"Although I mentioned it to Director Nolan before, I have to say it again. He really has given me a big dilemma." Laila shrugged. "Firstly, there are still many post-production tasks for my films that need to be completed. Additionally, as the owner of Marvel, if I go help DC make a movie, it might have some negative repercussions."
The representatives nodded, expressing their understanding. At her stage, whether she earns more or less money doesn't make much of a difference. Helping a competitor is inappropriate behavior.
"When Director Nolan brought up this matter to us, we were also surprised." Surprised as they were, if Laila was willing to step in, they wouldn't mind at all. As long as this matter could be achieved, their bonuses from the boss wouldn't be meager.
"We have had a pleasant cooperation with Director Nolan. If his wishes can be fulfilled, we will also be happy to see it happen."
Laila almost burst out laughing at their words. They dared to say anything, didn't they? She couldn't imagine they would be so "happy to see it happen" if Nolan had found some unknown newcomer to take over.
But she wouldn't mind these things. Harmony brings wealth. Everyone should make money together.
"I also believe in Director Nolan's ability. That's why I'm so tempted by his conditions. After thinking about it for these past two days, I feel that if you can agree to three conditions, then I can proceed."
The people in the conference room looked at her with surprise, except for her secretary Demi, whose green cat eyes widened in disbelief. Didn't Louise just remind the boss not to agree? How come she's laying out conditions now?
The representatives didn't care about anything else; they only heard that Laila was willing to lay out conditions, and that was enough! They weren't afraid of her asking for a sky-high price; asking for more was still within the rules of Hollywood. And even if she asked for more, could it exceed what she would earn for them?
Laila raised a finger. "First, I hope to acquire a portion of DC's stocks. It doesn't need to be a lot, 5% to 10% would suffice. This way, I will become a shareholder of DC, and news about making movies won't affect me or Marvel."
Her request caught the DC representatives off guard. While everyone looked at them, their response was to glance at the representatives of Warner Bros. After all, they were acquired by Warner Bros.
"Please allow me to consult with the higher-ups right now." The Warner Bros. representative took out his phone with a solemn expression.
"Of course." Laila made a gesture of consent.
While the representative made the call, others in the room had subtle changes in their expressions as they looked at her. Although her request was unconventional, it was a good way to resolve conflicts. Once she became a shareholder of DC, the superhero movies produced by the DC camp could also be considered as made for her.
But would anyone think of acquiring a company's shares just to make a movie? Even if it's just 5%, it would still cost millions, right?
The Warner Bros. representative soon returned with the answer from the higher-ups: "Director Moran can purchase 5% to 10% of the shares without any problem."
The DC representative was even happier to hear this than Laila, who had received a definite answer.
Marvel had once been so down and out, and DC hadn't fared much better. The only advantage Marvel had was being acquired earlier. It was great to have a relationship with Laila this time. After all, DC had many superheroes. If this great director occasionally got inspired and chose to make movies for DC instead of Marvel, wouldn't it be great?
Moreover, she didn't ask for much, just 5% to 10%, which could easily be squeezed out. It was evident that she did it just to avoid gossip, not because she had any intention of acquiring DC.
Laila nodded. "I will send someone to negotiate the relevant matters. Now, let's talk about the second point. I request complete control over the filming of the movie, from naming to post-production. This will be stated on all films I direct." She didn't want the materials she worked hard to create to fall into someone else's hands and be edited haphazardly.
"This is completely acceptable!" No need to ask the higher-ups; the representatives present could confirm this point. Even if they hadn't worked with her before, they wouldn't dare to meddle in her work. If there were doubts about her ability to make money, who could Hollywood trust?
With everyone's eagerness, Laila was naturally happy. "Finally, I agreed to Director Nolan's position as assistant director, and I will only take on one of the remaining two movies."
"One?" Everyone was surprised. After all that fuss, she's only making one movie?
"Don't worry, I have full confidence in Director Nolan's abilities. I believe that after the second film is completed, he will bring us wonderful movies." Laila made this decision mainly because she didn't want to cut off Nolan's path. It would be troublesome if he couldn't break through his "two lines of Ren and Du" because he didn't direct Batman. She still looked forward to more outstanding movies from him.
Nolan looked at her deeply, pondered for a long time, and then nodded vigorously. "Good! I won't waste this opportunity. I will learn from Director Moran during the filming!"
Laila felt a little embarrassed. With the future great director saying that she felt a bit overwhelmed.
"There's one thing I hope you can agree to." Nolan hesitated for a moment and then made his request, "If possible, can Christian continue to play the role of Bruce Wayne?"
Laila raised an eyebrow in confusion. "He's very suitable for Batman. Why would you think I'd replace him?"
"In that case, it's good." Nolan smiled, relieved. Christian was the most suitable person in his mind, and since she thought so too, it couldn't be better.
After the discussion, all the terms would eventually be listed in the contract. As for the remuneration, Laila wouldn't handle it; her temporary manager Louise would take care of it.
Therefore, Louise was the first to know that the matter had been settled.
"Laila, I still think you shouldn't take on this film."
"I have decided to purchase a portion of DC's stocks. As long as I become one of their shareholders, there won't be any problems." This was the simplest solution Laila could come up with.
"But..." Louise sighed with a headache. What to do with such a willful boss?
"Come on." Laila smiled and patted her on the shoulder. "Don't you think this is interesting?"
Louise frowned, refusing to give face. "No! I only see that doing this will bring us a lot of trouble!"
Laila laughed, "Then ask them for a fee that will make them wince. I believe that will make you feel much better."
"Rest assured, I will do that!" Knowing it was impossible to change her mind, Louise could only find some balance in this matter.