Chapter 42

"For this reason, we increased the offer, but you still refused."

The other party paused and looked at Lin Nan, "Since you accepted the face-to-face invitation, please state your asking price."

"I don't need a fee."

As soon as this was said, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense.

"You want a share?" The other Lionsgate executive's eyes widened.

Tang Mu also looked at Lin Nan in shock, with an incredible expression. He was frightened by Lin Nan's idea.

"Impossible, your appetite is too big. Lionsgate will not accept."

The first executive said with a serious face. James Wan also couldn't believe what he heard.

If Lin Nan were an old bird who had mixed in Hollywood, it would be possible to get a share, but opening his mouth like this the first time he came here was really a bit unrealistic.

"Listen to me first." Lin Nan sat up straight unhurriedly.

"First of all, how is the script? Is it high quality, Director James Wan?" Lin Nan asked.

James Wan nodded subconsciously. It was too late when he came back to his senses.

Lin Nan smiled, "Horror subject matter, although it is not a mainstream subject matter, its audience is very stable, and it is also very easy to achieve results and sell high box office. You want the script again and again, isn't it because you are optimistic that it can earn high box office?"

"The last point, have you forgotten? I am not just a screenwriter; my professional identity is a director, Berlin Silver Bear Best Director! I can completely shoot it myself and find other companies to distribute it. Besides actors, Hollywood has the most film companies."

After saying it in one breath, Lin Nan didn't speak anymore. The people at Lionsgate were silent.

What Lin Nan said was very reasonable. Hollywood does not lack actors and film companies; what it lacks is good scripts and good directors. These two points seem to be possessed by Lin Nan, and horror film investment is generally not high. Lionsgate focuses on B-grade films; they understand this truth.

Lin Nan is a Chinese director who won the Silver Bear, and behind him is the huge Chinese market, which is also a big cake that Hollywood has coveted for a long time.

At this moment, the two Lionsgate executives thought of a lot.

James Wan was also savoring Lin Nan's words. It really made sense. Letting a Silver Bear director shoot a horror film is a very sufficient gimmick in itself.

"Today, I walk out of here, and there will definitely be many companies interested in the scripts in my hands, 'Insidious' or 'Dead Silence'..."

Lin Nan sat there, saying softly. Every word sounded very heavy in the ears of Lionsgate executives.

Tang Mu looked at Lin Nan as if he had discovered a new continent. The people at Lionsgate seemed to be pinched.

"'Insidious' and 'Dead Silence' are definitely not inferior to 'Saw'." James Wan couldn't help but say. He didn't want to miss these two films. "Insidious" is still a series.

"By the way, Tang Mu helped me get a novel copyright before. Last month, I adapted it into a series script 'The Conjuring'. Director Wan can check it out at the guild; it is very suitable for you..."

"Okay, okay, I'll take time to look at it." James Wan replied.

"How much share do you want?" An executive spoke.

James Wan and Tang Mu both looked at that Lionsgate executive, "Did Lin Nan really succeed?"

Finally waiting for this sentence, Lin Nan calmed down, "We can establish a long-term cooperative relationship. You know, I am a director and a screenwriter. Tang Mu helped me register so many original scripts and bought many novel copyrights. It is impossible for me not to deal with Hollywood."

"State your asking price."

"20%.

The North American market is very large. Lionsgate is the first Hollywood film company I have contacted. In the future, whether it is film distribution or cooperative production, I will prioritize cooperation with Lionsgate."

It can be seen that the two people opposite have serious faces. After Lin Nan finished speaking, one person left and came back in less than half an hour.

"We agree to your conditions, not only because of the script, but also because of your age and achievements.

In your country, you are the youngest commercial big director. I hope you will be the second Zhang Yimou."

Hearing this last sentence, Lin Nan didn't know whether to be happy or angry. Can't I just be myself?

"You won't regret the decision you made today. Happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation. I hope you will become a long-term partner and friend of Lionsgate."

Lin Nan and Tang Mu were sent out of Lionsgate. The contracts for "Dead Silence" and "Insidious" were agreed to be signed at Lionsgate on the 8th. Lin Nan used the script copyright as an investment form, accounting for 20% of the share. Tang Mu had to hurry to help Lin Nan hire a few professional lawyers.

On the way back to the hotel, Tang Mu kept talking excitedly, "Lin, I will help you hire a lawyer today. You are simply too amazing..."

"However, signing the contract the day after tomorrow, Lionsgate should arrange reporters. Your identity will also be a publicity highlight. The European Big Three also have a lot of weight in Hollywood, not worse than in your place."

Lin Nan had this psychological preparation. Having media is also good, just helping him promote.

With so many scripts, there must be partners. Lionsgate focuses on B-class films and cannot digest much, and Lin Nan's basic market is in China. Having more partners here only has benefits for him.

"Lin, have you ever thought about opening a company here?"

"No such plan for now. Maybe I will after a while. Then I'll let you work for me." Lin Nan joked.

"Haha, then you have to pay me an annual salary, otherwise no talk."

