To be honest, James Wan had not expected that the person Leigh Whannell had arranged for him to meet was the COO of Dimension Films. He understood that Leigh meant well—they were friends and partners, both dissatisfied with the empty promises made by Lionsgate. James had provided the creative ideas, and Leigh had penned the script.
As for Steve Stabler, the man standing before him, James Wan had encountered people like him many times over the years.
The initial flicker of surprise on Stabler's face was something James understood—it stemmed from his appearance and skin color. Hollywood had never truly eradicated such unfair treatment.
Compared to that, the arrogance hidden in Stabler's words didn't bother him as much.
After all, the gap between them was evident. In front of Dimension Films and its powerful parent company, The Weinstein Company, he was indeed just a small-time director.
Leigh Whannell looked at James Wan, puzzled as to why his friend had suddenly fallen silent. This was the kind of opportunity they had always hoped for. After leaving Lionsgate, establishing a long-term, stable relationship with Dimension Films would undoubtedly make their future much easier.
Steve Stabler glanced at James Wan with a hint of curiosity. From the moment this meeting was arranged, he hadn't considered the possibility that Wan might refuse. The two sides were on completely different levels.
Dimension Films was offering a helping hand at a critical moment—surely they would grab it, right?
Saw had been a success, but Dead Silence had a lukewarm reception. There was a reason Lionsgate wasn't giving James Wan another chance.
The only reason Dimension Films was even interested was because the project had a modest budget of $1.5 million, and someone higher up had taken an interest. Otherwise, as the COO of Dimension Films, Stabler would never have bothered to meet with these two minor figures in person.
James Wan didn't take long to decide.
If this had happened before he met Matthew Horner, he would have jumped at the chance to collaborate with Dimension Films, expressing his gratitude with enthusiasm. But now...
A partner who treated him as an equal, was willing to grant him creative control, and invested without hesitation was far more appealing than someone who was arrogant and subtly discriminatory.
Not to mention, after what Matthew Horner had said that afternoon, who would still consider Steve Stabler? That would be asking for trouble.
Moreover, Matthew Horner's reputation in the industry was impeccable, far better than that of the domineering Dimension Films or The Weinstein Company behind it.
Given Dimension Films' track record, who knew if they would turn out to be another Lionsgate, making promises they couldn't keep?
With all this in mind, James Wan made his decision. He looked at Steve Stabler with a serious expression and said, "It's an honor to receive an invitation from Dimension Films."
Stabler smiled, assuming that Wan was agreeing.
But Leigh Whannell, having worked with James Wan for many years, recognized this as a typical, polite rejection.
"He's going to refuse."
With this realization, Leigh was about to speak up to persuade his friend, but James Wan subtly signaled for him to hold back.
James Wan then continued with a polite smile, "I would also love to collaborate with Dimension Films, but..." He paused before adding, "I have already found an investor and committed to working with them."
Hearing this, Stabler raised an eyebrow and instinctively asked, "Are you sure about this, James? Opportunities to work with Dimension Films don't come around often."
"I greatly appreciate Dimension Films' interest," James Wan replied firmly, "but I've made a promise, and I intend to keep it."
Stabler's brow furrowed slightly as he continued, "This project would be funded by Dimension Films and then distributed by..." He emphasized, "The Weinstein Company. Do you realize how rare an opportunity like that is?"
James Wan was well aware that The Weinstein Company was a powerhouse in the independent film world, with very strong distribution channels and capabilities.
But that was no longer enough to entice him.
Leigh Whannell looked at James Wan in surprise, unable to comprehend why his friend was so determined to refuse. The Weinstein Company's strength far surpassed that of Lionsgate, and partnering with them would bring enormous benefits. Why would James Wan reject them so decisively?
Strictly speaking, both he and James Wan were part of the independent film scene, though they focused on low-budget horror films rather than arthouse movies. The Weinstein Company was practically the highest level of film company they could hope to work with.
If they didn't collaborate with such a company, was James Wan hoping to find one of the major studios to partner with?
