The distribution deal is finally signed! A lot of the terms are quite a bit stricter compared to something like *Star Wars*, but for an indie film with an original script like this, it's honestly not bad at all.
A lot of B-movies and low-budget flicks get their rights completely bought out by the big studios in one go.
No matter what, Dunn managed to hold onto the film's rights, which is huge!
Still, there's no smile on Dunn's face. Even though the deal's done, he can't kick off distribution right away—he's gotta wait for news on *Blade* first.
From the info we've got so far, a gritty, action-heavy movie like *Blade* is definitely gonna hit the summer box office.
But to steer clear of Spielberg's war epic *Saving Private Ryan*, New Line Cinema's likely gonna avoid a July release when they tweak their schedule.
That leaves *Blade* with either May or August (June's probably getting snatched up by something else).
Since Bryan Lord caused quite a mess during *Blade*'s production, the movie's just now entering post-production—so there's no way it's making a May slot.
All things considered, *Blade* is almost certainly gonna drop in mid-to-late August, after the hype for *Saving Private Ryan* cools off!
So Fox doesn't need to play any shady tricks here—they can just go full transparency. Announce to the world that Dunn Walker's new flick, *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* starring Nicole Kidman, is hitting theaters on August 20th, right in the summer spotlight!
Team up with *Saving Private Ryan* for a one-two punch and completely squeeze out *Blade*'s chances. Pretty ruthless, huh?
But… there's still over half a year to go. How's Dunn Films gonna survive 'til then?
Seeing the worry on Dunn's face, Bryan Lord looks puzzled and asks, "What's up? Not happy with the distribution deal? Honestly, it's already solid, and more importantly, we got a promise from Bill. Once you finalize the Marvel Entertainment acquisition, distributing superhero movies will be a whole lot easier."
Dunn shakes his head, thinking for a moment before replying, "Bryan, any big projects in the works lately?"
Bryan gives him a surprised look. "Your last movie just wrapped post-production, and you're already itching for more?"
Dunn blushes a bit and coughs lightly. "Well, yeah, I'm still young! Gotta hustle and grind to make it big, right?"
Bryan's expression turns serious as he nods approvingly. "Dunn, with your talent and work ethic, you're gonna make it—I've got a good feeling about it."
"So, any projects with big investments coming up?"
Bryan grins. "Big projects are never in short supply! But right now, the entire U.S. is buzzing about one massive undertaking."
"What's that?"
"*Star Wars*!."
Dunn's eyes go wide as he mutters, "Right… *Star Wars: The Phantom Menace*."
Bryan blinks, caught off guard. "The project's still in pre-production, and details aren't public yet. How'd you… how'd you know the title?"
Dunn laughs it off quickly. "Bryan, I'm super interested in this project—I wanna direct it!"
Bryan shakes his head. "If this were two years ago when George Lucas first started reviving the series, maybe you'd have had a shot. But now? He's been prepping for the director role for two years straight—no way he's stepping aside."
"No chance at all?" Dunn smirks slightly. "Bryan, just give it a shot. Who knows… might be a surprise in store? "
…
"What?! He's betraying us!" Tom Rothman, after hearing his assistant's report, explodes in his office, slamming a crystal-clear glass to the floor in a rage.
A $15 million indie film, and Fox is only taking a measly 15% distribution cut on ticket sales? That's a joke—no, it's a disgrace!
The stress and frustration from *Titanic* finally boil over at this moment, giving him the perfect excuse to let it all out.
"No way, this isn't over! I'm bringing this up at the board meeting—I'm lodging a formal complaint with corporate!" Tom Rothman finally sees a tiny opening, and no matter what, he's gotta make sure Bill Mechanic eats some humble pie.
Ever since *Titanic*'s success, Bill Mechanic's influence in the company has skyrocketed—he's practically calling all the shots, leaving Rothman, the so-called president, as nothing more than a figurehead.
When it's time to strike, you've gotta strike!
…
Back at the office, Dunn's diving into Stephen King's fantasy novel *The Dark Tower*. He can't quite wrap his head around why a book he's never heard of has such a massive reputation.
In this stage of 1998, even *Game of Thrones* and *Harry Potter* are small potatoes compared to *The Dark Tower*!
