Chapter 210: The Black Mask

"MGM announced yesterday afternoon that it would take over the distribution of the family comedy 'My Stepmother Is an Alien,' starring Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, with a release date set for December 23. 'My Stepmother Is an Alien' is co-produced by Hollywood independent producer Weintraub Entertainment Group and Catalina Production Company, with a production budget of $20 million."

"According to public information, 'My Stepmother Is an Alien' was originally to be distributed by Columbia Pictures. Our reporters contacted the film's producer, Franklin Levy, who stated that the production team and Columbia Pictures could not agree on certain distribution terms, leading to the switch to MGM."

"However, setting 'My Stepmother Is an Alien' for a December 23 release puts it in direct competition with another MGM-distributed film, 'Rain Man,' which is scheduled for December 16."

"'Rain Man,' directed by Barry Levinson of 'Good Morning, Vietnam' fame and starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, had previously been marred by intense conflicts between the creators and the production team. Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise publicly supported Levinson and condemned Daenerys Pictures for its unwarranted interference in the creative process, leading to Levinson's departure and rumors that Simon Westerfell personally took over the post-production work."

"Regarding MGM's sudden acquisition of 'My Stepmother Is an Alien,' whether it reflects a lack of confidence in 'Rain Man,' whether 'Rain Man' will be pulled from release, or if there are other underlying reasons, we have reached out to MGM, Daenerys, and CAA for comment but have not received a response."

"Our publication will closely follow the developments of this story."

Santa Monica.

In Simon's office at Daenerys Entertainment headquarters.

After putting down the "Daily Variety," Simon looked up at Amy Pascal and Robert Rem, who had just sat down opposite him.

Amy took the initiative to say, "I inquired with a friend at Columbia. The internal screening of 'My Stepmother Is an Alien' received poor audience reactions. Columbia wanted to increase the commission and also asked the producers to share the marketing costs, leading to a fallout between the two sides."

Simon twirled a pencil in his hand and said, "I'm not interested in this movie."

Seeing Simon look towards him, Robert Rem said, "As for MGM, I just saw their promotional plan for 'Rain Man' yesterday, and it was very hasty. I even suspect it was done by an intern. Tony Thomopoulos also complained to me that 'Rain Man' was utterly worthless, and moreover, MGM is demanding we pay $5 million in marketing fees upfront. But given the current situation, we'll probably only get the guaranteed 1,000 screens stipulated in the contract, not one more. Even if MGM gets the money, they definitely won't put in the effort to promote the film. Although our agreement allows us to have an accountant follow the film's distribution process, MGM still has many ways to evade our oversight."

Simon understood that a film's distribution success depends on the quality of the film, strength, and luck, among many other uncertain factors. However, sabotaging a release is much simpler.

Glancing at the newspaper on the desk again, without needing reminders from Amy and Rem, Simon could clearly sense CAA's involvement.

Dan Aykroyd is also an important client of CAA, having risen to the A-list with the 1984 box-office hit "Ghostbusters."

Moreover, without external influence, it would be unusual for Columbia Pictures, an independent producer, to suddenly demand a higher commission and share marketing costs close to the year-end slot. The producers would likely have no choice but to accept the terms to avoid missing the New Year's slot.

CAA, growing increasingly powerful in recent years, certainly had the capability to facilitate this situation.

Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, as well as "Rain Man" director Barry Levinson, are all top clients of CAA. Given the complete fallout over the "Rain Man" project, with the creative team successfully shifting blame to Daenerys Pictures, CAA evidently does not want "Rain Man" to have any chance of success. The desired outcome for the film is failure, the worse, the better.

As Simon listened, he glanced at his watch; there was a casting session for "Batman" later in the morning. With meetings scheduled for the afternoon and evening, it was going to be another busy day.

Without further ado, Simon told Robert Rem, "In that case, go to MGM now and get the distribution rights for 'Rain Man' back."

Robert Rem hesitated, "Simon, what if MGM refuses to let go?"

Simon stood up, buttoning his suit, "That's your job, Bob. If MGM refuses, unfortunately, you'll see a cut in your year-end bonus."

Watching Simon walk out of the office, Robert Rem looked helplessly at Amy, "Simon seems a bit upset today?"

Amy also stood up, "Maybe he's just been too tired lately. And honestly, who wouldn't be upset in this situation?"

"Alright," Robert Rem stood up and followed Amy out, continuing, "At the end of the day, 'Rain Man' is a dispute between us and CAA. Although the big seven have not been very friendly to us lately, Thomopoulos probably doesn't want to completely alienate Daenerys Entertainment. Getting the distribution rights back shouldn't be a problem. But Amy, what do you think is a reasonable offer?"

"MGM holds the North American distribution rights for 'Rain Man' across all channels, with a 15% commission for cinemas, VHS, and TV platforms, while we retain the international rights," Amy recalled the original agreement, "With a North American box office projection of $20 million, I think $5 million is a reasonable price to reclaim the distribution rights."

Robert Rem nodded, his own estimate was roughly the same.

Based on a $20 million North American box office, MGM could earn a $3 million distribution commission. Not including international sales, the domestic VHS and TV platform commissions should be comparable to the box office revenue, roughly another $3 million. However, this means a long revenue recovery period spanning years.

If Daenerys Entertainment is willing to spend $5 million to buy back the distribution rights upfront, MGM has no reason to refuse.

However, Robert Rem then jokingly asked, "Amy, do you really think 'Rain Man' only has the potential for $20 million at the box office?"

