Heads Up Hollywood

Miramax is just an independent film company, and it doesn't have much money to invest at all. It took out 75 million U.S. dollars when it hollowed out its family.

Peter Jackson is very excited, because he can finally take over the commercial production for the first time!

Although with a budget of 75 million US dollars, it is indeed pitiful to shoot two films back to back.

Soon, the scripts came out - "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The War of the Ring".

But at this time, Miramax had a new evaluation of the project. To complete these two films, at least 140 million US dollars must be invested!

Harvey Weinstein had the connections, the resources, the ability, but no money.

He had no choice but to find Joe Ross, the president of Disney, and after being rejected, he found CEO Michael Eisner.

Michael Eisner was very ruthless.

It is impossible for him to allow Miramax to also invest in commercial blockbusters to compete with Disney headquarters, insisting that the investment will be up to 75 million US dollars, not a cent more!

Harvey Weinstein immediately collapsed.

Because in the preparatory process of the project, he has already spent 10 million US dollars.

At this point, Harvey Weinstein had no choice but to take the last route—handing over the project.

Transferring projects is common in Hollywood.

Miramax's "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love" came from transfers, and "Pulp Fiction" and "Good Will Hunting" were also imported second-hand goods, but these have become treasures.

Harvey Weinstein knew the potential of "The Lord of the Rings", but faced with financial pressure, in order to prevent the project from being aborted, he could only find new investors.

"At that time, Harvey put forward three very harsh conditions. First, any company that takes over must pay 12 million US dollars within 24 hours; second, the Weinstein brothers should be listed as executive producers; third , Miramax will get 5% of the global box office share, and the copyright owner of "The Lord of the Rings", Sal Zaenz, will also have 5% of the box office share."

Bob Shea shrugged his shoulders, his tone was very flat, but from his expression, it was not difficult to see that he couldn't hide his expression.

Investing in such a large project and accepting such harsh conditions requires great courage for decision makers!

"At that time, there were two companies interested in this project, in addition to New Line, and Polygram. This record company released a series of blockbuster films at that time, and tasted the sweetness of movies. But soon, Polygram broke its funding chain, faced bankruptcy, and was acquired by Universal Music, and in the end, only New Line Pictures remained."

Tang En nodded, "So... you agreed to take over the "Lord of the Rings" project?"

Bob Shea laughed and said: "Peter Jackson was still unknown at the time, and there was no precedent for box office success in his resume; the fantasy and epic elements of the novel required extremely high computer special effects; continuous shooting meant that the budget would be staggeringly high. New Line Cinema had never worked on such a large project before, but I finally accepted it.”

"Not only that, but you've expanded your budget, haven't you?"

"That's right, there are three books in the "Lord of the Rings" series. Why did they make two parts? Of course, the effect of the trilogy is better. For this unprecedented project, we expect to spend more than 270 million U.S. dollars."

Tang En smiled, "270 million to make 3 movies, the investment is not too much. You know that James' "Unsinkable" cost me a full 200 million US dollars!"

Bob Shea said sternly: "It's different! "Unsinkable" was filmed in the United States, and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was produced in New Zealand. There are more favorable tax breaks and more favorable labor costs." Spending. Investing $270 million in New Zealand is enough to invest $400 million in the US!"

Tang En smiled slightly and did not deny it, but he was thinking about another thing in his mind.

"The Lord of the Rings" has not yet been released, but anyone who has seen the finished film understands that this work by Peter Jackson will shine brightly!

30 years ago, the poorly-reputed and shoddy cartoon had a good box office, not to mention this beautifully produced movie with excellent special effects?

There is no doubt that the biggest hero behind this scene is Harvey Weinstein.

Without his initial investment of more than 10 million US dollars, as well as the communication, coordination, and operation among various agencies, producers, and film companies, the "Lord of the Rings" project would not have been possible.

"I don't deny Harvey Weinstein's ability, but I absolutely hate his character!" Dunn didn't hide his thoughts.

Barry Mayer frowned and said, "Harvey Weinstein is not Brett Ratner. For now, you can't touch him! You can't, and I can't either!"

Tang En shrugged nonchalantly, he already had a comprehensive plan.

Bob Shea suddenly thought of something, and said again: "By the way, when transferring "The Lord of the Rings", Harvey Weinstein also put forward an additional condition, if New Line Pictures operates the "Hobbit" project in the future , he also needs to participate in the share."

Tang En glanced at him with a half-smile, "That's very simple, as long as Sal Zaenz chooses a new partner, the cooperation between New Line Pictures and Harvey Weinstein will naturally be cancelled."

