Screenwriter Mystery

"Long time no see, Ellen."

Inside the Universal Studios offices in Los Angeles.

Ron Mayer looked at Zhao Yuan who was coming, went up to hug him, and greeted him in a long-lost tone.

Since the screenwriters' union strike.

At the request of the union, all members were prohibited from contacting the production company to discuss the content of the new script. As a result, although Ron Mayer and Zhao Yuan had made a lot of phone calls during this period, they never met. On the one hand, nothing related to the script was discussed.

"You look a lot stronger than before?"

Looking up and down at Zhao Yuan in front of him, especially when he stopped on his tense arm muscles, Ron Mayer raised his eyebrows and said something.

"You know, I have a lot of time left during the strike apart from attending events, so..."

Shrugged, deliberately steering the conversation to the content of the strike.

The effect of the [Enhancing Potion] improved Zhao Yuan's physical fitness in all aspects.

Moreover, this enhancement is still not over, but with his exercise and digging, he is constantly approaching the limit of the human body.

"If I have time, I also hope to be able to exercise like you."

Looking down on Zhao Yuan's sturdy body, Ron Mayer glanced down at his belly, which was still exposed even if he was covered by a suit, and couldn't help shaking his head.

"However, next, you may have to reallocate your time, at least not as leisurely as before."

Simply through a few personal topics, I got closer to Zhao Yuan.

In the office, Ron Mayer's words changed, and the topic turned to work.

"At present, judging from the news, the tentative agreement between the Screenwriters Guild and the Film and Television Producers Union has been basically finalized, and many TV dramas on ABC have also announced the rebroadcast information one after another, and "Modern Family" is also here. It is on the list of approved broadcasts, so I believe it will not be long before you will return to your busy screenwriting work."

"Actually, I've got the whole idea for the script for Season 1 of Modern Family, and I can't wait to get back to work."

Not to mention the first season of "Modern Family", even if it is the plot of the next six or seven seasons, as long as Ron Mayer needs it, Zhao Yuan can come up with it.

However, he naturally wouldn't do such a practice of drinking poison to quench his thirst.

The drama "Modern Family" is a springboard for Zhao Yuan to continuously accumulate fame.

Along with the ratings and the more TV series awards in the future, the greater the effect on his reputation in Hollywood will be.

At the same time, it can also better conceal his other identity.

Sometimes a celebrity halo can mask a lot of problems, especially in Hollywood, where there are so many celebrities killed by their eccentricities.

Are celebrities still celebrities if they are not unique?

"Of course, in addition to thinking about the story of "Modern Family", during the strike, I also conceived a new script."

Hearing that Zhao Yuan finally mentioned his new script, Ron Mayer's body leaned forward slightly, and his face looked like he was listening.

"The new script continues the shooting style of "Blair Witch", and still uses the pseudo-documentary form as the main line..."

"If that's the case, why not just shoot a sequel to Blair Witch?"

Hearing the shooting method of Zhao Yuan's new script, still choosing the form of a pseudo-documentary, Ron Mayer immediately opened his mouth and put forward his own views.

For production companies, franchises tend to be the least risky investment option.

Especially when the previous work "Blair Witch" has already reaped such a huge box office, if the sequel can be used as a basis for shooting, even if the box office is not as bright as the previous Witch, only half of the box office will be a fortune for Universal. Loss of trade.

"The story of "Blair Witch" is over for me with the first film. Of course, if Universal is willing to make a sequel, I'd be happy to sell the rights to the film."

"Blair Witch", as a movie that completely relies on 'fraudulent' marketing to collect a lot of box office, is destined to be impossible to leave a good reputation and bond with the audience.

Audiences may be fooled once by "fraudulent" marketing, but it is absolutely impossible to be fooled a second time, especially if the sequel to "Blair Witch" is still being played.

With an example as a reference, Zhao Yuan is well aware of the fiasco of the sequel to "Blair Witch" at the box office.

However, Ron Mayer apparently did not know the story behind it.

The huge success of "Blair Witch" inevitably affected Ron Mayer's judgment on the sequel.

Therefore, after hearing Zhao Yuan express his willingness to sell the copyright of "Blair Witch", Ron Mayer immediately began to think about the possibility of the operation, and at the same time, he tentatively asked Zhao Yuan in front of him.

"If Universal wants to win the copyright of "Blair Witch", what are your psychological expectations?"

In this regard, Zhao Yuan's "kindness" reminded the other party.

"You should know, Ron, that Blair Witch has grossed over $250 million worldwide."

Although, from the perspective of Zhao Yuan, it is very clear that under the influence of bad word of mouth, the sequel of "Blair Witch" will no longer have the possibility of successfully "deceiving" the audience.

But if Global Baba wants to give him money, then Zhao Yuan naturally has no reason to refuse.

"However, we all know that due to the influence of previous marketing methods, the word-of-mouth of "Blair Witch" is not ideal."

"However, 'Blair Witch' grossed over $250 million worldwide."

"This is just the box office of "Blair Witch". No one can guarantee that the box office of the sequel can continue the glory of the previous work. For Universal, there is a great risk in buying the copyright."

"Blair Witch has grossed over $250 million worldwide."

"Buying the copyright is only the first step for Universal. The follow-up script and filming require a lot of manpower and capital."

"Two hundred and fifty million dollars."

Ron Mayer kept finding various reasons, from the film's reputation, anxiety about the sequel's box office and the investment in filming in an attempt to reduce the cost of copyright.

However, Zhao Yuan was unmoved.

Only bite the "Blair Witch" box office revenue of more than 250 million US dollars and will not let go.

"Well, regarding the copyright of "Blair Witch", Universal will give an answer as soon as possible. Now let's continue to discuss the content of the new script."

Shaking his head, seeing that Zhao Yuan's attitude was firm, Ron Mayer could only give up the idea of ​​reducing costs from copyright, and turned the topic back to the new script that Zhao Yuan proposed this time. superior.

From Ron Mayer's tone, Zhao Yuan already knew that the copyright issue of "Blair Witch" had basically been finalized, and the follow-up negotiations would naturally be handled by lawyers. In this regard, the Screenwriters Guild has a special The lawyer is in charge of this, and Zhao Yuan doesn't need to bother anymore.

"As for the new script, although it is also shot in the form of a pseudo-documentary, the overall framework is more inclined to the content of "Modern Family" than the previous "Blair Witch", interspersed with the thrilling storyline in the daily..."