From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Obviously, Anson forgot a very, very important thing —

It's not 2023 now, but 2000.

After superhero movies rose comprehensively, film companies and actors often signed long-term binding contracts, especially Disney. They signed Chris Evans to a six-movie deal with a salary of $300,000 per movie, preparing to squeeze every last bit of residual value out of Chris.

Of course, actors and brokerage firms also fought back. After Marvel movies achieved brilliant success, Chris's agent, along with a group of other actors, sat down with Disney to negotiate a brand-new contract for these "willing oxen," with a comprehensive upgrade in treatment.

However, those were all things that happened after 2008:

That year, "Iron Man" swept $300 million at the North American box office, and "The Dark Knight" exploded with $530 million in North America.

But now, in 2000, because other genres of films still had vitality, and because originality and the star effect were still at their peak, superhero movies were just another ordinary type in the market.

Led by B-movies like "Blade," "Underworld," and "Hellboy," superhero movies adapted from comics were still niche; even though 20th Century Fox's highly acclaimed "X-Men" achieved great success in this year's summer season, the North American box office was only $130 million.

— Successful, of course, it was successful, but compared to other types of movies like science fiction, action, comedy, and romance, it didn't have any advantages.

On the contrary, computer special effects were not yet mature, and shooting superhero movies required facing difficulties. Either they took the B-movie route, with small budgets and small productions; or they took the high-end route, but the production costs couldn't be stopped. Therefore, Sony Columbia producing "Spider-Man" could be considered a gamble.

An adventure. A gamble.

Even within Sony Columbia itself, they were trembling with fear.

It was against this background that Sony Columbia treated "Spider-Man" with extra caution —

Currently, the entire Hollywood was holding a gloating attitude. No one was optimistic about the prospects of "Spider-Man." Sony Columbia must have been desperate and grasping at straws.

At this critical juncture, the internally designated male lead, Edward Furlong, went in, actually! Went in!

Sony Columbia was simply furious.

After much back and forth, Sony Columbia finally selected a suitable actor, and it was a choice that everyone agreed on without any objections —

This was Edgar's bargaining chip.

Edgar had figured out all the twists and turns of the matter.

"Indeed, you are a newcomer, and your resume is still brand new, with limited bargaining chips; but don't forget that the 'Spider-Man' project is also a brand-new attempt."

"The 'X-Men' has many characters, and Hugh Jackman's popularity completely caught 20th Century Fox off guard. This wasn't their original plan; so Sony Columbia has no reference object. They can't use 'X-Men' as a blueprint for negotiation, even if they wanted to, I wouldn't be willing."

"So, we need to be firm."

"Now, I have two ideas and need to ask for your opinion."

Perhaps Edgar lacked experience, but he didn't lack wisdom and ambition. From the moment he secretly stuffed Anson's resume into that kraft paper bag, he had been waiting for this moment.

He was calm enough and bold enough.

"First, we sign for a series of works. Sony Columbia will definitely plan a second one, but I guess the third one should also be in the proposal, but they need to refer to the box office results of the first one."

"So, we propose a tiered salary: $3 million for the first movie, $5 million for the second movie, and $10 million for the third movie."

Not just bold, but crazy.

For reference, the "$20 million club" in Hollywood is still at the top of the pyramid, and before entering the $20 million club, a $10 million salary is the threshold for top actors. Only a small group of actors can get this salary figure now, at most no more than fifty people.

And Anson has only guest-starred in a TV series and filmed a movie — which hasn't been released yet. Edgar is aiming for such a goal.

It has to be said, a huge demand.

Even Anson showed a hint of surprise when he heard this number. The number that he couldn't earn in his previous life, even the number that his father's Ponzi scheme didn't reach, was placed in front of him so lightly. No wonder everyone said that Hollywood is Wall Street's game.

Edgar seemed to notice Anson's expression, and he also showed a shy smile, inadvertently revealing his inexperienced appearance.

"At William Morris, agents are competitors. Situations where we snatch clients and projects from each other are not many, but not rare."

"However, Creative Artists Agency has been too strong recently, so William Morris has temporarily united. We need to win this project, and not just win it, we need to set a benchmark: This is William Morris, we have such professional business capabilities."

No wonder.

If William Morris can win "Spider-Man" for a complete newcomer like Anson, and with such incredible terms, they can also make a name for themselves in the face of Creative Artists Agency's aggressive momentum and prove that they are still as good as ever.

Anson gently raised his chin, without saying much —

Anyway, this is just William Morris's idea. How the negotiations will go next is still unknown.

"What about the second idea?" Anson didn't rush to a conclusion.

Edgar was not surprised by Anson's maturity and calmness, and continued to speak.

"Second, we sign for one work. If there are any sequels, we have the right of first refusal, whether to continue acting. The specific contract terms will be discussed at that time. If we reach a consensus, we will continue to cooperate. If we don't reach a consensus, we will part ways amicably, which is more flexible for us and for them."

"However, the salary figure can't be too low, we should consider $6 million."

Wow!

As soon as you hear it, you know that this is the term proposed by the agent, considering all aspects for the actor and doing everything possible to maximize the actor's interests.

Obviously, Sony Columbia would not agree —

At least, if Anson was the Sony Columbia negotiation representative, he would not nod.

But this is negotiation. Both parties throw out bargaining chips and conditions, and then slowly pull back and forth.

Edgar looked at Anson, "What do you think?"

Anson didn't speak immediately, but pondered carefully, digesting the mixed thoughts of shock and excitement, expectation and joy. After waiting for a while, he raised his eyes to look at Edgar.

"I have a third option here, why don't you listen to it?"

Fourth update.