Chapter 329: Let's Collaborate

"Well done, kid."

As soon as he entered lounge fifteen, David Ellison was greeted by his father Larry's booming voice, distinct from his usual sarcastic tone, filled instead with praise, "You've taken your first successful step!"

"I..."

Confronted with Larry Ellison's rugged visage, David was at a loss for words.

Megan Ellison glanced at their father, noting that it seemed to be the first time he had praised David this earnestly.

Larry walked over to David and clapped him heavily on the shoulder. "You're smarter than I thought. I expected you to be paying tuition for your first three to five years..."

He nodded in satisfaction, "You did very well. You chose a fantastic partner. Keep up the good relationship. The immediate gains aren't what's most important; look further ahead."

David quickly responded, "I understand."

"You've grown up, matured," Larry seemed to have made a decision, "and it's time you had full access to your foundation."

"Really?" David was visibly excited, "Is that true?"

Megan rolled her eyes, skeptical of David's ability. Could he really handle it without squandering the foundation's money? She snorted quietly. Without ongoing collaboration with Murphy-Stanton, she was sure her brother would fail and end up running back to their father for help.

His success wasn't due to his own abilities; he was merely riding on Murphy-Stanton's coattails.

"Do you really plan to continue collaborating with David Ellison?"

In the office at 20th Century Fox, Kara Faith placed a cup of coffee in front of Murphy, "Not considering cutting him loose?"

"Why wouldn't I collaborate with him?" Murphy leaned back in his chair, hands resting on the armrests, "I've already talked with David Ellison about continuing our partnership in the same way we did with 'Gone Girl'. Stanton Studios only needs to pay a loan interest; there's no need to give up any rights or profits. How could I possibly refuse such an offer?"

Kara pondered for a moment, "He seems eager to prove his abilities with some successful projects."

"He probably has no choice, being born into the Ellison family with such a successful father. When he steps into society…" Murphy shook his head, "Most people and the media, perhaps even those around him, probably view him through biased lenses. If it were me, facing such circumstances, I'd likely want to quickly prove that I'm not just a brainless rich kid relying on family and father."

Kara nodded slightly.

"As of now, David Ellison is a very good investor."

In their collaboration on 'Gone Girl', this wealthy heir left a very positive impression on Murphy. "He has substantial funds and is willing to invest without meddling unnecessarily in production and even helps the project where he can. So far, I haven't come across a better investor."

What the future holds is uncertain, but currently, David Ellison's eagerness to prove himself isn't focused on the profits of the investment.

If Murphy didn't appreciate such an investor, what kind of investor would he like?

"How much is he planning to lend you?" Kara asked, curious about the upcoming project, 'Game of Thrones.'

"Between twenty and thirty million dollars," Murphy replied, sipping his coffee, "We still need to discuss the specifics, including the interest."

Kara nodded, "That means your Stanton Studios won't need to contribute much."

Murphy drank his coffee leisurely, "Bill is already preparing to negotiate with Fox Broadcasting Network on my behalf, and your department will be involved in the production. Right now, the biggest issue is the investment ratio and rights between the parties."

Kara watched Murphy without speaking.

"My bottom line is that Stanton Studios must retain fifty-one percent of the investment and rights," Murphy wanted Kara to convey this to the higher-ups at 20th Century Fox, "The direction and production must also primarily align with my vision."

"After the negotiation, I'll be the direct head of this TV series for 20th Century Fox," Kara didn't need to hide anything from Murphy, "But everyone knows my relationship with you, so Fox's negotiation team has excluded me. I can't participate in the talks directly."

Murphy smiled, "I understand."

20th Century Fox was neither foolish nor charitable, and this approach surprised him not at all.

Both parties were indeed collaborating closely, but neither would easily relinquish any profits that could be contested.

Though she couldn't participate in the negotiations, Kara still advised, "Don't rush the negotiations. It's best to wait a while."

"Definitely, we'll wait a while," Murphy nodded, pointing to his head, "That's the plan."

