821-825

*Chapter 821: Reluctant to Leave*

It was just a few brief words, but their back-and-forth was seamless, like a mixed doubles team. Kate and Anson exchanged a look—

Brilliant.

It wasn't just the performance itself; the coordination and chemistry outside of the performance were equally rare. Actors who can find the same frequency at different levels and positions, forming a tacit understanding both in and out of character, add a touch of harmony to their collaboration. The chemistry that finally appears on camera is naturally different.

Kate herself is an experienced and inquisitive person, not just an actor but also a director, writer, and producer. It’s not because she's looking to try out work other than acting, but because she believes that understanding the roles of others can help an actor understand the entire process of filming.

For example, how the lighting is set up, how the shots are composed, how the camera moves. In different positions and angles, how should the actor present their performance? These details might seem trivial, but they can indeed make a difference.

Many young actors or "eye-candy" idols are criticized not just because they might lack acting talent but also because they lack a spirit of inquiry and a willingness to learn, which is another fatal flaw.

But Anson is different.

Despite his young age, his curiosity about acting is quite rare.

What he just said seemed simple, but it revealed a certain understanding and interpretation.

Kate looked at Anson without hiding the admiration and approval in her eyes—

Although she had already said it before, she didn’t mind saying it again now. She likes this young man.

Over there, Michelle’s insight wasn't as deep as Kate’s, but he could also grasp the underlying meaning in Anson’s words, making him think seriously for a moment.

"Anson, if you don’t mind, how about we shoot in real-time?"

"How's your physical condition now? Any problems running up and down?"

Michelle's hesitation wasn't really about Anson, but rather—

Kate.

If Kate ultimately leaves the crew, it would mean that all their filming tonight would be in vain, and they'd have to recast and start shooting again.

Michel Gondry knows his limits; he's not Luis Buñuel.

In 1977, when this Spanish national treasure director was shooting "That Obscure Object of Desire," halfway through the shooting, he was very dissatisfied with the actress who was initially playing the lead role. But the cost of changing the actress and reshooting everything was too high, so he simply replaced her with another actress and continued shooting until the film wrapped.

Yes, just like that.

Luis Buñuel used two different actresses to play the same role. His brilliance was in skillfully utilizing the different temperaments of the two actresses to present different facets and characteristics of the woman, blending seamlessly with the script and creating an astonishing chemical reaction.

When the film was released, countless critics and film enthusiasts rushed to analyze the reason why Luis Buñuel used two actresses for the same role—

In fact, it was just a last resort.

Of course, Michel could do the same, but he didn't think he had the ability of Luis Buñuel.

Thinking about it made Michel a bit sad.

He likes Anson and he likes Kate. He sincerely hopes both actors can complete the shooting of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." The sparks they just created in this scene further proved this point. Anson and Kate did not disappoint. He couldn't even imagine what the performance would be like if other actors were replaced.

Not even Jim Carrey.

But now, everything is still up in the air, and Michel couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.

If they hadn't returned to the apartment just now and had finished shooting earlier tonight, would his reluctance and regret be slightly alleviated?

However, he couldn’t say it or ask about it, so he could only take a deep breath and force himself to stay focused.

Anson naturally couldn't read all the thoughts in Michel’s mind. He just wanted to fully immerse himself in the shoot and do his job well.

No matter what happens with Kate, he at least needs to perfectly portray Joel.

"Of course, no problem," Anson agreed straightforwardly, "If I can’t, I'll find a way to interpret it as Joel being so excited and nervous that he feels weak in the knees and pauses to catch his breath at the door."

Ha ha, ha ha ha.

Anson’s self-mocking tone filled the apartment with laughter again.

No one expected that the next second, a banging sound came from the other side of the wall—

"Quiet! Quiet! Damn it! Do you know what time it is? I have to go to work tomorrow, for crying out loud. You better shut up right now, or I'll have the cops kick you all out."

A string of words, interspersed with a lot of curses and foul language, was heard.

The paper-thin walls of New York City apartments couldn't block any sound, and every word was clearly heard, as if they were talking face-to-face.

