Chapter 61: The French Director

In the meeting room, the conversation between Ronan and Hassan and Hussein was lively.

"This has been a pleasant collaboration. I appreciate both of your trust and support in Sand Sea Entertainment," Ronan said, not intending for them to leave empty-handed. He handed each of them an invitation card. "The film's premiere in Abu Dhabi, which both of you invested in, will feature your names and portraits in the credits. It would be an honor for you to attend."

Hussein eagerly accepted the invitation and asked, "Can we bring our families?"

Ronan nodded, "Of course."

Upon hearing this, Hussein smiled from ear to ear. The opportunity for his children and family to see their names and portraits in a Hollywood film was quite an honor.

Making money and gaining prestige, such opportunities were rare.

However, Hassan's considerations went beyond Hussein's thoughts. Thinking about investing $300,000 and easily getting back over $500,000 in less than a year, his desire to invest more grew stronger.

While the amount wasn't significant for him, the high return rate made it tempting.

"Mr. Anderson," Hassan accepted the invitation and suddenly asked, "I heard that Hollywood film companies produce numerous films every year. Is Sand Sea Entertainment only producing 'Human Purge Plan' this year?"

Ronan calmly responded, "Certainly not. Sand Sea Entertainment aims to become a major Hollywood company. We plan to invest in and produce two large-scale film projects next."

Before he could finish, Hassan interrupted, eager to ask, "Is your company still seeking external financing for the new projects?"

"Yes," Hussein added, eagerly looking at Ronan, "Are you still seeking external financing?"

Given the success of their previous financial dealings and Sand Sea Entertainment's excellent reputation, Ronan-Anderson was a reliable and capable young man.

Ronan nodded slowly and said calmly, "One project will be a collaboration with the Investment Bureau. As for the other project... Well, I plan to seek financing. After the premiere of 'Human Purge Plan,' we will hold a financing event. If you two are interested, you're welcome to attend."

Hassan nodded thoughtfully, "I will definitely attend."

Hussein echoed, "I will attend too."

"Your presence is most welcome," Ronan said with a smile.

Hassan then inquired, "Mr. Anderson, may I ask how much investment is needed for this project?"

With the tremendous success of 'Human Purge Plan,' if the investment for this project didn't exceed their psychological bottom line, he and Hussein could easily take it on.

As Hassan and Hussein were close friends, Hussein also looked at Ronan with interest.

"The budget is around $15 million," Ronan replied calmly, speaking frankly, "There may be additional investment needed later."

Hassan gently stroked his beard. $15 million was a substantial amount of capital. While he and Hussein could afford it, they also needed to consider the risks. After years in business, they knew better than to put all their eggs in one basket.

After some more discussion, Robert timely brought Abu Dhabi media into the meeting room, who then interviewed Hassan and Hussein.

As not particularly wealthy businessmen in Abu Dhabi, Hassan and Hussein were happy to accept the interviews.

"This has been a highly successful investment," Hassan said, maintaining his composure, "Sand Sea Entertainment, based in the United States, has an outstanding reputation and has produced a great film. The profits generated by the film prove this."

Hussein praised enthusiastically, "This is the highest return on investment I've had since I started my business. I was hesitant at first, but Mr. Ronan-Anderson has proven with facts that this deal was very profitable. I regret being too conservative at the beginning and investing too little. Fortunately, we still have the opportunity to cooperate with Mr. Ronan-Anderson."

After the interview, the two inquired about the timing and location of the financing event, then left the meeting room.

As they descended to the lobby of the hotel, instead of leaving immediately, Hassan and Hussein found a quiet corner and began to discuss.

"This is a great opportunity!" Hussein exclaimed excitedly, "I missed the last one; I can't afford to miss this one."

Hassan frowned, deep in thought, but said nothing.

Hussein continued, "We were invited by the Investment Bureau, and we'll continue to collaborate with them. Our first investment has yielded the expected returns, and Mr. Ronan-Anderson and Sand Sea Entertainment are trustworthy."

"Mr. Ronan-Anderson is indeed trustworthy," Hassan affirmed without doubt, speaking slowly, "But have you considered that $15 million is too much pressure for us?"

