I am Hollywood

[Chapter 1020: Are You Worried I'll Be Like Last Year?]

In the Firefly Cinemas, at a restaurant on the big ship, Amy Pascal and Eric sat at a table by the window overlooking Marianne Bay. After some small talk, Amy took the initiative to bring up the topic of Charlie's Angels 3, which was currently showing.

"Eric, I recently had the finance team do a simple calculation for me. For Charlie's Angels 3, our production cost was $160 million, with a marketing budget of $50 million, making a total investment of $210 million. However, before the release, brand integrations from companies like Buick already brought us $43 million in advertising revenue, and during the filming in the UK, we got $8 million back in tax rebates. That adds up to $51 million in pre-release revenue."

Pausing here, Amy carefully gauged Eric's expression before continuing, "As for box office, if we consider $300 million in North America and $600 million overseas, based on the usual box office sharing rules, we can expect to recover about $375 million in box office revenue over the next six months. That means that with just the theatrical release of Charlie's Angels 3, MGM will theoretically net $216 million in profit."

Eric listened attentively to Amy's words and, after she finished, he smiled and asked, "Are you worried I'll be like last year?"

Last year's event, when Pierce Brosnan's agent sprang an unexpected situation on everyone, made it hard to imagine how things could have turned out differently. Though Eric had directly pointed out her concern, Amy calmly nodded and replied, "Eric, I just think that with the box office potential shown by the Charlie's Angels series, it's definitely worth it for us to pay a little more for the upcoming sequels."

Eric nodded in agreement. Among the three major series, MGM's collaboration with the Charlie's Angels trio had been the most seamless, and he didn't want to stir up trouble over salaries again. "You must have talked to ICM? What did they say?"

Amy said, "Michelle just mentioned they hope to secure a profit-sharing agreement this time; we haven't discussed much else."

Eric paused for a moment, then remembered Michelle Simmons, the agent for Charlize and the others. They hadn't specified any concrete demands, clearly wanting to maintain the good relationship between ICM and the Firefly network. The reason ICM could hold its ground alongside the big Hollywood agencies CAA and WMA was all thanks to the strong support from the various production companies within the Firefly network.

But with ICM not being proactive in their requests, Eric felt a bit uncertain. While ICM valued their relationship with Firefly, Eric wasn't someone who held grudges either. After a moment of thought, Eric asked Amy, "What do you think a reasonable salary would be?"

Even after a year had passed, Amy still vividly remembered Eric's assertiveness from the previous year. She hadn't expected him to turn the question back to her. After a moment's pause, she replied, "Eric, considering that Penny and the others need to participate in two more sequels, Charlie's Angels 4 and Bond 20, I think it's best we get a package deal with an option for an additional film. As for the salary, I believe it's more fitting for you to decide."

Since the announcement of MGM's spy movie universe plan, four films had already been released: Charlie's Angels 2, Mission: Impossible 2, Casino Royale, and Charlie's Angels 3, with Mission: Impossible 3 in post-production counting as the fifth.

MGM also had planned for Bond 19, Charlie's Angels 4, Mission: Impossible 4, and Bond 20. The confrontation between the three series and Spectre would come to a conclusion with Bond 20.

These nine major films formed a tightly woven narrative, creating a complete spy movie universe. If everything went smoothly, it would mark a groundbreaking achievement in Hollywood film history.

Seeing that Amy had turned the question back to him, Eric pondered for a moment and said, "My personal suggestion would also be for a profit-sharing contract. While the chances of the sequels failing are low, it's necessary to take some measures to mitigate risks. So for Charlie's Angels 4, let's go with the fixed salary of $10 million plus 10% of global net box office profits for each of them. However, for Bond 20, they will need to make some compromises in the end; I'll only calculate their salaries at $3 million."

Hearing Eric's statement, a small piece of tension lifted from Amy's chest. "Eric, isn't that a bit of a drastic difference?"

According to Eric's proposal, if Charlie's Angels 4 continued the success of Charlie's Angels 3, each of the trio could make over $30 million from that sequel. But the salary for Bond 20 dropped directly to $3 million with no profit share. Such a tenfold discrepancy would be quite hard for anyone to accept.

Eric calculated for a moment and recognized the unfairness. "Let's adjust that a bit. For Charlie's Angels 4, let's lower the profit share to 5%, and give them another 5% for Bond 20."

Amy hesitated but finally replied, "Eric, that still seems a bit off. While this contract will certainly remain confidential, if each of them gets 5% from Bond 20, it might seem a little high in relation to their salaries."

"Well, let's keep adjusting," Eric chuckled, "And Amy, you don't need to be so cautious. Do I really come off as a tyrant?"

"Only," Amy said, a bit embarrassed, making a gesture subconsciously, "the box office for Charlie's Angels 3 is too good. Everyone seems a bit on edge lately."

"It seems last year's incident left a deep psychological shadow on you all," Eric continued smiling. "But you must have noticed the shifts since then. If I hadn't insisted last year, Kevin Costner wouldn't have agreed to be in Charlie's Angels 4 so easily. Perhaps this time ICM wouldn't be so cautious. Ever since Michael Ovitz founded CAA back in the 70s, Hollywood studios have been losing more and more control in front of stars. Ultimately, Amy, I'm just reclaiming the control that rightfully belongs to us. Or rather, we should be the ones who are in charge in Hollywood."

As Amy listened quietly to Eric's words, she couldn't help but feel a hint of admiration. Though she didn't voice it, in her heart she made a small adjustment to Eric's final statement. The first word shouldn't have been "we"; perhaps it should've been "I."

