Meeting room.
"Hello, Kyle, my friend, it's good to see you again." A middle-aged man embraced Kyle warmly.
"Jordan, it's a pleasure to see you as well."
The person sitting across from Kyle was none other than Jordan Davidman, a member of Paramount's distribution team, with whom he had previously worked on the international distribution of Run Lola Run.
Jordan gazed at Kyle and grinned, "Kyle, I want to extend my congratulations to you. You did an excellent job in London and made 20 million pounds from ITV!"
"That's just average; it doesn't compare to the profits of one of your films," Kyle replied knowingly.
You mean "Run Lola Run."
Damn Paramount only shelled out $2 million for overseas rights and made $100 million at the box office.
Jordan smiled awkwardly, clearly caught off guard by Kyle's mention of the past again, and said, "Kyle, to my knowledge, you still hold the U.S. rights to 'Got Talent.'"
"Yes."
Kyle responded affirmatively. There was nothing to conceal.
With this information, Jordan responded right away, "Then you should think about selling the North American rights of 'Got Talent' to Viacom Group, the parent company of Paramount. After all, we manage the third-largest TV network in North America."
Sell it to you?
Kyle nodded and replied, "Alright, as friends, I will consider selling it if you can provide $70 million."
$70 million?
Jordan nearly choked in disbelief!
It was clear that Kyle was asking for far too much.
Jordan joked, "Kyle, let's be serious; we're discussing business."
"Hahaha~, fine Jordan, let's switch to the overseas rights of 'Hard Candy.' You must realise that the sale of the rights to 'Got Talent' isn't solely within your control." Kyle said with a grin.
Jordan felt embarrassed once more.
Indeed, a copyright deal worth tens of millions isn't something that Jordan, a modest distribution manager, can conclusively decide on. His input was merely an attempt to gauge Kyle's stance. Most of the embarrassment he displayed was likely feigned.
They're both experienced professionals; who would act so naively?
Go and deceive the unsuspecting!
"I have no plans to sell the North American rights to 'Got Talent' at this time. After all, once the British version of 'Got Talent' airs, I'll certainly be able to sell the North American rights for a premium." Kyle contemplated.
Well, a fee far exceeding £20 million!
The box office results of "Hard Candy" in North America fall short compared to "Run Lola Run," so there's no need to anticipate high overseas copyright fees.
However.
As Kyle thought of the $100 million overseas gross from Run Lola Run, he felt a sense of regret and, understandably, wanted to reap more profits.
"Jordan, you shameless vampire!"
"A million dollars?"
"You think you can purchase 'Hard Candy' for 1 million? Don't even entertain the thought; that's purely a fantasy!"
.....
Discussions between corporations revolve around their interests.
And what about friendship?
Haha, you're thinking too much.
In the international market of "Run Lola Run," Paramount did exploit Page Pictures, but don't count on them to cherish this friendship.
For instance, let's examine "Hard Candy" now. Will major corporations keep the prior film in mind?
Clearly, no!
They adhere to their distinct operational methods and won't provide any special favours based on personal relationships or emotions.
Kyle believes the same thing.
Ultimately, the initial negotiation for the overseas rights of "Hard Candy" was unsuccessful.
"Victor, apart from Paramount, are there other major companies interested in our international copyrights?"
After Jordan from Paramount exited,
Kyle posed the question directly to Victor.
"Some."
Victor replied: "Currently, we have heard from several major companies about the overseas rights of 'Hard Candy,' including Paramount and Time Warner Group."
Warner?!
That's a significant player!
Time Warner is more formidable than Paramount.
Its parent organisation, Time Group, holds even more influence. Especially Time magazine, which operates under the group, is also quite renowned. At this point, the Warner Group seems to compete with Disney for a top position in the industry.
Kyle was momentarily taken aback but then understood, saying, "It appears that even though the overseas earnings from Run Lola Run didn't profit us, it has certainly elevated our company's profile."
Victor grinned, the implication was clear.
.....
Meanwhile, in an office at Time Warner Bros., two individuals were in conversation about Hard Candy.
Richard Kidman, a 45-year-old male, is the head of the overseas distribution department of Warner Bros. and holds considerable power within the company.
"Reed, I've just been informed that Page Pictures and Paramount have initiated talks regarding Hard Candy. Be sure to monitor this situation closely. As long as it stays under 2 million US dollars, I need you to secure the overseas distribution rights for me," Richard Kidman stated firmly.
"Understood, I'll look into it immediately."
