Chapter 636: At the Same Studio

On the first day of 2008, a massive crowd gathered outside the Burbank Disney Studios. Countless reporters squeezed through the studio gates to witness the birth of another Hollywood super-production with a budget exceeding $250 million. This marked the first non-sequel film with a budget over $250 million, a figure alone that was eye-popping.

Furthermore, this project was a joint production by Disney Studios and Plan B Entertainment, with the renowned Andrew Stanton from Pixar directing and producing. The cast was equally impressive, featuring Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman.

"For over 80 years, many have attempted to translate this story into a more vivid and lively visual world. Andrew has waited ten long years to bring it to the big screen..."

In Sky Dance Pictures' David Ellison's office, Matthew watched on TV as Brad Pitt confidently addressed hundreds of reporters. At this moment, the superstar seemed rejuvenated and full of energy.

"Mr. Andrew Stanton and I will present a new and fantastic story and create an unprecedented fantasy world for the audience."

The television broadcasted thunderous applause, with Disney executives, Andrew Stanton, and Natalie Portman joining the journalists in clapping enthusiastically.

Matthew and David Ellison sat quietly in the office, saying nothing as they watched the press conference unfold.

Later, the Disney representative and Natalie Portman, the film's leading lady, also spoke briefly on camera. The Disney representative's speech was short, seemingly in line with their investment in the film.

Andrew Stanton's speech wasn't long either. The Pixar executive was better at doing than talking.

So, Brad Pitt delivered a lengthy and confident speech in conclusion.

"Being able to change this film fills me with incredible excitement. We're not just presenting a perfectly structured original story; we're venturing into an unexplored film territory."

Hollywood stars are all good at talking nonsense, and Brad Pitt was no exception. "This has been my belief and dream since I was a little boy."

He loudly proclaimed, "My ultimate goal is to leave the audience with a real sense of wonder through this film, making them believe that everything is possible and leaving them with anticipation. It's like the feeling you get when reading a sci-fi novel, when you immerse yourself completely into such a world, and you naturally feel a surreal sense of disorientation."

The television erupted in applause once again, and Brad Pitt returned to the center stage of Hollywood.

When the press conference ended, David Ellison picked up the remote and turned off the TV.

"Matthew, the collaboration between Brad Pitt and Andrew Stanton was something we orchestrated," David Ellison said, still somewhat worried. "If 'John Carter' ends up grossing over a billion dollars worldwide, we might as well jump into the Pacific."

"Looks like I need to prepare a life jacket," Matthew joked.

David Ellison continued, "The pit has been dug, and Brad Pitt has jumped in. Now we just wait for the final result."

Matthew nodded, "Let's hope for no miracles."

From what he's observed over the years, those once-notorious failures continued to fail. Will 'John Carter' be an exception?

David Ellison took a sip of water and said, "'Cloud Atlas' will begin filming in February, aiming for a summer release next year, featuring many well-known actors."

"I know," Matthew had already received the information.

"'John Carter' will be a bit later," David Ellison had reliable sources within Plan B. "Pixar's 'Wall-E' still has some finishing touches to complete. Once Andrew Stanton is done, he'll fully start pre-production for 'John Carter,' but filming will only begin after 'Wall-E' is released."

Matthew drummed his fingers on the chair armrest, "Once filming starts, Brad Pitt is unlikely to back out."

"I have some news you might find interesting," David Ellison suddenly smiled. "'Cloud Atlas' and 'John Carter's' interior scenes will mostly be shot at Disney Studios. The sets are not far from ours."

Matthew also smiled, "Right under our noses, huh?"

Due to an agreement with Walt Disney, both "Twilight" and "Fast & Furious 4" crews' interior scenes were also set at Disney Studios. Since signing the distribution agreement, part of the crew had been assigned to arrange the sets, busy with design and construction.

The upcoming actor auditions for both crews would also take place at Disney Studios.

"If their two projects succeed and ours fail," David Ellison said, shaking his head, "Matthew, we would be a laughing stock."

Matthew, however, was unconcerned, "It's fine; we have thick skin."

Thirteen Films Studio and Sky Dance Pictures were tied together, forming a community of shared interests.

"By the way," Matthew remembered a crucial question, "David, do you know the specific investment situation for 'John Carter'?"

David Ellison nodded, "I was just about to say that." He continued in detail, "This project has a production budget of $250 million. Disney agreed to greenlight it mainly because they don't have to shoulder much of the investment."

He cleared his throat and continued, "Disney is currently pushing your friend Johnny Depp's two projects - 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4' and 'Alice in Wonderland,' so their funds are limited. They are only investing $30 million in 'John Carter.'"

Matthew interjected, "Hollywood studios are always shrewd. If the project is a hit, they profit immensely as producers and distributors. If it fails, most of the losses are on others."

"Exactly," David Ellison sighed, "Hollywood's big studios are skilled at using others' money to hatch their own eggs."

Returning to the previous topic, he said, "Aside from Disney's $30 million, $70 million will come from pre-sales, co-financing, and sponsorships. The remaining $150 million is Brad Pitt and Plan B's responsibility, which is why Andrew Stanton abandoned us for Brad Pitt."

"Brad Pitt can solve the critical funding issue for him," Matthew knew this well, "which we cannot."

David Ellison added, "I still don't know how Brad Pitt plans to handle both 'Cloud Atlas' and 'John Carter.' Even if he can secure some financing, he might have to put in a lot of his own money. Reportedly, part of 'Cloud Atlas's' funding came from him mortgaging Plan B's equity. 'John Carter' will likely need even more loans."

Matthew laughed, "Obviously, he isn't as lucky as I am to meet David Ellison."

"Come on," David Ellison shrugged, "meeting you was my luck. If it weren't for you, I'd still be throwing money around aimlessly."

Matthew didn't respond. Honestly, without David Ellison's funding and Sky Dance's highly paid professionals, he wouldn't have been able to attempt running both "Twilight" and "Fast & Furious 4."

Just the funding issue would have significantly increased his stress.

Being a relatively cautious person, he wouldn't risk all his liquid assets.

The two then discussed "Twilight" and "Fast & Furious 4." Both scripts were finalized, directors and key crew members were in place, set designs and location scouting were underway. The next focus would be actor auditions.

The main cast for "Fast & Furious 4" was almost finalized, with potential first choices for the Jewish female role and the Asian male lead. If their screen tests went well, they could be confirmed.

All major roles in "Twilight" would be decided through upcoming auditions.

As noon approached, Matthew prepared to leave, but David Ellison stopped him.

"One more thing, I need your opinion." He pulled out a stack of comics from his drawer. "Warner Bros. approached me recently. They are shooting the 'Batman' series and want to capitalize on the film's potential popularity by producing a TV series about Gotham City."

"Oh?" Matthew didn't leave, flipping through a comic. "When will they start filming?"

David Ellison shook his head, "It's just an idea for now, no set timeline." He asked, "Is this series worth investing in?"

Matthew, who hadn't watched much TV, thought for a moment, "I don't know much about TV series."

He opened the comic, recognizing familiar characters. When David Heyman mentioned Nolan wanting him to play the Joker, Matthew had specifically read Batman comics.

"I'll take this comic to read," Matthew stood up to leave. "I have a lunch appointment."

David Ellison curiously asked, "Which beauty are you meeting?"

"Lily Collins, you don't know her."

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