Chapter 394: Takeover of Gotham Town

In 1954, the Gold Medal Press published a new work by science fiction writer Richard Matheson, "I-am-Legend". The story was born in Los Angeles. The protagonist Robert Neville is a symptom with similar symptoms The only survivor after the vampire virus pandemic, he was hiding in the daytime and hiding at night, while trying to study the vaccine to cure the disease, while destroying the society of new human zombies.
"I am a Legend" is hailed as the first modern vampire novel and has a profound influence on the later zombie genre. Naturally, it was necessary to move to the big screen. In 1964, the 25-year-old American International Picture Company (p) adapted it to the film "The Last Man on Earth" (The-Last-man-on-earth). Although it did not achieve a successful box office score, it has a lofty reputation and status. It must be known that it was born four years earlier than the 1968 Night of the Living Dead.
"Night of the Living Dead" surpassed the box office of 10,000 US dollars with a budget of 114,000. After adjusting for inflation, it went up to 200 million. It can be said that the "Ghost Record" that year laid the "Modern Zombie" of George-a-Romero. The title of "Father of the Movie", although the horror master's recent "Land of the Dead" ended dismal. Romero admitted that the novel "I am a Legend" and the movie "The Last Man on Earth" are the source materials for "Land of the Dead", and no one's fans can deny the legendary status of Robert Neville.
So in 1971, Warner Bros., which acquired the copyright for the film, adapted it into the film "The-omega-man". The story is still in Los Angeles because of the biological warfare and plague virus ... The box office of "The Last Man" and Not good, even if it is regarded as a classic by many cuLT film lovers.
A high-level meeting is taking place in the bright conference room of the Santa Monica Flame Film Company headquarters.
"The copyright of the filming of" I am Legend "is still with Warner Bros." Looking at the young ss and the crowd, Mark-Slanter put his glasses on his face with embarrassment. One of the themes of today's meeting is a number of new films of flames Situation, young ss has a new plan to direct, but encountered this big problem! Seeing Wang Yang thinking and asking, "Is there a purchase?" Mark Slant pointed to the information file on the table and said helplessly: "If the object of the purchase is not us, the bid is high enough, there will be a great chance; But we want to buy ... "
Wang Yang opened the same data file in front of him and checked it. Mark Slanter laughed at himself: "We are now the enemy of Hollywood." Production Manager Sandy Parks, President Michael Burns, and Investment Director Peter Wey Everyone including Erkes showed a helpless smile, can't they fail a few times on purpose? Now there is a saying in the industry: "Everything that the flame movie fancy, if you have it, keep it, if you don't, go grab it."
This also leads to what Flame Movies want to get, often paying a greater price. Fortunately, the greater the price, the greater the gains, and the tricks of real and false are also repeated, but this time it is invalid for the Warner Brothers who have the initiative.
In fact, Warner Bros. did not pay much attention to "I am a Legend", and the science fiction horror style became popular again in the late 1990s, which led to the appearance of films such as "Hands of Leisure". As early as 1995, Warner Bros. began to open In the "I am Legend" movie project, Mark Prutosevich wrote the first draft of the script. The story was born in San Francisco and has many similarities to the original.
Then Warner Bros. hired Neil H Moritz as producer, Ridley Scott as director, Tom Cruise, Michael Douglas, Mel Gibson and other big names are Neville Candidates, but the company prefers Arnold Schwarzenegger. After Scott and Schwarzenegger successively finalized the contract, it was already July 1997. Originally scheduled to start shooting in September of that year, the Warner Brothers suddenly worried about the lack of commercial appeal and sales potential of the film, so they reconsidered the script.
Although Ridley Scott rewrote the script to reduce the budget of 10,000, but because of the "Batman and Robin" starring Schwarzenegger that summer gave Warner Brothers a heavy punch, the production budget is still up to 10,000. Is Legend is put on hold.
In August 1998, director Rob Bauman, who liked "I Am Legend", hired Mark Protosevich to write the third draft of the new script to recommend himself, but Warner Bros. ignored him, and later Rob- Bowman filmed "The End of Flame" (2 years) for Disney.
