Chapter 164: The Sincerity of the Indians

"Mr. Davenport, as far as I know, Sands Entertainment is just a small production company in Hollywood."

In the conference room of the Oberoi Hotel, Nick Roshan looked at Michael and his team and said, "Your company has mainly been producing straight-to-video films and has only started to develop significantly in the past year."

Michael smiled and nodded. "To be precise, Sands Entertainment truly entered the theatrical film production business in 1998 with the filming of 'The Purge.' We have been accumulating experience and have now produced three films."

He gestured, and Sterling turned on the projector. A series of related data was displayed on the white screen hanging in the conference room.

Michael used a laser pointer to highlight a data chart. "'The Purge' grossed $112.08 million worldwide at the box office. Including home entertainment and other licensing revenue, the total income exceeded $200 million."

Much of this was overseas revenue, and since the overseas rights were sold outright at the time, the actual overseas income wasn't significant for Sands Entertainment.

But that didn't stop Michael from including it in the total revenue statistics. "The tremendous success of 'The Purge' allowed Sands Entertainment to transition from a straight-to-video production company to a theatrical film production company."

Even though Laksh Roshan controlled substantial funds, he was still moved by the $200 million figure and quietly asked Nick Roshan, "Is this accurate?"

Nick Roshan replied in a low voice, "These figures are easy to verify. They probably wouldn't lie about it. I'll have someone check to confirm."

Laksh Roshan pondered how many Bollywood films would be needed to achieve such revenue.

Michael continued, "'Kingsman: The Secret Service' has just started screening overseas and grossed nearly $7 million in the Arab region alone. Its global box office is close to $20 million and is steadily increasing."

"'Final Destination' has generated a strong response globally and is currently being screened, with a worldwide box office of $100 million. Its total revenue is expected to exceed $200 million as well."

These figures were hard to fabricate. Having spent years in Los Angeles, Nick Roshan knew such data could be easily verified.

"The total investment for the three films produced by Sands Entertainment was less than $50 million, with a minimum total revenue of $450 million." Michael turned off the laser pointer. "Numbers don't lie. They are the best proof of Sands Entertainment's capabilities."

Laksh Roshan, already inclined to invest in Hollywood, remarked, "Three films in two years—your projects are quite few."

Michael smiled, "Sands Entertainment focuses on quality. We conduct thorough market research for each project to select those with true market potential. We would never invest in a film likely to fail, as that would be irresponsible to our investors."

Nick Roshan immediately asked, "Were these three films financed through external investments?"

"Yes," Michael replied. "We raised funds in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and many wealthy individuals invested in these films, and they have already received substantial returns."

Sterling switched to another slide, and Michael turned on the laser pointer again, aiming it at another data chart.

Laksh Roshan remained composed, but internally he was stirred. The investment return rate for 'The Purge' from the Arabs was nearly 100%!

"That's incredible!" he whispered to Nick Roshan.

Nick Roshan nodded, making a mental note. They also had business dealings with the UAE, so verifying this wouldn't be difficult.

"Mr. Davenport," Nick Roshan asked, "Will your new project have such high returns?"

Michael knew he wasn't dealing with people unfamiliar with the film industry. "Having invested in Bollywood films, you must know that no one can guarantee a film's success before it is released, nor can anyone accurately predict its revenue. I can't promise 'The Bourne Identity' will be a success."

Laksh Roshan and Nick Roshan exchanged a glance, sharing the same thought. Unlike DreamWorks' lofty promises, Michael Davenport at least appeared honest.

During their interactions with DreamWorks, they felt treated as outsiders with little understanding of films, forgetting that the Mountain Foundation was based in Mumbai and often invested in Bollywood.

This was one reason they hadn't reached an investment agreement with DreamWorks.

Michael, seemingly unaware of their exchange, continued, "Commercial investments inherently carry risks. However, Sands Entertainment has minimized those risks through extensive preliminary work for 'The Bourne Identity.'"

