"Who's the most profitable person in North America?"
This bold headline graced the cover of the latest Forbes issue, accompanied by a striking portrait of Matthew.
Inside, the article expanded on the cover feature, declaring, "Who is the most profitable person in North America? Answers may vary—some might say Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Steve Jobs, or Warren Buffett. But in April and May, the answer is clear: Matthew Horner!"
"Matthew Horner's investment in The Hunger Games has yielded $380.61 million in North American box office earnings in just one month, with a global total approaching $600 million. Astoundingly, the film has also generated $120 million in revenue through merchandise and licensing, a figure that continues to grow."
"In early May, The Avengers, with Matthew Horner holding a 40% stake, hit theaters, shattering box office records. In just three weeks, it grossed over $450 million domestically and $1 billion globally. Merchandise sales alone in North America have already exceeded $250 million."
"Wall Street analysts predict Matthew Horner's earnings from these two films could surpass $300 million!"
Box office success and revenue are always welcome, but they come with their share of complications.
"We don't need to worry much about The Avengers," Helen Herman advised in Angel Agency's office. "Disney and Marvel Studios have that under control. We just need to monitor finances closely and stay out of the other aspects. But The Hunger Games already has a slew of issues to resolve, or it could impact the sequel's production."
Matthew nodded thoughtfully.
Helen continued, "I'll handle casting for new actors, but Bella Anderson will need to negotiate with the director and cast for pay raises."
"Bella's already working on that," Matthew confirmed.
With the success of The Hunger Games, it was inevitable that the director, Patty Jenkins, and lead actress Jennifer Lawrence would request salary increases.
"Be mindful of Suzanne Collins as well," Helen added.
Matthew nodded. "You'll handle the discussions with Suzanne Collins."
Collins had recently started making public comments, possibly due to encouragement from her agent or others, as the film's impressive profits sparked envy.
The original buyout agreement aside, Collins and her associates weren't going to sit by quietly, especially with millions of dollars at stake.
Naturally, actors like Nina Dobrev, Lily Collins, and Jennifer Lawrence were also keen to negotiate for a fair share in the sequels. Friendships aside, they wouldn't just forfeit what they could gain.
Movies with weak box office returns are worrisome, but even highly successful ones bring their own issues. Films are collaborative projects, and in Hollywood, a highly individualistic industry, it would be foolish to expect anyone to work without seeking compensation.
Every investor or producer must set aside a portion of the profits to share with the creative team.
After leaving Angel Agency, Matthew stopped by Disney Studios, where The Martian crew was nearly ready. They would soon charter a flight to Queensland, Australia, with director Ridley Scott and his team already on location.
Then, he visited the crew for Fast & Furious 6, who had reassembled at Disney Studios. Due to Matthew's schedule, production wouldn't start until The Martian wrapped up. This time, the car-racing crew was headed to London.
Matthew had a brief meeting with Justin Lin, the director, who, along with the crew, was well-prepared for their third Fast & Furious installment. The biggest challenge lay in working with the London government. While they'd granted permission to film on the streets, the crew's schedule had to align with City Hall's timing.
Shooting on location in a bustling city like London is never easy.
Matthew also met with Jason Statham, who was helping cast a powerful villain team for the film. Before leaving, Matthew asked Justin Lin and screenwriter Chris Morgan to add in a few brief scenes hinting at Statham's character's sister—just a few shots to introduce the idea that the main villain of the sixth movie has a powerful sibling.
And he requested a post-credits scene à la Marvel, setting up Charlize Theron's character.
As the sun dipped toward the ocean, Matthew finally left Disney Studios, ready to head home.
Just after his car left Burbank, Taylor Swift called him.
"Hey, Matthew." Taylor's voice sounded tired. "I'm performing in San Francisco this weekend. Can you come and cheer me on?"
Matthew thought about his schedule and replied, "I've already got plans this weekend."
He had, in fact, arranged to go to a shooting club with Margot Robbie. Progress had been slow with Margot, but shooting was one of the few hobbies they shared. Torn between the excitement of a new pursuit and the nostalgia of familiar pastimes, Matthew had gone with the thrill of something new.
Taylor sounded disappointed. "I was hoping you'd make it."
She hadn't mentioned the "boyfriend-girlfriend" thing she'd playfully suggested last time they'd met.
"Aren't your concerts still going?" Matthew asked with a smile. "There'll be another chance."
Taylor responded, "True. How about next weekend? I'll be in LA for a few days. I'm planning a party with friends—would you like to come?"
At the mention of Taylor's squad, images of Selena Gomez, Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, Poppy Delevingne, Martha Hunt, and Lily Donaldson flashed through Matthew's mind.
"Sure," he agreed.
He was going to the party to celebrate Taylor's tour success, not because of her friends.
Such a respectable man as himself wouldn't think about such things.
Come to think of it, should he challenge them to a drinking contest? In Rio, it was a group of supermodels, drunk, that led to an unforgettable night…
Alcohol can be quite the elixir.
"We're all set then!" Taylor said cheerfully. "I'll text you the time and location. Don't bail!"
"I'll be there," Matthew promised.
Shortly after they hung up, he received a message with the party details. He should be able to make it.
Even if he couldn't, he'd make time.
Stowing his phone, Matthew thought of something else: Would Taylor's squad grow even larger in the future?
He'd done some research and found that, compared to other music stars of similar standing, Taylor's fame was unmatched. The quality of her music aside, Taylor and her team had an impressive ability to generate publicity, using tactics like feuds with Katy Perry and creating a squad of close friends to keep the spotlight on her.
Having tasted success, she'd want more of it. No doubt, Taylor would continue to expand her squad.
Her current lineup already followed a distinct pattern: mostly tall, beautiful young models.
According to Taylor, many of her friends were on track to become Victoria's Secret Angels in the next two or three years.
Taylor had a keen eye for picking friends.
Matthew nodded to himself—he'd have to make a point of attending more of Taylor's parties.
The only downside was that Taylor, being such a busy pop star, was constantly on the go, so these gatherings wouldn't be frequent.
"One. Night. In. Rio!" Matthew sang off-key, remembering, "I left so much behind…"
That night in Rio had been exhausting. He rarely found himself that physically spent, but it was a fond memory.
How many moments like that can one have in life? Every one of them should be savored and seized.
The next morning, Matthew received an official invitation from Taylor Swift herself, required for entry to the party.
Studying it, he was in a good mood when suddenly, a knock came at his office door.
"Come in."
An assistant entered. "Jonathan Nolan is here to see you."
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]