Chapter 111 Wishing You Success

In just a short span of time, Daniel Malick's impression of Ronan underwent a complete transformation: the man was nothing but a swindler!

Thinking of the recent onslaught of attacks, he suddenly felt a sense of inexplicable fear.

"Mr. Anderson," Daniel Malick questioned, "were those media events arranged by you?"

Ronan looked at Daniel Malick with a strange expression and replied, "During our negotiations, media events were part of the agreement. I was fulfilling the contract."

Daniel Malick thought of the clauses in the contract, and his fear intensified: Did Ronan Anderson plan everything from the moment of buying the film? That was terrifying.

Ronan reiterated, "My company and I abide by the spirit of the contract, fulfilling every clause diligently."

Daniel Malick attempted to turn the tables, saying, "I will hold a press conference to expose everything!"

Ronan smiled but did not respond.

Daniel Malick realized that his words were just empty threats. Over the past few days, he had argued in front of the media numerous times but couldn't change the direction of public opinion.

The blame was laid on him, and the media and fans continued to criticize him.

It was all because of that talk show where he admitted that the entire plan originated from him, right in front of the media.

"Let's end it here today," Ronan said, not wanting to continue the argument with Daniel Malick, politely escorting him out, "I have another meeting to attend to."

Daniel Malick hadn't given up yet, forcing himself to regain composure and said, "I have a new film project. Originally, I wanted to collaborate with your company, but Mr. Anderson's attitude..."

Ronan interrupted him directly, "You are free to find other partners."

"I..." Daniel Malick didn't know what else to say.

I've just had a movie with over a hundred million in North American box office, and you're refusing like this? Isn't Hollywood all about chasing success?

Ronan remembered something, opened a drawer, took out a videotape, and handed it to Daniel Malick. "This is your tape. Take it back."

Daniel Malick glanced at the videotape, then at Ronan, making sure Ronan had no interest in his words.

Picking up the tape, Daniel Malick looked at Ronan deeply and said, "Hollywood will find someone to collaborate with me!"

Ronan smiled, "I wish you success with your new film."

Seeing the sincere smile, Daniel Malick felt a sense of powerlessness and walked out of the office.

Ronan rubbed his chin, "I seem to be quite like a villain, huh? Daniel Malick is like the protagonist waiting to counterattack, but unfortunately, he hasn't read those web novels from across the Pacific Ocean, otherwise shouting a few lines like 'Thirty years on the east bank of the river, thirty years on the west bank' would be more appropriate.

Phrases like 'do not bully the young and poor' don't seem very fitting; after all, we're both in our thirties."

Ronan knew that with the success of "Blair Witch," Daniel Malick would easily find a collaborating company.

In fact, Daniel Malick didn't even need to look; movie companies would actively approach him.

Chasing success is a rule that will never change in Hollywood.

Ronan didn't consider Daniel Malick anymore. Both sides wouldn't collaborate in the future. He focused on handling his current work seriously, then went to Warner Bros. Studios to check on the sets of "Final Destination" and "Kingsman," both of which had finished filming and entered post-production.

During this time, Ronan received a long-distance call from Europe. Carmen Case would come to Los Angeles soon to attend an event organized by Dior. They arranged to meet.

This year, Carmen Case secured the endorsement for Dior's new "True Me" perfume, becoming its first spokesperson.

Ronan also knew about this perfume because in his previous life, Charlize Theron endorsed it for over a decade, and every advertisement was extravagantly beautiful.

Getting the endorsement from Dior, Carmen Case undoubtedly entered the ranks of top models.

Just as actors and stars are two completely different entities, models and supermodels are also worlds apart.

In their few meetings in Los Angeles last year, Carmen Case left a good impression on Ronan. However, as a traditional model, Carmen Case's career center was undoubtedly in Europe.

Ronan didn't think too much about this aspect; his current focus wasn't on it.

After visiting the two sets, Ronan found George and asked him to contact Robert Lurden's side again to see if they could resolve the copyright issues of "Bourne Supremacy" and "Bourne Ultimatum."

Robert Lurden's health had been poor, and he refused to discuss copyright with anyone, which was the most troublesome issue.

Ronan wasn't afraid of them asking for a high price, but the fact that they wouldn't even discuss it made it difficult.

"The Bourne Witch" was a huge success. Once the box office share arrived, there would be a lot of funds on hand, so it was necessary to secure the film and television rights of those two books as soon as possible.

