After her initial contact with Universal Pictures, Sheena Boone went to Cantaloupe Studio in Burbank.
"Right now, Universal Pictures won't agree to our terms. I think they'll be willing to budge a bit on the salary, but they won't agree to investment or profit-sharing."
Through one negotiation, Sheena Boone pretty much understood Universal Pictures' bottom line.
Gilbert regretfully said, "It looks like it's going to be tough to get a piece of the pie!"
"Indeed," Sheena Boone nodded, "However, Universal Pictures is very optimistic about your new project internally, so I think investment shouldn't be an issue."
"Alright," Gilbert said, tapping his fingers rhythmically, "We can also contact other film companies; Universal Pictures isn't our only option."
Sheena Boone acknowledged, "Okay, I'll reach out to other film companies."
Burbank is known as the Media Capital, home to the headquarters of Time magazine, which influences North America and even the world, and The Los Angeles Times, one of America's three major newspapers.
Of course, it's also where many Hollywood companies are headquartered, including the famous Warner Bros. Pictures.
At this moment, Jeff Robinov, CEO of Warner Bros. Pictures, was discussing Gilbert's new project with Doug Walter, head of distribution.
"According to the latest news, The Shallows has already grossed over $40 million at the North American box office and over $30 million overseas, and it's still climbing. The final box office could very well exceed $100 million.
Gilbert has officially submitted the script for his new project to Universal Pictures, and according to our sources, Universal is very optimistic about this project."
Doug Walter mysteriously informed Jeff Robinov, who frowned intently.
"So, do you think we have a chance to snatch this project from Universal Pictures?" Jeff Robinov asked.
"It's hard to say," Doug Walter wasn't too sure. "I heard that the first negotiation between Universal Pictures and Gilbert's agent didn't go well, which might be an opportunity."
"Alright then," Jeff Robinov made a quick decision. "Let's actively reach out to Gilbert and try to secure a collaboration opportunity."
The same thing also happened between Robert Iger and Michael Eisner.
Touchstone Pictures is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, responsible for live-action film business that Walt Disney was not proficient in.
"We learned from the Writers Guild that Gilbert has registered several scripts with them. He's a director in a period of intense creativity," Robert Iger told Michael Eisner.
He added, "Gilbert has unlimited potential. We've assessed that the possibility of his next film failing is very low."
Michael Eisner also made a decision: "Let's contact Gilbert first. Our live-action film business lacks a strong leader. As long as Gilbert can join us, any conditions are open for discussion."
"I understand, I'll talk to him immediately," Robert Iger agreed.
Similar situations also occurred at Paramount, MGM, Sony Columbia, 20th Century Fox, and other film companies.
However, besides Touchstone Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures genuinely wanting to secure Gilbert's project, the other film companies were just trying their luck, hoping to catch something, like casting a net even if there aren't many fish.
Nevertheless, this still put Universal Pictures on high alert, as they highly valued their collaboration with Gilbert.
Soon, at Universal Pictures' urging, Sheena Boone had her second negotiation with them.
"Ms. Boone, we are very much looking forward to collaborating with Gilbert again. The salary can increase to $1.2 million, but investment and profit-sharing are conditions we cannot accept," said Leavitt Gore.
"Gentlemen," Sheena Boone's eyes widened as if in disbelief, "For a director whose film is about to gross over $100 million worldwide, your terms are absolutely outrageous.
I ask you gentlemen to consider how much Universal Pictures has earned from this project—tens of millions of dollars, right? And now, you're only willing to offer a salary of $1.2 million?"
By the end, Sheena Boone raised her voice, sounding very angry.
At this point, Lou Wasserman soothed her, "Ms. Boone, please calm down."
After Sheena Boone sat down, Lou Wasserman continued, "Ultimately, Gilbert has potential, but he only has one film to prove himself.
We at Universal Pictures are also taking the risk of failure by choosing to continue trusting Director Gilbert.
We also ask you to trust us to lay the groundwork for better future collaborations."
Lou Wasserman's unspoken message was that Gilbert wasn't qualified yet for profit-sharing or investment.
Sheena Boone, of course, knew he wasn't qualified; she was just aiming high. Ideally, Sheena Boone wanted the salary to reach $1.5 million, and it would be even better if there were profit-sharing.
So, the second negotiation ended in disagreement again, with neither side reaching a consensus.
Afterward, Lou Wasserman and Leavitt Gore continued their discussion.
Leavitt Gore suggested, "I think we should put the negotiations on hold and let them stew for a while."
"But other companies seem to be contacting Gilbert. What if Gilbert collaborates with them?" Lou Wasserman asked.
"Don't worry, if we leak Gilbert's terms slightly, I don't think other companies will agree to his outrageous demands," Leavitt Gore said confidently.
Lou Wasserman thought that made sense: "Alright, let's do that."
It must be said, Leavitt Gore's suggestion was an excellent plan. If negotiations are stalled, it's good to put them on hold for a while.
Gilbert isn't Spielberg, so he should be the one feeling anxious.
However, neither of them expected that a film company would actually agree to Gilbert's terms, catching Universal Pictures completely off guard.
At Robert Iger's invitation, Gilbert visited Robert Iger's luxurious villa.
A small party was being held there, essentially thrown for Gilbert.
As he needed a female companion, Gilbert thought of Cameron Diaz and invited her to join him.
Cameron Diaz was pleasantly surprised by the invitation. She specially rented a gown and waited for Gilbert to pick her up. They then headed to Robert Iger's luxurious villa together.
"Wow, Michelle, you look truly beautiful today!" Gilbert exclaimed, admiring Cameron Diaz in a small blue evening dress.
Michelle is Cameron Diaz's middle name: Cameron Michelle Diaz.
Cameron Diaz showed a suitable hint of shyness: "Really? Thank you for the compliment."
Seeing Gilbert's captivated look, Cameron Diaz knew she had chosen the right dress; it clearly attracted men.
It was still a bit chilly in Los Angeles in December, so Gilbert took off his suit jacket and draped it over Cameron Diaz.
"It's a bit cold tonight; be careful not to catch a chill," Gilbert said.
Looking at the man who cared for women, Cameron Diaz admitted that for a moment, her heart fluttered.
"Please, madam, buckle up," Gilbert opened the car door.
Cameron Diaz smiled charmingly, "Okay, gentleman."
With that, she got into the passenger seat, tucking her long legs inside.
Gilbert closed the passenger door, walked around to the other side, and drove towards Robert Iger's estate.
Dear readers, Happy New Year! I wish you all good health, smooth sailing in everything, and good fortune in the new year.
Regarding the female lead issue, Cameron Diaz will not be the main female lead, or rather, she's just one of several.
The timeline of this book is very long, and as the protagonist's power, wealth, and status increase, many famous actresses will definitely be circling him.
Of course, it won't be a brainless harem story; a few will be enough. However, one-night stands will happen, like with Winona Ryder in the main text.
I used to write single-female-lead stories, and this is my first time writing multiple female leads, so consider it practice.
If you have any opinions, feel free to share them in the comment section. As long as you don't curse, I can accept anything.
Once again, I wish you all smooth work and happiness!