After a few words, Mel Gibson turned and walked away. Terry Semel watched Gibson's retreating figure and asked, "Simon, have you seen the film copies of Mel's movies that I had sent over?"
Simon didn't answer the question. Instead, he got straight to the point: "Terry, as I've already said, I'm not planning to cast an A-list star as Bruce Wayne".
These days, Simon had already begun to scout actors for Batman.
As the most important stakeholder in this project, Warner Bros. was also very concerned and proactively recommended their most favoured candidate, Mel Gibson, the male lead from last year's Lethal Weapon.
Terry Semel took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray, then gestured for Simon and Janette to help themselves, and continued, "Simon, actually, many directors have this mindset: 'I don't want stars, I want fresh faces, I want talented actors, blah blah blah.' Usually, when talent agencies actually recommend the people they describe, their thoughts often turn into, 'Who are these people?' and in the end, they still choose stars".
"Terry, I'm not rejecting stars", Simon still shook his head and said, "However, you've overlooked one thing: Batman himself is a very big 'star,' just like Superman. For the original Superman series, no one knew Christopher Reeve before it was released, but that didn't affect the film's box office in the slightest. On the contrary, the big money spent by the producers to invite Marlon Brando and others didn't significantly boost the box office".
"But if we don't use stars, how will we promote it in the future?" Terry Semel continued to earnestly persuade him, "Simon, we always need a starting point".
"If Warner Bros. insists", Simon pointed to himself and said, "How about Westeros? An Academy Award winner for Best Editing".
Terry Semel couldn't help but shake his head and smile, but still said, "Simon, how about this: I'll arrange a meeting for you and Mel sometime, and you can talk it over carefully. Compared to the production budget you're planning to invest in this project, Mel's asking price isn't that high. I really don't understand why you're resisting stars".
Simon hesitated for a moment and said, "Terry, Warner Bros. will find out about this sooner or later, so there's no harm in telling you now. I plan to sign a long-term contract with the actor playing Batman, a long-term contract where Danerys Entertainment has complete control and doesn't have to worry about actors striking or demanding exorbitant fees for sequels. Gibson definitely wouldn't agree to such terms".
Terry Semel thought for a moment and said, "Like that Julia Roberts you signed a while ago?"
Simon wasn't surprised that Terry Semel casually brought this up. For these studio executives, Hollywood held even fewer secrets: "Exactly, Terry, it's also for five films. Anyone who wants to play Bruce Wayne must sign a five-picture deal".
"Simon, I'm surprised by your confidence. You know, apart from the 007 series, very few films in Hollywood manage to exceed a trilogy. This is the widely recognized 'trilogy curse'. Are you sure Batman can make five films?"
"No one can guarantee what will happen in the future, Terry", Simon shook his head and said, "However, I believe Batman has enough potential to be developed into a long-running series. Since that possibility is quite high, I naturally need to make ample preparations in advance".
Terry Semel's expression shifted for a moment, then he gave a wry smile and said, "It seems Warner Bros. will have a hard time getting the rights to Batman back. Also, you probably have the same plans for Superman, don't you?"
"Exactly", since he had both Superman and Batman firmly in his grasp, Simon no longer deliberately concealed it and said, "If the time is right, I'll have Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent appear on the big screen together. Batman v Superman, Terry, what do you think of that idea?"
Terry Semel looked at Simon and said, "I think we need to renegotiate the contract".
Simon smiled and said, "Perhaps, but the most important thing right now is to make the first Batman film well. In this regard, I must confess again, Terry, Batman definitely won't make it for next summer's release. I've recently found that to realize some of the concepts I have in mind, I'll need more than half a year to solve technical issues. Filming will start early next year, and the post-production work for the film will also be much longer than for other movies".
"Simon, I'm increasingly feeling that I've made a big mistake".
Simon looked innocent and said, "Terry, I can only say I'm sorry about that".
As time passed, more and more guests arrived, and Simon and Semel soon parted ways to attend to their respective social obligations.
After about half an hour, Simon was accompanying Sandra and talking with some of the main creators of Dangerous Liaisons, a film chosen by Warner Bros., when Terry Semel approached with a couple. Simon immediately recognized the tall, silver-haired man in the couple as Steve Ross, the current head of Warner Bros.
As they approached, without Terry Semel needing to introduce them, Steve Ross extended his hand to Simon with a hearty smile and said, "I've always looked forward to meeting you, Simon, and today I finally have the chance. Oh, and I must first congratulate you on your Oscar, even if it's just for Best Editing. But that's what's truly remarkable; there aren't many directors in Hollywood who can prove themselves in Best Editing. As for Best Director, I believe that will be yours sooner or later".
"Thank you, Mr. Ross. I'm also very happy to meet you. Warner Bros. has always been a company I greatly admire".
After exchanging pleasantries, the others discreetly left. Janette also walked away with Ross's wife, Courtney, while Simon and Ross found a booth and sat down.
After the waiter served their drinks, Steve Ross continued, "Simon, Terry just told me some of your thoughts on Superman and Batman. Although you, this young man, hold the rights to these two superheroes, Warner Bros. still hopes their film adaptations will be successful. What I want to ask is, are you still interested in DC?"
Simon nodded and said, "Of course, Steve. If Warner Bros. is willing to sell DC to me, I can offer a very good price".
"No, no, no," Steve Ross immediately shook his head and said, "Simon, I'm a person who absolutely hates selling company assets. Even now, I still regret selling MTV to Viacom just because of a temporary difficulty. The development of MTV over the years has further proven my mistake back then. So, I don't plan to sell DC to you, but we can exchange".
Simon said directly, "Warner Bros. wants to acquire a stake in Danerys Entertainment?"
