American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 95 Silicon-Based Life Chaos

In the film industry, screenplays for adaptation projects are also copyrighted.

The specific confirmation method is as follows:
Taking Harry Potter as an example, Warner Bros. first acquired the film adaptation rights from J.K. Rowling, and then commissioned Steve Klose to write the screenplay. Therefore, once the screenplay was completed, the copyright of the story related to the screenplay was in Warner Bros.' hands.

Theoretically, at this point, Warner Bros. could create Harry Potter movies at will based on the script.

However, because Rowling had a special agreement with Warner Bros. when she sold the rights, she had the highest authority in the adaptation process. She had the right to ask questions about everything during the filming and could say no directly. Therefore, even though Warner Bros. owned the story rights to the Harry Potter script, they still had to follow Rowling's lead during production. To be honest, it was as if they hadn't gotten the rights at all.

However, Rowling's privilege was an unexpected surprise in the industry.

She can be herself because she has Britain backing her.

Like Marvel, once they sell their intellectual property, they can only watch helplessly as others make use of it.

Sony can make Spider-Man however they want.

Then, at the same time, there was another unexpected event in the circle: the privileged class led by Spielberg.

Normally, when a film company acquires the film adaptation rights to a project, it hires a screenwriter to write the script. Regardless of the final outcome, the screenwriter only has the right to be credited. Taking "Harry Potter" as an example, no matter how well Steve Klose wrote it, he could only be credited on the script. However, Spielberg's people are different.

They only accept collaboration invitations.

When the film company asked them to write the script, the contract stated "co-development" instead of "hired writing".

This resulted in them sharing the story copyright of the script with the film company after its completion.

To put it more simply, if you want to adapt my story into a movie, you have to involve me in the production; otherwise... you'll have to change the story, and you'll have to change all the parts of my script that differ from the original.

And it cannot be replicated within 20 years of me finishing the script.

Otherwise, you're infringing on my rights.

After all this, if Constantine wants to bring Chris Columbus's "Fantastic Four" to the screen, they'll have to bring Chris Columbus back, even if it means revising the script further.

This is why Columbus claimed to have certain copyrights.

The Fantastic Four isn't his, but without his approval, no one can make a film based on his story...

"Okay, this project is definitely not for me."

After hearing the gossip, Isabella shook her head.

She wasn't interested in Fantastic Four.

Because in her previous life, this IP was rebooted several times but never got made into a film.

The first one was the 05 Invisible Woman sequel, and the first one was the 94 fraudulent version. In that sequel, the only one who really stood out was Jessica Alba, the Invisible Woman. As for the others? Perhaps it was Captain America's peach-shaped butt?
The second one was "2015" in 15. That movie was a terrible film, so bad that no one remembers the female lead.

The third one was the Marvel version of "The Rise of a Star," and the only memorable one was Vanessa Kirby.

The little girl's words made Columbus shrug.

The meaning is very clear—

'I knew it.'

Although Columbus hadn't lied, Isabella's curiosity was piqued now that the script had been brought up.

"Director, don't you have any other projects on hand?"

Columbus scoffed, "I'm too busy making Harry Potter to have time for anything else."

"Even if Constantine wanted to bring me back now, I could only return as a producer, so?"

“Okay…” Isabella drawled out.

Filming Harry Potter was a really long process.

For children, Harry Potter truly occupied the golden period of their growth.

For adults, is filming Harry Potter a seventh or a sixth of their lives?

Admittedly, Harry Potter is indeed the biggest cheat code in entertainment history, but every gain comes at a price, doesn't it?
For a time traveler like Isabella, the cost in terms of time is acceptable, but for ordinary people who can't see the future... to be honest, everyone is gambling, gambling that tomorrow will be better, gambling that Rowling won't ruin the stories people love.

Because the topic was indeed quite heavy, Isabella fell silent after understanding Columbus's homesickness.

