Seven Hundred and Twenty-Six - a Rare "Good Guy" In the Circle

"I would not hesitate to invest in any of Wayne Greenberg's projects if the right opportunity presented itself."

In the living room of a villa in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Mickey Rourke was leaning on a large sofa, tasting a thick cigar.

Holding a glass of bright red wine in his hand, he gestured to Christopher Rockencourt, who was sitting opposite, and raised his head to take a sip.

"That's right."

Jean-Claude Van Dun was flipping through a project document and nodded involuntarily when he heard his sigh. "If someone else had taken these things out, I would never have given them a second look and just thrown them into the trash can. But if the producer had been Wayne Greenberg..."

Having said this, he paused deliberately, threw down the simple project plan in his hand, raised his head and looked at the other people present, and finally rested his eyes on Christopher Rockencourt.

His subtext was understood by everyone present.

That's right, a heart-warming drama about animals, two game adaptations that have never been successful in Hollywood, and the protagonists are definitely still women. If it were brought out by another producer, it would definitely be thrown into the trash can unceremoniously by most investors in the industry.

But it was Wayne Greenberg who came up with these things. To put it bluntly, even if these projects only have this name that symbolizes success, countless movie fans will buy it without thinking. This is what makes everyone Heart-warming place.

"Some media have made statistics. Wayne Greenberg's income in recent years has basically been in large amounts of cash." After glancing at the project information on the table, Russell Crowe, who was sitting at the end of the sofa, looked confused and looked towards People around said:

"He is the director with the strongest ability to attract money in recent years. Guys, don't forget that he is also one of the producers with the strongest ability to attract money in the industry. The Greenberg Studio in his hands is completely a A terrifying gold-making machine.

To put it bluntly, Wayne Greenberg’s money-making speed is not much slower than the Federal Reserve’s money printing machine! I just calculated that if he and Warner Bros. jointly produced these three projects, the funds required would be just over 60 million.

Of course, this money is a lot of money to anyone, but to him, it shouldn't be a problem at all, right? I remember a few months ago, I accidentally saw an entertainment news report that Warner Bros. paid him hundreds of millions of dollars in cash compensation in one go. "

In the eyes of countless self-proclaimed elites in the industry, Wayne is undoubtedly traditional and conservative. Everyone knows that he is rich and especially likes to hold large sums of cash in his hands, but he does not like to invest to preserve value.

"This star really wants to retire"

If such a top "rich man" in the industry said that he lacks money to invest in a movie that is not very expensive, anyone would be confused and wonder if there are any hidden problems or potential crises in the project in front of him. , causing Wayne to be unwilling to take risks with his own money.

No one is careless when it comes to large sums of money, let alone tens of millions of dollars. This amount of money is enough to kill a person no matter what time and place it is.

"I already knew about this when Wayne came to me."

Seeing that Russell Crowe's question aroused everyone's doubts, Christopher Rockencourt smiled confidently. "There is also an animation studio under Wayne Greenberg's name. According to the information I have learned, this animation studio is a money-burning machine. Almost all its software and hardware are purchased from Pixar."

Hearing the animation studio, everyone present looked like this. None of us are at the bottom of the industry, so who doesn’t understand how expensive animation studios are?

Especially computer animation is much more expensive than hand-drawn animation. The latter requires a large number of excellent painters, or in other words, the foundation accumulated over the years.

The former is completely different. If you want to enter this industry, the first thing you have to do is pay tuition to Pixar. There is no way, the studio in the hands of Gang Leader Qiao seems to be cheated, and it holds more than 90% of various software patents and copyrights. They are producing their own animated feature films while developing and selling related software and hardware.

"Also, it's not that Wayne Greenberg doesn't have big purchases, it's just that the things he pursues are completely different from other successful people in the industry." He turned his head confidently and looked around the faces of everyone in the room. , Christopher Rockencourt continued to explain:

"I also learned that in the past few years, Wayne Greenberg has frequently purchased the rights to film and television adaptations of best-selling books, games, etc. By the way, he also has the rights to multiple amazing superhero characters!"

