Chapter 1780 Chapter 1780

In Hollywood, producers, screenwriters, directors, and actors can participate in dividends, but their overall participation in dividends is limited, probably fluctuating around 30%, and in special cases it can reach 40%. However, this part of the dividend will be divided among all qualified people.

For a simple example, the producer gets 15%, the director gets 10%, the actor gets 10%, the screenwriter gets 5%, and divides the 40% dividend.

Generally speaking, the highest bonus for a producer is 20%, which is a common market in Hollywood, but there is a special situation. If one person is the producer, director and screenwriter of a work at the same time, Then according to the ratio of the above example, he can get a 35% dividend.

Many top superstars in the 21st century will put their names in the producer column when they star in their works. There are many reasons, but the income is definitely a part that cannot be ignored.

In addition, after Hollywood has truly entered the era of blockbuster films, box office dividends are further divided into two situations, early dividends and profit dividends. The so-called early dividends refer to the producers and others participating in the total box office dividends together with the production company and theaters; and the profit dividends are distributed after deducting production costs, marketing costs and other costs—in other words, If the film's box office strength is strong, then the dividend will be gone.

Only the top of the top can participate in the early dividends, and the general big names can only participate in the profit dividends.

However, currently there are only a handful of actors who are eligible to participate in box office dividends, and the cost of the film has always been controlled at around US$100 million, so what is being said at present is all about dividends in advance. This is also one of the most important manifestations of the producer's status.

Now, Barry is willing to pay Hugo 20% of the box office dividends as remuneration and producer profits. This is an absolutely incredible figure-because Hugo is only the first time as a producer. In other words, as long as "LA Confidential" grosses more than $100 million at the box office, then Hugo can earn $20 million. This goal is not difficult for Hugo to achieve.

A salary of 20 million U.S. dollars is currently the highest cap in Hollywood. But in fact, this standard is even more commendable when it is placed above the movie "L.A. Confidential". Because it is impossible for Hugo to get 20 million U.S. dollars if the salary is simply paid in cash.

Although Hugo and Jim Carrey are currently members of the "20 million club", this 20 million only refers to commercial films with high investment and high cost, such as "Tornado" and "Independence Day". If the cost of the movie is low, then the pay will definitely not be so high.

This is a Hollywood practice, because film cost control must be considered. If the total cost of a work is only 40 million U.S. dollars, half of it is used to pay an actor's salary, which is a big deal for the entire crew. A disaster; and whether this investment is appropriate and whether it can earn enough profits will make the production company think twice.

This will be the case for those 20 million club members in the future. This is also an important reason why many top stars are willing to appear in commercial films and sequel films-because the pay can be raised.

The simplest example, when Jennifer Lawrence starred in "The Hunger Games", her salary was only half a million dollars, but when it came to "The Hunger Games 2", her salary immediately soared to 10 million U.S. dollars, and then stabilized at 15,000 U.S. dollars The million-dollar spot — but only in commercial films, where she was paid far less in films like "Silver. Linings. Playbook" and "American. Hustle" at US$10 million.

Although when Barry mentioned the budget just now, Hugo was calculated based on the 20 million salary, but considering that the original cost of "LA Confidential" was only 30 million, Hugo's salary can almost cover the entire crew, This deal will inevitably need to be renegotiated, and it is impossible for Hugo to get 20 million in the end.

The final result of the discussion between Rick and Barry proved this point. The two parties reached a consensus to pay the film remuneration in the form of box office dividends.

Therefore, considering it this way, the 20% dividend can almost be understood as another way to give Hugo 20 million film remuneration—or even more, which shows Barry’s sincerity. For reference, last year when Tom Cruise starred in "Mission: Impossible" and served as a producer, he got a 12 percent bonus, plus some cash.

This is a very complicated account, not only involving my own salary, but also involving the producer's consideration of the cost of the work. The matter is obviously not that simple, and it needs to be discussed slowly and in the long run. But Barry didn't bring a contract or a computer, and after talking with Rick in the morning, he went directly to Long Beach in the afternoon. All his actions seemed to be...aggressive, and seemed to be leading Hugo to "twenty percent" So, what is his purpose?

Casting options.

For Warner Bros., there are many articles that can be done. Barry can use the gimmick of "Hugo's new work" to seek more benefits, and search for the value of the "LA Confidential" project without missing a beat.

