Hollywood starts with a broker

Hollywood Boulevard, the Chinese Theater, hosted a premiere for "Dances with Wolves";

Aaron and Nicole Kidman also attended together.

"Does the sale of the rights to 'The Silence of the Lambs' mean that Orion is flush with cash?"

Aaron looked at the scene; it was quite something.

Nicole Kidman smiled and whispered to Aaron, "Orion Pictures doesn't even dare to release 'The Silence of the Lambs,' yet you're rushing to throw money at it?"

Aaron was speechless. "They say big breasts mean no brains, but your breasts aren't even that big, so how can you not understand?"

"Twentieth Century Fox didn't dare release 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' before, but look at its success. Don't you think they regret it immensely?"

"These things depend on foresight. When 'The Silence of the Lambs' is released next year, Orion will probably cry!"

"Alright, I can't argue with you," Nicole Kidman conceded readily.

Nicole Kidman had just collaborated with Kevin Costner on "Ghost," so it was normal for her to support his movie premiere;

However, Aaron seemed uninterested in these kinds of events.

Later, backstage at the theater, Aaron met Mike Medavoy, the head of TriStar Pictures, who was also one of the producers of "Dances with Wolves."

And since another work, "The Silence of the Lambs," now belonged to Dawnlight Pictures, Aaron wanted to talk to him about distribution matters.

"Initially, the project for 'The Silence of the Lambs' was met with a lot of opposition. It was only after my strong advocacy that Jonathan Demme was allowed to direct it;"

"Regarding the choice of the female lead, we initially didn't favor Jodie Foster, but she really liked the novel and personally convinced the director. Plus, other actresses we contacted weren't very interested in the role, so we settled on Jodie Foster;"

"After that, we found Anthony Hopkins, who had returned to England to participate in stage plays. Their first audition sparked a fire!"

Mike Medavoy talked about the making of the film, "The budget wasn't enough, so we had to save in many places. Fortunately, it only cost $19 million;"

"Do you know how people outside are evaluating this movie?"

Aaron smiled. "How are they evaluating it?"

"First-class actors, second-class script, plus a third-class director," Mike Medavoy shook his head.

"After Orion's financial situation worsened, they brought in new investors. Unexpectedly, 'The Silence of the Lambs' was still sold off!"

As Mike Medavoy spoke, he looked at Aaron Anderson. "Let TriStar distribute it. I know you have a good relationship with Columbia, but I feel differently about 'The Silence of the Lambs';"

"Same old rules, 15% distribution commission..."

"Mr. Medavoy, actually, I'm not in a hurry," Aaron couldn't accept the 15% distribution commission.

He had already handled several successful films, and his vision had been proven. Charging such a high commission of 15% was definitely unacceptable.

Sony's distribution commission for Carolco, Castle Rock, and some other film production companies' works was around 10%;

Why should it be 15% when it came to him?

"Boyz n the Hood" was a no-name product, so a 15% commission was understandable, but "The Silence of the Lambs" had Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster;

Moreover, it was a work with a production cost of nearly $20 million, not a small-budget workshop production of a few million!

"You have 'Boyz n the Hood' releasing in March next year, and 'Ghost' in the summer. It seems you're very confident in your works?"

Mike Medavoy, of course, understood what the other party meant, since those two films were being handled by Columbia for distribution.

"I've always been confident in my vision!"

As long as "Boyz n the Hood" was successful after its release in March, it would be much easier to talk about distributing "The Silence of the Lambs";

Moreover, "The Silence of the Lambs" was also competing for next year's Oscars, and Aaron wasn't too willing to release it too early.

Mike Medavoy smiled. "The sooner you get the distribution contract, the sooner you can get a loan from the bank. You still have almost half a year. Aren't you planning to continue developing other works?"

Dawnlight Pictures had invested in three films this year; how much capital could they have?

"Ghost" had a large portion of bank loans. Besides, Orion Pictures was willing to sell "The Silence of the Lambs," which must be a cash transaction;

How could Mike Medavoy not know about Orion's situation?

Aaron thought about it. This was indeed a problem. If he had the distribution contract for "The Silence of the Lambs" in hand, even if the bank wasn't too optimistic about the film;

But if those investment funds had the distribution contract as collateral, lending Aaron several million dollars wouldn't be a big problem. After all, it was a work close to $20 million, and it had Jodie Foster. The bank wouldn't worry that "The Silence of the Lambs" would lose everything from box office, video tapes, and television broadcasts!

Aaron sighed. "13% distribution commission, and no fewer than 800 theaters at opening;"

"Mr. Medavoy must have seen the finished product of 'The Silence of the Lambs.' The film is not a typical thriller or horror film, but has profound meaning, involving feminism, religion, and other aspects;"

"It's definitely a wonderful movie, otherwise Mr. Medavoy wouldn't have strongly advocated for its development!"

Mike Medavoy thought for a moment and then nodded. "I can agree to that, but the release date must be scheduled for February or April next year."

"Hmm, why is that? The spring season isn't suitable for this type of work to be released?"

Aaron hadn't thought about being able to be in the summer and Christmas seasons, but at least he was arranged in the fall season, Halloween was good.

"Because TriStar needs to release more movies at this time. Oliver Stone's biographical film 'The Doors' is released at the end of February and the beginning of March;"

"'The Silence of the Lambs' will be released in April!"

Aaron looked at the other person with puzzlement and confusion.

"I know Columbia has 'Boyz n the Hood' and 'Five Heartbeats' to be released in the spring, and the times are also staggered."

Facing Aaron Anderson's gaze, Mike Medavoy explained, "Sony wants to ensure that there are three new movies released every month next year. Sony has blockbusters in the summer and Christmas seasons;"

"Do you want your work to be released at that time?"

Definitely not. At that time, Columbia and TriStar would focus on the release of blockbusters, and other movies would be cannon fodder;

Although most of the works released by Sony are cannon fodder, at least the competition is smaller in specific seasons.

"Schedule it for mid-to-late April," after all, May was the summer season, and you could catch up with a head!

"Okay, it's a pleasure to work with you."

"A pleasure to work with you!"

The two shook hands, which was considered an agreement.

"Alright, the movie is about to start, we should go back to the screening room!"

Mike Medavoy patted Aaron on the shoulder.