As they reached the corridor outside Simon's office, Amy rolled her eyes lightly, "Don't you think so?"

"Rain Man" was always seen as a project that many in Hollywood were skeptical about, and the controversy during its later stages certainly didn't help. With the main creatives unlikely to participate in the film's promotion, these were all negative factors against the film's box office success.

While the industry highly regards Simon's capabilities, beyond "Run Lola Run" and other films, he also proved his mettle with "When Harry Met Sally." However, many believe "Rain Man" is too mediocre compared to "When Harry Met Sally," lacking many of its highlights.

A $20 million North American box office is already an overestimation.

Amy felt that Simon's insistence on the film was more a matter of youthful obstinacy.

After all, their boss was just a young man in his early twenties.

Robert Rem didn't respond directly to Amy's rhetorical question, just smiled. Noticing Amy was also leaving, he asked, "Are you heading out too?"

"Consumer Products Department. I've been scouting a manager, and we're meeting in Century City this morning."

Despite completing the acquisition of New World Entertainment, the company's adjustments and expansion had continued unabated for months.

Since "Star Wars," the development of film merchandise has increasingly caught the attention of major film companies, creating a new profit growth point for Hollywood. As Daenerys Entertainment owns more self-distributed films, this area will also bring substantial income to the company.

One of Amy's recent priorities was establishing a Consumer Products Department at Daenerys Entertainment for merchandise development and image licensing.

"Oh, actually, I think we should also consider acquiring a record company or establishing a record department soon," Robert Rem mentioned, "Starting with 'Run Lola Run,' the soundtrack sales of our films have been very good. I heard 'Pulp Fiction's' soundtrack has sold over 6 million copies." Shaking his head, he added, "It's a pity, 'Pulp Fiction' is likely to be this year's box office champion, single-handedly supporting Orion's performance this year. Those profits should have been ours."

Last year's stock market crash made it difficult for most Hollywood film companies.

Without "Pulp Fiction," Orion Pictures, which released over a dozen films this year without a single box office hit, would have definitely faced trouble, possibly ending up bankrupt like Cannon Films and De Laurentiis Entertainment.

Now, "Pulp Fiction's" domestic box office is nearing $150 million, with global totals possibly reaching $300 million, allowing Orion Pictures to cover losses from all other projects with the earnings from this single film.

"Who knew 'Pulp Fiction' would be such a success? Even Simon probably didn't expect it. It's unavoidable," Amy expressed regret, "As for the record department, Simon and I discussed it early on. Did you know about the hit single he wrote for Madonna? Simon's talent in music is no less than his talent in film. However, we're all unfamiliar with the record business, and we're currently too stretched to take on more, so it has to be put on hold."

Robert Rem nodded in understanding, "I've seen Simon play 'Flight of the Bumblebee' on the guitar. It's astonishing. I wonder how he became the person he is today."

Chatting casually, they reached the parking lot and headed to their respective destinations in their cars.

Meanwhile, Simon moved to the casting studio downstairs to start his morning work.

The final round of auditions for several key roles in "Batman" was underway. Besides Batman/Bruce Wayne and Catwoman/Selina Kyle, the film's first installment's most important characters included Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred Pennyworth, Gotham Police Commissioner James Gordon, and the main antagonist, 'Black Mask'.

In the original timeline's "Batman" films, starting with Tim Burton, classic villains like the Joker, the Riddler, and Two-Face were featured, but Black Mask never appeared. Indeed, Black Mask isn't considered one of Batman's well-known adversaries in the comics, having only debuted in 1985, three years prior to the current timeline.

However, after thoroughly researching the "Batman" comic series, Simon found the Black Mask character to be very suitable as the main villain for the film's first installment.

In the comics, Black Mask's real name is Roman Sionis, also born into a wealthy Gotham family and a childhood classmate of Bruce Wayne.

Sionis also had an unfortunate childhood.

Despite being born into wealth, the Sionis family carried a violent gene prone to hysteria. Roman Sionis grew up under the shadow of his parents' verbal and physical abuse, becoming introverted and developing a habit of collecting masks to hide his true self. After his parents, who despised his hobby, destroyed his mask collection, Sionis snapped. He set fire to his home, killing his parents and inheriting the family fortune.

Freed from parental control, Sionis's inherited violent tendencies resurfaced, making him irritable and aggressive. Due to poor management, the Sionis family's business soon faced collapse.

When Bruce Wayne returned to Gotham after years of travel and learned of Sionis's plight, Wayne Enterprises acquired the Sionis family's failing company out of old school ties. Roman Sionis, left with nothing, directed his anger towards Bruce Wayne and gradually fell into Gotham's most infamous criminal underworld.

In the comics, Sionis has deep entanglements with Catwoman, providing a basis for interaction between Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, and Roman Sionis in the film's plot.

Of course, Simon's screenplay significantly modified the comic book setting.

Two individuals of similar backgrounds, one striving to fight evil and become the fearsome 'Batman,' and the other descending into darkness to become the notorious 'Black Mask,' offer much for contemplation.

Batman's initial encounter with this adversary marks his first transformation into the Dark Knight. The straightforward battle between good and evil aligns with Simon's plan for the "Batman" series to evolve from small to large-scale narratives.

Simon had a clear vision for "Batman" as a series of blockbuster popcorn films. While ensuring commercial viability, he didn't entirely abandon incorporating reflections on humanity and morality.

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