American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 37 New Contract, New Identity

"Mrs. Haywood, the new contracts are all here. Please take a look."

"If there are no problems, we can officially sign the contract."

Warner acted quickly.

The following day at noon, Nathan Bailey, having received the fax, appeared before Vivian.

This man had been in Livingston for half a year, and he felt like he had been exiled. So when the ticket home was within reach, an excited smile immediately spread across his unshaven face.

It feels like drooling after recovering from a serious illness.

But unfortunately...

"Okay, put the contract down. I'll look at it when the lawyer arrives."

Vivian smiled and saw the guest off.

Nathan Bailey's face stiffened, and he nodded helplessly, turning back every few steps...walking...walking...walking...

He doesn't want to leave!
He wants to go home!!!

Vivian understood Nathan Bailey's feelings.

But at this moment, she was powerless to help, because signing the contract was a major event, so...

"Oh, Mrs. Haywood, thank you so much for trusting me once again!"

Two hours later.

It was Valentine O'Connor, the same bald lawyer with the same strong-man hairstyle, who arrived in Leavesden in his car.

He already knew about the mistake he made two years ago.

He also helped review the contract when we bought the script, and he admitted his mistake at the time.

There's no way around it; Hollywood's methods are too sophisticated. How could he know there are two ways to calculate global box office? Your film hasn't even had a global release, so how can you claim your box office is global? Using the earliest release date in a single region as the global opening day is pure nonsense! If it were a normal company, he would definitely try to argue, after all, he's dealt with many large corporations and Fortune 500 companies, but AOL Time Warner?

Cough cough cough...

They've already settled the payment, so I'll accept it if they try to shift the blame onto me. As long as we didn't lose money, that's fine!
Right?

Vivian shook her head at the obsequious smile on his face, gesturing for the bald man to sit down. She didn't dwell on the past; Warner was a giant among giants, and if he really wanted to mess with you, it wouldn't be easy for an ordinary person to resist. Therefore…

"Let's look at the contract."

"Be more careful this time. If you're unsure about anything, just tell me directly, and I can get someone in the industry to help me take a look."

"Ok, no problem!"

Bald Ding picked up the contract and got to work. As he flipped through it, Warner's new offer appeared before Vivian.

Originally, Warner Bros. offered Isabella £2.5 million plus a 250% cut of all revenue for The Voice project.

This is a package price that includes the script, "The Climb", acting, and production.

Because Isabella did not want to relinquish the rights, Warner Bros. split the revenue into separate items. Currently, Warner Bros. still offers Isabella £100 million for her performance, and the producers receive 2.5% of the total revenue. However, the £100 million for the script purchase was removed and replaced with a 2.5% share of the total revenue after Isabella retains the rights.

In this way, Isabella's total income from "The Voice"—including acting, script, and production—is £100 million plus a 5% cut of all profits. As for "The Climb"...

This is the most troublesome part.

Because Warner Music didn't know if Isabella might suddenly release her songs during the filming of a movie—this is quite common in the industry, with Michael Jackson and Madonna serving as examples—they decided that *The Voice* would pay Isabella on a per-use basis for her music: $100,000 per song, $1 million for ten songs. Furthermore, since Warner Music only paid usage fees, they naturally wouldn't hold the copyright to Isabella's music.

However, Warner Music still retains the physical distribution rights to all the music from "The Voice" for ten years after the film's release. During this period, Isabella can take 40% or 50% of the sales price of any music, whether it's a movie soundtrack, a single, or an album.

Of these, singles account for 40%, and albums or compilations account for 50%.

Here are two examples to illustrate:
1. If Isabella had only included "The Climb" in "The Voice" when the movie was released, Warner could have released "The Climb" as a single if it received a positive response from the public.

Currently, in North America, the highest price for a physical single is $3.99.

This is the price of Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, and Britney Spears.

Others can't sell them.

Regardless of all that, taking this as an example, for every ticket sold, Isabella gets 40% of 3.99, which is $1.596.

