The relevant personnel from the distribution department of 20th Century Fox gathered in a spacious conference room to discuss “The Blair Witch Project.”
In the eyes of these professionals, “The Blair Witch Project” was utterly lacking in plot, filming techniques, materials, and the acting skills of the protagonists. It seemed to have no commercial value at all.
Yet, it came with an impressive marketing plan that left them unsure of what to decide. And, of course, the involvement of George Lucas couldn’t be ignored.
“Everyone, please share your thoughts on this film,” Colette Singer said, glancing around the room.
“In my opinion, the film itself is extremely dull and lacks any commercial value.”
“But the marketing plan is quite interesting,” said a man with glasses, who seemed to appreciate the marketing plan of the film.
“The newbie director, Ryan Gosling, clearly has some innovative ideas. I suspect he came up with the marketing plan first and then shot the film specifically for it.”
“So, I personally think it’s worth a try,” said a man with black hair.
“I admit the film does have some commercial potential.”
“But it’s still a low-budget film, and we face significant risks. We must minimize costs.”
“Conditions like the producer and director profit sharing are laughable and absolutely unacceptable.”
“Moreover,” the shrewd-looking man paused before continuing, “we could consider having someone else shoot a similar film. It wouldn’t cost much and we could release it first.”
Such shady tactics happen in Hollywood all the time. Similar plotlines are no big deal since the key to the film is the marketing, not the content itself.
As for lawsuits, let’s not kid ourselves. The expensive legal fees deter most people from pursuing them.
“Alright, I don’t want to hear any more of that kind of talk,” Colette Singer said sharply, his eyes showing a hint of displeasure. “Remember, this film comes recommended by George Lucas. Unless we get approval from the board, no one is to act recklessly.”
“As for the distribution terms, I will discuss them with the higher-ups personally.”
With that, Colette Singer stood up and left the meeting room.
For the sake of one film, risking George Lucas’s displeasure, the company executives would undoubtedly remove him to placate Lucas’s anger.
In the following days, Ryan stayed home working on a new script while Helen continued negotiating with 20th Century Fox.
For Ryan, “The Blair Witch Project” was just the beginning; he had more plans ahead.
For Helen, this film was a turning point. If it succeeded at the box office, she would have a slightly famous director and three somewhat notable actors under her wing. This would open new doors for her and her agency in Hollywood.
“Helen, you should know that our offer of ninety thousand dollars to buy the full rights to this film is already very generous,” Colette Singer said, looking at Helen. Despite her beauty rivaling that of Hollywood actresses, he only felt a headache.
After three days of negotiations, he had raised the offer from eighty to ninety thousand dollars. But the persistent demands for profit sharing from this beautiful agent left him at a loss.
Helen’s expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent.
“The buyout price can stay as it is. My only demand is a certain share of the box office profits.”
“That’s impossible,” Colette Singer rejected outright.
Helen’s attitude left Colette Singer feeling helpless. He sighed, “Helen, you should know that according to Hollywood’s distribution rules, the producer and director’s profit share is included in the buyout fee.”
“Apart from the standard shares stipulated by the Producers Guild and Directors Guild, we won’t agree to any additional profit-sharing terms.”
“Of course, if you have other reasonable requests, you can bring them up.”
According to the agreements signed by the Producers Guild and Directors Guild with Hollywood’s major studios, members are entitled to a certain percentage of box office and home video revenues. The amount, however, is not substantial.
Even agreeing to the guild-mandated shares was a significant concession. For most, even that wouldn’t be granted.
“Ryan is neither a member of the Producers Guild nor the Directors Guild,” Helen said, frowning. “Perhaps we could agree on a tiered profit-sharing agreement. If ‘The Blair Witch Project’ reaches a certain box office threshold in North America, it automatically triggers a percentage share of the profits.”
Colette Singer shook his head. “Helen, I’m afraid I have to apologize. The higher-ups at 20th Century Fox will never agree to such terms.”
Helen remained silent, showing no signs of urgency.
Instead, Colette Singer felt a growing unease. He had to dispel her notions of profit sharing.
“I’ll say it again. No distribution company in Hollywood will agree to this.”
“No matter how outstanding the marketing plan, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a film by a novice director with a meager budget.”
“I estimate this film’s budget didn’t exceed a hundred thousand dollars. But 20th Century Fox will have to spend a significant amount on marketing and prints, running into millions, not to mention the buyout fee.”
“That’s why we reject the idea of profit sharing. Unless you can cover all distribution costs, including prints, then I can try to get the board to agree to a profit-sharing agreement.”
“Even though we both know the board won’t approve it.”
Helen wouldn’t agree to cover all distribution and print costs.
Distribution expenses often have hidden costs. Many films end up in the red after release, leaving the producers with nothing.
Helen calmly said, “If 20th Century Fox can’t agree to tiered profit sharing, then I’m afraid I must decline.”
She stood up. “I have a meeting with Paramount’s distribution head later.”
If 20th Century Fox executives were eager for George Lucas to reboot the “Star Wars” series, Paramount was just as keen to discuss reviving the Indiana Jones franchise.
George Lucas’s relationship with Paramount was as strong as with 20th Century Fox.
Paramount!
Colette Singer’s expression changed. He knew very well the formidable competition from Paramount. If they got involved, things would become complicated.
Even though he knew Helen’s mention of Paramount was a negotiation tactic, he couldn’t help but try to persuade her.
“Helen, please wait.”
He hurried to stop her, taking a deep breath. “I’ll need to discuss the tiered profit sharing with the higher-ups.”
“Give me a day.”
Helen smiled elegantly. “I’m sure 20th Century Fox will make the right decision.”
“I hope so,” Colette Singer said weakly.
If it weren’t for Helen’s extraordinary connection with George Lucas, he would have firmly rejected her demands long ago.
Even facing Paramount, as a member of 20th Century Fox, he wouldn’t back down.
But the thought of Lucas’s close ties with Paramount gave him a headache. If Paramount got involved, it wouldn’t be good news for him.