"Sir, the hangover officially started filming today."
Nancy Utley hurried into the office and reported the news to Tom Rothman.
After reporting, she stood quietly by, waiting for Tom's response.
Tom Rothman nodded slightly and said softly, "I know, Nancy."
napoleon dynamite was a film distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures, and since then, Tom Rothman had been closely following Kazir's new developments.
This time, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox both received the script for the hangover, but unfortunately, Warner Bros. ultimately secured the project due to certain advantages—anyone with a discerning eye could see the reasons behind it.
"Nancy, do you know why we didn't compete for the hangover project?" Tom Rothman leaned back in his chair, looking at Nancy, and asked slowly.
Nancy pondered for a moment and replied, "Isn't it because the subject matter is too vulgar? This film will most likely be rated R, and it feels like it will be difficult to make money."
"That's right."
Tom Rothman nodded, then explained in detail, "Completely different from the lighthearted and brisk style of napoleon dynamite, the hangover is full of profanity. The plot is roughly about a group of guys going to Las Vegas to party, blacking out after taking drugs, and waking up to find someone missing."
This was the plot synopsis of the hangover.
"To be honest, I always felt Kazir had the ability to make this film a hit. It's a pity, though, that the terms we offered couldn't move him."
Tom Rothman sighed helplessly.
This time, Kazir's asking price was too high, and after much negotiation, the two sides couldn't reach an agreement, so the project naturally fell through.
Therefore, Tom Rothman secretly hoped that Kazir would stumble on this film, wishing for the hangover to flop.
After all, if this film succeeded... "How is the script for napoleon dynamite 2 progressing?"
Tom Rothman changed the subject and asked.
At this time, napoleon dynamite was still in theaters, and its global box office had already surpassed the 300 million mark.
In North America cinemas, the film was nearing the end of its run, but in other parts of the world, it would continue to be screened for another three or four months.
Thinking that Kazir would get a 5% share of the North America box office, Tom Rothman couldn't help but sigh, "If I had known, I would have calculated it based on revenue sharing; at least it would be less than the 7 million he's getting now."
napoleon dynamite's North America box office reached 140 million, so a 5% share was 7 million, and every single penny of that had to be paid to Kazir.
Salvatore was constantly pressing Fox Searchlight Pictures for payment, urging them very tightly.
"Half of the script has been written."
It turned out that after Kazir sold the copyright of napoleon dynamite to Fox Searchlight Pictures, the company assigned two screenwriters to follow up on the creation of the sequel.
Kazir only provided a general plot framework, letting them flesh out the details.
Of course, he would also occasionally check on the progress of the script's creation, as this film held considerable weight in his heart.
"That's good... Ed Helms is currently filming the hangover, so don't contact him about the sequel yet. We'll talk about it the week the hangover is released," Tom Rothman instructed.
Ed's salary in napoleon dynamite was pitifully low, but this time for the hangover, his salary directly increased to 1.7 million. A previously minor actor instantly became a millionaire, all thanks to the opportunity brought by a blockbuster film.
"As a businessman, I don't want to pay him over a million. If the hangover flops, Ed's value will naturally fall, and so will Kazir's."
This was also an important reason why Tom Rothman hoped the hangover would fail. Then he could invite Kazir back to direct the sequel at a lower price, keeping everything firmly in his own hands.
"You continue to monitor the hangover's progress, and remember to find an opportunity to contact Kazir about the sequel... Also, settle the outstanding payments; don't make Kazir unhappy."
Tom Rothman knew that directors were different from actors; as long as a director could continuously make money for the film company, 20th Century Fox would have to coddle and cater to him.
"Okay, sir." Nancy Utley nodded seriously, then turned and left the office.
Only Tom Rothman remained in the office. He had been overwhelmed by a certain project recently, and his migraines would flare up from time to time.
"Damn Cameron, he actually wants to build a real ship! Isn't he crazy!"
James Cameron's new project was jointly invested by 20th Century Fox and Paramount, and his seemingly extravagant idea gave both film companies a massive headache.
But Tom Rothman also had to admit that Cameron was indeed talented—Alien 2, The Abyss, and True Lies were all blockbusters distributed by Fox.
It was a pity that the copyright for The Terminator was in Orion Pictures' hands; that series was incredibly profitable, and every time Tom Rothman thought of it, he couldn't help but feel regret.
"Kazier Gray... Just flop this once, so we can collaborate again. You're clearly good at making family-friendly comedies, why insist on such vulgar subject matter?"
Tom Rothman sighed helplessly. Being a film company CEO was too tiring, but the rewards were tempting enough—after napoleon dynamite became a hit, his boss, Rupert Murdoch, personally gave him a bonus, which brought him a touch of comfort amidst his exhaustion... "You're saying I can't get money from Kazir? I'm his wife!"
Cassandra's eyes widened when she learned she couldn't get any money from her now-wealthy ex-husband, and she angrily yelled at her lawyer.
"You're just his ex-wife, Cassandra. Please mind your words."
The lawyer sighed helplessly.
He continued to explain patiently, "The divorce agreement states clearly that you got the house, and he divided half of his savings with you; the matter is already settled. The court has already closed the case. If you want to reopen litigation, you'll have to spend money, and your chances of winning aren't great."
"...Tsk."
Cassandra clicked her tongue in frustration, her face full of unwillingness.
"Who would have thought that lifeless ex-husband would become a big director? Millions! He made a fortune selling movie copyrights, and I don't even get a dime? This is so f***ing unfair!"
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, regretting it immensely. She kept blaming herself for not enduring another year back then; that way, she could have gotten more money from Kazir.
"Damn it!"
She angrily slammed her fist on the table, as if to vent the rage in her heart.
"This is so messed up! I'm so beautiful, I should marry rich men and drain them of their money! Why should I pursue a career and be a good person?"
Cassandra thought indignantly, her face full of resentment.
[PS: R-rated means viewers under 17 require parental or adult accompaniment. This rating is usually applied to films containing adult content, violence, sexual content or nudity, disturbing scenes, and extensive profanity.]