"In the office, Robert updated Ronan on the latest situation: 'The media and fans' criticism is all directed towards the cast and crew led by Daniel Malick. After participating in three consecutive media events, they're currently hiding in the hotel and are reluctant to go out.'
Ronan, in a good mood due to the efficient work done by Daniel Malick, asked, 'Didn't they try to distinguish between us, maybe push us out?'
Robert chuckled, 'After the last event two nights ago, Daniel Malick mentioned you and the Embassy Pictures, but the public opinion against them is irreversible now. Plus, they don't have any media platform to speak up, and any attempt at an interview has resulted in targeted attacks from reporters.'
Ronan, being relatively new in Hollywood and lacking significant influence compared to figures like Harvey Weinstein from my past life, knew that dealing with someone like Daniel Malick, who couldn't even make it to the fringes of Hollywood, was akin to dealing with a local bully.
'Yesterday, Daniel Malick posted a rebuttal article, shifting all the blame for the marketing plan onto us,' Robert continued. 'But nobody believes them; all they've received from fans are curses, and the media's opinion won't change with just one blog post.'
Ronan nodded, 'The first ones to appear are always the unluckiest.'
Back in my past life, on the NBC show where I claimed everything about "Blair Witch" originated from me, the media and fans immediately changed their stance, saying it had nothing to do with me. Hardly anyone believed it.
While the Embassy Pictures was mentioned, our low profile and diligent work kept us relatively unaffected. Robert, however, had a concern, 'Daniel Malick wants to discuss compensation with you.'
'Oh?' Ronan raised an eyebrow. 'Didn't we give them a $50,000 box office bonus yesterday?'
Robert told him straight, 'They're not satisfied.'
Ronan wasn't surprised. If he were in their shoes, selling a movie for tens of thousands and having it gross over $100 million at the box office in North America alone, he wouldn't settle for a mere bonus either. People are never satisfied.
In my past life, I remember that even Artisan Entertainment had a sour ending with two directors.
When Artisan bought "Blair Witch," the directors made an agreement that if the film did well, Artisan would reward them with a high-quality pool table. The film was a huge success, but the pool table didn't satisfy the directors' appetites.
Ronan understood that, but it wouldn't affect his actions. He said directly, 'Delay them, and if that doesn't work, send them away. We have contracts in hand.'
When we acquired the rights, Ronan was wary of such a scenario.
When Artisan purchased the rights to "Blair Witch," none of the cast and crew were union members. The backend split mandated by the union regulations didn't concern them, and Ronan had already paid out a $50,000 box office bonus, fulfilling the terms of their contract.
Legally speaking, the deal was done.
But Ronan didn't engage with Daniel Malick anymore, although Daniel Malick proactively came to see him.
In the office, seeing the weary director, Ronan remained quite polite. 'Director Malick, please have a seat.'
'Hello, Mr. Anderson,' Daniel Malick sat across from Ronan.
Ronan assessed Daniel Malick and estimated that he'd been under a lot of pressure lately, judging from his current state.
'Is there something you need?' Ronan asked directly.
Daniel Malick, not being a fool, gradually realized his situation over time. But he'd swallowed all his grievances and tentatively asked, 'Blair Witch has grossed over $100 million in North America?'
Ronan roughly guessed his intentions and nodded, 'It's close to $120 million.'
This information was readily available in any newspaper.
'The film's doing great!' Daniel Malick licked his dry lips and asked, 'Has your company rewarded those who worked on this film?'
Ronan pretended to be puzzled, 'Hm?'
Daniel Malick probed further, 'The crew members are asking me whether, since the film grossed over $100 million, they should receive some reward, like a bonus or a share. I don't know what to tell them, so I came to ask.'
Ronan nodded, 'I remember your $50,000 bonus has been paid.'
Daniel Malick clenched his left hand, 'What about beyond the $50,000?'
Ronan didn't answer directly but instead asked, 'Director Malick, the contract we signed stipulated that when the film's total revenue reached $500,000, regardless of future earnings, I would pay your company a one-time $50,000 bonus as a box office reward. Despite the backend split not yet being in place, to thank you for your efforts, I had the company pay this $50,000 bonus in advance.'
Daniel Malick seemed to understand now, with a hint of annoyance in his voice, 'Mr. Anderson, this $50,000 is completely inadequate compared to the effort me and my team put in! With the film already grossing over $120 million in North America alone and with the potential for additional revenue from overseas and ancillary rights, I'm only asking for what we deserve!'
Ronan maintained his warm smile, 'I respect the effort your team put in, but I respect the spirit of our contract even more. While I'm a businessman, I believe in dealing with people honestly. The promises I make will always be fulfilled.' He emphasized, 'Director Malick, can you point out where I've failed to uphold our contract and commitments?'
Daniel Malick was momentarily unsure of what to say, Ronan Anderson had completely adhered to what was stipulated in the contract.
"We've signed a formal contract," Ronan reiterated. "Being a man of one's word is important, and I've fulfilled mine. I hope you can do the same."
Daniel Malick finally reacted, with a hint of annoyance, saying, "Treating us like this is seriously unfair!"
Ronan smiled and replied, "Asking for things beyond the contract is unfair to me as well."