"It's been a while, Director MacLeod," Ronan said, still quite polite, with a smile. "Welcome to the party."
Daniel MacLeod's expression was somewhat serious. "As the director and producer of 'The Witch Blair,' how could I miss the celebration party?"
Upon hearing this, Jessica Felton glanced at Daniel MacLeod. As a technical enthusiast, she immediately felt a sense of professional disdain. The cinematography was so bad; the technical quality was just too poor!
Ronan reached out his right hand. "Welcome."
But Daniel MacLeod showed no intention of shaking hands. "I'm here for something else."
Ronan curiously looked at Daniel MacLeod, who continued, "Thank you, Mr. Anderson, for returning 'The Witch Blair' to my hands."
Although it sounded like gratitude, there was an odd undertone, even Jessica Felton, who was unaware of the situation, could sense it.
She glanced at Daniel MacLeod and then at Ronan, gradually forming a speculation that there might be conflicts between the production company and the distribution company.
Regardless of being a technical enthusiast, Jessica Felton was still an insider in Hollywood and knew well the numerous conflicts between production and distribution companies.
Ronan furrowed his brow slightly. "Are you collaborating with DreamWorks?"
Daniel MacLeod finally showed a hint of a smile on his face. "Surprised? Let me tell you the truth. DreamWorks bought the sequel rights to 'The Witch Blair' precisely to collaborate with me."
How thick-skinned was Ronan? Moreover, the original intention was to make use of waste. He said, "I wish you success."
This response caught Daniel MacLeod off guard. He looked at Ronan's calm face and couldn't help but say, "We could have continued to collaborate, and 'The Witch Blair' would have continued the success of the first film, but you..."
Feeling specifically targeted by Ronan-Anderson's stinginess, Daniel MacLeod felt uncomfortable all over. He continued, "You went too far! I just wanted to get my fair share, and what about you? Withholding the profits rightfully due to the production company!"
Ronan calmly replied, "I respect you, and I hope you respect the contract we signed."
Daniel MacLeod nodded repeatedly. "Fine! Fine! Mr. Anderson, I'll see you in court."
Ronan didn't respond. In this purely profit-driven dispute, anything said would be redundant.
Thinking back to his previous life when Daniel MacLeod and another director, Eduardo Sanchez, signed a contract with Artisan Entertainment, verbally agreeing that they would receive a pool table if the film sold well, what was the result? Artisan Entertainment was still sued later.
The profits from 'The Witch Blair' were too high. As a producer and director, how could one settle for just eighty thousand dollars plus a bit of box office bonus?
But understanding aside, when it came to the time to play dirty, Ronan wouldn't hesitate.
The $12 million sequel rights fee for 'The Witch Blair' had already been transferred to the account of Relativity Entertainment.
After lending himself funds for his projects again, the capital was relatively abundant.
As for the $10 million profit share from Koch Industries, there was no rush. It wouldn't hurt to wait until the overseas rights were sold.
Daniel MacLeod soon left.
"Why do you sound like a villain in a movie?" Jessica Felton suddenly remarked.
Ronan looked at her. "How could someone as virtuous as me be a villain?"
Jessica Felton had encountered too many movies due to her technical training, following the usual movie logic, she said, "A small director who painstakingly makes a film, only to have it become a blockbuster, but the big company withholds their share, leaving them powerless to complain..."
"You're wasting your talent by not becoming a screenwriter!" Ronan couldn't help but laugh, casually explaining, "I signed a buyout contract with him, buying out all the rights in one go, without any post-distribution shares involved."
Jessica Felton understood. "So, the director isn't honoring the contract? It's his problem for coming to you."
Ronan shrugged as if he had found a kindred spirit. "Exactly." He glanced at the opposite side. "A friend has come over; you enjoy yourself."
With that, Ronan took a few steps forward and shook hands with James Huang's agent, Edward. "Welcome."
"You've created a miracle," Edward said, somewhat excited.
But Ronan said, "I merely bought someone else's film and plan." He looked around. "Edward, I have something to discuss with you."
Edward had a rough idea of what it was about and said, "Sure."
The two found a less crowded place and sat in nearby chairs. Ronan said, "I plan to shoot the sequel to 'Human Purge' next year and continue to invite James as the director."
"That's good news," Edward smiled with a hearty look but didn't directly respond. "Sequel movies have always been a guarantee of success."
Ronan wanted to settle the contract with James Huang before the release of 'Death Is Coming.' He said, "Glenn Morgan is working on the script. We'll have a draft soon. Let's discuss James's new contract."
