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Chapter 94 I Will Lead from the Front (Please Subscribe)

Just when everyone thought it was over, Tian Xiaole pulled another script out of his bag.

"Next, let's talk about our second project collaboration."

"Oh, how would you like to collaborate?"

Mike Burns sat back down, eager to hear what was to come.

The reason why [Dead Silence] was willing to cooperate was largely due to the low production cost and short shooting period.

With the success of "Saw" as another example, it's highly likely to make money upon release.

"As I just said, I have a lot of scripts in hand. I'm planning to shoot a movie in Hollywood, and Lionsgate can handle the distribution."

Tian Xiaole's trip to Hollywood is just one part of his collaboration with Lionsgate.

The most fundamental reason is whether there is an opportunity to gain a foothold.

The domestic film market is still too small, and even with the Asian market included, it doesn't generate much revenue.

It must be acknowledged that American hegemony is effective; only Hollywood film companies have the global distribution capabilities to earn money from all over the world.

【The Shallows】is the next movie that Tin Siu-Le is going to make.

It tells the story of a sexy, hot, surfing-loving woman who is hunted by a shark but manages to escape.

The film's small investment, limited shooting locations, and short filming period were the main reasons why Tian Xiaole chose it.

The return on investment certainly can't compare to that of horror movies. If it weren't for the fact that shooting a horror movie would get him beaten up by Lao Tian, ​​Tian Xiaole would really want to make one himself.

"Let me take a look at your script first."

Mike decided to play it safe and read the script before making a decision.

"of course can."

Tian Xiaole handed over the script.

Lionsgate's distribution practices aren't without requirements; they usually involve outright buyouts, and whether the production company makes a profit or loss is irrelevant.

Another option is joint investment, with Lionsgate handling post-production and distribution. This approach requires a certain level of expertise from the director.

The film's selling points must be clearly defined, and it needs to cater to market tastes.

The script for The Shallows was only a few pages long. Mike Burns quickly finished reading it and asked curiously.

"The plot is quite simple. Is it a tribute to Spielberg's 'Jaws'? Both involve sharks injuring people."

"You can think of it that way."

Tian Xiaole didn't explain much; having this buzz was good enough.

He planned to capitalize on the popularity of "Jaws" when the film was released, as it was the first American film to gross over $100 million and is definitely a memory for a generation.

"Lionsgate can issue the shares, but it requires a 50% stake."

Mike made an outrageous demand, asking for another low-budget film, and suggested that she test the mettle of director Tian Xiaole, who holds the Silver Bear title.

If the film is successful upon release, Lionsgate would be happy to maintain the partnership.

"Impossible. Don't forget how I just rejected you."

Tian Xiaole shook his head and refused. He believed that he had to maintain control over the film.

"I'll only take a maximum of 40% of the market share; otherwise, I'll have to switch to another company."

Seeing Tian Xiaole's determination, Mike had no choice but to nod in agreement.

After reaching an agreement, the two sides discussed the details.

Tian Xiaole invested in the script of "Dead Silence" by contributing the copyright, holding a 20% stake.

Tian Xiaole was the absolute leader of the script for "The Shallows," and was also in charge of film production and post-production editing.

Lionsgate will handle distribution and promotion, taking a 40% share, ensuring the content remains unchanged, and will send a producer to follow up in post-production.

This was the investor's right, and Tian Xiaole didn't say much.

After agreeing to sign the contract at Lionsgate on the 5th, Tian Xiaole and James left. On the way back to the hotel, James was very excited, never expecting that such a young employer would already have a connection with Lionsgate.

"Tian, ​​you're a negotiation genius. I'll arrange for the most professional lawyers on Wall Street to review the contract for you. Those people are ruthless and mercenary..."

"Please have the lawyer schedule an appointment for me tomorrow. I'm planning to register a company here and use the company's name to make investments."

Registering a film company in the United States offers a minimum level of protection, regardless of the company's size or the director's fame.

If you feel that the box office revenue sharing is unfair, you can get a minimum guaranteed 25% return.

This means prioritizing the interests of the production company, and then negotiating with the distributor on that basis.

On the other hand, the United States is the largest market, with so many scripts in hand. With the domestic base secured, there will be no shortage of cooperation here.

Whether it's cultural export or earning US dollars, scripts definitely need to be digested.

In just one day, with the help of a lawyer, Tian Xiaole registered a local film company.

The name is: PanguPictures!

It signifies pioneering a new era in Hollywood.

Under California law, a registered company is required to create 5 to 10 jobs.

James is an employee; he has his own formal job and therefore cannot be counted.

I rented a storefront, hired four accountants and one cleaner, and that made up the full staff.

After the film and television company was registered, all the script copyrights registered with the labor union were transferred to Pangu Pictures, which is equivalent to the first batch of assets.

All the stocks I bought before were cashed out, plus the copyright revenue from "Buried Alive" wasn't transferred back to China.

Tian Xiaole has ten million US dollars at his disposal.

The investment in [Shark Beach] is definitely sufficient.

At this moment, Tian Xiaole really wanted "Dead Silence" to be released immediately; he was desperately short of money.

He wants to purchase a batch of special effects equipment from Hollywood, and also wants to replace the filming equipment with new ones; in short, everything requires money.

The 5th was the day Lionsgate signed the contract.

Tian Xiaole was surprised that Lionsgate had invited reporters to witness the signing ceremony.

The setup at the venue resembled a small press conference.

Mike Burns told reporters at the scene while his lawyers were reviewing the contract in detail.

"Tian is not only a genius director, but also a genius screenwriter. Lionsgate will sign him to a two-film collaboration."

One horror film will be produced by Lionsgate, and he will direct another survival thriller.

Reporters at the scene secretly scoffed, thinking that Lionsgate had tasted the sweetness of horror films, having already greenlit two in a row and being willing to collaborate with such a young Chinese director.

After the lawyer carefully read the contract and ensured that the employer's interests were protected, Tian Xiaole signed her name.

In just one afternoon, Tian Xiaole appeared in the Hollywood newspaper for the second time.

The last time, it was in a unique way when filming "Buried Alive" that it caused a stir.

This time, he is acting as a director and a collaborator with Lionsgate.

Immediately afterward, Tian Xiaole's phone rang.

"Director Tian, ​​I didn't expect you to have connections with the Lionsgate. I hope you'll take good care of my fellow townsman."

"If there's a suitable role, we'll send you an audition invitation."

Zhang Ziyi tried to get closer to Tian Xiaole, but Tian Xiaole said he was busy and hung up.

She's really something now. She's hooked up with a foreigner, found a Warner Bros. vice president as her boyfriend, and was even elected as an Oscar judge this year.

She is the second actress after Gong Li to venture into Hollywood, but she did it in a different way.

Once the old white man has had his fill of playing with her, he'll kick her away, revealing his true colors.

(End of this chapter)