Inside the apartment, they all looked at each other.

Grant was a bit uneasy, wondering if he should go next door and apologize.

Then he saw Anson shrug slightly, "Looks like someone finally got off work."

Pfft.

Laughter erupted again.

But this time, everyone covered their mouths, stifling their laughter, and the atmosphere became lively again. Just a glance was enough to make the laughter break through once more—it was impossible to stop!

At this moment, the crew's atmosphere was completely different.

Gone were the sleepy, irritable, and angry expressions from before. Now, everyone's eyes were full of smiles.

And it wasn't just on the surface; it was a joy and happiness that came from within. This is what it looks like to fight for a dream.

Anson?

Perfect!

They had known this from the first meeting. They could feel the positive energy emanating from Anson, and now it seemed that he had injected this energy into the work, making the filming an enjoyable experience.

Without Michel needing to say anything, the crew quickly and spontaneously got back into action, ready to continue shooting.

Kate could also feel the huge change in the crew’s atmosphere in just an instant. When it came to acting, Kate had no worries; but when it came to working together socially, Kate didn't have that skill. Now, looking at Anson again, Kate made no effort to hide her appreciation, her eyes showing a hint of teasing.

Anson seemed not to understand, instead sizing Kate up.

"How's your body feeling?"

Kate immediately caught on, "To be honest, I'm still doubting the validity of those one-line, two-line results."

In other words, she didn't feel anything special in her body, let alone being pregnant.

Few people know that the accuracy of over-the-counter pregnancy tests is only 95%. In other words, the possibility of error is higher than imagined.

So, to ensure accuracy, it's still necessary to go to the hospital for a blood test.

Anson nodded in understanding, "No matter what, we need to finish the work as soon as possible so we can go back and rest early. Otherwise, I don't know how much longer these people can tolerate the two of us."

Pfft.

Kate couldn't hold back, her eyes full of smiles. Then, with perfect timing, she held out her fist toward Anson, "Looks like the two of us need to work hard."

*Chapter 822: At Your Beck and Call*

A question: When is New York the quietest in a day?

Maybe, at 4 a.m.?

When everything is silent and the entire city is lost in dreams.

But not necessarily; under the cover of night, the hustle, crime, and noise continue to surge in its veins.

However, during the morning hours, after the rush hour has passed, around 10 or 11 a.m., when all the hustle and bustle are concentrated on Wall Street and the towering skyscrapers, the residential areas quiet down.

Everything falls silent; even the sound of a stray cat landing is particularly clear.

At least, that's how it feels to Anson.

After reversing his days and nights, he only closes his eyes and falls into dreams when the sun rises. It's an unusual kind of quiet, even in his dreams—calm and serene, like clouds rolling by and wind blowing gently, sinking into sleep.

Until—

Knock knock. Knock knock.

The heavy knocking, as loud as thunder.

It woke Anson up immediately, but he didn’t get out of bed. Instead, he pulled the blanket over his head, trying to block out the noise.

Bang bang.

The knocking didn't stop, persistently pounding away, as if the entire door was trembling slightly. Clearly, the person wouldn’t give up.

Whew.

Anson threw off the blanket and let out a long breath.

He realized he was starting to develop laziness.

In his previous life, he was always on alert, like a startled bird. He couldn't even sleep soundly or stay in bed, and even when awake, he had to stay vigilant. His nerves were never relaxed.

But now?

Not an ounce of vigilance.

But... that’s a good thing, right? It means those shadows of the past are fading away.

Stretching lazily, he casually picked up his robe and went down the stairs.

While shooting in New York, Anson didn’t need to stay in a hotel anymore. He could return to his apartment every day and sleep in a familiar environment.

Last night was no different—

Despite some bumps, the shooting went smoothly overall. Anson and Kate found the right rhythm in their performances.

From indoors to outdoors, they shot all the way through.

They not only finished all the scheduled scenes but also managed to shoot some of the evening scenes in one go, making great progress.

The crew was busy until 5 a.m., wrapping up the night’s work.

As soon as he got home and collapsed onto the bed, Anson was already exhausted, out like a light.

