Before meeting Alan Shane, Ronan first obtained information about Alan Shane Productions and the man himself, carefully studied it, and also obtained the original novel "The Bourne Identity" and the television series produced jointly by Warner Bros. Television Productions and Alan Shane Productions in 1988, and carefully watched them.
To negotiate with someone, you need to understand the basic situation of the opponent at least.
Alan Shane Productions had a glorious period in the 1980s, starting with the production of "The Bourne Identity", but then declined rapidly after a few projects failed. This relatively small-scale company had average risk resistance ability, so it gradually fell silent from the late 1980s.
The first adaptation of "The Bourne Identity" cannot be considered successful. Hollywood is a circle that chases after success. The fate brought by the failure of "The Bourne Identity" was that it was ignored for more than a decade.
Even "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" were still in Robert Ludlum's hands, possibly because of the drag from the TV series.
Starting from the early 1990s, Alan Shane Productions no longer directly participated in TV series production but mainly invested in small-scale projects.
This company quickly became one of the inconspicuous members among the many small companies in Hollywood.
Alan Shane, in his fifties, had been in Hollywood for over twenty years. In the 1980s, he was ambitious, but after the failure, he became conservative, especially as he grew older in recent years.
Based on the information he obtained, Ronan quickly formed a preliminary judgment.
With Alan Shane Productions' ability, it was impossible to produce "The Bourne Identity". The best option was to sell the rights. In the previous life, Universal Pictures probably bought the rights, but according to the information he had, Universal Pictures had not contacted Alan Shane Productions yet.
In other words, Alan Shane would not withhold the rights.
However, on the other hand, Alan Shane had been in the industry for so many years and had become increasingly conservative. Plus, the company's production capacity was weak. Perhaps he might ask for an exorbitant price.
Ronan was also prepared for this. It was impossible to buy the rights to a bestselling novel from the 1980s for just a few hundred thousand or a couple million dollars.
Finally, Ronan consulted with Diana Hampton, the lawyer, about the relevant legal matters.
Due to adequate preparation, the actual situation was similar to what he had anticipated.
"Three million dollars."
Alan Shane touched his drooping eye bags and tentatively said, "Mr. Anderson, for a transfer fee of just three million dollars, you can have the rights to 'The Bourne Identity'."
He didn't know how much information the other party had.
Ronan deliberately showed a shocked expression, "Three million dollars?"
Comparing it to the earnings from "The Bourne Identity" in the previous life, this transfer fee was indeed not high, and since entering the new century, the transfer fees for bestselling novels often reached tens of millions of dollars.
It seemed like three million dollars was a good deal.
But Ronan didn't think so. As a producer and businessman, he naturally sought to maximize profits. Given the possibility of negotiating down the price, he had to push it as low as possible.
"Mr. Shane," Ronan frowned, "Your company only spent $300,000 to acquire 'The Bourne Identity' all those years ago. You're asking for ten times the profit."
Alan Shane remained calm, "That was more than ten years ago."
Ronan glanced at Alan Shane, knowing this person wasn't easy to deal with. "Five hundred thousand dollars."
With the rights in his hands, Alan Shane held absolute initiative and insisted, "Three million dollars!"
"Forgive me for being frank, Mr. Shane," Ronan said lightly, "This price won't fly."
Barely anyone was interested in this project after the TV series aired. Alan Shane Productions held onto it, unable to produce it, and waiting any longer would yield no results when the authorization period expired.
Even if he left, Ronan had a backup plan.
Nearly two-thirds of the twenty-year authorization period had passed. Alan Shane's calm face changed slightly. This was the first time in more than a decade that someone had inquired about the rights to "The Bourne Identity."
He wouldn't have to wait another thirteen years. Just a few more years and the authorization would expire.
"Five hundred thousand dollars is too low," Alan Shane's tone remained steady. "I cannot do business at a loss."
Ronan didn't say much and simply raised one finger, "One million dollars. This is the highest price I can offer." He emphasized, "If you disagree, then I'm sorry, but I'm looking to make a B-level action film, and there are plenty of cheaper novel rights on the market."
Alan Shane didn't immediately respond. After thinking for a while, he was somewhat dissatisfied with the price.
"This is my contact information," Ronan placed his business card on the coffee table between them. "Mr. Shane, if you decide, you can call me."
Alan Shane didn't touch the business card and said, "1.5 million dollars. Business should ensure profit for the seller."
Ronan thought carefully for a long time before saying, "I have always adhered to the principle of win-win. Alright! 1.5 million dollars."
Although Alan Shane's face remained unchanged, he breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. This young man was quite difficult to deal with.
Was this the prowess of Hollywood's new generation?
But he wasn't finished, "Mr. Anderson, I have a few conditions."
Ronan also had a condition, "Mr. Shane, I have a condition too. We will transact through a priority purchase agreement."