Leigh found that hard to believe. Before Dead Silence, maybe, but given the film's mediocre performance...
At this point, James Wan spoke again, more directly this time, "I'm sorry, Mr. Stabler, but I already have a partner."
"Very well," Stabler said, maintaining his composure. He wasn't interested in wasting any more time with such a minor director. "Good luck to you both."
With that, he stood up and left without another word.
Dimension Films was a busy and powerful mid-sized studio in Hollywood. Since there was no deal to be made, Stabler saw no need to waste further time and energy on these two small-time players.
"James!" Leigh Whannell exclaimed as soon as Stabler left. "What are you thinking? If we pass up this opportunity with Dimension Films, where will we find another one this good?"
He was understandably disappointed, running his hands through his hair in frustration. "Do you realize we just missed out on the best chance we've ever had?"
"Leigh, calm down," James Wan quickly said. "Hear me out first, okay?"
"Go ahead," Leigh replied, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
James Wan gestured as he spoke, "I've already found an investor and a production company." Seeing Leigh's reaction, he added, "I met with Matthew Horner at the Disney Studios this afternoon, and we discussed our new project. Matthew's Studio 13 will be the producer."
Hearing this, Leigh Whannell began to calm down, but he still had concerns. "Studio 13? That small shell company? It doesn't have any distribution capabilities, does it?"
If it were just about producing the film, they could probably scrape together the $1.5 million budget themselves. But filmmaking was never just about production—unless they didn't care about releasing it and just wanted to keep it for themselves.
James Wan knew what Leigh was worried about and quickly reassured him, "Matthew Horner personally promised me that he would give us full control over the production and would not interfere with our work. Moreover, he said he would ensure that the film is pushed through the distribution channels of one of the major studios."
He emphasized, "We're talking about one of the six major studios! Can Weinstein's distribution network compare to that?"
Leigh Whannell's eyes widened. "Did Matthew Horner really say that?"
"Absolutely!" James Wan nodded emphatically. "Matthew Horner has an excellent reputation."
"I know," Leigh replied, though still a bit skeptical. "But when it comes to independent films, The Weinstein Company is..."
James Wan couldn't help but smile. "Leigh, you're thinking too narrowly." He leaned back in his chair. "Matthew Horner has close, deep relationships with companies like Disney and Warner Bros. If his studio produces a film, it's easy to get it into the distribution channels of those companies. If we can potentially have one of the big six studios distribute our film, why would we treat it as a lowly independent project instead of a commercial one?"
Leigh Whannell thought about it and realized that James was right.
James Wan continued, "You might think Studio 13 is a small, newly established company. But have you considered how successful Twilight was last year? And as for Dimension Films... No, let's include The Weinstein Company and the Weinstein brothers as well. What's the highest-grossing film they've ever produced?"
"I think it was Chicago," Leigh Whannell replied after some thought. "It made about $170 million in North America."
"And Twilight?" James Wan asked, though he didn't need Leigh to answer. "It's time for us to move beyond the small, confined world of independent films."
Leigh slowly nodded. If there was a better future ahead, who would want to remain stuck in that small world?
James Wan wasn't naive; he could clearly see what was most advantageous. "Leigh, with Matthew Horner's connections, resources, reputation, status, and financial power, which of those is inferior to the Weinstein brothers? Some are far superior!"
"Alright!" Leigh Whannell finally made his decision. "Let's work with Matthew Horner. Forget Dimension Films and their condescending attitudes!"
Meanwhile, Steve Stabler got into his car, instructed the driver to head off, and immediately made a phone call, summarizing the situation.
"So the director of Saw doesn't want to work with us?" came the voice on the other end.
"Boss, James Wan has found a new partner," Stabler quickly explained.
"Who is it?"
Stabler hesitated for a moment. "I didn't ask."
"You didn't ask." The voice sounded slightly displeased but quickly continued, "Alright, Steve, you don't need to worry about this anymore. I'll find a chance to talk to James Wan myself."
"Understood." Stabler said a few more words before quickly ending the call.
It seemed that his boss had a particular interest in James Wan and his horror project.
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