From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Darren was a professional, not an amateur gossip.

He knew clearly that choosing Anson was a risk for both Anson and "Elephant."

For Anson, the handsome and youthful image he had painstakingly built was steadily advancing towards becoming America's sweetheart; at this critical juncture, starring in a controversial film could very likely plunge Anson into a public opinion storm.

For "Elephant," the project itself was already under heavy pressure. If Anson were cast, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of the entire North American audience, and might even blur the focus due to Anson's presence, leading to the obscuring of the film's core themes.

In every aspect, this was a collaboration filled with variables.

Moreover.

"There's also one more thing: this film has a limited production budget."

"Although HBO didn't tell me the specific number, from what I've gathered, the budget should be around three million dollars. Considering that this film requires a professional team to handle the gun special effects, the cost won't be low, which means every penny of the crew's budget must be used wisely."

"I'm afraid the salary offered might not be too high."

As Darren and Anson began their conversation, "Spider-Man" was still playing in theaters, with box office numbers climbing steadily. Although the final box office figures were not yet available, Anson's base salary for "Spider-Man" was two million dollars, a price that the "Elephant" team simply couldn't afford.

In fact, Anson's salary for "Spider-Man" was two million dollars plus 3% of the box office revenue—

Limited to the portion of the North American box office exceeding one hundred million dollars.

At the time of signing, Sony Columbia believed it was a worthwhile deal, saving costs, investing in production, and transferring risks. Although the box office split was a bold move, considering that no superhero film in the past decade had broken the one hundred million dollar mark in North America, they instead felt that Anson's actions showed his commitment to the film crew, and they expressed their appreciation and agreement.

However! But! No one expected!

Actually!

Six hundred million in North America. Six hundred million in North America? Six hundred million in North America!

Sony Columbia's jaws dropped completely. Amidst the surprise and frenzy, they realized what that salary contract meant.

Finally.

Anson earned fifteen million dollars in box office revenue from "Spider-Man," bringing his total salary to an unbelievable seventeen million dollars.

Amazing! Shocking!

A meteoric rise, reaching the top in one step.

If it was lower, they could consider a box office split; if it was higher, he estimated that the producers wouldn't be able to make a decision.

Secondly, commercial films and independent art films are two different systems, and salaries should naturally not be lumped together but should be considered separately.

In fact, in Anson's view, these things were not important, at least not that important—

Controversy itself represents a kind of discussion, a kind of reflection.

Some films are purely for entertainment, and it doesn't matter if there's no reflection; but some films, from the beginning of production, are a kind of reflection, a kind of introspection. It is the film's original intention to cause controversy, attract attention, and spark discussion.

At least it's much better than those feel-good movies that drone on and on without exploring any real issues.

Violence will not disappear by refusing to discuss it or remaining silent. On the contrary, after violence occurs, only by facing the problem and delving deeply into it, not just treating the symptoms but truly understanding the essence, analyzing the causes from family and society, and making people aware of the seriousness of the problem, can we prevent the tragedy from happening again.

"Elephant" is such a film.

Those potential controversies not only don't need to be feared, but should be welcomed with open arms.

As for the salary, that's even less important.

Participating in such a film project, experiencing, showcasing, speaking out, and discussing as an actor, is also a part of art.

"Haha, I know, but the salary is not the main focus, nor should it be the main focus, when participating in such a project, right?" Anson said.

"Uncle Darren, how about this: you tell director Gus that I'm willing to participate in the project, and he can decide the salary. I don't think the number is that important."

Profit sharing?

Also unnecessary.

A film like "Elephant" wouldn't win much attention during awards season, nor would it attract attention in theaters. The box office numbers would probably be insignificant. Although Anson didn't remember the film's box office revenue, it probably didn't break ten million dollars, even with the Palme d'Or.

In regular theatrical releases, only a few art-house audiences would be willing to buy tickets to see it.

So, how would such a film make a profit?

After all, besides artistic value and social significance, HBO's investment in film projects isn't charity.

Such projects often require special screenings at various film festivals, where seasoned film enthusiasts are willing to buy tickets to see them; at the same time, profits are realized through the rental and sale of videotapes, DVDs, and so on.

So, as Anson said, the salary really isn't that important.

"However, what really needs to be carefully considered is director Gus, right?"

"Generally speaking, the biggest reason independent films look for famous actors is to attract the attention of producers and find investment funds; but director Gus doesn't need to worry about these things, HBO has already stepped up."

"So, he wants to find as many non-professional actors as possible to maintain the film's unpolished authenticity. The success that 'Spider-Man' has achieved should be a burden to him."

"Are you sure director Gus would be interested in this proposal?"

"Otherwise, with his reputation in the independent film world, he could easily find countless actors willing to star in his film. There are still many talented young actors."

"After all, this is Hollywood."

Rational, insightful.

Every step "Spider-Man" was taking was creating a new history, and it was rare that Anson could still remain so clear-headed, which really made Darren look at him with new eyes.

Darren couldn't help but smile.

"Haha, I definitely need to ask the director for his opinion. Before talking to the director, I need to confirm your willingness and thoughts first."

"But, Anson, are you sure?"

"If the director agrees, are you really willing to star in this film?"