Huayu: I'm reborn, but you still force me to be a scumbag?

Chapter 437 Taking action after hearing the news
Reed Hastings spoke with great conviction.

After he finished speaking, the reception room fell silent, with only the distant sound of the crashing waves.

Hastings paused for a few seconds, giving Chen Nuo some time to think, before continuing, "Therefore, the board and I sincerely hope that you can star in this series and serve as an executive producer. These are our terms. Please take a look."

After saying that, he took a snow-white envelope out of his briefcase, placed it on the table, and moved it in front of Chen Nuo with two fingers.

Chen Nuo picked up the envelope, took out the folded white paper inside, and opened it to take a look.

On the white paper, it was written in handwriting: "$2,000,000 per episode + 5% backend deal".

Needless to say, Chen Nuo understood that the first $200 million per episode was for his actors' fees, while the latter was for his executive producer fees—5% of the profits.

The compensation package is undeniably generous and shows genuine sincerity.

$200 million per episode, which is $2200 million based on their current 11-episode script.

The latter's profit sharing is not to be underestimated, actually including Netflix's streaming revenue, overseas distribution revenue, and other related derivative rights, such as DVDs, merchandise, IP development, and so on.

According to Chen Nuo, the typical percentage of actors and producers in a film is between 2% and 5%. Netflix offering 5% is definitely top-tier treatment. Tom Hanks received roughly the same amount as an executive producer when he worked with HBO on "Band of Brothers" in 2001.

Chen Nuo examined the white paper in his hand more closely.

He suddenly noticed that the numbers 2000000 and 5% were slightly different from the ink on the other English letters, indicating that they had been added later.

After reading it, Chen Nuo folded the paper back up and said seriously, "I understand, Reed. Give me some time to think about it."

Reed Hastings said, "No problem."

……

In fact, Chen Nuo has worked as an executive producer in many films before, such as casting, controlling shooting quality, and post-production promotion.

However, this would be the first time he has been explicitly appointed as an executive producer.

Taking on the role of executive producer is often seen as a sign that an actor has broken through the ceiling of their career.

While some actors, like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, aren't interested, many successful actors, such as Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, and Bradley Cooper, take on executive producer roles after achieving fame and success. This not only brings them substantial compensation but also grants them greater power.

Greater power also means greater responsibility and deeper ties.

Rory said that if they end up working with Kevin Spacey on "House of Cards," they will follow the same model.

The reason,
As Hastings said, House of Cards was more than just a project for Netflix's first original series; it was a huge gamble. The entire company was on edge, under immense pressure.

The pressure comes not only from external capital market investors, but more so from within.

Although the strategy has been set, and they will focus on content from now on, can a company that originally rented DVDs really produce good TV series?
Could this be like the previous transformation, which looked wonderful but failed miserably in the actual implementation?
Within Netflix, from the CEO to the sales staff handling membership cards, no one was entirely confident about this issue.

Therefore, under these circumstances, the best strategy for Netflix is ​​to find a reliable partner.

Previously, they thought this thigh belonged to Kevin Spacey.

Now, they have chosen him.

“Who wouldn’t choose you? If I remember correctly, you’ve never had a failed film.” Lori Eisner held up her glass of red wine, took another sip with her bright red lips, and under the golden light, her icy blue eyes seemed to already have a hint of intoxication.

"It's not just Netflix; every film studio in Hollywood will kiss your ass before you finally suffer a major setback. I heard that you also turned down Murdoch's socialite wife and a deal with 21st Century Fox just a few days ago."

Chen Nuo waved his hand, "It's Quentin Tarantino. He has some conflicts with them, but I don't really care. I'm just an actor. It doesn't matter who I work with or whose movies I make."

“So, will you agree to cooperate with us?” Rory Eisner put one hand on the sofa.

Behind her was a floor-to-ceiling window, outside which lay a dark lawn and a path illuminated by streetlights.

Two or three hours had passed since Hastings and his companions left. It was already dark, and the sea and coconut trees were hidden in the night. But because of this, the dim light in the living room made it a perfect place for conversation.

