Simon considered for a moment, then said, "You can look at this as a different kind of career experience, Amy. First, you only need to commit two years. I already have three projects planned, and at least three more will be added next year.
Over the next two years, we will work together to complete these six projects. Relying on the popularity accumulated by 'Run Lola Run', I believe it won't be difficult for another one of these six projects to break into the top ten at the North American box office".
Amy Pascal couldn't help but interrupt Simon when he said this, "Simon, while 'Run Lola Run' was very successful, in my opinion, there were too many accidental factors involved.
There are around four to five hundred theatrical films released in North America every year. Getting into the top ten at the box office is definitely not as simple as you imagine; it's not just determined by the quality of the film itself".
Simon patiently listened to Amy Pascal finish her interjection before saying, "Amy, 'Run Lola Run', 'The Butterfly Effect', 'Final Destination', I think you wouldn't deny that all three of these screenplays are excellent, right?"
Amy Pascal hesitated slightly, then nodded.
Simon continued, "Since I can produce these three excellent screenplays, I am also confident in operating six sufficiently excellent projects over the next two years. This includes 'Final Destination', as well as my two upcoming directorial works.
As for the other three, I will also be very cautious. With six opportunities to once again aim for the North American box office top ten, I don't think there will be too much of a problem. If you insist that this is impossible, then there's really no need for us to continue talking".
Amy Pascal shrugged, "Alright, Simon, I'll temporarily agree to your assumption. What's next then? You still haven't given me a reason to work for you, have you?"
"If you hadn't interrupted me just now," Simon spread his hands, then pointed to a round table not far away. Amy didn't refuse, and they walked over and sat down together. Simon then continued, "So, the reason. Come work for me. Compared to your current authority as Vice President of Production at Fox, your involvement in the next six projects will significantly increase.
In fact, many people in the future will attribute this to your credit, because Simon Westeros is, after all, just a young kid under twenty. Moreover, as long as we achieve our goal of re-entering the box office top ten, this will further enhance your qualifications.
With these qualifications, if you decide to leave in two years, finding another job at one of the Big Seven will be easy. If you want to stay, then I naturally welcome it".
Amy Pascal smiled when she heard Simon's self-deprecating remark, but quickly sobered up after he finished speaking, saying, "Simon, I've noticed a problem. If all six of your projects fail, then the Big Seven might never accept me again".
"Of course, everything has risks," Simon didn't argue, saying, "But what if it succeeds? Or even succeeds spectacularly? Your current position is Vice President of Production at Fox, and as a woman, I think you should understand that this is almost the professional ceiling in Hollywood.
To continue to gain seniority at one of the Big Seven, you might have to wait ten years to advance further. But if you choose to work for me, and our projects over the next two years are very successful, even those old fogies at the top of Hollywood might think, 'Oh, perhaps we can let that woman give it a try'".
After Simon finished speaking, Amy Pascal's eyes finally flickered slightly. Noticing the boy opposite her observing her intently, the woman took a sip of the champagne in her hand and said, "Simon, you're being sexist".
Simon said innocently, "Amy, this is Hollywood's sexism, and it has nothing to do with me. If I were sexist, you wouldn't have heard what I just said".
Amy Pascal hesitated for a moment, then said, "Simon, what you just described is a very idealized outcome. Frankly, I think I have a greater chance of encountering the situation you described if I stay at Fox".
"Fox hasn't had a film grossing over a hundred million at the box office in several years, have they?" Simon retorted, and without waiting for Amy's answer, continued, "I know what you're worried about, Amy.
A young director who has just started to make a name for himself in Hollywood immediately wanting to recruit the vice president of a major film company, it sounds like a crazy thing to do. However, too many great things in this world begin with a crazy idea. You're only 29 this year; are you going to lose your adventurous spirit like those old men in their fifties and sixties?"
This time, Amy Pascal didn't answer quickly, instead taking small sips of the champagne in her hand.
Simon didn't rush her, waiting patiently.
After two or three minutes, until she had finished the champagne in her glass, Amy Pascal finally looked up again at the young man opposite her and said, "Simon, it's not impossible for me to work for you. However, I want 20% of Danelise Pictures' stock."
Simon immediately shook his head and said, "Amy, if your work is excellent enough, I will definitely give you some equity rewards in the future, but absolutely not now. However, to compensate you for your crazy choice of moving from a Big Seven vice president to an independent production company, I can offer you a packaged salary of $500,000 for the next two years. Of course, bonuses are separate".
In this era, without project commissions, the annual salary of a vice president at a major film company was not considered high, typically ranging from $100,000 to $150,000. Simon's offer of a packaged salary of $500,000 for two years at this time was definitely very sincere.
However, Amy Pascal was not swayed by Simon's salary proposal and insisted, "Simon, with the experience and connections I've accumulated, I could also start my own production company if I leave Fox; there's absolutely no need for me to collaborate with you.
So, if you want me to work for you, I have the right to demand a certain amount of equity. Of course, you can separate 'Run Lola Run' from Danelise Pictures; I won't share in those profits".
The turnover of executives at major Hollywood film companies has always been very frequent. Company sales, expired contracts, failed projects, and other reasons can all lead to personnel changes.
Those departing film company executives naturally wouldn't switch to other professions; they typically form a production company, either affiliated with a major film company or operating independently. The basic process involves selecting projects, raising investments, and selling distribution rights.
If the film makes money, investors and distributors take the lion's share, and they earn a production fee; if the film loses money, investors and distributors still bear the losses, and they still earn a production fee.
At the same time, when the timing is right, these independent producers will be re-hired by major film companies.
This cycle repeats itself.
In such production companies, which purely earn a 'hard work fee,' the equity distribution among partners is usually very even, as everyone is simply contributing labour and does not need to inject much capital.
Simon had just negotiated a 'hard work fee' type deal for 'Final Destination' with Fox, and although this 'hard work fee' was somewhat high, Amy Pascal evidently viewed Simon's Danelise Pictures as a similar production company, which is why she asked for 20% of the company's equity.
Shaking his head again, Simon said, "Amy, Danelise Pictures is absolutely not just a production company that relies on a major studio, as you imagine. If conditions allow, I will do my best to build the company's own distribution network.
In the future, if possible, this company will also venture into television program production. Therefore, I cannot give you shares now, because I will invest everything I own into this company, not just simple personal labour".
Amy Pascal listened to the confident words of the young man opposite her, full of youthful ambition, but said, "Simon, I happen to remember that Orion only announced the establishment of its own television production department last month. That company was founded in 1978, which is 9 years ago now.
Moreover, the five founders of Orion were all senior industry executives who had been operating in Hollywood for many years, and they also relied on Warner's promotion and distribution channels for their first few years.
So, to establish a distribution network and set up a television department, how many years do you think it will take for you to achieve these things? Or, do you think you can achieve them?"
"Last June, I met my agent for the first time. Hearing that I planned to direct my first film, he told me, 'Simon, Hollywood directors usually don't direct their first film until after they're thirty. You're still too young; you shouldn't be in such a hurry.' Then, I didn't wait from eighteen to thirty; in just over half a year, everyone saw 'Run Lola Run'" Simon said, beckoning a nearby waiter to come over and serve Amy Pascal another glass of champagne.
Then he smiled and stood up, saying, "Amy, I'm really looking forward to you seeing for yourself how I accomplish these things in a few years, or rather, how we accomplish them together. Oh, by the way, this matter is quite urgent. How about you give me a reply by next Monday?"