Chapter 160: Steve Ross

After a brief conversation with everyone, Mel Gibson walked away. Terry Semel, watching Gibson's departing figure, said to Simon, "Have you watched the copies of Mel's movies that I sent over?"

Simon didn't answer the question directly but got straight to the point, "Terry, I've already said, I don't plan on casting an A-list star as Bruce Wayne."

These days, Simon had started looking for actors for Batman.

As the most important stakeholder in this project, Warner Bros. was very interested and even recommended their most favored choice for the role, Mel Gibson, the lead actor from last year's "Lethal Weapon."

Terry Semel picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray and signaled for Simon and Jenny to help themselves before continuing, "Many directors think like you, Simon. They say, 'I don't want stars; I want fresh faces; I want talented actors,' and so on. Usually, when the agencies really recommend those types of actors, the directors often end up thinking, 'Who are these people?' and eventually choose a star anyway."

"Terrry, I'm not against stars," Simon still shook his head, saying, "But you're overlooking one thing. Batman himself is a very big 'star,' just like Superman. In the original 'Superman' series, no one knew who Christopher Reeve was before the movie's release, but that didn't affect the box office at all. On the contrary, spending a lot of money to invite stars like Marlon Brando didn't significantly boost the box office."

"But without using stars, how will we promote the movie?" Terry Semel continued to reason, "Simon, we need a hook for the marketing."

"If Warner insists," Simon pointed at himself, "How about West? The Oscar winner for Best Editing."

Terry Semel couldn't help but laugh and said, "Simon, how about this? Let's arrange a meeting between you and Mel. Talk to him. Compared to the budget you're prepared to invest in this project, Mel's quote isn't high. I don't understand why you're resisting stars?"

Simon hesitated, then said, "Terry, Warner is going to find out sooner or later, so I might as well tell you now. I plan to sign a long-term contract with the actor playing Batman, a contract where Daenerys Studios holds complete control and doesn't have to worry about actors quitting or demanding exorbitant fees for sequels. Mel Gibson definitely won't agree to such terms."

Terry Semel thought for a moment and asked, "Like the contract you recently signed with Julia Roberts?"

Simon wasn't surprised that Terry Semel mentioned this, as there are few secrets among Hollywood's top executives. "Exactly, Terry. The same five-picture deal. Anyone who wants to play Bruce Wayne will have to sign a contract for five movies."

"Simon, I'm amazed by your confidence. You know, besides the 007 series, very few films in Hollywood go beyond a trilogy. This is the commonly acknowledged 'trilogy curse.' Are you sure 'Batman' can make five movies?"

"The future is uncertain, Terry," Simon shook his head, "But I believe 'Batman' has enough potential to become a long series. Since there's a high possibility, it's natural for me to make ample preparations."

Terry Semel's expression changed for a moment, and he said with a wry smile, "It seems Warner will have a hard time getting the rights to 'Batman' back. And you have the same plans for 'Superman,' right?"

"Correct," Simon, having secured both Superman and Batman, didn't bother hiding his intentions. "When the time is right, I plan to bring Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent together on the big screen. 'Batman v Superman,' Terry, what do you think of that idea?"

Terry Semel looked at Simon and said, "I think we need to renegotiate our contract."

Simon smiled, "Perhaps, but the most important thing right now is to make the first Batman movie well. In this regard, I have to be honest again, Terry. 'Batman' definitely won't make it for next summer. I've recently realized that to achieve some of the concepts I have in mind, I need about half a year to solve technical issues. The movie will start shooting early next year, and its post-production will be much longer compared to other films."

"Simon, I'm beginning to feel I've made a big mistake."

Simon innocently replied, "I can only say I'm sorry about that, Terry."

As time passed and more guests arrived, Simon and Semel soon went their separate ways to mingle with other attendees.

After about half an hour, as Simon was talking to the creators of "Dangerous Liaisons" chosen by Warner, Terry Semel approached with a couple, and Simon immediately recognized the tall, silver-haired man as Warner's current head, Steve Ross.

Coming closer, Ross extended his hand with a hearty smile before Terry Semel could introduce them, "I've been looking forward to meeting you, Simon. Finally, we have the chance today. Oh, and congratulations on your Oscar, even if it's 'just' for Best Editing. Not many directors in Hollywood can prove themselves in that category. As for Best Director, I believe it's only a matter of time for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Ross. I'm also delighted to meet you. Warner has always been a company I greatly admire."

After exchanging pleasantries, the others tactfully left, and Jenny walked off with Ross's wife, Courtney, leaving Simon and Ross to sit down in a booth.

Once the waiter brought their drinks, Steve Ross said, "Simon, Terry told me about some of your ideas for 'Superman' and 'Batman.' Although these two superheroes are in your hands, Warner still hopes their movie adaptations will be successful. My question is, are you still interested in DC?"

"Of course, Steve. If Warner is willing to sell DC to me, I can offer a very attractive price."