"Exactly", Steve Ross admitted, "I've seen your company's material, Simon. Danerys Entertainment's biggest current need is a powerful distributor, and Warner Bros. happens to be able to help you with that. Although you have a lot of money now, in Hollywood, the issue of distribution channels isn't just something money can solve".
Simon asked, "What's the specific plan?"
"You want DC, I can give it to you, valued at $50 million," Steve Ross said. "On the other hand, I can value your Danerys Entertainment at $200 million. Including DC, Warner Bros. would then invest an additional $125 million in exchange for 70% of the shares in the new company after Danerys Entertainment and DC merge. The new company would still be solely operated by you, and at the same time, you would need to guarantee that you will not leave Danerys Entertainment to start a new venture within five years".
Although Danerys Entertainment had launched a large number of projects, strictly speaking, the only proven successful film under the company was When Harry Met Sally. Last year's Final Destination could only be considered a Fox film.
Therefore, for Steve Ross, who had no idea of the true commercial value of Rain Man, Dead Poets Society, and the large number of copyrights held by Danerys Entertainment, the valuation of $200 million was very generous. This also meant that Warner Bros. would jointly bear $100 million of Danerys Entertainment's debt.
The valuation of DC Comics at $50 million was also very reasonable; Simon's previous tentative offer to Time Warner was exactly $50 million.
Moreover, Simon actually hadn't intended to keep Danerys Entertainment private indefinitely. If necessary, he would also choose to introduce other investors or pursue a public listing.
But, this was definitely not the time.
Simon had put so much effort into building the framework of Danerys Entertainment; it was impossible to cut out 70% of the shares for others just as a small seedling was beginning to blossom.
Therefore, after Steve Ross finished speaking, Simon shook his head and said, "Sorry, Steve, although I don't refuse to cooperate with other companies, now is not the time. If you are willing, perhaps in two to three years, I can let Warner Bros. become a shareholder of Danerys Entertainment".
"I understand your thoughts", Steve Ross showed regret on his face, but nodded understandingly and said, "Well then, how about this, Simon? What if we sign a bundled distribution agreement? Warner Bros. can handle the distribution of all films produced by Danerys Entertainment for the next three years. Of course, in exchange, Danerys Entertainment would also need to agree to Warner Bros. participating in the investment of some of those projects".
Simon noticed the shrewdness flashing in Steve Ross's eyes and suddenly realized that this should be the man's true objective today.
Given Simon's current wealth, anyone with a bit of sense should understand that he wouldn't sell Danerys Entertainment right now.
But on the other hand, after the box office success of When Harry Met Sally, the seven major studios had clearly begun to re-evaluate the commercial potential of a series of projects under Danerys Entertainment.
Among the films already greenlit by Danerys Entertainment, about half had confirmed distributors. But for the remaining half, as long as another film with over $100 million at the North American box office appeared, it would be completely worthwhile for the seven majors to acquire the distribution rights for all projects.
After all, in this era, the average number of films grossing over $100 million annually was not enough for each of the seven majors to have one, yet these top-grossing films basically provided most of the studios' profits.
After a brief consideration, Steve Ross's strategy became very clear.
This Hollywood mogul, who was said to be very skilled in business negotiations, first proposed a sincere cooperation plan that was destined to be rejected by Simon. After being rejected as expected, he then proposed another equally sincere plan.
Simon had already refused once; if he refused again, it would seem too unsympathetic, even unappreciative.
However, Simon was not, after all, a young man of only twenty years old on the surface, inexperienced in the ways of the world. Therefore, he had no psychological burden whatsoever in refusing again.
Shaking his head once more, Simon said, "I can only apologize again, Steve. Danerys Entertainment hopes to try its hand at film distribution independently. We both know that relying entirely on others for distribution channels is a very unwise thing".
Steve Ross was somewhat surprised by Simon's firm refusal, but his expression remained unchanged as he said, "Alright, it seems it will be difficult for us to reach an agreement today. However, if you change your mind, you can call me anytime". Steve Ross said, pulling out a business card and handing it to Simon, then added, "Oh, and you can also contact Terry. Now, let me introduce you to some good friends. Steven should be here too; you two will definitely have common ground".
Steve Ross and Steven Spielberg had a very close relationship. Spielberg's film Schindler's List, which won him the Oscar for Best Director, specifically included a dedication: 'To Steve Ross'.
Upon hearing this, Simon immediately showed a look of great interest, saying, "Of course, I also look forward to talking with Mr. Spielberg".
The two spoke casually, rose from the booth together, and entered the crowd, as if what had just happened had not occurred at all. Like good friends, they began to socialize at the party.
It wasn't until close to midnight that Simon and Janette left the party.
Because Sandra unceremoniously hitched a ride, the stretched limousine first detoured to Beverly Hills to drop Sandra off before turning onto Sunset Boulevard.
Although he had bought the mansion in Palisades, Simon no longer lived there, choosing instead to return to Malibu with Janette.
It was already late at night, and the journey of over thirty kilometres wasn't too long. When the limousine stopped outside the mansion on the west side of Point Dume Estate, it was already one in the morning.
Janette had drunk a bit too much at the party; her cheeks were flushed, and she was clinging to Simon like a little girl, whether genuinely drunk or pretending. Simon had no choice but to carry her out of the car in a princess carry, all the way into the villa.
Placing the woman on the sofa, Simon looked at Janette, who was hugging the Oscar statuette with sleepy eyes, and chuckled, "Do you want to take a shower first?"
"No," Janette picked up the statuette, waved it at Simon, then put it aside, and opened her arms to him: "Simon".
Simon, caught off guard, smiled and leaned in. He felt the woman embrace him and was about to kiss her when Janette's small white teeth bit into his shoulder.