Amidst the scenic backdrop of the Los Angeles Country Club's sun-drenched golf course, Thomas skillfully maneuvered the battery-powered car, ferrying Martin and Daniel back to the rest area after completing a hole.
Their golfing conversation gradually segued into the realm of cinema. Daniel, lifting his drink in salute, toasted, "Congratulations on your Best Actor nomination once again."
In a gesture of acknowledgment, Martin reciprocated with a raised glass and replied, "I secured the award just last year. It's challenging to clinch the Best Actor title for the role of Benjamin. The character heavily relies on CG technologies, which puts me at a disadvantage."
Daniel took a sip of his drink and offered encouragement, "You're still young, Martin, with plenty of opportunities ahead. Warner Bros. will continue to stand by your side."
Martin, appreciative of the kind words, affirmed, "Warner has consistently been my pillar of support."
Daniel, seizing the moment, chimed in, "Ever since your arrival in Hollywood, our collaboration with Warner Bros. has been akin to brotherly teamwork. We've conjured numerous box office marvels together."
He cracked a smile and posed a question, "Martin, have you contemplated a closer partnership with Warner Bros.?"
Martin, ever focused on the Oscars, queried, "Is Warner Bros. planning to wholeheartedly support my bid for the Best Actor Oscar?"
Daniel hadn't anticipated Martin's response, causing a brief pause before he responded, "With your remarkable acting prowess and artistic expression, continuing your collaboration with Warner will undoubtedly secure the Best Actor award for you."
Martin, maintaining his humility, remarked, "I certainly hope so."
Noticing that casual conversation led him nowhere, Daniel chose to be direct, "My earlier remarks about closer cooperation with Warner Bros. weren't solely about the Oscars."
He spoke candidly, "Martin, would you consider becoming part of the Warner family?"
Thomas, who had remained silent, suddenly focused his gaze on Daniel.
Martin, slightly taken aback, inquired, "Aren't I already a member of the Warner family?"
Daniel revealed, "Warner Bros. intends to acquire your Davis Film and Television Studio."
Martin nodded thoughtfully, drawing a parallel, "Like New Line Cinema and Legendary Pictures?"
"Exactly," confirmed Daniel. "Davis Studio would become a subsidiary of Warner."
Understanding that business negotiations required specifics, Martin went straight to the point, "What's the proposed acquisition price by Warner?"
Daniel had anticipated this inquiry, responding promptly, "Warner has conducted a comprehensive evaluation, and the offer stands at $150 million."
He raised a hand to forestall any immediate reaction from Martin and continued, "Considering your studio's relatively short five-year history and the fact that you presently hold rights to only four films in your library, alongside a dedicated publicity and marketing department, this valuation is reasonable."
Of course, Martin wasn't entirely satisfied with the price, but Daniel pressed on before any objections could surface, "This deal also encompasses the rights for the 'John Wick' sequel and your contract as the lead actor in the trilogy. Rest assured, Warner will fulfill your salary and dividend commitments. Furthermore, it includes the rights to 'Prince of Thieves,' 'Lone Survivor,' and 'The Martian,' as well as any other scripts you might acquire."
With a genuine desire to strengthen their partnership, Daniel concluded, "I personally relish our collaboration with Warner and wish to deepen the connection between our two entities."
The sun bathed the Los Angeles Country Club's golf course in golden warmth as Martin, Daniel, and Thomas strolled along, having just finished playing a hole. The pristine landscape served as a backdrop to their conversation.
Martin's words carried a hint of frankness, "If Warner offers the right price, I'm open to selling the studio to them."
A wry smile crept onto his face as he continued, "For $150 million, even the sequel rights to 'John Wick' wouldn't be enough, let alone the adaptation rights to those three novels."
Understanding the nature of this exchange, Daniel responded pragmatically, "The success or failure of adapting those three novels into movies is entirely uncertain, and even 'John Wick' sequels come with significant risks. The commercial reception for sequels to hit films tends to be less favorable."
Martin acknowledged this point, affirming, "I have a strategy to mitigate those risks. I'll retain the rights to these three novels, the entire John Wick series, and any other scripts. To avoid redundancy after the acquisition, I'll handle staff transition. I'll then package and sell Davis Studio's remaining assets to Warner Bros. for $150 million."
Daniel chuckled lightly, "Martin, you must know that's not feasible."
Martin spread his hands wide, acknowledging their substantial differences, "We're worlds apart."
In a market where everything had a price, Daniel inquired, "What's your bottom line?"
"500 million US dollars," Martin stated, believing it to be a fair price. He added, "For the 'John Wick' sequel, my team will take the lead."
While Daniel considered the price a fantastical demand, he had no qualms about the latter condition. However, he knew it would be hard to gain the approval of Warner-related film company executives. Daniel stated frankly, "This is impractical, Martin. You understand that in a large corporation like ours, such conditions are unattainable."
The conversation paused, but both men knew they had their own interests at heart. Over the next decade, Warner Bros. executives would find themselves in increasingly jubilant positions, while Martin aimed to maintain control over his projects.
