Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 370 Hollywood won't allow such an awesome person to exist!

Many years later, Lin Chih-ling would always recall the scene when she and Tang Wen first met Christopher Nolan, who would later be known as a "master of film".

The dark blond man held Tang Wen tightly in both hands and praised him incessantly for ten minutes.

That's right, ten minutes.

This time is one I checked on my watch to confirm...

Lin Zhiling recalled Tang Wen's "negotiation plan" prepared in advance.

Hello, Ms. Lin.

Nolan's wife, producer Emma Thomas, stepped forward to greet Lin Chih-ling.

"Ms. Thomas."

The two women exchanged a few pleasantries.

Emma Thomas watched as her husband continued to praise Tang Wen's script for "Batman Begins".

After a two-minute pause, Tang Wen's smile froze.

Emma stepped in to smooth things over: "Director Tang, Nolan really loves this script. I've never seen him praise a story so highly!"

Tang Wen smiled and said, "That's because I wasn't here. Otherwise, you would have seen it already."

Not long ago, I experienced Wen Ziren's sincere worship!
Tang Wen was highly resistant to Nolan's half-hearted attitude.

The reason he's considered genuine is that he definitely likes this story.

The script Tang Wen presented, set in the original timeline, was a complete story that Nolan had been polishing for two or three years.

It would be strange if he didn't like it.

The possibility is that Nolan might be tempted by Tang Wen's youth and want to sweet-talk him into lowering his demands in future cooperation negotiations.

Tang Wendao said, "I hope we can reach a cooperation agreement."

This means, I've seen this kind of attitude many times, but cooperation still needs to be discussed!

Charles, a senior producer at Warner Bros., walked in.

After both parties were seated.

After a few polite words, Charles got straight to the point and proposed to buy out the copyright of Tang Wen's script.

Tang Wen didn't speak, but Lin Zhiling said:

"That's impossible. You don't have to use our story, but if you insist on using it, we'll have to get involved. Also, let me remind you."

DC Comics has heard that director Tang Wen has written a story for Batman and is very keen to adapt it into a comic book.

They are actively seeking cooperation with us.

Her voice wasn't harsh, but it conveyed an unwavering attitude.

Charles frowned: "DC Comics is not like the unwanted Marvel; it's a Warner subsidiary."

"So what?" Big companies are full of competition, and the top executives at DC Comics are only responsible for the comics.

Lin Chih-ling confidently stated, "After the comic book adaptation, we will retain the film adaptation rights. If you want to collaborate again, DC Comics may offer new conditions for your project."

After several rounds of probing.

Charles confirmed that he couldn't get rid of Tang Wen and Galaxy Entertainment.

He exchanged a glance with Nolan and had no choice but to say, "Tell me your terms."

Lin Chih-ling, who was prepared, softened her tone but quickened her pace:
"The screenwriting fee plus the story copyright, valued at 1000 million US dollars, will be included in the film's investment. At the same time, Director Tang will serve as the primary producer and have the final cut rights."

The producer's $1000 million fee will be converted into equity in the project. We can also invest an additional $2000 million, taking only 45% of the project. The film's copyright will be jointly owned by both parties. Profits from film merchandise…”

Everyone present, except Tang Wen, was stunned.

Before today, they had a feeling that the talks would be difficult, but they didn't expect that it wasn't a matter of whether the talks would be easy or difficult.

It's a damn problem that the other party wants to take the blame and leave.

They actually want the profits from movie merchandise?

You just wrote a script.

Anyone who didn't know better would think that you, Tang Wen, created Batman!

Producer Charles looked at Tang Wen with the eyes of someone looking at a greedy, elephant-devouring python!

He is a senior executive and veteran producer at Warner Bros.

He never imagined that he would one day be manipulated by a small company.

"That's impossible. We can't cooperate under these conditions."

Tang Wen made an outrageous demand.

He knew, and Charles knew, that he was asking for an exorbitant amount.

Tang Wen calmly picked up his coffee and took a sip: "Buying out the story copyright is also impossible."

Charles's eyes flickered slightly. Since they had come to Tang Wen, they must have prepared other conditions.

Buying out the script was just a trial run.

"The total budget for this film is $1.5 million..."

"Too high." Tang Wen interrupted directly, holding out his hand, and Lin Zhiling handed him a document.

