The original book and the script were both with Paramount Pictures, and the film rights had most likely already been sold. But he wasn't going to give up so easily. In the chaotic world of Hollywood, anything could happen. Besides, he had seen plenty of scripts sit on desks, never actually making it into production, just waiting to gather dust on a shelf.
He asked Helen to look into "Twilight," specifically Paramount Pictures' intentions, and then called Bella to mobilize her team of assistants to dig up whatever they could.
In a way, he had orchestrated this situation based on hazy mories. He had never even seen the "Twilight" series; he only knew that the film had been a massive hit.
As for "The Hunger Gas," Matthew didn't ntion it to either Helen or Bella. After all, he had yet to hear of any prominent young actress with the surna Lawrence, which probably ant the book series hadn't even been published yet.
In truth, he was well aware that Helen suspected him of having a knack for always picking box-office hits and avoiding flops. Others might chalk it up to ticulous analysis by him and his team, but she, of course, knew better.
However, Helen was a rational woman. She had asked, but seeing that he was always evasive or held back, she decided not to pry. His choices, after all, always yielded the best returns for both of them.
Matthew also surmised that Helen's suspicions leaned toward the idea that he was hiding sothing, but being the smart woman she was, she hadn't jumped to any wild conclusions.
***
In the following days, he didn't concern himself with the information gathering on "Twilight," leaving it all in Helen's and Bella's capable hands.
Matthew did so searching of his own, checking bestseller lists from the past few years and making several trips to the largest bookstore in Beverly Hills, but he couldn't find a single novel related to
"The Hunger Gas." Instead, he ca across a few Japanese novels about the "Battle Royale," which seed remarkably similar to the vaguely rembered plot of the movie.
He asked several bookstore owners if they carried any original English-language novels with a premise similar to
"Battle Royale," but still ca up empty.
After doing so legwork, Matthew ca to the general conclusion that "The Hunger Gas" had not yet been published, so film rights were out of the question.
Perhaps he could find soone to write a similar novel? The thought flickered through his mind for a mont before he dismissed it. Not to ntion the original author had likely already written the book, and even if he did find another writer, he couldn't rember enough of the plot to guide them.
The hazy snippet of the plot he rembered was probably less useful than the copy of "Battle Royale" he held in his hands.
For now, Matthew set "The Hunger Gas" aside and waited patiently for news from Helen.
But before any definitive news arrived, David Ellison showed up at his door.
In the living room, Matthew greeted David and asked the maid to bring them coffee. "Didn't I tell you last ti that the follow-up financing for 'Fast & Furious 4' could wait a few days?" he said. "My Studio 13 is still being registered. Once that's complete, the investnt will go directly into the studio's account."
"I'm not here for that," David said, a rare seriousness on his face. "You told
last ti you were starting a film studio. I've been thinking about it, and I have an idea."
He didn't beat around the bush, stating directly, "I'd like to trade a stake in Skydance Pictures for a stake in Studio 13."
Matthew was surprised but kept his expression neutral. "And how much of a stake are you looking for?" he asked.
"Around thirty percent would be good." David clearly had his reasons. "We're good friends and close partners. It would be beneficial for our future collaboration if I held a stake in your studio and you held a stake in Skydance."
Matthew didn't answer right away, weighing the pros and cons. The future projects his studio would invest in were naturally going to be comrcial productions. But comrcial productions often required huge sums of money—"The Hunger Gas," for instance. He estimated a minimum budget of around 100 million dollars, which ant an enormous risk.
No one could guarantee a comrcial film's success, and there was always the added variable of him interfering in projects where the outco was no longer certain.
However, there were advantages to having several people with deep pockets share the risk. Otherwise, the failure of a single large-scale production could bankrupt the entire studio.
And David was bold. He had been pleased with their previous collaborations, both with the films themselves and the material they were based on.
Moreover, David's financial resources, and the even more influential Ellison family behind him, were undoubtedly an incredibly powerful force to be reckoned with.
Of course, Matthew was also very wealthy, his net worth now approaching $400 million thanks to the continued surge in Apple's stock value.
But net worth wasn't the sa as liquid capital. A full $250 million of that was tied up in Apple and Marvel Comics stock, and he had no intention of selling his Apple shares.
The rest of his assets were in real estate, money "donated" to his two charitable foundations, plus the $40 million invested in
"Iron Man" and a $60 million stake in "Fast & Furious 4." Another investnt of tens of millions would stretch his finances thin.
Though he was an amateur in business, he knew he needed to maintain a certain amount of liquid assets.
No matter how he looked at it, the advantages of David's proposed stock swap far outweighed the disadvantages.
Of course, he could guess what David wanted—to bind their partnership more tightly.
A stock swap was no trivial matter. Matthew considered it but didn't make an imdiate decision. He would need to consult a professional. "I'll give it so serious thought and get back to you as soon as I can."
David hadn't expected Matthew to decide on the spot, either. "I'm hoping for good news," he replied.
Matthew smiled. "Even if I say no, we'll still be friends."
"Of course." David nodded and changed the subject. "Any news on Brad Pitt?"
Matthew briefly outlined the situation, finishing with, "But I'm not sure exactly how things are unfolding yet."
David furrowed his brow in thought, then suddenly lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "I've arranged for an undercover agent to be placed inside Plan B."
Matthew was stunned. "Can you even do that?"
"Yes. Standard corporate espionage," David said nonchalantly.
Matthew asked doubtfully, "Is it safe?"
David replied coolly, "Don't worry. It'll be handled properly."
It had been a while since anything this thrilling and interesting had co his way. To him, taking down one of Hollywood's biggest nas seed even more exciting than investing in a successful film.
***
"Welco back!"
In the Plan B office, Brad Pitt gave Natalie Portman, who had just returned from Africa, a warm hug. He stepped back to get a better look at her and remarked, "You've got a tan."
After the conference in Geneva, Natalie had returned to New York before joining a UN team in Africa. She spent many days there, carefully cultivating her philanthropic image. She had only returned to the United States a week ago and, after a short break, was now back in Los Angeles to continue preparations for the "Cloud Atlas" project.
"The sun in Africa is intense," Natalie replied, taking a seat.
"And the mosquitoes are relentless. Their bites are just awful."
Brad had traveled to Africa with Angelina Jolie two years prior and had so idea of the environnt there. The two of them chatted about Africa for a while before their conversation gradually shifted to the preparations for "Cloud Atlas."
"Everything's going well," Brad said, getting back to business. "No surprises. We'll be officially ready by the New Year, with a tentative release date of sumr 2009."
Natalie said with a smile, "It's one of the best combinations of comrcial appeal and depth I've ever seen. I'm sure the film will be as successful as The Matrix."
Brad was just as confident. "Absolutely."
"By the way," Natalie added, "I ran into Matthew in Geneva. He's a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR."
Brad wasn't surprised; it was common knowledge.
Natalie continued, "He was really kicking himself over losing 'Cloud Atlas' and was quite grumpy about it."
Brad couldn't help but smile. It had indeed been difficult to wrestle the project away from
Matthew and David Ellison.
"That's not all," Natalie went on. "Matthew was talking about a new project..."
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