Hollywood Director 1992

“Three hundred million dollars? Link, are you crazy?”

At the Keville Bar in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino glared at Link with jealousy.

“It’s not quite three hundred million. 'Paranormal Activity' has been out for a while, and everyone who wanted to see it has seen it. It’ll probably only make about ten million more at the box office. 'Paranormal Activity' grossed about 298 million in North America.”

Link said humbly, holding a beer.

“Is there a difference between 298 million and 300 million? Your crappy movie only cost twenty thousand dollars to make, and now it’s making three hundred million at the box office. It’s absolutely the worst thing in the world.”

Quentin grumbled.

“Quentin, Link is our friend. 'Paranormal Activity' is a huge hit, and we should congratulate him. Why would you say it’s terrible?”

Bald Steven Soderbergh劝劝说道.

“His movie being a hit isn’t good news for me.

A few months ago, in this bar, I made a bet with him about whose second movie would have the highest box office. His crappy movie made three hundred million dollars. Do you think I still have a chance of winning?”

Quentin said angrily.

“Ah, I remember now. Yeah, it doesn’t look like you have much of a chance. 'Paranormal Activity' is projected to make three hundred million in North America and over three hundred million overseas, which is six hundred million dollars. No movie has made that much in the last five years.

Unless George Lucas lets you direct 'Star Wars 7,' you might have a chance.”

Steven Soderbergh laughed.

“Exactly! My movie hasn’t even started filming, and I’m already facing inevitable defeat. Do you think I’m in a good mood?”

Quentin gulped down his beer.

Link shook his head. “You can’t just look at the movie’s success. You also have to see how many people are criticizing me, how many people are hostile towards me because of this movie, and how much trouble this movie has brought to my career. Once you see these things, maybe you’ll feel a little better.”

“Link is right.”

Steven Soderbergh said, "The success of 'Paranormal Activity' has made Link famous in the world of cinema, but this movie has also affected the interests of many people, including film companies and many cast and crew members."

“And the audience. The audience is the most important thing,”

Link added.

This 'Paranormal Activity' is a bit similar to the future 'YOLO'.

The quality is slightly above average, not that great.

But the publicity was too exaggerated, overwhelming, which affected the films released at the same time, and also caused the fans of many leading actors in the same period to be very unhappy with this film, and they spoke ill of it.

'Paranormal Activity' is the same. This kind of popularity far exceeds the volume that a twenty-thousand-dollar movie should bear.

High box office, lots of scolding.

In addition, Link earned more than two hundred million with "Paranormal Activity", but the entertainment industry capital failed to get a share of the pie. With the profit-seeking nature of capital, it would be strange if they didn't get jealous and suppress him.

“Yes, these disadvantages are not conducive to Link's development in the film industry. In the future, he will encounter more difficulties in Hollywood than we do. Quentin, you should comfort Link.”

Steven said.

“Link, if you could do it again, would you still choose to make 'Paranormal Activity'?”

Quentin asked.

“Of course. Box office is also a kind of honor. No director would dislike his movie making too much money.”

Link smiled slightly.

Quentin snorted lightly and turned to look at Robert Rodriguez, who was silent. He was also the director of 'El Mariachi', a rising star in the industry.

“Robert, what do you think of Link’s 'Paranormal Activity'?”

“Without a doubt, it’s a masterpiece.”

Robert Rodriguez was in his early twenties, with black curly hair, short stubble, thick eyebrows, and big eyes. His facial features had a very Mexican style.

However, he was born in the United States, and his American English is relatively standard.

“A masterpiece? Aren’t you praising Link too much? Besides, we’re talking among friends, so there’s no need to be too careful. To put it bluntly, Link won’t be angry.”

Quentin said.

“I’m telling the truth. For independent filmmakers like us, the first thing we have to consider if we want to gain a foothold in Hollywood is box office performance, and the second is word-of-mouth.

The seven major Hollywood studios will only work with directors who have box office potential, not just directors who can win awards.

Link made 'Paranormal Activity' with twenty thousand dollars, and after its release, the global box office exceeded five hundred million. The box office revenue ratio reached an astonishing 25,000 times. No one has ever done this before, and no one will ever do it again. Calling it a masterpiece is not an exaggeration.”

Robert Rodriguez shrugged.

“Quentin, are you unconvinced? Why don’t you try making a movie with twenty thousand dollars?”

Steven joked.

Quentin哼哼了一声, letting him make a movie with twenty thousand dollars probably wouldn't be enough for the crew's expenses for one day.

“I’m more meticulous about details when I make movies, and I pay attention to the quality and artistry of the film. This also means that my movie budget can’t be too low. If the budget is too low, the movie won’t be very good.”

Quentin's eyes turned, thinking of a good idea.

“Link, I lost this time. How about we make another bet, betting on the third movie, comparing who’s movie can win more awards. The loser buys drinks for everyone.”

“There’s no need. I’m preparing for my third movie, and your second movie is still a long way off. This kind of bet is meaningless. By the way, when are you filming your second movie, what’s the budget, and do you still need investment? Guessing Game Pictures would be a good partner.”

Link asked.

After becoming famous, not only did he found Guessing Game Pictures, but Quentin also founded a film company called A Band Apart, which can be translated as 'Outlaw Film Industry', taken from a film work by French director Jean-Luc Godard.

Outlaw Film Industry is also one of the producers of Quentin's second film.

“The initial budget is ten million dollars. Do you want to invest? I can give you a 40% share, but there’s one condition: you can’t interfere with my filming. I said this to Harvey Weinstein too.”

Quentin said.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to interfere with the filming? My vision is very sharp, and my appreciation ability is very high. Under my guidance, your movie will become more refined and more popular with the audience.”

“. No, I’m the director, the movie is my son, and I only hope that he looks like me when he’s born, not anyone else.”

Quentin said decisively.

“As you wish.”

Link raised his glass and smiled.

He also understood why Quentin accepted his investment so decisively.

First, the movie investment is indeed relatively high, and there is a certain risk, so he needs another partner to share the risk.

Second, after introducing Guessing Game Pictures, the movie's producers became three companies, so he could take the opportunity to gain control of the crew and the editing rights, and not be disturbed by Harvey, who is known as 'Big Scissors'.

For a director, nothing is more important than controlling the crew and getting the final cut of the movie.