Even now, Anson’s eyes were still squinting. His eyes and cheeks seemed a bit puffy, showing signs of the hard work from last night.

Then, he opened the door without pausing and turned back inside.

The guest standing at the door had a face full of confusion, "Aren't you worried it could be paparazzi or a crazy fan?"

That voice—it was unmistakably Edgar Cook.

Anson answered Edgar with a thud.

Edgar entered the hall and immediately saw Anson curled up on the couch like a cat, making him feel a bit helpless.

"Don't worry. The reason my family chose this apartment was for the security system. They say it's top-notch in New York. Although I don't know why they were so concerned, it seems to save trouble now."

As early as last year, while shooting "Spider-Man," the paparazzi had found out where Anson’s New York apartment was, but no one had managed to get in since then.

Outwardly relaxed, the apartment appeared casual and ordinary but was heavily guarded—

Perfect for those who value their privacy in high society.

Edgar thought carefully.

He entered the apartment without any special treatment; it seemed like an ordinary building with only basic inquiries and registration at the front desk.

It seemed pretty normal.

However, from beginning to end, he felt like his every move was being watched. If he acted suspiciously, got lost, or was turned away by Anson, who knows what would happen next.

Unintentionally, a chill ran down his spine.

But Edgar didn't dwell on it. At least it ensured Anson’s privacy in New York.

Originally, Edgar had an urgent matter, but seeing Anson now, he didn't feel so rushed, "Were you filming late last night?"

Anson murmured a response, paused, and asked again, "What time is it?"

"Just past 3 p.m.," Edgar checked his watch.

Anson exhaled softly, "I can sleep for a few more hours, but apparently, you have something urgent. If you don't start talking, I might fall asleep again."

Edgar’s mouth twitched a bit but couldn't help smiling, "Seeing you so calm means there's nothing to worry about, right?"

Anson didn't answer, his head buried in the couch, seemingly asleep again.

Edgar didn’t push, patiently waiting.

Then, Anson's slightly hoarse voice came muffled from the couch, "Oh, Kate?"

Anson lazily sat up, "News travels that fast to Los Angeles? Judging by the time, you heard it this morning and came right over?"

Edgar shook his head, "No, I flew over on Tom Hanks’ private jet."

"Ha," Anson laughed directly, "That urgent, huh?"

Edgar replied, "Anson, you’re my actor. You chose this project, and if the leading actress has issues, I need to be here first to help you handle it and protect your interests. You just need to tell me our stance."

This isn’t the kind of trouble easily resolved over the phone.

Anson was momentarily stunned, then rubbed his face like a cat washing its face and chuckled softly, "It's not that serious. We don’t have a stance."

"But."

"Captain, thank you. Thank you for taking this seriously and coming over right away."

"I know what agents are usually like."

Even top-tier stars like Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt don't have agents at their beck and call because there's a division of responsibilities. Personal matters are handled by assistants and managers, while agents oversee the big picture from behind the scenes, using phone calls, faxes, and emails as their weapons.

So even in emergencies, agents don’t necessarily need to be on-site. They often stay in Los Angeles, managing the situation via phone.

In other words, work is work; agents maintain their distance.

But real life isn't that simple. When an agent is willing to be hands-on, things often turn out differently.

Just like Edgar now.

That's very rare.

The longer Anson stayed in Hollywood, the more he realized it wasn’t a given. Beyond the ties of interests, there's the camaraderie of battle.

A simple "thank you," but Edgar’s eyes smiled even more.

From the moment he learned the news to confirming the movements of Kate Winslet’s agent to finding the quickest way to get to New York overnight, Edgar was now running on adrenaline, his mind racing.

During the flight across the North American continent, Edgar had imagined various scenarios and thought through different solutions. The whole night, he couldn't calm down. This tricky situation could lead the crew to various outcomes.

In the worst case, the project could get scrapped before it even progressed, which had happened before.

Wild thoughts raced.

But now, it was all worth it.

"So, you mean there's nothing to worry about? How is Kate?"