The phone rings—it's Bryan Lord, and man, he works fast.
"Dunn, I looked into it. George Lucas has been prepping for two whole years. He's even hitting the gym every day to stay in shape for the shoot. So… if you're just looking to observe and learn, I might be able to pull some strings."
Dunn thinks for a sec. "I've got a bit of a connection with George. How about this—I'll give him a call. Maybe… just maybe, he'll change his mind?"
Bryan doesn't buy it, figuring it's just youthful stubbornness and not wanting to push too hard. "Alright, do your thing. But when you talk to George Lucas, make sure to show some respect, okay?"
Dunn chuckles, "Got it!"
After hanging up, Dunn locks his office door, slips on his mysterious shades, and gets to work.
He opens his "newbie gift pack" and activates the last remaining skill—Contract Swipe.
Searching for "George Lucas," hundreds of signed or draft contracts pop up.
Dunn's eyes nearly glaze over as he sifts through them for half an hour, finally landing on a draft contract for *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace*.
When he opens it, his jaw practically hits the floor!
Holy smokes, George Lucas sure knows how to play hardball!
Producer fee: $5 million base pay, plus 5% of global box office revenue.
Director fee: $15 million base pay, plus 15% of global box office revenue.
Lucasfilm is George's private company, but this movie's budget is massive—too big for Lucasfilm to handle all the risk. Most of the funding comes from Fox, making it a co-production: Lucasfilm produces, Fox distributes. So naturally, George isn't gonna shortchange himself on the pay.
But still… those fees are insane, right?
Dunn can't help but laugh—George Lucas really knows how to treat himself.
A $15 million base with 15% global box office revenue? That kind of director pay is something only Spielberg could demand in all of Hollywood.
And now… it's all Dunn's for the taking!
Dunn bursts into laughter, tears almost spilling out—whether from guilt or sheer joy, he's not sure. He wipes out "George Lucas" from the contract and boldly scribbles in "Dunn Walker" instead.
Contract sealed!
Half an hour later, the office phone rings again.
"Hey, Dunn, it's me—George."
That unmistakable Southern drawl tells Dunn it's Lucas. Holding back a laugh, he says, "Hey, George! What's up?"
Lucas pauses for a moment before replying, "Dunn, I heard… you're interested in directing *Star Wars*?"
Dunn straightens up, grinning. "Of course! *Star Wars* is everyone's dream. Directing a legendary film like that—it's been my dream too."
Lucas sighs, taking a long pause. "Look, I'm getting old. My health hasn't been great lately, and directing a project this massive… I don't think I can handle it."
Dunn almost cracks up. "Really, George? Well, you gotta take care of yourself—exercise more! No offense, but you've put on a bit of weight…"
"Enough!" Lucas cuts him off, clearly annoyed. "Dunn, can you take over as director?"
"Absolutely!" Dunn replies without hesitation. "But you know, I've directed a hit like *Titanic*—my fees… they're not gonna be cheap."
"Fine," Lucas says with a resigned shake of his head. "Let's set a time to sit down with Bryan and talk it out."
Lucas already knew Dunn was a tough negotiator.
…
"What?! How's that even possible?"
Bryan Lord's eyes light up like he's seeing stars, half-convinced his ears are playing tricks on him.
George Lucas inviting Dunn Walker to direct the rebooted *Star Wars*? Didn't he flat-out refuse before? Did… did Dunn actually convince George?
Bryan always knew Dunn wasn't just some average Joe, but this? This is next-level!
Even Bryan, a seasoned negotiator, couldn't budge Lucas—what magic did Dunn pull?
Bryan feels like his entire worldview just got flipped upside down.
But the real shock's still coming.
Dunn, with all the audacity in the world, throws out a jaw-dropping fee: $15 million base pay, plus 15% of global box office revenue!
"Is he seriously thinking he's Spielberg or something?" Bryan can't help but wonder.
But then Lucas' response hits, and Bryan nearly chokes.
"That's a reasonable demand."
Hearing Lucas agree so decisively, Bryan swallows hard. In his 30 years as an agent, this is the first time he's felt utterly powerless.
Guess ambition doesn't care about age, huh?
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