"No, no, no," Steve Ross immediately shook his head, "Simon, I'm someone who really hates selling company assets. To this day, I still regret selling MTV to Viacom during a temporary difficulty. The development of MTV over the years has only proven my mistake. So, I don't plan to sell DC to you, but we can make a trade."

Simon directly asked, "Warner wants a stake in Daenerys Studios?"

"Exactly," Ross admitted, "I've reviewed your company, Simon. What Daenerys Studios lacks the most is a powerful distributor, and Warner can help with that. Even though you have a lot of money now, distribution in Hollywood isn't something that money alone can solve."

"What's the specific proposal?"

"You want DC, I can give it to you for $50 million," Steve Ross said, "On the other hand, I can value your Daenerys Studios at $200 million, including DC, Warner will invest an additional $125 million for a 70% stake in the new company formed after merging Daenerys Studios and DC. The new company will still be operated solely by you, and you need to ensure that you won't leave Daenerys Studios to start anew within 5 years."

Daenerys Studios, though it had launched a bunch of projects, strictly speaking, only had "When Harry Met Sally" as a proven success, with "Final Destination" being more a Fox movie.

Therefore, for Steve Ross, who was completely unaware of the true commercial value of "Rain Man," "Dead Poets Society," and a host of other rights held by Daenerys Studios, offering a $200 million valuation was quite generous. This also meant Warner would share the responsibility for Daenerys Studios' $100 million debt.

Valuing DC at $50 million was also reasonable, matching Simon's previous tentative offer to Time Warner.

Moreover, Simon didn't plan to keep Daenerys Studios private indefinitely. If necessary, he was open to bringing in other investors or going public.

But not now.

Simon had worked hard to build Daenerys Studios and wouldn't agree to give away 70% of it just as it was starting to bloom.

So, when Steve Ross finished, Simon shook his head, "Sorry, Steve. While I'm not opposed to collaborating with other companies, now is not the time. Maybe in two or three years, I could consider letting Warner become a shareholder of Daenerys Studios."

"I understand your thoughts," Steve Ross showed regret but nodded understandingly, "Then, how about this, Simon? We sign a distribution deal, where Warner takes on the distribution of all Daenerys Studios' films for the next three years. In exchange, Daenerys Studios agrees to let Warner invest in some of the projects."

Simon noticed the shrewd look in Ross's eyes and realized this might have been his real goal all along.

Given Simon's current wealth, it was clear to anyone with a bit of sense that he wouldn't sell Daenerys Studios.

On the other hand, after the box office success of "When Harry Met Sally," the major studios were reassessing the commercial potential of Daenerys Studios' projects.

Half of the movies already in production at Daenerys Studios had confirmed distributors. If another hit making over $100 million in North America emerged, it would be worth it for the majors to secure distribution rights for all projects.

In this era, movies breaking $100 million annually were not enough for each of the majors to have one, but these top-grossing films provided most of the profits.

Simon saw through Steve Ross's strategy, which was to first propose a generous but doomed collaboration, then, after the inevitable rejection, suggest another sincere plan.

Having already refused once, refusing again would seem ungracious or even snobbish.

However, Simon, not as inexperienced as he appeared, had no qualms about refusing again.

He shook his head once more, "I can only say sorry, Steve. Daenerys Studios hopes to try its hand at film distribution independently. We all know it's unwise to rely entirely on others for distribution channels."

Steve Ross was taken aback by Simon's firm refusal but maintained his composure, "Well, it seems we won't reach an agreement today. But if you change your mind, feel free to call me," handing Simon a business card and adding, "Or contact Terry. Now, let me introduce you to some good friends. Steven should be here too; you'll definitely have a lot in common."

Steve Ross and Steven Spielberg had a close relationship. Spielberg's "Schindler's List," which won him the Oscar for Best Director, had a special mention for Steve Ross.

Simon, interested, replied, "Of course, I'm also looking forward to talking with Mr. Spielberg."

As they casually talked, they left their booth and mingled into the crowd, behaving as if the previous conversation never happened, like good friends at the party.

Until close to midnight, Simon finally left the party with Jenny.

Due to Sandra's unabashed hitchhiking, the limousine first dropped Sandra off at her Beverly Hills home before turning onto Sunset Boulevard.

Although Simon had purchased a mansion in Pacific Palisades, he no longer lived there, instead returning to Malibu with Jenny.

It was late at night, and the thirty-plus kilometers didn't seem too long. When the limousine stopped outside the mansion in Point Dume, it was 1 a.m.

Jenny, having drunk a bit too much at the party, was flush-faced, either genuinely intoxicated or pretending, clinging to Simon like a little girl. Simon had no choice but to carry her inside in a princess hold, all the way to the villa.

After placing her on the sofa, Simon saw Jenny cuddling the little Oscar, her eyes sleepy, and asked, "Want to take a bath first?"

"No," Jenny grabbed the little Oscar, waved it at Simon, placed it aside, then opened her arms, "Simon."

Simon, unsuspecting, leaned in, feeling her wrap him in her arms, about to kiss her when Jenny's teeth sunk into his shoulder.

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