The little girl's well-behaved manner made Columbus laugh, and he said, "Isa, why do I get the feeling that you're a workaholic?"

"The sales of 'Order of the Phoenix' exploded, so we're going to make at least two more movies, and then you want to make something else?"

As predicted by investors, within 24 hours of its release, The Order of the Phoenix sold over 500 million copies in the UK and the US.

This means that even before Azkaban was finished filming and the Goblet of Fire had started shooting, the film adaptation of The Order of the Phoenix was already 100% on Warner Bros.' development schedule.

So, when they had so many projects they couldn't finish filming...

Isabella wanted to ask about other projects?
In Columbus's eyes, the little girl was really too hardworking!
“Oh—I get tired too—” Isabella knew what Columbus was talking about, and said with a smile, “I also like to rest, I also like to lie down, but resting and looking forward are not mutually exclusive, are they?”

"really."

Columbus admitted that the little girl was right, but—

"It's a pity I can't help you this time, because I really don't have any good projects on hand."

"It's okay, I was just asking." The girl didn't seem to care.

Columbus nodded, treating the conversation as casual chat, and added, "However, I actually know of an interesting project, but that project... isn't suitable for you..."

"What kind of project is so strange?"

"Do you know Hasbro?"

"Ah."

"Transformers..."

As early as the 1980s, Hasbro attempted to turn its toys into intellectual property.

However, at that time they were focused on animation.

Because they believe that the target audience for toys is children.

But everything changed with the release of Harry Potter. The success of Harry Potter showed Hasbro the appeal of live-action movies and the spending power of adults on toys.

Therefore, they also wanted to showcase their toy IP to the world through live-action movies.

To attract more adults to buy their products.

In their original plan, what they most wanted to do was "G.I. Joe," which was their soldier figure IP.

However, due to the sudden outbreak of the Iraq War, they were afraid that launching a military film project at this time would cause unnecessary misunderstandings and make people think they were warmongers. Therefore, the "G.I. Joe" project was rejected.

The newly established project is their second most popular toy brand, Transformers.

Then, they wanted to ask Spielberg to produce the film.

Because Spielberg is the most successful commercial director in the world.

High yield and stable output.

“I heard from Steven that Hasbro’s chairman, Alan Hassenfield, has spoken to him on the phone, and if nothing unexpected happens, Hasbro will put the Transformers movie rights into DreamWorks.”

"Because Steven and Allen have worked together for many years, the toy rights for Jurassic Park belong to Hasbro."

"Although we are confident that we can secure this project, it is not suitable for you."

"Because the main characters in Transformers are robots, and humans can only be supporting characters, so as Hermione Granger, you can't possibly be a supporting character to a robot, right? That would be too..."

Columbus stopped speaking at this point.

Turning to look at the little girl, the beaver, understanding his meaning, nodded happily and said, "No one can make Diva a supporting character."

"Hahahaha~" Columbus gave a thumbs up.

It's already quite an achievement for an actor to be able to star in and create a hugely popular series throughout their lifetime.

Especially when Isabella has already achieved the best record in history, would she even consider making another series? She wouldn't even consider such a thing.

Firstly, there's a physical issue; she doesn't have that much time.

Secondly, Harry Potter is too excellent. Unless she can get a series of the same level—SSR; and that series must have her as the absolute protagonist—it can't have Harry like Harry Potter; otherwise she won't accept it.

and so……

Transformers?
It's not that she's arrogant, but the Autobots really don't deserve her as a supporting character.

but……

"Pfft, pfft?"

Isabella nudged Columbus.

"what?"

Columbus looked at Isabella with a puzzled expression.

"Tell me when Transformers starts."

"Why?"

“I own a talent agency, why would we let others profit from our own projects, right?”

The little beaver winked at Columbus.

Columbus was stunned by their shameless behavior of begging for resources!
"You...you..." He paused for a moment but couldn't form a complete sentence.

