Director Simon West had directed "Con Air," which grossed over $220 million worldwide, that much was true. But now, with Paramount Pictures, one of The Big Six of Hollywood, extending an olive branch to him, how could he refuse?
Not only did he not refuse, but he also happily accepted the director position for lara croft: tomb raider.
The director's fee was $3 million.
No box office backend.
Although director Simon West was nearly 40 years old, he was still a newcomer director in Hollywood; he wouldn't be able to enjoy a box office backend.
Just look at Kyle's trusted protégé, Zack Snyder!
Before entering Hollywood, Zack was a well-known commercial and MV director across the U.S. After directing several hit films like hard candy, the purge, and 300, and undergoing many trials, he finally secured his first box office profit-sharing contract with the low-budget film the shallows.
How difficult it is for a director to get a share of the box office!
As for wanting a share of the profits from movie merchandise, that was something only the top few directors in Hollywood could enjoy—and even then, not for every movie.
"Simon, don't hesitate. The director's fee offered by Paramount and Mr. Page is not low," urged his agent, Baron.
"I know."
Director Simon nodded and said, "Even with the honor of 'Con Air' under my belt, my current fee according to market rates is only around $2 million. This time, Paramount and Mr. Page offering $3 million is already quite generous."
Baron, the agent, rubbed his hands in excitement and said, "That's great. By directing the lara croft: tomb raider movie, you're not only getting in with Paramount but also collaborating with Mr. Page. Your future path will definitely be very wide; countless directors are simply dying of envy!"
Naturally, the agent was excited; only when their artists became famous could they receive greater returns.
Meanwhile.
The world-renowned talent agency, CAA.
At this moment, the atmosphere inside the CAA headquarters building was heavy. Especially in the conference room where a meeting was being held, the tension was so thick it was almost palpable.
"Director Simon West...
...is not a director signed with us at CAA, but with William Morris," gritted Joly Movich, the head of the film and television department.
"What's so strange about that?"
An executive curled his lip and said, "Isn't this Kyle Page's usual behavior? As long as it's a movie by Kyle, he absolutely won't use our people for directors or lead actors—well, with the exception of Charlize Theron."
Everyone present nodded with heavy expressions.
Competition in Hollywood is everywhere.
Although CAA is one of the largest talent agencies in the U.S., its rivals are no pushovers. William Morris and ICM (International Creative Management) are both arch-enemies of CAA.
Joly Movich, the head of the film and television department, said in a low voice, "There are only so many resources in Hollywood, and Page Pictures is growing faster and faster. It's an indisputable fact that we have a poor relationship and have even clashed with Kyle Page. If this continues long-term, it will definitely be disadvantageous for us."
"Joly, are you going to... bow your head? Beg for mercy from a petty guy like Kyle Page?!" an executive said with a look of shock.
Bowing one's head, compromising... it's easier said than done, and it doesn't sound good!
As one of the largest talent agencies in the U.S., CAA naturally had its pride. You have to realize that a few years ago, even a low-level agent from their company would dare to storm into any of The Big Six and slam the table while shouting at the CEO.
How exhilarating that was!
Well, those rampant days are gone.
But directly begging Kyle for mercy made some executives, who were still immersed in past glories, feel truly uncomfortable.
Joly Movich, head of the film and television department, gritted his teeth and said, "If we don't beg, are we just supposed to wait and die? Look at the casting list for lara croft: tomb raider. Are any of these actors from our CAA?"
"No, not a single one!"
"Everyone, just imagine, as Page Pictures expands further, will there still be any room for us CAA folks in Hollywood? Those actors and directors, which one of them isn't shrewd? If this continues, won't more than half of them run away?!"
The situation is dire!
For a moment, all the CAA executives present calmed down... The next day.
Kyle was at the lara croft: tomb raider set, issuing orders.
"Monta Chudi, sixteen years of lighting experience, once participated in the filming of Titanic as the lighting crew lead. Tom, the task of recruiting her is up to you. I want to see her in my office in three days."
"Haka Philip, a first-rate makeup artist. Your task is to get him into the crew."
"Longwell Williams, a top Hollywood prop maker..."
...Undoubtedly, the people Kyle was selecting now were all top talents in Hollywood film production.
They didn't belong to Paramount Pictures but existed as independent workers, yet no one could ignore their abilities.
For a movie, the director and lead actors are of Paramount importance, but the behind-the-scenes crew of an excellent film is also indispensable. Since Kyle wanted to choose the most suitable director and leads, he wouldn't allow any flaws in the selection of the crew members either.
One order after another was issued.
"Mr. Page, people like Monta Chudi, Haka Philip, and Longwell Williams aren't easy to invite. After all, they all have multiple film commitments," Tom Harris said with a troubled look.
Kyle nodded.
The more outstanding the talent, the more in demand they are.
These independent crew members often had their next film commitment lined up seamlessly before they even finished their current work; they were very busy.
A few hours later, Kyle received a phone call.
It was from Joly Movich, the head of the film and television department at the CAA talent agency!
"Mr. Page, I heard the lara croft: tomb raider project is inviting Monta Chudi, Haka Philip, Longwell Williams, and others for lighting, makeup, props, and so on. We at CAA can handle that for you," a voice said over the phone.
Kyle looked surprised, but he quickly calmed down and asked, "How long will it take to get it done?"
Joly Movich: "In one week, I will definitely bring these people before you."
"That's too long. Can you get it done in three days?" Kyle said in a low voice.
The phone fell silent for several seconds... "Yes. Please rest assured, I will definitely satisfy you," Joly Movich said decisively.
"Good!"
Kyle said calmly, "In a bit, I'll have Tom Harris from Paramount send audition invitations to several artists from your company."
"Thank you very much!" an excited voice came from the phone.
How could Joly Movich not be excited now?
Kyle sending audition invitations to artists under CAA—wasn't this exactly the result he wanted?
It was a signal of reconciliation!
Of course, to free people like Monta Chudi, Haka Philip, and Longwell Williams from their contracts with other companies, CAA would inevitably have to pay a significant price in favors and money, yet they did it without hesitation.
Kyle was no longer someone CAA could bully, but a Hollywood tycoon they needed to flatter and curry favor with.
The call ended.
Ring, ring, ring!
Another call came in.
"Boss, turn on the TV quickly! Bill Gates of Microsoft is holding a press conference to announce his official resignation as CEO of Microsoft, effective immediately!"
"The position of Microsoft CEO will be taken over by Steve Ballmer. At the same time, Microsoft's stock price and market value on NASDAQ are falling rapidly."
The person calling was none other than Andy Cherop, the new president of Gale Capital.
As soon as this news arrived, Kyle sprang up from his seat with a "thud."
The antitrust investigation into Microsoft and Bill Gates stepping down as CEO—wasn't this precisely the signal that the Dot-com Bubble was about to burst?
This was undoubtedly the trigger for the burst of the Dot-com Bubble!