In March of 2 years, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the producer of "I Am Legend". He lobbied hard to direct Michael Bay and starring Will Smith. They all joined and tried to reduce the budget for the project. However, the project was put on hold again because Warren Brothers President Allen-F-Horn hated and did not like the script. In 4 years, Jeff Robinov, director of the production department of Warner Bros., invited Aceh to win the award for the best adaptation of the script by Orpheusca for "Beautiful Taobao Women's Tmall Taobao Mall Taobao Mall Women's Winter Coat m Mind" Wa-Gossman rewrote the script of "I am Legend".
This project has been spent for a full ten years, and there is still no news of exact construction.
Although it is not difficult to find a screenwriter to create a new zombie apocalypse theme and the same type of science fiction script, it may be that the classics may be vulgar, such as "Land of the Dead"; but the reputation, status, and fan base of "I am Legend" Placed there, it is undoubtedly the best source material for zombie movies.
"Warner Bros. could not promise us, we expressed our interest, but let them strengthen their confidence in this project." Mark Slant said that the reason that everyone also understands, even if Warner Bros. has not been regarded as "I am Legend" "How much does it cost, it only takes a magical phrase from not optimistic to optimistic. Mas-Srrant frowned, and there was even more bad news: "And they are about to determine the candidate, and production is expected to start next year." He added: "Of course, maybe it will be put on hold again."
Recalling the 7-year version of "I am Legend" in the future film and television information library, Wang Yang shook his head with his chin in his left hand: "I don't think so much, Aziva-Gossmann gave them enough confidence."
"It seems so." Mark Slante and others nodded in agreement. It is clear that Gaussman is more convincing than Prutosevic, who currently has only the debut film "Invading Brain Cells." Mark Slant said suddenly: "But I can be sure that if you want to take over" I am Legend ", Warner will definitely agree." Peter Wilkes across the table said second: "Yes, you can be sure." Everyone laughed, more than agree? Those of Warner Bros. are going to laugh to death!
"What I hope most is to see the animation of the flame movie at the opening of the film." Wang Yang didn't smile, he closed the data file, with a serious expression: "Ask first! We always have to move first."
Mark Srant and others wrote it down, and Sandy Parks considered the company ’s interchangeable resources and said:
We need to prepare a gift.
Michael Burns proposed:
Horn is not very optimistic about this project. , But Robinov is more confident, we should choose to contact Horn first. "Mark-Srant agreed to nod:" Impress Horn is a breakthrough. "Wang Yang suddenly felt a tingling in his head, could not help but tighten With his face pressed against his forehead, Slante asked with concern, "Yang, are you okay?", "Are you all right?" ...
"It's nothing. It just reminded me that I was unconscious on the hospital bed two days ago." Wang Yang smiled to everyone, and with a snap, his left hand snapped his fingers: "Go ahead, I probably know that Warner Brothers wants What kind of gift do you want, hehe, make sure they are happy. "He smiled while opening the company's new film project list:" Next we talk about the dog movie. "Everyone nodded.
In the second half of this year, the flame film also has four large-scale new film plans, namely "Dancing My Life 2" (5-9-23), "The Chainsaw 3" (5--28), "Broken Mountain" (5-12-16) and "The Day of Shamo" (5-12-23). The first two films are commercials, "Broken Mountain" is heavily obstructed, and it is difficult to enter the theaters of some conservative states. It will adopt a strategy of first small scale and then slowly expand; and "Love Summer" is popular among theater owners. look forward to.
It is estimated that Flame will have a total of 7 new movies in a large scale throughout the year. Needless to say, this summer ’s bumper harvest, the three films with a production cost of more than 100 million have a good reputation. At present, "Panda" and "Firefly" are determined to make great profits. Moving into the gold bricks for the money bank of the flame movie. It should be known that today's Flame Company only depends on the profits generated by the film and television library, which is enough to maintain the company's daily expenses and salaries. The profit of the new box office is like a pig cage entering the water, and the wealth index of Flame is getting higher and higher.