Finally, he rolled his eyes and said, "Isa, do you know what you look like right now? You're like a big hamster, stuffing anything good into your mouth without caring whether you can actually eat it or not."

"Hehehe~" Isabella laughed, "Chris, since you're teasing me like this, I'll take that as a yes."

"..."

Columbus sighed, too lazy to pay her any attention.

He then asked, "Isn't your agency now just one person?"

"correct."

"So you're asking for it for Marg?"

"It's a bit like that, but it's not exactly like that either."

"uh-huh?"

"If Transformers is a good fit for her, then of course I'll push her to take it. If it's not, then why should I make things difficult for you? Besides, forcing an unsuitable project to be made will most likely result in failure..."

In Isabella's predecessor, Transformers was a very commercial series with little depth.

The protagonist's role in the movie is supposed to be to accompany the Autobots on their adventures, but in reality, he is constantly being saved by the Autobots.

Therefore, it doesn't matter whether the main character is male or female.

For example, the original series was told from a male perspective, with Megan Fox as the female lead. But when the Nike heir got involved and rebooted the series, the main perspective in "Bumblebee" became female, right? And that female lead seems to be Vi from "Battle of the Two Cities"?

When the narrative perspective in Transformers can be changed at will, Isabella can confidently and boldly ask for projects.

If Spielberg were to give him the time of day, wouldn't it be better to just write the Transformers script with a female lead?

If the other party doesn't give them face... the young girl thought the possibility was very low. After all, Columbus was his prized student. When Robert Iger wanted Pixar, Columbus could get it done with a simple phone call. So, Transformers...

Anyway, Isabella won't let outsiders benefit from such a popular project.

Let's be realistic—

If Spielberg insists on telling stories from a male perspective, then she could sign a promising male actor to compete for resources.

Perhaps he understood what the little beaver meant? Columbus chuckled twice and then said 'OK'.

At the same time, he also wanted to know how Robbie Jr.'s movie was going.

And this...

"I don't know anything about this either."

“I haven’t spoken to her on the phone recently.”

"But it's alright, I'll know the situation there by the end of this month..."

Yes, once it's the end of August, Isabella will know how "The Game Plan" is progressing.

This is not only because filming for "The Game Plan" will wrap up at the end of this month, but also because her scenes in "Azkaban" will officially end at the end of this month.

At that time, having traversed a thousand days into the past, she will fly to the Americas, true to herself...

As for why she went to the United States?
"Oh, Isa—are you really leaving—?"

On August 28, 2003, Isabella, whose solo scenes had wrapped up, waved goodbye to Daniel.

Dan Niu, who was once again left-behind child, put on a painful mask called 'envy' because of his carefree demeanor.

The young girl looked helpless. "Daniel, although I really want to stay and keep you company like last year, I'm sorry, The Voice isn't filming in the UK this year, so... you can come visit me in North America after you finish filming..."

That's right!

Isabella's main reason for traveling to North America was to receive the pilgrimage of her followers.
America, your sun is back!

Nonsence--

It's America! I'm here to participate in the recording of "The Voice of China"!
Damn it, how could she tell the truth?

That's why the little girl was very excited when she boarded the plane to California, but once the plane was actually in the air... Although the private plane prepared by Disney was very luxurious, with plenty of snacks, desserts, juices and drinks, and the large sofa sleeping pod was also very soft, the long and continuous flight still made the little girl feel tired.

At that time, she even wished she could turn herself into a pendant and have her mother and older sister attach her to them.

That way you don't have to move.

But when she finally arrived in Los Angeles and breathed in the legendary sweet air...

Wow~
She perked up instantly.

Because this is the taste of freedom...

"Oh~~Isa~~ Long time no see~~"

The figure rushing towards her dazzled Isabella.

After she was given a bear hug, she realized that the fragrance coming towards her was from Robbie.

"Oh~ Margot~ What brings you here?"

Isabella was somewhat surprised. "I don't think I told you about my schedule, did I?"

