Chapter 109: Thirty Million Dollars

As the screen returned to darkness, Harvey Weinstein remained seated, turning to glance at Jones Butler with a look of complete agreement. If the film up to the stunning ending could be considered a top-tier horror film, the conclusion elevated the entire piece, making it arguably a first-rate low-budget production.

His thoughts shifted again, focusing on Murphy, who was handling the projector. Reflecting on "Hard Candy" from a few months ago, Murphy had been a director who could barely manage single-threaded storytelling, relying on sensitive themes to attract audiences. Now, he skillfully employed cross-cutting techniques and nearly seamlessly integrated suspense elements into the main narrative, especially with that astounding ending.

The film wasn't without flaws, such as the unavoidable roughness of a low-budget production, but its brilliant creativity and clever camera work covered those up.

As someone pulled back the curtains in the screening room, Harvey Weinstein could no longer sit still. Without waiting for an introduction from Jones Butler, he strode towards Murphy.

"Hello, Director Stanton."

He approached and extended a hand to Murphy, who stepped forward and shook it firmly. "Call me Murphy."

Weinstein nodded and got straight to the point. "I'd like to have a word with you."

Murphy was more than eager for this opportunity.

Without waiting for evaluations from Miramax's team, Weinstein gestured for Jones Butler and Murphy to join him in a nearby lounge.

Jones Butler made Murphy a cup of coffee and placed it on the coffee table in front of him. Weinstein, observing the young man in his twenties, didn't speak immediately.

Since Weinstein and Butler remained silent, Murphy, aside from thanking Jones Butler, also held his silence.

Weinstein's mind was racing. Having worked on countless films, he had a reasonable sense of a film's potential market value. While his judgments weren't always precise, he rarely missed the mark.

A film's true market value hinges on its marketing and promotion, but he wouldn't overlook the film itself. Films without selling points or market alignment, no matter how well-promoted, were destined to flop.

Undoubtedly, "Saw" was full of selling points and held significant potential.

He even recalled Miramax's release of "Scream" a few years ago, another standout in the horror genre.

The main difference was that "Scream" was directed by Wes Craven, a master in the horror genre, while Murphy was an unknown new director.

Weinstein kept his thoughts hidden behind a calm demeanor, focusing instead on how to secure the film's rights at the lowest cost.

"It's an excellent horror film." He leaned back on the sofa and broke the silence. "Murphy, you've improved very quickly. Are you interested in continuing to work with Miramax?"

Murphy's face lit up with apparent joy. "It would thrill my entire crew to be recognized by a professional like you."

He paused, swallowed, and continued, "I very much want to work with Miramax."

"Good." Weinstein's smile widened, his face creasing. "I can assure you this film will hit the theaters, in at least 500 theaters, so all of North America can see it and recognize you as an outstanding director."

"That's wonderful!" Murphy exclaimed with a smile.

Though he smiled excitedly, he remained calm inside, aware that Weinstein was using the promise of fame as bait.

Who in Hollywood doesn't want to be famous? Weinstein, reclining on the sofa, knew this well. Neither he nor Miramax cared about fame; they wanted profit.

Weinstein had dealt with countless newcomers to Hollywood, few of whom could resist the allure of fame, including Quentin Tarantino, whom he had made famous.

While fame and fortune were common in Hollywood, they were rare for newcomers. The more one desired fame, the more they would have to concede on profit to Miramax.

Miramax, being a top independent film distributor backed by Disney, would surely be aware of this.

Seeing Murphy's excited expression, Weinstein also smiled, exuding the confidence of a successful man.

"Murphy, name your price for this film." He could make the decision.

Murphy understood the implication. Still smiling excitedly, he asked, "Is Miramax looking to buy the rights to this film outright?"

Weinstein nodded slightly, as it was evident that only through outright purchase could Miramax fully exploit its potential and maximize profits.

Embarking on this challenging path of filmmaking was both to fulfill a dream unachieved across the Pacific and to live better. It was also the path he knew best and had the highest chance of success.

Miramax had excellent capabilities in handling independent films, and Weinstein's promises were believable. Murphy knew that selling the film's rights to Miramax would help him make a name in Hollywood, just like the original director.

From this perspective, selling the rights outright wasn't unacceptable, but the price...

How much could an independent film sell for? Murphy didn't have high expectations and wouldn't count on Weinstein or Miramax having a sudden attack of conscience.

After a half-minute of contemplation, he slowly said, "Thirty million dollars."

If Miramax was willing to pay this price, Murphy could accept it. Such an amount would enable him to execute more plans and truly establish himself in Hollywood, advancing step by step. With some luck, he might even become a big director like James Cameron or Steven Spielberg, reaping both fame and fortune.

He could even dream of winning an Oscar.

What director wouldn't want to hold the Best Director Oscar? Maybe some didn't, but Murphy certainly wanted to try and see what it felt like to hold that little gold statue.

In that brief moment, countless thoughts raced through his mind—future success, future fame and fortune, future status, and standing tall in the film industry...

In this commercial country, all these dreams required a foundation of money.

Was there a precedent for an independent low-budget film selling for thirty million dollars? Murphy hadn't heard of one but still named the figure.

Others might think he was crazy, but in Murphy's mind, the film was worth that amount.

Besides, it's normal in negotiations to start high and settle lower.

Weinstein's back was already off the sofa, his eyes shining like the sun outside, staring straight at Murphy.

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