Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 303 The Ability to Make Money

July 28th to July 30th marked the third weekend of Inception's release.

Before Cao Yang could even start checking the North American box office figures, Tom Rothman, the executive director of Columbia Pictures, called.

As soon as the call connected, he said in a rather exaggerated tone, "Oh, my dear director, you finally answered the phone. I've missed you so much since I last saw you."

"Tom, don't be like this. Your enthusiasm is a bit overwhelming. We've known each other for a long time. Let's get down to business. There's no need for this."

Cao Yang didn't know if Tom Rothman had deliberately chosen the time, because of the time difference. It was 9:30 pm in Beijing, which was 6:30 am in Los Angeles.

Tom Rothman got up really early; he's thoughtful enough not to call back in the middle of the night.

"Haha, let me tell you some good news first. Inception has grossed another 3800 million yuan over the weekend, continuing to hold the top spot on the weekend box office charts for the third consecutive week. Congratulations!"

Tom Rothman is all smiles. Last weekend, the box office reached 64 million over three days. This is the third week already, and the drop in box office revenue is still controlled at around 40%. That's incredible!

This is the result of a great reputation.

"Adding the box office from the four weekdays, the total box office has now reached 2.98 million. It's a pity that it's less than 2 million short of 300 million. It's a bit of a shame."

Cao Yang smiled and said, "You laughed with regret, didn't you?"

"I should congratulate you, Tom. It is your persistence that made Inception possible. You are the biggest contributor."

It's just mutual flattery, I can do that too.

"Haha... No, no, don't say that. You're the biggest contributor. I just provided some logistical support, haha..."

Tom Roseman clearly enjoyed Cao Yang's mutual flattery.

After laughing for a while, Tom Rothman said, "My dear director, do you remember when we discussed the 1+1 filming plan?"

Cao Yang thought for a moment. Back then, it was Tom Rothman from Columbia who wanted to invest in and film two novels from "Cao Yang's Fantastic Journey". The first one he chose was "District 9".

If District 9 meets expectations, then we'll make another one.

At the time, Columbia Pictures and Tom Rothman wanted to make either "2012" or "The Hunger Games".

However, after the success of District 9, Cao Yang's influence increased significantly, and he took the initiative. Instead of choosing either of the two films, he chose Inception.

"Tom, I remember our 1+1 plan is already complete."

Cao Yang replied with a smile.

The renewed success of "Inception" further enhanced his influence and status, attracting more companies to seek cooperation and giving him more leverage.

To be realistic, if Colombia wants to cooperate again, it needs to show more sincerity.

Just two days ago, Bellman called and said that Warner Bros. and Disney had both indicated they could share the global box office revenue, though the specific figures were still under negotiation.

In addition, Jason Simmons, president of Fox Searchlight, called yesterday to scout out the possibility that the parent company, 20th Century Fox, also wants to cooperate with Cao Yang.

However, before hanging up the phone, Jason Simmons said one more thing:
Although Fox Searchlight has always focused on the production and distribution of independent and art-house films, if Cao Yang asks, he can certainly make decisions on investments up to $1.5 million.

Well, Jason Simmons, the president of Fox Searchlight, also wants to "backstab" the parent company.

The initial budget for "Juno" was only $600 million. After seeing the potential for an Oscar, Jason Simmons decisively decided to add another $3000 million for promotion and Oscar campaigning.

Finally, he won the two awards he had hoped for: Best Editing and Best Picture.

Even now, "Juno" is still playing in rural theaters in North America.

Currently, "Juno" has grossed $1.7 million in North America and $2.9 million worldwide. Since it was released later in some countries, it may eventually surpass $3 million in global box office.

"Juno" won the Oscar for Best Picture, and there should be a lot of revenue from subsequent DVD rentals and merchandise.

Fox Searchlight made a fortune from this film, tasting its sweet success. Of course, Cao Yang also had a 20% global box office and subsequent revenue-sharing agreement with Fox Searchlight, so he also made a substantial profit from this film.

“Oh no, my dear director, what 1+1, 1+2, as long as you’re willing, Columbia will always be your most loyal and reliable partner, forever.”

Tom Rothman quickly said.

Then, skipping over that topic, he went straight to:
"How about this, when you come to Los Angeles, or I go to Beijing, we can talk in person. Whatever movie you want to make in 'Cao Yang's Fantastic Journey', I will fully support you."

Cao Yang felt somewhat helpless after hanging up Tom Rothman's call.

He originally wanted to take a break and enjoy life, but with the global success of "Inception," he started receiving calls from Hollywood almost every day.

A blockbuster film may be a fluke, but with all three films adapted from the novels in "Cao Yang's Fantastic Journey" becoming huge hits, the Big Seven Hollywood studios and other powerful film companies are getting restless.

After the huge success of District 9, some people may still be watching and thinking it might be a fluke.

The huge success of "Juno" might be attributed by some to Fox Searchlight's paid Oscar campaign.

The fact that "Inception" is a huge success again, and with such amazing reviews, makes people restless.

Conversely, people in Hollywood would analyze it.

The success of "District 9" was due to its novel and creative content, which were the basic conditions for its success.

The success of "Juno" was partly due to the halo effect of the Oscars, but the film had a very good concept, touching details, and a controversial topic, all of which were prerequisites for winning awards and becoming a box office hit.

Needless to say, the concept behind "Inception" has now been elevated to one of the philosophical film trilogies, which guarantees its box office success.

Combined, Cao Yang's creativity and influence are the most fundamental guarantee for box office success.

Therefore, Hollywood is extremely fond of Cao Yang now. Who would turn down money? Especially in Hollywood, who doesn't like money?

How much of the revenue will you get from Inception?

Gao Yuanyuan asked curiously.

Cao Yang has been staying with Gao Yuanyuan for the past few days, and Gao Yuanyuan even turned down several events for him.

Cao Yang thought for a moment and said, "The movie's global box office should reach 9 million. My agreement with Columbia is 13% of the global box office, which means that if we only consider the box office, I can get about 1.2 million."

He didn't tell Gao Yuanyuan that he received not only a share of the total box office revenue, but also a 13% share of subsequent merchandise sales. This was a considerable sum and a long-term benefit.

"Wow, he can earn 1.2 million RMB from just one movie. My man is amazing."

Gao Yuanyuan's eyes sparkled; being a director is definitely more lucrative.

Cao Yang was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

He patted Gao Yuanyuan's bottom and said:

"Who told you it was 1.2 million RMB? I said US dollars, 1.2 million USD. How could Inception's global box office only be 9 million RMB? It probably reached 9 million USD."

Gao Yuanyuan's mouth was half open. She then pushed Cao Yang, took a few steps back, and then ran up and jumped onto Cao Yang.

Cao Yang was prepared and supported her buttocks with his hand, something Gao Yuanyuan often did in the past.

"Cao Yang, if I give you a son, will all your money belong to him in the future?"

"Not necessarily, it mainly depends on your performance."

"I'll bite you to death!"

"Biting is okay, but never use your teeth..."

(End of this chapter)