At the same time, after many years of step-by-step exhibitions, Flame Movies can dig new people or let gold shine. It has good relations with many producers, directors, screenwriters, actors, agents, media reporters, etc. Own power. The energetic FF has already emerged as a well-deserved independent film company leader, and the new film list in the next two years has been ranked in multiple plans. Next year will have 6 years: "Ice Age 3", "Hangover 3", "Furious Speed ​​2" "," Mamma Mia "," Frightening Chainsaw 4 "," Fatal Magic ".
The first four will attack the summer summer file, and the latter two will be planned for the next half of the year.
The production of the three blockbuster sequels are all carried out in an orderly manner, and Wen Ziren will still direct "sa4" and need to discuss after "sa3" is released; "Mama Mia" will be adapted and produced by the original stage of the stage play, Judi- Kramer First Producer, Catherine Johnson Screenplay, Filida Lloyd, and also invited Meryl Streep and others to star in; "Fatal Magic", obtained the original copyright and funds The Nolan couple and the Nolan brothers have started construction, and both films are expected to start shooting early next year.
In the following year and 7 years, there is currently only one summer holiday blockbuster "Green Hornet". The flame film has been looking for a person who can relieve Zhou Xingchi, Kim-Kerry and let them produce a chemical reaction, and at the same time, they can produce the film, so that they can rest assured It is no problem if Wang Yang is willing to personally direct the director ’s microphone to Wang Zhou, but if it is found now, the person in the flame production department is now in the blue sky studio. Steve Odeko, the director of "Panda" Gram!
Old Cork (1961) and Kim Carey (1962) are old friends who have a good relationship. The two have collaborated on "Vivid Colors" (Writer), "Wonderful Love" (Writer + Co-producer), "Fake God" (screenwriter + planning); he also loves Hong Kong husband film martial arts film, has profound attainments and unique insights, creative ideas and Zhou Xingchi can be described as a hit, no life Zhou Xingchi (1962) + Seth-Logan ( In 1982), the generation gap and cultural differences were serious differences in creation.
Steve-Odecock, Zhou Xingchi, Wang Yang will jointly create the script of "Green Hornet"; directed by Zhou Xingchi, but does not have the right to final cut; Odecock's first production producer, Wang Yang will also be a producer The film is expected to start shooting next summer.
Of course, Olde Cork will also participate in the production of "Panda 2" aimed at the 8-year summer vacation file, but now the meeting is discussing 7 years. Whether the "Assassin League 2" will take place still requires the box office score of the wait and see department. Looking for projects for new cartoons; excluding "I am Legend", which is not yet certain, the high-level flames feel it is time to add new film projects released in o7.
"Have you heard of the classic Japanese dog movie" Hachiko Monogatari "? That is a very moving story. There is also a bronze statue of Hachiko in Shibuya, Tokyo." Wang Yang scanned the crowd with a smile , Said the plan: "I think we can adapt it to remake a Hollywood version." Everyone looked at the relevant documents in front of them, said Mark Srant, who knew the plan in advance: " "The copyright of the remake is still in the hands of Shochiku Co., Ltd., if we buy it, just pay attention to those who fight for it."
Although very convinced by the younger ss, Peter Wilkes still wields his responsibilities as an investment director. He expressed his opinion: "Yang, I mean the commercial appeal of this project is not high, people prefer to watch Animal comedy, not the protagonist dies. "
All the dogs starring in movies from 1974 to the present, the North American box office champion is 2 years of "Scooby" (153 million), the runner-up is 1996 "1 Dalmatian" (136 million), and the third runner-up is 1 year of "Cat" Dog Wars (93.38 million), the next "Scooby 2", "Ice Dog Mission", "Turner and Hodge", "2 Dalmatians" ... These high-end box office dog movies all have "family" / Comedy / Adventure ", you ca n’t see Japanese-style tear-moving movies like" Baby Dog Story "and" Guiding Dog Little Q ".
