Victor couldn't help but feel puzzled, this decision was too weird!
In today's Hollywood's view, "Titanic" is a huge scam, a money-losing product that is even more deceptive than "Waterworld".
As for the cinema chains, if they were not one of the six major Hollywood studios, they would not be willing to schedule so many screenings.
20th Century Fox and Paramount, as the investors and producers of the film, themselves were not optimistic about the prospects of Titanic.
I want to sell it, but the price is too high and no one is willing to take it over.
As early as the beginning of August, Paramount had already announced that it was willing to sell its investment in Titanic, with Time Warner being the only film studio interested. Paramount and 20th Century Fox jointly offered $550 million to sell the entire film.
This price directly scared away the representatives of Time Warner.
The Warner representative was shocked and said, "Are you crazy? You think we're being taken advantage of! Forget $550 million, even $200 million, we don't want it. Whoever wants it can take it!"
The screening is over!
Except for the theatre chains that signed the release agreement, most of the other film critics and guests left.
Well, Kyle and Victor stayed.
"Victor, what are you standing there for?"
"Hey man, stop looking at me like I'm an idiot, okay?"
"I'm not kidding, I think Titanic has the possibility of becoming a huge success, believe me!"
"How much money did you say? That's not a problem. You know, I made a lot of money in the foreign exchange market a while ago. Well, go talk to Paramount and 20th Century Fox."
"You mean me? Of course, I'll go talk to Director Cameron."
Kyle immediately urged Victor.
After all, that was Titanic, which grossed over $1.8 billion worldwide! It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and if you could get involved, you'd make a killing.
....
A conference room at 20th Century Fox.
"What?!"
A Paramount executive looked at Victor in disbelief. "You said that Page Films is willing to co-distribute Titanic with us?"
An executive from 20th Century Fox also frowned and said, "Victor, are you sure you're not kidding?"
For a moment, all the executives from both sides present looked at Victor in confusion.
Victor affirmed, "Yes, that's what I mean. We at Page Pictures can even spend money to buy out some of your investment shares."
As soon as the words fell, everyone present immediately showed a look of joy. Of course, they were all old foxes, so this expression was almost fleeting.
Are they willing to sell their investment shares?
certCertainlyf you don't sell it now, are you waiting to lose money?!
"Victor, I need to report this issue to my superiors. You need to wait." An executive said in a deep voice.
"I see."
Victor responded and was politely escorted out of the meeting room.
....
That afternoon.
Almost immediately after Kyle and Victor left, the head of the Titanic project team reported Victor's trade application to the senior management of 20th Century Fox and Paramount, asking them to make the decision.
After all, this is a transaction involving tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars.
20th Century Fox Film Corporation.
CEO Bill McNicholl, President Tom Rothman, COO Jack, Head of Production Giannopoulos, and Production Manager and Titanic Producer Grant Hill.
The five of them gathered together to discuss what Victor had said.
"Everyone, please share your opinions." CEO Bill McNicholl broke the silence first.
Chief Operating Officer Jack said, "I think it's acceptable. After all, the forecast for the Titanic isn't very good. If we can stop the loss in time, it wouldn't be a bad idea."
Production director Gianopoulos echoed, "I agree. The Titanic project has been delayed for four years. We can't go on like this. Otherwise, how can we face the board of directors and how can we explain this to Chairman Murdoch?"
The two of them, along with President Tom Rothman, were in league with CEO Bill McNicholl.
President Tom Rossman was very dissatisfied with CEO Bill and dreamed of getting rid of him and taking over himself.
The "Titanic" project was the result of the sole leadership of CEO Bill. Tom was more than happy to be given the responsibility.
CEO Bill is very unwilling at this moment!
He didn't want to sell the project just like that.
Because once he makes such a decision, no matter what the final result of the movie is, he will be impeached by the board of directors and may even be forced to step down.
But now, Tom and others are forcing him to make a decision!
He gave in!
"Okay, I agree to sell our investment shares, but I agree to sell all of them. I can only sell a portion of them. Otherwise, won't all our efforts over the past few years be wasted?!"
CEO Bill almost shouted these words.
Hearing this, President Tom was delighted: "As long as you agree. Regardless of our relationship, we are united in safeguarding the interests of the company."
"My opinion is very clear. I also believe that only a portion of the investment shares should be sold. Otherwise, if the movie becomes a hit, of course, the probability of such an event happening is extremely small, but we cannot turn a blind eye to it."
"Stop loss doesn't mean we give up completely!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present nodded in agreement.
...
Paramount Pictures.
"Sell? Why not?"
Paramount Pictures President Sherry Lansing addressed the crowd, "Gentlemen, remember this. We've already been delayed for several years on this project, and it's a full $75 million. Do we need to spend tens of millions more on publicity?"
"So, I think it's okay to sell!"
"Of course, Kyle Page isn't a fool. Judging from experience, I can't deny that he's always had good luck, but he's also quite cunning. Since he's willing to place such a big bet, maybe Titanic will be a box office hit."
"So, even if we sell our investment shares, we can't sell them all. We must keep some of them."
Shirley Lansing said in a deep voice, "Besides, if he wants to buy it, he has to pay a high price! We at Paramount don't take advantage so easily!"
As soon as the words fell, a group of Paramount executives nodded. Then the majority of them agreed on this statement.
As for the joint distribution issue mentioned by Victor, they avoided it intentionally or unintentionally.
Want a joint release?
dreaDreamou know, compared to the cost of investing real money in production costs, there is a lot of water in the distribution process.
The company announced that the publicity and promotion costs were 20 million, but in fact, all of the costs were managed and absorbed by the media of internal subsidiaries.
Well, it's a left-hand-right-hand operation;
In the final external expenditure may be only 5 million US dollars
Therefore, neither Paramount nor Fox would agree to co-distribute with World Films.
As for Kyle, in the impression of both parties, he has become a synonym for a stupid person with a lot of money.