Tang Wen didn't intend to show it to Charles: "I understand my script. It's best to use a real set. Even if we hire a top male star, the total budget shouldn't exceed $1.3 million."

If I were to do it, while ensuring quality, I could even save another ten million dollars.

Charles's face turned pale, filled with doubt and uncertainty, unable to discern whether Tang Wen was telling the truth or not.

The film producer sitting next to him, another Warner Bros. executive, seemed lost in thought.

Director Nolan was taken aback: "Director Tang, it's impossible to save that much money."

Tang Wen chuckled and gave his answer: "I have connections in the East. I can reduce the cost of movie props to 30% of that in North America, while maintaining the same quality."

"cough!"

Charles sensed danger and dared not let Tang Wen continue, forcefully interrupting the topic: "Free script + free second producer + $3000 million investment, Galaxy Entertainment can take a 20% share."

Tang Wen waved his hand: "Hehe, let the team discuss the specific share later. How about I handle the props for this movie?"

“Warner has a regular prop supplier, and we’ve been cooperating for many years…” Charles said grandly.

We chatted back and forth for about an hour.

During the break.

Charles and Nolan went out for a smoke together.

The executive who was listening in glanced at Nolan's wife, then went straight to Tang Wen and whispered, "Director Tang, if you were to make this film, could you really keep the budget under $1.2 million?"

"Yes, that's possible. However, that will cost a different price."

Tang Wen can direct, produce, and invest in "The Batman," but he will inevitably demand a higher share of the profits.

Warner might not be able to accept it.

The executive nodded, said nothing more, but invited Tang Wen to visit Warner later before leaving.

This executive clearly didn't get along with Charles.

They are estimated to belong to two factions.

This is perfectly normal.

For such a large project, Warner Bros. would naturally send someone to oversee it.

Nolan's wife, Emma, ​​walked out of the conference room and went straight to the terrace where Nolan and Charles were smoking.

Nolan and his wife were perfectly in sync. Seeing the other's grave expression, his heart sank: "Has the worst happened?"

Charles frowned and said, "This is my project. No one can replace you without my approval."

He is not only a producer but also a senior executive, giving him considerable confidence.

Emma hesitated for a moment, then said, "Charles, Don is also a famous producer, and as a top singer cultivated by Warner, he should have a lot of connections in Warner."

Warner Music and Warner Bros. Pictures are both subsidiaries of Time Warner.

Charles hadn't considered this beforehand, but after being reminded, he couldn't help but curse, "son of a b**ch!"

How could Hollywood produce a freak like Tang, who is a "director, producer, screenwriter, and singer" all in one!

And they have been successful time and time again.

One movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean," brought him to the attention of all the major companies.

Warner Music is no exception.

If he really wants to compete for the Batman project...

Charles suddenly had a toothache.

After the break, the next part of the conversation began.

Charles's tone softened considerably, and his attitude was no longer aggressive.

A project worth over 100 million US dollars cannot be finalized in a day.

Lin Chih-ling and her company's professional team continued the discussion.

Tang Wen then accompanied Charles and another executive on a tour of Warner Bros.' headquarters.

Warner Bros. Studios headquarters occupies a very large area.

This place is not only the administrative center, but also the location of a huge film studio.

Riding in a golf cart, the three passed the filming location of "Friends" and arrived at the film history museum.

Tang Wen saw posters for a series of classic movies, including "The Lord of the Rings," "Harry Potter," and "The Matrix."

These film series are Warner Bros.' real cash cow.

If Paramount is the biggest studio least skilled at making film series, then...

At present, Warner Bros. is the company that is best at making film series.

With the Lord of the Rings series nearing its end, they immediately and boldly began planning the Batman series.

If Tang Wen hadn't intervened, such a good piece of meat would have already been in their mouths.

I politely declined their invitation to dinner.

Tang Wen led his men away from Warner.

After he left, Warner Bros. executives held a meeting regarding Tang Wen's visit and the Batman series.

As Charles expected, the executives who were listening to the negotiations were the first to fire the shot, proposing that Tang Wen be the writer, director, producer, and publicity director of the Batman series!

"Tang's success is evident to all!"

I noticed that Tang is particularly good at serializing stories!

This aligns perfectly with Warner's development strategy.

