribution.
Although the main cast included Monica Bellucci, there was no need to make a special effort to get to know her.
The most beautiful woman in the world?
But in Eric's mind, she was still somewhat inferior to Theron.
"Just send someone without faith. Judging it purely from a plot and artistic perspective is enough. Also, set the release date for February next year."
"Okay, finally, regarding mean girls, the Olsen Sisters don't want to participate, so what are your thoughts?"
"Will you personally persuade them, or choose other actors?"
Eric considered for a moment before saying, "Then let's go with an open audition. Also, choose Andrea as the director."
"Her fundamentals are very solid, and her commercial and artistic instincts are on point. Plus, she's followed me on two projects, and her independent directing ability has greatly improved."
"After house of cards wraps up, I'm sure she'll love this new job. It's certainly more exciting than making short films."
Judy chuckled strangely, "Any assistant director who works on your projects improves quickly. Who told you to be a hands-off boss?"
"Hahahahaha... I guess this counts as indirectly cultivating talent."
Time flew to the end of August. After a month of battle, get out had already grossed nearly 3.5 billion US dollars at the box office, an absolute super harvest.
It still had about half a month left to reach its potential. A final North American box office exceeding 500 million is certain, and breaking 600 million US dollars is also possible.
However, its overseas box office was far inferior to North America.
Eric thought the country with the highest overseas box office should be France, given the large number of black people there.
In another ten years, they would almost occupy Paris, driving the old Parisians out of France.
Unexpectedly, the highest box office appeared in South Korea. With a simultaneous European release, it had already grossed over 9 million US dollars.
In contrast, the highest in Europe was the UK, followed by France, which only took in over 7 million US dollars.
Could it be that the class oppression in South Korea and the superiority of the US military stationed there caused the Koreans to resonate with racial discrimination?
Currently, the total overseas box office has just broken 45 million US dollars, and it is estimated that the global total will top out at 60 million US dollars.
While get out continued to rake in box office revenue, happy death day also reached its release date.
As Gadot's first starring film, although it was a small-budget production, Eric still decided to hold a premiere.
The scale was not large, mainly inviting media from Los Angeles and nearby cities, as well as some well-known film critics.
After all, she was his woman; if he didn't dote on her, who would?
Moreover, promoting her well now would also boost the box office for transformers two months later, so Eric uncharacteristically attended the premiere.
It's worth noting that since attending the premiere of red dragon last year, he had not attended such an event again.
The red carpet wasn't very long, and most of the fans were paid to be there. The extras created a great atmosphere, making it superficially indistinguishable from a blockbuster premiere.
After the formalities, the movie segment began.
The original plot of happy death day was very melodramatic. The female protagonist, whose birthday was on the same day as her mother's, began to indulge herself and alienate her father after her mother died.
She became a'scumbag girl' and stopped celebrating her birthday. Finally, after experiencing a time loop, she was whitewashed and reconciled, becoming a good girl.
What kind of nonsensical logic is that!
Your mom wasn't killed by your dad, so that's your reason for turning bad? And becoming a mistress, hooking up with a married man, a pure green tea bitch, deserving to be hacked to death.
It only had a time loop as a facade; otherwise, such a melodramatic movie would definitely be a box office bomb.
With such a weak plot, Eric definitely had to make major changes.
First, he removed the role of the female lead's father, changing it directly to her losing her father in childhood, and then causing her mother's accidental death due to her own mistakes.
That's why she became emotionally closed off and gradually Fall, using depravity to numb her pain, which made it a bit more reasonable.
But depravity also had to have a limit. happy death day seemed like a horror film, but it was actually more like a teen comedy.
Especially with the various ways the female lead died intertwined, the effect created was not terrifying at all, but rather a bit comical. Coupled with cheerful music, it felt like watching a spectacle.
So Eric also deleted the plot where the female lead became a mistress, changing it to her seeking help after being killed repeatedly.
And the plot where her teachers and friends eventually decided to help her, and were killed by the killer again and again.
All of this made her feel true human affection, thus re-releasing herself and achieving reconciliation.
On the big screen, after the roaring lion's head, the movie officially began.
Gadot quietly grabbed Eric's hand and whispered, "Darling, I felt so nervous walking the red carpet and during the interviews just now."
Amused by her charmingly naive look, Eric grinned, "You'll get used to it. Adjust your mood; you still have interviews to do later."
"Did you notice my shoes? Are they too flat? I should have worn high heels."
"Forget that idea. You're already taller than Benjamin McKenzie. If you wear high heels, how will he feel comfortable going on stage?"
"Hehehe, you're right. Come to my place after this."
"Itchy? Want it?" Eric teased.
Gadot scratched his palm, answering unreservedly, "Mmm, I want it terribly! I need you to fill my heart and body."
As she spoke, she licked her lips, her eyes almost dripping with desire.
Over an hour later, the movie screening ended.
Many audience members and media professionals spontaneously stood up and applauded. MGM hadn't paid for this segment; it was their natural reaction.
After all, they were a new director and new actors, so film critics and reporters wouldn't have overly high expectations for them. The quality of the film had exceeded many people's expectations.
Gadot, the Russo Brothers, Benjamin McKenzie, and other directors and actors went on stage to continue answering interviews.
During the questions about the screenwriter, the media's attention was drawn to Eric.
He hadn't wanted to go on stage, but he had no choice but to go up and answer a few questions.
After about half an hour, the Q&A session ended, and a reception continued. Eric, however, left early.
He went straight to Gadot's apartment. By around eleven o'clock that night, wonder woman finally finished her engagements and returned to her room.
After washing up and lying on the bed, the two began their passionate reunion, expressing their longing for each other during this time.
Wave after wave of shouts made it impossible for Bar Refaeli next door to bear it, so she simply walked out of her apartment.
Her heart was breaking.
"It's endless! I tolerated you for an hour, then you went on for another hour."
"I thought it would finally quiet down, but you're still going. Are you going to let people live?"
"It's tiring just listening, and you're not even tired doing it! It's too much!"
"Lust is a bone-scraping blade; it'll scrape you two bastards to death sooner or later!"