At a business club in northern Burbank, Michael Davenport met with Grey Enric from Lionsgate's distribution department.
The two were quite familiar with each other, and after some brief pleasantries, they got straight to the point.
Grey Enric asked tentatively, "I saw in the media that Mr. Davenport recently went to Abu Dhabi for a premiere. Was the trip successful?"
Michael responded truthfully, "Their distributor over there kept inviting me, so I had to go check it out."
Grey Enric asked again, "Was the trip successful?"
"Very much so," Michael understood what he was getting at.
"So..." Grey Enric decided to be direct, "Did you secure financing for 'Final Destination'?"
Seeing Michael remain composed, he continued, "I heard James Wan's preparations are steadily progressing."
Michael thought about it; the project was about to have its official launch press conference. "Overall, things are going smoothly."
Grey Enric smiled, "The terrifying scenes James Wan creates are unforgettable. I believe this will be a successful horror film."
Michael smiled but did not respond.
Grey Enric felt bad but persisted, "Mr. Davenport, we had an agreement that James Wan's new film would be distributed by Lionsgate."
Michael recalled the earlier discussions but didn't directly confirm or deny it. "The film has just started pre-production and hasn't even been publicly announced. It's too early to discuss distribution."
The difference between success and being a newcomer was stark. For "The Purge," Michael had to work tirelessly for distribution. Now, with "Final Destination" still in pre-production, distributors were coming to him.
"The earlier the distribution is settled, the more secure the crew will feel," Grey Enric tried to convince him. "It will also make the subsequent production smoother."
Michael gave a strong reason, "The film hasn't even started shooting. Signing a distribution agreement now would be irresponsible to the distributor. I can't do that."
"Uh..." Grey Enric was momentarily speechless.
After a while, he finally responded, "There are always risks in distribution. We are willing to take on that risk and have the capacity to do so."
Michael would be foolish to sign a distribution agreement with Lionsgate now. Not only was he working on acquiring a distribution company, but even if that fell through, "Final Destination" could command a higher price thanks to the success of "The Purge."
He wasn't one to break promises, though. The agreement with Lionsgate was to prioritize them under equal conditions.
"Are you really willing to take on the risk?" Michael asked pointedly.
Grey Enric couldn't immediately deny what he had just said and nodded, "Of course."
Michael nodded, "I can feel Lionsgate's sincerity."
Grey Enric thought, "I don't feel your sincerity!"
Michael took a script and an attached plan from his briefcase and handed them to Grey Enric. "I am also very sincere. This is a currently popular action film that Seashore Entertainment is preparing. If we can collaborate with Lionsgate, I believe it will be as successful as 'The Purge.'"
Grey Enric took the script and glanced at it. When he saw that the protagonist was an Arab agent, he felt dizzy.
"An Arab protagonist?" Grey Enric asked tentatively.
Michael responded thoughtfully, " 'The Purge' has already proven that minority audiences can support a mid-budget film at the box office."
Grey Enric realized they wouldn't reach a conclusion today. He put away the script and stood up to leave, "I'll take this project back for review. I'll get back to you soon."
Michael shook his hand, "I hope to hear good news."
After Grey Enric left, Michael returned to Seashore Entertainment and met Edward, James Wan's agent, who had been waiting for a while.
This agent seemed to have gained weight, making his face look even more honest and kind.
"Go ahead, Edward," Michael acted as if he didn't know his intentions. "What brings you here?"
Edward smiled warmly, "It's been a while. I heard you were back from Germany, so I came by to see you..."
Michael raised his hand to stop him, "Just get to the point. I don't have much time. I have another meeting soon."
This was true; he had an appointment with Scott from Merrill Lynch.
Edward continued to smile, "It's about James' salary. 'The Purge' was a huge success, and James still gets $300,000 for 'Final Destination.' Isn't that a bit low?"
Michael reminded him, "Edward, Seashore Entertainment and James have a contract. We are following the agreement."
Edward understood the implication. "I am a person who follows contracts, but a low salary might undermine James' authority on set. It also makes Seashore Entertainment look stingy, which could damage its reputation."
"I don't care," Michael said casually.
Producers and agents had a typical love-hate relationship.
Edward's expression didn't change, but he wanted to speak further. Michael cut him off again, "Is this your or James' idea?"
"It's my idea," the agent took the blame. "James doesn't know about this."
Michael said calmly, "It's impossible to amend the contract for a raise."
Edward's face showed frustration; this young producer was too harsh.
"Let's sign an additional agreement," Michael had already considered a strategy. His earlier toughness was to suppress Edward's momentum to prevent more demands. "A bonus agreement."
Edward considered it and said, "Okay."
Michael laid out the terms, "If 'Final Destination' reaches $50 million at the North American box office, James will receive a bonus equal to his salary."
"$50 million?" Edward exclaimed, "Michael, that's too much!"
Only a few films each year reached that mark.
"$15 million! The bonus should kick in when the box office reaches the production cost!" Edward countered.
Michael shook his head, "At $30 million box office, a $30,000 bonus, paid in a lump sum." Seeing Edward about to speak, he added firmly, "I have already compromised. Edward, do you not have as much faith in James as I do?"
Edward thought for a moment, "Alright. Let's sign the agreement as soon as possible."
Michael smiled, "No problem."
This bonus was different from a box office percentage. It was a one-time payment. Once "Final Destination" hit $30 million in North American box office revenue, no matter how much it eventually made, the bonus would be $30,000.
After Edward left, Scott from Merrill Lynch arrived shortly after.
Michael asked directly, "Scott, are you open to freelance work?"
Scott immediately became cautious. " I'm Sorry, Mr. Davenport. My professional ethics prevent me from doing that."
Michael laughed, "Actually, it doesn't conflict with your job. It's also about securities and the stock market." He took an envelope from his drawer and handed it to Scott. "This won't violate your professional ethics."
Scott glanced at the envelope, estimating its thickness, but said nothing.
Michael pushed another folder towards him. "This is from an old friend of mine, a truly wealthy individual interested in Nasdaq. Inside are their contact details, email, and address. Scott, your task is simple. Every day…no, every half-day, send them detailed information on the best-performing stocks. You can call or visit them to make them more confident about Nasdaq's bright future."
This indeed didn't conflict with his work. After a brief hesitation, Scott took the envelope, squeezed it, and said, "I'll start as soon as possible."
Michael lowered his voice and discussed the details with Scott.