365 win-win situation
Focus Features is indeed not confident about the North American box office of "Crazy Love".
The plot of this movie is not as intense as "Education" and "500 Days with Summer", and is closer to the emotion-oriented style of "Blue Valentine's Day". But compared to "Blue Valentine's Day", " The leading actors of "Crazy Love" have lost a notch in terms of popularity and appeal, and they can only rely on the reputation of the work itself to drive box office..
Therefore, the industry now generally positions the North American box office of "Crazy Love" at around US$9 million to US$10 million..
Focus Features strives for more box office dividends, which can reduce their burden; but if the box office dividend ratio drops, Focus Features must promote harder, hoping to achieve a breakthrough at the box office. Now it seems that Renly That was the idea.
Douglas knew that he could reject Renly, or stick to the three proposals he proposed, or put it aside for today and then slowly negotiate..
But Douglas also knew that the Weinstein brothers were eyeing him, and Paramount was showing no signs of weakness. This year's Sundance was generally in decline, and "Crazy Love" was almost a standout. If Fox Searchlight also came to join in, then everyone would Let’s bid each other up, and we don’t know where the price will go in the end..
More importantly, Douglas does see the prospects of "Crazy" in the awards season. Compared with "Blue Valentine", the entire style of "Crazy" is more approachable and easier to be accepted by the public. There are more possibilities in terms of scripts and actors. If it works properly, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Screenplay will all have a fighting chance..
Focus Features won’t want to miss this opportunity.
Of course, all these are just theoretical predictions on paper. "Crazy Love" has only proved itself at Sundance, which is not enough. January 2011 has not passed yet, and there is still a long whole year to go. , not only needs to be tested by film critics and audiences, but also faces the impact of other powerful competitors. Perhaps, by the end of the year, it is not surprising that the result is nothing..
Personally speaking, Douglas found Renly to be a very interesting actor..
Yes, he felt that "interesting" was a more appropriate choice than genius. He could even hear the decisiveness behind Renly's words, and it seemed that he didn't want to waste time on such delicate matters at all..
Douglas had a ridiculous idea. If it hadn't been for Drake, Renly wouldn't even have attended today's meeting. It was like being "buried alive" in the first place..
You know, the ultimate goal of every actor in Hollywood is to be a producer.
It's not box office dividends, it's not the 20 million club, it's not even the Oscar statuette, it's the producer. Have you ever seen how much effort Vin Diesel put into joining the ranks of producers of the "Fast and Furious" series? After many connections, I finally got what I wanted..
Because joining the ranks of producers means gaining power and reaching the top of the pyramid, the status and recognition in the industry are completely different. If you want to seek dividends, awards, remuneration, etc., you will get twice the result with half the effort. of.
Now, when Renly appears on such an occasion, his status is equivalent to that of a producer. He not only has the right to dividends, but also the right to negotiate. However, Renly does not intend to do this..
Douglas was a little curious about Renly's future development, even though it was the first time they met today..
In the blink of an eye, Douglas has made a decision.
“No, I'm not confident." Douglas's answer was completely unexpected. Drake was stunned, and Renly had a playful smile in his eyes..
Douglas's expression did not change much, "Honestly, I don't think this movie can make a difference at the box office. For such art films, the video tape market is the broadest, and of course, there are art theater screenings. Therefore, it is impossible for the crew to take 35% of the box office profit..”
The box office dividend that can be divided between the producer and the distributor is about 60%. Generally speaking, considering the production cost, production process and other factors, the distributor is only responsible for one aspect of distribution, so the producer gets About 40%, while the issuer gets about 20%.
However, the distribution of independent films is relatively special. The distributor needs to pay part of the copyright fee, which is equivalent to withdrawing box office dividends in advance, so the dividend ratio of the producer will decline to a certain extent. This is normal..
“Twenty-five percent, this is our bottom line." Douglas said firmly, leaving no room for negotiation..
But Renly showed a smile, and his dark brown eyes hid a bright and sharp halo, "Are you sure we want to go back and forth like this? I know that 25% is not your bottom line. , you also know that 35% is not my pursuit. We can slowly tug of war, or even put the negotiations on hold for the time being, and then rethink and calculate again after we go back. But, I don’t think it is necessary. What is your opinion?？”
Renly did not continue to talk around and put on an upright attitude, but it is not difficult to find that in fact, Renly did not say anything substantive, nor did he propose a new dividend ratio. The subtext is: I have been so honest. , then now it’s your turn to show your sincerity.
