chsdbacks Chapter 999: Did they buy the Terminator rights for $1?
Chapter 999: Did they buy the Terminator rights for $1?
Lin Haoran looked at the young man in front of him, who was wearing a faded suit and whose leather shoes were so worn that he could hardly walk steadily, and couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.
It's like they've got exactly what they needed.
When James Cameron faced Lin Haoran, a business tycoon he would never normally have the opportunity to meet, he was momentarily at a loss for words.
He had rehearsed his opening remarks countless times in his mind before he arrived, from self-introduction to script overview, from budget explanation to market analysis, he prepared at least three versions for each part.
But when I actually stood in front of Lin Haoran, all those carefully prepared lines flowed out of my mind like sand, leaving only an almost instinctive tension and a stubbornness that I could no longer be rejected.
Seeing this, Lin Haoran smiled slightly, stood up, pointed to the sofa and said, "Mr. Cameron, right? Please sit down."
When James Cameron saw that Lin Haoran did not sit behind his desk and make him stand to talk as arrogantly as the Hollywood bosses he had met before, but instead took the initiative to get up and gesture for him to sit down, even with a smile, James Cameron's tense nerves relaxed a little.
He visited so many companies in Hollywood and met all sorts of bosses—some arrogant, some indifferent, some hypocritical, and some who wouldn't even meet him but had their assistants send him away.
He had never met anyone as polite as Lin Haoran.
Moreover, he knew that in Hollywood, no boss's wealth could compare to that of the Chinese-American boss in front of him.
It's hard to find another example in Hollywood of a billionaire with an unknown net worth of hundreds of billions of dollars, who wields considerable influence on Wall Street, asking a down-on-his-luck director in a faded suit and worn-out shoes, barely able to pay his rent, to sit down.
Therefore, he couldn't help but develop a good impression of Lin Haoran.
In fact, he had visited the MGM Studios headquarters last month.
At the time, the chairman of MGM was Frank Rothman. He clearly remembered what Frank Rothman said to him: "Robots traveling through time to kill people? That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard. You can't even make a good Piranha 2, and you want to make a sci-fi blockbuster?"
He had also suffered similar insults from other major Hollywood figures.
Actually, it's not that no film company was interested in the Terminator script; it's just that their attitudes were all very similar.
They can buy the script, but they absolutely cannot let him direct.
However, because James Cameron was stripped of his editing rights for "Piranha 2," he secretly vowed that he would never let anyone take away his editing rights again, and that only he could direct his own scripts.
For his films, he has to be the one who calls the shots.
So when those companies said, "We can buy the script, but we'll replace the director," he refused them all.
It wasn't because of stubbornness, but because he was extremely confident and firmly believed that "The Terminator" would become a groundbreaking classic. He would rather not sell the script than give up the director's rights.
The lesson learned from "Piranha 2" was too painful; he didn't want to go through it again.
Now, Lin Haoran, sitting opposite him, is the first person who doesn't speak to him in that condescending tone, and the first person who lets him finish the script without interrupting him.
He didn't know if Lin Haoran would give him a chance, but at least this person respected him.
This is enough.
"Mr. Lin, this script is called 'The Terminator'."
James Cameron finally pulled the script out of his briefcase and handed it to Lin Haoran with both hands.
His hands were still trembling slightly, but his eyes were much more determined than before.
Lin Haoran took the script, but instead of opening it, he placed it on the coffee table.
"Tell me first what this story is about."
Cameron took a deep breath and began to speak.
This time, he wasn't nervous, didn't stutter, and didn't forget his lines.
He seemed like a completely different person, speaking very quickly, gesturing with his hands, and speaking with great passion.
He started by talking about Skynet launching a nuclear war, then about the T-800 traveling back to 1984, about Sarah Connor going from an ordinary restaurant waitress to the mother of the leader of the human resistance, about Kyle Reese's sacrifice, about the destroyed oil tanker, and about the robot giving a thumbs-up under the hydraulic press.
He spoke for nearly twenty minutes without pausing or stumbling, delivering his speech in one go.
After he finished speaking, he looked at Lin Haoran, waiting for his reaction.
Lin Haoran didn't rush to give an answer. Instead, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then asked, "What about the budget?"
James Cameron paused for a moment, then said, "Six million dollars. If it were a little more, it could be done even better, but I could still make it with just six million."
I understand special effects, modeling, editing, and cinematography. I can solve all the technical problems myself, which can save a lot of money!
As we all know, science fiction films are the most expensive, especially those involving robots, future worlds, and action special effects, where costs can easily reach tens of millions of dollars.
James Cameron dared to say that the auction would fetch six million dollars not because he was unaware of market prices, but because he was confident that he could spend the money wisely.
If others heard this, they would definitely think James Cameron was bragging. After all, someone who understands special effects, models, mechanics, and photography is practically a genius. How is that possible?
