“Pleasure doing business!”
“Pleasure doing business!”
In a meeting room at the 20th Century Fox building, Ryan, Helen, and the representatives from 20th Century Fox signed the contract under the witness of their lawyers.
The representative from 20th Century Fox took the film reel copy of “The Blair Witch Project” from Helen, officially completing the handover.
From this moment, apart from the North American box office tiered share, Ryan had no connection to “The Blair Witch Project.” He even requested that 20th Century Fox not disclose his name in the credits as producer, director, writer, or investor. After all, he wasn’t a union member.
After several days of negotiations, 20th Century Fox finally secured the full rights to “The Blair Witch Project.” As for the $50 million box office tiered share, no one paid it any mind. According to the estimates from 20th Century Fox’s distribution department, the film’s total box office should be between $30 million and $40 million, making it almost impossible to reach $50 million.
Of course, if the box office did exceed $50 million, even though they’d have to pay a significant sum, 20th Century Fox would still be the happiest. Simply put, the higher the box office, the greater the profit for 20th Century Fox. Whether it’s for home video rights or television premiere rights, the final price is closely tied to the box office revenue.
Collette Singer smiled and, before leaving, took a moment to speak with Ryan.
“If you need a distribution company for your next film, feel free to call me. 20th Century Fox will always be your best choice.”
No matter the quality of the film, the promotional plan alone was enough to look forward to his next project.
“I hope to continue working with 20th Century Fox as well,” Ryan replied, not rejecting the goodwill from a 20th Century Fox distribution department executive. Besides, when “The Blair Witch Project” is released and achieves an unbelievable box office success, it will surely attract the attention of the higher-ups at 20th Century Fox. It’s foreseeable that his next film will likely involve 20th Century Fox again.
The two didn’t talk for long before Ryan and Helen left the 20th Century Fox building.
As soon as they stepped out, Ryan exhaled a breath of relief. Carrying a debt of over $40,000 was not an easy burden.
The entire investment for the film was personally loaned to him by Helen. During this period, Ryan had also borrowed some living expenses, totaling around $40,000 to $50,000.
In 1994, $40,000 to $50,000 was no small amount.
Fortunately, the rights to “The Blair Witch Project” were sold for $80,000. Even without considering the future box office tiered share, it was enough for him to prepare for his next film.
“Helen, even though I don’t want to say it, I have to thank you.”
Looking at Helen in the driver’s seat, Ryan couldn’t help but express his gratitude.
Comparing his past and present experiences, he knew very well how difficult it was to find a distribution company. Without Helen’s connections, 20th Century Fox wouldn’t have even bothered to look at it. He would have had to take the film reel and wander aimlessly from one distribution company to another, or try his luck at various film festivals. Even if luck was on his side and someone offered to buy the rights, it certainly wouldn’t be for $80,000, let alone with a box office tiered share.
“Instead of thanking me, you should seriously think about your next film.”
Helen couldn’t help but remind him, “I suggest you wait for this film to be released and achieve good box office results. Then, you can easily contact some small production companies for investment or look for investors.”
In Hollywood, using your own money to make a film is very foolish. Any director with a bit of sense wouldn’t do that.
“I think self-investment is great. At least no one in the crew will boss me around.”
Ryan didn’t mind this at all. Besides, instead of humbling himself to find investors, it was easier to use his own money. It’s convenient, and he could maintain control over the crew. In his previous life, he hated investors meddling in the production, or actors who brought their own funds and had to be treated like royalty.
Moreover, why look for investors when he knew the film would be a box office hit?
Helen seemed to have anticipated his response. “Since you insist on self-investment, it’s best to register a small studio. It’s not only convenient for investment but also offers some tax benefits.”
There are many taxes in the US, but there are also numerous tax incentives. Most Americans don’t even understand them, and Ryan was completely clueless.
“Okay.”
“But as you know, I don’t have a private lawyer or accountant, and I haven’t even hired an assistant yet. So, I’ll have to trouble you, dear Helen.” Ryan candidly pushed the responsibility of registering the studio to Helen.
It wasn’t that he was lazy, but as he said, he didn’t understand these trivial matters. So, instead of running around aimlessly, it was better to leave it to Helen. After all, that’s what agents are for.
Helen gave him a bland look without saying anything, indicating her acceptance. She understood that Ryan had been busy revising his new script and didn’t have time for these tasks. Besides, the lawyers at the signing ceremony were her private lawyers, making it clear that letting him handle the studio registration was a bit unrealistic.
“I’ll find a registration company to take care of it,” Helen said as she drove towards Stardust Agency.
In the US, registering a studio is very simple. Many registration companies specialize in this, even helping you choose the company address. For instance, in low-tax states like Delaware or sharing an office with several companies, along with the same receptionist, all for a minimal shared rent.
As time passed, the excitement on Ryan’s face gradually faded. In reality, he had nothing to be excited about. The buyout money wouldn’t arrive until mid-April, and the box office tiered share would have to wait until the film’s release.
So, he was still penniless, with only a few hundred dollars left in his account, borrowed from Helen.
“How about celebrating tonight?”
“Maybe a nice dinner.”
Since unexpectedly coming to the US, Ryan had endured a lot. His meals consisted of hot dogs, bread, pizza, and sausages, with the occasional cheap steak. He had had enough of it.
“I heard there’s a great Chinese restaurant near Beverly Hills. Maybe we can have a feast,” Ryan suggested with a hint of longing in his voice.
“You mean Mr. Chow’s restaurant?”
“I’ve been there once. The food is indeed good.”
“But!”
Helen paused, unsure. “Do you have the money to pay the bill?”
She doubted it. She knew Ryan’s financial situation very well. Before the buyout money came in, he couldn’t afford an expensive Chinese meal.
Chinese food in the US is synonymous with mid-to-high-end restaurants. Moreover, a restaurant in Beverly Hills wouldn’t be cheap.
“You pay, I’ll treat.”
“At worst, I’ll consider it a loan,” Ryan said nonchalantly.
Compared to the large sum soon to be deposited, an expensive Chinese meal was just a small expense.