Chapter 146: Doug’s Envy

About half an hour later, the three arrived at the company building.

This was Lily's first time at Hemera Films, as well as her first visit to a production company, so she was filled with curiosity, looking around as they walked.

Soon, the three of them reached the editing room, where Doug Liman, Mia, and Sierra, who happened to also be at the company, were waiting for them.

"Thanks for your hard work, Doug!"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the film began to play.

Perhaps because Doug Liman was also the director, the film's style and pacing were almost identical to the original *The Bourne Identity*.

However, with Wayne as the male lead, Jessica as the female lead, and supporting roles played by stars like Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, and Kate Winslet, the visual appeal of the film far surpassed the original by several levels.

Additionally, Wayne was much more capable in action scenes compared to Matt Damon, and the stunt doubles came from Yuen Woo-ping's team of martial artists.

So even though the film had a realistic style, without exaggerated or humorous elements, it was still incredibly cool and exciting to watch.

It made people want to exclaim, "Oh my God!" "Cool!" "Unbelievable!"

At least, Lily was constantly gasping in amazement throughout, and even Jessica, who already knew the plot as the lead actress, was completely absorbed, unable to take her eyes off the screen.

"Wow! Wayne, you're so cool!"

"You're just realizing that?"

Wayne didn't shy away from Jessica's compliment; he hugged her and kissed her.

Then, as if worried Mia might get jealous, he kissed her as well, sharing the affection equally.

This left the editors, including Doug Liman, with envious expressions, thinking to themselves that being rich really does allow you to do whatever you want.

"So, what do you think? Is there anything that needs to be adjusted or changed?" Doug Liman asked.

Wayne quickly compared the film to the original in his head and smiled. "It's great. I think we can arrange the release as soon as possible!"

Compared to the original, this version of *The Bourne Identity* surpassed it in every dimension, and that was enough.

When the original was released, only Matt Damon had any real star power, and even his popularity had taken a hit after a few unsuccessful films.

Despite this, *The Bourne Identity* still grossed $121 million in North America and $214 million globally, so there's no reason why this version, with bigger stars like him, Jessica, and Nicole Kidman, wouldn't perform even better.

In fact, he expected this version to gross over $200 million in North America and more than $350 million worldwide.

It didn't seem like a difficult goal to reach.

"Okay, I'll follow the plan and get the release preparations underway," Mia said seriously, nodding.

Unlike many big productions that drag on for months or even half a year after completion before being released, the release plan for *The Bourne Identity* had been set as soon as post-production began in early January.

Without any delay, Mia submitted the film to the MPAA for rating on the same day.

Hemera Films had already prepared everything in advance, and Wayne had made it clear that the overseas distribution rights and DVD sales rights for the film would still be sold off, so with the MPAA being controlled by the "Big Seven" studios, not only would there be no obstacles, but they would also likely expedite the rating process.

That's one of the benefits of sharing the profits.

"By the way, how's the acquisition of Industrial Light & Magic going? Have you had any luck with George Lucas?" After leaving the editing room, Wayne didn't rush out of the company but started talking to Sierra about acquiring Industrial Light & Magic.

"Not great," Sierra shook her head. "I've already offered $110 million, but George Lucas still hasn't budged. I think even if we raise the price by another $10 million, he might not agree to the sale."

Wayne raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked, "Why? Does he overvalue the company?"

"No, he doesn't disagree with the $100 million valuation of ILM," Sierra explained.

"It's just that *Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones* is currently in production, taking up most of ILM's resources. He's worried that selling the company right now might affect the production of the movie."

Wayne frowned and said, "Even if he sells the company, the existing projects would still continue. Besides, ILM is his brainchild; there's no reason for him to worry about that."

Sierra shrugged, "That's what he says, at least."

"However, after meeting with him a few times and learning more about the production of *Attack of the Clones*, I've come to some guesses about his real reasons."

"I think there are two main reasons he's holding off."

"The first is that *Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones* doesn't have enough funding."

"Don't be fooled by how much Lucasfilm made from *Star Wars* and *Indiana Jones*, those profits were made over a decade ago."

"While *The Phantom Menace* earned $1.074 billion at the box office, most of the profit went to 20th Century Fox as the distributor."

"The production budget for *Attack of the Clones* has already risen to $110 million, and Lucasfilm is under a lot of pressure because they've taken on more of the investment."

"Then shouldn't he be more eager to sell ILM to free up some capital?" Wayne asked, puzzled.

"But he clearly wants more than that, like an investment that only takes a cut of the box office but doesn't share in DVD or merchandise sales, or even an interest-free loan. After all, a capitalist's greed is limitless, and George Lucas is no longer just a director, but the owner of a production company."

Wayne rolled his eyes.

While it's true that most directors and producers in Hollywood prefer using other people's money to make their films, with the risk falling on the investors if it fails, Lucas' approach seemed a bit too greedy.

But Wayne knew this was likely because word had gotten out about his recent investments in *Ocean's Eleven*, *Pirates of the Caribbean*, and *Spider-Man*.

After all, who wouldn't want investments that are high in capital but low in profit-sharing?

"And what's the second reason?"

"The second reason probably has to do with Pixar Animation."

(End of Chapter)