Chapter 588: Messing with the Accounts!

In May, Charlize Theron was the first to leave the crew after completing her role as the heroine. She would be heading directly to South Africa to participate in a series of events leading up to the World Cup opening ceremony.

Soon after, Martin received an invitation from the World Cup Organizing Committee.

However, the timing of the World Cup in South Africa coincided with the promotional release of "Inception," leaving Martin with no available time to attend.

The pre-screening promotion for "Inception" had already commenced, but Martin wouldn't be able to join the crew until wrapping up filming here.

On the first weekend of May, Elizabeth, Lily, and Thomas paid a visit to Cape Girardeau to catch up with Martin.

In their hotel room, after sharing a warm hug with Elizabeth, Martin turned to Bruce and inquired, "Where's the gift I prepared for Lily?"

Bruce playfully scolded Martin for his lack of humanity but retrieved a small box. Upon opening it, it revealed a collection of radiant orange herring stones, all sourced through the Fish and Game Club.

Lily, now well-versed in such matters, asked, "What kind of stone is this? I've never seen one like it before."

Martin explained, "It's for you. Take your time to carve it into a heart shape, and we'll have it set on a platinum chain. I'll cover the cost."

Lily smirked but didn't refuse. She took a few stones, carefully examining them while contemplating the designs she could create.

Thomas, catching the exchange, gave Martin a knowing wink.

Elizabeth, sensing that the men had something to discuss, suggested they explore some nearby rocks with Lily.

Martin summoned Thomas into the study.

Without beating around the bush, Thomas began, "Gillian Flynn's new work was snatched up directly by Warner Pictures, and the adaptation rights now belong to Warner."

Martin nodded thoughtfully, "I'm aware. She approached me first, and since her work isn't complete yet, I haven't given her a definitive response."

"I see." Thomas felt that Warner Pictures had seized the opportunity with its financial clout.

"I don't have an issue with Gillian collaborating with Warner Bros.; it's her choice." Martin recognized that he couldn't prevent it, especially since Gillian had initially brought the project to him for review.

Thomas inquired, "Did the news spread to Warner Pictures so quickly?"

Martin wasn't surprised, "Crew members tend to be quite talkative, and many have prior ties to Warner. Besides, Gillian approached me in the cafeteria that day, so it's natural someone overheard."

"I thought Warner was specifically targeting us," Thomas added another piece of information, "Warner Bros. has completed the acquisition of Castle Rock Pictures, obtaining an absolute controlling stake. Castle Rock is now a subsidiary of Warner Bros."

Martin grasped the implication, "You think Warner wants to exert pressure on me in a unique way to force me to sell Davis Studio?"

Thomas elaborated, "It's more than that. Warner Bros. officially sent a letter to WMA, stating that the revenue sharing periods for both 'John Wick' and 'Benjamin' will need extensions due to overseas distribution and financial settlements."

Martin questioned, "How long are they planning to extend the periods for?"

"It varies, ranging from three months to half a year," Thomas responded, "and each film has a different accounting period. Warner's intention is clear—all Davis Studio-related shares will be paid out at the end of the extended billing periods."

He continued, "This way, they can deplete Davis Studio's funds without breaching the contract."

In Hollywood, the accounting period has always had a defined timeframe. Initially, Martin benefited from Louise's long-standing collaboration with Warner Bros., and later, his market appeal further supported the arrangement. Warner Bros. would typically make payments to him and the studio midway through the accounting period.

Martin inquired, "Is this only for me and Davis Studio?"

Thomas clarified, "No, primarily for works not belonging to Warner Bros. subsidiaries."

Martin sighed, "Warner isn't the same anymore."

Thomas explained, "Hollywood has held the top position for years, and Warner's new leadership is confident that Hollywood will continue to lead them in the coming decade."

Martin stood up, turned around, and commented, "Our share is substantial, tens of millions of dollars, and the interest alone is a significant income."

Bruce, who had been silent, assumed his role as a manager and suggested, "Warner Brothers might not be the right fit. Let's explore other distributors."

Thomas reminded them, "As far as Hollywood is concerned, Warner Bros. is known for its comprehensive distribution capabilities."

Martin mentioned, "There's another company on the rise."

Understanding Martin's reference, Thomas asked, "Disney?"

"Exactly, Disney," Martin affirmed, "They've acquired Pixar and Marvel. I received this information directly from Kathleen Kennedy. Their next target is Lucasfilm."

Bruce interjected, "So, is there another Star Wars movie in the works?"

Ignoring the question, Martin continued, "The crucial point is that Disney Pictures, under Alan Horn's leadership, not only merged with Hollywood Pictures and Touchstone Pictures but also integrated Disney's distribution channels."

Thomas inquired, "Are we considering partnering with Warner Bros. next?"

