The Greatest Showman #1083 - Box Office Dividends

One thousand and forty-five box office dividends.

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Before "Edge of Tomorrow" entered filming and prior to its official release, industry professionals weren't particularly optimistic about its box office prospects. This wasn't due to personal biases but rather a reflection of broader trends in the industry.

In recent years, sci-fi films, once dominant in the box office market, had started to show a decline. While box office performance in North America has always been unpredictable, the overall trajectory was a sharp downward curve.

Superhero films, led by The Avengers, can be classified as science fiction, but their comic book adaptations play a more prominent role in their box office success. Therefore, these films are temporarily excluded from the general sci-fi film category.

The highest-grossing sci-fi film in recent years was undoubtedly Avatar, but beyond it, only four sci-fi films had surpassed $100 million in North American box office:

Star Trek ($257 million), which was both a critical and box office success, revitalizing the long-term prospects of the series.District 9 ($115 million), a low-budget sci-fi miracle that even earned an Oscar nomination.Men in Black 3 ($179 million), which performed better overseas than in North America.Tron: Legacy ($170 million), which, despite a significant production budget, was ultimately a financial failure.

From 2007 to 2012, only four sci-fi films crossed the $100 million threshold in the North American box office, which showed the overall market trend. This year, Edge of Tomorrow surpassed the $500 million mark in North America, creating a mythic success. But what about Gravity?

Industry experts believed that Gravity would be lucky to break $200 million in North America, a sentiment shared by Creative Artists Agency and Warner Bros. Otherwise, why would they offer a tidy 10% box office dividend?

Compared to Edge of Tomorrow's salary of $10 million plus a 5% box office dividend, Gravity's salary options are either $20 million or 10% of the box office. Warner Bros.'s calculations were spot on, offering a number that was both generous and strategic, while still retaining control over the situation.

The $20 million club at Creative Artists Agency was growing.

Choosing the $20 million option was conservative, ensuring that if Gravity followed in Edge of Tomorrow's footsteps, Renly would be compensated well. But it also meant a safer route, with guaranteed placement in the top echelons of the industry.

On the other hand, the 10% box office dividend option was a gamble. If Gravity didn't perform well and the North American box office fell below $100 million, Renly's salary would be substantially lower—potentially less than $6.5 million, putting him far behind other stars.

This was a big gamble, and Renly's future in blockbuster films could be at risk.

Despite these risks, Renly trusted Andy's judgment and agreed to the gamble.

"I need your input on Gravity before I finalize my recommendation. What's your take on the movie?" Andy asked, seeking Renly's opinion.

Renly smiled but didn't respond immediately. After a brief pause, he said, "This is an innovative sci-fi movie. I like it more than Avatar."

This was the truth. While Avatar revolutionized visual effects, Gravity went a step further by exploring deeper themes such as the origin of humanity and the meaning of survival. From a commercial standpoint, Avatar had more success, but artistically, Gravity was a masterpiece in its own right.

Andy, surprised by Renly's answer, hesitated for a moment but then chose to go with the 10% box office dividend, knowing it was a gamble.

"If Gravity doesn't do well, Renly's salary could fall below $6.5 million. That would be disastrous," Andy warned.

Renly, however, was unfazed. "I understand. But I'm confident about the film," he said simply, trusting in the decision and Andy's judgment.

Andy sensed Renly's trust and felt a surge of pride. He had guided Renly to this point, but now it was a matter of the future—the long-term career prospects that rested on the success of Gravity.

"Do you know what this means, Renly?" Andy asked cautiously, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Renly chuckled. "I remember, Andy. Back in February, after Berlin, when I suggested the concert. You agreed wholeheartedly, and helped make it happen. This is no different. I know what it means, and I trust you."

Andy was momentarily choked up but quickly regained his composure. "Alright. I'll handle the negotiations with Warner Bros. Leave it to me."

Renly noticed the slight crack in Andy's voice but didn't comment, instead shifting the conversation. "By the way, how's the casting going for Gravity? Has the key role been confirmed?"

In Gravity, after an accident, two astronauts survived, but one sacrifices themselves for the other's survival. Renly had discussed this with Alfonso, as the original script called for a male to sacrifice himself. But with Renly now joining the cast, the question arose: should the character sacrifice still be male, or should it be reimagined as female?

"Three days ago, we confirmed the final candidates for the role. The auditions are happening today," Andy replied, regaining his composure. "Would you like to know the last three candidates?"

Renly was intrigued. "Yes, of course. I'm curious about the other actors."

Andy continued, "The final candidates are Amy Adams, Jessica Chastain, and Rooney Mara."

Renly was taken aback. "They actually auditioned? I didn't expect that for a supporting role."

Andy smiled. "But this is an opportunity to work with Renly Hall. Alfonso had several other actors in mind, but they wanted to confirm everything through auditions."

Renly smiled at the thought, understanding the magnitude of the opportunity.