The young man before Richard Kidman is his assistant, Rhett.
Shortly after, Rhett returned to Richard Kidman's office and said, "Boss, I've made some inquiries; the overseas rights for Hard Candy remain with Page Pictures, but should we proceed to purchase it?"
Rhett lacks confidence in the international performance of "Hard Candy."
Richard Kidman nodded affirmatively, saying, "Rhett, I'm aware of your concerns, and I trust your professional judgment. Yes, Hard Candy is a niche film, and its overseas box office is perhaps not worth our $2 million offer, but you must adopt a long-term perspective."
"Oh?" Rhett inquired, puzzled.
Richard Kidman, instead of showing irritation with the young assistant, chose to explain patiently, "Even though Page Pictures is a burgeoning company, look at the films they've produced, Run Lola Run, and Teletubbies, which gained massive popularity once aired in the UK, as well as the rights to Got Talent that recently created a sensation. Do you think Page Pictures is just a minor film company?"
Run Lola Run, which earned 100 million overseas;
The Teletubbies set records for children's channels in the UK right after their initial airing.
The copyright for "Got Talent" was an astonishing 20 million pounds.
Young Red felt a shiver at this realisation.
"I understand now!"
"Thank you, Boss, for informing me that Page Pictures is no longer considered a low-tier Hollywood film studio. Our efforts are certainly worthwhile!"
Red instantly began to articulate his thoughts clearly.
Upon hearing this, Richard Kidman breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "You're right. It's just a matter of a few hundred thousand dollars. If it proves successful, we could potentially acquire a film company. Why not pursue it?"
If Kyle were present, he would be taken aback.
They are all cunning and experienced individuals!
However, Kyle was excited about linking up with more major corporations.
Thanks to Kyle's significant investment, Page Pictures has already upgraded from a bottom-tier Hollywood film company to a third-rate one; yet it remains quite fragile and must continue to evolve under the support of a larger entity.
Regarding the possibility of being attacked or absorbed by major companies, Kyle wasn't particularly worried.
"Three years. Just give me three more years, and I will have sufficient capital to operate independently. By then, even if I have a falling out with a big company, I won't be left entirely defenceless," Kyle contemplated.
.....
The following day.
Kyle woke up early, freshened up, and drove to the filming location of "Juno."
Indeed, the production of the film "Juno" had commenced.
Filming had been in progress for two weeks, but due to his busy schedule, producer Kyle had not been able to visit. Now that he finally had some free time, he was keen to check it out.
After all, this is Juno!
With a Worldwide box office exceeding 200 million US dollars, it deserved Kyle's attention!
As the boss and producer, Kyle held a 3% stake in the North American box office net profit for "Juno," which made it normal for him to closely monitor the film's production to prevent any speculation from his team.
"Hey, Richard, you've been putting in a lot of effort lately."
Upon Kyle's arrival on set, the first person he sought out was the director, Richard Linklater.
Regardless of anything else, the title of Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival alone earned Kyle a certain level of respect from Richard.
As soon as Richard spotted Kyle, he laughed and remarked, "Mr. Page, it's impressive that you remember you're the producer of 'Juno' since the filming has been ongoing for half a month."
"Hahaha, my apologies, my apologies, I've been quite busy."
Who is Kyle?
How could he feel embarrassed given his thick skin? Instead, he inquired, "Richard, are you about to start filming?"
"Yes, the lead male and female actors are getting their makeup done and we'll start shooting shortly," Richard replied.
Kyle nodded and remained quiet for the moment.
Before long, the lead actors exited the dressing room and the film was set to begin shooting.
"Huh? They both look familiar."
When Kyle noticed the actors portraying the main characters, he was taken aback. He had these two individuals from his previous life.
Jessica Chastain;
Ryan Reynolds.
In the movie "Juno," the titular character is portrayed by Jessica Chastain.
She is not a well-known actress who will win the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in the future. She is just a fledgling actress. After all, she is only 19 years old.
The actor who plays the male lead, Kyle, is even more well-known.
Isn't the actor who plays "Deadpool" in the movie "Deadpool" none other than Ryan Reynolds?
The movies he starred in, not to mention the flop "Green Lantern", just the movies "Buried", "Gateway", "The Hitman's Bodyguard" and so on, were enough to make him famous.
Of course, he also has an enviable identity.
——The ex-husband of Black Widow Scarlett Johansson!
After all, the famous Durant wanted to drink Black Widow's bath water but failed, while Ryan Reynolds was reluctant to drink the damn bath water.