Bob Shea's complexion changed, and he looked at Tang En with a little fear.

This guy, wouldn't it be that he fell in love with "The Hobbit" and wanted to compete with Xinxian for this project? This is not according to the rules of Hollywood!

Barry Meyer couldn't help but frown.

If Tang En really came forward in person, with his famous brand, Sal Zaenz might really choose to cooperate with Tang En Pictures.

Tang En smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't reach out to snatch my friend's prey."

The copyrights of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" are too complicated, not only Sal Zaentz, but also Harvey Weinstein, as well as the film and television copyright of New Line Pictures, and the distribution of MGM Copyright, and a 7.5% share of profits from the Tolkien Estate Trust...  

Too complicated copyright disputes will seriously affect the operation of the film.

In the future, copyright lawsuits involving uneven distribution of benefits will be a matter of course.

In comparison, Twain is more interested in the TV rights of "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" series!

Back then, Tolkien sold the film rights, but the TV rights are still there, and they are managed by the Tolkien Heritage Trust, so there are no complicated copyright disputes.

Back in 2017, Amazon spent an astonishing $250 million to buy the global TV series copyright of "Lord of the Rings"!

It was only 2001, and Tang En was very interested in taking the TV rights of "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" as well as the derivative adaptation rights of related content into his bag.

If there is also The Silmarillion, all the better!

"The Lord of the Rings" hasn't been released yet, so even if the other party opens its mouth, the price shouldn't be too high.

...

Tang En has been working very hard recently, and has been writing script outlines, mainly for well-known American dramas in the future, and then registering them.

In addition to this job, Tang En also ordered the Copyright Department to purchase the copyrights of works in the market. Of course, the most famous one is "A Song of Ice and Fire".

It's just that George Martin refused to sell the copyright. He believed that the existing special effects technology could not shoot the Westeros continent he imagined.

"Forget it, if he doesn't sell it, let's put it on hold for now. When New Line's "Lord of the Rings" is released, he will know what wonderful scenes the current computer special effects can present."

Dunn called Manola Daggis, the person in charge of copyright, and arranged a new task for her, "I want to get the TV copyright of "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings!"

Of course, Manola Daggis has paid attention to such a classic work, and immediately said: "It shouldn't be difficult. The film copyrights of "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" have long been exiled. Tolkien Jr. He said that he has lost control, so there is no need to retain the TV copyright. However, the copyright of "The Silmarillion" is very complete, and it is all in his hands. It will be very difficult to obtain the copyright of this work."

Tang En said: ""The Silmarillion"... If you can get the best, it doesn't matter if you don't get it. The adaptation of this work is too difficult."

Manola Daggis nodded, suddenly thought of something, and said with a smile: "By the way, I have watched the finished film of "Juno". Miss Portman has a chance to win the award."

Tang En shook his head, "I know her acting skills are still a little immature, but... with a little work, she should be nominated for an Oscar, it shouldn't be a big problem."

This year is the year of 9/11, and war will soon break out.

It is already a miracle that the next year's Oscars can go smoothly. The choice of awards will definitely be greatly tilted towards political correctness. The queen and actor are all black actors. The feminist tendency of "Juno" is also in line with the trend.

"But..." Manola Daggis hesitated, glanced at Tang En, and said hesitantly, "But I heard some rumors."

"Rumor?"

"There is a senior in the industry who is dissatisfied with the fact that the Oscars are too young and young, especially represented by you and Ms. Portman. You were the best adapted screenwriter award at the last Oscar, and she was the best supporting actress. I heard One Oscar, we need to improve the atmosphere."

"Senior in the industry? It's impossible for the academy to spread such remarks!" But soon, Tang En realized that he suddenly thought of someone, and his eyes flashed sharply, "Could it be Kirk Douglas?"

Manola Dargis shook her head and said, "I just heard that you have a lot of contacts, you can investigate."

Tang En snorted coldly with disdain, "The general trend is the general trend, he can't dominate the Oscars! In the politically correct environment, "A Beautiful Mind" is destined to be the big hit at this year's Oscars."

"But what about Miss Portman? Even if "Juno" prevents her from winning Best Actress, she should at least be nominated? You can't lose a chance to be nominated because of external factors."

"Okay, let's talk about this matter after "Juno" is released, and in the awards season. We are not in a hurry."

Tang En's expression was calm, but his expression was a little indifferent, "I really don't believe how much trouble an old guy can cause!"