The current situation was that Matthew and Zack Snyder, lacking funds and initiative, faced Frank Miller without leverage. Their expected $4 million was nowhere near enough to fill Frank Miller's demands. Frank, not being a fool, had dragged out negotiations until after the release of "Sin City" to dominate the ensuing discussions.
Matthew and Zack Snyder lacked the practical experience to operate a film, and their preparations were insufficient, especially financially.
Unable to pay enough, convincing Frank Miller was impossible. With "Sin City" receiving positive feedback, Matthew knew it wouldn't be long before other film companies realized the value of Frank's other works.
Compared to mid-to-large production companies, he and Zack Snyder had no advantage.
Securing Frank Miller was essential, and soon, Matthew found no better financier than David Ellison.
After an initial meeting with Helen Herman and David Ellison, Zack Snyder had flown back from New York, bringing a trial film clip to review with Matthew before meeting David Ellison again.
David Ellison, though wealthy, had struggled to break into Hollywood. The prospect of collaborating with a rising star like Matthew was tempting.
Days after their first meeting, David Ellison personally visited Matthew's office to confirm their partnership.
"I can join the negotiations with Frank Miller and fund the acquisition of the adaptation rights for '300'," David Ellison said while sitting on the sofa in the office, "I can also cover all production costs!"
Matthew personally made David Ellison a cup of tea, placing it on the side table, and said, "I believe this will be a very successful collaboration."
"But I have one condition!" David emphasized.
Matthew frowned slightly, worried, but responded, "Go ahead, David."
"I need to add a clause to our agreement!" David said seriously, looking at Matthew, "You must be the male lead in the film!"
Hearing this, Matthew relaxed.
David emphasized again, "This is the premise of our cooperation. Most of my confidence in the project comes from you. If you don't play Leonidas, I won't invest."
In his view, aspects like Zack Snyder's stylized visuals or Frank Miller's iconic comic adaptations were less critical than Matthew's dazzling box office success in his last three films.
David was wealthy enough that even a multi-million dollar investment failure wouldn't hurt him financially. He hadn't come to Hollywood to fail but to prove to his father that he had chosen the right path.
Matthew Horner was undoubtedly a guarantee of success!
After that night, he had thoroughly reviewed Matthew Horner's resume. This actor, with modest beginnings and limited education, had an excellent eye for film selection. None of his leading roles had failed; instead, each had been a box office hit.
David Ellison, a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts and a professional in his right, knew that such success couldn't merely be attributed to luck.
"I will play Leonidas!" Matthew confidently promised, "That can be added to our contract."
"Deal!" David laughed, "It's settled!"
Of course, mere verbal agreements weren't enough; everything would be formally documented.
Matthew thought for a moment and then said, "David, I also have a condition."
"Go ahead," David replied promptly.
"Our agreement should also include a clause," Matthew stated straightforwardly, "Zack Snyder must be the director of this adaptation."
"Do you have high regard for Zack Snyder?" David questioned, "I recall he has only directed 'Dawn of the Dead' so far."
"I understand Zack Snyder," Matthew said honestly, "You've seen the trial clip. The project's concept and core all originate from Zack. I doubt anyone else could achieve the style of that clip."
David pondered briefly and then agreed, "Okay, I accept this condition!"
Matthew stood and extended his hand, "Working with such a forthright investor like you is my fortune!"
David also stood, grasping his hand firmly, "Our collaboration will surely succeed."
Later, Zack Snyder and Helen Herman arrived at Matthew's office, and together with the lawyers, they discussed many details, quickly drafting the agreement.
Two days later, David Ellison signed the formal agreement with Matthew and Zack Snyder.
The core of the agreement was that David Ellison's Sky Dance Productions would fund the purchase of the film adaptation rights for the graphic novel "300" and handle the film's production investments.
Additionally, the contract explicitly stated that Zack Snyder must be the director and Matthew the male lead, with most of the future film crew being managed by Helen Herman and Angel Talent Agency, which would also handle distribution contacts for the film.
David Ellison's Sky Dance had the funds but lacked distribution channels, which wouldn't be established anytime soon.
Contracts involving such detailed clauses and eight-figure investments were always complex.
After reaching the cooperation agreement, Matthew, Zack Snyder, Helen Herman, and David Ellison, along with a hired PR expert, rushed to New York to start grueling negotiations with Frank Miller.
Frank was indeed impressed by Zack Snyder's trial clip and production concept and initially agreed to the
adaptation rights for "300." The main disagreement during negotiations was on the licensing fee and post-release profit sharing.
Matthew and Zack Snyder, being relatively new to film rights negotiations, initially thought $4 million might be enough, a figure far too small now that Frank's works were proven successful in film adaptations.
Frank started with a demand of $15 million plus a 10% global box office share—a steep proposal.
But David Ellison didn't care about the cost. After the initial talks, he was ready to pay whatever it took.
As he said, problems that money could solve were not problems at all.
However, he was not foolish enough to throw money without negotiation. Over the next three days, after three more rounds of talks, they gradually narrowed their differences, finally agreeing on a fee of $9 million for the adaptation rights and a 5% share of the North American box office.
Once the major disagreement was resolved, the remaining negotiations moved quickly. Conditions like Frank Miller's producer credit and salary were settled within ranges acceptable to both sides.
As for David Ellison, minor expenses were of little concern.
Seeing no major issues left, Matthew prepared to leave New York and return to Los Angeles for a delayed Mercedes G-Class SUV commercial shoot at Disney Studios, where he was to star, aside from the vehicle.
On his departure day, Sky Dance Productions had tentatively signed an agreement with Frank Miller, with the final agreement to be signed once the last minor issues were resolved.
Unless a world war or similar catastrophe occurred, the film rights for "300" would be smoothly secured.
Back in Los Angeles, Matthew rested for a day, then arrived on schedule at a small soundstage at Disney Studios for the commercial shoot, which was planned for one day indoors and another outdoors.
Michael Bay, who had been a commercial and MTV director for years before entering the film industry, occasionally directed commercials for major brands even after becoming a movie director.
Meeting at Disney Studios, Matthew encountered the man said to have been born at the moment of a comet striking Earth.
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