Well, if it sells 1000 million copies, then the single's revenue share would be $1596 million.

Singing earns more money than making movies!
This is why Isabella is so determined to protect the copyright.

She doesn't care about the script copyright, but what if she loses the song copyright? Then she might as well not plagiarize at all!
Right?

2. If all the songs from "The Voice" are great after the movie's release, and Warner decides to release the soundtrack, then Isabella's share of the profits will be calculated based on the number of songs she contributed.

假设《好声音》的电影原声带里有10首歌，那么在电影原声带分25.99美元的普通版、29.99美元的精装版、59.99美元的豪华版这三类出售的情况下，她能拿到的分红就是‘各版本价格/专辑曲目总量*伊莎贝拉提供歌曲数量*伊莎贝拉的50%抽成比例’。

Using the deluxe edition as an example, assuming Isabella only contributed two songs, her share of the profits per album would be—

59.99/10*2*50%=5.999美元
If the entire album consists of her songs, her share of the profits from that album would be—

59.99/10*10*50%=29.995美元
then!

While these numbers look impressive—the deluxe edition, if it sells just 100,000 copies with full production rights, would generate $3 million in revenue—Warner Music no longer bears any of the song production costs when it no longer controls the copyrights.

Yes, making songs costs money.

Unless you can handle everything yourself—lyrics, composition, arrangement, recording, mixing, mastering—and have a recording studio, it's impossible to make a song with zero expenses. And when Warner doesn't take the copyright, Isabella has to cover all these costs herself.

Warner Music does not accept Isabella including songwriting fees in film production costs.

Traditionally, this is permissible.

And then!
These terms and conditions apply only to original songs.

If Isabella does a cover version, the revenue will be calculated separately.

If Warner Music helps her obtain the cover song rights, then the recording rights after the cover song will be in Warner Music's hands. Isabella's income will be calculated according to the standards for vocal singers in the industry, and she will receive five percent of the total income from the cover songs.

For example, if a single is priced at $3.99, she receives 5% of $3.99, which is 19.95 cents.

If Isabella keeps the cover rights, okay, Warner won't be responsible for any issues in the copyright transaction. Isabella will control the recording rights after the cover, and Warner will only handle distribution, with revenue sharing going according to the original copyright terms.

As for how much money Isabella should give to the lyricist, composer, and arranger of the original song?
That's her own business.

When Disney insisted on becoming the troublemaker, Warner Bros., or rather Barry Mayer, made their stance very clear.

I'm not playing any more tricks. Do whatever you want, but please make my accounts look better.

Frankly speaking, once capital stops extracting your remaining value, the contracts you receive have no room for improvement, unless you start your own company, which is a different story.

Therefore, with the revenue of "The Voice" clearly stated, and Warner even specifying the profit-sharing algorithm, payment schedule, and statements to protect their own interests, this contract is truly the best it can be.

Compared to the contract for "The Voice," the renewal contract for "Harry Potter" was much simpler.

He signed a two-film deal for Azkaban and the Goblet of Fire, with a total salary of £12 million.

There were no dividends.

However, the restrictions on endorsements still apply. In the future, Isabella will still need Warner's approval to accept endorsements. If Warner decides to reject the offer on her behalf, she will still be compensated as before.

The contract price was set at five million pounds, but it has increased by four million.

However, the restrictions on the project have been modified. In the future, if other studios invite Isabella to act in movies or do other things, as long as the other party is on the green light list, Isabella can go directly without Warner's permission.

And there is only one company on the green light list—

The Walt Disney Company
Yes, this is a limiting clause that Barry Mayer added after he got annoyed by Robert Iger.

To be honest, when everyone knows each other, you can talk about anything.

"Isa, I think the new contract is fine. What about you?"

That night.

dorm room.

Vivian handed the contract to Isabella.

As a minor, Isabella did not have the right to sign, so theoretically, the contract would be effective as long as Vivian nodded, but Vivian was not that kind of person and would not do such a thing.