In the shimmering light reflected from the backyard swimming pool and flowing into the room, Luo Rui's blue eyes seemed as deep as the sea.

Chen Nuo spoke frankly: "I don't know. I really plan to use this time to travel around the world to think things through. I've been scrambling to work these past few years. Originally, after Twilight ended, I wanted to take a break next year. But if I really take on your TV series, all my plans will be ruined again."

Luo Rui nodded, blinked gently, her eyelashes casting a faint silhouette in the lamplight, making her look quite serious. "Whatever decision you make, I understand."

"Thank you." Chen Nuo picked up the wine glass on the coffee table and clinked it with hers.

Lorraine took a sip of her drink and smiled. "That's what I should be saying to you. Anyway, you let me get my revenge on Ted Sarandos. But..." She looked up at the ceiling; she could faintly hear murmurs coming from the second floor, "They'll probably be very disappointed?"

Chen Nuo shook his head and said, "No, even if you give up, I will still put up the money to bid."

Upon hearing this, Luo Rui's eyes lit up immediately, and she asked, "How much money did you actually make on 'Inception'?"

Chen Nuo asked in surprise, "Didn't I tell you?"

"No, it's a hot topic online lately. Everyone's guessing your exact share in Reborn-PIC. 50%? 60%? Or 70%?"

Chen Nuo laughed and was about to say that it might be a little more than 70% when his phone, which was on the coffee table, suddenly rang.

He picked up his phone, looked at the name, and answered the call.

"Hi Ivanka."

“Yes, I’ve been here for a few days now, and you’re here too… Haha, thank you, but I’m afraid that won’t do, I’m leaving tomorrow… Oh? Is there something wrong… No, it’s alright, I have a friend here, Rory Eisner, you should know her…”

"Is your dad coming too?"

After hanging up the phone, Chen Nuo frowned, realizing what was going on. This family must have come on vacation today and called him because they knew he was there too.

This call probably wasn't Ivanka's own idea, but rather she was asked to make it by her father. It must be something urgent; she heard he's leaving tomorrow and wanted to come over tonight to meet him.

But he really didn't expect what her father would be doing here so late at night.
Last time Ivanka asked him to call and persuade her, he was too busy to remember. This time, is she coming to discuss important matters with him?

……

Lori Eisner didn't want to meet with the New York real estate tycoon, whom the media described as "shallow and mercenary," so she went upstairs to rest.

Accompanied by Gulnazar, Chen Nuo then received Lao Tang and his tall and beautiful daughter.

The two men didn't come empty-handed; Old Tang personally brought him a bottle of 1982 Lafite and a box of Cuban Cohiba cigars, which together cost tens of thousands of dollars, making Chen Nuo's heart skip a beat.

Based on his understanding of Lao Tang's character, this man was more talk than action, so this gift was definitely unprecedented in their interactions and quite unusual.

Sure enough, upon meeting him, she first showered him with compliments about his house, then went on to praise other people, and finally invited him to go out to the yard for a private chat.

When they were alone by the pool, he revealed the purpose of his visit—to borrow money.

It's true what they say, fame brings trouble. Once someone has a little money, well, after Charlize Theron, this guy has also jumped on the bandwagon.

It turns out that during the 2008 financial crisis, Old Tang owed Deutsche Bank over $300 million because his Chicago house wouldn't sell, and he then dragged on a legal battle for almost two years. Finally, last year, he reached a settlement with the bank, which forgiven a significant portion of his debt. However, he still needs to repay the money by the end of October. He came here this time hoping Chen Nuo could help him out and lend him a small amount of money.

"I do have $48 million. NBC will pay me $1 million per episode for the 13th season of The Apprentice, which is more than $20 million in appearance fees. With advertising revenue sharing, I will have a lot of money by the end of the year."

"I'm just a little short on cash right now, you know, it's all just a paper game, I'll be able to pay it all back in one go when the time comes."

