Hollywood Starts with Animation

Wald Pictures.

Zucker repeatedly read the script of "Spider-Man 1" in his hand, and constantly compared it with the movie in the original time and space.

"good, very good!"

Zucker was quite excited: "Old Bill, Kevin, the script of "Spider-Man 1" is very well done. Kevin, you will go to the screenwriting department on my behalf later and tell them that I personally recognize their work very much. "

To verbally encourage others, for today's Zucker, it is almost a habit.

Of course, the premise is that it doesn't cost money!

"Oh, right. Old Bill, Kevin, has the production department calculated the production cost of "Spider-Man 1"?" Zucker asked suddenly.

Kevin Feige responded: "Boss, a few days before the script was roughly finalized, I had arranged for the production department to do an accounting, but the results have not come out yet, and it will take a week."

Zucker nodded in understanding.

Hollywood has strict cost accounting and strict control operation procedures for the movies to be shot.

Not every film company is the existence of the Big Six in Hollywood.

Careful planning is king!

The production cost of a "Titanic" movie has risen step by step because of the madness of director Cameron, from a cost of 80 million to $100 million, $130 million...  

In the end, even the wealthy and powerful Fox Films was really overwhelmed;

Only La Paramount Pictures can be chosen to share the risk.

In this way, a film originally planned to cost 80 million US dollars, eventually soared to 200 million US dollars.

Fortunately, "Titanic" finally exploded, otherwise even if there are six major Hollywood existences, it is bound to lose a lot.

Cost control, can not be ignored!

"Spider-Man" is also a typical A-type commercial production in Hollywood, and its high budget and high cost expenditure are inevitable.

If you are not careful in cost accounting and control, it is absolutely inevitable that the cost exceeds the budget in the later shooting process.

Therefore, it is better to spend a little more time now than to add costs again and again later;

At the same time, some obscure operations related to taxation can also be better displayed and made "fake" accounts.

Don't be sloppy!

"Zuck... oh no, it's the boss." Old Bill said.

However, before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Zucker: "Old Bill, don't be so awkward, you'd better call me Zucker."

"All right."

Old Bill nodded and said: "I have seen the final script of "Spider-Man" several times, and I roughly judge that its expenditure cost is at least 100 million US dollars, and this is the minimum budget. If you want the effect to be better, then it is estimated that you will have to do it again. An additional cost of $20-30 million.”

"Hi~!"

Kevin Feige suddenly gasped.

"You need so much money?!" Kevin exclaimed.

"That's all it takes!" Old Bill affirmed.

Zucker also nodded, agreeing with Bill McNick's statement.

From this simple conversation, Zucker was able to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Bill and Kevin Feige.

As a young man, Kevin Feige is energetic and has a strong executive power. He is extremely attentive to the things that Zucker has explained. He can complete the work well in the shortest time, and everything is arranged only in an orderly manner. .

For example: in this "Spider-Man" finalization.

The screenwriting team led by Kevin Feige successfully fulfilled Zucker's request.

The preparatory work was well arranged.

However, he also has a lot of downsides.

Mainly reflected in the lack of experience!

Especially in the control of large-scale movies, Kevin is extremely inexperienced and experienced.

"This is not a question of ability, but a test of time for everyone."

And this, for Bill McNick, is precisely his greatest advantage.

Old Bill served as CEO of 20th Century Fox Films for six years before serving as president of Wald Pictures; decades of experience in the film industry gave Old Bill a lot of valuable experience beyond ordinary people. , The experience of making big movies is a problem for others, but it is definitely not a problem for him.

Of course, there are times when Old Bill misses too!

For example: "Titanic".

The cost of the movie "Titanic" continued to exceed the budget, even if it was because of Cameron, but as the first producer, Bill, also had an inescapable responsibility.

"Of course, anyone who cooperates with Cameron must be prepared to spend more than the budget."

When filming "Terminator 1", Cameron, who was still a "rookie" director, only spent $6.5 million to complete the production of the film, creating a miracle;

However!

However, when it came to "Terminator 2", Cameron began to spend a lot of money to "build" it. The budget cost of $25 million was eventually turned into an actual cost of $102 million by him;

"Titanic", "Avatar", might as well be.

Therefore, in terms of the preparation stage of "Spider-Man", Zucker still trusts Old Bill quite a bit!

The whole Jin Shuguang Entertainment Group has one of the relevant experience in making big movies, and no one can compare to the old Bill at this stage.

......

Regarding the choice of "Spider-Man" actors, Zucker is still quite inclined to the original actors.

Well, that's Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man Peter Parker;

At the same time, Zucker didn't rush into the idea of ​​​​the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"Marvel Pictures, I haven't bought it yet. If you start the Marvel Cinematic Universe now, it will definitely be cheaper for Marvel Pictures and other film companies, and even have a lawsuit with Marvel."

"I'm not a philanthropist!"

"We have to get Marvel Studios done before 'Spider-Man 1' is released."

Zucker thought so.

At this moment, Kevin Feige interrupted Zucker's imagination.

"Boss, "Spider-Man 1" costs at least $100 million, and the filming of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" is estimated to cost $100 million. The company does not currently have that much money in its accounts." Kevin Feiqi said quietly.

Old Bill also curled his lips aside.

If you don't have money, don't talk too much!

"Uh......"

Zucker was stunned for a few seconds. Where did the money go?

Well, some of the films previously launched by Wald Pictures were relatively profitable, but almost more than half of the profits of several films in overseas markets were made by Paramount. The remaining profits are basically not used for the preparation of new movies, or for the establishment of overseas distribution channels.

A penny beats a hero!

"Kevin, "Spider-Man 1" will be officially approved from today. As for the issue of money, I will think of a way." Zucker said.

"Okay, boss."

Money, Zucker is not short of money, but this does not mean that Wald Pictures is not short of money.

A company is a company, an individual is an individual.

"It seems that there are only three paths to choose from." Zu Ke narrowed his eyes.

1. Loans from banks;

2. Seek cooperation with other Hollywood film companies to share profits and risks;

3. Accept investment from foreign capitals outside the film industry such as Mexico, India, the Great Celestial Dynasty, South Korea, Japan, etc.;

In the end, Zhu Ke resolutely chose the third way and accepted the investment from overseas capital for the "Spider-Man" project.

This is also the normal capital operation of Hollywood studios.

For example, Spielberg's DreamWorks signed up to 5 film investment cooperation with several capital companies in India and South Korea. Finally, through various means, the profit was brought into the pocket of its own company, and it was ruthless. Pit out a layman.

Wald Pictures is now well-known and can do this.

Especially the two films "Spartan 300 Warriors" and "My Grand Greek Wedding", once they are successfully released, are bound to deepen the confidence and enthusiasm of other investors.

Winners are always sought after!

This is the eternal truth of the world.

" "The first more is sent.