Chapter 575
Sweet Subterfuge
There was a little episode in the process of acquiring the rights to âMigration to Mars.â
When Cosmic Entertainment bought the IP, Pluto was still an unknown author. No one was willing to buy the copyrights to his novels, even when the publisher bundled his novels together at a low price.
At that time, the person in charge of Cosmic Entertainmentâs film production department had a personal relationship with Plutoâs editor, so they purchased the rights to this particular book out of goodwill Two years ago, Plutoâs new book, âWormhole,â won an international award, which brought his works into the spotlight The copyright of âWormholeâ was bought by VisualBox, a streaming platform under Microworks Corporation, They engaged a foreign team overseas who took two whole years to produce a sci-fi film of exceptional quality. The film achieved tremendous success due to raving reviews, despite being released in an unpopular time slot. It eventually grossed over four billion dollars at the box office, breaking the record for Caldorâs highest-grossing film in history:
Following the success of âWormhole. Plutoâs other works were quickly snapped up by other im production companies, including the one that he was currently writing. These novels were adapted to film and went into production one after another, except for âMigration to Mars,â
Cosmic Entertainment was strapped for cash, but they were also unwing to let go of this potential goldmine to other companies.
Xavierâs smile vanished instantly and he replied sternly, Iâm sorry, but that is not for saleâ
Frank quickly explained, âMr. Seymour. I think youâve misunderstood. Im not buying the copyright of Migration to Mars, but I am interested in collaborating to produce the film, 111 provide the funding, anduce the film.â
That was exactly what Xavier wanted.
âI see. That we can discuss.â Xavier answered with an air of arrogance, as he felt he was gradually gaining the upper hand in the negotiation.
Suppressing the urge to kick Xavier out of the room, Frank remarked casually. âHowever Xavier was startled by the sudden turn of the tables. Narrowing his eyes, he said, âWhat is q âAlthough we are keen to produce Migration to Mars, a successful film needs more than just a good script. I hope that you can assemble a production crew worthy of my investment Frank said.
Hearing that Frank wasnât going to pull out of the collaboration, Xavier breathed a sigh of relief.
âTo be honest, already have a perfect team in mind. However, Iâm hesitant to approach them due to insufficient funding,â he replied.
Frank assured him confidently. âYou donât have to wo worry about the funding. At this moment, I have approval for a budget of fifty million dollars. The costs for post-production are not included as well. Besides, our company has the latest technology in the production of visual effects. Weâll take care of the post-production editing. So you wouldnât have to spend any money on that.â
However, Xavier still let that the budget was not enough. âFifty million dollars would only be enough for the director and actors remuneration. For a film like this, two hundred million dollars should be the starting point.â
His audacious demand startled Frank. Since the money wasnât his, he didnât know how to respond to Xavierâs request Lewis suggested. âAsk him to finalize the crew and submit to you a detailed budget. Then, you will negotiate with the compar the budget that he provided.â
Frank repeated his words verbatim.
âAlright.â This was Xavierâs last strand of hope, so he could only agree. Eagerly, he asked, âWhen will we sign the contract?â
based on Frank answered composedly, âOnce the project takes shape. As I said before. I am here to make money. If you want my investment, I need to see the potential for profit.â
Xavier was displeased with Frankâs answer, but he couldnât show it nonetheless.
the last this opportunity, he didnât know whether he would be able to turn things around for the company.