Before Thomas could elaborate, he mentioned, "Louise has been discussing the relationship between 'John Wick 2' and Warner Bros., but the negotiations aren't going well. Warner recently increased its distribution commission and extended accounting periods, refusing to compromise."

This development aligned with Martin's expectations. Warner Bros. had merely made symbolic concessions with the policy announcement. Even CEO Kevin Tsujihara had lost credibility.

Martin had largely given up on Warner Bros. However, Warner Bros. still had expectations of him. Thomas revealed, "Kevin Tsujihara contacted me and requested that you visit the Warner Building for a meeting when you return to Los Angeles."

Bruce sensed that something was amiss, "What did he say?"

Thomas retrieved his cell phone and played the recording, "You inform Martin that when he returns to Los Angeles, he will come to Warner to see me as soon as possible, understand?"

Though the tone implied Martin was subordinate, he remained composed and responded, "We'll discuss it when I'm back in Los Angeles."

He then shifted the focus, "Jessica is negotiating with Disney Pictures on behalf of the studio. When you return, you'll assist her, and Louise will join the negotiations later."

Thomas acknowledged, "I'll head back tomorrow."

A brief silence lingered in the study, and all three men understood that they were distancing themselves from Warner Bros.

The recent changes in Warner Bros.'s senior management had repercussions throughout the industry chain.

In Hollywood, as in many other business circles, success attracted followers. According to Thomas, even with Warner Bros.'s increased distribution commission and extended payment periods, most previous collaborators continued to choose them due to their longstanding industry dominance.

Warner Bros.'s decades of supremacy made it a compelling choice.

After some additional conversation, Thomas was the first to bid farewell and departed.

Bruce inquired, "Have you heard that Warner Bros. is trying to secure the copyright for 'Darkl Places'? Why don't you take some action to prevent it?"

"If you don't act now, you might lose a significant opportunity in the future," Martin responded, hinting, "Why did Warner Brothers rush to negotiate the adaptation rights so quickly?"

Bruce pondered for a moment before replying, "Is it because Gillian spoke to you? No, it's more than that. Gillian is now a bestselling author, 'Gone Girl' is in production with you and David Fincher, and it's likely to be a blockbuster."

Martin elaborated, "The higher the popularity of 'Gone Girl,' the greater the value of Gillian's new work adaptation."

Bruce grasped the situation, "So, this movie might be the last one the studio asks Warner Bros. to distribute."

Martin nodded, "Warner Bros. will only be motivated if they see the potential for significant profits."

The connection between Gillian Flynn's two works was evident.

...

Warner Building, Burbank.

Early in the morning, McDonald arrived at his office, anticipating a meeting with his immediate superior, Jon Berg.

Despite returning to Los Angeles the previous night, he had intentionally stayed up all night, resulting in heavy bags under his eyes, sunken eye sockets, and bloodshot eyes.

McDonald had learned from Jon Berg that it wasn't just about doing a good job; it was also about demonstrating his dedication and hard work.

When he heard the office door open, McDonald hurriedly approached Jon Berg with the manuscript.

"Is it ready?" Jon Berg inquired.

McDonald placed the copied manuscript on his boss's desk and replied, "The novel is called 'Dark Place.' Gillian Flynn has only completed half of it. Following your instructions, I moved quickly and quietly to secure the film adaptation rights."

Jon Berg accepted the manuscript, glancing through a few pages. In reality, the content didn't matter much to him or Warner. He commented, "'Gone Girl' has been at the top of the New York Times bestseller list for four consecutive weeks. Liane Flynn is hot right now, and her new work is sure to attract attention when it's adapted into a film."

McDonald added, "And it features Martin Davis and David Fincher."

Jon Berg nodded, "Once 'Gone Girl' proves a success, our significant investment in this new work will undoubtedly garner market attention upon its adaptation."

McDonald refrained from further comments.

Jon Berg waved his hand, saying, "Take a couple of days to rest."

After his subordinate left, Jon Berg proceeded to an upstairs conference room for a meeting.

The meeting was attended by only a handful of people, including Kevin Tsujihara and the heads of core subsidiaries.

Hamada represented DC, Jon for Warner Pictures, and Daniel for Warner Distribution.

Jon initiated the discussion, "Let me share some good news. The film company has secured the film and television adaptation rights for Gillian Flynn's new work, 'Dark Place.'"

Daniel, not entirely certain, inquired, "Isn't she collaborating with Martin?"

Jon responded, "Warner Pictures has shown more commitment than Martin."

Kevin Tsujihara praised Jon, "Well done." He then turned to Daniel, "What about your end? Are the negotiations not progressing well?"

Daniel revealed, "We might lose the publishing rights for 'John Wick 2.'"