Tang Mu sent Lin Nan back to the hotel and went to contact the lawyer, and frankly said that the more elite the price, the higher the price, and even charged by the hour. Lin Nan waved his hand, indicating that these were not things.

With a day left, Lin Nan paid attention to the US stock market and some stocks that can be held for a long time, such as Amazon, Google..., as well as Apple that has not been listed.

"Tang Mu, your agency contract has to add an item. Help me buy stocks for a long time. For unlisted companies, try to help me get some..."

Tang Mu was a bit puzzled by Lin Nan's request, but was very happy to have an extra commission.

"No problem..."

Lin Nan planned to use the money earned from "Apart Together" to do these things. Domestically, he just stared at Tencent. In the future, he would continue to make money and continue to buy.

Real estate is a business that makes a profit of ten thousand times, but that is too bad for character. Lin Nan would rather invest and make money elsewhere than touch houses. As for buying to live, it doesn't matter. Maybe he won't need to buy a house himself in the future.

"There are many high-quality companies and stocks, so let's start with these few. Who told me that there is only so much capital now." For a while, Lin Nan really wanted "Crazy Stone" to be released immediately.

After making the investment and financial plan, Lin Nan waited for the signing on the 8th.

Lionsgate agreed to Lin Nan's conditions, largely because such films have low production costs, short shooting time, and as long as there is a high-quality script, they can be shot quickly, released, and are highly likely to make money.

Besides that, they read those scripts carefully. They were not inferior to "Saw" at all. Handed over to James Wan to direct, they could be shot and released in one or two months, and the market department was very optimistic about the box office forecast.

Besides that, Lin Nan's identity was another reason. The young big director in the market of more than one billion people—cooperating with him would be conducive to Lionsgate's better entry into the mainland.

On the 8th, as Tang Mu said, Lionsgate invited many media to witness this signing: the signing ceremony of the cooperation between Lionsgate and the famous Chinese director.

The person in charge of Lionsgate said, "Director Lin Nan, as the Berlin Best Silver Bear Director and also a famous screenwriter, will use the copyright of 'Dead Silence' and the 'Insidious' series as investment, accounting for 20% of all profit income of these two films, and will establish a long-term cooperative relationship with Lionsgate..."

Anyone with a discerning eye can see the significance of this signing. Lionsgate not only got the script it wanted and made friends with this Chinese director, but also had great help for Lionsgate films to enter that market.

The numerous scripts and copyrights owned by Lin Nan were also reported for the first time.

The expensive lawyer fees were not spent in vain. Three elite lawyers browsed the contract prepared by Lionsgate in detail to ensure that their employer's interests were guaranteed, and then Lin Nan signed the contract.

After the signing, Lionsgate prepared a celebration banquet for Lin Nan. At the banquet, the latter met many independent producers, film companies, and actors in Hollywood.

Over the past period of time, they noticed some very mature and high-quality film scripts appearing in the Writers Guild. This time, they finally saw the author of these scripts.

Between pushing cups and changing cups, they became acquaintances and exchanged business cards and contact information. Lin Nan specifically asked Tang Mu to help him make a batch of business cards, with only his name and email address on them.

Independent film companies and the Big Eight still don't get along. There was no shadow of those giants at the wine party.

"Lin, look forward to working with you."

"Thank you."

"Your script is great, and the company also has intentions..."

The next day, Lin Nan appeared in Hollywood newspapers as a screenwriter and Berlin Silver Bear director.

Immediately after, Lionsgate told Lin Nan that they would immediately start preparing for the production of "Dead Silence." It wouldn't take long, and it would definitely be released in the second half of the year.

The performance of "Dead Silence" will also be a stepping stone for Lin Nan to truly enter Hollywood. There will be no shortage of film companies watching from the sidelines.

The news spread back to China, and there was an uproar.

"Famous young director participates in Lionsgate film production."

"Lin Nan enters Hollywood for the first time."

"He is not just a director, but also a screenwriter..."

There are many Chinese people who have broken into Hollywood as actors, but this is the first one to participate in Hollywood film production as a producer and screenwriter.

Zhu Yawen saw this news, and it was Wang Jinghua who called him, "Damn, I said he was tapping on the keyboard in the dormitory all day—it really was a script?"

"You know?" Wang Jinghua asked in surprise.

Zhu Yawen nodded. He had joked with Lin Nan, but he slapped his own face. Lin Nan really registered a script in Hollywood.

"Yawen, you are really lucky." Wang Jinghua said suddenly.

"Ah?" Zhu Yawen was stunned for a moment, and then understood Wang Jinghua's meaning.

Almost everyone in the film and television circle knew about Lin Nan's news in Santa Monica, the signing with Lionsgate, the share of the film, and that he had many scripts registered in the Hollywood Writers Guild.

Ning Hao and Enlight Media's first reaction was to upgrade the promotion of "Crazy Stone" by another level.

"Crazy Stone" was also written by Lin Nan. This gimmick will only attract more attention in this situation.