America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM

Chapter 154 Birthday Party, Greetings from Murdoch

The last script in Eric's hands was the famous "Million Dollar Baby."

A very exciting drama about a female boxer chasing her dream.

But it is not about how to succeed, but how to fail. The plot is very touching and deserves to be read carefully.

Unlike "The Passion of the Christ", Eric had watched "Million Dollar Baby" seriously, and many of the plots are still vivid in his memory.

Because this movie is about sports, it was not well received when it was released. Even with the support of Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman, it was still not enough.

It was only released on a small scale, in dozens of theaters, and the box office in the first week was less than $200,000.

However, due to its excellent quality, the film managed to break through the siege and eventually earned more than 200 million U.S. dollars in box office worldwide.

High box office is second to none, and the film even won four Oscars at the 77th Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director.

It also received three nominations for Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.

All 7 awards are important, and there is no technical award, which shows how awesome it is.

"What's going on with this script? Promotion? Buyout? Financing? Or something else?"

Judy walked up to Eric and looked at it: "It's a script agent promoting Paul Haggis's script. He's fairly well-known in the industry."

"But I guess I don't have much confidence in sports themes, so the agency gave me a way to buy it out. The $1.2 million is ours."

Hearing this, Eric made a decisive decision: "Then buy it out. This script is very exciting, but a wonderful script must be paired with a capable director."

"After completing the deal, I will send a directing invitation to Clint Eastwood, and find Hilary Swank as the heroine. I will not make any other requirements."

"For "Mean Girls," the two heroines were sent to the Olsen sisters. They have been filming school idol dramas for so many years, and they are very good at this kind of subject matter."

"By the way, although the male lead is not very important, I sent an invitation to Chris Evans. He also started his career in campus youth dramas, and he is very good at playing this kind of role."

Judy took note of Eric's request seriously and nodded: "It's been three months since Transformers was filmed. I don't know what Chris Evans' current schedule is like. Let's give it a try first."

"Well, by the way, there's one more thing. Evans hasn't signed a contract with MGM. Give him a movie contract, and at least he won't be able to run away with the Transformers trilogy."

"Okay, I'll communicate with the marketing department and production department."

After drinking the rest of the coffee, Judy put down the cup: "I'll go out if I have nothing else to do."

"Wait a minute, I told Gadot some time ago that MGM is planning to open a new drama. There is a female reporter in it, which is more suitable for Refaeli."

"You mean House of Cards?"

"Yes, the role of Zoe is a novice reporter. Refaeli's acting skills are still relatively green, so the effect of his true performance will not be bad."

"Give her the script and let her get familiar with the character first. Filming will start soon. Refaeli hasn't taken any new roles."

"No, the roles in the scripts that came to me were not very good. Now she is mainly a part-time model and shoots commercials."

"That's not going back to the old business." Eric chuckled.

"Pretty much, it's good to be idle, and filming *** can also increase your reputation."

"Then do as I say. The second season of The Walking Dead will not start filming until at least winter, and we will film House of Cards first."

"knew!"

Judy left the office, and Eric was smiling. Judy was worthy of her lucky aura, and she got three good projects at once.

It is conservatively estimated that when it is released next year, it will bring more than 200 million U.S. dollars in direct box office revenue to MGM, and the revenue from subsequent copyright-related derivatives will also be considerable.

I picked up the phone and called Ju Liou, the director of the production department. The script had been sent to Kevin Spacey for half a month, and it was still not confirmed yet.

The call was quickly connected, and Eric asked: "Julio, regarding "House of Cards," has Kevin Spacey not responded yet?"

"I replied. He said that the script was very good and he was interested in starring in it, but he still had objections to the remuneration. We are currently negotiating with his agent."

"$350,000 per episode is not enough? How much does he want?"

"Kevin Spacey's agents are offering $400,000 an episode, which is the minimum salary they will accept."

Eric took a deep breath. His father said that 400,000 US dollars was the lowest price at the beginning. It seemed that his judgment was accurate. After all, he was an Oscar winner, so it was not that cheap.

But Eric also has his own considerations. For a show like "House of Cards" that is destined to be a hit, the actors' salaries will definitely rise accordingly.

The first season gave 400,000 US dollars per episode, and the second season should at least increase a bit. The question is what happens next?

In the end, if the price goes up to a sky-high, it will be troublesome. He is a soulful actor and cannot be replaced, so Eric still hopes to keep his salary down.

But depending on the situation, it can’t be suppressed, and the US$400,000 will still have to be spent.