"I think it's pretty good. Warner has written out the terms, but there are two details..."

"Mom, will you just be listed as an author?"

After reading the contract, Isabella looked at her mother.

When she said "listing a name," she meant being credited as the producer.

In Warner's eyes, The Voice was Isabella and Columbus's project.

Therefore, their offer to Isabella was a holistic one.

However, Isabella cannot accept this group because she is a minor.

When she had a company, the 2.5% commission Warner gave her for the script was legally considered investment income, and this portion of the money did not have to go into the trust account. However, the commission she received as a producer in her own name was considered income from her services, and this portion of the money had to go into the trust account no matter what. Even if she could withdraw it, it would only be 20%.

Because The Voice project has been completely distorted, Isabella couldn't predict how much the film would ultimately gross. But she had confidence in herself, or rather, in Hermione Granger.

If we assume that the total revenue reaches 200 million, that is, the combined revenue from box office, videotapes, radio broadcasting rights, and other copyrights is 200 million, then 2.5% is 5 million US dollars. And this money is put into a trust account and can be withdrawn when it reaches adulthood?

To be honest, this was a nightmare.

To be honest, she's already having nightmares now; that's how she's been saving up her HP (Harry Potter) earnings.

So, getting her mom to be the producer is what Isabella most wants to do.

Of course, this is permitted by law.

This……

"Isa."

"Ok?"

"come over."

Vivian waved to her daughter.

As soon as Isabella poked her little head over, her mother kissed her forehead.

She answered everything with her actions.

Since her mother was fine with it, and Isabella trusted that her mother wouldn't waste her hard-earned money, Warner Bros. needed to draft another contract regarding the producer's profit sharing. Besides that, the second detail Isabella mentioned was…

"Keisha...you...0.5?"

The 0.5 she mentioned refers to 0.5% of the script royalties she gives to Catherine.

Based on 2.5% of the total amount, 0.5% accounts for 20% of the total amount, which is the benchmark price for non-creative writers in the Hollywood industry.

After all, the 'Screenplay by' on The Voice is Catherine.

Isabella may have thought of her older sister as a writer, but she wouldn't let her sister work for free.

but……

"Oh~ Isa~"

Catherine smiled and opened her arms wide. Isabella familiarly moved closer and hugged her.
After a pause, as her emotions calmed down, Catherine said, "Thank you for your kindness, but 0.5 is a bit too much, and I shouldn't take the money, because I'm spending your money now."

"So, if you want to balance the books, just give me £1."

"Other things... if I want to buy something, will you refuse to buy it for me?"

"How can this be!"

Isabella shook her head. "Okay, that's all."

Catherine also gave Isabella a gentle kiss on the forehead.

Since Catherine doesn't want it, Isabella won't force her; she'll take care of her older sister anyway.

Just when she thought the project, which had been stalled for half a year, could finally be implemented...

"Uh... there's actually one more thing..."

Vivian spoke again, handing a bound document to her youngest daughter.

"This is a document that Nathan Bailey sent along with the contract, saying it's Warner's proposed changes to The Voice."

These words caused Isabella and Catherine to frown slightly, waiting for them to finish reading the document...

"I won't change it."

Isabella directly rejected Nathan Bailey's idea for an expanded ending.

What she wanted to make was a movie about pursuing dreams. Why do you have to force it to be something more profound? Isn't that disgusting?

Although Nathan Bailey said that achieving a higher level of achievement could potentially lead to an Oscar, but—

She's only 12 years old!
Winning an Oscar at the age of 12?

That's utter nonsense!

The judges won't award her!
Now that a consensus had been reached, Vivian told Nathan Bailey about her needs the next day. After learning that Vivian had no questions about the contract details but only needed to change the beneficiaries of certain incomes, the young man, who hadn't slept all night, instantly perked up.

"Mrs. Heywood, please wait a moment. I will contact headquarters immediately and have the legal department revise the contract and send it over."