Old Tang squinted, then suddenly lowered his voice and leaned closer to Chen Nuo, saying, "To be honest, Chen, I believe you. I knew you would help me. I've been dealing with those Wall Street guys for twenty years, and they're all bloodsuckers. They'd love for me to suffer. But you're different. You're a winner, a real winner. I could tell two years ago that you'd already signed a contract with Facebook and gotten shares, right?"

This information is top secret, but this person was the key figure who helped him win over Zuckerberg. He knows the contents of the agreement very well, so it's only natural that he remembers the performance deadline.

Chen Nuo nodded and admitted, "Yes."

A fleeting look of regret crossed Old Tang's face, but he quickly suppressed it and forced a smile, saying, "Well done, this is a really big deal. Congratulations, Chen, that 2% should be worth a lot of money now, right?"

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "They're just numbers. I'm not planning to sell them."

Donald's complex expression at that moment almost made Chen Nuo burst out laughing.

Chen Nuo knew why the old man was like that.

Two years ago, in 2009, after he finally signed a contract with Zuckerberg, the man said he would include the consulting fee in the investment in Facebook, which greatly amazed him at the time, making him think that the man truly had extraordinary vision.

result.

Less than two months later, Lao Tang changed his mind and withdrew the nominee shareholding agreement that the two of them had signed, and asked him to pay the consultant fee directly.

It's really true that talking is no different from farting.

Now look what's happened. If you do the math, you've lost tens of millions of dollars. Anyone would be heartbroken.

Chen Nuo said, "Thank you. Well, Donald, I'd be happy to help you. But I don't have any money right now. The dividends from 'Inception' haven't arrived yet, so there's nothing I can do."

Donald shrugged and said, “Chen, I’m not saying you have to lend me the money. After all, I have a lot of friends. You know I’m ranked 17th on the Forbes Celebrity List this year. I’m very famous; I could say I’m one of the most famous people in America. My variety shows are very popular, and I don’t lack friends. Epstein, Tom Barack, Carl Icahn—they’re all very rich, extremely rich. They’re all willing to lend me money, and I probably won’t even have to pay it back. So… how long will it take for the Inception dividends to arrive?”

The final gasp might have been a devastating blow to others, but Chen Nuo was already used to it, his expression remaining unchanged. "At least a month, I guess."

Donald said, "No problem, I can wait for you."

Chen Nuo said helplessly, "But, Donald, I have to remind you of something. You still owe me a favor from Oscar last time, remember?"

Donald said, "Of course I remember. You see, I will definitely keep this favor in mind. As long as you ask, I will definitely help you if I can."

“I don’t need your help right now. I just want to say, what about this time? Donald, you’re my friend, and I’ve been paying you consulting fees for the past two years. I really want to help you. But I can’t just lend you 4800 million based on your word. I’m not stupid. So you have to give me something, at least some proof, so I can lend you the money with peace of mind.”

"...You see, it's like this, my fame, my reputation, all of that..."

Chen Nuo patiently listened to him finish his rant, then smiled and said, "I respect your reputation, Donald, and you are someone I greatly respect. However, I do need collateral."

The old man seemed to understand his determination, so he said nothing more.

The two then left the swimming pool and walked towards the lawn.

Chen Nuo didn't know that in his previous life, Lao Tang had also encountered the same predicament in 2011. At that time, his son-in-law helped him through it with the help of family assets. This time, the guy who liked to wear green hats had already broken up with Ivanka, and Lao Tang felt a bit desperate. Finally, today, when he heard that Lao Tang was here at Mar-a-Lago, he had a sudden idea and came looking for him.

Lending Donald 4800 million was not a big deal for Chen Nuo. Outsiders might think Donald had a terrible reputation and could easily lose everything, but he knew there was actually no real risk.

...A few years later, those who understand will understand.

He wasn't worried about not being able to get the money he lent out back.

After a few minutes, Donald finally made up his mind and hesitantly said, "How about I... pledge myself to you?"

Chen Nuo thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "That sounds reasonable. Let's do it that way."

Ps:

This chapter fills in the gaps left by Donald and Netflix, so it's a bit shorter, and it's also a way to take a break on Sunday.

(End of this chapter)