"Okay, just give him a salary of US$400,000 per episode and sign the contract as soon as possible."

After making this decision, when Eric was considering the choice of the heroine, the phone rang again. He looked down and saw that it was Peter Jackson.

When this bearded man called, it was most likely about Transformers.

"Hi Peter!"

Peter Jackson's hearty laughter came from over there: "Eric, good news, the special effects of "Transformers" have been initially completed."

"Now you can use it to do some things. In addition, I also helped you make a rendered version of the trailer."

"Really? I'm actually working for a great director like you. It seems I have to pay you a salary." Eric made a joke.

"Hahahaha, it's mainly because my hands are itchy. I also want to see what your Transformers movie will look like. I have to say, it's quite impactful."

"The robot battle will definitely make fans scream and go crazy, which proves that I made the right decision."

"What?" Eric asked.

"Of course we have to avoid the Autobots. If our schedules conflict, both "Lord of the Rings" and "Transformers" will definitely suffer."

"MGM, hurry up and release the trailer. I'd really like to see the market's reaction, especially with the hapless Harvey Weinstein guy."

"Miramax has two movies during that time, "The Far East" will be released on November 14, and "Kill Bill" will be released on November 27."

"Your "Transformers" will be released on November 16th. It will block the head of "Far and Away" in the front, and kick the butt of "Kill Bill" in the back."

"Coupled with the impact of other movies, Miramax will be in trouble."

As he spoke, Peter Jackson laughed happily again, and the reason why he was so happy was naturally because he had a grudge against Harvey Weinstein.

The source of the hatred was the filming of "The Lord of the Rings". Miramax Pictures won the film and television adaptation rights of "The Lord of the Rings".

Peter Jackson begged his grandfather and grandma to finally get the right to direct the movie. Just when he was working hard to write the script and ambitiously planned to make a trilogy.

Harvey Weinstein told him, what do you think, man.

Do you know how much investment it would take to make a trilogy of such an epic blockbuster? Is that something an independent film company like Miramax can afford?

A trilogy is nothing, just shoot one for me. Don’t think too much about the budget. It’s best not to exceed 50 million US dollars. The time has come to test your ability.

Peter Jackson is so angry, this is tantamount to a waste of natural resources.

He approached Harvey Weinstein and argued with him, but the initiative was not in his hands, so he could only make a humble request.

I only shoot one film, but I have to shoot a 4-hour version, otherwise the plot will really not connect.

Harvey Weinstein scolded him again. He wants to eat shit. Brother, is a 4-hour movie meant for the audience?

It’s a competition to see who can hold in his urine, right?

You quickly give up this unrealistic idea and conscientiously limit the time to 2 hours.

If you can, shoot it. If you can't, get out. I have a backup director here.

Peter Jackson was so angry and anxious that he could only beg his grandfather and grandma again, and finally got Harvey Weinstein to relent.

Promise to give him three weeks to attract investment by yourself. If you get it, you will shoot it. If you don't get it, you will get out.

Fortunately, New Line was very optimistic about this project and spent nearly US$300 million on the budget. I, Wang Duoyu, invested in this project.

Finally, the audience can see the classic "Lord of the Rings" series on the big screen.

It was precisely because of this experience that Peter Jackson and Harvey Weinstein developed a feud.

He even spoofed the other party in "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" by making an orc commander look like Harvey Weinstein.

Anyone who is a Hollywood actor can recognize who that thing looks like at a glance.

Now that the rough film of "Transformers" has been released, it's time to conduct internal test screenings, not for MGM, but because the Department of Defense has to pass the test.

After ringing the bell, Chen Xing walked in.

"Contact Lieutenant Colonel Freeman, set a time, and hold an internal preview of "Transformers"."

"Also, go to Weta Digital and copy the trailer of "Transformers". Today is Friday and it will be released next Monday."

"Okay boss."

Today is Friday, June 20th, and it’s Nicole’s birthday.

She is having a birthday party at her house, and Eric only received the invitation this morning.

Needless to say, this little girl must have done it on purpose, just to tell him at the end to see if Eric was prepared in advance.

Being prepared means that you have me in your heart. If you are not prepared, then it’s a waste.

Before getting off work, Eric had already driven to Nicole's villa in Beverly Hills alone.

He arrived early, and when he arrived, no luxury cars were found parked here.

There are paparazzi taking pictures from afar, but they are not allowed to enter inside.

This time Eric entered through the main entrance generously. It had been said so many times, except for Oscar's night, this was the second time he had used the main entrance.

The door was open, and many servants could be seen cleaning and decorating from a distance.

