Chapter 52: Sale of Follow-up Profits from "Get Out"

Kevin's task was to sell a 30% share of the profits as a package deal to Warner.

In theory, if it were foreign funds, there wouldn't be any profits related to copyrights. Hollywood wouldn't give away such crucial copyright earnings to others. However, Kevin held multiple roles as an editor, director, and producer.

Combined with his previous fame from the "Saw" series, this convinced Warner to agree, especially because they were in a cooperative honeymoon period with ongoing "Mission: Impossible" profits at stake. Otherwise, even with these profits, Warner would find countless reasons to delay payment.

"Kevin, you're here."

Jeff Robinov had a smile on his face, even his wrinkles seemed smoothed out. It was evident that he had encountered something joyful, making him this happy.

"Robinov, I sought you out to discuss selling the rights to the follow-up income of 'Get Out" to you at a 50% discount. I'm wondering if you're interested in accepting?"

If Kevin's offer of a 50% discount is calculated considering inflation and future copyright development, he might even sell it at a 70% discount.

Robinov frowned and then suddenly became generous:

"Kevin, are you facing any difficulties? How much money do you need? If the amount isn't too large, I can lend it to you on behalf of Warner Bros."

Facing Kevin, a director whose last two movies had been blockbuster hits, Robinov appeared quite magnanimous.

Lending him money would undoubtedly be a good opportunity to strengthen their relationship.

Kevin shook his head, feigning helplessness:

"I also need to start preparing for my next film. According to my plans, it will be another big production and will require a significant amount of funding."

Robinov nodded, indicating that at least on the surface, he believed Kevin's words.

Of course, most importantly, it wouldn't be a loss for Warner Bros.

It would be an investment of cash to secure a long-term, steady return. The top management of Warner Bros would undoubtedly agree to it.

Moreover, "Get Out" was a movie perfectly suited for the Oscars, and there had been a lot of internal debate at Warner Bros regarding this.

After completing the acquisition of New Line Cinema today, the rights to "Get Out" already belonged to Warner Bros.

If they were to acquire the rights from Kevin as well, then 80% of the profits from "Get Out of Doomsday Town" would belong to Warner Bros.

With this stake, there would be no problem in promoting "Get Out" for awards.

However...

Did Kevin know about the internal debates within Warner Bros?

Robinov carefully examined Kevin, pondered for a moment, and then decided to directly purchase the rights and future earnings.

Although he was willing to build a good relationship with Kevin, he was ultimately the president of Warner Bros and always acted in the best interest of the company.

And if the Oscar campaign was successful, even though Kevin wouldn't receive financial benefits, his reputation and standing within the industry would rise, so he wouldn't be at a loss either.

After weighing all the pros and cons, Robinov decisively spoke up:

"Since that's the case, as the president of Warner Bros, I agree. However, it will take some time to calculate the follow-up profits of 'Get Out,' and it will be a while before we can hand them over to you."

Kevin nodded, agreeing to Robinov's approach.

Afterwards, at Robinov's strong invitation, the three of them had a meal at a nearby upscale restaurant, and as the president, Robinov took the lead in settling the bill and left.

The Warner Bros. group finally concluded on a satisfactory note.

Kevin and Dawson walked out of the restaurant, and it was then that Kevin asked, "Dawson, have you found the assistant and driver I asked for?"

Dawson nodded, "Yes, I found them. The assistant is your junior, a student who graduated from the University of Southern California. She's 24 years old, one year younger than you."

"She has been working in Hollywood for a year and has a good understanding of the operations and business of various institutions in Hollywood..."

Kevin interrupted his rambling and asked directly, "Is she attractive?"

"Definitely!"

As someone who values appearance, even though he might not make advances on the assistant, he couldn't accept someone unattractive. After all, they would be working together for a long time.

Skills could be developed, but appearance was more difficult to change.

Having obtained the answer he desired, Kevin decisively said, "She'll be the assistant then. And the driver?"

Following Kevin's words, Dawson continued, "The driver has been found too, but... he's Chinese."

However, this Chinese candidate was too suitable, causing Dawson to have an urge to recommend him to Kevin.

"Alright!"

Kevin nodded, signaling Dawson to continue with the introduction.

As someone of Chinese descent in his past life, Kevin naturally wouldn't discriminate against Chinese people. On the contrary, he could visibly recognize many strengths and advantages of Chinese individuals.

As long as the person had a clean background, there would be no problem in employing a Chinese person as his bodyguard and driver.

Seeing that Kevin didn't exhibit any discrimination towards Chinese people, Dawson continued the introduction, saying, "He is a thirty-year-old Chinese man, standing at 1.75 meters tall. He lives in Chinatown and has parents and two younger sisters. He served in the military but retired early due to making a mistake. Currently, he works as a sparring partner in a martial arts gym in Chinatown."

"Sounds good. Have him come to my mansion in Beverly Hills tomorrow, and don't forget to provide him with travel expenses," Kevin instructed.

"As for the assistant, arrange for her to stay at the company for a few days. I'll contact her later when I have some free time. I have other matters to attend to in the meantime," he added.

After taking care of these matters, Kevin and Dawson went to the bank together. Subsequently, Kevin left the bank with a stack of checks and drove back to Beverly Hills.

...

"Kevin!"

"Kevin!"

"Jolie!"

"Salma!"

Julie was fine; Kevin could see her almost every day while filming. But it had been a while since Salma left Kevin's side, and now intense feelings surged within him.

...

In the prime of his life, Kevin was completely defenseless against the two women's playfulness. They finally let Kevin go and began entertaining themselves.

Watching the two beauties by his side, a bit overwhelmed, Kevin quietly slipped out of the door and gulped down a bottle of carbonated drink to catch his breath.

Although they were both his women, it was clear that Julie received far more benefits from him. Kevin made up his mind that in his next movie, he would give Salma Hayek some well-deserved attention.

Sitting on the large sofa in the living room, Kevin started contemplating the situation with Marvel.

He had entrusted Dawson with all the information provided by the spies he had arranged within Marvel.