"So it was you who said that?"

Wearing sunglasses, Isabella lowered her head and looked up at her mother and older sister.

“I didn’t,” Vivian shook her head repeatedly.

“It wasn’t me,” Catherine said, echoing the sentiment.

These words made Isabella raise an eyebrow, while Robbie released his arm and greeted the two of them.

"Hello, Aunt Vivian."

Hello, Margot.

"Hello, Sister Catherine."

"Hmm~ You too~"

“I heard about it from Disney,” the little girl continued. “Mr. Iger’s assistant told me you were coming today, and then… Dawn brought me here…”

"Johnson is here too?" The three of them asked curiously.

"Yes, it's right there." The little girl waved her arm and pointed forcefully in the direction of the exit building.

Looking in the direction of the trend—

Perhaps it was because of the distance? The bodybuilding world received devastating news after twenty years. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who was waiting outside, looked like he had just finished filming "Hot Summer Days," 'shrinking' like a little stone.

"Oh, okay, let's go then."

Since there were outsiders present, Isabella and her group decided not to linger.

Exit the station —

He was welcomed by Johnson, Warner Bros. and Disney staff who came to pick him up at the airport.

Of course, Isabella and her companions also expressed their gratitude for the arrival of all parties.

As they climbed into Warner's van—

Johnson wanted to be a good host, so he invited them to dinner.

Isabella naturally wouldn't refuse such a friendly invitation.

After the group arrived at the restaurant that Johnson had booked and enjoyed a culturally fusion lunch, Johnson explained his purpose at the table. He thanked Isabella for getting the job as a host on "The Voice".

"Dawn, you're too kind. This is the result of your own hard work."

Isabella wasn't taking credit for it.

Isabella never interfered with the selection of hosts for "The Voice of China".

Or rather, when the preparations for "The Voice" were related to Robert Iger's future, Isabella would very naturally become a hands-off manager, treating all the details as trivial matters and not taking them to heart at all.

Oh—I don't think so—

Johnson chuckled and shook his head, saying, "If we hadn't already collaborated, I don't think Disney would have chosen me so easily, because many people want this job right now..."

Although the contradictions of capital are all beneath the surface.

But once a dispute arises or an attack is launched, the outside world will definitely notice.

Therefore, when people in the industry realized that Disney and Warner Bros. were determined to make "The Voice" a success, many people wanted to get a job in the project, and the host who could appear on screen was what everyone wanted most.

There are quite a few anchors on ABC who want to compete for it.

From the perspective of the general public, this is actually a matter of keeping the benefits within the family.

Disney wouldn't allow such resources to leak out, especially when Robert Iger was still at the helm of ABC. Keeping the benefits close to ABC's own people was the best approach, but...

This approach actually has many problems:
1. There is only one host position, but there are many anchors (ABC), so it is impossible to treat everyone equally no matter how you divide them.

WarnerMedia is rife with factions, but are there none within ABC as well?
If excellent resources are not allocated well, it will become a hot potato for Robert Iger.

2. Currently, the traffic of "The Voice of China" has reached its threshold.

No matter how much you elevate the configuration of other positions, the influence of an IP cannot escape the law of diminishing marginal returns. Therefore, directing resources to where Robert Iger needs them is what a leader likes to do most.

In that case, the position of host for "The Voice of China" can only be given to the film department, which he hasn't fully mastered yet.

And within the film department, what projects does he personally oversee?

What other projects have box office revenue that is closely related to him personally?
The only person who truly deserves a place on Robert Iger's friendly list is Margot Robbie.

Because she belongs to Isabella.

If Robbie weren't so young and unsuitable to be a host, Robert Iger would have chosen her long ago.

Since Robbie can't be the one, then let's just let her partner have it.

To put it bluntly, if Robbie were making a different movie instead of "The Game Plan," the lead actor in that movie would also be a top choice to host "The Voice."

Uh……

Reality is just that cruel...

