This party was grand in scale, clearly showing Dior's emphasis on their new J'adore perfume. The Four Seasons Hotel was adorned with a long red carpet, and many of Los Angeles' elites, including Hollywood stars and industry moguls, were invited.
Michael Davenport walked the long red carpet and, without stopping at the hotel entrance where the media gathered, headed straight into the banquet hall.
To be fair, not many reporters recognized him.
However, there were familiar faces inside the banquet hall. Michael spotted Navis from Lionsgate and Chris from Sony Entertainment.
There were also many people he could name, such as Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks and his wife, Cindy Crawford, and Julia Roberts.
Unfortunately, while Michael knew them, they did not know him.
Michael did not approach them to avoid being snubbed. Hollywood stars can be charming to fans but often show their pride among their peers.
Michael joined a group of acquaintances and engaged in a conversation about films.
Navis looked at Michael with a mix of admiration and envy, saying, "I heard Paul Enrique mention the Sundance Film Festival this year. He saw 'The Blair Witch Project' there but didn't think to buy the rights. Michael, your insight is remarkable!"
Chris from Sony Entertainment added, "Two consecutive high-grossing low-budget films. Michael, can you share some of your secrets?"
What could Michael say? He modestly replied, "I've just been lucky, nothing more."
"What are you discussing?" A cheerful voice interrupted as a short man with a much taller woman by his side approached, looking puzzled at Michael. "And you are…"
Michael greeted politely, "Hello, Mr. Cruise." He introduced himself, "I'm Michael Davenport from Seashore Entertainment."
Tom Cruise shook hands with him, displaying none of the arrogance one might expect. "Nice to meet you."
Michael shook hands with Tom Cruise and then with Nicole Kidman, "Hello, Ms. Kidman."
Nicole Kidman gave him a brief, perfunctory smile, "Hello."
In his past life, the entangled relationship of this couple could have filled a trilogy. Seeing them in person for the first time, Michael noted that Tom Cruise was even more handsome in person, exuding a sunny disposition, though slightly shorter than expected.
On the other hand, Nicole Kidman appeared to be the opposite of Tom Cruise, perhaps due to a bad mood or indifference towards Michael; she seemed unusually cold.
Chris took the initiative to introduce, "The 'Blair Witch Project,' which recently surpassed $150 million at the North American box office, was Michael's work."
Hearing this, Nicole Kidman showed a slight interest. This young man, barely in his twenties, had already produced such a successful film?
Tom Cruise was gracious, smiling, "That's a marketing plan worthy of a textbook." His demeanour was warm and inviting, "Very impressive."
At his peak, Tom Cruise was far from the emotional turmoil of his second divorce.
Michael returned the compliment, "Mr. Cruise, you're the real deal. I grew up watching 'Top Gun.'"
He mimicked a signature move of Tom Cruise's character, making everyone laugh. Tom Cruise thought highly of Michael, feeling he had a good grasp of social skills.
Tom Cruise was very talkative, staying for a while before taking Nicole Kidman with him.
Michael watched their intimate interactions, unsure of the truth behind the media's divorce rumours.
Since before the release of 'Eyes Wide Shut,' there had been numerous reports about their separation or impending divorce. With Tom Cruise's status, it seemed unlikely he would use such damaging tactics for attention.
If he remembered correctly, they would divorce in a little over a year.
Michael suddenly recalled that earlier this year, Nicole Kidman had mentioned in an interview that she now believed in Catholicism!
This probably angered the forces behind Tom Cruise. From his previous perspective, they were genuinely cult-like; dismantling marriages was a minor issue for them.
Michael glanced at the center of the banquet hall. Carmen Kass, surrounded by people, was busy socializing with her agent and Dior executives.
For Michael, this was a networking event, but for Carmen Kass, it was part of her job for Dior.
Michael decided not to disturb Carmen Kass for now and continued chatting with his acquaintances.