Hussein slapped his thigh, "You never know how much you need until the money is needed."

Suddenly, Hassan's phone rang. When he answered, he heard the voice of another friend, "Didn't you go to settle that Hollywood investment? Did you really make money?"

"We really made money, and it's already in my account, almost doubled."

The voice on the other end sounded surprised, "Really? Such generous returns? Are you sure?"

"Yes... Hassan." The voice on the phone sounded somewhat ingratiating, "Can you introduce me to that young Hollywood tycoon?"

After a moment's thought, Hassan replied, "No problem."

Ending the call, he looked at Hussein, "Without affecting our cash flow, we should invest more this time."

Hussein nodded heavily, "Agreed!"

...

At Abu Dhabi International Airport, Mansour stepped off his private jet and specially invited a guest from the artistic city of Paris into his extended limousine.

"Minister," the man, with a hint of Arab features, said, "Have you read my script?"

Mansour took the script from the side and held it, saying, "Mr. Fandan, the script is excellent, and I have also watched the two films you directed, which are quite distinctive."

The man had directed two films, which had also been released in France. Mansour had watched both and had detailed investigations conducted in Paris. This director, Fandan, with partial UAE heritage, was rapidly rising in the French film circle and had won significant awards at two local film festivals.

The information obtained from the investigation showed that he was a director with great potential in Europe.

Fandan was very satisfied with the attitude of this Arab big shot. He said, "I have one-quarter UAE blood, and it has always been my wish to return to the Arab world to make films. This script will turn into an artistic representation of Arab society in my hands, showcasing Arab society and culture to the world."

He became a bit excited, "For $8 million. Minister, with just $8 million, a film representing Arab artistic achievements can be created!"

Mansour subtly frowned and said, "Some of the plotlines aren't very suitable, especially poverty, which doesn't fit Abu Dhabi."

"This is artistic processing based on reality," Fandan seemed prepared, and his words were persuasive, "Great film works must have criticism and philosophical speculation to ensure their artistry. I plan to submit this work to one of the three major European film festivals. As long as it enters the competition unit, this film will undoubtedly attract global attention, and the name of Abu Dhabi will be spread worldwide."

Hearing about the three major European film festivals, Mansour was somewhat moved. The influence of the three major film festivals was enormous, and through them, Abu Dhabi could further expand its reputation.

After listening to Mansour, Fandan seemed a bit impatient. Weren't these Arabs supposed to be very rich? Couldn't they even afford $8 million? Didn't they raise nearly $10 million from the Hollywood company through the Investment Bureau earlier this year?

As someone with some UAE heritage, Fandan knew an official from the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau. Last month, when the official went to Paris on official business, he entertained him, and during the conversation, the official mentioned something about film investment, which gave him great inspiration.

He had directed two small productions and had always wanted to raise funds to shoot a truly influential film, thus breaking into the mainstream European film circle.

But finding investment was too difficult; European directors had a harder time than Hollywood directors in this regard.

The words of the official from the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau reminded him of the wealthy oil magnates. With the help of his friend, the official, he met Mansour at a cultural exchange event in Saudi Arabia last month and initially impressed the powerful prince.

Putting down the script, Mansour said, "Mr. Fandan, I have another Hollywood film project on my side. After comprehensive consideration, I will give you an answer."

His words were polite, but Fandan was getting a bit impatient.

On Mansour's private jet, he had heard someone say that the Hollywood film invested by the Investment Bureau was going to premiere in Abu Dhabi this afternoon.

The official friend also quietly told him that the producer of that film, Ronan-Anderson, had brought a new project, ready to continue cooperating with the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau.

Thinking back on Mansour's words, Fandan came to a conclusion. Just like how Hollywood movies were constantly threatening French movies, that damn Hollywood producer seemed to be in competition with him. Mansour's comprehensive consideration meant choosing between the two?

Fandan's heart sank. With those Hollywood idiots around, the likelihood of Mansour cooperating with him would be greatly reduced.

How many of the young idiots in Hollywood really understand the art of film? As a true French director, he still had some basic understanding.