bacchusnovels Chapter 92 Warner
Chapter 92 Warner
Franchise Studios Top Floor Office —
Margaret is very efficient.
Within three days, she had already contacted the heads of Warner Bros. and Paramount through her personal network.
When Margaret pushed open the door, Fu Yibai was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window answering a phone call.
"Okay, I understand. Have Zhao Qi prepare the materials. I'll be back next week."
He hung up the phone and turned around.
Margaret sat down opposite him and got straight to the point:
Warner and Paramount have both replied.
Paramount's attitude was positive, but their conditions were demanding; they wanted control.
The Warner executives would like to meet with you first.
Fu Yibai was somewhat puzzled.
"See me? When?"
"Tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM, Warner headquarters."
Margaret paused.
"Also, there's news from Leonardo's side."
His agent replied that the script had been submitted, but there had been no feedback yet.
Fu Yibai sat back down at his desk.
"That's normal. Actors of this caliber don't take on scripts easily."
Continue to follow up.
"clear."
The next morning, at Warner Bros. headquarters.
Fu Yibai was wearing a dark blue suit, with Margaret by his side.
Guided by the receptionist, the two walked through the corridor and into a spacious conference room.
There were already people waiting in the conference room.
Kevin Tesuhara was in his early fifties, with graying hair and shrewd but not overly sharp eyes.
He stood up to greet him, his gaze lingering on Fu Yibai for two seconds before he extended his hand.
"Fu, I have admired you for a long time.
Seeing is believing when you see a director who has won the Berlin Golden Bear.
"Kevin, you're too kind."
Fu Yibai grasped his hand.
"Margaret said you wanted to see me, and I also wanted to come to Warner for a visit."
The two sat down, and the assistant brought in coffee and then left.
Kevin didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"Margaret showed me the script for Inception."
To be honest, I haven't seen such an interesting notebook in a long time.
The main reason I asked you to meet with me is to see the director that Franchise Entertainment has selected.
Kevin's gaze lingered on Fu Yibai for a moment, a mixture of scrutiny and curiosity.
"As far as I know, Director Fu is only twenty-four years old this year."
I've heard about all your impressive resumes.
But a production with a guaranteed budget of $150 million is not in the same league as the films you've made before.
He spoke very directly, without any embellishment.
Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, his expression unchanged.
"Kevin, you've read the script."
What kind of director do you think should be given this script?
Kevin did not answer immediately.
He clearly saw the commercial potential and artistic ambition of this book, including its dream-stealing premise, multi-layered narrative structure, and imaginative space for visual spectacle.
It was precisely because he understood this that he wanted to meet the person who wrote the book.
"A good director."
Kevin said.
"A director who can handle both grand scenes and delicate emotions."
Fu Yibai nodded.
"So you think I can't do it?"
Kevin smiled.
"Fu, that's not what I meant."
I just want to say that 150 million US dollars is no small sum.
If Warner Bros. is to participate in this project, they need to have complete confidence in the director.
"So what do we need to do to give Warner confidence?"
It was Margaret who spoke.
She took over the conversation at the right moment, her tone calm yet weighty.
"Kevin, Director Fu's resume speaks for itself."
"Caught in the Web" won the Silver Bear and Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, and its box office revenue in the Chinese market exceeded 100 million yuan.
He has made films of different genres, but each one has reached the required standard.
This isn't luck, it's ability.
Kevin glanced at her.
He knew Margaret; she had worked in Hollywood for over twenty years, and he trusted her qualifications and character.
Her willingness to work with this young Chinese director is itself an endorsement.
"Margaret, I'm not questioning Fu's abilities."
Kevin picked up his coffee and took a sip.
"I just want to say that if Warner Bros. is going to get involved in this project, they need to make sure the director can stay focused throughout."
We cannot be distracted by other things, and we certainly cannot change personnel halfway through.
"That's natural."
Fu Yibai responded.
"If Warner Bros. gets involved, I will make Inception my most important project next."
Other tasks can be postponed.
Kevin hesitated for a moment, then finally stood up and extended his hand.
"Welcome to Hollywood, Fu."
In fact, Warner had already decided to invest before meeting Fu Yibai.
Having worked in this industry for so many years, he can tell who is truly talented and who is all show and no substance.
After meeting Fu Yibai today, he decided to take a gamble with Franchise Films.
"Thanks."
Afterwards, Fu Yibai and Margaret, representing Morning Light and Franchise Films respectively, discussed the division of investment shares with Kevin.
The next day, Fu Yibai dialed Han Shanping's number.
It was late at night in Beijing, but Han Shanping answered the call very quickly.
"Yi Bai? What's wrong calling at this hour?"
"Mr. Han, I have some good news."
I've been working on a project here in North America.
I wonder if China Film Group is interested?
Fu Yibai asked the question knowing the answer already.
"What project!"
Han Shanping's excited voice came through the microphone.
Fu Yibai spoke calmly.
"The project is an original science fiction project, tentatively titled 'Inception,' with a budget starting at $150 million."
The franchised film company will retain full control, with Warner Bros. co-investing, and reserving a 15% share for China Film Group.
"Is Mr. Han interested?"
Han Shanping did not answer immediately.
He took a deep breath on the other end of the phone and then laughed.
"Yi Bai, Yi Bai, you always manage to surprise me."
"Does this mean President Han has agreed?"
"nonsense!"
Han Shanping's voice was loud and clear.
"If China Film Group doesn't invest, how am I supposed to explain this to my superiors?"
A blockbuster with a budget of $150 million and Warner Bros. involvement—this is an opportunity that many people would fight over.
"You're reserving a share for me; that's a sign of respect for China Film Group."
"When will Mr. Han send someone over? The contract details need to be finalized in person."
"I will personally lead the team there tomorrow."
Han Shanping paused for a moment.
"Yi Bai, I'll remember this favor."