Chapter 823: The Backup Plan

Due to Kate Winslet's unexpected situation, Edgar personally rushed to New York, remaining on high alert, ready to handle any ensuing problems at any moment.

Seeing Anson's calm demeanor put Edgar somewhat at ease, but he quickly refocused the conversation on the pressing matter.

Anson remained sunk into the couch, seemingly trying to rouse his drowsy brain.

"Kate, it's just Kate."

"Captain, she's only pregnant. But that child isn't mine; I can be one hundred percent sure of that."

Edgar let out a wry chuckle. "Seeing you still have the mood to joke around, I feel a bit relieved. But Anson, we need to be prepared."

"If Kate really leaves the project, who should take over the lead role? We need to put some pressure on the director, the crew, and Focus Features."

Even when a project has already started filming or has wrapped up, unexpected situations can still arise at any moment.

"In a bit, I'll contact Kate's agent to discuss the situation. Then, we'll conduct a risk assessment. Hopefully, we can maintain control of the situation."

Movies, television, theater.

It's during these critical moments that a manager's skill and prowess truly shine.

"I probably didn't tell you, but because of last night's incident, I finally got into character. I could let go of Rose's shadow and see Kate purely as an actress, an ordinary person, a Clementine."

That was the real reason Edgar rushed to New York. He didn't want Anson to be disappointed, nor did he want "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" to encounter any setbacks.

Otherwise, every day of delay would bring more potential variables to the crew.

"Last time, during the audition for 'The Butterfly Effect,' she performed exceptionally well, leaving a deep impression. I think she could play a flamboyant and slightly neurotic character."

The comparison isn't entirely accurate, but Anson did think of Eva Green's role in "The Dreamers."

Simply put, Edgar wanted to take control of the situation—

Edgar paused, glancing at Anson.

Anson nodded. "A very talented actress, and very beautiful."

Edgar, "What?"

After briefly weighing the pros and cons, Edgar understood what Anson meant.

Edgar paused slightly. "I know, the ideal situation is for Kate to stay, and this turns out to be a false alarm. I wouldn't even need to come to New York, and everything would go back on track."

Actually, this is quite common in Hollywood—

Anson laughed heartily. "But if we're looking at a last-minute substitute, we don't have many options."

If that time comes, things could get very, very tricky—

Edgar didn't hide his surprise. "So you also fantasized about Rose? I didn't know Rose was your type."

Maybe, unlike Kate's version of Clementine, Eva could bring some unique qualities to the character, a sensitivity that hovers between rebellion and fragility.

But he needed to confirm, "Eva Green?"

From what he had heard, last night's filming was a disaster for the crew.

Edgar was a bit taken aback.

But now, they had to face this tricky issue.

Anson quickly caught on to the implication in the exclamation. "You have no idea who Eva Green is, do you?"

Although Edgar knew Nicole Kidman might not want to act as Kate Winslet's replacement, rejecting the offer seemed likely, he still needed to be prepared.

"You don't seem worried. This might be the first time we've encountered an unexpected situation during the movie's production."

Indeed, that's how things were.

Edgar, "Yes, I have no clue, but I trust she's excellent."

"Indeed, as you said, Nicole suddenly joining the crew would be an issue due to scheduling. No movie is more important than an Oscar; it's the top priority for Nicole this year."

"Firstly, I don't think Nicole Kidman would agree. The scheduling is tight, and being Kate Winslet's replacement is another issue."

"Anson, if Focus Features brings up Nicole again, I need to know your thoughts."

So.

It's all like this, as if in a dream.

"So, if there’s a scheduling conflict, the most likely outcome is to postpone filming."

In his previous life, Anson was unaware of the shooting timeline for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." Perhaps the movie was completed before Kate's pregnancy was confirmed, or maybe she decided to stay on after knowing about it.

Edgar, "What if Focus Features suggests Nicole Kidman again?"

Nicole Kidman?

Anson thought for a moment. "Eva Green."

"You should have seen our filming last night; it was really, really interesting."

Instead of wasting time haggling with A-list or B-list actors, it's better to use a lesser-known actor to quickly patch things up and resume filming.

