Chapter 73: Co-Producer

Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Co-Producer

In the office of Baird Fergus, CEO of 20th Century Fox in the Fox Building, Adelaide Griffin was reporting on the previous year’s film performance.

"In summary, we performed excellently in the teen market in 1999, mainly due to the huge influence of Star Wars: Episode I." Adelaide gently placed a report on the table.

Baird puffed out a smoke ring and nodded. "We must try our best to win over George Lucas. Did he reveal when he will shoot the second one? The distribution rights for the second one must be in our hands."

"Don’t worry, our staff has been in constant contact with Lucas. He is quite satisfied with us, so I don’t think other companies will have this opportunity."

"Very good. What about this year? Which films have been scheduled?"

Adelaide took out the report for the new year. "The ones already scheduled are Titan A.E. and Mean Girls, and then..." She frowned slightly here.

"The internal test screenings and early critic feedback for Battlefield Earth are very unsatisfactory. Word of mouth might be disastrous. So it hasn’t been scheduled yet."

Baird waved his hand dismissively. "Critics? Hmph, their credibility is not what it used to be. The audience will vote with their feet."

"That may be so," Adelaide said, being more cautious.

"Considering the competing films in the same period and our expectations for its box office, I suggest moving the release date from the original summer slot to April. Avoiding strong enemies might allow us to harvest a wave of box office based on early promotions."

Baird thought for a moment and finally nodded. "All right, let’s play it safer. Do as you say and move it up to April. I hope John Travolta’s box office appeal can still work."

"Okay."

"When is the test screening for Mean Girls? How is the internal feedback?"

"The internal rating is an A. Everyone is generally optimistic about this film, believing it may surpass the box office record of Legally Blonde.

We plan to arrange a critic screening next month." The cooperation with Irene Coppola was spearheaded by Adelaide Griffin, who had always kept a close eye on her.

"This little girl from the Coppola family has really given us a surprise. I heard she has made some moves recently?" Baird asked casually.

Adelaide took a deep breath and spoke the news that had just spread in a small circle within the industry.

"Yes, Baird. We have just received confirmation that she has secured the directing rights for My Big Fat Greek Wedding, produced by Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Moreover, it is said that she joined the production with capital and as a co-producer."

There was a brief silence in the office.

Baird sat up slightly, a flash of genuine surprise on his face. "Hanks’ project? She also invested money?" He pondered, tapping his fingers on the table.

"This little girl... her ambition and courage are even greater than we imagined. She is no longer just a simple director."

"Yes," Adelaide agreed with a serious tone.

"Her growth speed and strategic vision are amazing. We may have underestimated her before. She not only has the ability to create box office hits, but also began to build her own connections and capital."

Baird’s eyes became deep and sharp.

"This means she is no longer an ordinary newcomer that we can manipulate at will with contracts and resources.

Griffin, we must re-evaluate her value. This is an asset with huge potential, but it could also become a difficult opponent in the future. Before she has fully spread her wings, we must firmly bind her to our chariot and must not easily fall out with her."

"I completely agree." Adelaide immediately replied.

"Therefore, the most critical thing right now is The Italian Job project. This is the best bond for our deep cooperation with her, and we must keep it in our hands.

Regarding the previous deadlock on the investment ratio, I think we can make concessions. The share she requested can be renegotiated."

"Agreed." Baird made a decisive decision.

"Give her the share she wants to show our sincerity. But accordingly, we must make the terms more rigorous regarding subsequent copyrights and derivative income."

While Irene was accompanying Britney to pick out dresses in the VIP fitting room of Fendi, she received a call from Adelaide Griffin.

On the other end of the phone, Adelaide’s tone was more enthusiastic and sincere than ever before.

"Irene, I have good news for you. After careful discussion by the company’s senior management, we fully understand and support your deep investment in the project as a creator.

Therefore, we officially agree to the investment ratio you proposed for The Italian Job project. Fox is very much looking forward to cooperating with you again, and we believe we can create another box office masterpiece together."

Irene held the phone with a knowing smile on her face. Fox’s overture was within her expectations. This was undoubtedly a move to tie her down after learning of her collaboration with Tom Hanks.

"Thank you very much for Fox’s trust, Adelaide." Irene’s tone was calm and unhurried.

"For the specific docking work, my agent Shelly Ovitz will be fully responsible for contacting your company. He will follow up on all subsequent details."

She neatly handed over the negotiation work to professionals, while she could continue to focus on more important creative work at hand.

"Whose call? Smiling so happily?" Britney walked out of the fitting room wearing a pink strapless mini skirt covered in crystals.

With her amazing momentum sweeping the globe, Britney had undoubtedly won a nomination for the Grammy Best New Artist award.

This was the supreme honor for any new singer.

And in another week, it would be the Grammy Awards ceremony. They needed to confirm the red carpet look in advance, and this time the styling was sponsored by Fendi.

"A call from Fox Pictures, it counts as good news. They agreed to my investment application for the new project." Irene reached out her finger to signal the other party to spin around a few times.

"Oh, is it the action movie Edward mentioned?" Britney honestly spun around twice in place so Irene could see more clearly.

"How is it? Is it too exaggerated?"

Irene hugged her arms, looked up and down, and then shook her head. "The color suits you, but the style is too revealing."

Britney pouted. "You still haven’t answered my question."

"Yes, yes, yes. When the movie starts filming, don’t be reluctant to part with the other person and say I’m breaking up a pair of lovebirds."