Preparations underway

Beneath the pillars of the banquet hall.

"Would you like a cigarette?"

Barry Meyer took out a cigarette box from the lining of his clothes and pulled out two cigarettes, handing one to Lyman. "You mentioned a while back that you were shooting a new film. How's it going? The movie now?"

"Filming has wrapped up, and we're in post-production," Lyman took the cigarette and a lighter, lit it slowly, took a drag, and exhaled lightly. "Once the music is done, we can almost schedule the release."

Barry nodded with a smile, curiosity piqued. "So, when are you planning to release it?"

"Earliest would be next year. It's nearing the end of this year, and the remaining market share has almost been divided. Moreover, the theme of my film isn't suitable for clashing with the other major releases," Lyman spoke leisurely.

"True," a smile of apparent appreciation tugged at the corner of Barry's lips, "New Line Cinema's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has strongly scheduled its final installment for December. Then there are movies like "Christmas Elf", which revolve around the holiday atmosphere. Indeed, it's not the right time to compete with them."

Of course, he omitted a few things.

For instance, the Matrix series distributed by Warner Bros. The final chapter had been released two days ago and was continuously raking in box office earnings. Also, Tom Cruise's starring role and the subtle interactions between Warner Bros. and certain Japanese companies. They were planning a follow-up work, "The Last Samurai", aimed at expanding the Japanese market, slated for the end of November, riding the momentum of "The Matrix Revolutions" to further empty the audience's wallets.

The Christmas season always saw a gathering of strong contenders. However, this time, Lyman had no intention of wading into these waters with "Effervescent".

He was well aware of his position and didn't believe that charging in headfirst would yield favorable results. It was better to take the initiative to avoid the clash.

"When do you plan to start shooting your new film?"

"In the next couple of months."

Barry's inquiry was casual, but he hadn't expected Lyman to genuinely have plans in this direction. So, he hurriedly asked, "Do you have a plan?"

"Of course."

At this point, Barry covertly observed Lyman's expression, his mind continually pondering certain decisions he had been wanting to verify.

Certainly, a director's talent was significant, but it wasn't something an investor was overly concerned about. In fact, it wasn't something Warner Bros. cared about greatly. Talented directors were plentiful. What mattered most was whether the director's work could bring substantial profits to the investors.

Except for companies like Miramax and Lionsgate, which were low on resources and survived on small-budget productions, Warner Bros. currently prioritized the value of project development.

Driven purely by financial considerations, directors like Lyman, who could save money and deliver high returns were exactly the type of directors investors appreciated most.

In future generations, James Wan, who was fully cultivated in this mold, was also of a similar template. Hence, both Universal and Warner Bros. loved collaborating with him.

Moreover, a consistent string of successes, even films with investments in the hundreds of millions, still held considerable market dominance. This further made Barry willing to place his trust.

Why? Experience. A mature filming style.

However, to further sustain this cooperative relationship, a mere initial test wasn't enough.

Throughout history, examples of alliances forged for the sake of benefit, only to later dissolve due to the same, were countless.

But that was a matter for later.

For now, the most crucial thing was to complete their first collaborative project.

And so, lost in their respective thoughts, the two smoked their cigarettes, the misty haze enveloping them as they continued their conversation.

Warner Bros... was a wise move.

...

Barry left; he had merely dropped by for a visit.

The affairs of the company were demanding, and being able to spare some time for a meeting, to foster and strengthen relationships, was already an utmost accomplishment.

After chatting for nearly twenty minutes, Lyman returned to the banquet hall.

"You're really popular," Eva chuckled.

"I bring benefits, and they want a share. Eva, you'll have such a day too."

"Me? How could that be?"

"An actor's market appeal is also a valuable resource. When you reach the status of Nicolas or Tom, you'll realize that opportunities always come knocking."

"Perhaps."

Eva smiled but didn't speak. At this moment, more than fame, she wished to spend time with Lyman.

The socializing continued.

Looking around, Lyman didn't spot James. He probably went to the restroom to vomit.

After all, having so many people force alcohol on you, and being straightforward, he wouldn't want to lose face but would rather suffer.

Sitting down in the resting area, Lyman had just settled in for a moment when John approached.

"In a few days, you'll need to go to Warner Bros. to finalize the directing contract. The terms are almost set, no need to negotiate further."

Lyman took a sip of water to moisten his throat, then gave instructions.

"Is the new project a collaboration with Warner Bros.?"

"Yes."

"Alright, I understand."

"Oh, and also, ask for a contact from Warner Bros."

"Whose?"

"The author of the novel adaptation movie. There are some things I want to discuss with him."

John silently noted it down and after a brief hesitation, spoke again, "About this collaboration, what are your thoughts? I mean regarding Paramount, should we be cautious?"

"No need. Sherry Lansing isn't foolish, and neither is Barry. Do you know why he sought me out at the party for "Saw"? Wouldn't it be better to privately invite and discuss things?"

"For Paramount's sake," John quickly grasped the logic behind it.

After all, for the past two years, Lyman's directorial works were mainly distributed by Paramount.

With this shift in stance, and considering Lyman's status as a money-making director, how could he not make some gestures?

Of course, Lyman had his own plans as well.

Though Firefly Films had just been established, maybe he didn't need to consider so much for now. However, if it grows, what if the projects clash with their distribution plans?

Despite Paramount's lackluster production quality these past two years, if they were to take over DreamWorks, his film company would hardly stand a chance in competing with them.

Why?

Between a biological child and an adopted one, which one is more valued? Can Paramount truly manage this balance?

This is also why Lyman insisted on establishing relations with Warner Bros. It prevents a situation where their release schedules clash, and Paramount ends up arranging a release in a less favorable time slot.

Warner Bros. operates the same way. If they prioritize their films, he would easily switch to another company.

In any case, everyone is just thinking of their own interests, and there's no right or wrong to it.