Chapter 72 and the Confession

……

"The binding of "Finding Nemo" has been completed, you take a look, if there is still something not satisfied, I will let them revise it!"

took the laptop in Christopher's hand, and after looking at it twice, Guo Shouyun returned it.

"Not bad, so be it!"

"Since you agree, then I'll send it to the printing house for them to do?"

"Hmm!"

"By the way, how much do you think the first edition is appropriate?"

"You're a professional, you're going to do it!" After a pause, Guo Shouyun pointed to the sofa opposite, "Sit, I have something to ask you!"

"Ask me, what's the matter?"

After glancing at him, Guo Shouyun said seriously: "Christopher, did the film rights of the first four books of Rowling's "Harry Potter" be sold to David Hayman's Hayman Pictures?"

"That's right, I did it, in June '97, a million pounds buyout!" Christopher nodded.

"Christopher, don't you think a million pounds is unfair to Rowling, and with the current state of Harry Potter selling all over the world, she should get a share of the box office!"

"£1 million is a bit low now. But Rowling's book had just hit the market in '97, and who knows what would happen next. Moreover, whether a movie adapted from a best-selling novel can achieve a corresponding high box office is never an absolute thing. "Bonfire of Vain", "Eyes Wide Opening", "The Scarlet Letter", etc., there are as many examples of failure as the proportion of success. ”

"You're right, but I think there's a lot of hope for Rowling's Harry Potter to succeed!" Guo Shouyun affirmed.

"If only this were the case, the success of the film would have brought a decisive boost to Rowling's popularity and influence. Moreover, it can also increase the sales of Harry Potter books by at least 10%...!" Christopher, who thought of something, suddenly stopped talking, he was not a fool, but rather quite shrewd. From Guo Shouyun's repeated mention of the copyright of the "Harry Potter" movie, he guessed a possibility.

"Bruce, you don't want to...?"

"Just what you think. Rowling's "Harry Potter" film adaptation rights, I also fancy it!" Looking at his wide-eyed eyes and look of surprise, Guo Shouyun nodded affirmatively.

"I should have thought that you guy never said anything that had nothing to do with him!" Christopher smiled wryly.

"Christopher, I guess you know about my Matrix Pictures. The film adaptation of "Smart: Ghost Story" was quite successful, and it has already grossed $85.69 million in three weeks. After two months of delayed release, it will definitely break 100 million! Compared with the total investment of less than 5 million US dollars, the return on investment of Matrix Pictures on "Smart: Ghost Shadow" is more than 20 times! Therefore, we have enough strength and ability to make a good movie. ”

"Bruce, why don't you keep changing your novels? Now, you have a lot of movie adaptations of best-selling books!"

"Of course, my book has to be adapted, but I can decide 100% of the things, so naturally I don't need to rush, there is still time to come. But Rowling's Harry Potter is not necessarily the case. ”

Looking at his calm expression, Christopher, who already knew something about Guo Shouyun's personality and behavioral habits, understood that the person in front of him had already made up his mind.

"Now, the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, has been filming in the UK for almost two months under the joint direction of Time Warner and Hayman Pictures. With the upfront investment, they spent at least $10 million on the film. If you get in halfway, you'll undoubtedly offend both parties. Moreover, according to the original licensing contract, the liquidated damages procedure is statutory, which means that once Rowling breaches the contract, she must pay the $10 million and pay another 30% of the compensation! That is, $13 million! Moreover, this does not rule out unexpected factors such as Warner and Hemman Pictures deliberately exaggerating the losses and increasing the amount of liquidated damages...!"

"Christopher, I thought about it all when I decided to take the rights to the Harry Potter film adaptation. Guo Shouyun interrupted, "Besides, what about $13 million, or even higher? I'm ready to have enough money to pay a penny from Rowling." Also, if Warner and Hayman Pictures want to play tricks, I'll hire the best business law firm in the United States to fight them on my behalf. The film rights to Harry Potter, I... It's going to be decided!"

Looking at Guo Shouyun's determined expression, Christopher spread his hands, "Okay, what do you need me to do?" I think you will tell me so much, you will never just ask my opinion!"

"Smart... I hope you can help me convince Rowling!" Guo Shouyun said with a smile on his face and a firm tone.

Christopher nodded, with a look on his face that I knew was going to happen. However, after guessing it, he agreed without even thinking about it, who was tied to Guo Shouyun's interests.

"It's no problem to help you. But there's one person who has more influence on Rowling than I do!"

"Neil Mori!"

A gleam flashed in Guo Shouyun's eyes.

"That's right, they're getting married next year, and you know that. ”

"Of course!"

