In a business club in the north of Burbank, Ronan met Gray Enrik from the distribution department of Lionsgate.
The two were somewhat familiar with each other. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they got down to business.
Gray tentatively asked, "I saw media reports that Mr. Anderson went to Abu Dhabi for a premiere recently. Was everything smooth?"
Ronan replied ambiguously, "It was hard to decline the generous invitation from the distribution side over there, so I had to go and take a look."
Gray Enrik asked again, "Was the trip smooth?"
"It went very smoothly," Ronan understood exactly what he was asking.
"So..." Gray Enrik went straight to the point, "Was the financing for 'Death Is Coming' successful?"
Seeing Ronan remain composed, he continued, "I heard that James Huang's preparations for the film have been steadily progressing."
Ronan thought for a moment. They were about to hold a project initiation press conference soon. "Overall, progress is going smoothly," he said.
Gray Enrik smiled and said, "The terrifying scenes crafted by Director James Huang are unforgettable. I believe this will be a successful horror film."
Ronan smiled but didn't respond.
Gray Enrik had a sense that things might not be going as he hoped. Nevertheless, he continued, "Mr. Anderson, we had an agreement that Lionsgate would have priority in distributing James Huang's new film. Is that still the case?"
Ronan remembered their initial agreement but didn't directly confirm or deny it. Instead, he said, "The film has just been initiated and hasn't even been publicly announced yet. It's too early to discuss distribution."
The difference between success and being a newcomer was staggering. Ronan had practically run his legs off to secure distribution for "The Human Cleansing Plan," and now, even before "Death Is Coming" had begun production, someone was already approaching them for distribution.
"The earlier we secure distribution, the smoother the production will be," Gray Enrik tried again. "It'll also make the filming and production process much smoother."
Ronan casually mentioned a very strong reason, "Signing a distribution contract before filming even begins is irresponsible for your side. I can't do something like that."
Gray Enrik was momentarily at a loss for words.
After a while, he reacted, "Distribution always carries risks. We are willing to take the risk, and we have the capacity to do so."
Ronan would only sign a distribution contract with Lionsgate under equal conditions, as they had initially agreed. "Are you really willing to take the risk?" Ronan asked deliberately.
Gray Enrik couldn't immediately deny what he had just said and nodded, saying, "Of course."
"I can feel the sincerity of Lionsgate," Ronan said, though Gray Enrik felt otherwise.
Ronan took out a script and an accompanying proposal from his briefcase and pushed them towards Gray Enrik. "I'm also sincere. This is one of the most popular action movies currently. Sand Sea Entertainment has also entered the preparatory stage. If we can cooperate with Lionsgate, I believe this will be another successful case like 'The Human Cleansing Plan.'"
Gray Enrik took the script and flipped through a couple of pages. When he saw that the male lead was an Arab special agent, he felt a bit dizzy.
"An Arab as the lead?" Gray Enrik probed.
Ronan replied seriously, "The success of 'The Human Cleansing Plan' has proven that minority audiences can support a mid-sized production."
Gray Enrik realized that they wouldn't reach an agreement today. After putting away the script, he stood up to take his leave. "I'll study this project for a few days and get back to you."
Ronan shook his hand. "I hope it's good news."
After Gray Enrik left, Ronan returned to Sand Sea Entertainment. In his office, he met Edward, James Huang's agent, who had been waiting for some time.
Edward looked noticeably plumper, his face even more honest and sincere.
"Speak, Edward," Ronan acted as if he didn't know what the guy was up to. "What brings you here?"
Edward smiled with a face full of sincerity. "It's been a long time. I heard you've returned from Germany, so I came here to see you..."
Ronan raised his hand to stop him from continuing. "Get straight to the point. I'm short on time; I have something else to attend to later."
This was true; he had an appointment with Scott from Merrill Lynch at the company.
Edward continued to smile. "It's about James's salary. 'The Human Cleansing Plan' was a huge success, and James still only received a $300,000 salary for his role in 'Death Is Coming.' Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
Ronan reminded him, "Edward, Sand Sea Entertainment has signed agreements with James. We're just following the contract."
The implication behind this statement was clear to Edward, who hurriedly said, "I also follow contracts, but if James's salary is too low, it lacks persuasion on the set, doesn't it? Besides, it would make Sand Sea Entertainment seem too stingy if word got out."
"I don't care," Ronan casually said.
Producers and agents had a typical relationship of both cooperation and opposition.
Edward's expression remained unchanged, but just as he was about to speak, Ronan continued, "Is this your idea, or James's?"
"It's my idea." Edward had to take the blame at this point. "James doesn't know about this."
Ronan said flatly, "Changing the contract to increase the salary is impossible."
Edward's face looked a bit ugly. This young producer was too strong-willed.
"How about this, we'll sign a new agreement," Ronan had long figured out his counterstrategy. His previous strong stance was to suppress Edward's momentum, lest he bring up more unreasonable demands later. "A contract for a box office bonus."
Edward considered for a moment and said, "Okay."
Ronan stated the conditions directly, "If 'Death Is Coming' reaches $30 million at the North American box office, James can receive a box office bonus equivalent to his salary."
"$30 million?" Edward's eyes widened. "Ronan, that's too much!"
How many films in the entire North American market grossed over $30 million a year?
"$15 million! Pay out the bonus if the box office reaches the production cost!" Edward suggested.
Ronan shook his head and said, "If the box office reaches $30 million, he gets a $300,000 bonus, paid in one lump sum!" When he saw Edward still wanting to say something, he emphasized, "I've already made a concession! Edward, do you have less confidence in James than I do?"
After thinking for a while, Edward said, "Okay. We'll sign the agreement as soon as possible."
Ronan smiled. "No problem."
This kind of box office bonus was different from a share of the box office revenue; it was a one-time payment. As long as "Death Is Coming" reached $30 million at the North American box office, regardless of the final number, only a $300,000 box office bonus would be paid out.
Not long after Edward left, Scott from Merrill Lynch arrived.
Ronan asked directly, "Scott, do you take on private jobs?"
Scott immediately became cautious. "Sorry, Mr. Anderson, my professional ethics don't allow me to do so."
Ronan laughed, "Actually, it doesn't conflict with your job. It's also about securities and the stock market." He took an envelope from the drawer and pushed it towards Scott. "It won't violate your professional ethics."
Scott glanced at the envelope and estimated its thickness but remained silent.
Ronan pushed a document bag towards him again and said, "This is for a friend of mine. He's a real wealthy individual who's very interested in NASDAQ. Inside are their contact information, email, and address. Scott, what you need to do is very simple. Every day... no, every half day, send him detailed information about the most promising stocks that are rising. You can also call him or visit him to make him believe even more in the limitless prospects of NASDAQ in the coming years."
This matter indeed didn't conflict with his job. Scott deliberated for a moment, picked up the envelope, gave it a squeeze, and said, "I'll start as soon as possible."
Ronan lowered his voice and began discussing with Scott.