Waiting for 'Gone Girl' to achieve better box office results would undoubtedly place Stanton Studios in a more advantageous position in the negotiations.

After discussing more about their future collaboration, Murphy left Kara's office.

"He's coming out."

In another office on

 the same floor, an assistant monitoring the corridor quickly returned to inform Dave Skolnick, "Murphy-Stanton is here."

Dave immediately stood up from his chair, ready to "coincidentally" encounter Murphy.

He had to do something to change the current unfavorable situation.

Following the poor opening weekend box office of 'Kingdom of Heaven', which only grossed just over $40 million in North America, he was under enormous pressure, especially as his direct competitor's project, 'Gone Girl', had a blockbuster first day and was likely to achieve an impressive weekly figure.

All this almost pushed him to the brink.

Since the initial failure of 'Kingdom of Heaven', Dave had been reflecting deeply and finally realized that to suppress the aggressively advancing Kara Faith, there was only one way.

In his view, one major reason for Kara's relentless pressure was her support from Murphy-Stanton, who had no need to worry about performance issues.

Why couldn't such a promising young director ally with him?

Indeed, the close relationship between Murphy and Kara was well known, but in this world, how many friendships could truly withstand real tests?

Exiting his office, Dave didn't head directly towards Murphy, as that would be too obvious. Instead, he turned and entered the elevator lobby, waiting a moment before Murphy walked in with the sound of his crisp footsteps.

"Hi, Murphy." Dave greeted him first.

Murphy nodded with a smile, "Hello, Dave."

"Visiting Kara again?" Dave started casually, then added, "Got a minute?"

"What is it?" Murphy frowned slightly, "I'm heading to CAA."

The elevator arrived, and Dave stepped in first, then gestured for Murphy to follow, as courteously as a hotel bellhop.

Though puzzled, Murphy entered the elevator, followed by Dave.

"First floor?" he asked.

Murphy nodded slightly, "First floor."

Dave pressed the button for the first floor, waited for the elevator doors to close, and then said directly, "Can we talk, Murphy?"

"I'm going to CAA," Murphy responded.

"It won't take much of your time," Dave insisted, "Five minutes is enough."

Murphy thought for a moment, then nodded slightly.

They stepped out of the elevator, and Dave led Murphy to a secluded area on the first floor of the Fox Building, eager to see what this senior executive from 20th Century Fox had to say.

Dave hadn't paid much attention to Murphy before, but now he was well aware that Murphy preferred directness.

"Marvel Studios has just been established." He knew that Murphy had tried more than once to acquire the film rights to Marvel Comics superheroes, "The CEO, Kevin Feige, is a good friend of mine."

He watched Murphy intently, "With my recommendation, becoming a director of Marvel adaptations wouldn't be difficult."

This was certainly enticing, but Murphy just smiled.

"At 20th Century Fox, I'll fully support you, whatever your project. I'll help it pass review."

Dave seemed very confident as he continued, "I guarantee that any project you collaborate on with 20th Century Fox, you'll have the final cut."

His smile turned mysterious, "And the choice of actors, you can pick your leading lady based on your preferences..."

Dave emphasized this point, "Choose the actress!"

Hearing this, Murphy raised an eyebrow, seemingly interested.

"Funding, power, actors, scripts, whatever genre you want to shoot..."

Seeing Murphy's expression, Dave smiled, "I can promise all these as long as... we collaborate!"

Why was Murphy so loyal in collaborating with Kara Faith? Dave had pondered this but, seeing Kara's attractive appearance and sexy figure, believed he had found the answer. Perhaps the relationship between Murphy and Kara was not just simple friendship?

Kara was indeed beautiful, but Murphy was no longer the small-time director he once was. If 'Gone Girl' met 20th Century Fox's expectations, he would solidly rank among second-tier directors. At that level, what kind of beautiful women couldn't he find? It wouldn't make sense for him to cling to Kara Faith alone.

Murphy crossed his arms, appearing to contemplate seriously.

Dave's smile grew even brighter, "Working with me, your interests will be fully protected."

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