One day before the public release of "Miscreant", Lyman arrived in Los Angeles.
In comparison to the film markets of the two countries, the United States always carried more weight and required more attention.
Hollywood, the headquarters of CAA.
In a meticulously decorated office, two people sat facing each other on a sofa.
A solid wood coffee table was placed between them, holding two cups of coffee.
Kevin Huvane raised his cup and took a sip, then pointed to a document on the table. He looked at Lyman and said slowly, "So, do you now understand the allure of the Oscars?"b
He stood up and pulled the curtain slightly, blocking the incoming sunlight. "Since winning the award, you've started a new project, and now it's about to premiere. We've never really had a proper chat since then. Anyway, something always distracts us. I haven't formally congratulated you yet. Best of luck with your new film, Lyman."
Lyman smiled as he picked up his coffee. "This is something we all share, and the profits belong to everyone."
"Exactly." Kevin also said cheerfully, "Having you join CAA was an incredibly correct decision. I'm starting to worry that you might be poached by someone else or another talent agency."
"Well, then you should try your best to win me over." Lyman teased.
"We've already offered you the best service conditions. Isn't that enough?" Kevin also chuckled.
He had come today, naturally, to discuss the offline operations for "3 Idiots" following the end of the Oscars.
So much effort, endless talking, connections, energy, and money were invested in securing these awards. For Lyman, it was undoubtedly for the enhancement of his personal influence and, potentially, the effect of reputation's hidden value. He wouldn't hesitate to invest a substantial sum of Franklin for this, but for companies like Paramount, Europa, and CAA, striving for an Oscar was always for the sake of profit—visible gains that could be reaped in an instant.
After all, compared to Lyman, using the award to enhance their image or something similar was insignificant for them. Only profits, and nothing but profits, could truly motivate their actions.
And the document on the table outlined their earnings during this period.
The data listed was extremely detailed, making everything clear at a glance.
In the US market alone, more than 730,000 videocassettes and DVDs were sold. This figure didn't even account for rental and sales earnings. Speaking generally, the entire home entertainment market had generated around $14.32M in revenue.
Moreover, on the day after winning the award, as soon as the relevant news was released, Paramount Pictures took the opportunity to add a few more theaters for the screening of "3 Idiots". Their slogan was "Oscar's Best Foreign Language Film".
The wind direction of this Oscar had an immediate impact. The re-packaged screening of "3 Idiots" surprisingly yielded good box office results. Compared to the pitiful hundreds of thousands of dollars from its limited release where he had purchased tickets himself, it instantly multiplied by over a dozen times, generating over one million dollars in a single day.
Many foreign distributors even approached him, requesting to buy the distribution rights.
Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan... the boost in these film markets was clearly visible, not to mention that offline channels like videocassettes and DVDs were always a sustainable business.
Even after deducting distribution expenses and public relations costs, the earnings from the US market alone would more than cover everything. If you then calculate the overseas market, subtract the buyout fees and distribution shares, the earnings in the hands of the production side would amount to about 10 to 20 million. Most of this was practically pure profit, and considering the substantial sales of DVDs and videocassettes, the total earnings could likely exceed $40M.
The Oscars could indeed be a money-making machine. No wonder Miramax could maintain a respectable position among various companies with their low-budget productions.
Impressive.
"If only we had known this earlier, and if we could have managed it successfully with such impressive results. We shouldn't have scheduled the public release for March. We should have had a limited release first, then expanded after winning the award. That would have ensured a more perfect performance. Trust me, Lyman, when those astonishing box office figures surge, it'll make everyone ecstatic..."
"I'm already quite ecstatic now." Lyman glanced at Kevin and continued, "So, how are the earnings distributed and settled? Same old arrangement?"
"Of course, the relevant accounts have already been sent to your studio. As for the payments from the DVD and videocassette channels, it's the same old routine—settled every three months. This time, we've decided not to charge for our services." Kevin generously promised. At present, both he and CAA were even more eager to maintain a good relationship with Lyman. Therefore, taking a smaller service fee was insignificant. After all, long before the Oscar campaign, Lyman had already shared most of his earnings with CAA and Paramount.
So, if you were to liken this situation to a cake, Lyman now only took up 8%, whereas he should have had 25%.
Lyman smiled and didn't say anything. His biggest realization in this regard was the rise in his status and potential reputation. As for actual profits in terms of real money, he wasn't overly concerned. Of course, if it was his share, he wouldn't politely decline. Business was business.
"Oh, by the way, there's something else." Lyman looked at Kevin Hovien. "Help me find someone to contact Sophie Marceau. I want to cast her in my next film. I need to inquire about her schedule and discuss joining the project."
"Don't worry, leave this matter to me." Kevin readily agreed.
Although Lyman had nominally entrusted the highest level of business affairs to Kevin, given his status at CAA, he had long stopped handling specific tasks for individual clients. Typically, he focused on the broader aspects, while the specific details were managed by Johnson, the agent responsible for day-to-day work. However, since the public release of "Miscreant" was imminent, there would undoubtedly be many matters to attend to in the US. It was unavoidable that he would be spread thin, so he needed to assign someone else to handle things in France.
"Well, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now." With solutions for all the relevant matters, Lyman took the initiative to bid farewell.
"As always, Lyman, I wish you success and a blockbuster with your new film." Kevin extended his hand.
"Thank you." Lyman shook his hand and said, "Well then, until next time."
After saying that, he turned and left the conference room.
Outside the main building, his agent, John, was waiting in the parking lot.
"Let's go, back to the hotel."
The car slowly started and, after dropping off René and the others at the hotel, Lyman returned to his room.
He took a shower, washing away his exhaustion.
As he lay in bed, just before falling asleep, Lyman suddenly thought: The public release is tomorrow, I wonder how things will turn out...