The story of "Baby Dog Hachiko Monogatari" is indeed touching, but it is also really sad. Looking at the tenth place in the ranking, "k-9" only has 43.24 million North American box office to know that this type is not a gold mine, so remake "Hachiko" Of course not being optimistic, it is estimated that no one will fight this time.
"We have a lot of dog comedies, yes, they can make more money." Wang Yang looked at the calm faces of everyone seriously and said in his heart: "I also like to watch them and make you laugh all night ; But I also like to watch the dog movie that moved you to cry for one night, they have a unique touch. "Seeing everyone nodded, Wang Yang continued:" No matter what, "The Dogs of the Faithful Dog" Remake will not be a big production. Twenty-three million yuan cost is enough, and even if you give up the North American market, I think the Asian market alone is enough to pay back. "
He made a decision and knocked on the blue document of "Ba Gong", saying to everyone: "I don't think there is anything to worry about this project. We can't pursue 200 million or 300 million box office for every movie. I just wanted to make it, now I think about it. "
"Ok.", "That's right.", "I have no objection." The flame seniors all smiled, this is not a plan to lose money, and why should you doubt the magical look? A low- and medium-budget movie, whatever he wants! Besides, no one blamed him for losing 120 million to 120 million.
"Thank you all." Wang Yang smiled and thanked everyone for his support, and suddenly raised his voice: "But! We are not the only one. I said that I like doggie comedy, and I must repay my good boy Danny. Life saving grace, otherwise my wife wo n’t let me go.
Everyone chuckled a few times, Wang Yang pointed to a red document on the desktop and smiled:
So we have a second plan, the Labrador, "Marley and Me."
"Marley and Me: Happy Life with the World's No. 1 Trick or Treat Dog" (mar1ey & me: fe-and-ve-ith-the-or1ds-orst-g) is a best-selling autobiographical novel by the recent book market, author John Ge Logan is a reporter for the New York Times. He tells the story of Marley and his family living together for 13 years in the first person. Marley is a yellow labrador, with a crazy personality, high tension and active Excessive, endless hunger, often destroying their property (but not at all malicious), often disappointing the expectations of others ...
This book became very popular as soon as it was published, and it continues to win the New York Times bestseller list for consecutive years, but despite this, it is not considered suitable for film adaptation because the entire time span of the book is too large and the content is all Interesting daily routines, no subject matter, seem to be more suitable for filming TV sitcoms.
How to organize it into a movie script? This work is really not optimistic, but currently the filmmakers do not pay much attention to "Mali and Me". Looking at the relevant information, Peter Wilkes frowned: "This theme has its selling points, but I have to read that novel to know the specific feeling."
"" Mali and Me "is very interesting, some things seem to be exaggerated, but you can find the shadow of your own dog; but the ending is very sad." Wang Yang looked to Sandy Pikes and commanded: "Regardless The copyright of the movie is taken, this is a project with huge market potential! "He said with a smile:" I really like that book, Danny is also a Labrador, it has many similarities with Mali The place is now ready to welcome the baby of the family. "
Everyone is more optimistic about "Marley and Me", and naturally there is no objection.
After talking about the new film plan that was discussed in today's meeting, then everyone talked about the DreamWorks acquisition. The way Flame Film participated was to buy some of the DreamWorks movie library ’s copyrights and script rights in cash. City "shopping. Because whether it is ultimately Global or Paramount to acquire the DreamWorks, they will sell those tasteless to other companies or private equity investors in order to finance the acquisition.
Some of the big stomach flame movies are cash, and I hope to follow the usual style and find something in the DreamWorks City that no one wants.
"Wang Yang took a fancy to" I am a Legend "!?" In the spacious office, hearing the call from Mark Srant, Warner Bros. President Allen-F-Horn jumped in the heart, what! That boring script? The big reel that has been delayed for years? Magic Yang actually wanted to buy "I am a Legend"! ? Horne ’s first reaction was: "No to him, no to him! Anything Wang Yang likes, keep it if you have it!" Calm! calm! It is seldom heard that Miracle Yang will beg for people in this respect, whether it is sold or not, this time Warner Brothers can sit on the ground and start raising prices ...