Edward, still smiling innocently, said, " 'Death Is Coming' has started its pre-release publicity, and James has a lot of commitments. For the sake of our collaboration, let's not distract James's attention for now. Let's talk after 'Death Is Coming' is released."
Hearing this, Ronan knew he couldn't settle things with James Huang for now. He said, "Alright, I'll talk to James, and you inform him in advance."
Edward smiled and said, "No problem. Ronan, we've had a pleasant cooperation, and I hope we can continue to work together."
Words from an agent's mouth couldn't be taken too seriously, but Ronan exchanged a few more words with Edward before they both left.
The previous two collaborations with James Huang, especially 'Death Is Coming,' had saved Sandsea Entertainment a significant sum in director's fees due to pre-signed contracts.
But after the success of 'Human Purge,' James Huang was no longer the unknown director he used to be.
Anyone who could obtain an entertainment broker license couldn't be a fool. Most Hollywood agents had high academic qualifications and naturally possessed a certain level of analytical ability. If 'Death Is Coming' succeeded, James Huang's directorial fees were bound to increase significantly.
After finishing negotiations with Edward, Ronan prepared for two scenarios. The first choice was, of course, for James Huang to continue directing the sequel to 'Human Purge.' If his fees were too high, they would have to consider other options.
Having roamed the banquet hall for a while, Ronan found Andrew, the associate producer of 'Death Is Coming.'
"Next year, I'm planning to shoot the sequel to 'Human Purge,'" Ronan said directly. "Can you be the production manager?"
In fact, Andrew held the position of associate producer on the set of 'Death Is Coming,' and he handled the day-to-day affairs of the crew.
Although he had only worked as a production assistant on VHS productions before, the high budget of 'Death Is Coming' had broadened Andrew's horizons.
Andrew had almost no hesitation. "I can."
Ronan continued, "After 'Death Comes,' when the film is released, you'll talk to James's agent about the director's contract for this film, trying to keep the compensation as low as possible."
"Is there a bottom line?" Andrew asked.
"The lower, the better," Ronan replied.
Andrew was a decisive person. "I understand."
Ronan then whispered a few words, instructing Andrew to prepare for the negotiation and suggesting that Andrew initiate the discussion, adding an extra layer of buffer, which might have an unexpected effect.
After advising Andrew, Ronan was about to find Amanda when he ran into Dean, the agent for Paul Greengrass and Katherine Hagel.
Ronan had a drink with Dean. Dean congratulated him first and then expressed his apologies, "The company had a meeting today, causing a delay. We're here a bit late."
"No problem," Ronan replied with a smile.
Dean valued his cooperation with Ronan. One success could be luck, but two consecutive successes couldn't be attributed to mere luck.
"Katherine asked me to apologize to you," Dean said sincerely. "She had something urgent at home and had to return to Washington, D.C., so she couldn't make it here."
"Family comes first," Ronan replied, showing understanding.
Dean continued, "Yes, family should always be a priority." He took the opportunity to change the subject, "Ronan, if you need actors, directors, or any other positions, feel free to contact me. William Morris will provide you with sufficient support."
That was Dean's real intention.
Of course, Ronan wouldn't refuse the goodwill offered by a large-scale agency. "I won't hesitate to ask for help where needed."
The relationship between producers and agents was inherently one of conflict and cooperation. Even if there were serious disagreements, they would maintain a superficial respect. After all, you never knew when the other party would have the crucial resources you needed.
William Morris, as one of the largest talent agencies in the industry, had a plethora of clients, including actors, directors, and behind-the-scenes personnel. With the right offer, an agency of William Morris's caliber could assemble a super-luxurious full crew in no time.
Although the one-stop-shop packaging service was created and popularized by CAA, there were now more companies offering such services than just CAA.
Ronan found Amanda in the southeast corner of the banquet hall.
"Hello, Mrs. Sevrid," Ronan greeted her politely. "I haven't had a chance to thank you for the cake. It was really great."
Mrs. Sevrid smiled and replied, "As long as you enjoyed it."
Amanda leaned in close to her mother and whispered, "Mom, I want to ask Ronan a few questions. Can I have a private conversation with him?"
"Of course," Mrs. Sevrid didn't object but whispered a reminder in her ear, "Don't leave the banquet hall."
In her eyes, Ronan was indeed a good person, but her daughter was becoming more and more beautiful, and some precautions were always necessary.
Amanda nodded and smiled at Ronan, showing off her charming dimples, before walking towards a less crowded area.
Curiously, Ronan asked, "Amanda, what can I do for you?"