American Peanuts

Chapter 227 Antitrust Act, "Now you see me"

"Of course, he also asked me to send a message to say hello to you." Christine said quickly.

Her father has now become the head of the television department of PB Pictures, and Charlie is their common boss.

"Well, let's talk about the salary." Charlie looked at the agent next to Stewart.The other party came from The Gersh Agency, a long-established talent agency founded by its founder who made a fortune from Robert Wise, the famous director of "The Sound of Music."

It's just that after years of development, this company has gradually declined, unable to compete with several big Hollywood brokerage companies, and found another way to start the field of literary brokerage.

The film and television adaptation rights transaction of "Twilight" is precisely the handiwork of this company.The company has hired several literary agents since four years ago.

As for Christine, she was signed by The Gersh Agency as early as 2002 after she filmed "Trembling Room" with the big star Jodie Foster. In the middle years, she shot four or five films until she entered Twilight City Crew.

"We want Kristen to get the same treatment as Robert Pattinson. 1000 million salary, plus the signing of the sequel."

"This is obviously impossible. Robert has a very good reputation among female audiences, but Kristen does not have similar appeal. She is not irreplaceable. I have many young female actors like this. If none of them are suitable, For the price, I will consider abandoning Christine." Charlie looked at the other party.

"You are trying to kill the donkey!" Sure enough, Christine's manager roared.

"I'm communicating with you in a way that conforms to the traditional rules of Hollywood." Of course, Charlie wanted to deny the other party's accusation.

In fact, what if Christine is given 1000 million, or even 1000 or two million as a salary?It’s just that Charlie needs to test the other party’s bottom line.

Then Charlie looked at Christine and explained patiently: "The budget of the film is right there. I need to ensure the quality of the film. Of course, if you are willing to lower the salary, I will be more than happy to let you continue to be the heroine." .”

Christine said tentatively, "800 million?"

The agent on the side immediately complained.

"Oh, I told you, you shouldn't take the initiative."

"It's 500 million. If there is a third part, I will let you get a share of the profit base." Charlie ignored the other party and said directly.

With her father's connection, Kristen agreed to Charlie's request without much hesitation.

But her agent didn't seem very happy.

"I will ask the legal department to sign a specific contract with you later." Let him leave.

As for the next Taylor, although he is the second male lead in the film, the discussion among the audience is not so enthusiastic. It is far less than the two leading actors. The other party is also quite aware of current affairs and gave a relatively cheap The price negotiation went very smoothly.

Before the last Ashley Greene came in, Charlie heard the sound of her agent arguing with her.

"I am considering your interests. No matter what Charlie Rossi told you before, it was just a cover. You are worth this price and you should get this much money."

When he came in, Charlie also saw anger on the faces of the two people. It was a very rare situation. There was internal strife among the people being negotiated.

"How about I give you two more time to discuss the outcome?"

"No need, I agree to your request." Ashley said proactively.

The agent from the "Starlight Angel" talent management company became regretful and kept complaining.

This also reflects some of the current status of Hollywood artist management.

Different from the Japanese and Korean entertainment circles, brokerage companies have a high degree of control over artists' contracts, performance content, prices, and training.Agents in Hollywood have relatively few rights and obligations, and can only do one business: getting jobs for artists.

At the same time, they must be subject to local laws in California and the supervision of various associations, and must not participate in any production work.The maximum share is 10%. The first contract can only be signed for one year, and each subsequent contract renewal can be up to three years. All kinds of regulations are to protect the rights and interests of artists.

This is true in principle, but errors have occurred in specific facts. In 2000, the National Association of Artists Agency ATA broke down the negotiations with the producer union, and now some brokerage companies hold shares in the studio.

As for Charles' Venus, it took a different path from the beginning and was not restricted in this regard.

But no matter what, the agent's constraints on the actors themselves are very low. When the agent's ideas conflict with the artist, the agent will try to persuade the other party from various angles. If the persuasion fails, he can only follow the other party's wishes. .

