Chapter 388: Dating Contract

Chapter 388: Chapter 388: Dating Contract

In the conference room of Future World Pictures, sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting light onto the long conference table where several thick project proposals were neatly arranged, their covers marked with different project titles.

Robert was already waiting there, accompanied by several executives responsible for project development.

Seeing Irene enter, everyone immediately stood up to greet her.

"Sit down, Irene."

Robert gestured for her to take the head seat, saying, "These are the key projects we have selected for advancement, covering various types such as sequels, IP adaptations, and original scripts. Take a look first, and then we can discuss them one by one."

After sitting down, Irene picked up a proposal and began flipping through it: Saw II, Final Destination, Twilight 1, Taken 1, Brokeback Mountain.

Familiar project titles met her eyes; each proposal contained detailed core information such as market analysis, budget estimates, and preparation progress.

The more she read, the more moved she felt; without realizing it, Echo Pictures’ project reserves had become so substantial.

Closing the last proposal, Irene swept her gaze across the executives present, her tone filled with a hint of gratification.

"Everyone has done their homework thoroughly."

"Looking at these projects, I suddenly realize that as long as we can successfully film them and get them into theaters, our scale will be enough to rival the status of second-tier Hollywood studios."

Echo Pictures now lacks neither high-quality IP, production funds, nor distribution channels.

Compared to Spielberg’s DreamWorks, although we are slightly inferior in the number of top-tier commercial blockbusters, Echo Pictures is even better in terms of project diversity and serialization potential.

DreamWorks has yet to form a long-term horror IP like Saw, nor does it have a youth IP with a built-in massive fan base like Twilight, let alone a future fantasy masterpiece like A Song of Ice and Fire.

Robert nodded, agreeing deeply.

"You are right."

"Currently, second-tier Hollywood studios like New Line Cinema and Focus Features do not have such a comprehensive project layout as we do."

"As long as these projects can proceed according to plan, barring any accidents, we will be able to join the ranks of first-tier Hollywood studios within two years."

"Therefore, prioritizing the projects is crucial."

Irene changed the subject, returning to the main topic.

"We must reasonably allocate resources based on factors such as market demand, preparation difficulty, and profitability potential to ensure that every project can realize its maximum value."

Next, everyone engaged in a heated discussion regarding project prioritization.

After nearly two hours of repeated deliberation, a clear sequence of advancement was finally determined.

The one ranked first was undoubtedly Saw II.

As the sequel to Saw, the first film, relying on its novel plot setting, tense pacing, and low cost, raked in over $100 million in global box office, becoming last year’s box office dark horse and accumulating a massive fan base and good market reputation.

The proposal clearly stated that the sequel would continue the core model of "escape room + test of human nature" from the first film, while adding more plot twists and visual impact; the budget was initially set at $5 million, a slight increase from the first film.

"Saw II must be our key project to advance this year."

Irene emphasized, "With the reputation of the first film as a foundation, the market risk for the sequel is relatively low, and the return on investment for horror films has always been high."

"We need to confirm the schedule with James Wan as soon as possible, strive to complete filming in the first half of the year, and continue to schedule it for Halloween to seize the market opportunity."

Robert added, "James Wan has clearly expressed his willingness to return, and screenwriter Leigh Whannell has already submitted the first draft of the script."

"We have already communicated our cooperation intent with them; as long as the budget and revenue-sharing plan are settled, we can officially sign the contract."

"Very good. You follow up on this matter personally and make sure to finalize it as soon as possible."

"Once the same team finishes filming Saw II, you can have them continue to film Final Destination. Final Destination does not need to be rushed; it can be set for next year’s Halloween, staggering the release with Saw. This not only avoids competition between films of the same genre from the same company but also creates a concept for the audience that there will always be a high-quality horror film from Echo Pictures released during the Halloween season."

Irene instructed.

"Understood."

Ranked second after that were Twilight 1 and Taken 1; these two projects would start adaptation work simultaneously.

The priority of Twilight was slightly higher than Taken 1, due to its massive fan base.

Since its publication, this young adult fantasy novel’s sales have skyrocketed, surpassing 5 million copies to date, and it is especially sought after by young female readers, with discussions about the novel remaining high on social media.

"The core advantage of Twilight lies in its fan base; we must fully utilize this."

Irene said, "I suggest that the lead actors for this movie be determined through a ’Facebook public vote’."

"We will first screen candidates who fit the character settings, then launch a vote on Facebook, allowing all readers and fans to participate and choose the Isabella and Edward in their hearts."

This proposal surprised the executives present.

"Electing the leads? This is a very rare practice in Hollywood; could there be risks?"

An executive asked with concern.

"There are certainly risks, but we can control them."

Irene explained, "The fans of Twilight have a high loyalty to the characters. If the actors we designate end up delivering unsatisfactory performances, it is very likely to trigger fan dissatisfaction."

"The public voting method can not only satisfy the fans’ expectations but also generate buzz for the movie in advance, leveraging the platform advantage of Facebook to expand the movie’s influence."

She further clarified the screening criteria for candidates.

"First, the appearance must conform to public aesthetics and be close to the descriptions in the novel of Isabella as ’cool and otherworldly’ and Edward as ’handsome, charming, and noble in temperament’."

"Secondly, they must have a certain foundation in acting and cannot be ’paralyzed-face’ actors who only know how to pose for photos. They can be newcomers, but they must prove their ability through auditions."

"The most important point is that all actors who make it to the shortlist must sign an agreement in advance."

"Once confirmed for the role, they must sign a contract for at least three movies, and the lead actress and lead actor must accept a ’Dating Contract’."

"A Dating Contract?"

Robert asked with some confusion, "Why is that?"

"Because the high box office potential of Twilight largely depends on the chemistry between the lead actress and lead actor."

Irene said bluntly, "The romance between Isabella and Edward in the novel is the core selling point. Fans not only hope to see their sweet interactions in the movie but also look forward to them moving from the screen to reality."

"Only by bundling the lead actress and lead actor for marketing and maintaining a public dating relationship can we maximize the consumption desire of fans and allow the commercial value of this IP to continue."