As the introducer, Jennifer Aniston introduced Matthew to David Ellison, then left voluntarily, though she still glanced over occasionally. Since the beginning of this year, rumors have gradually spread in the industry that Matthew Horner is a calculating man. What does he want to do by approaching the young and relatively inexperienced David Ellison?
She was somewhat curious and believed the rumors about Matthew Horner were true. Someone who could climb from a street thug and small-time driver to a second-tier star would certainly not be a simple-minded fool.
"You're welcome, David."
On the other side, Matthew exchanged a few pleasantries with David Ellison and gradually became familiar with him. "You can just call me Matthew."
David Ellison saw Matthew's familiar face and said, "Matthew, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Me too." Matthew extended his hand again and shook David Ellison's. "It's a pleasure to meet you too."
David Ellison smiled but said nothing more. While he was young and inexperienced, he wasn't stupid. He clearly remembered having no prior interaction with Matthew Horner.
What did Matthew Horner want by actively approaching him? David Ellison looked at the other party's sculpted facial features, his mind racing. This was a popular movie star whose status, appeal, and commercial value far surpassed those of the Green Goblin, James Franco. Could he get something from him... "David, I specifically came to thank you." Matthew needed to find a way to get closer to David Ellison and had long prepared a strategy.
"Thank me?" David Ellison was a bit confused.
"The huge success of national treasure has benefited me greatly." Matthew asked strangely, "Don't you know how I got this role?"
David Ellison shook his head. He only knew that national treasure was a huge hit and a great success. If he could invest in such a project, it would definitely open doors for him in Hollywood.
Matthew then added, "The original lead actor for national treasure was James Franco. James Franco turned down the role, and that's when the crew chose me."
"So that's how it was." David Ellison suddenly understood, recalling those events from last year, and said, "It was just a coincidence, no need to be so polite."
"No, no, no..." Matthew waved his hand. "Without your investment, I wouldn't have been the lead actor in national treasure."
He had brought a glass of wine when he came, and now he picked it up and said to David Ellison, "David, I must toast you."
David Ellison's mind worked quickly, thinking of the commercial value and box office appeal of the person in front of him. Having him owe a small favor wouldn't be a bad thing.
He raised the glass in front of him and gently clinked it with Matthew's. "Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Matthew smiled and drank a toast with David Ellison.
Putting down his glass, he was about to get to the point, but David Ellison suddenly spoke, "Last week, I rewatched pirates of the caribbean, starring you and Johnny Depp. It's a truly brilliant movie, one that makes you want to watch it again after seeing it once."
Hearing this, Matthew realized what David Ellison might want to say and swallowed the words he was about to utter.
"Such an exciting movie always whets one's appetite, making people eager to know the subsequent developments." Sure enough, after David Ellison finished speaking, he asked, "Matthew, when will the sequel begin filming?"
"Soon." Matthew thought for a moment and said, "Probably in May."
David Ellison then asked, "The investment must be very high, right?"
Matthew vaguely replied, "I'm not entirely sure about the specific investment." He glanced at David Ellison. "However, it's certain that the production cost for a single film will exceed 200 million US dollars."
"Two hundred million dollars?" David Ellison seemed a little surprised. "Such a high investment."
But in an instant, he added, "A production cost of 200 million US dollars for one film, that's over 400 million US dollars for two. Even Walt Disney Pictures couldn't afford that, could they?"
Matthew nodded.
It's unrealistic for Walt Disney Pictures to independently fund a budget of over 400 million US dollars.
Seeing that the probing yielded good results, David Ellison said opportunely, "Matthew, I have a large sum of money and have been looking for suitable film projects." He deliberately mentioned, "I've already invested in James Franco's 'King of Apes,' which will be released in June."
Matthew immediately chimed in, "is there a premiere? I'll definitely be there to support it."
David Ellison brought this up not to get Matthew's support. He simply said, "Matthew, aren't you going to thank me? How about this, you introduce me to the people at Walt Disney Pictures."
Matthew looked at David Ellison again. The other party was even younger than him, but perhaps influenced by his family background, he already possessed the inherent nature of a businessman.
"I can introduce you to Walt Disney Pictures." Matthew quickly thought of a countermeasure and asked, "David, do you want to invest in the next two sequels of pirates of the caribbean?"
