The atmosphere in the West Hollywood restaurant was somewhat subdued at this moment.
Stacey Snider coughed, breaking the awkward silence, and said with a smile, "Charles, Martin's idea is just his own thought. It's impossible to gather so many excellent actors!"
"He himself knows that the budget would be an astronomical figure, and no one would invest in Martin's commercial ability."
Charles held up a finger, "My budget will not exceed 100 million US dollars, and as Universal is the distributor, I will respect your opinions!"
Donna Langley, however, directly asked, "Tell us directly, how much budget do you need for the departed? How much can Capet Pictures invest?"
Charles looked up at Stacey Snider and Donna Langley, and slowly said, "The production budget is 80 million US dollars. Capet Pictures will provide half of the funding and match half of the film's revenue according to the contract! There are no action scenes in the script, and it's being filmed in New York, so there won't be too many set constructions!"
As for the remaining half of the funds, it doesn't matter whether Universal Pictures invests it themselves or brings in other investors.
"Charles, what if Martin Scorsese gives up directing this film?" Donna Langley asked again. Universal wanted the distribution rights to the film, after all, whether it was box office or the DVD market, the profits from distribution were already large enough.
Obtaining film distribution rights with the smallest possible investment has always been the pursuit of distributors.
"Martin Scorsese gives up directing?" Charles's mind spun. Is it because he won't use Leonardo DiCaprio?
"Then change the director!"
"Who?"
"Ridley Scott! He is fully capable of directing this film," Charles even thought that the box office would likely be better than if Martin Scorsese directed it, but he didn't know if it could win big at the Oscar.
After all, Charles had seen american gangster, directed by Ridley Scott in the future and starring Oscar Best Actor Denzel Washington, and its quality was also excellent.
"What about the actors? If not Leonardo, who do you plan to use?" Donna Langley asked again.
"This needs to be discussed with the director," Charles shook his head and said.
"Charles, you should first discuss the plot and actor choices with Martin Scorsese," Stacey Snider said, looking at Charles.
"Isn't Capet Pictures well-funded?"
Charles knew what she was hinting at, "Capet Pictures needs a lot of cash to distribute its own films!"
The meal lasted three hours, which also meant three hours of discussion on the departed project.
Stacey Snider and Donna Langley did hope that Martin Scorsese would direct, and the budget could indeed be reduced to under 100 million US dollars, but then the profit sharing for the creative team would definitely squeeze the profits of the production company, Capet Pictures.
Capet Pictures was not only the production company but also one of the film's investors.
The reason Charles added the clause that he could provide funds when he signed the three-film distribution agreement with Universal back then was to increase his say.
Otherwise, even though the executive producer from the investor side might not interfere much in film production, he would still have considerable power.
Currently, most of the film investors include major distributors, meaning The Big Six. They invest a portion to get the film's distribution rights, and then the production company can use the distribution contract to get bank loans to raise the film's production budget.
To protect their own interests, distributors entrust executive producers to participate in film production, of course, only considering their own interests.
The production producer must ensure that the film is shot into the desired final cut with the existing funds. Each party's position is the result of negotiation.
The negotiation and bargaining between investors, distributors, and production companies will never stop. Capital is a prerequisite for having a say.
If they are overseas investors, many don't even have the qualification to sit at the table of film production, just honestly waiting in line for the final investment dividends.
Especially Asian capital, which is basically just an ATM for Hollywood. They invest in Hollywood films for cultural output but can't even get the most basic say. Their investment returns are also at the lowest level, at the very bottom.
In the commercial car, Stacey Snider asked Donna Langley, who was sitting next to her, "What do you think about this matter?"
"It can be seen that Charles Capet is a person with a strong desire for control. He does not allow his works to deviate from the trajectory he sets. Now it seems that even Martin Scorsese cannot go against his will!" Donna Langley seemed to appreciate him.
"Many people are optimistic about the script adaptation of the departed. In fact, I think it's also acceptable to let Martin Scorsese lead it. I wouldn't let the budget exceed 100 million US dollars, and it wouldn't be a problem even if Capet Pictures doesn't participate in the investment!" Stacey Snider sighed.
"But, you're trying to kick Charles out!"
Donna Langley was not surprised at all. Having the film's distribution rights basically meant controlling the life and death of the film.
"Charles Capet, he's not simple! He just brought back a large fortune from Europe, then independently developed walk the line, and also purchased Dan Brown's best-selling novel the da vinci code. He's going to distribute films himself!"
Donna Langley shook her head as she spoke, then smiled and said, "I always thought you were very optimistic about Charles, this young man, and shouldn't have the idea of kicking him out."
Stacey Snider pondered for a while, "You support Charles Capet?"
Donna Langley nodded, "Martin Scorsese is indeed very capable, but you know the performance of gangs of new york, and everyone knows how Leonardo DiCaprio's performance was;"
"Of course, it would be even better if Charles and Martin could cooperate well. Martin can ensure that the film's quality won't be too bad, and Charles's vision can shine in commercialization!"
After speaking, Donna Langley shrugged and then continued.
Stacey Snider leaned back in her chair, unable to make a decision, and could only say, "Let Charles talk to Martin first. If Martin can really find so many actors and stay within budget, Universal will definitely support him!"
"If not necessary, we should still not fall out with Charles. brokeback mountain is going to the Venice Film Festival for promotion and screening at the end of the month, mr. & mrs. smith will be released next summer, and wedding crashers has already wrapped filming and will be released even earlier than mr. & mrs. smith!"
"Three films produced by Capet Pictures are coming out next, and the preparation for the departed won't be that fast. We have enough time to mediate between Charles and Martin."
Donna Langley nodded. Isn't this clearly wanting to see Charles's ability to lead a blockbuster? If mr. & mrs. smith does well at the box office, what reason would Martin Scorsese have to compete with Charles?