Chapter 77: The Madness

Simon Westeros paused to consider, then said, "You can think of this as a unique career experience, Amy. First, you only need to commit two years. I currently have three projects in hand, and at least three more coming next year. Over the next two years, we'll collaborate on these six projects. With the popularity we've gained from 'Run Lola Run', I believe it won't be difficult for another of these six to break into the top ten North American box office."

Amy Pascal interrupted Simon as he spoke, "Simon, although 'Run Lola Run' was very successful, I think there were a lot of random factors involved. There are around four to five hundred theatrical movies released in North America each year. Breaking into the top ten isn't as simple as you imagine; it's not just about the quality of the movie itself."

Simon listened patiently to Amy Pascal and then said, "Amy, 'Run Lola Run', 'The Butterfly Effect', 'Final Destination', these three scripts, you can't deny they're all excellent, right?"

Amy hesitated slightly but nodded.

Simon continued, "Since I can produce these three excellent scripts, I'm confident that over the next two years, I can manage six outstanding projects, including 'Final Destination' and my next two directorial works. As for the other three, I'll be just as meticulous. Six chances to hit the top ten again—I don't see it as too big a problem. If you insist it's impossible, then perhaps we indeed have no reason to continue this discussion."

Amy shrugged, "Okay, Simon, I'll tentatively accept your hypothesis. What next? You still haven't given me a reason to work for you?"

"If you hadn't interrupted me," Simon spread his hands and pointed to a nearby round table. Amy did not refuse, and the two sat down together. Simon then continued, "So, the reason. Working for me, compared to your current position as Vice President of Production at Fox, you'll have much greater involvement in the upcoming six projects. Moreover, many people will credit you for their success, because Simon Westeros is still just a young lad under twenty. Moreover, if we achieve our goal of hitting the top ten again, this will further your credentials. With these credentials, if you decide to leave after two years, finding another job among the major studios will be a breeze. If you wish to stay, I'd certainly welcome that."

When Amy heard Simon's self-deprecating remarks, a smile appeared on her face, but she quickly composed herself and said, "Simon, I see one problem. If all six projects fail, the major studios might never accept me again."

"Of course, everything carries risk," Simon did not deny, "But what if it succeeds? What if it is a great success? You're currently the Vice President of Production at Fox, and as a woman, I think you understand that this position is almost the glass ceiling in Hollywood. Continuing to accumulate experience at the major studios, if you want to advance further, you might have to wait ten years. But choosing to work for me, if our projects are very successful over the next two years, then those old-fashioned folks at the top of Hollywood might think, oh, perhaps we could give that woman a try."

After Simon finished speaking, Amy Pascal's gaze finally shifted slightly. Noticing the young man earnestly observing her, she sipped her champagne and said, "Simon, that's sexist."

Simon innocently responded, "Amy, that's Hollywood's sexism, not mine. If I were sexist, you wouldn't have heard what I just said."

Amy hesitated again and said, "Simon, what you've just described is an idealized outcome. Frankly, I think my chances of encountering the situation you described are actually higher if I stay at Fox."

"Fox hasn't had a film gross over a hundred million in years, right?" Simon retorted, not waiting for an answer, he continued, "I know what you're worried about, Amy. A newly emerged young director in Hollywood trying to recruit a senior executive from a major film company—it's quite a mad idea. But so many great things begin with a mad idea. You're only 29 years old, are you ready to lose your spirit of adventure like those old men in their fifties and sixties?"

Amy Pascal did not respond immediately, sipping her champagne slowly.

Simon did not urge her, patiently waiting.

After a couple of minutes, as she finished her champagne, Amy looked up at the young man across from her and said, "Simon, it's not impossible for me to work for you. However, I want 20% of Daenerys Film Industries' shares."

Simon immediately shook his head, "Amy, as long as your work is outstanding, I will definitely reward you with some shares in the future, but not now. However, to compensate for your crazy decision to jump from a

 major studio VP to an independent production company, I can offer you a package salary of $500,000 over the next two years. Of course, bonuses are extra."

In this era, excluding project bonuses, the annual salary of a senior executive at a major film company is not that high, typically between $100,000 and $150,000. Simon's offer of a two-year package salary of $500,000 was indeed very sincere.

However, Amy Pascal was not swayed by Simon's salary plan and insisted, "Simon, based on my experience and connections, I could start my own production company if I leave Fox, there's no need to partner with you. So, if you want me to work for you, I have the right to demand a certain shareholding. Of course, you can exclude 'Run Lola Run' from Daenerys Film Industries, and I won't share in its profits."

The turnover among senior executives in major Hollywood studios has always been high, due to company sales, contract expirations, project failures, and other reasons.

Those who leave usually don't switch careers but start their own production companies, either affiliated with a major studio or independently. The basic process involves selecting projects, pulling together investments, and selling distributions. If the film makes money, investors and distributors take the lion's share, and the producer earns a production fee; if the film loses money, the investors and distributors bear the loss, but the producer still earns a fee.

Meanwhile, at the right opportunity, these independent producers are often rehired by major studios.

This cycle repeats.

These purely for-hire production companies typically have very equitable share distributions among partners, as everyone is just putting in labor without much capital investment.

Simon had just negotiated with Fox a deal for 'Final Destination', which, although profitable, was not exactly a windfall, but Amy Pascal obviously considered Simon's Daenerys Film Industries as a similar production company, hence her request for 20% of the company's shares.

Shaking his head again, Simon said, "Amy, Daenerys Film Industries is not simply a production company backed by a major studio as you imagine. If conditions allow, I will try to build our own distribution network and, in the future, possibly venture into television production. So, I cannot give you shares now, as I will invest everything I have in this company, not just simple personal labor."

Amy listened to the young man's spirited confidence across from her and said, "Simon, I remember just last month Orion announced the establishment of its own TV production department. That company was founded in 1978, nine years ago. Moreover, all five founders of Orion were seasoned industry executives in Hollywood for many years, initially relying on Warner's distribution channels. So, establishing a distribution network, creating a TV department, how many years do you think you need to achieve this, or do you think you can achieve this at all?"

"Last June, when I first met my agent, he told me, Simon, Hollywood directors usually direct their first film after turning thirty, you're too young, don't rush it. Then, I didn't wait from eighteen until thirty, it was just over six months later, and everyone saw 'Run Lola Run'," Simon said, waving over a nearby waiter to bring another glass of champagne for Amy Pascal, then smiling and standing up, "Amy, I look forward to you personally seeing how many years it takes me to accomplish the upcoming tasks, or rather, how we accomplish them together. By the way, this is urgent, how about you give me an answer by next Monday?"