Martin redirected the discussion, saying, "Let's set this aside for now. $500 million is my psychological minimum."
Daniel shook his head, "Your asking price is exorbitant and doesn't align with market conditions."
The initial talks came to a close.
Once they left the country club, Thomas hopped into Martin's car and couldn't help but inquire, "Are you seriously considering selling the studio?"
Martin responded, "If Warner Bros. agrees to my conditions, selling the studio to them is a possibility. We can always establish a new one."
Thomas, having listened carefully to the conversation, knew that what Warner truly desired were the projects in Martin's hands.
After a moment of contemplation, Martin added, "Warner Bros. will undoubtedly continue to collaborate with the studio in the future. I don't want our relationship with Warner to change too drastically in the short term. It's not advisable for me to negotiate directly with Warner. In this regard, I'd like you to represent me in discussions with Warner Bros."
Thomas inquired about the conditions, and Martin replied with determination, "The conditions for project leadership are non-negotiable." He tapped the armrest lightly and continued, "As for the price, I can lower it to $450 million."
Upon hearing these conditions, Thomas knew the negotiations were at an impasse. Warner Bros. had its own standards, and so did Martin. There was a significant disparity between the two.
With no agreement in sight, Martin threw himself into preparations for filming "Gone Girl." He juggled between training sessions and discussions with Chad and Chen Hu regarding action scenes, keeping himself busy.
Meanwhile, Thomas engaged in several discussions with Warner Bros. representatives on Martin's behalf, but the differences between the two sides remained substantial.
As the Oscars approached, there was still no sign or prospect of an agreement. Despite Warner Bros. showing some willingness by increasing their acquisition offer to $200 million, a resolution remained elusive.
Amidst the sprawling Warner Bros. offices, the atmosphere was filled with the anticipation of a deal gone sour. Thomas, the steadfast representative of Davis Studios, remained resolute, firmly demanding a minimum of $450 million for the acquisition.
As the acquisition talks came to an abrupt halt, Warner Bros. shifted their focus towards Castle Rock Pictures, another enticing prospect in their sights.
In Kevin Tsujihara's office, the sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow. Jon Berg, the newly appointed president of Warner Pictures who had spearheaded the negotiations, couldn't help but reflect, "Success can be a double-edged sword; it can blind one to their own limitations."
Kevin Tsujihara, while not entirely pleased with the failed acquisition, voiced his perspective, "I believe $200 million was a genuinely generous offer. Most Hollywood stars would never amass such wealth in their lifetime."
Jon Berg, Kevin Tsujihara's brother-in-law, offered his unfiltered thoughts, "I believe it's time we exerted some pressure on Martin Davis to help him gain a clearer perspective."
Kevin Tsujihara remained tight-lipped, a master of restraint.
Jon Berg continued, "For our next collaboration, we could apply pressure through the distribution company—increased distribution fees, a grander scale and marketing campaign for the 'John Wick' sequel, and perhaps a more discerning..."
Kevin Tsujihara gestured dismissively, "Consult with Daniel."
Then, he redirected the conversation, inquiring about the progress of "Pharaohs and Gods," a film project he held in high regard.
Jon Berg relayed the status, "Ridley Scott has already completed post-production on 'Robin Hood,' and the schedule aligns perfectly. We've reached an agreement that he will commence preparations for this project post-Oscars."
Kevin Tsujihara probed further, "Is a 2012 release date feasible?"
Jon Berg exuded confidence, "Ridley is renowned for his efficiency, and he assures us the timeline is more than accommodating."
The green light had been given for "Green Lantern," and this project demanded acceleration. Kevin Tsujihara turned to the overseer of all key Warner Bros. subsidiaries, a close confidant, "This is a pivotal step for the DC Cinematic Universe to rival Marvel. Failure is not an option."
Jon Berg nodded, reporting, "Hamada from DC Films has selected an excellent director, Martin Campbell, known for 'GoldenEye,' 'The Mask of Zorro,' and 'Casino Royale.' Ryan Reynolds, who garnered acclaim in 'The Wolverine,' has expressed interest in the lead role. While the female lead has yet to be finalized, Blake Lively is among the frontrunners, given her recent surge in popularity."
The pieces appeared to be falling into place. Kevin Tsujihara, personally involved in the "Green Lantern" project meeting, was committed to spending a staggering $2 billion on production to rival Marvel.
After Jon Berg's departure, he promptly convened with Hamada at DC Films to delve into the project's specifics. The film would be a collaborative endeavor between DC Films and Warner Pictures, evoking optimism throughout the entire Warner Bros. conglomerate.
With a comprehensive cinematic universe plan, ample funding, a competent management and production team, seasoned directors, advanced CGI technology, and a popular lead actor, the risks were tangible but paled in comparison to Marvel's "Iron Man."
Even Warner Bros. leadership believed that Marvel Studios' "Captain America" project was a far riskier endeavor than their own "Green Lantern."
Despite the bustling work atmosphere, the reality of life's unexpected trials transcended even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, as a family emergency required a brief respite.