If you don't have enough wisdom, you can easily be led away by Barry—even Rick couldn't fully understand Barry's plan at the first time, otherwise even if he agreed to Barry's coming, he would follow him. Don't care if the paparazzi finds any clues.

In fact, Hugo is too unfamiliar with the position of producer, and managing numbers is not Hugo's forte. As for the decentralization of casting work, although Endeavor Elite Brokerage Company missed an opportunity, it is not unacceptable-anyway, it is open to competition, Endeavor Elite Brokerage Company can also participate in the competition, and Hugo is the producer, so it is bound to be There is a bit of a tilt, and no real huge loss.

Barry almost got his way.

But Hugo knows one thing clearly, there is no free lunch in the world, and a high salary will inevitably mean paying more. During the "Independence Day" promotion period, the number of Hugo's participation in the program is clearly stipulated in the contract. Moreover, if he really starred in "L.A. Confidential", Hugo also has his own ideas about the cast.

"Twenty percent..." Hugo raised his eyebrows slightly, Barry nodded with a smile, and looked at Hugo calmly, without further explanation, as if he had already placed all the chips on the table. But Barry's inner tension is only known to him. "This is a number that I can't even imagine," Barry smiled, wanting to flatter Hugo, but Hugo didn't give him a chance. "However, before signing, I have two questions."

Hugo adjusted his sitting posture and leaned forward, "The first question is about the actors of the movie. I hope to be able to participate in the casting process."

As early as "Speed", Hugo already had the right to participate in the casting, and Sandra Bullock was chosen by Hugo. However, Hugo was just an actor at the time, and participating in the casting would be considered an overreach, but not now. As a member of the producer, he can participate in the casting with dignity.

When Barry heard Hugo's words, he sighed softly in his heart. As expected, Hugo was not too obsessed with the salary, even the bait of 20% of the box office was not let Hugo compromises. Now Barry knew that he needed to pull himself together to deal with it.

"Isn't this a matter of course? Why did you specifically raise it?" Barry threw the question back to Hugo with a natural rhetorical gesture.

Hugo didn't hesitate too much, "After reading the script, to be honest, I also have some ideas about the main characters of the script, and found that some of them are very suitable for certain actors." Speaking of this, Hugo shrugged, "You know, as an actor, there's always a list of people you want to work with, a list of directors, a list of actors, and so on. I'm pretty sure they're all available in the Screen Actors Guild."

Seeing the slight smile on the corner of Hugo's mouth, Barry nodded his chin calmly. Hugo retorted with his words just now, obviously not so easy to deal with, "I think the casting director is responsible for the casting, but It must be approved by you and Curtis, after all, you are the boss. I believe that as long as it belongs to the Screen Actors Guild of America, there will be no problem."

Barry also re-emphasized the Screen Actors Guild of America, rather than being limited to Endeavor Elite Agency.

Barry's obstruction further confirmed Hugo's thoughts, he shook his head lightly, "No, I mean, I have a general idea, for example, the role of Lynn, Charlize Theron or... Mellon Diaz is a good choice; as another example, for the role of Bud, Alex Lorraine and Will Smith can be competent."

In fact, Hugo is saying that he has some ideas for "LA Confidential". Since he himself has not confirmed what role to play, he does not have a clear idea for the list of actors, but at least he has some ideas. But to Barry's ears, Hugo's meaning couldn't be clearer. These actors are all from Endeavor Elite Agency.

Barry thought for a while, then deliberately showed a wry smile, and said in a relaxed and teasing tone, "So, are there any actors from other agencies?"

Unlike facing Rick, in front of Hugo, Barry's attitude can't be too tough, but he can't give in immediately. Of course, if Hugo's request is too unreasonable, he can also break it up. It's just that Hugo's status in Hollywood has risen to a strategic position, and Barry doesn't want to miss this opportunity—similarly, he can't let go of casting rights, because this is one of the reasons why he handed over the position of producer to Hugo. Utilizing Hugo's strong influence, it further opened up the situation for the personal connections between Warner Bros. and major brokerage companies.

"Of course, Kevin Spacey, oh yes, and Kevin Bacon." Hugo said bluntly, which made Barry's eyes light up.