bacchusnovels Chapter 161: Iron Man Filming Begins
Chapter 161: Iron Man Filming Begins
July 21, Los Angeles.
Sunlight streamed into the bedroom through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Fu Yibai opened his eyes. Annie was still asleep in his arms, her hair spread out on the pillow, her breathing even.
He gently moved her arm away and got out of bed.
Anne was still dreaming when I came out of the bathroom.
Fu Yibai didn't disturb them and went downstairs quietly.
"Mr. Fu, the food will be ready soon, please wait a moment."
"Thanks a lot."
Fu Yibai walked behind Liu Yan, gently hugged her waist, and affectionately kissed her cheek.
Liu Yan trembled slightly, then relaxed, leaned back into his arms, and rubbed her face against his chin.
"Stop messing around, the fried egg is going to burn."
Her voice was soft, with a hint of indulgent laughter.
Fu Yibai didn't let go, resting his chin on her shoulder, watching her flip the fried egg in her hand.
Liu Yan's ears slowly turned red, but her hands remained steady.
The fried egg is plated, the bacon is flipped, and the toast pops out of the toaster.
She turned off the stove, turned around, wrapped her arms around his waist, and buried her face in his chest.
"Mr. Fu..."
"Um?"
"fine."
She said sullenly, and hugged him tighter.
Fu Yibai raised his hand and ruffled her hair.
Liu Yan stayed in Fu Yibai's arms for a few seconds, then raised her head and kissed him on the lips.
"Okay, let's eat."
"Okay, let's go."
After breakfast, the two drove to Franchise Film Studio.
As soon as the two entered the hall, Margaret came to greet them.
"Boss!"
She walked over quickly, a smile on her face and barely suppressed excitement in her eyes.
"Everything is ready and we can turn it on at any time."
The total budget for the Iron Man project was $1.2 million.
Of these, franchises account for 50% and Universal Pictures accounts for 30%.
Fu Yibai received a director's fee of 1000 million plus a US$1400 million commission, representing a 20% stake.
"Okay, inform the team that we're leaving the day after tomorrow."
"Yes."
Fu Yibai arrived at his office and began to review the development of the franchise film company during this period.
First, there's the box office performance of "Twilight" and "The Devil Wears Prada".
Twilight ultimately grossed $4.74 million worldwide.
The second part of the novel has already begun to be written.
It is expected that the second part will be adapted into a screenplay next year.
The Devil Wears Prada ultimately grossed $3.43 million.
Compared to the high-budget "Twilight," "The Devil Wears Prada," with a budget of 30 million, yielded a return of more than ten times, making Franchise Studios a household name in Hollywood.
With this film, Franchise Pictures successfully paid off all its external debts.
Fu Yibai checked the current funds in the accounts of the franchised film company.
This year, Franchise Pictures invested in many foreign films, some of which were profitable and some were not.
But overall it is profitable.
After investing in "Iron Man", Franchise Studios still had $3.8 million left in its books.
"Margaret, come here for a second."
Fu Yibai dialed the intercom, and soon Margaret walked in from outside.
"Boss, you wanted to see me?"
"Um, I have something to ask you."
"Please speak."
Do you know what Marvel is up to right now?
"Marvel?"
"Um."
After failing to buy back the rights to Iron Man, Marvel bought back Captain America and Thor from Lionsgate.
I heard they seem to be starting a Captain America project.
It seems they're currently in the preliminary preparation stage.
"Oh? Captain America?"
So, I see that the company still has $3.8 million in its books.
Next, you spend all that money.
Give me all my efforts to acquire the Marvel character rights from other production companies.
There are several key players among them that you should prioritize acquiring.
It's okay if it's a bit more expensive.
Margaret immediately took out her notebook and began taking notes.
"First, Black Widow, then Hawkeye, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, and Scarlet Witch."
These five are preferred acquisitions.
You can decide for yourself who plays the other roles.
Fu Yibai is going to play big.
He wanted to take advantage of the fact that Marvel Studios had just been established and was short of funds to preemptively acquire some characters that he hadn't had time to acquire.
Whether the franchised studio develops these projects itself in the future, or sells them at a high price to Marvel Studios, which wants to build the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it will be a sure-fire way to make money.
"Understood, I will contact these copyright holders as soon as possible."
Although Margaret didn't understand why Fu Yibai valued these roles so much, she knew how sharp Fu Yibai's eye for talent was.
"Very good, that's all."
Go ahead and get busy.
"yes!"
The next day, Fu Yibai did not go to the franchise film company, but went to Star Shine instead.
Six months have passed, and it's time for him to check the accounts.
Chen Zheng is indeed an excellent investment manager.
His judgment is very accurate.
The market value of the tech companies I invested in earlier nearly quintupled in just a year and a half.
Chen Zheng exited the market when the valuation was at its highest.
Under Chen Zheng's management, Xinghui's cash balance once again exceeded US$5 million.
It also holds shares in Google, Apple, Tencent, and other technology companies.
"Well done, your and your team's bonuses will be five times higher this year."
"Thank you, boss."
"I have a task for you now."
Please keep an eye on these companies for me, and try to get me a stake in them.
Fu Yibai listed several companies that develop chips for Chen Zheng.
His purpose is self-evident.
"Okay, Mr. Fu."
After leaving Xinghui, Fu Yibai took Liu Yan for a stroll in the city center.
They didn't return to the villa until evening.
On June 23, filming for "Iron Man" officially began in Los Angeles.