The distribution agreement was signed, with many of the terms being much stricter compared to *Star Wars*. However, for an independent film with an original script, this was already quite good.
Many B-grade and low-budget films have their rights bought out entirely by big film companies in a single transaction.
Nonetheless, Dunn managed to retain the film's rights.
However, there was no smile on Dunn's face. Even though the distribution agreement was signed, the distribution work couldn't start immediately; he still had to wait for news from *Blade*.
Based on the current information, it's certain that a film like *Blade*, which leans towards violence, will be released during the summer season.
And to avoid Steven Spielberg's war epic *Saving Private Ryan*, New Line Cinema will definitely steer clear of July when adjusting the release schedule.
As a result, the only slots left for *Blade* would be May or August (June is likely to be taken).
Since Brian Lord caused significant trouble during the filming of *Blade*, with the movie just entering post-production, a May release date would be impossible.
In summary, *Blade* is certain to be released in mid or late August, after the hype for *Saving Private Ryan* has died down!
So, Fox Studios doesn't need to play any underhanded tricks. They can openly announce that Dunn Walker's new film, *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*, starring Nicole Kidman, will have a grand summer release on August 20th!
Collaborating with *Saving Private Ryan* to create a pincer movement, they intend to completely squeeze *Blade* out of the market.
But…
How will Dunn Pictures survive for the next six months?
Seeing the worry on Dunn's face, Brian Lord asked, confused, "What's wrong? Are you not satisfied with the distribution agreement? It's actually pretty good. More importantly, we got a promise from Bill that once you've acquired Marvel Entertainment and start releasing superhero movies, it will be much easier."
Dunn shook his head and, after a moment of contemplation, asked, "Brian, are there any big projects being planned recently?"
Brian looked at him in surprise, "The post-production of your last movie just finished, and you're already eager to start something new?"
Dunn blushed slightly and coughed, "Yes, I'm still young. I need to work hard and strive for success."
Brian Lord's expression turned serious as he praised, "Dunn, with your talent and effort, I'm sure you'll succeed. I have a feeling."
"Are there any big-budget projects coming up?"
Brian Lord smiled, "There's never a shortage of big projects, but right now, all of America is focused on one major project."
"What is it?"
"*Star Wars!*"
Dunn was momentarily stunned and mumbled, "Yeah, *Star Wars: The Phantom Menace*."
Brian Lord was taken aback, "The project is still in development, and the details haven't been released. How do you… how do you know the title?"
Dunn quickly laughed it off, "Brian, I'm interested in this project. I want to be the director!"
Brian Lord shook his head, "If it had been two years ago when George Lucas was just starting to reboot the series, maybe there would have been a chance. But now, he's been preparing for the director's role for two years. He won't give it up."
"Is it impossible?" Dunn's lips curled slightly, "Brian, why don't you give it a try? There might be a surprise."
...
"What? He's biting the hand that feeds him!" Tom Rothman, after hearing his assistant's report, flew into a rage in his office, smashing a crystal-clear glass cup.
An independent film with a $15 million investment, and Fox Studios only takes a 15% cut of the box office revenue? It's a joke, a disgrace!
The pressure and troubles brought by *Titanic* finally erupted at this moment because he finally had a suitable excuse.
"No, I can't let this slide. I'm going to bring this up to the board. I'll raise my concerns with the corporate headquarters!" Tom Rothman had finally caught a small opportunity and was determined to make Bill Mechanic face some consequences.
Since the success of *Titanic*, Bill Mechanic's influence within the company had significantly increased, and he was becoming increasingly authoritative. As a result, Tom Rothman, the president, had become a mere figurehead.
When it's time to act, one must act!
**Dunn returned to the office, reading Stephen King's fantasy novel *The Dark Tower*. He was a bit perplexed as to why a book he had never heard of could be so famous.**
In 1998, compared to *The Dark Tower*, *A Song of Ice and Fire* and *Harry Potter* were nothing!
The phone rang—it was Brian Lord, who was very efficient in his work.