"Secondly, I don't think Kate would leave the project—this is just my personal opinion, but I believe with Kate's personality, she'll eventually stay."

Otherwise, a manager would be no different from a real estate agent if they only discussed contracts and screened projects.

"Rather than calling it an unexpected situation, it's more like a necessary part of the collaboration process."

That way, when Edgar questioned Focus Features' potential proposal, he could offer a better solution to convince them.

Anson paused, still lying on the couch, but finally turned his head, propping himself up with his right hand, looking at Edgar, appearing a bit more awake.

Though tired, Anson seemed quite content.

Anson remained unhurried. "I still believe in Kate."

When situations change, the most important thing is to resolve it quickly, finding a band-aid to cover the wound amid the crew's daily losses.

"If we postpone to March or April, it might affect the shooting schedule for 'Spider-Man.' If we delay until November, it could affect your other engagements, and the budget for the entire crew would change, potentially ruining the project."

No one wants unexpected situations, but now that it's happened, it must be leveraged to its fullest potential, turning it to one's advantage.

"You know, when we love a movie too much, we often confuse the characters with the actors. Even if the actor is different in real life, we still equate them with their on-screen image."

Edgar, "Oh."

"But I'm here to prevent things from going off track."

Anson, "I still hope Kate stays, but I respect her decision. If she decides to leave, I believe Eva Green could handle the role."

"Haha," Anson laughed. "Instead of saying Rose is my type, it's more like the movie's influence is too profound, and it's hard to separate from the screen image."

Anson finally understood, his drowsy mind slightly clearing.

Edgar heard the teasing in Anson's last words and finally smiled. "Alright, I'll make a note of it."

After thinking it over, Edgar admitted, "Alright, I confess, the first time I saw Harrison Ford, I nearly screamed, 'That's Indiana Jones!'"

"So now, when you see Kate, you won't blush anymore, right?"

Chapter 824: Benefiting From Both Sides

"So now, when you see Kate again, you shouldn't get shy and blush anymore, right?"

Edgar's tone had a hint of teasing, but Anson didn't mind at all.

He smirked. "No, every time we meet, my heart still feels like it's about to explode."

"Haha." Edgar couldn't help but laugh out loud. "So, you still want to work with Kate?"

Anson didn't hesitate. "Of course."

"And I trust Kate. Captain, Kate is an actress. Although it might be unfair to the life growing inside her, Kate is still an actress who prioritizes acting over other things. She has a strong desire to continue making movies."

"But we still need to wait for the doctor's diagnosis."

As for Sony Columbia, it's not great but not terrible either. They've had both classic hits and flops, including ups and downs with the 'Spider-Man' series.

Sony Columbia tried to strike a balance between salary and profit sharing and finally came up with an answer—

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh, has the negotiation finally made a breakthrough?"

This standard line is double that of 'Spider-Man.' But then again, it's not surprising, considering the North American box office for 'Spider-Man' unbelievably surpassed $600 million.

So, making a sequel is an art in itself—

"Sony Columbia has set a box office target for the 'Spider-Man 2' sequel at $400 million in North America, but their real expectation is over $300 million."

In other words, Sony Columbia's expectation for 'Spider-Man 2' is to rank in the top ten of North American film history, which is quite ambitious.

But the reality is different.

"'Terminator 2,' 'Aliens,' these are rare cases. The first installment's box office wasn't that amazing to begin with, so after accumulating enough reputation, it set the stage for the second installment's explosion."

At first glance, these numbers might seem disappointing. From the first film's $600 million in North America to a steep drop in expectations of $400 million, even before the sequel is made, Sony Columbia seems to lack confidence, which is inevitably discouraging.

"Look at 'Harry Potter,' 'The Lord of the Rings,' 'Men in Black.' Sequel films can guarantee audiences will keep coming to the theaters, but surpassing the previous installment's stunning box office is really tough."

Anson laughed. "No, no, no. Sony Columbia is willing to compare us to 'Star Wars.' Oh my God, this is an absolute honor."