Guo Shouyun nodded, "Rowling told me last week, but their wedding date and location have not yet been decided. ”

"Husbands have a lot more influence over their wives than we friends. As long as Neil agrees to help, plus the relationship between you and me and Rowling...!" At this point, Christopher Ritter suddenly stopped, thinking of something, he suddenly raised his head, his eyes flashed and stared at the young man opposite who always looked calm, "Last time in Exeter, you insisted on giving 5% of the shares of the 'Thorn Bird' to Neil Mori, I'm afraid it's for now, right?"

"If I say it's not, will you believe it?" Guo Shouyun smiled slightly. Now, with a series of his novels selling well, the future of Thornbird Publishing is bright, and Christopher's interests are tied to him, so there is no need to hide many things.

"Don't believe it!" Looking at Guo Shouyun's unfathomable and profound eyes like a deep pool, Christopher slowly shook his head, with a touch of deep thought in his eyes.

“… When you gave up your American publishing agent to find me in London, it wasn't just because you wrote a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, or because you were a fan of Harry Potter, but for now. But is Rowling's Harry Potter really worth all your effort and price?"

The shrewd Christopher quickly figured out the whole story and restored the essence of the matter.

"Christopher, you're thinking too much. I'm not as scheming as you say!" Guo Shouyun smiled and shook his head.

"Well, maybe it's really me thinking too much!"

Christopher glanced deeply at the young man opposite, smiled, and didn't ask any more. Some things just need to be understood, and it is not good for everyone to break down.

"Now the performance of the 'Thorn Bird' publishing company, as well as the development prospects. 5% of the original shares are valued at more than $10 million. And it will be further improved as the company grows. Neil Murray has taken such a big advantage, of course he will help you desperately! Coupled with the relationship between you and me and Rowling, as long as you are working with her better than Warner and Blackman, it is almost impossible to convince Rowling. However, Warners are Hollywood giants, and if you offend them, are you sure it won't put an obstacle in the way of Matrix Pictures?"

"With Rowling, I'll give her 5% of the total box office share. As for Warner, the NASDAQ crisis and the collapse of AOL are enough for them. If they do put a hurdle in the way of Matrix Pictures, I don't mind having a public showdown with them. The water in Hollywood is very deep, but in the end it is still a place to chase capital, as long as there is money to be made, the names of Morgan and Rockefeller may not be useful, let alone a Time Warner. Moreover, I'm not just the owner of a film company, I won't be so easily manipulated by them!"

Guo Shouyun's eyes flashed, "... Also, I didn't want to have a showdown with Warner. I wouldn't mind working with them on the Harry Potter project if they wanted to!, and besides, do you think a Harry Potter is worth more, or is it worth Harry Potter plus Pirates of the Caribbean, or is it worth adding National Treasure?"

"The latter, of course. But you're going to work with Warner?"

Guo Shouyun nodded.

In fact, he still hopes to cooperate with Warner. After all, the current Matrix Pictures has no experience in producing and distributing blockbusters, and even if the copyright of "Harry Potter" is taken down, how to shoot it is a problem.

"Looks like you've thought a lot about it. In that case, I won't say anything more. If you need my help, just ask!" Christopher Ritter said directly.

Whether it is for the sake of interests or friendship, supporting Guo Shouyun is his most realistic and only choice.

"Thanks, Christopher!"

"If you really want to thank me, try to write a few more novels before the end of the year!"

"Of course it's okay to write a book. But there's one more thing I'd like to discuss with you!"

"What's the matter? It's not going to be about Rowling, is it?"

"Of course not. This time it's our own!"

"Ourselves?" Christopher Ritter wondered.

"That's right... Thorn Bird Publishing is growing fast, but we won't be able to have a global market for at least three years. In order to ensure our interests, I think we should separate those countries with imperfect copyright laws and cooperate with local publishers in book sales! Otherwise, by the time our sales network is laid there, the piracy market will have already eaten away at the interests that should belong to us. ”

It was also about his own interests, Christopher's face showed a touch of deep thought, and after half a sound, "What you said makes sense, I'll deal with this matter immediately!"

"I don't have to worry about you. Guo Shouyun stood up, "Okay, I've finished what I should say." It's almost time, it's time for me to pick up Molly!"

"Shall I come with you?"

"No, when I made out with Molly, you were too much of an eyesore next to me!"

"Well, then I won't bother you to talk about love!" Christopher Ritter said, rolling his eyes.

Guo Shouyun didn't care, and after raising his right hand and waving it at him casually, Guo Shouyun turned around and left Christopher's office.