26 The Sound Engineer (1/2)
Jim Robinson is the head of the editorial department at Warner Bros. You had talked to him when you started hunting for investors. As he was one of the few people hearing you out despite your newcomer status, you decide to return the favor.
Jim greets you warming before getting to business. He talks in a savvy businessmen tone.
”Warner Bros. has taken a keen interest in your script. Although we are unable to meet your request as a director at this time, we would like to buy its copyright and right to publish and distribute. The price is negotiable.”
Your arch a brow. You would never sell off any copyright for any amount of money. This is because it is bad business in the future. No one would sell the goose that lay the golden eggs. You sell the eggs instead – meaning merchandising, broadcasting right, and so on.
Or do it yourself.
George Lucas makes a killing by exchanging his directorial salary for a full merchandising right of Star Wars. He then went on to make approximately $20 billion via merchandising revenue. He would have made a lot more if he has held the entire copyright of the franchise.
That was in another world, but there is no reason to suggest that George couldn't do the same in this one with his budding Star War franchise.
It is a good thing that you check the contract very carefully, making sure that you still retain all the copyright other than the production and distribution right. These belongs to Lucasfilm as part of your agreement.
As for Warner Bros, you are curious how much your script would sell for.
Normally a high-grade screenplay goes for $250,000. It could well exceed 1 to 2 million dollars if the owner is a well-known screenwriter and has been proven to produce profitable work. Your screenplay on the other hand is deemed to be mid-tier quality.
You are also a newcomer.
”How much are we talking about?”
Jim Robinson pauses for a moment. He knows that the number quoted by the Board is far too low for any screenplay writer, including newcomers. However, there is a good chance that you would accept the given price. This is because everyone knows about your activities in last several weeks, desperately looking for an investor only to be rejected.
”We have weighted your script and found it to be of –
You roll your eyes.
”Just cut to the chase, Mr. Robinson. I have places to be, and I know you do too.”
You interject. There is no point of talk like business men.
”We will pay you… 250.”
Jim Robinson quotes you the number given to him by CEO Meyer. It didn't sound so bad off the bat if one to misheard.
”$250,000 huh. I didn't think my script would go for that price.”
You state with pride.
Jim realizes that you must have misunderstood the amount. He had meant $250 dollars, not $250,000 like you have assumed. Even so, he did not interrupt you speaking.
”But I am afraid I can't take the deal. I have found an investor and they are willing to allow me to direct and even share in the revenue as well as suggestion to the casting and editing of the film. Unless your company can offer me a better term, we will have nothing else to talk about.”
Jim Robinson is utterly shocked. He feels that someone just slap him across the face. He would never imagine you have netted yourself such an impressive deal, especially for a newcomer like yourself.
”I will have to discuss with the Board.”
You notice his tone had changed but didn't make anything of it further. ”Yes, you go and do that. But if they can't meet my terms, I promise for my next film, I will go straight to you first.”
There is no need to close any doors, especially ones that apparently fair to you.
Jim Robinson thanks you for your time. You return the courtesy before hanging up and continue your way to Ocean Way Recording with a happy mood.