Over the next few days, Gail Anne Hurd hurried back from England and spent less than half a day in Los Angeles before flying to Canada again.

Helen continued to urge Twentieth Century Fox to pay the box office share of "Saw 2" as soon as possible, while Swift was gathering funds and could liquidate all the stocks as soon as it was a last resort.

At the same time, Ryan was not idle, and made contact with Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount respectively.

However, the results were not very ideal.

Twentieth Century Fox agreed to accept the "Truman's World" project, but on the premise that it had to take over the entire project and change the director.

Ryan retains his executive producer and editor positions, continues to be involved in the entire filming process, and has a 10 percent investment percentage.

In other words, as long as Ryan nods and agrees, the whole project will be Twentieth Century Fox, and he has nothing to do with it except for the 10% investment in executive production and editing positions.

It's almost for nothing.

Paramount's conditions, almost the same as those of Twentieth Century Fox, vetoed Ryan's continued directing of "Truman's World" and wanted to replace him with a new director.

The only difference is that if Ryan chooses to invest in filming on his own, Paramount's willingness to become the distribution company of the film is barely good news.

Of course, in return, some concessions need to be made on the distribution agreement.

Twentieth Century Fox, on the other hand, hopes to wait for the film to be filmed.

In addition, the results of several other film companies are similar, and the premise of agreeing to invest is that they must replace a new director and take over the entire project, at most leaving a symbolic share of investment.

Ryan frowned, and said to himself: "Maybe I chose the wrong direction, I shouldn't contact the seven major film companies, but I should choose those second-tier film companies." ”

The news about the unilateral cessation of cooperation by Touchstone is not a secret at all to the seven major film companies.

At this time, take the initiative to find the door and seek cooperation, and you will face very harsh conditions.

"Helen. Ryan glanced at Helen, who was not far away, and said, "Contact Lucasfilm to see if they have any plans to invest." ”

Lucasfilm, a leader among Hollywood's second-tier film companies, can still compete with distribution companies for the best distribution conditions even if they do not have North American distribution channels.

Lucasfilm!

"Yes. Helen agreed, and said, "Lucasfilm is not short of money. ”

In fact, not only Lucasfilm is not short of money, but George Lucas is also not short of money, and the money he uses every year for charity is a large amount.

That afternoon, Ryan received an invitation from George Lucas to a mansion in Beverly Manor for dinner together.

Moreover, he also met a very unexpected person.

Shirley Lansing!

"Hello, Ms. Shirley, I didn't expect to see you here. Ryan greeted very politely.

"Frank, I mentioned you, including Michael Ovitz. Shirley Lansing glanced Ryan up and down and said, "He is very likely to be the president of Disney, so there are some things I can't do about it." ”

"After all, he has Eisner's backing. ”

However, Paramount can provide 20 percent of the funding for the entire project, as well as the film's future distribution channels. ”

Paramount has changed its mind!

Or is it that Shirley Lansing in front of her suddenly has a new plan!

"Ms. Shirley, can I take the liberty of asking why Paramount changed its mind. Ryan asked.

This morning, Paramount put forward a condition that is not a 20 percent investment.

"The reason is very simple, Frank convinced me that he thought you would continue to create a box office miracle. Shirley Lansing said very calmly, a few million dollars of investment is nothing to Paramount.

Of course, George is also one of the reasons. She smiled and glanced at George Lucas.

George Lucas said very funny: "I just reminded you, lest William meet Michael Ovitz in the future and can't help but want to beat him up." ”

William Friedkin, husband of Shirley Lansing, director of the horror film "The Exorcist," which grossed $232 million.

Remember, it was $232 million in 1973, a scary box office high.

Like Ryan, he is one of Hollywood's top horror film directors.

"Well, then, it's time to relax, and we need to enjoy a rich dinner. George Lucas took the initiative to close the conversation without mentioning the Lucasfilm investment.

However, at dinner, several people brought up the topic of "Truman's World" again.

"It's said you want to invite Jim Carrey to play the lead role in the script!" Shirley Lansing asked casually as she got a glass of red wine.

"I've already sent him an invitation. Ryan put down the cutlery in his hand, showed a helpless look, and said, "But the salary offered by his agent is too high." ”

"$20 million, and a 10 percent global box office share. ”

This kind of salary may not be the highest in Hollywood's history, but it is certainly the top treatment.

"It's a bit expensive. Shirley Lansing nodded.

Such a salary is too high for a film with an investment of only $35 million.

"However, he is a very good candidate. ”

At the same time, she has to admit that Jim Carrey has indeed proved box office appeal and commercial value this year, and it is completely possible to step into the $20 million club.

Of course, it is not necessary at all, and it is not easy for any Hollywood star to step into the $20 million club.

For example, Julia Roberts, who has just crossed the $20 million club, immediately announced that she would voluntarily reduce her salary to act.

The reason is very simple, no Hollywood crew will really spend $20 million to hire a female star.

Even if it's Julia Roberts, it's just as impossible.

"So I wanted to meet him in person. Ryan felt compelled to meet Jim Carrey in person.

In many cases, the actor's salary request is not the actor himself, but his agent, which leads to many crews choosing to change people directly because of the high salary.

It's just that this time Ryan didn't make a direct substitution, but chose to meet Jim Carrey in person and try to convince him.

Of course, if it really doesn't work, he will also not hesitate to replace.