Caron was quite curious how White Films knew about him. If it was just casual talk, he wouldn't have cared much; such things were normal in Hollywood. With the bad economic environnt, life for producers was hard. Fools were becoming scarce, and unknown screenwriters and directors weren't welco.
It was very amusing, indeed, as resources beca incredibly expensive. Ever since William White started acquiring various adaptation rights, the trend intensified.
Hollywood was full of scripts. Many taxi drivers picked up passengers near the Writers Guild, and if you looked like a film company boss, they didn't mind pitching their stories to you.
anwhile, Hollywood moguls were in a scramble for scripts, with popular novels being scooped up.
Caron was now basically in the sa boat as those taxi drivers. Even better opportunities were very limited. When soone told him, "Our boss wants to see you, bring your script," he felt a mix of doubt, excitent, and worry.
By the ti he arrived at William White's office, Caron couldn't quite determine his feelings.
"Sit down, want so coffee? You look like you haven't slept well," said William White.
Caron could only muster a wry smile. He wouldn't have been able to sleep well; he couldn't even rember how many tis he'd been rejected.
"Coffee's good, no sugar. Here's my script."
"Alright, I might need so ti."
"Take your ti; I'm not in a hurry."
William White looked at the script very seriously and slowly. After a cup of coffee, Caron felt more awake. Up until this point, William White had been the most earnest person he'd t. Other people usually skimd through it in five minutes and gave a half-hearted "not bad."
"Hmm, this story is interesting, and the idea is unique. Are your conditions very strict? The script seems good; it shouldn't be left with nobody buying it," William White comnted.
Caron felt a bit awkward. He knew why people said that -- the nickna "truck driver" ca from his reputation.
People interested in the script quickly backed off after hearing his conditions.
"Mr. White, I want to make this film myself," Caron said.
"Ha, that explains it. What movies have you made before?"
"Piranha 2."
"Eh, that movie wasn't so good. Why do you think you can do better this ti?"
"Because I'm Caron, and this story's been stuck in my head. I know I will succeed."
"Okay, how much do you need to shoot this?"
"Ten million, I can do it with ten million."
"Have you seen Speed? How much do you think it cost?"
"At least thirty million."
"Ha-ha, your script needs more developnt. Add so action scenes, and believe , it can't be done under fifteen million. And you can't use any big-na actors, or else even twenty million won't cut it."
William White knew Caron didn't make much money on this film. The initial budget was only six million, but it ended up costing nine million, almost leading to the film's collapse.
"Jas, how about this? I invest fifteen million in the movie, the subsequent rights to the script belong to , you handle the script and shooting, and I give you an 3% take from the North Arican box office. Of course, I can buy out future rights too, and your fee is 800,000 dollars. Think about it."
"No need, this movie's yours."
"Alright, if the North Arican box office exceeds 100 million, I'll increase your royalty by 1%."
William White's terms weren't harsh. On the contrary, they were quite generous.
"Let's grab a al. I have more ideas and want your opinion."
"Okay."
Caron wasn't what he would later beco, but William White had already proven his ttle. There were only a handful of directors who didn't respect his opinion.
Most importantly, Caron's script was a ss. He could shoot it himself, but giving it to another director might lead to a disaster.
William White was different. He had formal training, and his scripts could serve as textbooks.
Of course, Caron might not like such scripts. Even Spielberg didn't care for them much; while they're easy to shoot, they don't leave much room for personal style.
"Mr. White, are you sure? Can these be done with special effects?"
"Of course. Later, I'll take you to Industrial Light & Magic. Just keep it to two or three scenes, Lucas charges too much."
"Ha-ha, they say he can do what would take five million for just over three million for you."
"Yeah, that's true, but he's invested all that money. Given the current situation, he's probably made way more than five million. He's a sly old fox."
Caron thought, if Lucas is the old fox, you're the young fox. That's Hollywood consensus for you.
Though inwardly mocking him, Caron had to admit that William White had a unique understanding of films.
"Caron, since I've got you now, don't hold back. Help make so good money," William White said, practically drooling at the thought.
...
Having missed out on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, he had to move on Titanic early. Before that ship ca along, he had held the title of box office champion.
Though William White didn't care much for titles, there was a bit of a sting. Given current box office trends, Speed might end up as the champion.
William White needed to keep a low profile. He couldn't brag about being the champion, as once E.T. premiered, it could all co crashing down.
"Mr. White, are you sure?"
"It'll be a record, and for a long ti, it'll hold the top spot."
"Alright, I understand."
Barry Diller called to report on Arica's Idol progress. He also wanted to know why they shouldn't laud Speed.
William White didn't say not to promote it, just to downplay the box office champion aspect. As for everything else? Go ahead and praise it to the skies.
...
Communications with Lucas were pleasant. He had no particular interest in Caron -- the truck driver image stuck, and Piranha was a flop.
The embarrassnt wasn't even the flop itself; Caron's behavior on set was worse. Saying it was bad was an understatent. The production was so chaotic it nearly fell apart. If not for help, the film might not have finished.
Talent?
He did have so.
Film school graduates might get so ad or MV gigs, but getting to direct Piranha 2 was no small feat.
William White knew Caron's biggest issue was cost control. He needed a competent project manager, or else a 30 million budget could turn into a headache, possibly a disaster.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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