Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 5 Sex, Lies, and Videotapes
As the St. Denis Film Festival came to an end, many people saw that the well-received "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" had failed to win any awards and was not recognized by the St. Denis Film Festival.

This directly put Steven Soderbergh, who had some confidence, in a difficult position, and several independent distributors who had originally been interested in the film also backed off from the film.

"Don't worry, Steven, don't worry," Aaron comforted Steven Soderbergh in the hotel room.

"Hey, can I not be anxious?"

Steven Soderbergh sighed, "Independent film companies such as Resher Entertainment, Savoy Films, and Trimark Films are all in a wait-and-see phase and lack confidence in the film;"

"Sex, Lies and Videotape has not been approved by St. Denis, and they are worried that the work they paid so much for will fail!"

Aaron Anderson smiled and said, "It's not that they don't dare to buy this movie, they just don't want to spend the price it deserves;"

"You don't want to sell it at a low price, do you?"

Is Sex, Lies, and Videotape a bad seller?
No, it’s still a price issue. The prices these companies are willing to offer are far from what Steven Soderbergh and Aaron Anderson expected.

Sure enough, in the evening, another representative from an independent distributor, Miramax, came over.

Miramax representative Harvey Weinstein may become a big name in the future, but now he is just an independent film distributor who relies on "sexy" works to attract attention!

"I also heard that the negotiator for 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape' was a young man, but I didn't expect him to be so young."

Harvey Weinstein couldn't help but gasp at the sight of Aaron Anderson.

"With your figure and looks, it would be a waste if you didn't become a star!"

Aaron Anderson smiled and shook hands with the other party out of respect for his profession. "Mr. Weinstein, good evening. I am Aaron Anderson, representing director Steven Soderbergh."

Harvey Weinstein nodded. "Let's not waste any more time. Miramax offers $60 for the North American theatrical screening rights and videotape rights to Sex, Lies, and Videotape."

"I don't think any film company will offer a higher price than me, right?"

Steven Soderbergh's eyes moved, and it was obvious that he was moved. Aaron Anderson stopped him with a look and signaled him not to interrupt!
Aaron Anderson sat on the sofa, lit a cigarette for himself and took a puff. "Sex, Lies and Videotape is an excellent movie. You know it, and I know it too."

"The Saint Denis Film Festival's disregard actually means nothing!"

“No,” Harvey Weinstein shook his head.

“It represents risk!”

"Hahaha, risk is opportunity," Aaron looked at the other party. "Right now, besides the popularity of Sylvester Stallone's action blockbusters, gangster dramas and family ethics films also have a considerable market;"

"Rain Man, which was released at the end of last year, just won the Best Picture in the Drama category at the Golden Globe Awards, and its box office is also rising steadily, which shows that the market for family ethics has always been huge;"

"Sex, Lies, and Videotape may not be as good as Rain Man, but its prospects are definitely not worth this much, right?"

"Harvey, you have to know that there are many art films about sex and lies, but Steven's film incorporates a videotape, which is a genius idea!"

"Aaron, movie distribution also depends on the input-output ratio!" Harvey Weinstein reminded.

Aaron shook his head. "We don't care about the St. Denis Film Festival at all. Sex, Lies and Videotape will go directly to Cannes next."

"This kind of film will definitely have extraordinary appeal at the Cannes Film Festival. We have several producers at CAA who are optimistic about it."

"If there is no film company to distribute the film, CAA will send the film to Cannes and use the platform of the Cannes Film Festival to seek buyers. A good work will never be buried!"

When Harvey Weinstein saw the title of this film, he was intrigued, and after seeing the finished product, he became even more determined;

But unexpectedly, the other party’s representative was also optimistic?

"What's your price?" Harvey Weinstein asked. Aaron held up two fingers and said, "$200 million for the North American rights!"

"That's impossible," Harvey Weinstein said, standing up.

"Then can you give us a release date and guarantee that it will be shown in no fewer than 200 theaters?"

"Of course not. Not only is Steven Soderbergh a new director, but the actors are also unknown. We can't promise!"

"Harvey, you and I both know that this movie has great potential, and Steven Soderbergh is equally confident in his film," Aaron said confidently.

"This movie will definitely be a big hit at the Cannes Film Festival. Then, it will be a bidding war among distributors!"

Harvey Weinstein's expression changed. "No independent film has ever sold for a million dollars at the St. Denis Film Festival."

"Well, I believe it will be this year!"

"$200 million is impossible. $100 million is enough to acquire the theatrical screening rights and video tape copyright."

Aaron shook his head. "Impossible! North American screening and video rights, minimum $350 million!"

"Aaron, you're too greedy. If you do that, 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape' will never make it to theaters."

"No, you underestimate CAA. I've been in touch with Ms. Paula Wagner before and sent her a copy. She loved it too!"

Aaron now has to bring out a big shot to support the situation, and the title of Tom Cruise’s agent is still enough;
As for CAA Chairman Michael Ovitz, he is traveling back and forth between the United States and Japan to help Japanese electronics giant Sony acquire Hollywood studio Columbia TriStar Pictures.

"Don't forget, Cannes is the main battlefield. I think you should understand why European filmmakers love this kind of art film."

Harvey Weinstein sighed, "$80 for the theater rights!"

"Well," Aaron shook his head. "I think we should wait until the Cannes Film Festival to discuss this."

Aaron stood up as he spoke.

Harvey Weinstein took a deep breath and said, "One million dollars for the North American screening rights!"

Steven Soderbergh was breathing rapidly and his face was flushed.

Aaron put out his cigarette and said, "Just one price, $120 million. We will fully cooperate with Miramax to participate in the Cannes exhibition."

"Since Steven's film was financed by loans, Miramax has to pay him in cash within a week!"

"Okay, I'll have someone prepare the contract as soon as possible," Harvey stood up and prepared to leave.

Then, he looked back and said, "Aaron Anderson, right? You are very good!"

After seeing Harvey Weinstein leave, Steven Soderbergh couldn't control himself anymore. He jumped up and said, "Aaron, did I ever tell you that you are a genius?"

"$120 million for North American screening rights. Did you know this made history?"

Steven Soderbergh's price in mind was about $800,000 to $900,000, and that included the North American screening rights plus the videotape;

He himself was not as confident as Aaron Anderson about this film.

Aaron took a breath, "Miramax has also made news for themselves. It's currently the most expensive independent film deal at the St. Denis Film Festival!"

Looking at the other party's performance just now, Aaron has already reacted and still called out a low price;
No wonder Harvey Weinstein will become so famous in the future. This fat guy sometimes has really good vision!

(End of this chapter)