Chapter 856： Smith's value

The preparation of the sequel to "Night at the Museum" does not require Lehmann to worry too much. The original team + the script that has been determined long ago can be advanced step by step, and the priority of overseas distribution is in Fox's hands, and others are also willing to contribute. In North America, in 2006, Blue Butterfly Pictures, Lionsgate and Mubao jointly launched, and this one is no exception.

In fact, it is difficult for the sequel to escape the production system set by the first film, because Hollywood's rules are like this. After the project is not bigger, everyone will abide by the partners who are kicked out - mainly because of contract restrictions. .

Just when Joseph arranged for a manpower to go to the mainland to find a foundry, Lehmann also quickly made an appointment and went to Akiva Goldsman's studio.

This guy can be regarded as a typical filmmaker who has made a big career as a screenwriter. He can write and edit himself, and he also maintains a team and often cooperates with other studios.

Goldsman is a member of the production team in "Hancock", which was released this summer The factory has good relationships and capable people.

After he went, Goldsman had just moved into a new building. The rent was cheap and the space was large. The people who came and went seemed to be a little bit pretentious.

However, as a filmmaker who has been in the industry for more than ten years, he has made his fortune relying on connections and communication methods. His attitude was more respectful and enthusiastic, and he kept getting closer to Laiman.

Occasionally apologize and deal with some trivial matters.

"I'll make you laugh. I just moved in, and there are still many places that haven't been fixed."

The spacious office looked a little messy. The two of them sat facing each other, and Goldsman asked his assistant to bring in coffee.

After a few greetings, Goldsman said again: "You came just in time, alas, let's see if the script is suitable or not, and there is room for improvement."

He took out the finalized version of "I Am Legend" and handed it to Lehmann.

He is very interested in this project, which is the most likely to benefit him so far.

why?

"I Am a Hero" has a global box office record of nearly 600 million. As the end of the trilogy, it is very likely to surpass it. As for him, as a producer and cooperative interest, he can share 5% of the revenue ( not profit), that would be $15 million.

So, can you not be active?

Under someone's expectant eyes, Ryman looked at it for a while, although it was definitely not in line with the original story. After all, this one needs to retain the background system that originated from "New York Row" and was set at the beginning. Doomsday alienation and loneliness, the setting of one person and one dog is not lost, but there are still some small problems——

"In the second half, the main speaker is about the evolution of zombies, becoming wise, and deleting everything else."

"At the beginning of the first paragraph, a 10-minute miniature of the city was added, and the scenes of Mexico, Spain, Europe and other places being attacked by zombies, and then after taking over the role of the male protagonist, the finale was also changed. After he lost the dog, he drove The car desperately rushed into the corpse tide and died..."

The ending of this version is still the "happy" ending that is quite popular in Hollywood. After losing the dog, the male protagonist in Goldsman's book actually finds a survivor like him with faith again. This is actually unnecessary and directly amplifies the dramatic tension. , dying as the last human being in the world is the destination of this series, and it is even more shocking.

Moreover, the tradition of the dead male protagonist in the first two zombie trilogy cannot be lost. This is not intentional sensationalism, but the plot needs.

After the investor spoke, Goldsman was not a very persistent person, and quickly nodded in response, "Okay, I'll change it."

"Well. This show also needs a leading actor. I prefer Will Smith. You have worked with him. You should make an appointment with him."

"Will? Indeed, he's a good fit."

Movies like "Superman for All" can sell 642 million yuan, which shows how amazing his box office appeal is.

In such a one-man show, with his current status and popularity, he can indeed play the role of propaganda. Even Smith has an amazing popularity among the black community. In addition, he has acted a lot, and his acting skills have also improved. Happiness Comes Knocking is still the original version of "I Am Legend", and his interpretation of the characters is very good...

"I'll contact him, but..." Goldsman said politely in advance: "His salary is not low now."

"How much did he get in "Superman for All"?"

"20 million + 15% net profit."

"One made 80 million?"

"The offline results haven't come out yet, but it's almost the same. "Superman for All" has already made him more than 65 million, but he is worth the price. Lehmann, do you know what Columbia's revenue expectations for this project are?"

"How many?"

"Humph, 400 million in the world, he made an extra 240 million for Colombia at the box office, and the box office is higher, and the film rights are more valuable, a little conversion, it can be said that Colombia used the extra 30 million US dollars in exchange for nearly 2.7 It’s a good deal.” Goldsman admires Will Smith.

No way, when he was on the set, he admired Will very much, and naturally he wanted to say good things for him.

In addition, they starred in 10 masterpieces, except for "The Legend of Bell-Vince" (up to 175 million US dollars in expenditure, the total box office was only 220 million), the rest were profitable for the cooperating studios, and Half of the projects have a rate of return as high as 1.5 times, which is exaggerated, and it is still a virtuous circle——

The movie sells well and gathers fans. With more fans, the movie will continue to sell well, and its appeal will only get higher and higher.

It is no surprise that this year's actor earning list is about to reach the top. After Cage became the king in 2007, it was Smith's world in 2008.

And in 2007, Cage only won the first place with an income of 46 million, and this time it directly opened more than 34 million...

Because according to the statistics of "Fortune" magazine, even Johnny Depp, who took a huge commission in "Pirates of the Caribbean 3", only made 72 million US dollars, which is properly ranked behind Will Smith - the list is as follows :

2. Johnny Depp ($72 million)

3. Eddie Murphy ($55 million)

3. Mike Myers ($50 million)

5. Leonardo DiCaprio ($45 million)

6. Bruce Willis ($41 million)

7. Nicholas Cage (32 million) - This guy starred in two films this year and the results are not outstanding One of them is a literary film, and the income is a lot lower...

"How much do you think we will spend?"

"The genre of "I Am Legend" is not biased towards action, which is good for Will's drama development. Maybe we can start from this aspect. After all, it is a one-man show, and there is more room for success. He may also reduce his salary appropriately, of course. , it is also possible that he can't negotiate with his management team, I can't guarantee it."

"The basic salary of 20 million is not a problem, but I hope to lower the profit sharing ratio. 15% is too much."

"I'll try my best to talk. If we don't want to, do we have any other options?"

"Christian Bale is also good, but the priority must be Will Smith, who is more suitable for this project."

"Ok, I understand." As the producer of the project and one of the stakeholders, Goldsman, of course, wanted the film to have better box office results, and was naturally willing to contribute.

He himself has had a lot of contact with Will Smith, and he is still familiar with him. Is it good for a familiar talent to lower the price?

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