After introducing Matthew to David Ellison, Jennifer Aniston excused herself but occasionally glanced their way. Rumors had been circulating in the industry that Matthew Horner was a schemer, and she was curious what his angle was in approaching the young and relatively inexperienced David Ellison.
"Don't mention it, David."
After some initial small talk, Matthew and David Ellison started to get more familiar with each other. "Just call me Matthew."
David, recognizing Matthew's familiar face, replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Matthew."
"Me as well." Matthew extended his hand again and shook hands with David, "I'm also pleased to meet you."
David smiled but didn't continue the conversation. Although inexperienced, he was not naive and remembered clearly that he had no prior interactions with Matthew Horner. What could Matthew's reasons be for approaching him now? As he pondered, he noted Matthew's stature and influence—an actor whose box office appeal far surpassed that of James Franco, the "little Green Goblin."
"David, I specifically came here to thank you," Matthew began, unfolding his strategy to bridge the gap between them.
"To thank me?" David was puzzled.
"'National Treasure' was a big hit, and I benefited a lot from it," Matthew said, feigning surprise. "Didn't you know how I got the role?"
David shook his head; he only knew that 'National Treasure' was a huge success, and investing in such a project would have been a great entry point into Hollywood for him.
"Originally, James Franco was to star in 'National Treasure,' but he turned down the role, and the production team then chose me," Matthew explained.
"Oh, I see," David realized, recalling last year's events. "That was a coincidence. No need for thanks."
"No, no, no," Matthew insisted, shaking his head. "Without your investment, there wouldn't have been me in 'National Treasure'."
He had brought a drink over and now raised his glass to David, "David, I really must toast to you."
David, quick to seize a potentially advantageous connection, raised his own glass, "Then I won't be polite."
They clinked glasses and drank.
As Matthew was about to turn the conversation towards business, David unexpectedly began, "Last week, I re-watched 'Pirates of the Caribbean' that you starred in with Johnny Depp—such a fantastic film that one feels compelled to watch it again."
Hearing this, Matthew sensed David might be leading to something and held back his planned remarks.
"Such an exciting film stirs up one's appetite, making one eager to know what comes next." True to Matthew's expectations, David then asked, "Matthew, when does the sequel start filming?"
"Soon," Matthew replied thoughtfully. "Probably around May."
"How big is the investment likely to be?"
Matthew answered vaguely, "I'm not exactly sure how much."
"But it definitely exceeds two hundred million dollars for a single production," he added, gauging David's reaction.
"Two hundred million dollars?" David seemed surprised at the high figure.
But he quickly added, "A single film costing two hundred million, and two films would be over four hundred million. Even Disney Studios can't afford that on their own."
Matthew nodded, agreeing that Disney wouldn't put up more than $400 million alone.
Seeing his opening, David said, "Matthew, I have a substantial amount of capital and have been looking for the right film project to invest in." He deliberately mentioned, "I've invested in James Franco's 'Ape King,' which premieres in June."
"I'll definitely attend the premiere," Matthew responded promptly.
David's mention wasn't merely about inviting Matthew to support the premiere; he directly stated, "Matthew, you want to thank me, right? Introduce me to someone at Disney Studios."
Matthew looked at David, appreciating the younger man's business-like approach influenced by his family environment.
"I can introduce you to Disney Studios," Matthew quickly devised a plan. "David, are you looking to invest in the next two installments of 'Pirates of the Caribbean'?"
"Yes," David admitted without hesitation.
Matthew turned serious, "David, my introduction won't make a difference." He explained, "First, Disney Studios has already completed financing; second, the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series is expected to be profitable, and neither Disney Studios nor Jerry Bruckheimer Films will let anyone interfere, preferring to rely on straightforward bank loans; third, you overestimate my influence."
Sighing deeply, Matthew continued, "When I negotiated my contract with Disney Studios, I proposed bringing in funds…"
Although this was not true, the rest was accurate—Disney did not lack funds for the 'Pirates' sequels.
"Disney refused?" David inquired, intrigued.
"Absolutely!" Matthew mixed truths with a few convenient fabrications, aligning with industry norms. "They'd rather increase my
pay than let me bring in external financing. And it's not just me—many film funds and investors have been turned away by Disney."
David pondered for a while, expressing regret, "I was hoping to collaborate with a star like you, but it seems there's little chance now."
Matthew smoothly transitioned, "David, do you really want to collaborate with me?"
David had made a polite remark without intending a real offer, but at Matthew's question, he reconsidered, recognizing the opportunity before him.
"Um..." David hesitated briefly before responding, "Of course."
He quickly rationalized, "I'm an investor, and you are a highly influential star. Any investor would want to collaborate with someone like you."
Though the 'Pirates' sequels were off the table, Matthew's involvement in other successful films like 'National Treasure' and its sequel presented viable alternatives.
"There's no need to beat around the bush," Matthew said directly. "I have a project that's just getting started and needs funding."
"What project?" David asked, skeptical yet intrigued.
"And will there be planes in the movie?" he added, an odd question that seemed out of context.
"Planes?" Matthew was puzzled. "What does that have to do with planes?"
He didn't wait for an explanation, instead revealing, "Do you know the graphic novel '300 Spartans'? I'm planning to adapt it into a film with Zack Snyder, the director of 'Dawn of the Dead.' Frank Miller has already agreed to transfer the rights to us."
David, more an investor than a typical Hollywood player, had graduated from film school recently without much industry impact.
"I've read that graphic novel," David said, not as impulsively as rumored. "You're adapting it, not a sequel…"
He hesitated, "The style of that graphic novel is very unconventional."
Nonetheless, David was well-educated from his time at USC and had basic industry knowledge.
"David, have you seen the recently released 'Sin City'? It's also adapted from a Frank Miller graphic novel and has been highly praised by the media, doing well at the box office," Matthew pointed out, aiming to reassure.
David thought deeply, then asked, "Just one thing, will you star in the film?"
That was crucial; while he didn't know Zack Snyder, Matthew was recognized as one of the most promising young actors in Hollywood, especially known for his box office appeal.
"Yes!" Matthew confirmed, aware of his growing brand effect, "I'll be playing the lead, Leonidas."
David didn't immediately commit but asked more detailed questions, which Matthew answered comprehensively.
Patience was essential when seeking investment.
Eventually, Helen Herman arrived at the Regency Hotel, joined Matthew and David, and after bidding Jennifer Aniston an early goodbye, they left the banquet hall for a private meeting room to discuss details.
Although David Ellison did not give a definite investment response by the end, his intentions were quite clear.
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