In reality, Lin Haoran had learned about James Cameron's past in his previous life and knew that the other man was not bragging. These were skills he had accumulated over the years as a truck driver, mechanic, and model maker.
"The story sounds pretty good," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, James Cameron's face immediately lit up with surprise and delight.
However, Lin Haoran continued, "Mr. Cameron, I've heard about you. I heard that you directed a movie before, but it received terrible reviews after its release. How can you convince me that you can make a good movie?"
After all, the minimum investment is six million US dollars, which is no small sum. How can you convince me that I'm willing to take that risk?
Lin Haoran leaned back in his chair, looking calmly at Cameron. He was neither aggressive nor condescending; he was simply stating a fact.
Six million dollars is not something MGM can't afford, and it's a tiny sum for Lin Haoran, but for any company, investing six million dollars in a science fiction film by a new director is a risk that requires careful consideration.
In reality, in another world, the film's final production cost was only $640 million, but the revenue it generated was unimaginable.
Although it was a new IP when it was released, it still grossed $78 million, which seems incomparable to the upcoming "Octopussy".
It's important to understand that the 007 series is already a mature IP with 21 years of audience accumulation, while "Terminator" is a completely new original story with no existing fan base, no star actors, and no big-name director. It's starting from scratch.
With a global box office of $7800 million and a production cost of $640 million, the return on investment was more than twelve times. This figure would be an enviable business for any studio in any year.
And this is just the box office revenue!
Subsequently, the Terminator videotape revenue exceeded $2 million, the television broadcast rights revenue exceeded $1 million, and the revenue from derivative products such as toys, games, and comics also exceeded $2 million.
In other words, the film's total cumulative revenue actually reached a staggering $6 million!
A low-budget science fiction film with an investment of just over six million US dollars was able to generate a total revenue of over six hundred million US dollars, a return of nearly one hundred times, which is extremely rare in film history.
With this film, James Cameron proved that he is not just a loser who can only make B-movies, but a genius director in Hollywood who knows how to make the best results with the least amount of money.
As a Hollywood legend, Lin Haoran knew some of James Cameron's deeds in his previous life, but he couldn't show it. He had to let Cameron give him reasons that would move him enough.
Most importantly, he wanted to completely acquire both the person and the IP, and to completely bind James Cameron to MGM. This was Lin Haoran's real goal.
He not only wanted to acquire the Terminator IP, but also wanted Cameron to become a long-term partner of MGM.
In another world, Cameron later collaborated with Fox on Titanic and with Disney on Avatar, films that brought those companies billions or even tens of billions of dollars in revenue.
Lin Haoran didn't want this money to end up in other people's pockets. He wanted Cameron's next movie, the movie after that, and the movie after that to all be filmed at MGM.
In other words, Lin Haoran wants not only the IP, but also the person!
Upon hearing Lin Haoran's words, James Cameron fell silent.
He knew that the most crucial moment had arrived.
How to convince the other party that he can make a good movie, how to get Lin Haoran to take a risk of six million US dollars, and how to make the boss who gave him respect at their first meeting have enough trust in him?
That's the thing he needs to address first, not something he can answer with promises or self-assurance.
The other party is a well-known figure in the business world and is not so easily fooled.
He needs to demonstrate something tangible, showing Lin Haoran his abilities, his preparations, and his plans, not just a dream.
Even in terms of conditions, significant concessions must be made.
James Cameron took a deep breath and then pulled another stack of papers from his briefcase.
This time, it wasn't a script, but a stack of concept design sketches filled with drawings.
He spread the drawings out on the coffee table and showed them to Lin Haoran page by page.
"Mr. Lin, this is my design for the Terminator. Its appearance is human, but its interior is a mechanical skeleton. Its face can be peeled off to reveal the metal skull underneath."
This design is not for showing off skills, but to express a core concept: it looks like a person, but it is not a person.
It has no emotion, no compassion, no fear; it has only one goal: to kill Sarah Connor. This cold, mechanical, and unstoppable sense of oppression is the soul of this film.
He turned to another page, which was a concept drawing of a future battlefield.
"This is a scene from 2029, where the human resistance forces are fighting against Skynet's robot army. The designs of these robots that you see are all drawn by myself."
I used to be a mechanic, so I know how to design robot joints to make them look realistic; I've also made models, so I know how to create the most realistic effects with the least amount of cost.
These designs weren't for aesthetics, but to achieve the goal within a limited budget.
He turned to another page, which was a detailed storyboard. "These are the storyboards for several key scenes I drew. Look at this chase scene, from the parking lot to the drainage ditch, from the drainage ditch to the factory, I've thought of every single shot."
I know how to use camera language to create tension, how to use editing to control the rhythm, and how to use sound effects to create atmosphere.
James Cameron did indeed make thorough preparations and plans for this script, which he highly regarded.
