This kind of character, a serial killer who exists with a belief and teaches people to value their own lives, has never been seen before in film history.
Based on Dawson's own experience over the past thirty years, as long as the director's skills are not too bad, this film will definitely not be a flop.
However, the box office remained uncertain.
After all, whether such a character can win the audience's favor is something no one knows.
But based on his experience, Dawson judged that this wave was worth gambling on.
If he loses, he will leave CAA and find work elsewhere.
That's exactly what he wants. In his thirties, he doesn't want to continue being the lowest-level agent here. He wants to become one of the five partners in the company.
Success offers that opportunity.
If he fails, he'll start from scratch somewhere else.
Kevin, who was calm beside him, could tell from Dawson's expression that the project proposal and the script had already moved him.
The next step is to wait.
Kevin has to wait for his agent, Dawson, to find a suitable investor for his project proposal.
Of course, before that, he needs to go to the Writers Guild and the Directors Guild to register the script and have it officially recognized.
These two steps are necessary. Firstly, they can prevent plagiarism, and secondly, they can secure the copyright of "Saw" firmly in his own hands.
He knows very well what it means that "Saw" will have eight or nine films in the future.
For the sake of future benefits, he can completely give up a portion of his profits at this initial stage just to secure the copyright.
He is confident that by holding this copyright, he can make up for the initial losses several times over.
"Dawson, do you think my movie proposal is feasible?"
Kevin asked with a serious expression.
"Of course, you're the talented director I value," Dawson praised generously. In his eyes, Kevin, this talented director, was showing his true potential for the first time.
And now, their destinies are intertwined.
If they succeed, both sides succeed together.
If they fail, both sides will fall into the abyss.
But in reality, the consequences are more severe for Kevin.
Therefore, neither side can afford to fail in this battle.
"Next, I will search for people who are interested in your project proposal, and you need to be prepared for the filming in advance."
"Our fate from now on depends on whether your film can succeed."
Kevin stood up and shook hands with Dawson. There's no need for extra words. This project represents the future of both of them, and neither of them will cut corners on it.
...
The next day, early in the morning, Dawson arrived at the conference room with the project proposal in hand.
Unlike other companies, every agent at CAA is actually a partner in the company. Through a complex compensation structure, they have formed a powerful and unique system that promotes the progress of the company.
Each star, each client, is usually connected to a team of agents.
Of course, the core of this agent team is often the agent whom the client trusts the most.
Dawson also serves multiple clients, but because he doesn't have any major clients of his own, his position within the company has always been stagnant.
However, in terms of income, it's not low either.
After all, with his presence in multiple teams, he can earn a commission from each team.
This is the superiority of CAA's internal compensation system. Even if you don't have core clients, you can still make money if you have strong abilities.
But now, what Dawson needs more than anything is status.
Inside the conference room, dozens of agents who hadn't gone out yet were sitting in their respective chairs, discussing the day's agenda.
Michael Ovitz, one of the company's five partners and the most powerful one in terms of visible power, was present.
He appeared as a typical middle-aged white man, wearing oval-shaped glasses. Occasionally, a glint of shrewdness would flash in his eyes, indicating that this man was not ordinary.
In fact, he wasn't.
Founded in 1975, CAA became a giant in Hollywood after more than a decade of development.
They held numerous resources in the entertainment industry.
Observing the ongoing discussion, Michael Ovitz tapped the table, producing a loud sound.
Everyone quieted down.
Michael Ovitz began to speak:
"Although we, CAA, have become the most powerful talent agency in Hollywood, we still have significant shortcomings."
"In order to get the behemoth film studios in Hollywood to accept our packaging services, we must have more talented directors who can make money for the studios."
"Only then can we force these giants to make concessions, relinquish more profits, and allow us and our clients to earn more money."
"..."
After expressing his thoughts on the company's development, he finally got to the point.
"During these days, have any of you signed any promising director clients?"
As Michael Ovitz spoke, several agents began sharing their achievements one by one.
Seeing the opportunity, Dawson seized the chance and handed his project proposal to Michael Ovitz, respectfully saying:
"This is the film project proposal of Steve Kevin, a talented director from the University of Southern California, whom I have signed. It includes a horror film script, a series of plans, and the required budget..."
"Now, the problem is the lack of funding, and I hope CAA can utilize its resources to support the progress of this project."
"Oh?"
"A talented director from USC?"
Dawson's words piqued Michael Ovitz's interest. He looked at the thick project proposal in his hand and opened it with curiosity.
The neatly formatted script and well-organized project plan immediately gave him a good impression.
Most new directors wouldn't even bother to put together such a project proposal.
Of course, this isn't actually the director's job; it falls under the purview of the producer.
However, seeing such a complete project proposal from a new director is enough to show that this director came prepared and isn't just trying to deceive investors.
With this thought in mind, Ovitz gathered his focus and started reading the script.
Soon, the character of Jigsaw, a compelling antagonist with his own convictions, captured his attention, and he quickly realized its potential.
The script, which is the story, is the foundation.
And the director is the person who tells the story through the lens.
Based on this project proposal, at least there are no issues with the script. Their task now is to find an experienced assistant director to help the director avoid making mistakes.
They also need to arrange a producer to control the budget and eliminate the director's extravagant ideas through funding.