"You missed a good opportunity." Her agent shook his head and could only choose to accept it now.

In the end, Charlie signed the supporting actress at a very low price.

As for why Ashley agreed, it was actually very simple.Charlie promised her additional benefits, all without the involvement of an agent.

When Ashley left, the final salary negotiations finally settled. In addition to saving Charlie several million dollars, more importantly, it allowed him to see the current status of the agency.

Charlie looked at Bob next to him and asked him what he thought: "What do you think of these two brokerage companies?"

"Do you want to acquire these two brokerage companies?"

"That's right, Venus is currently only active in the more depressed markets and can only accept some guest appearances. It's time to get involved in the traditional artist management field."

Charlie has no intention of adding much glory to Hollywood. He just wants to continue to fish from the lake, monopolize the landowners, and make money while lying down.This is also the core reason why he hopes to return to the "big studio" system.

Among them, artist managers are an essential piece of the puzzle.

Now is a good time. ATA is no longer willing to be restricted by other associations. The pressure of supervision has disappeared a lot, and he can fish in troubled waters.

"I can't make the decision for you, but I have to tell you that there are risks involved."

"The antitrust bill? I know. When MCA acquired Universal, it was deeply involved in antitrust investigations, and finally had to give up the artist brokerage business." Charlie said casually.

MCA was once the most prosperous brokerage company in history. It was this brokerage company that innovatively proposed actors' box office share. This form of transaction is still in use today. Later, it grew rapidly with the rise of the television industry, and in In the late 50s, it successfully acquired Universal and reached the pinnacle of the brokerage agency.At that time, CAA had not yet appeared.

As a result, under the pressure of the Sherman Antitrust Act, it was forced to abandon the brokerage agency business.

From Paramount being forced to divest its theaters, to MCA giving up its agency business, to the "separation of production and broadcasting" of the three major TV news networks, antitrust laws have been introduced three times in Hollywood, each time changing the original pattern until the current situation is formed. Hollywood operating system.

Now, Charlie is preparing to launch his fourth attack on the antitrust laws.

This will inhibit the vitality of Hollywood and even make Hollywood movies lose their competitiveness around the world, but this is not what Charlie cares about at all.

"That's it. I'll try to contact these two brokerage companies. If they disagree, I may look for other potential acquisition targets." Charlie nodded.

"By the way, why didn't you see Kevin Feige?" Charlie asked suddenly.

I haven't seen his meritorious producer this afternoon, so I don't know where he went to be lazy.

"I saw him this afternoon and he looked excited and said he wanted to meet a friend," Bob recalled.

"Shit!" Charlie cursed under his breath.

George Lucas, this old fox, is really evil.

Charlie immediately called Kevin Feige.

"I just came back to the hotel, I think my work should be over, by the way, I went to see George Lucas in the afternoon, he used to value me so much, he also invited me to join the George Lucas film, promised me Maximum autonomy to restart the Star Wars movie series. Even offered twice the salary."

"Charlie, you lied to me!"

Charlie cursed in his mind again, and it didn't sound like the outcome was good.

Kevin Feige listened and was very interested in this matter.

"So, you are going to switch to George Lucas... then I can only wish you good luck." Charlie's mind was racing, weighing the impact of Kevin Feige's departure.

"Thank you. But I turned him down." Kevin Feige continued.

"It was you who saved Marvel, and it was you who saved me, so why don't I stay here to complete the grand blueprint that I laid out before?"

"Moreover, I also told George Lucas that restarting Iron Man was not my idea, but yours. It was you who deeply encouraged me. Without you, Marvel would not be what it is today. Guess George Lucas was then What's that expression? Since he needs a successor, I recommended you to him. I feel that if anyone can keep Star Wars competitive, it should be you."

"How did he react?"

"He had no reaction and was probably still digesting the news."

"I know." Charlie shook his head and hung up the phone.

