Hollywood, a place like a dazzling pearl, is the absolute heart of the American film industry.
Countless actors, harboring fervent dreams, desperately long to break into this dreamland; even foreign actors, if they can just show their face and become familiar here, feel their lives are complete and worthwhile.
This place is like a magical two-sided mirror, both a captivating paradise and a tormenting purgatory.
It can instantly bring endless hope, making one feel as if they've touched the edge of a dream, yet in the next second, it can brutally cast one down, plunging them into the abyss of despair.
"I know it's a pit of fire, but to fulfill a dream, even if burned all over, I can't bear to leave!"
Kazir muttered softly, looking at the bigwigs from Hollywood distribution companies at the screening.
He sighed lightly, thinking to himself that the first hurdle had been cleared, not without some excitement, but safely.
Even Harvey Weinstein, a notoriously difficult figure in Hollywood, known for his assertiveness and shrewdness, personally came to congratulate him, which greatly satisfied his vanity.
He could genuinely feel that he was one step closer to the dream that had always haunted him.
However, he knew very well that this was just the beginning.
The most crucial thing now was to successfully sell napoleon dynamite to one of these companies.
In Kazir's view, the essence of film is to make people happy and entertained. But making films isn't charity; ultimately, it's about making money! One can't just work hard for nothing; otherwise, all the effort a director puts in would be wasted, wouldn't it?
'Whoever offers the best terms gets napoleon dynamite.' Thinking this, Kazir couldn't help but smile slightly.
"What do you think?"
Nancy Utley turned and quietly asked her assistant.
Tom Rothman had specifically sent her to this screening because Fox Searchlight Pictures had already expressed interest in acquiring the rights to napoleon dynamite.
Nancy Utley felt that napoleon dynamite had many highlights, but she believed in caution and still wanted to hear everyone's opinions.
"In my opinion, this film has huge potential. With a budget of 500,000, as long as we buy it cheaply, it will definitely make a fortune when it's released... However," the assistant said, scanning the other equally covetous distributors, "looking at this situation, everyone is like hungry wolves, all wanting to snatch this film."
"If you are interested, we can have a coffee later and chat slowly."
Kazir's agent, Salvatore, saw that the time was right and made the suggestion.
Everyone nodded, their intentions already clear.
Not long after, the first to approach them was someone from New Line Cinema.
"Mr. Krent, I have truly felt your company's sincerity; I understand that New Line wants to cooperate with me again," Kazir said politely, with a courteous smile.
"I look forward to hearing good news, Mr. Gray."
After Se7en's successful release, New Line's attitude towards Kazir did a complete 180-degree turn, becoming exceptionally polite.
After speaking, the two shook hands amicably.
"What do you think?" Salvatore listened attentively throughout, without interrupting.
He always respected Kazir's decisions, only hoping that Kazir could choose the optimal solution from the many options.
"You heard it too, New Line wants to buy out all rights and global distribution rights for 2.3 million. This amount is not low, but in my opinion, this is just the beginning — 2.3 million is at most just a starting bid," Kazir said, frowning slightly and analyzing seriously.
Salvatore nodded in agreement: "Global distribution? They're quite confident."
In his opinion, New Line was still underestimating napoleon dynamite.
"To put it bluntly, they're too arrogant."
As soon as the New Line people left, Kazir couldn't help but mutter softly.
It's worth noting that the film's budget was only 500,000, and in just a few months, it could sell for 2.3 million, a profit that nearly quintupled.
Which industry, pray tell, could have such high profits?
From this perspective, filmmaking is indeed a rare good business — provided, of course, that it can make money.
On the first day, four companies actively contacted Kazir and Salvatore.
In the evening, the two sat in an upscale bar.
The bar's lighting was soft, and soothing jazz music played in the background; the melodious tunes were just right, allowing them to relax their nerves after a day of tension.
"New Line Cinema is willing to pay 2.3 million to buy out all rights," Salvatore said first.
"Universal Pictures plans to pay 2.5 million for North America distribution rights."
"Miramax Films offered 1.5 million, plus a 5% share of North America box office revenue — pay attention, it's revenue, not box office, these two concepts are very different."
"And Fox Searchlight Pictures also offered 2.5 million."
To be honest, such a lively competitive situation on the first day had far exceeded their expectations.
"It seems their bottom line is probably around 3 million; they are all testing us now!" After reporting the prices, Salvatore raised his glass and downed a tequila shot; the spicy liquid flowing down his throat seemed to dispel the day's fatigue.
These companies are all experts in profit-seeking; in business, they will never be soft-hearted when it comes to lowering prices, wishing they could push the price as low as possible to maximize their own profits.
'You think 2.5 million for North America distribution rights is still too little?'
napoleon dynamite only cost 500,000, and there were no big-name actors. Which company would be foolish enough to spend five or six million to buy it? Business isn't a fairy tale; no one is a philanthropist.
"At least it's all cash transactions. How much do you want to sell it for?" Salvatore looked at Kazir curiously, wanting to know his psychological price.
"3 million plus 10% of the box office share," Kazir said unhurriedly.
"Pfft... Are you crazy?!" Salvatore nearly spat out the drink he had just had, his eyes wide with disbelief, "3 million might still be possible, but 10% of the box office share? That's impossible! These companies aren't fools; how could they agree to such harsh terms!"
"I know," Kazir shrugged, saying casually, "I'm just quoting an ideal price; maybe someone will take the bait!"
"Don't forget I have the acclaimed Se7en as a calling card. This is a big advantage for me; maybe it really can attract someone."
"Perhaps! If you really want a box office share, why not consider Miramax Films? Although they only offer a share of revenue, their terms are somewhat close to what you want. And Harvey Weinstein himself came forward, which shows he values you highly," Salvatore analyzed seriously.
"That's true..."
Kazir hesitated, he actually had other thoughts, but he didn't voice them.
In his previous life, Harvey Weinstein had a rather bad reputation, with many scandals in the industry, and he really didn't trust him.
'I heard he likes to trick foreign directors. Although I'm not a foreigner, I've been in Hollywood for so long, it won't be that easy for him to trick me,' Kazir secretly warned himself.
Kazir had full confidence in his film; he firmly believed the box office would not be bad.
But he was really not satisfied with Miramax Films' 5% revenue share; he always wanted to secure better terms.
Anyway, it was only the first day, and there was still plenty of time, no rush.
Perhaps tomorrow someone would be attracted by his "ideal price" and willingly take the bait.