An hour later, the new contract was presented to Vivian;

Two hours later, with confirmation from Bald Ding, Vivian and Nathan Bailey completed the signing of the "The Voice" project;

Three hours later, David Heyman appeared in Leavesden, having signed the follow-up contract for Harry Potter.

The scent of ink filled the film crew's air, and the signing of all contracts meant that Isabella would have to work for Warner for at least another 36 months.

"Sigh! I never imagined that sweatshops would still exist in the 21st century!"

"And this factory is even located in London!"

"Wow, am I going to have to stay here for at least another thirty-six months?"

"This is truly a nightmare!"

Isabella looked up and sighed deeply.

Her tearful appearance clearly showed she was an actress; otherwise, you might have thought you'd traveled back in time!
That grieved little face was no different from the laborers of two hundred years ago, wearing overalls, headlamp hats, and miner's pickaxes, digging coal in the mine. Upon closer inspection, all you could see was the vicissitudes of life.

"Stop! Stop acting."

The fact that he was acting innocent after getting a good deal made Columbus roll his eyes. "Sweatshops don't offer that kind of income."

"hey-hey."

Isabella bit her lip and smiled.

Indeed, after signing the contract, she was immediately enveloped in joy.

A guaranteed income of ten million per year for the next few years is already quite substantial.
If things continue this way, her net worth will soon surpass that of her former cheapskate father!
Eh?
Why has Earth Online suddenly become so easy?!
While laughing, she looked at Columbus and asked, "Director, you signed too?"

"Of course, do you think they'd let me off the hook if I didn't sign with Warner?"

Columbus thought Isabella's question was nonsense.

"What about your contract..."

Isabella perked up her gossipy little ears.

In her opinion, Warner had already given her free rein, so Columbus should have received even more.

"10 points."

Columbus understood what the little guy was asking and said directly, "Not only did it increase by 2.5, but it also became the entire series."

"Ow~~~"

Isabella's voice took a detour.

She felt envious again.

Because she understood what Columbus meant; he was now holding the legendary 10+10!
In the eyes of the world, 10+10 in Hollywood means a base salary of 10 million plus 1000% of the box office revenue.

But in reality, the complete 10+10 is a base salary of 10 million plus a 1000% commission on all income.

The most profitable thing in Hollywood is not the box office. If you really relied on the box office, over 90% of movies would lose money. What really makes money is the sale of videotapes, the development of merchandise, and various broadcasting rights.

You can only be considered to be eating at the table once you put your hands in here.

Um--

Those who receive a fixed salary are at the very bottom.
Only those who receive a share of the North American box office revenue can be considered big shots;
Those who can receive a share of global box office revenue are indeed superstars;

No matter how amazing a superstar is, as long as they don't extend their reach into the studio's private domain, they are still just a pawn.

And now...

"Isha? Aren't you getting a little too excited?"

"Huh? Director? Why do you say that?"

"I feel like you're not thinking straight. Didn't you take 5% yourself?"

"Hee hee~"

Isabella laughed.

Sigh, I'm not really envious of Columbus, I'm just happy with myself.

Because her 5% is also the whole department's percentage~~~
Maybe making money makes people happy? Or maybe it's about rising in status that makes people feel superior? Anyway, Isabella went crazy for quite a while after signing the contract. If Vivian hadn't taken it out on her and scolded her, she probably would have gone crazy for a while longer.

Now that she had returned to normal, everyone got down to business—

The current date is June 5, 2002. The filming schedule for "The Locked Room" is scheduled to wrap up in mid-to-late July. Since the work here is done by specific individuals, everyone can proceed step by step.

However, the situation is much more serious for "The Voice of China".

Warner Bros. hoped they could seamlessly transition to filming "The Voice" after "The Secret Chamber" wrapped up, so the entire film's preparation work only lasted two months. Normally, this time would be enough, but given the current situation...