Tang still has projects to develop, including the bestselling "National Treasure" series and the science fiction "The Martian" series...

After he finished speaking, more than two-thirds of the executives present nodded slightly, seemingly quite interested.

Charles was grinding his teeth in anger, but ignoring his glare, he immediately retorted in a deep voice:
"He's right, but I want to remind everyone that Tang is not an ordinary producer. He is also the president of an entertainment company. Don't underestimate his ambition. I have received information that his company has secretly acquired Marvel!"
Tang is determined to make Marvel movies, so how could he be content to work for us?
During today's negotiations, he dared to demand a share of Batman merchandise revenue based solely on a script!
"Strengthen our cooperation with him, give him greater influence at Warner, and even get him a position there. I don't even dare to imagine what he'd ask for!" Wow!
There was a lot of discussion in the meeting room.

It must be said that Charles's words were quite insightful.

The ass decides the head.

Warner has been developing for nearly a century.

It's extremely complex inside.

Not many people get promoted based on merit.

If Tang Wen were to align himself with Warner Music, or even join Warner Music, would everyone's positions still be secure?

Tang Wen has considerable influence and can mobilize resources in the East.

Will everyone's interests still be protected then?
“Don’t have the appetite, while Nolan only needs a few million dollars in salary.” Charles’s faction immediately chimed in.

The person on the other end shook their head: "Tang is very young. It's a long time before he can rise to a high position. We should align ourselves with him..."

The two sides went back and forth, arguing quite animatedly.

Batman is no ordinary project.

On a smaller scale, with an investment of hundreds of millions, it can produce several films, creating a series and generating long-term profits.

On a grander scale, it's a crucial opening chapter in revitalizing the DC superhero universe!
This concerns Warner's development and future!
The meeting lasted until late at night.

Charles left the company feeling dejected and went to his usual business club.

Nolan and his wife Emma are waiting for him with great anxiety.

Nolan is now somewhat regretful, regretting that he shouldn't have praised Tang Wen's script so much.

This gave Tang Wen room to intervene.

Now look what's happened; he might even lose his director job.

This was the first big-budget production project worth hundreds of millions of US dollars that he had ever been involved in!
After sitting down, Charles ordered an ice-cold beer, tilted his head back and gulped it down in one go, suppressing the irritation in his heart.

He recounted what had happened at the meeting.

Nolan frowned deeply: "Tang Wen is too well-rounded!"

He's seen "Pirates of the Caribbean," which is definitely top-tier Hollywood quality.

Emma asked worriedly, "Is our danger over for now?"

“I’m afraid not.” Charles shook his head helplessly. “If Tang really wants to join and is willing to lower his requirements a little, Warner will definitely agree.”

Emma exclaimed urgently, "This is not fair! We've put so much effort into this project!"

fair?

The two men shook their heads.

Emma realized she had spoken out of turn; what fairness is there to talk about in Hollywood?

She also fell silent, seriously considering a solution.

After a while, and a few drinks, Emma recalled, "I felt that Tang wasn't very interested in becoming the producer of this project."

"That's Warner, they didn't offer a suitable price."

"Yes."

Emma didn't give up: "I know he has a weakness."

"what?"

“He likes beautiful women,” Emma said. “We can find someone to sleep with him and make him give up on his own.”

This idea is common in Hollywood, but it's a bit far-fetched to apply it to Tang Wen.

Tang Wen is surrounded by too many beautiful women.

Nolan remained silent in front of his wife.

Charles, being knowledgeable and insightful, suggested, "We should try to contact Tang privately; perhaps he has other requests?"

Emma nodded in agreement, and Nolan naturally had no objections.

Anyway, his wife doesn't need to get involved, and Emma isn't exactly pretty.

Cough cough, being pretty isn't an option either!

A day later, Charles called Tang Wen to invite him for a drink that evening, but Lin Zhiling answered the phone.

Director Tang is very busy.

They are doing their morning exercise.

The Yin and Yang harmonize with the Tai Chi spear, creating a whooshing sound.

The commotion caused the two Australian women to go weak in the knees.

Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts were the ones who came to the villa to rest last night.

Sister Lin is happy to have a holiday.

At the lunch table, Naomi Watts talked about the problems she was facing.

She is currently competing for the lead role in the big-budget film "King Kong," a role that several actresses have also set their sights on.

