After Simon's narration, Robert De Niro already had a sense of enlightenment at this time.

Compared with those memorable films or characters in the history of cinema, the young people in front of them seem to be more ambitious.

He wanted to create a complete fictional world, he wanted to convince the audience that everyone in this world was alive, and he wanted to unconsciously drag the audience's attention into this world through an alternative plot structure, chattering dialogue, and an unusually rich amount of detail.

It is conceivable that if this goal is achieved, who would dare to say that this movie will not become a classic that will go down in film history.

Robert De Niro has had his best years, and films such as "The Godfather", "Taxi Driver", "Deer Hunter", and "Raging Bull" have brought him so many accolades that he originally thought that it was difficult to find a film in this world that could make him too interested.

But at this time, the ambition of the young man in front of him once again aroused his desire to perform.

And, as a standard experiential actor, Robert De Niro also realized that the role of Butch Coolidge was definitely an interesting challenge for him.

Butch Coolidge is a completely fictional character from an absurd world, and to build this character, he can't drive a taxi like he did in "Taxi Driver" or punch like he did in "Raging Bull". Even, he not only has to build such a character out of thin air, but also needs to fully believe that he lives in an absurd world like "Vulgar".

Thinking about these in his mind, when Robert Redford's figure disappeared, Robert De Niro no longer hesitated, and said directly: "Simon, talk about the salary." ”

Simon quickly replied, "A base salary of $2 million, plus a 15% share of the net profit at the North American box office." Bob, Vulgar has a budget of only $8 million, so that's the highest offer I can give. ”

Robert De Niro didn't hide his emotions either, shook his head and said, "It's a little low." ”

Over the years, although the box office performance ranked last among the four major actors, because the coffee position was too strong, De Niro's salary started at least $3 million, and the budget for his films rarely fell below $10 million.

For example, "Angel Heart", which was released at the same time as Warner's "Lethal Weapon", cost as much as $17 million to produce.

As for profit sharing, due to the special accounting system that has never been profitable on the books of Hollywood movies, today's stars usually take this promise as a blank check.

Simon has insisted on asking for a direct share of the box office since "Lola Run" and now "Here Comes the Grim Reaper" and "Vulgar", just to avoid the 'Hollywood ledger' as much as possible.

Hearing De Niro's answer, Simon explained seriously: "Bob, this time the box office share is calculated like this, Orion and the theater chain are calculated according to the fifty-fifty split, they will only take 15% of the publicity and distribution costs, and the other 35% of the total North American box office, minus the production budget of 8 million US dollars, and the rest is used as the net profit sharing base, you can get 15% from it." According to this sharing formula, if "Vulgar" reaches $50 million at the box office, you will get a total salary of $3.5 million. With Lola Run expected to grossing more than $200 million in North America, I can't guarantee that my next film will be so successful, but come to think of it, $50 million is certainly fine. ”

Robert De Niro still shook his head slightly, and said: "Simon, according to this formula, the North American box office of "Vulgar" is 100 million US dollars, and I can only get 6 million US dollars. ”

Simon said seriously, "It may be a bit presumptuous to say that, but, Bob, you really need a blockbuster right now. So, if "Vulgar" is really lucky enough to hit $100 million at the North American box office, you're actually getting much more than a $6 million payroll. ”

Robert De Niro finally fell silent.

His most recent films, this year's "Angel Heart", which cost $17 million to produce and are now nearing the end of the season, have only a little more than $14 million at the North American box office, and last year's "Flames of War", with a production budget of $25 million, and a North American box office of $17.21 million. The earlier "Once Upon a Time in America" cost $30 million to make, and the North American box office was only $5.32 million.

It can be said that in the 80s, none of the films he starred in grossed more than $20 million at the North American box office, but the production budgets of these films all reached the level of tens of millions of dollars.

Hollywood is very realistic, no matter how high the coffee position, no matter how many Oscars, if it can't bring profits to the studio, the result is destined to be abandoned.

In fact, before this meeting, Robert De Niro had already suffered a setback.

He took a fancy to a project that Fox was working on called "Leap into the Future."

Director Penny Marshall also intended to let him play the leading role, and also took the initiative to recommend it to the studio. However, due to his tepid box office results over the years, although Fox also intends to let him star, the salary offered is a little more stingy than Simon's conditions just now.

Now, that role has fallen to a rising star named Tom Hanks.

There is no doubt that Robert understands that he is now in this awkward situation where he desperately needs a blockbuster film to prove his box office appeal.

After thinking about it for a moment, Robert De Niro finally made a decision, got up and stretched out his hand to Simon, and said, "Then, Simon, I hope we have a good time together." ”

Simon also got up, shook hands with Robert De Niro, and said, "Happy cooperation." ”

got rid of Robert De Niro, and the two heavyweight actors in the "Vulgar" plan are all in place.

Before that, Amy had already talked about John Travolta.

After the 1978 North American box office champion "Grease", John Travolta really had a few years of success. But the disadvantage of young stars who have too shallow roots and are easy to be outdated will soon appear. After the $20 million production of "Perfection" failed again at the box office two years ago, the 33-year-old Travolta even went to participate in a TV movie last year in order to transform.

As a result, the two sides approached, and Travolta quickly accepted the terms of $1 million plus a 5% share of the net profit at the North American box office.

Similar to "Here Comes the Grim Reaper", "Vulgar" is still under the full control of Daenerys Pictures, and Orion is only responsible for investment and distribution. In addition to the $8 million budget, Orion also gave Simon a total of 20% of the net profit share to solicit roles.

With Travolta and De Niro, Simon has paid $3 million in compensation and a full share of the net profit.

According to the preliminary budget table, at least $3 million will be needed for offline expenses for venue equipment rental and behind-the-scenes staff compensation, and Simon will only be able to use $2 million for other characters in the film.

Although there are many characters, this money is actually enough if you are careful to calculate.

Robert Redford agrees to make a cameo appearance as Mr. Wolf, but the matter is once again uncertain.

Unlike Travolta and De Niro, who are in a state of career decline, Robert Redford is definitely a first-line actor who can be paid more than $5 million solidly, even if it is a cameo, Simon cannot be too stingy.

This matter will definitely only be communicated next week in Orion.

Simon continued to talk to De Niro about some more details, and the two left the villa and went to the party scene in the courtyard.