The richest person in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 55: The Lion's Big Mouth (Please Read)
After figuring out the sequence of Zhang Chen's layout in this matter, Lorenzo also knew that Zhang Chen had used his considerable influence to make the novel popular all over the world, and had invested a lot of time, money, and energy. He would definitely not simply give up the benefits that were within his grasp.

Zhang Chen saw Lorenzo was in deep thought and was in no hurry to speak.

At this point, the initiative is in Zhang Chen's hands. Now it depends on what chips Lorenzo can come up with to impress Zhang Chen.

If not, Warner will lose a movie that has the potential to be a big hit.

For Zhang Chen, there may be losses, but those losses are far less than the profits brought by this series.

Time passed by minute by minute, and the cup of coffee in front of Zhang Chen was refilled.

Just as Zhang Chen was about to leave the reception room to give Lorenzo some time to think alone, or to give him a chance to contact Warner's senior management, Lorenzo finally spoke.

"Leon, although I am not in charge of the record business, you have already had a very good cooperation with our Time Warner, right?"

Zhang Chen smiled, looking like he agreed with what the other person said, but he did not speak out his agreement.

What a joke. Most of the senior executives of Warner Pictures and Warner Records may not know each other. What does the friendship between Zhang Chen and Warner Records have to do with your Warner Pictures?

Seeing that Zhang Chen didn't give him a chance to build a relationship, Lorenzo smiled helplessly and continued, "I've thought about it for a long time, but I can't think of a bargaining chip that can impress you within my authority. Why don't you say it, Leon?"

"Then tell me what I think?" Zhang Chen was relieved when he heard the other party say that. Negotiating with people from big companies is really like walking on thin ice. He was afraid that the rhythm would be completely controlled by the other party.

In Lorenzo's helpless look, Zhang Chen also explained his request:

1. Zhang Chen's American film production company "Sunlight" must participate in the production of the "Harry Potter" series of films and have absolute control. The copyright belongs to Zhang Chen, but Warner can have the right of first refusal under the same conditions.

Master control is a must, as it concerns the right to control all future film revenues. If there is no master control, then even if the film makes money, when and how the money on the books is distributed as dividends will be decided by the master controller.

2. Regarding the dividend model, there are two ways. One is to convert the profit dividend into box office sharing according to a certain ratio; the second is to take profit sharing, but the production of the film must be completed by the producer appointed by Zhang Chen.

Zhang Chen still remembered some of Warner's outrageous operations in the past, such as borrowing funds at high interest rates from its subsidiary to make movies, spending 1.3 million US dollars on publicity and promotion for its subsidiary, and turning paper profits into losses.

The plan proposed by Zhang Chen makes the box office sharing much simpler. We don’t discuss whether the movie makes money or not. As long as the movie tickets are sold in the cinema, I will get a share of the ticket money.

Another way to arrange a producer is even simpler. To put it bluntly, a film producer is the steward in the film production process. Any inflow and expenditure of funds requires the approval of the producer. So the producer is arranged by Zhang Chen, who can prevent the partners from cooking the books to a large extent.

3. The cooperation in the Harry Potter series of films is signed for each film. But it is also the same. Under the same conditions, Warner has the priority investment right.

This is also the last insurance. If the first film really fails Zhang Chen, then he can either terminate all subsequent filming cooperation or find other film and television companies to cooperate with. If that doesn't work, he can go it alone.

Because successful series IPs make money, the value of sequels will be magnified countless times, which is a sure-win business in the eyes of many film and television companies.

Is Zhang Chen's request outrageous? In fact, it is quite outrageous. A company that has never made a decent movie dares to make such harsh demands in front of the top film and television companies in Hollywood.

However, in Zhang Chen's opinion, this is a business negotiation, how can you explain the bottom line right away? Lorenzo in front of him can only be regarded as a mouthpiece, and the person who can really make the final decision is not here today.

So he magnified his demands and asked Lorenzo to go back and pass on the message. There would definitely be several more rounds of talks later, so today's conditions could also leave some room for Zhang Chen to make concessions.

In addition to the above three core points, Zhang Chen also put forward a lot of small requests here and there, with the aim of blocking the possibility of the other party's speculation and expanding his own voice in this project.

If the other party comes to you seeking business, as long as you leave them a chance to make money, then no matter how outrageous the request is, you still have to talk. Negotiation is a process of mutual compromise between the two parties.

This is the difference between asking for something and being the one being asked.

If Zhang Chen came to visit with the script, he would be embarrassed to make such harsh demands.

From this point of view, Zhang Chen's strategy of steady progress and taking his time was quite successful. It was worth it for him to fish for nearly two years. It was finally time to put away the rod.

The fish is very big, so you have to slide it around.

"The above are my requirements." Zhang Chen said with a dry mouth. He picked up the cup in front of him and took a sip of the already cold coffee.

Seeing that Zhang Chen had almost finished talking with Lorenzo, Xiao Xue finally had the chance to refill Zhang Chen's cup of hot drink.

When the two were negotiating just now, Xiao Xue didn't even dare to breathe, for fear that his movements would be too big and interrupt Zhang Chen's rhythm.

"Leon, you should know that your demands are too demanding." Lorenzo was a little stunned at this moment. He had never seen anyone with such a big appetite.

Putting these requirements together, wouldn't the movie made by Warner Bros. with all its manpower be a wedding dress for Zhang Chen? Money can be made, but it will be extremely frustrating.

"Mr. Lorenzo, don't worry. Just convey my meaning to me. Whether we can cooperate successfully in the future depends on your company's sincerity."

The reason why Zhang Chen did this was to tell Warner clearly that he was afraid that you would cheat me.

So in order to make Zhang Chen believe that he would not lie to her, Warner had to show sincerity.

What Zhang Chen is waiting for is the next meeting to see who the other party will be, what attitude that person will have after they arrive, and which clauses will be deleted.

He spent 100 million US dollars on bait and nesting to catch a fish worth tens or hundreds of billions of dollars. If the fish doesn't take the bait, or to be more pessimistic, breaks the fishing line and runs away, his loss will not be big.

All in all, Zhang Chen only spent 100 million US dollars, but he made a lot of money if he succeeded.

Even if he fails, the fish is still waiting in the pond for him to catch. This is how willful it is to hold copyright.

　Dear gentlemen, please feel free to speak your mind. I have taken your opinions seriously and hope that you will continue to support this book.

　　Finally, I humbly ask for recommendations, monthly tickets, and rewards!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)