In just a few minutes, Daniel Malick's impression of Michael Davenport changed drastically: this man was a complete swindler! Recalling the recent attacks he had endured, he suddenly felt a sense of inexplicable fear.
"Mr. Davenport," Daniel Malick questioned, "Were those media events specifically arranged by you?"
Michael looked at Daniel Malick with a puzzled expression and said, "When we negotiated, there was a provision for media activities. I am fulfilling the contract."
Thinking about the contract terms, Daniel Malick's fear grew: Could it be that when Michael Davenport bought the film, he had already planned everything that happened now? That would be terrifying.
Michael reiterated, "My company and I uphold the spirit of the contract, and we meticulously fulfill every clause."
Daniel Malick, wanting to turn the unfavourable situation around, said, "I want to call a press conference. I will expose everything!"
Michael smiled but did not respond.
Daniel Malick had made several public rebuttals in the past few days but failed to change public opinion. The blame had been thrown back at him by the media and fans, especially after he admitted on a talk show that the entire plan originated from him.
"Let's end this here for today," Michael said, not wanting to continue the conversation with Daniel Malick. "I have another meeting to attend."
Still not giving up, Daniel Malick steadied himself and said, "I have a new film project. I originally wanted to collaborate with your company, but Mr. Davenport's attitude makes me..."
Michael interrupted him directly, "You are free to find other partners."
"I..." Daniel Malick didn't know what to say.
I just had a film gross over $100 million in North America, and you're rejecting me? Isn't Hollywood all about chasing success?
Michael remembered something, opened a drawer, and took out a videotape, pushing it towards Daniel Malick. "This is your tape; take it back."
Daniel Malick looked at the tape and then at Michael, realizing that Michael had no interest in his words.
Picking up the tape, Daniel Malick gave Michael a deep look and said, "Someone in Hollywood will work with me!"
Michael smiled, "I wish you success with your new film."
Looking at Michael's sincere smile, Daniel Malick felt a sense of powerlessness and turned to leave the office.
Michael rubbed his chin: It seems I am like a villain, and Daniel Malick is the protagonist waiting for a comeback. Too bad he hasn't read online novels from across the Pacific, otherwise, he would shout lines like "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river," which would be more appropriate.
Lines like "Don't bully the poor youth" don't fit, as he's already in his thirties.
Michael knew that with the success of 'The Blair Witch,' Daniel Malick could easily find a collaborating company. In fact, Daniel Malick wouldn't even have to search; film companies would come to him.
Chasing success is a rule that never changes in Hollywood.
Michael didn't think about Daniel Malick anymore. They wouldn't cooperate in the future. He focused on his work and later visited Warner Bros. Studios. The crews of 'Final Destination' and 'The Kingsman' had completed shooting and moved into post-production.
During this time, Michael received a long-distance call from Europe. Carmen Kass would be coming to Los Angeles soon for a Dior event, and they arranged to meet.
This year, Carmen Kass became the spokesperson for Dior's new J'adore perfume line, becoming its first ambassador.
Michael knew about this perfume because Charlize Theron had been its spokesperson for over ten years in his past life, and every advertisement was stunningly beautiful.
Getting the Dior endorsement meant Carmen Kass had entered the ranks of top models.
Just as actors and stars are two different existences, models and supermodels are worlds apart.
Last year's meetings in Los Angeles left a good impression of Carmen Kass on Michael, but as a traditional model, her career focus was undoubtedly in Europe.
Michael didn't dwell much on this. His mind wasn't on it at this stage.
After touring the two sets, Michael found George and asked him to reach out to Robert Ludlum's side again to see if they could secure the rights to 'The Bourne Supremacy' and 'The Bourne Ultimatum.'
Robert Ludlum had always been in poor health and refused to discuss the rights, which was the most frustrating problem.
Michael wasn't afraid of high prices, but negotiating with someone who wouldn't talk was challenging.
With the success of 'The Blair Witch,' once the box office revenue came in, he would have more funds and definitely needed to secure the film rights to those two books quickly.