The young man before her was indeed the one holding the reins of Hollywood.

They discussed in detail the fluctuating proportions regarding the trio's salaries until the waiter brought their lunch. The conversation shifted to a lighter note.

...

Before they realized it, they were discussing the Easter egg about the stepping stone document in Charlie's Angels 3. Amy said, "Eric, we've already contacted Matt Damon. However, because of last year's Good Will Hunting, his current asking price for a commercial film is over $7 million. Moreover, he'd never sign a package deal like Vin Diesel and Paul Walker did for us."

For the original Fast & Furious, Eric directly cast the relatively obscure Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. To avoid the mistakes of the spy universe's three major series, MGM signed a three-film agreement with additional support films with both actors, maintaining all control firmly in their hands.

However, this strategy wouldn't work on Matt Damon, who was already rising to stardom in Hollywood. With his success from Good Will Hunting, he'd successfully upgraded to a top male star in Hollywood, and his career had ample room for growth, making it unlikely he would easily sign a package deal with the studio.

"If that's the case, then contact other male stars," Eric said nonchalantly as he continued to eat his lunch. "Just the hype around the spy movie universe is enough to guarantee the popularity of The Bourne Identity. We don't necessarily need to use a top star. As long as the acting is up to par and fits the hero's image, even a total newcomer would be fine."

Amy nodded, having already reviewed Eric's detailed plans for Jason Bourne series.

According to Eric's vision, this uniquely styled series would be difficult to intersect plot-wise with the spy movie universe, but Amy felt very confident about its box office prospects.

Because the series was so distinctive, with its three interconnected plots, unique shooting techniques, and impactful action scene designs, plus a well-rounded story completion, even though the film wouldn't be released for several years, just based on Eric's plot ideas and storyboards, Amy could sense a completely refreshing style of spy film emerging.

...

After finishing their lunch, Eric saw Amy off before returning to the Gravity set to start his afternoon work.

In the afternoon, due to some sudden new ideas, Eric and Robert Byer had been busy in the studio until night fell. It wasn't until a call from Drew at the Charlie's Angels 3 celebration party reminded him that Eric left the studio around 7:30 PM, heading to the Sunset Tower Hotel in Beverly Hills.

It was the peak time for traffic, and Eric arrived at the Sunset Tower Hotel shortly after 8:15 PM, the party had already started.

As Eric pulled into the hotel parking lot, the girl hurried over and linked her arm with his, saying, "Eric, why are you so late? It's already past eight!"

"I was working with Robert on modifying the helmets for filming; we had a few new ideas we wanted to try," Eric explained, glancing around, not seeing the twins, so he asked, "Is everyone else here?"

"Of course!" the girl replied, unaware of Eric's gaze. "The party started at seven, and everyone has been here for a while."

Eric and the girl entered the banquet hall of the hotel where most of the main creators of the spy movie universe series had gathered. Along with them were the stars and socialites from Los Angeles. Although the girl was a few years younger than Eric, she was well-connected in the industry due to her being MGM's major shareholder.

Eric chatted warmly with everyone before heading over to the buffet table to grab some food. After a busy afternoon, he was quite hungry.

"Good evening, Eric," as Eric selected his food, a guest took the girl away to talk, leaving him momentarily alone until someone approached him.

He picked up a couple of grilled shrimp and smiled at Charlize, who stood beside him in a flowing light-green evening gown. "Charlize, you look stunning tonight. Want to grab some food together?"

"Sure," Charlize nodded, taking a plate for herself and standing beside Eric as she selected her food. Then she suddenly said, "Eric, Michelle has informed us about your salary terms."

"Hmm?" Eric knew Charlize had more to say, so he merely responded with a questioning tone.

Earlier, the result of Eric's discussion with Amy was that the trio would receive a $10 million base salary plus 8% of the global net box office profits for Charlie's Angels 4, while their salaries for Bond 20 would be a $3 million base with a 2% box office share.

Should both films manage to reach a global box office total of $1 billion, theoretically, each of the trio would make over $30 million, potentially coming close to $100 million collectively.

Of course, nobody could guarantee such an outcome. It would be challenging to predict whether audiences would tire of two consecutive billion-dollar spy films, and the production costs for upcoming films would undoubtedly rise, yielding lower box office net profits even if they did reach a billion.

Charlize didn't meet Eric's eyes as she continued selecting her food, seemingly absent-mindedly stating, "Michelle advised us to accept this offer, and I've agreed."

Eric waited for a moment. Not hearing further details, he pieced it together. Charlize's agreement likely hinted that Kate and Penelope weren't satisfied with the pay proposal and might be discussing something.

Moreover, the fact that Michelle Simmons had urged the trio to agree to the offer suggested that ICM valued their relationship with Firefly more than the individual salaries of the actresses, prompting Michelle to negotiate with the three women.

Nodding, Eric said, "To be fair, considering your individual stature, the salaries I've proposed are somewhat on the lower side. But you have to understand, there are three of you. Calculating it this way, you're already earning unprecedented salaries as leads in Hollywood. If it gets any higher, MGM would struggle to bear the associated risks."

Charlize glanced at Eric and remarked, "Michelle mentioned that to us as well."

"I swear, I absolutely did not coordinate with Michelle on this," Eric chuckled, carrying his plate of food over to a table in the banquet hall where they could both sit. Eric then asked, "So, aside from the details for Charlie's Angels, I can't remember you working on anything else lately?"

Charlize blushed slightly. "I've been working; it's just that they've mostly flopped, so you probably wouldn't have noticed."

Realizing why Charlize had approached him, Eric grinned, "Then I'll keep an eye out for you."

*****

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