“Jason, let’s celebrate! A party tonight.”
Rod signed two contracts with Zheng Bai Cheng, one for investment and one for publishing. Zheng Bai Cheng received a check for $1.89 million and also drew a check for $200,000.
“No, Rod, I’ve already spent a lot of time here. I’m very busy. I have a new film release to discuss with Warner Bros. Next time, when you take your publishing house public, we can celebrate then.” Zheng Bai Cheng wasn’t going to have a celebratory party with such a crude guy. Europeans, their hair is thick and their body odor is strong. He didn’t like it. If it weren’t for the lovely dollar, he wouldn’t want to stay with them for long.
“Oh, Jason, what movie did you shoot? Can I know first?”
This foreigner, he still wasn’t done. He looked at him with those expectant eyes, making him speechless. But he still patiently said: “Rod, if I tell you, revealing the plot, that would be a disaster. It’s better not to.”
Hearing this, Rod understood: “Yeah, those who spoil the plot are the most annoying.”
They chatted for a while and then parted ways. Rod went to register the new shareholder’s investment, and Zheng Bai Cheng went to Warner Bros. to settle the film box office share. At the same time, he also paid off the Citibank loan. The Citibank people also came over and met them at Warner Bros.
This time, they were able to settle the film share so quickly thanks to the Citibank people. After they completed the share settlement and all the procedures, Zheng Bai Cheng, with Amanda’s assistance, completed all the procedures. The subsequent TV series distribution would be a slow process.
“Jason, you haven’t found a distributor for the distribution rights outside North America, have you? We at Warner Bros. want to take on the global distribution of this film.”
Zheng Bai Cheng wasn’t surprised. It was just that Warner Bros. was so patient. They only brought it up to him now. What a bunch of old guys, with such great patience.
“Of course, as long as your price is right, we’re willing to give you the distribution.”
F**K, little fox, tell me, what price is right? Tom roared inwardly, his heart churning, but he remained calm on the surface, saying: “Jason, $5 million, cash.”
“Wow, that’s a far cry from North America. I think $14 million is a fair price.” This was a little less than what he had just settled for the North American box office. He rounded off the remainder.
“Jason, the European distribution is different from the North American distribution. There…” Tom explained, finally saying: “Jason, $6 million, that’s a fair price.”
“Hehe… Tom, I don’t know about other countries, but Europe will love this kind of movie. They…” Business is business, naturally, it needs to be negotiated. The two began a tug-of-war.
Others stood nearby, listening to the two haggle, while Amanda chatted with Lin Xiao Hua in Cantonese.
Amanda said impatiently: “How come the boss is being like a gossipy old woman, like she’s haggling in the market? He’s such a stingy person.”
Lin Xiao Hua naturally defended her man: “Don’t say that about him. He’s very generous. He’s very generous when he buys things.”
“Cut it out. This loser, how is he generous? I think he’s stingy, he doesn’t spend much, and he looks like it pains him to buy things.”
…
“Let’s not say anything, they’re almost done.”
Zheng Bai Cheng and Tom’s prices were getting closer. Finally, Tom, who had been promoted, said with a painful expression: “Jason, $8 million, but we’ll pay in two installments. Warner Bros. doesn’t have much money.”
Warner Bros., of course, could afford this amount, but it wouldn’t be easy. It would affect their development. This is why the seven major film companies in Hollywood love to delay payments of film shares, even manipulating advertising, and even making films like “Harry Potter” appear to be losing money.
“The first payment will be $5 million, the remaining $3 million must be paid by next March. This must be written into the contract.”
The Citibank people hadn’t left yet. They were waiting. Zheng Bai Cheng was their fastest-growing client now. This money, of course, had to go into their hands. Although they were confident, they would only be at ease once the money was in their hands.
In North America, where banks and tax offices are more common than rice shops, they naturally wanted to get their hands on the money. Now, seeing that the two parties had finalized the transaction, they were naturally happy.
“Tom, I will entrust the collection of this $3 million balance to New York City Bank.” Zheng Bai Cheng said to Tom after signing the contract. He couldn’t travel to North America frequently.
The Citibank people were even more pleased. This kind of collection was their favorite: “It’s our bank’s honor.” The smiling bank representatives looked like devils in Tom’s eyes.
“Of course, I understand.”
“So, Tom, now let’s talk about my new film.”
Back from New York, Zheng Bai Cheng didn’t idle. In addition to writing, he also started a new film. The investment cost of this film was higher than the previous one. Now that he had money, it was naturally higher. The budget reached $250,000, which converted to Hong Kong dollars, was 1.29 million. Nowadays, making a film in Hong Kong costs only a few hundred thousand, at most not exceeding 500,000 Hong Kong dollars.
“Wow, another new film? What a pleasant surprise.” Tom’s eyes lit up. He felt like the guy in front of him was a treasure. He said: “Let’s go to the screening room together.” But he glanced at the Citibank people he hated. His eyes said, “Get lost.”
“Mr. Jason, Mr. Tom, we’ll take our leave. Jason, give us a call if you need anything. We at New York City Bank will be happy to serve you.”
“Of course, your bank is my friend.” Money makes friends. No money, no friends.
After the New York City Bank, which is Citibank, left, Tom became even more enthusiastic. He led Zheng Bai Cheng and his entourage into the screening room.
The Warner Bros. people followed. Tom was now one of the powerful figures in Warner Bros., thanks to Zheng Bai Cheng’s film. Of course, this was also related to his own network.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have risen so fast. North America is also a society that values human relations. This human relation, of course, needs to be exchanged for an equivalent value.