David Ellison admitted directly, "That's right."
Matthew said with a serious expression, "David, my introduction won't have any effect." He quickly explained, "First, Walt Disney Pictures has already completed its financing; second, the profitability of the pirates of the caribbean series is predictable, and Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer's company won't allow anyone to interfere. The financing is primarily pure bank loans, so outsiders won't share in the profits; third, you're overestimating my influence."
Sighing deeply, Matthew continued, "When I was negotiating my contract with Walt Disney Pictures, I proposed bringing in investment..."
Although this statement was false, everything he said before was true. The two sequels of pirates of the caribbean were not short on money, as they were sequels to a hugely successful film.
David Ellison asked curiously, "Walt Disney Pictures didn't agree?"
"Absolutely refused!" Matthew's words were mostly true, interspersed with a few falsehoods, and even the falsehoods aligned with the basic situation in the industry. "Walt Disney Pictures would rather increase my salary than allow me to bring in investment."
He emphasized again, "Not only me, but many film funds and investment institutions interested in investing were all rejected by Walt Disney Pictures without exception."
David Ellison thought for a while and said with regret, "I was hoping to collaborate with an excellent star like you. Now it seems the opportunity is slim."
Matthew remained calm, but then picked up on David Ellison's words, "David, do you really want to collaborate with me?"
David Ellison's previous remark was merely polite. Now, hearing Matthew say this, he instinctively wanted to shake his head, then realized that the person in front of him was arguably one of Hollywood's most successful male stars in terms of commercial box office performance over the past two years.
"Hmm..." David Ellison hesitated only briefly before saying, "Of course."
He immediately gave a reasonable explanation, "I am an investor, and you are a very appealing star. Of course, I want to collaborate with you. Which investor wouldn't want to collaborate with a star like you?"
Although the sequels to the pirates of the caribbean series were out of reach, Matthew Horner had many other successful films as the lead actor, such as the sequels to national treasure and dawn of the dead. Investing in those would also be good.
With the conversation at this point, there was no need to beat around the bush. Matthew directly stated, "I have a project that has just begun and is in need of funding."
Hearing Matthew's implication that it wasn't a sequel to one of his previous blockbusters, David Ellison couldn't help but ask, "What project?"
Hollywood might be spreading rumors that he was a brainless idiot, but his money didn't just grow on trees.
However, he added another question, "Will there be airplanes in the movie?"
"Airplanes?" Matthew was confused. "Does this have anything to do with airplanes?"
He didn't need David Ellison to explain and continued, "Do you know the graphic novel 300 spartans? Zack Snyder, the director of dawn of the dead, and I are planning to adapt it into a film. Frank Miller has already agreed to transfer the copyright to us."
Compared to other film companies, David Ellison at this moment was more like a relatively pure investor, and having only recently graduated, he hadn't yet established himself in Hollywood.
"I've read that graphic novel." David Ellison wasn't as impulsive as the rumors suggested. "You're adapting it, not a sequel..."
He hesitated, "The style of this graphic novel is too unconventional."
In any case, he had studied at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, so he had some basic knowledge.
Matthew, however, reminded him, "David, have you seen the recently released sin city? It's also adapted from Frank Miller's graphic novel, and it's currently receiving widespread critical acclaim and doing well at the box office."
David Ellison frowned in thought. After a while, he asked, "I only want to ask one thing: is this film starring you?"
He didn't know that Zack Snyder, but the person in front of him was recognized in Hollywood as one of the most promising young male actors, especially in terms of commercial box office appeal, which no other young male actor could match.
"Yes!" Matthew also understood that he was gradually forming a brand effect. "I will play the lead actor, Leonidas."
David Ellison didn't agree immediately; instead, he asked for more detailed questions, to which Matthew responded one by one.
To attract investors, one must at least have patience.
Subsequently, Helen Herman also arrived at the Regent Grand Hotel. After meeting Matthew and David Ellison, she excused herself from Jennifer Aniston in advance and left the banquet hall. They specifically requested a meeting room from the hotel and began a private discussion.
Although David Ellison did not give a definite answer regarding the investment in the end, his intention was already very clear.