Stepping inside, you can see Nicole instructing the servants to place customized decorations.

Seeing him, Nicole opened her mouth in surprise: "Eric, why did you come so early? There are still two hours until the start."

"Of course I'm here to see you. Do you need any help?"

Nicole smiled charmingly: "How dare I bother a big boss like you? It's too messy here. Come on, follow me upstairs to drink some coffee. I still have some questions about the script of "La Vie en Rose" that I want to consult with you."

"no problem."

The two of them looked serious and walked upstairs with a distance between them.

Gently closing the door, the two hungry people hugged each other instantly after not seeing each other for a week.

After a set of passionate kisses, Eric's lips slowly moved on the snow-white neck.

"You look so beautiful today, Nicole!"

"Only today? Don't you usually look beautiful?"

"In my heart, you are the most beautiful every moment, especially when you are in bed."

"Hate!"

"Come on, while you haven't changed yet."

Eric picked up Nicole and walked to the bed.

"Wait, there are people down here. After the party, you can enjoy me as much as you like, okay?"

Eric shook his head: "Most people will definitely say yes, but I don't, so I will say no."

"Of course, I am also a very reasonable person. If you agree to one condition, I will let you go temporarily."

Nicole put her hands around his neck and asked with a clear breath: "What are the conditions?"

Eric took out the gift box: "Open it and take a look."

"Is this your birthday gift to me?"

Nicole took it with a smile, then opened it eagerly, and saw the navel ring, anklet and bracelet lying inside.

Her face immediately turned red, and her pink fist lightly hit Eric on the shoulder: "Pervert, you just gave me this kind of thing?"

Eric laughed and said: "Of course not, this is the condition you have to agree to, this is the gift."

As he spoke, he took out another exquisite box, which contained the precious brooch worth a million dollars.

The first time she saw the brooch, Nicole's eyes could no longer move. The exquisite shape declared its value, and the shining brilliance of the jewelry made women intoxicated.

Suddenly, the beauty turned around and pressed Eric on the bed, and surging emotions aroused between the two of them.

Two hours later, Eric stood in the living room on the first floor. Many people had gathered around him.

Hugh Jackman, Jude Law, Julianne Moore, Renée Zellweger, Meryl Streep, Robbie Williams, Naomi Watts, Natalie Portman, Russell Crowe and many more.

It was like a Vanity Fair party. In addition to these acquaintances, there were many people Eric couldn't name.

Amid the applause and laughter of everyone, Nicole walked down the stairs in a white gauze dress, with the orchid brooch hanging on her chest.

"My friends, welcome to my birthday party. Let's have fun today and never come home until we get drunk."

"OH"

Everyone cheered suddenly, the music started, and the party atmosphere suddenly lit up.

Then Robbie Williams stood up and sang as a professional singer, which again attracted applause.

Everyone knows each other privately, so there is no need to keep up appearances in front of friends, and they can each play their part and contribute their talents.

Nicole was surrounded by a group of sisters in the center, and a group of women laughed from time to time.

Eric touched his somewhat dry belly. Just now, the two of them couldn't help but work hard upstairs, which exhausted a lot of energy.

He looked at Uncle Wolf beside him: "Jack, I have to eat something. How about a piece of Filipino-style barbecue?"

Hugh Jackman looked at his abdomen with some embarrassment, and said hesitantly: "Forget it, I want to maintain my body shape, and I can't touch food with too high calories."

"It's okay to eat a little occasionally. Look at everyone eating. Don't you feel lonely?"

Eric persuaded, just like men like to persuade people who can't drink to drink.

Uncle Wolf swallowed, and his taste buds were struggling: "Maybe, a piece of it would be good too."

"That's right. Being an actor is like an ascetic. Isn't it painful for you?"

He dragged Hugh Jackman to the table, ignored his request to only eat one piece, picked up the plate and put a bunch of meat and desserts on him, and gave him a glass of champagne.

"Eat, eat, eat a piece, eat a plate, let go of your psychological pressure."

As he said this, Eric began to feast. Seeing how happy he was, Uncle Wolf simply let go and picked up a piece of dessert and put it into his mouth.

"OMG! This is the taste of God!" he said with satisfaction.

While the two of them were eating meat and drinking from large glasses of wine, a man stood beside Eric at some point.

The man looked about 30 years old, had short hair and glasses, and looked like a scholar.

"Would you like a drink?" Eric asked casually.

The man took the champagne and smiled, stretched out his hand and said, "Hello Eric, James Murdoch, nice to meet you."