Otherwise, negotiating after 'The Bourne Identity' was released would cost much more.
George Clinton had been in touch with Robert Ludlum's lawyer and publisher. Perhaps because of old age, Robert Ludlum stubbornly ignored external inquiries about their rights. They might have to wait until Robert Ludlum passed away to negotiate with his rights trustees.
......
Daniel Malick returned to the hotel, answered a few questions from the crew, and felt exhausted in his room. His film had made so much money, but he couldn't share in it.
Suddenly, his phone rang. After a few words, his tired eyes lit up.
The caller was a senior executive from DreamWorks who wanted to meet with him.
Daniel Malick didn't hesitate and arranged to meet in the hotel lobby. He changed into a suit, tidied his hair, and attended the meeting.
In the hotel lobby, he met DreamWorks producer Susan Arnold.
"Hello, Director Malick," Susan Arnold shook hands with Daniel Malick. "Congratulations on your film's success."
Hearing this, Daniel Malick's expression darkened but quickly recovered, "Thank you."
After a few pleasantries, Susan Arnold got to the point, "With 'The Blair Witch' being a big hit, do you have any new film plans, Director Malick?"
Daniel Malick immediately sensed DreamWorks' interest in him.
"I plan to make another horror film," he said; though frustrated with Michael, the success of 'The Blair Witch' gave him immense confidence. "I already have a script outline."
Susan Arnold knew that similar films were more accessible to replicate successfully, so she asked, "Do you have a partner? If not, DreamWorks can help you."
Daniel Malick replied, "I don't have a partner."
Susan Arnold was surprised, "Seashore Entertainment isn't continuing to work with you?"
Most film companies maintain long-term relationships with successful directors. She had expected some effort to poach him from Seashore Entertainment.
She didn't expect this situation.
"I don't want to work with them anymore," Daniel Malick didn't hide his frustration. "Michael Davenport of Seashore Entertainment is too overbearing."
The success of 'The Blair Witch' had put Daniel Malick on the radar of many Hollywood companies. Like other successful directors, negative media coverage was largely ignored. Expanding its market, DreamWorks was the first to extend an olive branch.
Susan Arnold, responsible for horror and thriller films at DreamWorks, had just completed 'The Haunting' and was preparing for a new project.
Currently, she has two plans: one to remake a Japanese horror film after securing the rights and the other to work with 'The Blair Witch' director Daniel Malick.
Having competed with 'The Blair Witch' in the market, Susan Arnold had studied it thoroughly. Its innovative filming and marketing methods were extraordinary, and replicating its success with the same model was entirely feasible.
Noticing the conflict between Daniel Malick and Seashore Entertainment, Susan Arnold asked, "May I ask what happened between you and Seashore Entertainment?"
DreamWorks' name was impressive, far more potent than Michael's company.
Daniel Malick wanted to seize this opportunity and needed to vent his frustrations. "The Blair Witch grossed over $100 million, but Michael Davenport only gave me $80,000 for the rights and a $50,000 bonus, keeping the rest of the profits for himself!"
Susan Arnold understood immediately. This was a classic case of unfair profit distribution.
She couldn't let this director return to Seashore Entertainment, so she suggested, "Hire a professional lawyer to sue Michael Davenport and Seashore Entertainment. If you can drag the lawsuit out, most Hollywood companies will choose to settle out of court."
"Good idea," Daniel Malick seemed to have found his backbone. "Can you recommend a good lawyer?"
Susan Arnold smiled, "No problem, DreamWorks will do its best to help its partners."
Daniel Malick nodded heavily, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Susan Arnold continued calmly, "Director Malick, since you have a new project, can you finish the script quickly? That way, I can push your project at DreamWorks."
She paused and added, "Success will make Michael Davenport regret his stinginess!"
Already furious and pressured by Michael's contract, Daniel Malick immediately said, "Two weeks! I can have the new script ready in two weeks! Trust me, this will be an even more successful horror film than 'The Blair Witch'!"