In America, the Best Actor award starts with stereotypes.

10:00 AM, New Line Cinema office building.

Unlike the serious rules of the six major film giants, this independent film company, which has released a series of blockbusters in recent years and just won the first week of the summer box office, is full of energy. The staff walk with a gust of wind, as if they are chasing something with great momentum.

Holding a script, Chen Zhuo, led by John Connor, entered the office of New Line CEO Robert Schayer.

This is his revised script for "Paranormal Activity".

Ever since he saw the hype surrounding "The Blair Witch Project," he has been preparing to steal the spotlight.

He planned to wait until "The Blair Witch Project" generated buzz for this type of mockumentary and sparked public interest in the genre before releasing "Paranormal Activity," a film superior to "The Blair Witch Project" in both plot and horror. He aimed to crush the former and rake in the North American box office.

To ensure quality and contemporary appeal, he chose to present it in the form of a 1988 home video, which he also considers to be the best script in the Paranormal series—Paranormal Activity 3.

Based on the quality of this movie, it would absolutely crush the 98 film *The Blair Witch Project*.

"A very interesting script, George. I didn't know you were not only an excellent actor, but also a master screenwriter."

Robert Shaye picked up his coffee, took a sip, and looked at the two men with a broad smile: "$30. This is the most sincere price I can offer. As you probably know, apart from me, a horror script enthusiast who once single-handedly created the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' series, no other company can offer this price."

Chen Zhuo leaned back on the sofa and gave John Connor a wink.

John Connor immediately understood and said with a professional smile, "Mr. Saya, this is indeed a very sincere offer."

"but……"

He suddenly changed the subject, his deep, husky voice saying, "But we have a better plan. Would you like to hear it?"

"Oh?"

Robert stared at John Connor with surprise in his eyes. "What plan?"

"We hope to sign a performance-based agreement with New Line Cinema. Instead of the $300,000 reward, we want to become co-producers of the film and participate in the entire filming process. In return, New Line will give us 3% of the film's box office revenue. If the film's box office exceeds $50 million, the share will become 5%; if it exceeds $80 million, the share will become 8%."

John Connors made an eight-sign with his hand, his expression growing increasingly serious. "So, what do you think of this plan? We'll bear all the risks. The new line just needs to start making money. Mr. Saya, what do you think of it?"

Robert stared at John Connor for a few seconds before turning his gaze to Chen Zhuo.

"George, your confidence really surprises me."

He clasped his hands together and stared at Chen Zhuo, "But you should think it over carefully. If the movie doesn't do well at the box office, you'll lose money. How about this: I'll pay 30 to buy it out, and the co-producer will give you 1% of the box office revenue. That way, you'll make a profit no matter what."

His voice carried a hint of sincerity, as if he were truly thinking of Chen Zhuo's best interests.

"Mr. Saya, thank you for your generosity, but I am a rather young man and a bit of a gambler."

Chen Zhuo bowed slightly, his smile elegant and confident. "Moreover, I think this kind of performance-based agreement will motivate me more and make the film more successful. What do you think?"

Robert frowned slightly. Although the betting agreement was indeed more favorable to him, for some reason, he had a bad feeling.

Is it really possible that this horror movie could gross over 8000 million?

In the end, he couldn't help but laugh.

How is that possible?

Even his self-created super IP, "A Nightmare on Elm Street," only grossed a peak of 5000 million at the box office.

This script is somewhat interesting, but I estimate it will only gross 20 to 30 million at most, and it's impossible for it to go any higher.

"Okay, then let's proceed according to your plan, assistant—"

Robert beckoned to his assistant, indicating that he would have the assistant prepare the contract.

"The contract is ready."

John Connor took out a prepared document from his briefcase. "Please, Mr. Saya."

Robert gave Chen Zhuo a deep look, who seemed completely detached from the situation, like a complete novice who knew nothing about it.

He shook his head slightly and carefully examined the contract.

"Okay, then let's go with this contract."

A minute later, he readily signed his name, extended his hand, and said, "Pleasure doing business with you."

For him, the outcome doesn't really matter.

Even if this young man really creates a miracle and makes this low-budget horror movie gross over 8000 million, he will only earn a little less temporarily.

More importantly, with this young man's talent, he will be a stable cash cow in the future. By making concessions this time to build good relationships, he will eventually be able to earn it back.

The two shook hands, and the conversation immediately turned to the selection of a director.

"George, since you're going to be a co-producer, I suppose you already have someone in mind to direct, right?"

"I'd like to have Peter Jackson give it a try."

Chen Zhuo did not hide his best choice.

Anyway, the investment required for "The Lord of the Rings" is too high. Even if the project is approved, it can't be launched in a short time. It's better to take the opportunity to get him to do a short-term job and make him a good friend.

With such a future legendary director endorsing him, it will be much easier for him in the future, whether it's judging awards, running a company, or making movies.

"Oh, you mean the director who asked me to take over the script for 'The Lord of the Rings' a few days ago? He has indeed directed a few horror films."

Robert was familiar with this candidate, and after thinking about it, he agreed.

Ultimately, Robert invested $400 million in the film, demanding that it be completed within three months.

Chen Zhuo had no objection to these conditions; in fact, he felt the budget was a bit too much.

Keep in mind that the film "Paranormal Activity 3," shot ten years later in my previous life, only cost $500 million, which, converted to prices in this era, is less than $300 million—more than enough.

But then Robert brought up something else that stunned him.

"George, the company is planning to make a crossover movie between 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Friday the 13th,' called 'Freddy vs. Jason.' You're a skilled fighter and a top-tier hitman. Are you interested in playing Jason?"

"The salary is negotiable. I can give you $80, which is lead actor level treatment. You won't find another company in Hollywood willing to give an Asian newcomer lead actor level salary."

Upon hearing this, John Connor coughed violently, his gaze toward Chen Zhuo becoming somewhat intense.

Chen Zhuo frowned seriously.