Both Navis and Chris were experienced industry professionals specializing in film selection and distribution, areas where Michael felt he was lacking. He gleaned some insights from their casual remarks.
After a while, the conversation shifted back to 'The Blair Witch Project.'
"Does your distribution company have overseas channels?" Navis asked.
Lionsgate lacked overseas distribution capabilities. Chris from Sony Entertainment, feeling more open, said, "Sony distributed 'The Purge,' we have a working relationship."
He looked at Michael and said, "How about letting Sony handle The Blair Witch Project's international distribution?"
Michael smiled, "I'd like to work with Sony Entertainment, but I'm not in charge of this." He needed to weigh his options, so he deferred, "Chris, you should talk to Garcia Rodriguez at Seashore Entertainment."
Chris didn't pursue it further but said, "'The Purge's' international box office was only $30 million. Sony Entertainment didn't make much. Michael, can't you give us some compensation?"
Michael wasn't swayed by the blatant lie, "The international box office was $30 million, but what about other revenues? From what I know, Sony Entertainment made close to $10 million in profit on that project. The film's international rights for the next few years are in your hands, and the profits will only grow."
With everyone being savvy, no immediate agreement was reached.
If Sony Entertainment offered $100 million to buy out 'The Blair Witch Project's' international rights, Michael would sign the contract immediately.
Chris soon moved on to other conversations.
Navis stayed, asking quietly, "I heard you're selling the sequel rights to 'The Blair Witch Project?'"
Michael feigned surprise, "How did you know?"
"There are no secrets in Hollywood," Navis replied. "The word is out."
Michael showed a resigned expression, "I haven't even decided, and the news has already leaked."
Navis was interested, "Are you really selling?"
Michael nodded slightly, "I'm considering it."
"Why?" Navis was puzzled.
Michael hesitated before explaining, "I have several film projects in the pipeline and must raise funds. The company is expanding, and our current office is too cramped. I plan to solve this by buying a small office building in Burbank. We're also in debt to the bank, so I can't borrow more. I have to find a way to raise money."
Navis knew many small companies faced financial difficulties, and even Lionsgate sometimes struggled with funding.
Michael's explanation made sense to him.
Michael continued, "There's also a key point. I've fallen out with the director of 'The Blair Witch Project,' Daniel Malick."
"I heard about that," Navis sympathized, taking the film company's side. "He's too greedy, a bit too much."
"Exactly," Michael said, "'The Blair Witch Project' was Daniel Malick's brainchild, from the concept to the initial marketing ideas. Even the website used for viral marketing was created by him, and he gathered most of the witch lore. So, he believes he can break the contract."
Navis understood. Daniel Malick was crucial to 'The Blair Witch Project,' and without him, Michael lacked confidence in continuing the project.
Michael added, "Without Daniel Malick, the project is too risky. Rather than invest and take on huge risks, it's better to sell the sequel rights, secure stable income, and transfer the risk."
Navis then suggested, "Why not transfer the risk to Lionsgate?"
Michael's primary target wasn't Lionsgate, but if his first choice didn't work out, selling to Lionsgate was an option. He said, "Several companies have expressed interest in the sequel rights. Let's discuss this another time."
Navis agreed, "Sure. Let's stay in touch."
After Navis left, Michael glanced again at the center of the hall. Carmen Kass, now less surrounded, was talking to another tall woman.
Michael walked over, nodding to Tom Cruise along the way.
"Good evening, Carmen," Michael greeted her.
Carmen Kass brightened up, "I haven't seen you all night. I thought you weren't coming."
Michael smiled, "I ran into some friends and chatted for a while." He looked her over and said, "You look stunning tonight."
Carmen Kass, with her long hair down, was wearing a light gold backless evening dress with a high slit, revealing her slender legs.
The woman Carmen was talking to interrupted, "Carmen, who's this?"
"Oh, I forgot to introduce you," Carmen said. "Michael, this is Gisele. Gisele Bündchen."