However, he knew that if he couldn't find a film company to invest in his film, all his careful preparations would become a pile of waste paper, lying in some corner gathering dust, and would never become a movie.
So when Lin Haoran asked him to demonstrate, he didn't hesitate, because he knew this was his last and only chance.
Moreover, Lin Haoran's willingness to listen to his explanations made him even more convinced that Lin Haoran was not a boss who would easily dismiss people.
The fact that he was willing to spend time listening to a down-on-his-luck director talk about the script, look at the blueprints, and discuss the design meant that he was genuinely considering the project and not just going through the motions out of politeness.
Therefore, James Cameron knew that he had to seize this opportunity!
Lin Haoran looked at the blueprints without interrupting him.
The coffee table was covered with various concept designs and storyboards, ranging from the Terminator's mechanical skeleton to the robot army of the future battlefield, from Sarah Connor's escape route to the final scene of the T-800 giving a thumbs up under the hydraulic press.
Each drawing is very detailed, and some even have annotations for camera angle, light direction, and color matching.
These things are not something that someone who relies on luck can prepare; they are the result of countless days and nights of hard work by someone who truly believes in their work.
"How long did it take you to draw these blueprints?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.
James Cameron paused for a moment, then said, "It's been almost half a year. I started drawing when the script was first written, revising the script while drawing, and perfecting the script while drawing."
Sometimes when inspiration strikes, I'll get up in the middle of the night to draw. I think a movie doesn't start from the day filming begins, but from the day the first idea comes to mind.
The script is the skeleton, and these blueprints are the flesh and blood; only when both are present can the film come alive.
Lin Haoran nodded without saying anything and continued to look through the blueprints.
After a while, he looked up at the other person and smiled, "I have seen the efforts you have made for your dream, and they have indeed moved me. I can give you a chance, but it depends on your sincerity!"
An investment of over six million dollars is a very high risk, especially if you personally have no box office track record in the film industry to back it up.
You've been rejected by more than twenty companies, the movie you starred in received terrible reviews, and your name is synonymous with 'loser' in Hollywood.
In this situation, if I put six million dollars into your movie, it means there's a high probability I'll lose all that money.
So, what are your terms for cooperation?
Lin Hao then leaned back in his chair, looking calmly at Cameron, waiting for his answer.
James Cameron took a deep breath.
He knew this was the most crucial moment.
Whether he can secure this investment, realize his dream, and break free from the label of "only making B-movies" depends on the next few words.
He didn't rush to speak, but lowered his head and thought for a while, then raised his head, his eyes showing a resolute look.
"Mr. Lin, I have only two conditions: first, I must direct it myself; second, I must have the final cut. To show my sincerity, I can sell all the rights to Terminator, including future IP rights, to MGM for $1!"
After the movie is released, my income will be calculated based on box office revenue. If the movie loses money, I won't take a single penny; if the movie makes money, I'll take my share. This is the greatest sincerity I can offer.
Lin Haoran looked at the other person in surprise.
He didn't expect James Cameron to offer such a condition: no salary, only a share of the profits.
This is very rare in Hollywood, especially for someone who is so poor that they can barely afford the rent.
This means that if the film fails, he will not only receive no income, but also waste nearly a year's worth of his time and energy.
This person staked their entire life on this movie.
Most importantly, the other party actually offered to sell all the rights to "Terminator" to MGM for only $1. That's quite a show of sincerity!
In fact, James Cameron is now very clear-headed. After hitting walls everywhere in Hollywood, he knows that if the show really can't find investors, then the script will just rot in his hands.
And he will forever remain just an unknown nobody.
Rather than letting the script rot in your hands, you might as well use the copyright to get a directing opportunity.
He was very confident in the script, and he believed that once "The Terminator" was released, he would become famous overnight.
By then, he will recoup the lost copyright value tenfold or a hundredfold through box office revenue sharing.
He's not doing charity now; he's investing in himself.
Use copyrights to exchange for opportunities, use opportunities to exchange for success, and use success to exchange for the future.
It was a gamble, but he believed he could win.
"Are you sure?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.
James Cameron stated confidently, "I'm sure, Mr. Lin, I'm not being spiteful; I genuinely believe this film will be a success."
"I don't need your payment now. Let the box office prove everything after the movie's release. If it doesn't do well, it means my judgment was wrong, and you'll be the biggest loser. Then I won't have the face to take your money."
Lin Haoran smiled.
It's not the kind of polite, courteous smile, but the kind of smile that comes from the heart, a smile of recognition and appreciation for someone.
It has to be said, he really got a great deal, and it was a great deal that was delivered right to his doorstep!
Everyone else treats James Cameron like trash and looks down on him.
Only Lin Haoran, as a time traveler, knew very well that James Cameron was practically a treasure rejected by the entire Hollywood. (End of Chapter)