Leaving aside other factors, a $10 million base salary marks Anson's entry into the top tier of Hollywood. Hovering between the second and first lines, no matter the film's success or box office performance, as long as Anson signs the contract, this sum will go straight into his pocket.

However, film companies aren't stupid. They won't just hand over their box office profits to actors and producers with a friendly "you take one, I take one, everyone's happy."

The audience has built up an immunity, and the appeal of sequels has greatly diminished, leading many to suffer box office failures.

If she's really pregnant, can she continue shooting during pregnancy? Can her health handle the workload and the all-nighters on set?

A light tease, and Edgar knew Anson was joking all along. So, Edgar teased him back.

A total transformation!

Anson's right hand had already been lowered as he leaned back on the sofa, lazily glancing at Edgar. "What kind of schedule?"

Even classic movies like 'Indiana Jones' and 'Jurassic Park' have sequels, sequels, and more sequels. The 'Fast & Furious' series is another example.

"So."

Edgar's mouth twitched slightly.

North American box office exceeding $200 million would trigger the additional clause.

Edgar looked at Anson. "Sorry, these numbers might sound a bit disappointing..."

Apparently, Sony Columbia couldn't refuse.

Edgar took a deep breath. "I hope everything goes smoothly. I truly hope this project can be completed without disturbing our schedule."

But as previously mentioned, Edgar doesn't think the "20 Million Club" is the future of the film industry. So, instead of chasing the salary numbers, he focused on box office profit sharing, elevating Anson to a producer's role to share risks with the project and increase his influence.

Things like this.

But now, facing 'Spider-Man 2,' Sony Columbia showed restraint, which is commendable.

'Spider-Man' made history with a perfect blend of time, place, and people. But with the sequel, things are different.

"We all know the North American box office performance of 'Spider-Man' was off the charts. Replicating that success with a sequel is nearly impossible..." Edgar continued.

Anson chuckled. "So little confidence? Oh, I'm a bit hurt."

Edgar smiled again. "Did you forget about our packed schedule for the entire year? Of course, it's 'Spider-Man 2.'"

"When the North American box office exceeds $200 million, there's a 5% profit share."

Currently, there are only seven films in movie history that have grossed over $400 million in North America.

"I hope not."

"After all, we all know how the box office and reputation of 'Star Wars Episode II' went. Honestly, I have more expectations for 'Spider-Man 2.' I don't want you to end up like Hayden."

Hayden: ???

Chapter 825: Strategic Moves

Sequel movies are like a double-edged sword—they have both advantages and disadvantages. But before the movie hits the screens, no one knows if the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa.

Of course, this kind of gamble is also part of the fun.

After a light tease, Edgar quickly returned to the topic. "So, what do you think? If you're sure about this, I can confirm it with Sony Columbia, and we can sign the deal in New York soon."

Anson smiled. "Captain, to me, it's just a string of numbers. As long as we're not adding or missing a zero, it doesn't make much of a difference. I'll go with your judgment."

"But…"

"You flew all the way from Los Angeles overnight. Kate's situation is tricky, but that can't be all of it, right?"

"So, do you have another suggestion?"

Anson caught onto a keyword: signing in New York.

With a bit of thought, a bold guess formed in his mind.

Edgar thought he was used to Anson's perceptiveness, but he still couldn't help but smile. "Nothing gets past you, does it?"

"Yes, things are basically settled, and a 5% box office bonus is acceptable."

"According to Sony Columbia's expectations, if the North American box office hits $300 million, your total pay will be $15 million. If it hits $400 million, it goes up to $20 million."

"This way, you indirectly receive 'the $20 million club' treatment, without drawing too much attention or jealousy from other film companies."

"No matter how much you earn, other studios will have to keep quiet."

Lately, there’s been a tug-of-war in Hollywood over Anson's pay. Nobody expected Anson to take a different route by choosing "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," completely disrupting pay estimates and other studios' plans.

Meanwhile, Sony Columbia, in the spotlight, isn't simple either.

In the midst of all the attention and negotiations, they've managed to strike a delicate balance, satisfying Anson's needs, protecting their own interests, and silencing other eager voices.

You have to admit, Sony Columbia knows what they're doing.

