“Script?”
Helen frowned, flipping through the thin stack of pages. After skimming through it in a few minutes, she glanced at the budget.
“No production company or investor would invest in such a script.”
“Even a bank’s credit loan wouldn’t pass the review.”
Although she had never been a producer or director, she could tell that this script was too ordinary, probably not much better than the experimental short film.
Three film students go to a small town to investigate local witch legends, planning to make a documentary, but they mysteriously disappear soon after.
Such a boring story would attract no one’s interest, and given the pitiful budget, the film’s quality would be predictable.
Only a novice director would write such a dull script.
Even if it were shot, it would end up like many experimental films, directly released on VHS, if it even got that far.
“Hollywood may have many financing channels, but those are for big companies, and you’re clearly not in that league.”
“Besides, this script holds no value in my eyes.”
Helen stared at the script on the desk, seeming to consider for a moment, but ultimately shook her head.
Ryan was prepared for Helen’s reaction. “The Blair Witch Project” was never about winning through its plot or the film itself.
“Maybe this can change your mind.”
As he spoke, Ryan placed another document, a marketing plan, in front of Helen.
If the bank loan process wasn’t so cumbersome, he wouldn’t have brought the marketing plan to try and persuade Helen.
A film marketing plan!
The words on the folder made Helen frown, feeling reluctant to waste more time, but she opened it and started reading.
However, the content inside stunned her. Just the introduction was enough to captivate her.
Such a unique marketing strategy, dazzling like a meteor, seemed incredibly imaginative and hard to believe.
This kind of marketing had never been seen in Hollywood.
In fact, this film marketing plan appeared to create a new marketing model in Hollywood.
Helen felt that using such a perfect marketing plan for this film was almost a waste.
With mixed feelings, Helen finished reading the plan and remained silent for a while before speaking.
“A very crazy marketing strategy, but it has some feasibility. However!”
“However, such a marketing approach will surely spark a social uproar. Once the truth is revealed, you will face countless angry media and fans who will tear you apart.”
Ryan smiled, unconcerned. “Infamy can be a form of fame too.”
“Besides, I never planned to sign my name. I’m not a member of the Directors Guild anyway.”
“And it shows that my marketing plan is very successful, doesn’t it?”
Such infamy wasn’t something he could bear at the moment.
Helen took a deep breath. “It’s quite impressive.”
“But this kind of marketing could harm the distribution company’s reputation, and the film’s future distribution might be problematic.”
Ryan shrugged. “I doubt anyone would refuse easy money.”
Hollywood’s distribution companies had no bottom line, with endless marketing gimmicks.
Even if he lowered the bar significantly, it wouldn’t matter. The distribution companies would appreciate it rather than reject it.
“Helen, don’t you know a small distribution company?”
For a large distribution company, it might be a consideration, but a small one wouldn’t care.
“And you could always register a new distribution company to face the media and fans’ reactions.”
In his past life, Artisan Entertainment, which distributed “The Blair Witch Project,” pushed the director and actors forward to face the media and fans’ outrage while it stayed hidden in the background, avoiding negative impacts.
He wouldn’t use this method. To quell the media and fans’ anger in the future, he would have to push the distribution company or the film’s lead actors forward.
“You’re quite thorough.”
Helen nodded. A newly registered distribution company was indeed a perfect shield.
But all this was just talk for now.
“It looks like we need to sign a formal agent contract.” Helen understood that for distribution companies, the most important thing was profit, not reputation. As long as there were enough profits, these issues wouldn’t matter.
Most temporary actors or crew workers didn’t need formal agent contracts. For them, agents usually acted as intermediaries rather than real agents.
Only actors with real potential would be signed by agents, who would use their connections and resources to nurture them.
At this moment, Helen saw potential in Ryan.
Never underestimate the value of a director, especially for an agent. Directors often have more value than actors of the same level.
“I’ve been ready for this,” Ryan said, not hesitating. He had already received the termination request from his previous agent and signed it without delay.
“But about the bank loan…”
Before he could finish, Helen refused the idea of a bank loan. “Bank loan procedures are cumbersome and wouldn’t benefit this film.”
“Besides, forty thousand dollars isn’t a lot. I can lend it to you privately for now.”
“The Blair Witch Project” required secrecy for its marketing plan, and the bank’s loan approval process wouldn’t help with that.
“But I have one condition.”
“The main actors in the film need to be chosen from the actors under Starry Sky Agency.”
As Ryan often said in his past life, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Helen wouldn’t miss such an opportunity to gain fame, even if it meant infamy.
“No problem.”
Ryan agreed without hesitation. The main characters in the film didn’t need great acting skills, just youth.
“But they must sign a confidentiality agreement, and before the film’s release, they can’t appear before the media or fans.”
“It’s best if they travel to some African country for a while.”
Helen didn’t refuse. She would have done the same even if Ryan hadn’t mentioned it.
Helen then printed out an agent contract and had Ryan sign it.
They discussed various important aspects of the film’s distribution and marketing.
Ryan wasn’t familiar with Hollywood’s processes, so he needed Helen’s help with many details.
“The distribution company is key to the film’s success, so we must choose a suitable one.”
“You also need to be mentally prepared. Even with a perfect marketing plan, the distribution company might not offer a high price.”
Helen felt the need to remind him not to overestimate the generosity of distribution companies.
“Even the company I mentioned won’t be an exception.”
All Hollywood film companies, distribution companies, theaters, producers, directors, investors, etc., prioritized profit above all else.
Facing a second film by a recently graduated USC film student, even with a nearly perfect marketing plan, they wouldn’t offer a high price.
In Hollywood, distribution companies held the ultimate power.
“I’ve already seen how stingy distribution companies can be.”
Ryan made a helpless gesture, then looked at Helen with curiosity. “Which distribution company are you referring to?”
Helen took a sip of coffee and casually said, “20th Century Fox.”
“My parents have some connections with George Lucas. I can ask him to recommend us to the 20th Century Fox distribution department.”
Ryan looked at Helen in shock, blurting out, “Star Wars!”
George Lucas!
The father of Star Wars, one of Hollywood’s top directors, founder of Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and former owner of Pixar Animation Studios, among other titles.
George Lucas was a household name in America, with an influence far beyond imagination, and he had excellent working relationships with both 20th Century Fox and Paramount.
Hollywood rumors had it that George Lucas was planning to reboot the Star Wars series, making numerous distribution companies eagerly await.
With George Lucas’s recommendation, as long as the film wasn’t too terrible, 20th Century Fox would definitely agree to distribute it.
“I believe there’s only one George Lucas in Hollywood,” Helen said softly.
“20th Century Fox!”
“That’s the small distribution company you mentioned!”
Ryan mumbled to himself, then his eyes lit up as he stared at Helen, practically leaning over with a big, bright smile.
“Dear Helen, could you help introduce me to the famous George Lucas?”
“He’s the pride of USC.”
Helen glanced at him lightly and said nothing.