"We need a professional casting director, a professional location director, a professional costume designer, and of course, most importantly, an executive producer. I need him to do all the work for me when I don't have time."

Columbus said as he flipped through the script.

The script for "The Voice" was completed back in April. In the past two months, Columbus has actually drawn up almost all the storyboards. To put it simply, now, they can just find any guy to call "cut" and start filming.

Because Columbus had previously described the preparations as very simple, Isabella had always thought that getting "The Voice" started filming wouldn't be difficult. But now, after hearing Columbus's explanation...

"director."

After being scolded by her mother, the little girl became a well-behaved child again, raising her hand to ask questions.

"I can understand that you need to be a location director and costume designer."

"But I'd like to know, why are you even casting directors?"

"Didn't Bob want a role as the older sister? And didn't Endeavour want two more lead roles? With me added in, we only need to find two more leads out of six, right? Well... why don't you just recommend some?"

Isabella trusted Columbus's judgment.

but……

"Oh, Isa, are you trying to become a producer?"

Columbus looked up, shifting his gaze from the script to Isabella, and said teasingly, "So, your next step is to learn how to act, and then kick me to the curb? Hmm?"

"..."

The little girl pouted.

At that moment, she thought Columbus was pretty bad.

When she made a silly joke out of excitement, he didn't respond.

After she got scolded by her mother, this guy started joking again.

What do you mean by this? Are you trying to mess with me because I'm Japanese?

Her frustration made Columbus chuckle.

While waiting for Columbus to discover her, Isabella 'secretly' glanced at her mother sitting to the side, longing for permission to retaliate. This thieving act made her feel good, and she finally spoke up: "Isabella, here's what happened."

"Although Bob and Endeavour requested three lead roles, the people they recommended still had to go through an audition process."

"Because that's the rule in this industry."

"As long as we want to stay in this industry, we have to follow the rules."

"Then, I also want to say, even if the people they recommend are all suitable, don't the other roles need to go through a general casting process? Wouldn't that require a casting director?"

"For example, we need a little boy about your age to be the enemy you face in the first phase of the film. To be honest, I think Malfoy is quite suitable. His face is like that of a villain. He can sing the songs of a choir child who has received vocal training. But if you stand together, the audience will be distracted. Therefore, open casting for this role is unavoidable."

"And then, I'd like to say that in national competitions, your opponents can't be adults."

"Because the protagonist we want to create is a singing genius who has not undergone secular training, only a genius can defeat a genius. Only in this way will the audience feel excited."

"If your opponent is an adult, then as you overcome all obstacles, everyone will assume you can win, because the protagonist is rushing forward with dreams in mind. If you are defeated by an adult who represents the real world, then the entire theme of our movie, or even the entire story, will collapse, right?"

"So, in the end, the only person you'll meet in the finals is someone around your age, who is also a woman, and who has countless resources. When that happens, the audience will unconsciously hope you win."

"Because the vast majority of ordinary people lack resources, they will feel that they are you."

"Or rather, you embody their desires."

"So, tell me, if there's no casting director, where am I supposed to conjure up a little girl for you?"

"We can't exactly go through Hermione Granger's options, can we?"

“This is something we absolutely cannot do, because if we do it, once the outside media hears about it, they will publish a disgusting news story, which is the ‘showdown between the real and fake Hermione’.”

"If you win, great; but if you lose, you won't even be able to play HP."

"Casting is really not an easy task, especially when you are still famous."

"So now, do you think we still need to hire a casting director?"

Columbus waved the script in his hand and raised an eyebrow at Isabella.

The little girl nodded decisively.

And at that moment, she suddenly felt that the joy that had enveloped her had vanished.

Columbus's meticulous thinking led her to discover that there were many intricacies involved in filmmaking.

She can sit here and easily shake her feet because Chris Columbus is really strong.

And she...

Okay, she admits that she was being carried along by the other party.

10+10 should be taken by Columbus.

I grant your permission!
hee hee~
(End of this chapter)