Thinking about it, it's not surprising—

Ten years later, Disney will establish a new empire in Hollywood with Marvel films, and they'll want to buy Spider-Man's rights back from Sony Columbia. However, Sony Columbia will firmly refuse.

If they just refused and went their own way, it would mean they were tough and understood the value of holding onto those rights. Smart, but not wise.

But Sony Columbia goes further.

They actually cooperate with Disney, throwing Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Avengers. At the same time, they develop Spider-Man across films, animation, and TV. The critically acclaimed and commercially successful animated film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" will carve out a path through Disney's dominance.

That’s true brilliance.

Looking at it now, Sony Columbia's leadership definitely knows what they’re doing.

The downside is that the negotiations are getting tougher.

The upside is that they know when to advance and when to retreat.

If you're not smart enough, Sony Columbia might sell you out without you knowing—like Tobey Maguire in the past. The collaboration on "Spider-Man 3" completely angered Sony Columbia, shattering Tobey's dream of reaching the pinnacle of Hollywood.

But if you're smart enough, you might be able to achieve a win-win situation with Sony Columbia.

That's what Edgar is planning.

It seems like things have been settled; Sony Columbia has played their cards well. However, Edgar believes there's still room for negotiation.

"I came all the way to New York hoping to push a little further. I think Sony Columbia won’t refuse."

"I suggest a tiered bonus structure starting from $200 million in North American box office."

"At $200 million, 4%; at $300 million, 6%; at $400 million, 8%."

"After $500 million, regardless of the final number, every additional $100 million should come with a bonus of $1 million. Even if it's just $501 million, the same applies to $600 million, $700 million, and so on."

In simple terms, it's about directly tying Anson's compensation to the box office, making Sony Columbia aware of his market value.

Anson didn't interrupt—

The whole thing is too intricate and bothersome. He knows that Edgar has a reason for doing this; the focus isn't on those few million dollars.

Sure enough, Edgar wasn't done talking.

"We need to prepare for the third installment."

"Though we're just shooting the second film, we all know, including Sony Columbia, that regardless of the sequel's performance, as long as it doesn't flop and only make around $100 million in North America, a third movie is inevitable."

"We're planning, and Sony Columbia is also preparing and being cautious."

"If your pay is too high, leading to escalating production costs, Sony Columbia will face immense pressure, and our collaboration could run into trouble."

"So, my plan is to let Sony Columbia realize your market draw. But instead of demanding guarantees from them, we're willing to share the risk through a box office bonus."

"They'll need to make concessions, and they'll lose quite a bit. However, we help them lower costs and are willing to share the risk together."

"This is a deal. By working together on the second film, we can test each other out. I think it's a good thing."

That makes sense.

Anson raised his chin slightly. He knew Edgar was plotting more, showing no hesitation even when dealing with top-tier film companies like Sony Columbia.

"Honestly, Captain, what's your ultimate goal?" Anson suddenly got curious.

Edgar paused—

Up to now, whether it was about Kate or the pay for "Spider-Man 2," Anson had been lounging on the couch, lazily half-awake.

Now, Anson suddenly sat up, cross-legged, his eyes bright with interest.

Edgar was a bit helpless.

But he still thought about it seriously, "There isn't a precedent for this right now, so I want us to become the industry standard, the model other actors try to emulate."

"Generally speaking, film studios' box office bonuses are around 40%, with about 10% going to the main creative team. But I think there’s room for adjustment, possibly up to 15% or even 20%."

"So, my goal is to get as much of that bonus as possible."

"Hey, if an actor has that much influence, even more than the director, producer, and writer, then they deserve such treatment."

Crazy!

In the next twenty years, only Tom Cruise will achieve this, specifically with the "Mission: Impossible" series.

Other actors will try to follow in Tom Cruise's footsteps, like Vin Diesel with "Fast & Furious," but none will succeed.

Edgar is ambitious; and more importantly, he has indeed foreseen the industry's future trends.

However, this also means Anson will have to bear immense pressure and put in countless efforts. Otherwise, no matter how eloquent Edgar is, it would be all for nothing.