Horne quickly calmed down the shock, and swayed his legs in a self-satisfied manner, and asked the microphone: "Mark, why do you want to buy" I am a Legend "?" Mark Srant over there complained: "I I do n’t know! Yang must shoot it. It is said that he had a similar dream when he was in a coma. You know that directors are particularly dreamy.
Horne took his ears comfortably:
Then he can come and take over it. Welcome, "Mark Slant said seriously:" He just has this quirk, likes to invest himself, without worrying about any possible accidents, a control freak. "
The two of you came and talked with me for a while, and the old gangster Horn was not misled and misled. He knew that "I am a Legend" must be special; but he also knew what was different from "Crash". At most, it means that the theme of "I am a Legend" is not garbage. It does not mean that the scripts in Warner's hands and the future movies will be completed. Wang Yang's ability to direct and edit is the key, just like "Batman and Robin" "," Batman: Moment of War "if he is at the helm ...
After saying it for a while, Horn had made up his mind. He began to speak directly: "Mark, give us a reason to agree?" What benefit can the flames give Warner? If there is an exciting bargaining chip, everything has room for negotiation.
"" Batman. "" Mark Srant's sharp and sharp words seemed to have a force that penetrated the human heart, Horn's heart suddenly jumped, "Batman"! ? Magic Yang is willing to take over Gotham Town! ? He couldn't help but take a deep breath, and his voice was a little anxious: "I'll talk to Yang myself!"
In a tense mood that was almost uneasy, Horn quickly heard Wang Yang ’s voice and heard him laugh:
Warner Brothers transferred the copyright of the filming of
I am a Legend
to us. Everyone has the right to cooperate; then I hand over the sequel to Batman for production, and the Warner Brothers sees a resurrected Wayne with no less than 500 million global box office. "
Wow-Allen-F-Horn held his breath, 500 million! ! It ’s not that he has n’t seen a 500 million global box office movie, but God, the Batman series has been in a quagmire for 8 years! ! "Batman and Robin" with a production cost of 1.25 has 700 million in North America and 238 million in the world, and "Batman: Time to War" with a production cost of 1.35 this summer has only a poor global billion! ! They didn't know how to clean up this mess, saying they couldn't blame Darren Aronovsky. How do they shoot the second one?
Either wait for several years, and start the plan if the later period sells well; if not, then start a new reincarnation. But if the sequel has a magical seat and has 500 million box office worldwide, it means that this brand series is alive. This is not just a movie thing, it is about the entire periphery, but also "Batman 3" and "Bat". Xia 4 "! Horne's confusion ~ EbookFREE.me ~ a little bit of support: "500 million?" Wang Yang over there suddenly said: "If you are too little, 600 million."
"Oh ... what if" Batman 2 "does not have your guaranteed score?" Horn inevitably moved, Wang Yang smiled over there and asked, "So what do you want to do?" Horn said a preliminary Plan: "We can write clearly on the contract, if it is less than 500 million ... 600 million! Then you have to personally direct a movie with over 100 million investment for Warner Bros. No, no, no, no, no!"
"Then I need to add a clause. The promotion cost of" The Dark Knight "is at least 100 million." Wang Yang laughed from the microphone, and Horne wondered for a moment: "What?" Dark Knight "? What?" Wang Yang explained: "The title, the title of" Batman 2 "." Horne was surprised again: "What do you mean ... you don't plan to use 'Batman'?" Wang Yang laughed: "Yes Yes, obviously, everyone hates 'Batman'. "
Horne scolded hell!
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ps: Ask for monthly tickets, the new month is about to begin! Wow, thank you for your monthly ticket support last month, we rushed to the 17th place in the total list! ! Re-assure the end of the monthly ticket, and monthly bills hit the monthly ticket list again! ! See how high we can rush!