[Author's Note: The discount will last until January 22.]
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Behind The Spotlight Chapter 201
"Looks like we won't reach an agreement today," Henry said with visible frustration.
"And whose fault is that?" Arnold replied shamelessly.
"I mean, you never agreed to our conditions," Collin added.
Henry scoffed. Of course he wouldn't agree, especially when he was being tag-teamed by two shameless people who had clearly coordinated their negotiation to pressure him.
"What you want is impossible. I can't agree, no, the studio will never agree. The best I can offer is $15 million, but no box office share. It doesn't matter if it's only the North American box office or worldwide. I will not agree," Henry emphasized each word carefully.
"What you want is also impossible. My client, Brody Paige, can easily find another project that pays better. He's famous for his strong box office appeal. And let me remind you, Uni-versus Pictures is the one insisting on casting Brody Paige because his role is essential," Arnold said, maintaining a professional smile.
Henry gritted his teeth when he heard that. Arnold was right. To ensure the sequel's success, the original cast had to be hired. The franchise relied heavily on audience familiarity. Otherwise, the movie had a strong chance of failing at the box office, and by then, it would be too late for Uni-versus Pictures to regret their decision.
Hiring the three original lead actors was the highest priority, aside from securing Wyatt Bray. Everyone in the studio understood this.
However, Henry would be shooting himself in the foot if he agreed to their conditions without lowering the salary.
The six major studios in Hollywood, also known as the Big Six, had been in the industry for decades. Their ability to survive despite fierce competition proved that they held that title for a reason.
In fact, spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a movie was well within their means, as long as the returns were guaranteed. Even giving box office shares to actors wasn't necessarily a problem. After all, box office profit was only one of many revenue streams in the industry.
To simplify things, a production studio could earn money through:
1.) Theatrical releases, including international releases, which often generated the most immediate revenue
2.) Home video and DVD sales, providing long-term income
3.) TV rights sold to networks and overseas broadcasters
4.) Merchandise and licensing
5.) Product placement
These five streams formed the backbone of the entertainment business. Especially for the Big Six, worldwide distribution networks gave them a massive advantage over smaller studios.
With this in mind, it was clear that Uni-versus Pictures wouldn't suffer much if they gave Brody and Axel box office shares. Of course, as the producer of Week On A Cruise Ship 2, Henry still had to prioritize the studio's interests.
"$15 million plus 10% worldwide box office for each actor? No fucking way. That's too evil, even the devil may cry."
"Say that again," Collin smirked.
"I'm not joking right now," Henry sighed.
'Seems like the Chairman was right. This negotiation is going to be tough. I've done my part, let the higher-ups handle this.'
Fortunately, this was still early in pre-production, so there was time to negotiate salaries.
...
...
...
Two days of constant negotiations passed, and Collin and Arnold never showed up alone. They were always together, determined to protect their conditions.
'If only one lead actor refuses, Uni-versus Pictures could salvage the situation by recasting. But if both lead actors refuse, the studio is in serious trouble. Without Brody and Axel, the movie is doomed. To protect ourselves, we must never negotiate with them alone,' Arnold thought.
On top of that, Brody and Axel had become the faces of the franchise now that they were famous. As for Cross Pinger, he was simply there and that was it.
If Uni-versus Pictures decided to move forward with only Cross Pinger as the lead, it would be a stupid decision.
'Either they agree to our conditions and cast both actors, or this movie fails,' Collin thought.
"Hey, aren't you going to apologize to your client?" Arnold asked.
"Which client are you talking about?" Collin replied.
"Wyatt Bray. If Axel and Brody aren't cast in the sequel, Wyatt will suffer the most. This is his movie, after all," Arnold stated.
"... I already talked to him about it," Collin answered briefly.
Arnold was right. Wyatt had already expressed his dissatisfaction and had called Collin regarding the production schedule of Week On A Cruise Ship 2. Collin had promised him that Axel would star in the sequel, he was just trying to secure more money for Axel and himself (a 6% commission).
"That's good to hear," Arnold nodded.
Arnold and Collin weren't stupid. Even though actors were famous, directors were always the decision-makers and the ones with long-term influence. They couldn't afford to offend them.
"It's only been two days anyway. The production isn't under immediate pressure. We can wait another week or two," Collin said confidently.
"If you say so."
That day, they returned to the Uni-versus Pictures building. They had been there three days in a row. After days of negotiation, Henry's highest offer increased to $18 million, higher than his initial proposal, in exchange for removing box office shares. It was a strategic compromise.
It looked good on paper, but Wyatt's filmography proved that box office shares were always the better option. Naturally, the two agents refused.
When they spoke to the receptionist, they were surprised to hear that the meeting would be held on the highest floor of the building.
Suddenly, Collin felt a sense of déjà vu. He recalled the time he met the Chairman of Uni-versus Pictures years ago to negotiate Wyatt Bray's salary.
"... Arnold, I think we're meeting the Chairman today," Collin muttered under his breath.
Collin felt a dangerous vibe from Noah Nash ever since their first meeting. The man was calculating and might resort to underhanded tactics.
"That fast? I thought it would take at least a week," Arnold frowned.
The two agents had already considered many scenarios when they devised this plan. One of those scenarios involved meeting Chairman Noah Nash.