Naomi is under a lot of pressure.

I hope Tang Wen can put in a good word with the director and producer.

Tang Wen did not refuse.

Although he had no connection with Peter Jackson, the director of "King Kong" and "The Lord of the Rings," nor with Universal Pictures producers.

But that doesn't mean you can't save face.

Hollywood isn't all about fighting and killing; it's all about human relationships and social dynamics.

As a popular singer, director, and producer, Tang Wen is often asked to owe favors.

The female lead in the movie "King Kong" was originally played by Naomi Watts.

Now it's almost gone thanks to Tang Wen's "butterfly wings".

Who are our competitors?

Naomi explained, "Those who made it to the final round of interviews include Jennifer Aniston and a young girl named Anne Hathaway."

It's really not easy to handle.

These two individuals each have their own strengths; the former is Rachel from Friends, a representative of American cultural symbols.

My husband is Brad Pitt.

The two are not divorced yet.

After all, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie haven't worked together on "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" yet.

The project is now in Tang Wen's hands.

In film, Jennifer Aniston just starred in the hit movie, *Bruce Almighty*.

This is a Universal project, and King Kong is also a Universal project.

Therefore, Jennifer entered the final round of interviews for "King Kong" without any effort.

As for Anne Hathaway, when people mention her, they think of Catwoman and her iconic sexy big mouth.

She comes from a good family; her father is a professional lawyer in New York.

My mother is a stage actress.

With family support and her good looks, Anne Hathaway landed the lead role in "The Princess Diaries" at the age of 19.

The box office exceeded 1.6 million US dollars.

Anne Hathaway has firmly established herself in Hollywood, and her defining characteristic is that of a Disney princess.

Naomi Watts: "...To be honest, the ages of the three of us are not quite right. Jennifer and I are a few years older, and Anne Hathaway is a bit too young."

"King Kong" is a remake of the 1933 film.

The female lead is 25 years old.

Tang Wen patted her hand: "You're the most suitable, so don't worry about preparing for the role. Leave the rest to me."

Naomi's beautiful eyes were filled with emotion, and she was deeply moved. She wanted the role, but didn't want to put Tang Wentai in a difficult position: "I have the Chainsaw series as a guarantee. If it's too difficult, then forget it."

Tang Wen smiled and reassured her.

Universal's initial budget for the blockbuster "King Kong" was $1.5 million.

Later, due to the director's high demands and the large number of special effects scenes, the budget was unsurprisingly exceeded.

In the end, the production cycle lasted two years, and the production cost reached 2.1 million US dollars.

It is said that the director himself eventually added more investment.

The film performed well at the box office, grossing over 5 million US dollars.

However, they were unable to recoup their costs.

In the end, including publicity and distribution, Universal lost 3000 million.

But this movie is indeed quite good, and it's one of Naomi Watts's representative works.

It will be helpful to her acting career.

Tang Wen didn't try to persuade her to give up, but instead tried to get other movies.

After dinner, he returned to his study alone and sent a message to Zhang Hongbing, the Shadow Security Guard.

The casting process for "King Kong" has taken several months.

Now it's a choice of three.

After much deliberation, Tang Wen felt that he was not significant enough in the eyes of Universal Pictures.

If you rush in, the other party might want to discuss a deeper, more collaborative partnership.

Not only will it not help Naomi, it will also complicate things.

Peter Jackson, a director from New Zealand, has a fairly good reputation in Hollywood.

There aren't many scandals.

This may be related to the fact that his wife is a screenwriter and the two spend all their time together.

Faced with such an upright director, Tang Wen had no confidence that he could influence him.

However, everything should be considered from both sides.

It's difficult to make a fuss about Universal Pictures and its directors, but what about its competitors?
Jennifer Aniston is undoubtedly the biggest competitor.

As one of the core stars of "Friends", she earned one of the highest incomes among Hollywood actresses and enjoyed immense popularity. During this period, her husband Brad Pitt was not as successful as her.

Tang Wen carefully reviewed his memories but found nothing too damaging about Jennifer.

However, Director Tang remained completely unperturbed.

She's fine, but what about her husband?
Judging by the timeline, Brad Pitt probably already had an affair with his nanny!

Here comes the breakthrough!
(End of this chapter)