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Facing "Titanic" whose budget continues to rise, Fox's current solution is to attract another Hollywood film company to join in to ease financial pressure and share risks.

But the problem is that the only one interested in this unpopular shipwreck romance is Paramount, which is also one of the six major film companies. It can agree to contribute to supplement the part of the funds that Fox originally planned, but requires Fox to transfer "" North American distribution rights for Titanic.

As we all know, North America is the largest ticket warehouse in Hollywood and even in the world. If there is another solution, Fox will never be willing to give up the distribution rights in North America.

James Cameron isn't too keen on adding another studio to a project he's in charge of, which means he's going to have to wrestle with a whole bunch of other people, and he's probably not asking for a bigger budget than he would have been... oh, he doesn't It is impossible to continue to increase the budget.

But the fact is that this big Hollywood director, who spends a lot of money on his budget, is shamefully and powerlessly moved by the $6000 million investment promised by Frank Horton, because it means a lot of creative freedom for him.

It's not that he's not determined enough.

Rather, Frank Horton is willing to give too much.

There is a total budget of 1.35 million US dollars, which should be enough for him to shoot the Titanic in his mind... right?

James Cameron opened his mouth, but quickly closed it again, because he found that no matter whether he refused or agreed, his heart would twitch and tighten, which was unbearable.

But before Frank Horton finished speaking, he added calmly: "And, the 6000 million is not to invest in my daughter to become the heroine, but to invest in director James Cameron—"

"That is, you, my friend."

James Cameron's breathing was slightly stagnant, and he stared closely at the face of Frank Horton next to him with a shocked and moved gaze, trying to find any deception or joking elements from it.

——But, no.

Frank Horton's expression was extremely sincere, and his tone was even more sincere and moving.

He continued: "I hope that, as a talented creator and artist, you can abandon the influence of any external factors and choose the real heroine in your mind just for the sake of this ongoing masterpiece."

"Then what if I choose Kate Winslet?" James Cameron spoke quickly, with a dark complexion, and told the "6000 million" Mr. in front of him almost rudely.

Frank Horton smiled calmly, and replied calmly: "Yes. As long as the film is sold well and the bills are divided according to the contract--I said, this is an investment. The Tianmu Capital I founded is a newly established private equity fund with 6000 million yuan. Not a big deal, but Skyscreen needed a blockbuster to inspire, and a successful break into Hollywood."

The car just stopped, and James Cameron's throat couldn't help rolling. He had never heard of "Sky Curtain Capital", a completely unfamiliar Wall Street private equity fund, and he still asked sharply: "Do you want me as a guarantee, for Fox Won't you play tricks on the books?"

There are two professions in Hollywood, and there are completely different modes of operation from the world outside Hollywood.

One is a lawyer and the other is an accountant.

The former draws up a contract that can define a superstar's career, while the latter can wipe out a box office bomb.

Hollywood producers are the most cunning and deceitful characters in the business, and unless their opponents have a deadly weapon, they're ready to take the flesh out of others.

Waving money does not mean that Hollywood will open the door to you. Usually the first thing you do when you enter this circle is to pay the tuition fee. The tuition fee may be tens of thousands of dollars, or it may be hundreds of millions of dollars.

These are the rules of the game in Hollywood.

"You're such a smart guy, Jim." Frank Horton jumped out of the back seat, "But please rest assured that we are not going to really participate in sharing the internal rate of return of the film company. This should be Fox's bottom line. I know , 6000 million is not a rare astronomical figure for a big director like you, in fact, it is the same for us. This is just a trial investment, just like what JPMorgan Chase Bank advertised to those hedge funds, 'this A fantastic opportunity to be a part of one of the most lucrative film industries.'."

James Cameron stood still and was caught in the struggle between heaven and man on the spot.

Sharing the internal rate of return of the studio is a good way for some hedge fund managers who have neither experience nor time to examine each movie. The studio transfers part of the internal rate of return, which is not limited to the return of a certain movie , but instead split money from every source of revenue for the studio.

Even in a year with poor returns, a large Hollywood film company like Fox has an internal rate of return of more than 15%, unless it encounters another "Cleopatra".

Not sharing the IRR means that the money is all on James Cameron and his new movie, which is very risky.

But it is precisely because of the huge risks that it touches people's hearts even more.

After a while, James Cameron raised his eyes and asked, "How much is the first advance payment?"

"2000 million." Compared to Fox, Frank Horton seemed very generous, "It will inevitably affect your professional judgment. The money will arrive immediately after the main creative lineup is confirmed and our negotiation with Fox goes smoothly."

James Cameron did not answer immediately.

Affect judgment?

It was a grandiose statement in words, but it was almost inevitable, and both of them knew it well.

But now, James Cameron looks at this extremely handsome Wall Street financier, just like the "Franklin" printed on the green dollar bills.