"Use your own money to invest heavily in film projects, frequently purchase film and television rights, and maintain a huge money-burning animation studio, shit..." Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mickey- Locke looked at each other and opened his fingers to count them one by one.

"Shit, his next step is not to get involved in the publishing industry, right? This is really a lunatic!"

As we all know, even medium-sized Hollywood film companies are basically difficult to maintain an animation studio. There is no way. During this period, animation studios are burning money too fast. If you think about it, there are only six giant film companies with exclusive animation studios.

In addition, like a media group, like a film and television copyright monster, it is difficult for people to be confused by his actions. If you want to make money, at least for Wayne, there is no need to disturb so many circles.

"Ahem, what he wants to do has nothing to do with us."

After deliberately coughing twice and attracting everyone's attention to himself, Christopher Rockencourt's face revealed very obvious emotions of hesitation and struggle. "The reason why I invited you here is to ask if you have any intention of investing together."

Having said this, he seemed to be relieved suddenly, his eyes filled with tenderness, and he looked at his girlfriend who had been silently beside him. "Most of my money is still in the stock market. As you know, Internet stocks have gone crazy starting this year. It would be a pity to take it out now.

Helen raised $10 million, and I have almost $10 million left, if you're interested, my money in the stock market is untouched. Of course, if you are not interested, fifty million dollars is not a problem to me. "

coming! This is what everyone in the house has been waiting for and what they are willing to come to the party for.

The party downstairs was still going on, and several people present fully understood that the reason why the other party held this party was to select capable collaborators.

"There is no way. Wayne Greenberg will soon take the crew to Italy to start shooting "Wonder Woman", so the time left for me is too tight."

The eyes of several people intertwined with each other, and the first one to speak was Jean-Claude Van Damme. As his best friend in Hollywood, he naturally smiled. "Of course, Chris, I mean of course interested, no one can say no to Wayne Greenberg's project."

"Fifty million U.S. dollars in financing are needed. It seems that the funds in Wayne Greenberg's hands are indeed very tight." Russell Crowe nodded, looked at Christopher Rockencourt, and said, "I I don’t have much cash on hand, and I can only withdraw about five million in a short period of time.”

"You were the first people Chris notified."

The new Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt raised her head and said with some pride: "We are going to have another party tonight."

Her meaning is obvious. In the eyes of everyone, this is a sure-profit business. If they can't raise the required funds, the door to making money while lying down will be open to others.

That's right, in her eyes, investing in these projects is just making money while lying down. Otherwise, she wouldn't have simply mortgaged the house and used the wealth she had accumulated over the years to collect 10 million US dollars. In fact, if she had more time, she would rather raise more money herself.

Even this morning's party, and even the party to be held tonight, are invitations she sent to many potential investors by leveraging her years of hard work in the industry.

"Chris, fifty million dollars is indeed a lot." Mickey Rock shook his head with a smile and glanced at the woman opposite. “But it shouldn’t be a problem for us to get this money together.”

"That's right." The taciturn director Curtis Hansen looked at each other and his friend Russell Crowe and nodded.

"Well, I set up a temporary studio." Christopher Rockencourt was very satisfied with the current scene and raised his glass to everyone. "We will discuss an investment ratio as soon as possible. Before tomorrow at the latest, everyone will notify their lawyers. As soon as the money is ready, I will contact Wayne to sign a financing contract."

"ok."

"That's it."

"Cheers, and wish us happy cooperation in advance."

Things went more smoothly than expected. Christopher Rockencourt listened to the dynamic music faintly reaching his ears downstairs, raised his head with a smile, and drank the red wine in his glass in one gulp.

At this time, no one knew what he was thinking. In the eyes of several people present, he had always been the generous businessman. It's the same this time. When faced with a good opportunity to make money, he is still willing to share the benefits he is about to receive. Good people like this are rare in the industry.

"I would like to remind everyone that the investment in the Wayne Greenberg project must be kept confidential."

Seeing everyone's eyes rolling, Christopher Rockencourt seemed to suddenly remember something and slapped his thigh fiercely. “No way, when I discussed this matter with Wayne, I promised him that the money would not be a problem for me.