Otherwise, waiting until after "The Bourne Identity" was released to discuss would incur an even greater cost.

George Clint had been in contact with Robert Lurden's lawyers and publishers, but perhaps because the man was old and particularly stubborn, Robert Lurden completely ignored external copyright information.

It might come down to waiting for Robert Lurden to pass away and negotiating with his copyright trustee.

...

Daniel Malick returned to the hotel, fielded inquiries from a few crew members, and felt exhausted when he entered his room. Despite his film making so much money, he couldn't enjoy it.

Suddenly, his phone rang, and his tired eyes lit up as he answered.

The caller was a senior executive from DreamWorks, who wanted to meet him.

Daniel Malick didn't hesitate, agreeing to meet in the hotel lobby. He deliberately changed into a suit and tidied his hair before heading to the appointment.

In the hotel lobby, he met Susan Arnold, a producer from DreamWorks.

"Hello, Director Malick," Susan Arnold shook hands with Daniel Malick. "Congratulations on the success of your film."

Upon hearing this, Daniel Malick's expression darkened, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "Thank you."

After exchanging pleasantries, Susan Arnold quickly got to the point, "With the success of 'Blair Witch,' which has ended so satisfactorily, I wonder if Director Malick has any new filming plans?"

Daniel Malick immediately sensed that DreamWorks was interested in him!

"I plan to shoot another horror film," Daniel Malick, although frustrated with Ronan, gained great confidence from the success of "Blair Witch." "I already have the framework for the script."

Similar types of films are easier to replicate success. Susan Arnold understood this well and asked, "Do you have a partner yet? If not, DreamWorks can help you."

"I don't have a partner," Daniel Malick replied.

Susan Arnold was a bit surprised, "Isn't Embassy Films continuing to work with you?"

Most film companies tend to maintain long-term partnerships with successful directors, and it was expected that Daniel Malick would continue working with Embassy Films. It would take some effort to poach him.

But unexpectedly, it turned out to be this situation.

"I don't want to work with them anymore," Daniel Malick said, not hiding his feelings. "The head of Embassy Films, Ronan Anderson, is too domineering."

The success of "Blair Witch" had put Daniel Malick in the spotlight of many Hollywood companies, and no one really paid attention to the negative media coverage. DreamWorks, seeking to expand its market, extended an olive branch first.

Susan Arnold, in charge of horror thriller films at DreamWorks, had just completed "The Haunting" and was already preparing for a new project.

At present, she had roughly two plans in mind: one was to acquire the rights to a Japanese horror film for a remake, and the other was to collaborate with Daniel Malick, the director of "Blair Witch."

Given the positive clash in the market between "The Haunting" and "Blair Witch," Susan Arnold had carefully studied "Blair Witch." Its novel filming style and extraordinary promotional tactics, operated with the same model, could completely replicate the success of "Blair Witch."

Suspecting that Daniel Malick had a conflict with Embassy Films, Susan Arnold asked cautiously, "May I ask, what's the situation between you and Embassy Films?"

DreamWorks had quite a reputation, at least much stronger than Ronan's company.

Daniel Malick wanted to seize the opportunity extended by DreamWorks, and he also needed someone to confide in about his pent-up feelings. So he said frankly, "Blair Witch" grossed over $100 million, but Ronan Anderson only paid me $80,000 for the copyright and a $50,000 box office bonus, while keeping the rest of the revenue for himself!"

Susan Arnold immediately understood; this was a typical case of unfair profit distribution.

She couldn't let this director turn back to Embassy Films. Susan Arnold immediately came up with an idea and said, "Find a professional lawyer to sue Ronan Anderson and Embassy Films. Drag the lawsuit out. As long as it lasts for some time, most Hollywood companies will choose to settle out of court."

"Good idea," Daniel Malick said as if he had found his backbone. "Can you introduce me to a professional lawyer?"

Susan Arnold smiled charmingly. "No problem. DreamWorks will do its best to assist its partners."

Daniel Malick nodded heavily. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Susan Arnold said calmly, laying out a precondition, "Director Malick, now that you have a new film plan, can you finish the script as soon as possible? This way, I can also push your project at DreamWorks."

She paused for a moment and added, "Success can make Ronan Anderson regret his stinginess!"

Already feeling the heat inside and further suppressed by Ronan's contract, Daniel Malick immediately said, "Two weeks! In two weeks, I'll have a new script ready! Trust me, it will be an even more successful horror film than 'Blair Witch'!"