That afternoon, Bob Cohen from Allianz Insurance Group's Fireman's Fund Insurance Company received a call and immediately headed to Burbank to meet with Michael Davenport at Seashore Entertainment.
Michael welcomed the insurance business manager into his office. Bob looked around, noticing the simple decor and the prominent movie posters on the walls: "The Purge," "The Blair Witch Project," "Final Destination," and "Kingsman." The first two films were major successes, while the latter two were well-known upcoming releases, both insured by Fireman's Fund.
Bob knew that if the next two films were successful, Michael Davenport and Seashore Entertainment would attract significant attention in Hollywood. As an insurance business manager, having high-profile clients was crucial for his career advancement and commission earnings.
"Mr. Davenport," Bob said politely, "How can I assist you today?"
Michael had been busy refining his "India Plan" to attract investments from the burgeoning Bollywood industry. He knew that treating Indian investors the same way as Arab investors wouldn't work due to the significant differences in their film industries and cultural backgrounds.
He had been gathering detailed information on Bollywood and Indian private film investors, consulting with attorney Diana on relevant legalities, and even sending professional firms to assess the investment environment in India.
Insurance was a vital part of this preparation.
Fireman's Fund was the most recognized and widely used insurance company in Hollywood, backed by the multinational giant Allianz Group.
"I have a new film project that requires a third-party completion guarantee," Michael said directly. "I want to collaborate with your company."
Bob Cohen asked, "Can you tell me more about the project?"
Michael handed him Robert Ludlum's novel "The Bourne Identity" and said, "I plan to adapt this novel into a movie."
Bob glanced at the cover. He had read the novel in school, recalling it as a story about a spy, but couldn't remember the details.
"Have you finalized the script, director, and cast? Do you have a project plan?" Bob asked.
Michael was honest, "This project is in its early stages. We haven't started specific work yet. I intend to seek external financing and need an insurance company for a third-party completion guarantee. However, I haven't dealt with completion guarantees before and am not familiar with the process."
Bob knew this was true. Seashore Entertainment and the newly established Relativity Entertainment were relatively small companies, only gaining some fame after the success of "The Purge" and "The Blair Witch Project."
"Mr. Davenport, our company has strict guidelines for third-party guarantees," Bob explained, "and your company has not worked with us in this capacity before."
Michael added, "We have successfully released 'The Purge' and 'The Blair Witch Project,' and 'Final Destination' and 'Kingsman' are in post-production. We have proven our capability to complete projects."
Bob smiled, "I trust your company's credibility."
A third-party guarantee primarily ensures the completion of a film. It provides assurance to investors that the film will be completed, covering costs if the production company faces issues like delays, cast changes, or budget overruns. If significant problems arise, the insurance company may even take over the project to ensure its completion.
Naturally, the fees for such guarantees are not low. For a standard film, the cost is about 2.5% of the budget, with adjustments for the film's budget and complexity. Action films, which involve more risks, typically have a fee of 4% of the budget.
"What is the budget for this project?" Bob inquired.
Michael, aiming to attract the insurance company's interest, said, "The budget will not be less than $50 million."
Bob's heart raced; this was a substantial deal for him. While Fireman's Fund dealt with large-scale projects regularly, a $50 million budget was significant for a business manager like him.
"What genre is the film?" Bob asked.
"Currently, the most popular genre in North America: action," Michael replied truthfully.
Bob's excitement grew. Action films generally had a completion guarantee fee of 4% of the budget, meaning a $50 million budget would generate a $2 million policy.
Judging from Seashore Entertainment's previous projects, the company seemed reliable.
"Mr. Davenport, our company's completion guarantee reviews are thorough," Bob emphasized. "But with your company's track record and my assistance, the chances of approval are very high."
Michael smiled, "What do I need to prepare?"
Bob, eager to secure this business, said, "I will draft a plan outlining the process and necessary materials. I'll bring it to you tomorrow."
"Agreed," Michael nodded. "I'll be here tomorrow morning."
Securing Fireman's Fund as a completion guarantor for "The Bourne Identity" would be a significant step. Even if the "India Plan" failed, he could seek investments elsewhere with this guarantee.
After Bob left, Michael reviewed the information on Indian cinema and investments. He knew that Indian investors, much like their Arab counterparts, would seek international recognition as their economy grew, making Hollywood an attractive investment.
The memory of Indian investments in DreamWorks films in the past gave Michael hope. He knew the Indian economy was burgeoning, and Indian investors were looking to make their mark internationally, often buying into prestigious brands.
Michael planned to closely monitor any collaboration between DreamWorks and Indian investors, knowing it would inform his own strategies.
Later, the company's receptionist, Eva, entered, "Mr. Davenport, there's a Miss Carmen Kass here to see you."
"Carmen?"
Michael stood up as Carmen waved at him from behind Eva.
"Come in," Michael invited.
Eva left, closing the door behind her, eyeing Carmen's striking appearance with a hint of envy.
Michael poured a glass of water for Carmen, asking, "What brings you here?"
Looking around curiously, Carmen replied, "I had an event this morning, and nothing planned for the afternoon and evening, so I thought I'd visit you."
She pointed to a book on his desk, "Are you studying business management?"
Michael smiled, "I read whenever I can. Managing two companies is a bit challenging."
Carmen, familiar with business operations, suggested, "You could hire a professional manager."
"I've considered it," Michael admitted. "But I haven't found the right person yet."
In North America, professional managers were familiar, but Michael hadn't found someone suitable and wanted to improve his own skills by managing the companies himself for now.
Carmen asked, "Am I interrupting your work?"
Michael shook his head, "Not at all."
Carmen picked up the book, "I'll read this while you work."
Michael nodded, returning to his documents. Occasionally, he glanced at Carmen, who was engrossed in the book.
As the workday ended, Michael saw Carmen put down the book and tidied his desk, "Shall we go?"
"Where to?" Carmen asked.
Michael took her hand, suggesting, "My place?"
"Sure," Carmen agreed, following him out.
That evening, the golden warrior was left marked by the eternal spear.