However, Helen brought back a very unexpected piece of news.
“Have you heard of Fox Searchlight Pictures and Nancy Uttley?”
Regarding the outcome of the discussion with Collette Singh, Helen didn’t mention anything, but instead mentioned a very surprising name.
Fox Searchlight Pictures!
Nancy Uttley!
When Ryan suddenly heard this very familiar name, he couldn’t help but pause for a moment, then blurted out, “That’s the distribution company 20th Century Fox is preparing to establish!”
Speaking of Fox Searchlight Pictures, in the independent film circle in Hollywood, it was like a giant, just like Miramax Films, both were well-known Oscar pushers.
However, Fox Searchlight Pictures had always been slightly inferior to Miramax Films.
Helen looked at Ryan in surprise, unexpectedly, he had heard of Fox Searchlight Pictures. “That’s right, Fox Searchlight Pictures is being pushed by the newly appointed CEO of 20th Century Fox. It’s specifically for distributing independent films, but it hasn’t been officially launched yet.”
“Nancy Uttley is one of the appointed co-presidents. She wants to take a look at ‘Saw.'”
Not only has it not been officially launched, but it should be said that the framework of Fox Searchlight Pictures has not been officially established yet, and it wasn’t until 1996 that it was officially launched.
However, in the previous life, Fox Searchlight Pictures had already released a film in 1995, as for whether it relied on the distribution channels of 20th Century Fox, that was unknown.
Take a look at ‘Saw’!
Ryan didn’t hesitate at all, immediately agreeing. He had heard some things about Nancy Uttley, a rare female figure in Hollywood.
Even though Fox Searchlight Pictures hadn’t been officially established yet, it still had the support of the newly appointed CEO of 20th Century Fox, with influence even greater than Collette Singh.
Only Sophia was a bit bewildered, not clear about the specific situation of Fox Searchlight Pictures mentioned by the two.
The three of them left the 20th Century Fox headquarters and arrived at a small indoor screening room. After not much time passed, they saw Nancy Uttley, one of the co-presidents of Fox Searchlight Pictures.
“Hello, Mr. Ryan, I’ve been amazed at the box office success of ‘The Blair Witch Project’ for a long time,” Nancy Uttley greeted Ryan with a hug, her tone very polite.
The purpose of establishing Fox Searchlight Pictures was to distribute independent films, so she was very clear that for a film with an investment of only tens of thousands of dollars to achieve such dazzling results, it was simply a miracle.
Now, the young director who created this miracle was standing in front of her, naturally very polite.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have contacted Helen privately as soon as she got the news.
You know, once this matter was leaked out, it would surely cause controversy within 20th Century Fox.
“Hello, Ms. Nancy.”
Ryan pointed to the copy in Sophia’s arms and said, “Do you want to take a look at this film?”
Nancy Uttley glanced slightly surprised at Sophia, the daughter of the famous director Coppola, she naturally had heard of her, just didn’t expect to meet her here.
“I heard it’s an unexpected horror film. If possible, I would like to take a look.”
Ryan shrugged, “Of course.”
For a moment, Sophia once again acted as the projectionist.
As “Saw” began to play, the plot of the film gradually unfolded. Nancy Uttley couldn’t help but glance at Ryan. Sure enough, he was not without reason, worthy of being the one chosen by Collette Singh.
It was said that his last blockbuster was recommended to 20th Century Fox by George Lucas, obviously having impressive connections.
Time quickly passed, and “Saw” slowly finished screening.
Nancy Uttley took a deep breath and said, “Director Ryan, I have a very bold request, please consider it.”
“How about handing this film over to Fox Searchlight Pictures for distribution?”
Ryan shook his head, “As far as I know, Fox Searchlight Pictures has not released any films yet, and hasn’t even been officially launched.”
“Moreover, Helen has already discussed with the distribution department of 20th Century Fox.”
These were all facts, and Nancy Uttley couldn’t argue with them.
But she wouldn’t give up just like that. If this film “Saw” was only a matter of interest to the distribution department of 20th Century Fox.
Then for Fox Searchlight Pictures, which hadn’t officially opened for business yet, it was completely a start, completely opening up the situation in Hollywood, and even being able to open for business early, not just about profit.
“The distribution department of 20th Century Fox will not agree to sign a profit-sharing distribution agreement, but Fox Searchlight Pictures can sign a very favorable profit-sharing distribution agreement, with distribution fees not exceeding twenty-five percent.”
“As for 20th Century Fox, you don’t have to worry. Fox Searchlight Pictures is being personally promoted by Mr. Tom Rothman, the new CEO of 20th Century Fox, and can fully leverage the distribution channels of 20th Century Fox.”
Nancy Uttley spoke very candidly. Fox Searchlight Pictures had not yet been launched, and hadn’t released any films.
But as the parent company, 20th Century Fox had the ability and channels, and had the support of the newly appointed CEO, Tom Rothman.
In fact, there was one more thing she didn’t say. Just appointed Tom Rothman wanted to immediately make some achievements to deal with opposition from the board of directors.
“Even, we can strive to have the film released at the end of the summer.”
“If you agree, I can call Mr. Tom Rothman now to get his support.”
It was already May now, and the screens for the summer season were already full. Even at the end of the summer season, it was the same.
However, theater companies’ screening plans were not set in stone, almost every theater company would reserve some screens to deal with exceptional circumstances, and it was completely possible to squeeze out some for “Saw.”
Profit-sharing distribution!
Distribution fees not exceeding twenty-five percent!
These favorable conditions were unbelievable.
The only worry was that Fox Searchlight Pictures was currently just an empty shell company, having not yet released any films.
Ryan couldn’t help but look at Helen. Seeing her nodding gently, he finally agreed.
“It’s hard to refuse such conditions.”
“But, the details need to be discussed with my agent, Helen.”
The profit-sharing distribution agreement for a film was not as simple as buying the rights outright, there were many aspects to consider.
Such as labor costs, venue fees, transportation costs, insurance costs, and so on, all needed to be negotiated one by one.
And the most important point, whether the costs generated by publicity were included in the distribution fees or not.
This was also crucial.
Upon hearing this, Nancy Uttley couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, “Wait a moment, I need to make a call to Mr. Tom Rothman.”
After speaking, she immediately stood up and walked outside, seeming a bit hurried.
About five or six minutes later, Nancy Uttley returned with a smile on her face and said, “Director Ryan, it’s a pleasure to collaborate with you.”
“Mr. Tom Rothman has agreed, and he will personally persuade other senior executives at 20th Century Fox to facilitate this collaboration.”
Without the support of 20th Century Fox’s channels, with Fox Searchlight Pictures’ current capabilities, there was no way to release a film.
“Pleasure to collaborate.” Ryan also breathed a sigh of relief.
With the support of 20th Century Fox CEO Tom Rothman, Fox Searchlight Pictures definitely had the ability to release a horror film.