Time truly flies! By the end of November, The Shallows had raked in over $40 million at the North American box office, reaching a total of $40.516 million.
The film's box office potential had mostly run its course, but this figure was more than enough to satisfy Universal Pictures, and it also put director Gilbert in the industry spotlight.
Gilbert later gave an exclusive interview to Sarah, a reporter from The Los Angeles Business Journal, where he shared some amusing anecdotes from his upbringing.
He also touched upon his "romance" with Gwyneth Paltrow and the inside scoop on their breakup.
Of course, all of that was pure fabrication.
However, Gilbert did reveal news of his new project in the interview, which immediately grabbed the attention of fans who had been following him since The Shallows.
In those days, online communication and chat weren't as developed. Most discussions were limited to face-to-face gatherings.
The scale of such discussions was small, making it difficult to create a buzz like in the later age of self-media.
Besides, at that time, directors mostly stayed behind the scenes; unless they were top-tier, they didn't usually get much media or public attention.
Relatively speaking, thanks to Steven Spielberg's patronage and the buzz from the Gwyneth Paltrow rumors, Gilbert received a good amount of attention.
But this attention wasn't long-lasting. As The Shallows' popularity in North America gradually faded, Gilbert also receded from the public eye.
Industry Buzz and Negotiations
Actually, for the industry, Gilbert's new work was still worth watching.
He already had one successful film under his belt, so there was no guarantee he wouldn't succeed a second time.
That's why Universal Pictures, as the investor and distributor of The Shallows, actively reached out to Gilbert. Gilbert, in turn, handed the negotiation work over to Sheena Boone.
"Our demands aren't excessive. Director and screenwriter Gilbert's fee is $1 million, which will be converted into an investment in the film, plus 10% of the box office revenue.
Director Gilbert will also serve as a producer on the film, and the final cut will primarily be based on his input."
Facing Universal Pictures executives, even Vice President Lou Wasserman, Sheena Boone, a young former CAA agent, spoke fluently and without a hint of nervousness.
As far back as The Shallows, Gilbert had proven how excellent his editing work was.
So, it was only natural for him to request primary editing rights this time.
What Universal Pictures found hard to swallow, however, were the high fees and the box office percentage.
"Ms. Boone, we at Universal Pictures are very optimistic about the Final Destination project, and we also know Director Gilbert's capabilities.
However, this fee and percentage are quite high. It's very difficult for us to agree to that, let alone convert the fee into an investment," Vice President Lou Wasserman said with a frown.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please consider that The Shallows has already made over $40 million in North America.
To my knowledge, the film has also performed well overseas, bringing in over $30 million so far.
Moreover, the film is still gradually rolling out in major markets worldwide, and this is far from its final destination.
In other words, this means The Shallows is very likely to break $100 million globally. For a directorial debut to break $100 million... I'm sure you all know what that signifies."
Sheena Boone spoke passionately in the Universal Pictures conference room, like an inspiring orator, loudly urging Universal Pictures to recognize Gilbert's value.
This tactic proved effective. In the face of undeniable facts, Universal Pictures' executives had to take it seriously.
It wasn't that Gilbert's past achievements were so outstanding; after all, only one film had been a hit, so who knew if it was just a flash in the pan.
But The Shallows, combined with the Final Destination script submitted this time, was enough to make Universal Pictures pay attention to Gilbert's potential.
Lou Wasserman spoke up, "Ms. Boone, Universal Pictures certainly values collaborating with Director Gilbert.
However, when it comes to investments of tens of millions of dollars, we have to be cautious."
The Dance of Negotiation
Sheena Boone reined in her aggressive stance, instantly shifting to a soft, gentle tone: "I, of course, understand how Universal Pictures operates.
I just hope everyone understands that Director Gilbert is looking forward to working with Universal Pictures again, especially since the last collaboration was so pleasant."
Whether it was pleasant or not is debatable, but Sheena Boone certainly demonstrated the excellent professionalism of an agent.
When it was time to speak loudly and fight for benefits, she was unrelenting, like a fierce lioness. When it was time to ease the atmosphere and gain goodwill, she could be as gentle as a kitten.
In fact, an agent serves as a bridge between performers and film companies, facilitating communication and negotiation while keeping relations amicable.
After all, if Gilbert were to personally advocate for his own due benefits, it would inevitably lead to arguments with film company executives, much like today.
If things didn't go well, everyone would lose face.
But with an agent as an intermediary, conflicts between the two parties can be avoided.
Friendship is one thing, business is another.
Of course, agents inevitably take a commission.
Under Gilbert and Sheena Boone's agent agreement, Sheena Boone receives a 5% to 8% commission on each project.
This commission is already quite low, considering that agencies like CAA and ICM, due to their bundled services, can take commissions as high as 10% to 15%.
The negotiation process wasn't smooth, with significant disagreements between the two sides.
However, this was just the initial contact. The key to negotiation is to start with an audacious demand, proposing several conditions that the other party will find difficult to accept, and then gradually negotiating down to your ideal terms.
Reflecting on Potential
After the meeting, Lou Wasserman and Head of Distribution, Levitt Gore, returned to their office.
"Levitt, do you think we should agree to Gilbert's terms?" Lou Wasserman asked.
Levitt Gore didn't answer Lou Wasserman directly, instead stating some facts: "The Final Destination script passed unanimously in the review committee, and the marketing department estimated the film's investment and profitability index as 'A' grade."
He continued, "This script, to a certain extent, carries on the thrilling and horror style of The Shallows, and the concept is even bolder.
Gilbert has proven that he's very adept at directing these types of films."
"So, the possibility of another success is high?"
"Exactly," Levitt Gore nodded. "To my knowledge, Robert Iger from Touchstone Pictures has been in contact with Gilbert, and Warner and Paramount are both very optimistic about him.
Although Gilbert is young, he already has one successful work under his belt.
Based on past Hollywood experience, Gilbert is in a rapid growth phase. Directors in this ascending period have immense potential, which I'm sure you're well aware of."
"Indeed," Lou Wasserman sighed, "Who knows, Gilbert might just become another Steven Spielberg in the future..."
Of course, the current Gilbert cannot compare to Spielberg, but he's incredibly young! Spielberg was twenty-nine when he directed Jaws, but Gilbert? The new year hasn't even passed, and he's only twenty-one.
A director's career can be incredibly long; Gilbert could easily work into his seventies or eighties.
With a career spanning fifty or sixty years, it's hard to imagine what he could achieve.
But regardless, even if Gilbert has potential, that's for the future.
Hollywood has no shortage of overnight successes who then fade into obscurity, so Universal Pictures wouldn't agree to Gilbert's outrageous demands.