"Dunn, I've looked into it. George Lucas has been preparing for two full years, and he's even been working out every day to maintain his stamina for the film. So… if you want to observe and learn, I can help arrange that."
Dunn thought for a moment, "I have a bit of a relationship with George. How about this—I'll give him a call. Maybe… he'll change his mind?"
Brian Lord didn't believe him at all, thinking it was just the stubbornness of a young man. Not wanting to discourage him, he said, "Alright, go ahead, but when you talk to George Lucas, make sure to show him some respect."
Dunn laughed, "I know!"
After hanging up, Dunn stood up, locked his office door, and put on his special sunglasses.
He opened the beginner's package and activated the only remaining skill—*Contract Seizure*.
He searched for "George Lucas," and hundreds of signed or draft contracts immediately popped up.
Dunn's eyes nearly glazed over as he spent more than half an hour searching until he finally found a draft contract for *Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace*.
When he opened it, Dunn was stunned!
Wow, George Lucas is really something!
Production fee: $5 million base pay, plus 5% of the global box office profits.
Directing fee: $15 million base pay, plus 15% of the global box office profits.
Lucasfilm is George Lucas's private company, but the investment for this movie is so large that Lucasfilm alone couldn't bear the entire risk. Most of the investment came from Fox Studios.
It's essentially a co-production between two companies, with Lucasfilm producing and Fox Studios distributing. So, George Lucas certainly wouldn't shortchange himself on the pay.
But this pay… it's way too high, isn't it?
Dunn found it amusing—George Lucas was certainly generous to himself.
$15 million and 15% of the global box office profits—such a directing fee is something that only someone like Steven Spielberg could command in Hollywood.
Who would have thought…
Now it's all going to Dunn!
Dunn couldn't help but burst out laughing, tears nearly streaming down his face. Whether it was out of guilt or emotion, he wiped off George Lucas's name and boldly wrote "Dunn Walker" instead.
The contract was finalized!
Half an hour later, the office phone rang again.
"Hello, little Dunn, it's me, George."
The distinctive southern accent made Dunn immediately recognize George Lucas, and he struggled to suppress his laughter as he responded, "Hello, George, is there something you need?"
Lucas hesitated, then said, "Dunn, I heard… you're interested in directing *Star Wars*?"
Dunn straightened his smile, "Of course! *Star Wars* is a dream for everyone. To direct such a legendary movie is my dream."
Lucas sighed and paused for a long time, "Ah, you know, I'm getting old. My health has had some issues over the years. I'm not sure I can handle the workload of shooting such a big movie."
Dunn almost burst out laughing, "Really? George, you should definitely focus on your fitness. Honestly, you're too fat…"
"Enough!" Lucas's face darkened, "Dunn, can you take over as the director?"
"Of course!" Dunn responded without hesitation. "But you know, I did direct *Titanic*, such a successful movie, so my fee… won't be low."
"Alright, let's find some time to meet with Brian and discuss it."
Lucas shook his head—he had long known that Dunn was a tough nut to crack.
...
"What? How is this possible?"
Brian Lord's eyes were wide with disbelief, thinking his ears must be playing tricks on him.
George Lucas invited Dunn Walker to direct the reboot of *Star Wars*? Didn't he clearly reject it before? Could it be… could it be that Dunn actually persuaded George?
Brian had long seen that Dunn Walker was no ordinary person, but this was completely beyond his expectations.
Even he, an experienced negotiator, couldn't do anything with George Lucas—how did Dunn manage to persuade him?
Brian Lord felt like his entire worldview was collapsing.
But the biggest shock was yet to come.
Dunn Walker, not knowing his own limits, demanded an astronomical fee—$15 million as a base pay, plus 15% of the global box office profits!
"Does he really think he's Spielberg?" Brian Lord instinctively thought.
However, George Lucas's response nearly made him choke.
"That demand is quite reasonable!"
Hearing Lucas's decisive reply, Brian Lord swallowed hard. In his thirty-plus years in the industry as an agent, it was the first time he felt utterly powerless.
Ambition knows no age!