Sounds like good news.However, after Disney acquired George Lucas Films and its subsidiary Industrial Light and Magic, it cost 40 billion U.S. dollars. Charlie can’t afford so much money now. The promotion of several films still embezzles Abu Dhabi’s investment. With Will running it, it wasn't difficult.

It’s impossible to sell at a bargain price just because George Lucas thinks so highly of himself.This is simply impossible.

And compared to the car brand, Charlie felt that this deal was too expensive.

The reason why Disney does this is because of its rich IP monetization capabilities, selling licensed toys, and building Disney parks... In comparison, PB's derivative product line is very meager.

Putting aside this tempting but temporarily unachievable idea, Charlie focused all his attention on the upcoming movie.

The day after San Diego Comic-Con, Charlie appeared in Los Angeles, and the crew of "The Amazing Hulk" held a grand premiere ceremony at Universal Studios in the evening.

Including the leading actors, Edward Norton and Liv Tyler, all dressed up to attend.

After getting out of the quagmire of the divorce case, Liv Tyler's condition looks much better now.

"Now I have to return to the film industry and try to make money. At the moment I need to lose weight." She said to Charlie with a smile.

"I'm glad you can come back. Are your old friends still there? Do you need to sign with a new agency? I'll make you reborn." Charlie warned.

"Agency? I thought Venus was just an ordinary model." Liv Tyler was a little confused.

"Of course, Venus is doing these businesses, but I plan to enter new markets, relying on my existing resources, Marvel Movies, PB Movies, and I plan to acquire several small and medium-sized brokerage companies to complete the merger work. New blood is needed.”

"Which brokerage company are you planning to acquire?"

"Currently, I have sent people to contact The Gersh Agency and Starlight Angels. If the other party refuses, I still have several alternatives. This is just the beginning. My goal is to become one of the top four agencies in Hollywood."

"I think it's not bad. I'd love to be in," Liv Tyler said with a smile.

She is no longer young and wants to return to work. Compared with newcomers who have no foundation, she will indeed have a certain advantage, but it is limited to this. Hollywood has no shortage of young and beautiful girls. As a middle-aged girl, she How attractive are women to producers?

Having been in Hollywood for a long time, Liv Tyler naturally knows how to assess the situation, and there is no better choice than joining Charlie Rossi.

"Very good." Charlie nodded.

"Let me see who Charlie Rossi has made a new love." Director Louis Leterrier came over and joked to the two of them.

"Oh, Charlie doesn't like me. Compared to Megan Fox, I'm like an old witch who has lived in seclusion in the mountains and forests for many years." Liv Tyler said with some self-deprecation.

"Don't forget that you are an elf princess." Louis Leterrier added.

When Charlie saw the director, he thought of other things.

"What new film are you planning to shoot next?" Charlie asked.

"A big-scene action movie, a suspense thriller? Even going to PB to take photos of girls, no matter what it is, I'm willing to do it. I'm close to unemployment now." Louis Leterrier shook his head. Of course, this was more of a self-interest. Qian's statement.

"PB Pictures received a script with a theme of magic, cool scenes, a perfect combination of CG, and some brain-burning and twists. The framework is a story similar to Robin Hood, robbing the rich and giving to the poor. I think It’s perfect for you to shoot it,” Charlie said.

"Magic theme? Edward Norton's last film was just after "The Great Magician""

"He was not suitable for this film, so I decided to find some new leading actors."

"Like me?" Liv Tyler looked at Charlie expectantly upon seeing this.

"Of course you can, provided you can complete the weight loss before starting the movie." Charlie didn't refuse. He let his people shoot the movies he invested in and controlled every link upstream and downstream. This is the system of a large studio. Essentially, but I still made a special request.

"I want to know what the name of the movie is?"

"It has a very mysterious title. "Now you see me" has a bit of a hoodoo feel."

Louis Leterrier nodded: "Can you send me the script of this film tonight? It might be interesting."

(End of this chapter)