Ultimately, Renly is forcing Douglas to reveal his trump cards..
Douglas laughed dumbly, slightly retracted his jaw, and expressed his affirmation of Renly's words..
As Renly said, they can keep pushing and pulling for a 1% dividend, but Focus Features doesn't have to care about this trivial profit. After all, the North American box office of "Crazy Love" is estimated to be only 1%. Ten million, then one percent is one hundred thousand U.S. dollars; not to mention, troops are expensive and fast, and what Focus Pictures needs to grab is time, while the "Crazy Love" crew can sit on Diaoyutai and look at the quotes from other distribution companies.
After this, Douglas simply said, "The copyright fee is 5.5 million, and the box office dividend is 30%..”
“Happy cooperation! "Renly is also quick to talk, and with a simple and clear sentence, he finalized this cooperation..
Compared to Harvey Weinstein, Focus Features is also calculating, and the calculation is no less than that of Weinstein Pictures, but Douglas is indeed more sincere than Harvey, not in terms of transaction figures, but in terms of sales figures. It’s the sincerity of the whole gesture. Not to mention, the collaborative experience of “Buried Alive” has been enjoyable so far. It would be great if “Crazy Love” can continue this form..
Douglas had a big smile on his face. He sincerely admired Renly's personality and attitude..
Today's cooperation is undoubtedly a pleasure, and this is a win-win situation. The crew of "Crazy Love" has gained more profit margins, while Focus Features has defeated many competitors in the independent film market in 2011 and at the end of the year. In the awards season, it is the first step to take the first step. Winning a victory at the Sundance Film Festival and opening the new year in this way is naturally the best..
After the negotiation was reached, Renly breathed a sigh of relief. After the tension eased, he realized something very important, "Drake, do you have any questions?" He is the director and producer of the movie, but no one asked him for his opinion just now.
Drake's head is already a little numb. He has heard so many numbers before that he doesn't even feel anything now. However, Drake still knows that the copyright fee of 5.5 million, as well as the box office With 30% of the dividend, this deal is definitely the best of the best..
Not long ago, he was still shocked by the 4.5 million proposed by Harvey, but now, the North American distribution rights of "Crazy Love" have been sold for 5.5 million, and there will be dividends in the future. This It’s incredible. You know, the investment cost of this movie was only 250,000.
“No problem, of course no problem." Derek was a contented person, and nodded in affirmation with a smile on his face. His face did not hide his joy at all, but the smile only paused for a moment, and then he asked carefully to, "I have a question. I would like to ask, what is Focus Features' positioning of movies?"？”
Drake felt like his stomach was burning. "Crazy Love" really didn't have the qualifications to put forward conditions in front of Focus Features. What's more, Douglas had just bought the North American distribution rights of the film at an incredible price. How could he? Asking for more? But...he couldn't help it.
“What's the meaning? "Douglas had already stood up, ready to shake hands. Hearing this nonsensical question, he was slightly stunned..
“I mean, this movie is very special to me." Drake looked at Renly and felt his encouraging gaze. Then he calmed down a little and continued, "It's based on my real life. It has been adapted and is very special. So……”
So what? Derek did not continue speaking, and the words were cut off here..
Douglas already understood, and he smiled, "To be honest, we haven't formulated a distribution strategy yet. After Sundance, we will organize an internal test screening, and the main team of the distribution department will watch it. Then express your feelings, make judgments, and finally formulate relevant publicity strategies. Which film festivals should be attended, when should it be released, how should it be promoted, etc..”
Douglas explained the situation clearly in a few words, and Drake showed a look of realization..
In the Weinstein Films, the two brothers have absolute domination, and all plans and projects are handled by them. They were even criticized for interfering too much in the director's editing work, hoping that the film could be edited according to their own ideas. He was scolded as a "tyrant". This happened more than once. Therefore, during the negotiation just now, Harvey made his judgment and plan early..
But at Focus Features, they follow a complete work system, strictly follow the process, and pool the wisdom of everyone to achieve their goals..
Both methods have their own merits and cannot be said to be good or bad. This is also reflected in the completely different publicity styles of the two companies. For Weinstein Pictures, success is a failure..
“So, I have no way to answer your question now. But what I can confirm is that 'Crazy' is 'Crazy', and it is a very special movie." Douglas continued, "Personally, , I really like Renly's performance in the movie. I think this is a movie about love..”
Douglas smiled and nodded at Renly, then looked at Derek again, "Are you satisfied with this answer?？”
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