Harry set the script down on the table.
"I'm taking this one next."
Lisa didn't jump in right away. She flipped through a few pages, not really reading anything—just stalling for time.
"With what money?" she finally asked.
James was already on top of the numbers.
"We wrapped up the quarter yesterday," he replied. "Nothing comes for free."
Harry shot him a look.
"All the profits from Blind Man's Gambit are already allocated. No Country for Old Men went over budget during post-production, not to mention marketing and possible awards push. The Prestige is still draining funds. And we're paying off DC debt every month."
Lisa chimed in, "You can develop it, but you can't produce it."
Harry leaned back a bit, pondering.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
"Ask Fox."
James glanced up.
"You want them to take on production?"
"Yep."
Lisa frowned. "That locks us in with them."
"We're already locked in with them."
James nodded once. "I'll make it happen."
----
The meeting at Fox was straightforward.
Tom Rothman cut right to the chase, skipping any small talk.
"We've been keeping an eye on your last two films," he stated. "One gave you some credibility, while the other turned a profit. And I am not mentioning the profits from Fox Television. Afterall, you are one of its major shareholders other than us."
Harry remained stoic.
"So, you're looking for financing?" Rothman asked.
"Yes," Harry replied.
"How much are you asking for?"
"Forty-five million."
Rothman paused, taking a moment to look over the brief in front of him before meeting Harry's gaze again.
"And you'll be directing?"
"Yes."
"And you want full control?"
"Obviously. Can't leave it in hands of corporates."
Rothman leaned back in his chair, laughing at Harry's remark.
"We do this then. We handle production, financing, and distribution," he explained. "You just need to deliver the film."
Harry stayed silent, waiting for more.
"No interference with your direction," Rothman added. "We can discuss the script, but the final cut is yours."
Lisa shifted in her seat but didn't say a word.
"What's your ask?" Harry inquired.
"First look," Rothman replied. "If you need money for next films, come to us."
That was something Harry had anticipated.
He took a moment to think it over.
Fox had missed out on the success of Blind Man's Gambit, and they weren't about to let that happen again.
"Alright," Harry finally said.
Rothman nodded in agreement.
"We'll kick things off at forty million," he said. "If we keep production in check, we can increase that."
James chimed in for the first time.
"What's the timeline?"
"Greenlight in two weeks," Rothman answered. "We can start pre-production right after that."
And just like that, the meeting wrapped up.
----
As they stepped out of the building, Lisa finally broke the silence.
"You just handed them leverage."
Harry didn't turn to look at her.
"They were going to take it regardless," he replied.
James added, "At least this way, we get to set the terms. Besides, it's not that bad, partnering with them."
Harry stayed quiet, already thinking about what lay ahead.
----
Later that evening, in Fox's office, Rothman's assistant walked in.
"You gave him full control," she remarked.
Rothman shut the file.
"He's not the type you can manage that way."
"Still," she replied, "it's a gamble."
Rothman met her gaze.
"What's really risky is letting him go," he said. "Warner, Disney, Universal, Paramount—any of them would snatch him up in a heartbeat."
He took a moment to think.
"If we keep him here, we can grow alongside him."
----
Meanwhile, back in Harry's office, the atmosphere had changed.
They had secured financing.
But now, they faced a new dilemma.
Greg was feeling overwhelmed.
He was already juggling two major productions. The post-production for No Country for Old Men required constant attention, and The Prestige was still in the thick of filming. Adding another project would completely derail the schedule.
Peter Safran wasn't a viable option either.
He was still getting the hang of things, still finding his way as a producer. This kind of project would be too much for him to handle on his own.
James laid it out straightforwardly.
"You need a producer from Fox."
Lisa nodded in agreement. "They'll want someone involved anyway. Budget control, reporting, oversight."
Harry wasn't thrilled about it.
Bringing in a Fox producer meant more reliance on them. More eyes on how he worked. Less privacy.
But there was no other option.
"Set up the meeting," he instructed.
Two days later, Harry found himself sitting across from Elizabeth Gabler.
She was known for her knack for managing mid-budget films with precision. She kept spending in check, schedules tidy, and distractions to a minimum.
"I've gone through the script," she said.
Harry held his breath, waiting for more.
"It's solid," she continued. "But you need to be cautious; it could easily go over budget."
"That's why they brought you on board," Harry replied.
She nodded slightly, acknowledging the point.
"We'll keep it tight," she assured him. "No unnecessary locations, a streamlined schedule. You'll get what you need, not just what you want."
"That sounds good to me," Harry said.
That was all they needed to hear.
Pre-production kicked off the following week.
—
Casting talks began almost right away.
Harry already had a few names on his radar.
First up was Daniel Heyes.
He had collaborated with Harry on Providence and Blind Man's Gambit. Daniel understood Harry's approach, required little guidance, and could deliver intensity without going overboard.
Next was Christian Bale.
Harry had seen enough of him on the set of The Prestige. Bale brought discipline, transformation, and a fierce commitment. He could really ground the film.
Then there was Javier Bardem.
They had teamed up before, and Bardem was already involved in No Country for Old Men. Harry knew the kind of presence he brought—unpredictable and heavy with gravitas.
Three powerful leads.
Maybe too powerful.
Elizabeth leaned in a bit.
"Getting all three won't be easy," she warned. "Just coordinating schedules will be a challenge. And if you manage it, your budget will take a hit."
Tony, who was sitting next to Harry, chimed in, "Even if they agree, backend deals will cut into your margins."
Harry mulled it over.
"We don't need all three," Elizabeth pressed on. "What we need is the right mix."
James interjected.
"Bale is tied up until Prestige wraps. Bardem's availability is in question. Daniel is the most flexible option."
Harry nodded thoughtfully.
"Let's start with Daniel," he decided. "Get him locked in first. we will ask others later."