A night of activity left Gilbert feeling refreshed.
He turned around and informed his agent, Sheena Boone, to contact Touchstone Pictures, and the negotiations began.
A few days later, Sheena Boone reported that the discussions with Touchstone Pictures were going smoothly.
Robert Iger essentially agreed to a $10 million investment for Final Destination and also agreed to convert Gilbert's salary into an investment.
Correspondingly, the salary would be lower, with the combined pay for director, screenwriter, and producer being only $1 million.
This entire sum would be converted into a 10% investment share in the film.
Even so, this was significantly higher than his initial fee of $100,000.
At the same time, a tiered profit-sharing strategy was adopted for box office revenue, starting with a threshold of $50 million.
If the North American box office didn't reach $50 million, he wouldn't be eligible for a share.
Of course, the sharing amount wasn't high, just 5% of the net profits, not the total box office.
Similarly, Gilbert wasn't eligible for a share of the overseas box office; he would only receive a percentage based on his investment.
However, receiving such favorable terms already exceeded Gilbert's expectations. After the details were finalized, he officially signed his name on the director's contract.
The news reached Universal Pictures, infuriating Lou Wasserman, who was then summoned to President Akio Tanai's office and reprimanded.
"Mr. Tanai, let me explain," Lou Wasserman argued, "Disney only agreed to Gilbert's terms because their live-action film business urgently needs to expand.
Just you wait, Disney will definitely regret their decision today."
Akio Tanai gave Lou Wasserman a deep look. "I hope you're right, Lou, otherwise, you'll have to explain it to the board."
"Don't worry, I've been in this industry for many years, and my judgment won't be wrong."
"It better not be..."
Leaving the president's office, Lou Wasserman cursed Robert Iger a dozen times in his mind. It was all his fault for breaking the rules of the game.
Lou Wasserman didn't blame Gilbert, after all, it's a Hollywood rule to work with whoever offers the best terms, so no one could be blamed.
Although he didn't know the exact terms from Touchstone Pictures, he assumed they were much more generous than Universal Pictures'.
On the other hand, Warner Bros. Pictures regretted not reaching out sooner, otherwise, this project would have been theirs.
However, Jeff Robinov still comforted Doug Walter, "It's okay, Doug, we can still wait and see.
If Gilbert proves himself again, it means he truly has a promising future, and then Warner Bros. Pictures will definitely strive to collaborate with him."
Doug Walter regretfully nodded, "That's all we can do."
Meanwhile, Gilbert, the subject of discussions among film company executives, was interviewing his assistant.
"You said you worked as an assistant for a Chanel designer?" Gilbert asked, a bit surprised, looking at the girl in front of him.
"Yes," Anna Singer nodded, "When I realized I couldn't achieve much in the fashion industry, I came back to Los Angeles."
Anna Singer was recommended by his aunt, Meryl Clyatt, as the daughter of one of her colleagues.
Graduated from a prestigious school and with work experience, she was a good candidate for an assistant.
After reviewing her resume and observing her, Gilbert hired her as his assistant.
"Your main job now is to assist my agent, Sheena Boone, and be responsible for setting up the crew with Touchstone Pictures. Keep me informed of any news."
"Okay," the female assistant understood, "I got it."
After finding an assistant, Gilbert contacted Dur Randolph, the cinematographer he had worked with on The Shallows.
"Dur, got any work lately?"
"Nope, just shot a few commercials for an advertising company recently, barely making ends meet," Dur Randolph chuckled.
"Interested in working with me again?" Gilbert didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
Dur Randolph had long recognized Gilbert's potential. Collaborating with such a promising director in the future was a huge career opportunity.
Without much hesitation, Dur Randolph immediately agreed, "Sounds great, I was just thinking the same thing."
"Then, happy cooperation."
"Happy cooperation."
With the cinematographer settled, Gilbert still needed other reliable people.
A film crew is very complex, consisting of the director's team, production team, cinematography team, visual effects and props, lighting, art direction, stunts, and so on.
Gilbert wasn't looking to hire everyone, but rather to control the entire crew by having his own people in key departments.
After Dur Randolph joined, Spielberg recommended Annie Burton to be Gilbert's first assistant director.
Annie Burton also graduated from USC, making her Gilbert's senior. She had both qualifications and ability, which Gilbert gladly accepted.
Then Francis Coppola recommended Selina Heathfield, also an excellent art director.
For the rest, Gilbert would also consider his agent and prioritize candidates recommended by Sheena Boone.
Although he had negotiated a collaboration with Touchstone Pictures, this project was scheduled for after the New Year.
Since his old man hadn't returned from his European trip, Gilbert went to San Francisco to celebrate Christmas with his aunt's family.
"Come, try this, I made it," Gilbert brought a dish to the table.
His cousin Allie excitedly asked, "Wow, Cousin, what's this delicious food?"
"This is a dish I made called 'Laziji,' or Spicy Chicken Diced. Give it a try," Gilbert said, rubbing his hands.
Allie picked up a fork, struggled to spear a piece of chicken, and took a bite.
"How is it?" Gilbert asked expectantly.
"It's a bit spicy, but quite tasty," Allie found it good and decided to just scoop it directly with a spoon onto her plate.
"Auntie, you all try some too..." Gilbert was delighted by her reaction.
Aunt Meryl curiously asked, "Gilbert, when did you learn to cook food?"
Gilbert casually made up a story: "During college, I joined a gourmet club and learned from a classmate."
"Oh!" His aunt didn't doubt him and also took a bite, immediately nodding, "Hmm, it tastes really good, delicious."
"This isn't even the most authentic version. I can't buy real chilies here. When we have time, we should travel to Asia and eat the most authentic food," Gilbert said.
"Okay, okay!" his cousin clapped her hands. "Cousin told me about the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and also Dianchi Lake and Shangri-La. I want to see them!"
"Alright," Gilbert agreed. "As long as you meet your mom's academic requirements next semester, your cousin will take you."
"Really?"
"Of course, it's true! Mom will be a witness, so you need to work hard!" Aunt Meryl also agreed.
After enjoying the turkey and the spicy chicken, Gilbert stayed by the phone, calling familiar people one by one to keep up connections.
Holiday greetings were essential, whether to collaborators, elders, or subordinates.
The last call was to Cameron Diaz.
"Hey, Michelle, Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Gilbert! Did you guys have turkey?"
"Of course, our turkey was the biggest!"
"Nonsense, our turkey was the biggest!"
After some playful flirting, Cameron Diaz asked, "When are you coming back to Los Angeles? I miss you."
"Really? Do you miss me, or my body?" Gilbert teased.
"Both," Cameron Diaz said, tracing her full lips with her finger, and whispered mysteriously, "When you get back to Los Angeles, we'll try some new things."
"Hahaha, then I'm really looking forward to what new tricks you have."
"Don't worry, I guarantee you'll love it. I learned them in Japan."
Gilbert's tone faltered. Learned from Japan? Those Japanese are so kinky, what did Cameron Diaz learn? He couldn't figure it out, and now he was so excited!