As we all know, we are definitely not the only investors eyeing his project. As far as I know, if I can't solve the financing problem, he will discuss it with Steven Spielberg. You know, how good the relationship between the two of them is, so..."

Several people at the scene were stunned for a moment, and then they all nodded slightly to express their understanding.

As we all know, Wayne Greenberg has always had an old-school style. He doesn't care about the outside world at work and likes to take care of his own people.

Not to mention his good friend Steven Spielberg, look at those actresses who desperately threw themselves at him. Which one became famous without his care and support?

These people present are still self-aware. They all thought that once Wayne understands that the funds come from crowd financing, there is a high probability that he will choose Steven Spielberg directly.

Seeing the embarrassment and apology on Christopher Rockencourt's face, they all expressed their understanding and promised to keep it secret until the investment was completely recovered, and would never make it difficult for him.

The party lasted until the afternoon. When the villa became quiet again, Helen Hunt stood by the window on the second floor, watching the employees of the party company cleaning the venue, and curiously asked her boyfriend: "Why didn't you mention superheroes? "

"It's too early."

Shaking his head slightly, Christopher Rockencourt stood next to his girlfriend and explained with a smile: "Those three projects all have production and completion times, but for the superhero project, Wayne did not disclose the details. During the production time, I need to find an opportunity to chat with him again."

"Honey, do you think Wayne Greenberg will agree to let me join?"

In fact, this is the main purpose of Helen Hunt. Even though she is an Oscar-winning actress, after learning that the two game adaptation projects are purely starring female protagonists, she immediately became interested.

And Christopher Rockencourt also promised her that after preparations for these two projects began, he would personally talk to Wayne and help her join one of them.

Oscar-winning actresses are still valuable in Hollywood, but they may not necessarily be valuable in the eyes of movie companies. Helen Hunt knows better than anyone else that only by proving herself in commercial projects and proving that she has sufficient box office appeal is the fastest way to improve her status and worth.

"Don't worry, I will talk to him about this matter. Believe me, who would be stupid enough to refuse an Oscar-winning actress?" Christopher Rockencourt squinted his eyes and said to his girlfriend confidently.

Now that the investment matters have been negotiated, everyone's fundraising efficiency is very outstanding. On the morning after the party, the participating investors signed the agreement accompanied by their respective lawyers, waiting to meet with Wayne. After negotiating a financing contract, everyone will deposit the money into the studio account.

Christopher Rockencourt did not hesitate. That afternoon, he rushed to Warner Studios with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, he did not meet Wayne. This time he received and discussed with him the financing arrangements. Or, it became Nina and Jimmy.

Although it involves a large amount of money, it is still impossible for Wayne to come forward in person every time. He is too busy with his work. After determining the direction of film financing, he will naturally leave the specific matters to the people below to discuss.

Obviously, Christopher Rockencourt also understood this, so he didn't care and instead communicated with Jimmy and Nina seriously. The two parties finally reached an agreement in a harmonious atmosphere.

There are generally only two methods for external financing of Hollywood film projects.

The first type is more like a loan with a bank or a film foundation. The film company and the investment institution agree on an interest rate acceptable to both parties. As long as the principal and interest are repaid after the film is officially released and the investment is recovered, both parties will be considered A collaboration was completed.

Generally speaking, the interest rate of such a loan-like financing method is much higher than that of a bank loan, which is why many foundations choose to lend.

As for the second type, it is much simpler. Investors invest in proportion to the production cost of the film project. Without involving copyright ownership, the investor's income and losses will entirely depend on the market performance of the project after its release.

For film investors, the first advantage is that they can make a steady profit without losing any money. Although the profit is relatively small, basically as long as this financing method is chosen, it means that the profit and loss of the film project has nothing to do with the investors. Just repay the money normally at the agreed time.

Generally, those who choose this investment method are all larger foundations. The main purpose of the money they invest is not to make money at all, but to preserve value.

