After twelve years of silence, in mid-December 2009, Jas Caron—the man known as the tyrant of the set, the truck driver, the tech fanatic—unleashed his ga-production, "Avatar," upon the North Arican film market. In the promotional package from 20th Century Fox, the film's publicly stated cost reached an astonishing five hundred million dollars!
The truth, as was well known in Hollywood circles, was that the production budget for "Avatar," combined with its advertising and distribution costs, had indeed reached a staggering $500 million.
And if one factored in Jas Caron’s preliminary technical preparations for filming "Avatar," the total cost could have been even higher.
The idea for the film had originated with Matthew, but Jas Caron had collaborated closely with 20th Century Fox, and the production team had chosen to finance the film through loans rather than seeking outside investnt.
In other words, 20th Century Fox and the production team took out external loans, which they would later repay with principal and interest. The financiers would not participate in the film's revenue sharing.
For him, there was no way in.
As for poaching Jas Caron, that was beyond his capabilities. Not only could he not offer Caron more favorable terms than 20th Century Fox, but the enormous investnt required could have easily shattered his own capital chain.
He had even asked Helen to contact Jas Caron, but eventually, he abandoned the idea.
Ever since the release of the "big ship," 20th Century Fox and Sony Electronics had been providing Jas Caron with the funds and equipnt to perfect 3D technology. Caron had long been tied to Fox.
Another director for the film? This movie wasn't lacking a plot, or actors, or even a script. It was lacking the technology!
This was a film that stood virtually no chance of being made without Jas Caron at the helm.
Matthew accepted 20th Century Fox's invitation to attend the world premiere at Hollywood's Grand Ole Opry.
It was a chance to witness the birth of a miracle.
"20th Century Fox and Jas Caron are said to be ambitious."
At the end of the red carpet, Robert Iger, the CEO of Walt Disney, stood at the top of the steps, watching Jas Caron walk the carpet. He remarked to Matthew, "They want to make 'Avatar' a gahit on par with 'Titanic'."
He shifted his gaze to Matthew. "Do you think they can pull it off?"
"How would I know sothing like that?" Matthew was no oracle, so he wasn't about to make any wild predictions. He simply replied, "But the ticket prices are an advantage."
Robert understood what Matthew ant and nodded slightly. "'Avatar' is showing in nearly a third of all 3D theaters."
Matthew's eyes drifted away from the red carpet. "The King of the World is ambitious."
"He's still number one at the North Arican and global box office," Robert said, flashing his signature Mickey Mouse smile. "No one can touch him."
Matthew added, "Titanic is a massive treasure trove!"
Robert sighed. "This decade alone, the revenue from 'Titanic's' discs and video sales is enough to make anyone envious."
"Actually, Bob, I'm more envious of you," Matthew said slowly. "I can't believe you guys acquired Lucasfilm!"
Robert replied modestly, "That was mainly because George Lucas was willing to sell to Disney."
Matthew asked, "I heard you're planning to reboot the 'Star Wars' series? It's not a secret; rumors have been flying since Disney started its move on Lucasfilm. Perhaps only the 'Star Wars' franchise can put an end to Jas Caron's reign."
Even now, he couldn't quite grasp why Aricans were so fanatical about the "Star Wars" series.
He might not understand the finer points, but he could clearly see that "Star Wars" had beco a powerful cultural symbol.
"I hope so." Robert smiled with a hint of subtle irony and suddenly asked, "Matthew, are you interested in playing a new Jedi?"
Matthew asked curiously, "Do you already have plans in motion?"
Robert shook his head. "Not yet."
He emphasized, "But if you want to join, I'm sure George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy would design a leading role specifically for you."
Rembering the buzzing lightsabers and flimsy-looking duels, Matthew shook his head decisively. "Forget it, I'm not interested in being a Jedi."
He knew little about the lore and world of "Star Wars," and based on the films alone, the Jedi just seed weak.
Besides, he knew the future of the series was to beco a vehicle for social agendas.
"What about Marvel's superhero films?" Robert's tone was insistent. "Auditions for Captain Arica are starting soon, and I think you're the best candidate to play Steve Rogers."
He reminded him, "You've also invested in 'Captain Arica.' It's a win-win situation."
Matthew slowly but firmly shook his head, waving a dismissive hand. "Kevin won't pay a huge salary for that film."
He smiled. "Bob, I have to shoot 'Fast Five' next year."
Robert nodded. Although he said nothing more, a sense of regret was unavoidable. Walt Disney had acquired Marvel Entertainnt, naturally taking full control of Marvel's "Avengers" plan. The investnt in the series was so massive that even with Matthew Horner splitting forty percent of the investnt in the two upcoming projects, "Captain Arica" and "The Avengers," the amount invested by Marvel Studios was still astronomical.
Such huge investnt figures entailed extrely high risks. If "The Avengers" failed to et expectations, not only would the film's investnt be lost, but the entire Marvel acquisition could be deed a failure.
If Matthew Horner could star in one of the lead roles, the risk would undoubtedly be reduced significantly.
A pity...
Robert Iger could only sigh inwardly. A Hollywood superstar whose net worth was conservatively estimated in the hundreds of millions, who was also carving out his own niche in production and investnt—not even the Big Six could force a man like that to work for them.
He was, in himself, a colossal comrcial asset.
Matthew and Robert chatted for a few more monts before Robert headed into the theater. Just as Matthew was about to follow, soone approached him.
"Hi, Matthew."
Seeing a woman with long red hair, Matthew stepped forward and shook her hand. "Hello, Ms. Howard."
"Please, call
Bryce." Bryce Dallas Howard smiled. "It's a pleasure to et you."
Matthew smiled back. He didn't know Bryce Howard well. "You look stunning tonight," he said.
"Thank you." Bryce smiled, then added, "I should be thanking you for 'Twilight'."
Matthew replied casually, "It was nothing."
Bryce, however, understood that it was a favor to her father and that the Howard family now owed him one. She added, "Matthew, if there's anything I can help with, just give
a call."
Hearing her words, Matthew suddenly thought of David Ellison.
"I actually do need your help," he said.
Bryce kept a smile on her face, though she inwardly winced. "I'd be happy to help."
"I have a friend who has invested in a film that's in the running for an Oscar this year."
Bryce imdiately understood. "I'll mobilize my friends from film school to vote for his movie. Just send
his contact info and the film's title later."
Matthew smiled. "Thank you."
With that, their conversation ca to a natural close. Although Bryce was considered a beautiful woman by many, Matthew felt nothing of the sort for her.
Matthew then entered the Hollywood Grand Theatre and waited for a short while in the VIP lounge, where he greeted Jas Caron and exchanged a few words.
However, before entering the screening room, Matthew spotted soone interesting.
The man was short, wore glasses, and bore a slight resemblance to Harvey Weinstein.
Matthew had done extensive research on Weinstein Pictures and imdiately recognized him as Bob Weinstein, who rarely made public appearances.
Seeing Bob Weinstein, he deliberately lingered, watching as Bob exchanged pleasantries with directors and stars in the lounge and spoke with the heads of major companies.
This was completely out of character for Bob Weinstein.
In recent years, Bob Weinstein had seldom appeared in public, mostly staying in Harvey Weinstein's shadow. The rumor in Hollywood was that Harvey handled the public-facing business while Bob managed things internally.
Matthew had attended nurous premieres and countless Hollywood events, and he had seen Harvey Weinstein more tis than he could count.
But this was the first ti he had ever seen Bob Weinstein.
If he hadn't researched him, Matthew wouldn't have even known who he was.
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