The contract for the filming of "Saw" was signed very quickly. On the first day, a draft was drawn up, Leigh Whannell reviewed it, and the next day the document was already signed.
MGM acquired the rights to "Saw" and all its future sequels and spin-offs. Leigh Whannell and James Wan refused a share of the box office profits. However, to ensure better future cooperation, Eric still included a profit-sharing clause in the contract, though it was modest: when box office receipts exceed $50 million, each of them would receive 1% of the net profit.
Unlike gross profit, net profit is a more flexible and manipulable concept. To calculate it, all expenses related to the film must be deducted. This includes travel, accommodation, gifts for directors, producers, actors, and even small items like ice cream.
For instance, ice cream bought at a street kiosk could be recorded on paper as ice cream from a three-star Michelin restaurant, with a price difference of tens of times. There were even cases where a $6000 straw hat appeared in reports – an absurd example, but it illustrates the point.
Such manipulations can involve thousands and even tens of thousands of different items, making them impossible to verify and challenge. With the help of professional accountants, a successful film can be made to appear unprofitable to avoid paying shares to actors and directors.
For example, the film "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" had a production budget of $150 million and earned $930 million at the worldwide box office. It seemed like an obvious success. However, Warner Bros., having hired expensive accountants, showed a loss of $167 million to avoid paying the actors a share of the profits.
Therefore, major directors and actors usually do not agree to a share of the net profit, preferring a share of the gross profit. The percentage of gross profit is lower, but it is a more reliable option.
Eric understood that by signing the contract, he had already struck gold. For him, people were more important than money. The film "Saw" had enormous potential. In the original world, it earned $100 million, which was not its limit.
Lionsgate Studios invested only $1.2 million in the original film, not paying much attention to advertising. Now, with a budget of $5 million, and with a good advertising campaign, "Saw" could gross even more.
James Wan and Leigh Whannell, full of gratitude, had already started assembling the film crew. The main task was casting actors. MGM brought in masters to create the soundtrack, and other specialists from the studio's internal staff were ready to start work.
Large studios are good at providing comprehensive support. They may not be able to offer many Oscar winners, but they had experienced professionals in all aspects of the project.
After talking with Eric, Whannell began to doubt his decision to play the lead role. Deep down, he felt he wanted to be a screenwriter, director, and producer. He decided to star in "Saw" only because he believed no one else could better convey his vision. Initially, they had no money, and Leigh himself filmed a short film with himself as the main character for demonstration.
But now, with a budget of $5 million, they could invite a professional actor.
Eric suggested two options to Leigh.
The first was Ryan Reynolds. Eric promised him the role. In the original reality, Reynolds had already starred in horror films and thrillers such as "The Amityville Horror" and "Buried," receiving positive reviews for them. With the right approach, he could excel in a role in "Saw."
Eric suggested a second candidate to Whannell – Patrick Wilson. Many might not know him by name, but his nickname "James Wan's regular actor" immediately brings associations.
Patrick Wilson, who started as a stage actor, would later play key roles in the films "Insidious" and "The Conjuring." At this stage, his acting skills surpassed those of Ryan Reynolds, and Eric decided to introduce him to James in advance.
Having settled these matters, Eric headed to the set of "Sharknado." Filming had been going on for half a month, but he had not been on site even once. It was not because he didn't care, but with a budget of less than $2 million, the film was initially conceived as low-budget, and its shooting could proceed smoothly even under the guidance of amateurs.
The filming was taking place on a set in Colorado, a name that raised questions about who had come up with it. As soon as he entered the set, he heard a young man loudly shouting:
"Ryan, this prop shark mannequin wasn't cheap, it's filled with fake blood. Our budget is limited, so you need to get everything right!"
Ryan Reynolds' voice responded:
"Don't worry, I've rehearsed many times. I'm ready, start filming."
Then there were hurried footsteps and a shout from the same young man:
"Action!"
The sound of a chainsaw starting and Reynolds' shout:
"Come on, you bastard!"
A moment later, the director shouted "Cut!" and applause erupted around.
Eric joined the applause and stepped out from behind the corner:
"Great job, Ryan. Just from the sound, I can tell you nailed it."
Ryan Reynolds, covered in fake blood and holding a chainsaw, looked like if he stepped out of the studio, he would be immediately arrested by the police.
Noticing the boss's appearance, Ryan smiled but hesitated to come closer due to the blood:
"Sorry, Eric, I'm afraid I can't hug you."
"Haha, that's okay, I'm not a fan of man-hugs."
Warren came out from the corner:
"Eric, why didn't you warn us about your visit?"
"I wanted to ask you, how do you like the work of a producer?"
Warren pointed to his belly:
"Look here, this will give you the answer."
The director and several main actors approached Eric, who, not knowing him personally, had just learned that he was the real boss. As for Warren and Benna Hardy, they were just Eric's hired hands, and without his resources, A.K. Films couldn't have utilized MGM's resources.
Eric shook hands with everyone present, offering a few compliments. However, while shaking hands with several actresses, he noticed they were lightly scratching his palm. He understood perfectly well what this meant: one hint from him, and they would be ready to serve him anytime.
Even a few such actresses wouldn't pose a problem, being minor characters without faces or dignity. However, Eric had no interest in them, considering them worse than his secretary Lisa and the flight attendants.
After spending more than half an hour on the set, Eric received assurances from the director and Warren that the work would be completed within two weeks, and the budget would not be exceeded. He also reminded the special effects department to speed up post-production work so everything would be ready in a month.
Eric had a clear goal: to release "Sharknado" during the Christmas holidays when theaters would be crowded, and audiences could appreciate the full "horror" of the film in company. Only in this way could box office success be ensured.
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