As soon as the great "Franklin" made a move, it instantly crushed James Cameron's slight sense of accomplishment brought by the conquest of the British Peninsula, and also broke the biggest support of the British Rose - but James Cameron can't control these , He couldn't help but think about ordering another batch of completely reproduced handmade furniture.

Frank Horton chuckled, and stretched out his hand again, "Perhaps, you should think about it quietly for a few days?"

However, James Cameron also shook hands with the other party again, and replied very decisively: "No, happy cooperation! I think we should find a time to discuss the details of the investment contract..."

Frank Horton shook it back vigorously, without any surprise on his face.

certainly--

This was originally the result of his careful design and expectation.

"How's it going?"

In the steam room in the rest area of ​​the golf course, Underwood lifted his eyelids a little and glanced at his friend Frank Horton in a certain sense.

"A preliminary consensus has been reached." Frank simply mentioned, and sat down next to Underwood, "How is your side?"

The steam was rising in the small steam room, and they had been checked carefully before they entered to ensure that no one could eavesdrop on the conversation at hand.

Underwood said lightly: "Arnold Schwarzenegger has a certain charisma, and it's a good gimmick for a Hollywood star to turn to politics—not to mention, he has a good wife."

"Oh, lucky guy." Frank's tone was also light, and he asked instead: "When will the FBI stop staring at the back of my ass? Especially the prosecutor, he made me doubt my efforts over the past few years It doesn't make any sense, especially after I carry it all on my own."

Underwood stretched out his arms and rested them on the armrests very relaxedly. He looked up at the solid wood ceiling of the sweat steaming room, and while counting, he replied slowly: "Don't worry, the establishment of a new dynasty will inevitably have a period of bloodshed. Wait patiently." TV lottery, my old friend. By the way, are you sure there is nothing wrong with the money you invested?"

"I'm not impatient, but that prosecutor's way of doing things is very over the line. If possible, he is suitable to go to Chicago to fight crime." Frank said slightly mockingly, "As for the money promised to James Cameron, this paragraph Time I've been running for its 'proper' origin, making sure every penny is tracked. Part from Hollywood's favorite German citizens, compliant with German tax laws; part from old friends from Wall Street... oh sorry, I don't think you really want to hear that."

—No, I really want to.

Underwood lowered his eyes and glanced at Frank lightly, but the other party only showed that impeccable smiling face, which was sincere and full of considerate kindness.

— Ha, the bastard should be hanging out in Hollywood with his daughter, because he's such a damn good actor.

In the dense mist in the room, two middle-aged men who are not much different in age have their own thoughts and schemes against each other, but only on the surface, they are really kind and close partners.

"Fortunately, you have an excellent daughter." Underwood's tone was tinged with sarcasm. "Otherwise, you might need to spend money on your notorious mistress or her daughter, right?"

Frank smiled lightly, not getting angry, "There are so many actresses in Hollywood, I can always pick one that looks pleasing to the eye. Janet Mills? She's not even mine."

Underwood twitched the corners of his lips and said, "Oh, that's true. I almost forgot that you never allow others to touch your things, either chop off other people's hands, or discard restless little Ornaments. Anyway, Janet Mills is on Weinstein's yacht again, I don't think you would mind."

This time Frank's smile was wider.

He first stared at Underwood with a smile, and said after a while: "You think I would mind these things? Don't forget, we are the same kind of people, and our interests come first."

Underwood looked deeply, and replied: "I hope you will always remember this sentence—and not make some irrational decisions for your 'golden girl'."

"Irrational?" Frank sneered, "If you have taken a closer look at James Cameron's conception, you will find that this man is a fucking genius! Most people think that he wants to break through the limitations of genre films and make a movie. Old-fashioned love story, but what I see is him doing a pinnacle revolution in Hollywood film technology — aha, isn't that exciting?"

Underwood didn't seem to be moved at all, "I'm more looking forward to how you plan to make your daughter a movie heroine, the father of a future superstar? Since she has another competitor."

"About this point, you can ask James Cameron yourself." Frank let it go quite happily, and then patted Underwood on the shoulder, "Don't worry, man, our investment will not lose money , as long as the movie is not extremely bad, we have plenty of ways to pay back."

Underwood glanced at the hands on his shoulders, and said, "It's not 'us', it's 'you'."

"I know. But there is no wiretapping equipment here." Frank's tone was casual, but his eyes did not stop observing Underwood's expression, "Is there any problem with Ms. Feinstein? 'Tianmu Capital' will set up its headquarters in San Francisco."

"Everything is in accordance with the procedure." Underwood only said a word, then stood up and walked out the door.

Frank had a faint smile on his face until the sound of the security personnel from Underwood's side evacuating gradually disappeared, and his own bodyguard knocked on the door.

"Sir, they left." The bodyguard said outside.

The author has something to say: Shimoki does not have many roles, it has nothing to do with TV dramas, and does not affect reading~