As for the second more mainstream film investment method, the risks required will increase sharply. If you are an outsider and want to enter Hollywood, this first step will allow you to pay a large amount of tuition.

Although investing in movies is like gambling, under the bright aura of Hollywood and the emerging myth of wealth creation, countless people are still stepping into this industry.

The most typical one is the son of "Madman" Larry Ellison. Although his investment in Hollywood was considered successful in the end, he still paid tens of millions of dollars in tuition when he first entered here.

Investing in movies has always been a business full of uncertainties, but at least for those in the industry, it can reduce more than 80% of the troubles. Therefore, Christopher Rockencourt, the choice is the mainstream investment method.

He will sign a formal financing agreement with Greenberg Studio, and then receive remuneration based on the investment ratio of each project.

"A formal contract should be signed by the end of this week at the latest."

In the Warner Studio studio, Nina and Jimmy stood next to Wayne, looking at the actors training in the center of the venue. The assistant lady looked away from Matt Damon and reported in a low voice to the man next to her.

"You have to be fast, we don't have time to play games slowly with him." Wayne nodded, without shying away from Jimmy at all, and directly ordered: "Keep an eye on him, and don't let any accidental exit happen early."

"Don't worry, boss."

When it comes to this, Nina is full of confidence. "I have made a request to him, and it will be reflected in the contract. The money must be entered into the established project studio account as soon as possible within three days of signing the contract. Moreover, this guy either really wants to invest, or he has huge ambitions. , but no matter what moves he wants to make, he won’t get much chance in the early stage.”

Wayne nodded and did not continue talking about this topic. He raised his legs and walked towards the props team, preparing to continue to check the preparation progress of the props team.

To put it bluntly, he just wanted to "borrow chickens to lay eggs." In fact, he and Nina both knew that the money the other party took out was not their own, and it was likely to come from many well-known practitioners in the industry, and he could not make the mistake of making more mistakes. Lots of action.

With so much money involved, it is impossible for those investors to have no supervision measures in the early stage. In this circle, who can really trust whom? With so much money, even father, son, and brothers can still turn against each other, let alone cooperation between other people.

Therefore, Wayne is not worried at all about what tricks the other party will use at this time. Christopher Rockencourt has been building up the image of a generous and rich man in the industry, and it is impossible for him to take huge risks and lose the image he has established over the past few years at this point in time.

Obviously, whether it is ambitious enough, it still has other ideas. As long as you want to take action, you must invest the money and then transfer it back to the other party's account.

But by that time, the money has nothing to do with Wayne, right?

Now he just wants to know whether the superhero bait he threw out will yield any results. Even if he didn't catch anything with this huge delicious bait, he didn't feel disappointed at all.

After all, when I was most short of money, I had already found someone willing to take advantage of me. As long as I survived until next year, whether it was the producer share of "X-Men", the box office share of "The Flash", or even the share of "Charlie's Angels" The investment income from "The Matrix 3" and movie peripheral income will all be settled one after another.

By that time, once Wayne had no shortage of money, he would naturally look down on Christopher Rockencourt's investment.

Therefore, he didn't even think about playing too many tricks on this investment. It's not worth it, and it's not something he can do. After all, he can't guarantee who's wallet the money comes from, and he can't offend so many insiders at once.

The preparation work for "Wonder Woman" has come to an end, and more and more relevant news is being released bit by bit under the plan of Warner Bros.'s distribution department.

It can be said that this film has already started a publicity plan before it has officially started shooting. The first of course was the joining of Matt Damon. Accompanied by his agent, he became the focus of attention from the moment he signed the actor's contract.

At the entrance of Warner Studio, more and more media reporters began to surround the film, and the male and female protagonists were their primary targets. Like previous DC projects, the film has not yet started filming, and the cast has brought huge attention.

The crew releases some specious news from time to time. Every one or two days, one or two posters of Angelina Jolie's makeup will be "leaked" to entertainment newspapers. Sometimes it is Wayne who "leaks" it. of one or two pages of manuscript.

As the launch date of "Wonder Woman" gets closer and closer, Warner Bros.'s various promotions have gradually increased in frequency.