Sterling changed the slide again, and Michael addressed the screen, "'The Bourne Identity' is adapted from Robert Ludlum's novel. Ludlum, known as the father of modern international thrillers, has had 24 novels translated into 32 languages, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. 'The Bourne Identity' topped the U.S. bestseller list for months, with a broad audience base."

Laksh Roshan knew of this author, having read 'The Bourne Identity.'

Michael continued, "We plan to adapt it into a popular Hollywood action spy film with a $50 million budget, starring Oscar winner Matt Damon as Jason Bourne and directed by the experienced British director Paul Greengrass."

As Michael spoke, Robert placed two scripts and detailed storyboard illustrations in front of Laksh and Nick Roshan.

More comprehensive data followed, handed over by Robert.

Listening to Michael and reviewing the documents, Laksh Roshan, eager to break into Hollywood, felt this was a good opportunity.

Sands Entertainment displayed far more sincerity than DreamWorks.

"Win-win, mutual benefit," Michael concluded. "That's our principle for collaboration."

Nick Roshan asked, "Weren't you working with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority before? As far as I know, they have ample funds…"

Michael smiled wryly, "To be honest, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has grand ambitions. Simple film cooperation no longer satisfies them; they want to acquire my company, which I cannot accept. Hence, we had to cease cooperation."

Transitioning from cooperation to company ownership is something generally unacceptable, and Nick Roshan could understand Michael's stance.

It was like someone suddenly wanting to buy the Mountain Foundation—unless an enormous price was offered, he and his uncle wouldn't agree.

They wanted to invest in Hollywood films, not control Hollywood companies.

On this point, there was no conflict of interest.

But Nick Roshan was still cautious, having heard rumors about Hollywood during his years in Los Angeles.

'The Bourne Identity' was undoubtedly a promising project, with Oscar-winning star Matt Damon…

"Mr. Davenport," Nick Roshan asked directly, "There are often issues in Hollywood with production companies misusing investment funds and failing to complete films. Do you have any safeguards against these problems?"

Michael was prepared, pointing to the documents Robert had just handed them. "Included here is a copy of the contract between Sands Entertainment and Allianz Group's Fireman's Fund Insurance Company for a third-party completion bond. Sands Entertainment has insured 'The Bourne Identity' with the Fireman's Fund. If the production faces unforeseen issues, the insurance company will allocate personnel and funds to complete the film. If the film cannot be completed, the insurance company will compensate investors up to $60 million."

Laksh Roshan was moved. "An insurance company from Allianz Group?"

Nick Roshan whispered, "A giant in the international insurance industry, highly reputable."

Michael, seeing them review the contract, added, "The Fireman's Fund will set up a third-party escrow account for 'The Bourne Identity,' where all invested funds will be stored. Without the insurance company's approval, no one can withdraw funds."

Nick Roshan asked, "If the Mountain Foundation invests, the funds won't go directly to Sands Entertainment?"

"Correct," Michael confirmed. "The money will be managed by the insurance company."

Having an insurance company as a guarantor significantly reassured Nick and Laksh Roshan. Unlike ordinary commercial companies, an insurance company's reputation is crucial.

They reviewed the insurance contract and began more in-depth discussions about the cooperation.

On the first day of negotiations, both sides established basic trust, with both genuinely eager to collaborate.

This foundation was essential for future cooperation.

Michael was transparent because he never intended to manipulate the investment funds. Unlike the previous deal with Abu Dhabi, where there was no third-party guarantor and the entire company's expenses were charged to the production, this project required transparency.

Therefore, all the information Michael provided to the Mountain Foundation was accurate and verifiable.

Nick and Laksh Roshan not only engaged in negotiations but also used their network to verify all the information. They even sent people to Allianz Group and the Fireman's Fund to verify the completion bond.

A few days later, they consolidated their findings.

"It's accurate," Nick Roshan told Laksh Roshan. "All the data and contract information they provided are legitimate."

Laksh Roshan said, "Michael Davenport has shown his sincerity in cooperation. We should reciprocate." He quickly made a decision. "At the banquet the other night, I noticed Michael Davenport chatting with Priyanka Chopra."