Chapter 268: Discovering Treasure

Chapter 268: Chapter 268: Discovering Treasure

"Your efficiency is incredible, Robert." Irene put down the documents, her tone full of admiration. "With you here, things are much easier for me."

"It’s just my job." Robert smiled, then changed the subject.

"However, Irene, I’d like to suggest a long-term development strategy. I’ve been studying Facebook’s user data, and over 60% of users are under 25, with the youth demographic being the core driver of growth.

Currently, most Hollywood IPs focus on traditional hero themes and adult-oriented dramas. There’s a huge gap for high-quality IPs targeting youth interests."

He paused and pulled out a pre-prepared analysis report.

"Look, among the most discussed topics by Facebook users, ’campus life,’ ’coming-of-age adventures,’ and ’fantasy settings’ are the top three. If we can strategically focus on IPs that interest young people—such as campus-themed film series or fantasy novel adaptations—and then use Facebook’s traffic to break into the mainstream and cultivate an audience early, we can develop a unique and sustainable path for the future."

Irene’s eyes lit up instantly.

Robert’s suggestion hit right on one of her future plans; the future box office would essentially be dominated by franchise IPs.

"What specific ideas do you have?" Irene leaned forward.

"We could acquire several promising young adult novel IPs for film and television adaptation, while simultaneously launching interactive activities on Facebook like ’IP Character Voting’ or ’Plot Direction Suggestions’ to involve users in the creative process. Then, we can develop IP merchandise and sell it through Facebook’s e-commerce features, creating a closed business loop."

Robert explained logically, "This way, we not only gain returns from film and TV investments but also accumulate our own IP assets, and even drive Facebook’s user activity and monetization."

Irene nodded. "That’s an excellent suggestion, Robert. You take the lead on this. I’ll provide whatever resource support you need. But one thing: this must be kept confidential. Once you find good works, approach them discreetly. After all, we aren’t the only ones eyeing the lucrative IP market."

"Understood. Also, I have two projects here I’d like to highlight." Robert handed over two proposals.

"Irene, these are two promising prospects I picked from the 36 project proposals Shelly collected earlier. You must take a look."

Robert placed the proposals and reports on the table, his tone full of approval. "Both are works from newcomers currently seeking investment. The production costs are low, the risk is minimal, but the potential is significant."

As soon as Irene’s gaze fell on the name of the first project, her heart skipped a beat.

Saw!

How could she not recognize this movie?

As a transmigrator, she knew the terrifying power of this low-budget film better than anyone. It was the pioneer of a horror IP that would later sweep the globe, raking in nearly $100 million at the global box office on a $1.2 million budget.

It created a new genre of ’escape room suspense,’ spawned over a dozen sequels, and became one of Hollywood’s most profitable IPs.

Suppressing the surge of excitement in her heart, she let her fingertips brush across the proposal cover as if casually, quickly scanning the synopsis.

On the surface, she remained calm, but a storm was raging inside: James Wan actually hasn’t found an investor yet?

Shelly’s wide-net policy actually caught such a treasure? This is a total windfall!

Next, her gaze moved to Little Miss Sunshine, and the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but turn up slightly.

She remembered this movie too. Like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, it was a classic ’small but beautiful’ box office dark horse. With an $8 million budget, it earned over $100 million globally and even won Oscars, achieving both critical and commercial success.

Robert analyzed seriously from the side, "Saw might seem to have a narrow audience, but it precisely hits the suspense preferences of young users.

The script’s portrayal of human struggle is sharp and realistic, and the suspenseful atmosphere is highly immersive. It perfectly aligns with current young audiences’ preference for strong plots and high-stakes twists. With a $1.2 million cost, it only needs to cross $5 million at the box office to be profitable. There’s plenty of room, making it very much worth the investment."

"Little Miss Sunshine is different from the former’s grimness. This script radiates a warm yet absurd sense of healing. It uses humor to dissolve life’s embarrassments and uses family bonds to connect everyone’s growth. The emotions are sincere yet not without irony, making it suitable for all ages..."

"Excellent," Irene suddenly raised her hand to interrupt him. "Robert, your eye is incredibly sharp. The potential of these two works is even greater than you estimated." She didn’t explain why—she couldn’t exactly say she was from the future and knew they would be massive hits.

"Now, listen to me. First, we need to move fast. Contact the two directors and screenwriters immediately and offer the most generous terms. Don’t haggle over the price; just go with their projected amounts. Second, keep it discreet.

All negotiations must be handled through private channels. Don’t let any third party know, especially other film companies, to avoid them following suit and bidding against us. Third, the contracts must clearly specify our exclusive investment rights and subsequent IP development rights. Leave no loopholes."

Infected by Irene’s enthusiasm, Robert nodded immediately. "Understood! I’ll have the team lock down the news right away, contact the two creators, and push forward with negotiations as quickly as possible. I won’t give other companies any chance to step in!"

Irene looked at the two proposals on the table, her heart filled with secret joy.

She hadn’t expected to ’pick up’ such projects in this manner.

The IP potential of Saw and the dual critical and commercial success of *Little Miss Sunshine*—combined, these two works would not only bring in massive direct profits but also help her accumulate top-tier creative resources and IP assets, laying a solid foundation for her subsequent youth IP strategy.

"Thank you for your hard work, Robert." Irene picked up the proposals and handed them back to him. "This is the highest priority; other work can wait. Remember, it must be confidential, and it must be fast."

"Don’t worry, Irene." Robert took the proposals and quickly walked out of the office, clearly eager to get to work.

Just then, Chen Shiyu walked in and couldn’t help asking, "You look like you’ve won the lottery?"

Irene smiled. "I just saw two good projects, that’s all."

"Oh? Your smile tells me it’s not just two good projects; it’s more like you’ve found two gold bars."

"My intuition tells me they will create a miracle. Just wait and see; before long, all of Hollywood will be shocked by these two low-budget films."