When you want to climb the social ladder, you feel that resources are earned through struggle, and that struggle is really difficult, even with powerful connections.

But once you achieve upward social mobility, you'll find that the difficulty in competing for resources sometimes has nothing to do with your ability or how hard you work. The reason you can't get them is simply because your backer feels that you can no longer bring them greater benefits.

Cough cough cough...

We can't get any deeper!
Isabella is still a child!

Even if she knew all this, she couldn't be bothered to dwell on it!
And she has the right not to dwell on it!

and so……

"Okay, since you've put it that way, I feel it would be impolite not to accept your thanks."

Isabella smiled and raised her glass. "Congratulations, Dawn! It's been a pleasure working with you."

“It’s a pleasure working with you.” Johnson raised his wine glass and lightly clinked it against Isabella’s.

The crisp sound brought smiles to everyone's faces at the table.

Johnson treated Isabella to dinner as a way of thanking her.

So after we finished discussing the important matters, everyone just chatted idly for the rest of the time.

They started by talking about the movie "The Game Plan"—

Johnson: "We finished filming yesterday, and we're officially doing post-production today. It'll definitely be released for Christmas because there aren't too many special effects."

"Okay." This fact pleased Isabella.

Then we talked about "Party in the USA" —

Johnson: "Oh, Isa, this song you wrote is so good, and I feel like it could exist anywhere, so I'm thinking of using it in the movie. What do you think?"

“No problem.” Isabella nodded with a smile. “You can use it first, and we can discuss the cost later.”

Finally, they talked about Isabella's upcoming schedule—

"You won't be working right away after you arrive in America, right? You'll be on vacation first?"

Johnson smiled at the Heywood family and Robbie Jr., "If it's a vacation, I can help if you need anything..."

The city competitions for "The Voice of China" ended at the beginning of the month.

The state games in each state will all be completed tomorrow, August 30th.

Two months is already a very fast time to complete the nationwide auditions.

Of course, this is also related to Robert Iger's fine-net strategy.

They held nationwide auditions simply to make viewers in different regions feel more involved in the variety show. When the initial screening standards for "The Voice of China" were higher than those for "American Idol," the number of participants and the schedule for city and state competitions became much easier to control.

With the state competition concluded, the national competition will officially begin on the 20th of next month. The initial double-selection phase will be pre-recorded to avoid potential issues. Since the recording only needs to be done a week in advance, Isabella's official start date is September 13th.

Looking at the schedule alone, many people might think there's something wrong with the arrangement of "The Voice of China".

Because there is a gap of more than 20 days between the state competition and the national competition, doing so can easily create a sense of undue anticipation among the audience, and their initial excitement may fade after a long period of unfulfilled expectations.

And this matter...

This is definitely not Disney trying to lengthen the gap between the national and state competitions.

It's not a good time to hold entertainment activities in the first half of September.

This is not only because students are busy at the beginning of the school year.

Furthermore, the first half of September saw the 9/11 attacks, and this year's 9/11 was also intertwined with the shadow of the Iraq War.

Therefore, avoiding it was Disney's choice.

Of course, if there is a second season next year, he still wants to hold the national competition during the summer vacation.

Conduct preliminary rounds, city-level competitions, and state-level competitions in advance.

This way, you can not only get all the data during the summer vacation, but also avoid a lot of trouble.

So, theoretically, Isabella should have two weeks of rest, but in reality...

"I probably... won't be taking a break for now..."

Isabella put down her knife and fork, wiping her mouth with a napkin as she shook her head, saying, "I'll only know my personal schedule after I meet with Warner and Disney, but thank you for your generosity, Dawn..."

Isabella also wanted to rest, but she still had two jobs to finish before the recording of "The Voice" variety show.

Otherwise, it will be very troublesome.

Because the first job might affect the commission income from "The Voice of China" variety show.

Her second job, however, could influence the future of her music business.

(End of this chapter)