Chapter 34: Forming a Team

After a night of exercise, young Gilbert felt refreshed.

He then informed his agent, Sheena Boone, to start negotiations with Touchstone Pictures. The discussions began smoothly.

A few days later, Sheena Boone reported that the negotiations with Touchstone Pictures had gone well.

Robert Iger had essentially agreed to a $10 million investment in "Final Destination," and also agreed to convert Gilbert's payment into an investment.

As a result, his payment would be lower, with the director, writer, and producer fees totaling only $1 million.

All of it would be converted into a film investment, giving him a ten percent share of the investment.

Even so, this was much higher than his initial offer of $100,000.

Additionally, a tiered revenue-sharing strategy was implemented, starting with a box office gross of $50 million.

If the North American box office didn't reach $50 million, he wouldn't be eligible for revenue sharing.

Of course, the revenue share wasn't high, only about five percent, and it was based on net profits, not total box office gross.

Similarly, Gilbert wouldn't be eligible for overseas box office shares; he would only receive a portion based on his investment.

However, getting these favorable terms had already exceeded Gilbert's expectations, and after finalizing the details, he officially signed his name on the director's contract.

The news reached Universal Pictures, infuriating Lou Wassel, who was then called into the office by President Akio Tani for a scolding.

"Mr. Tani, listen to me," Lew Wasserman defended, "Disney only agreed to Gilbert's terms because they urgently needed to expand their live-action movie business."

"Just wait and see, Disney will regret today's decision."

Akio Tani looked at Lew Wasserman deeply, "I hope you're right, Lew, otherwise you'll have to explain this to the board."

"Don't worry, I've been in this business for many years, and my judgment won't be wrong."

"It better not be..."

After leaving the president's office, Lew Wasserman cursed Robert Iger several times in his heart. It was all his fault for breaking the rules of the game.

Lew Wasserman didn't blame Gilbert, as it's the rule of Hollywood to work with whoever offers the best conditions. It's not anyone's fault.

Although he didn't know the exact terms Touchstone Pictures offered, they were probably much better than what Universal Pictures offered.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. regretted not contacting him sooner; otherwise, this project would have been theirs.

However, Jeff Robinov comforted Doug Walter, "It's okay, Doug, we can watch again."

"If Gilbert proves himself again, it means he truly has a bright future, and Warner Bros. will certainly strive to collaborate with him."

Doug Walter nodded regretfully, "We have no other choice."

At this moment, young Gilbert, who was the topic of discussion among film executives, was interviewing his assistant.

"You said you were an assistant to a Chanel designer?" Gilbert asked the girl in front of him, somewhat surprised.

"Yes," Anna nodded, "When I realized I couldn't achieve much in the fashion industry, I returned to Los Angeles."

Anna was recommended by his aunt Meryl who was a colleague's daughter.

She graduated from a prestigious university and had work experience, making her a good candidate for an assistant.

After reviewing her resume and assessing her, Gilbert decided to hire her as his assistant.

"Your main job now is to assist my agent, Sheena Boone, in coordinating with Touchstone Pictures to set up the crew. Keep me informed of any updates."

"Okay," the assistant agreed, "I understand."

After hiring an assistant, Gilbert contacted Dure Randolph, the cinematographer who worked on "The Shallows."

"Dure, are you busy lately?"

"No, I've been shooting a few commercials for an ad company, just barely making ends meet," Dure Randolph chuckled.

"Interested in working with me again?" Gilbert got straight to the point.

Dure Randolph had long seen Gilbert's potential, and working with a promising young director was a great career opportunity.

Without much hesitation, Dure Randolph immediately agreed, "Sure, I'd love to."

"Then, let's work together."

"Looking forward to it."

After securing a cinematographer, Gilbert still needed other reliable crew members.

A film crew is composed of various departments: directing, production, cinematography, visual effects and props, lighting, art, stunts, and so on.

Gilbert didn't need to hire all these people; as long as the core departments were filled with his people, he could control the entire crew.

After Dure Randolph joined, Spielberg recommended Annie Burton to be Gilbert's assistant director.

Annie Burton also graduated from USC, making her Gilbert's senior. She had the experience and skills, so Gilbert gladly accepted her.

Then, Francis Coppola recommended Serene Heifer, an excellent art director.

As for the rest, Gilbert decided to take care of his agent by prioritizing candidates recommended by Sheena Boone.

Although he had secured a deal with Touchstone Pictures, this project was scheduled for after the New Year.

With his father still in Europe, Gilbert went to San Francisco to spend Christmas with his aunt's family.

"Here, try this, I made it," Gilbert said, placing a dish on the table.

Cousin Ellie asked in surprise, "Wow, what is this, cousin?"

"This is a Chinese dish I made, called Spicy Chicken. Give it a try," Gilbert said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.

Ellie picked up a fork, struggled to stab a piece of chicken, and took a bite.

"How is it?" Gilbert asked expectantly.

"A bit spicy, but it's pretty good," Ellie said, enjoying the dish so much that she started scooping it onto her plate with a spoon.

"Auntie, you should try it too..." Gilbert said happily.

Aunt Meryl asked curiously, "Gilbert, when did you learn to cook Chinese food?"

Gilbert lied casually, "In college, I joined a food club and learned from a Chinese classmate."

"Oh!" Aunt Meryl didn't doubt him, took a bite, and nodded, "Hmm, it tastes really good."

"This isn't even the most authentic version. You can't get Chinese chili here. When we have a chance to travel to China, we'll taste the most authentic Chinese cuisine," Gilbert said.

"Yes, yes!" Ellie clapped her hands, "My cousin told me about the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and places like Dianchi and Shangri-La. I want to see them."

"Okay," Gilbert agreed, "As long as you meet your mom's academic requirements next semester, I'll take you there."

"Really?"

"Of course it's true. Mom will be the witness, so you have to work hard!" Aunt Meryl also agreed.

After eating the turkey and trying the Spicy Chicken, Gilbert stayed by the phone, calling all his acquaintances to maintain his connections.

Holiday greetings were a must, whether for partners, elders, or colleagues.

The last call was to Cameron Diaz.

"Hello, Michelle, Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas, Gilbert! Did you have turkey?"

"Of course, we had the biggest turkey."

"Nonsense, our turkey was the biggest."

After some playful banter, Cameron Diaz asked, "When are you coming back to Los Angeles? I miss you."

"Really? Do you miss me, or do you miss my body?" Gilbert teased.

"Both," Cameron Diaz said, her fingers resting on her full lips, "When you're back in Los Angeles, we'll try something new."

"Hahaha, I'm really looking forward to what new things you have in mind."

"Don't worry, you'll love it. I learned it in Japan."

Gilbert paused. In Japan? The Japanese are known for being... unconventional. What on earth did Cameron Diaz learn?

I can't figure it out, but I can't wait!

.....

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