Chapter 136: Lobbying Hasbro

New York, Manhattan. Ever since Capet Pictures revealed its intention to develop a live-action movie based on Hasbro's hit toy line, Transformers, negotiations began.

However, what Charles didn't expect was that Hasbro already had plans to bring Transformers to the big screen back in 2002.

New Line Cinema and DreamWorks joined Capet Pictures in a three-way battle for the rights, which suddenly made Charles feel the pressure.

He hurried from Los Angeles to Hasbro's headquarters in Rhode Island. He needed to personally convince the high executives at Hasbro.

Producers Don Murphy and Tom DeSanto, along with Hasbro's COO Brian Goldner, met with Charles at Hasbro's headquarters.

Don Murphy and Tom DeSanto had started the journey to adapt Transformers into a live-action format quite early, but the progress was not smooth.

The interest shown by New Line Cinema and DreamWorks put Hasbro in a dilemma. This year, Hollywood's genius filmmaker Charles Capet also joined the race.

"Transformers was my whole childhood; no boy dislikes them. I always wanted to adapt it, but the CGI technology might not meet my standards, and the massive production budget was daunting," Charles shared.

"Now, I feel I've gained enough capability. The live-action Transformers movie can enter development. Improvements in technology, accumulated capital, and my understanding of filmmaking..."

"...we'll start by adapting the main storyline of the animated series, focusing on the world of Cybertron, the origins of the Autobots, and the conflict between the factions. However, the live-action version can't just be a kids' movie. We need to include some elements that adults will enjoy, making it a series for all ages!"

Charles spoke confidently on stage, discussing the universe of Transformers, the interplay between the animated series and toys, and the design aspects.

Hasbro's COO Brian Goldner was aware of Charles's capabilities. Aided by Hollywood-savvy producers Don Murphy and Tom DeSanto, he was somewhat assured.

Brian Goldner found Charles's proposal for the development of the Transformers universe intriguing despite not understanding all aspects of movie production.

"Charles, we don't doubt your expertise. But Transformers is Hasbro's ace, and we don't want to develop it too casually," Brian Goldner remarked to Charles.

Don Murphy added, "Spielberg also seems to have a strong interest in a live-action Transformers. He's always been a director with a strong sense of wonder."

"New Line Cinema, which developed The Lord of the Rings series, also has ample experience," Tom DeSanto explained.

Charles smiled. "Both of you understand Hollywood well. DreamWorks' current situation should be clear, as would Spielberg's busy schedule. He won't have the time to direct. As for New Line Cinema, they do have experience with big projects. But Capet Pictures is already handling three projects exceeding $100 million. Mr. & Mrs. Smith is about to release this summer, so there's no need to question Capet Pictures' ability to develop big films."

Charles was stating facts. DreamWorks was already contemplating aligning with larger studios, and a failure with The Island could expedite that. As for New Line, they seemed to lack sincerity and didn't appear pressured by the competition for the Transformers franchise.

Toy-based movies were still considered niche compared to video game adaptations.

However, Spielberg's high standing in the industry was undeniable. If he directed the live-action Transformers, Charles believed Capet Pictures wouldn't stand a chance.

But Charles knew Spielberg intended to have Michael Bay direct and still needed convincing since Michael Bay currently viewed the Transformers live-action film as a dumb toy movie.

"Charles, which director do you have in mind?" asked producer Don Murphy.

"J.J. Abrams!" Charles answered.

"The director of Lost, a very talented individual who started as a writer. He should be filming Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible 3 right now," Don Murphy quickly explained.

"Exactly. J.J. Abrams is highly capable. Though his background is in television, his debut film is Mission Impossible 3, which says a lot about his competence. Tom Cruise wouldn't wait a year for him otherwise," Charles continued to explain.

"The live-action Transformers can't thrive on just flashy effects and battle scenes. It needs a solid story to support its vast universe. I aim to develop this series into a sci-fi blockbuster comparable to the Harry Potter series!"

Brian Goldner chuckled, "Charles, you're absolutely right. For Transformers to become an enduring hit, continuity in plot and story are crucial. Spectacle alone won't cut it!"

As COO of Hasbro, Brian Goldner certainly hoped to see the live-action Transformers film become a continual success, as the profits in the toy market would be unimaginable.

Charles spent three days in Rhode Island, trying to persuade Hasbro's top executives. However, Hasbro wouldn't easily sign a development agreement with Capet Pictures.

Because, in many people's eyes, if veteran director Steven Spielberg helmed the film, its success was practically guaranteed!

*****

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