Chapter 037 (1/2)
All of a sudden, he confirmed the fact that he had been doubting for a long time, but Simon didn't feel distressed or depressed.
In any case, ”Lola Run” is a very suitable film for him to show his strength. Even if I didn't remember the production cost wrong, I would have missed the movie.
Now that he has established his foothold in Hollywood in less than two months, Simon has enough confidence to continue to push forward the project, nothing more than adding some twists and turns.
Simon's experience of more than ten years in the entertainment industry in his previous life left him with the greatest feeling that no one in this circle has a smooth road to fame.
Now, as a man of two generations, Simon does not lack the heart to face setbacks.
After making up his mind, Simon looked at David giller across the street and said, ”well, David, how much budget do you think it will take to shoot the film according to the official 35mm film specifications?”
David giller thought about it and said, ”according to the idea you just described, it should cost at least half a million dollars. A more detailed budget needs to be counted according to a more specific shooting plan. However, this is not a problem. Simon, now the question is, do you have any experience in making movies before? Even student movies? By the way, neither Brian nor I know which university you graduated from? ”
Until now, few people in Hollywood know that Simon is only 18 years old this year.
At the beginning, Jonathan Friedman only mentioned it occasionally with Norman Broca, President of wma. Because of a series of subsequent events, Norman Broca did not like Simon, but did not publicize it everywhere.
At this time, because of Simon's extraordinary talent, David giller subconsciously thinks that Simon is probably in his twenties, and instinctively regards Simon as a promising student who has just graduated from a university.
Hearing David giller's question, Simon realized something, but said honestly, ”David, I studied computer science at Stanford for a period of time, and then dropped out of school. I didn't have any experience in this field. But I didn't have any screenwriting experience before. ”
”Director and screenwriter are not the same,” said David giller, shaking his head. ”In a word, if you can come up with some personal qualifications that are enough to convince investors, such as a student film, I may be able to help you get the investment. Unfortunately, you didn't. Simon, although it's only a small sum of money, I also need to be responsible for my contacts. ”
Bryan De Palma, who is still relishing looking through Simon's split shot paintings, also looked up and said, ”Simon, it's not so easy to be a director. However, these drawings are also enough to illustrate your personal talent. Why don't you be my assistant director for the next butterfly effect. After completing the experience of this film, even if David is not willing to help, I can help you find a company willing to invest in ”Lola Run.”
”I didn't say I didn't want to help?” David giller protested with a discontented smile, but also said: ”Simon, Brian's idea is really good. If you like, it can be settled now. ”
David giller is the producer of the butterfly effect, and Brian De Palma is both a director and a producer. It's entirely within the scope of two people's authority to hire a director assistant on a temporary basis.
If Simon is really just a newcomer who has just entered Hollywood and has little experience, it would be a very rare opportunity to serve as the assistant of such a famous Hollywood director as Brian De Palma.
However, with more than ten years of experience in his previous life and the memory of 12 other people in his mind at this time, what Simon lacks most at this time is all aspects of experience related to film making. As the assistant director of Bryan De Palma, the only thing Simon can get is a qualification.
After a moment's deliberation, Simon shook his head and said, ”David, Brian, I appreciate your kindness. However, although I can't prove it, I'm sure I've been able to direct a movie myself. So, David, do you think that's ok? I have enough money to start ”Lola Run” now. You just need to help me introduce an investor and sign an investment contract. If they are satisfied with my early shooting results, they can inject follow-up funds, otherwise, they can choose to quit at any time. ”
Simon is a very independent young man, which David giller and Brian De Palma have experienced in several contacts.
At this point, they were not too surprised to hear Simon refuse Brian De Palma's offer. Hearing Simon's plan, David giller could not help but praise the boy's self-confidence.
”Simon, in Hollywood, it's always a very bad choice to invest your own money in movies,” David giller said with a smile after a little consideration. However, since you have put forward such a confident cooperation plan, I can help you. Of course, I will never guarantee the success. Everything depends on you. ”Simon said seriously, ”I just need a chance.”
David giller nodded with emotion and said, ”in that case, Simon, do you have any other requirements besides the above cooperation plan?”
Simon thought for a moment, and said: ”my contract with Fox should still be able to be used as a mortgage. I can borrow a sum of money from the bank. With the balance that Fox needs to pay next, I should be able to raise about 250000 dollars. For the time being, the shooting budget of ”Lola Run” is US $500000. The investor and I will each contribute US $250000, and each will account for 50% of the revenue in the future. My personal screenwriter, director and other labor are only symbolic $1, but I demand absolute creative autonomy. ”
After hearing this, David giller shook his head again and said, ”Simon, half a million dollars is just my most conservative estimate. In fact, I really hope you can use some more professional cast CASS. In addition, if you are more careful in the setting, soundtrack and other aspects, the final production budget of about $1 million will be more secure. ”