Even though *Titanic* achieved overwhelming success at the Oscars, Bill Mechanic, the mastermind behind the film, was having a rough time lately.
Tom Rothman, the president of Fox Studios, publicly criticized him during a board meeting, arguing that the distribution agreement he signed with Dunn for the new film *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* severely compromised the interests of 20th Century Fox.
It was clear that Tom Rothman had the backing of higher-ups within the company. Bill Mechanic found himself under tremendous pressure during the board meeting.
Some concessions in terms of profit sharing wouldn't have mattered much, given that Dunn had contributed significantly to Fox Studios' success.
However, Fox Studios not securing any part of the rights to *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* had sparked widespread discontent.
Even Tom Rothman understood that a Dunn Walker film was highly likely to succeed.
And a comedy like *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*—with its low investment and high returns—was the perfect genre for sequels. If Fox Studios didn't hold part of the rights, who could guarantee that they would secure the distribution rights for any future sequels?
At the heart of the issue was that Bill Mechanic had been too considerate of Dunn, thereby compromising the company's interests.
Bill Mechanic trusted Dunn and their friendship. He believed that even without the rights, Fox Studios would still be Dunn's first choice for distribution.
But the rest of Fox Studios didn't share his confidence. They were a company that relied on legal agreements, not vague verbal promises!
For the first time since the massive success of *Titanic*, Bill Mechanic was feeling the pressure from the higher-ups.
While this minor error wasn't enough to shake his position, it was enough to give Tom Rothman and others the opportunity to rally support and recruit allies.
At the same time, Dunn found himself deeply anxious.
Previously, he had accepted a major contract to direct *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace*, earning $15 million and 15% of the global box office gross.
Dunn had already received the first $5 million of his fee, with the second installment of $5 million due upon the start of production, and the final $5 million to be paid after the film's completion.
As for the box office bonuses, they would be paid after the film finished its theatrical run.
This was standard practice in Hollywood, designed to mitigate risk.
But what worried Dunn wasn't the money—it was himself.
The beginner's gift package had granted him a "Mirror Possession" skill, which allowed him to successfully direct *Titanic*.
When *Titanic* passed the $1 billion mark in global box office earnings, the system rewarded him with another "Mirror Possession" skill, giving him the chance to direct *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*.
But now... how was Dunn supposed to direct *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace*?
He no longer had the "Mirror Possession" skill!
The global box office for *Titanic* reached $1.88 billion, but that still wasn't enough to accumulate two "Mirror Possession" skills.
Now he was in a difficult spot!
After directing two films, Dunn's personal abilities had improved significantly: cinematography at 18, plot design at 10, visual thinking at 19, directing at 31, production at 2, project evaluation at 14, and screenwriting at 15...
But with these skills, he was still far from being capable of directing a sci-fi blockbuster like *Star Wars*!
*Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace* already had its project schedule set—
On March 26th, there would be a press conference to announce Dunn Walker as the director.
On March 28th, casting for key roles, including the male lead and female lead, would begin. In April, the production team would be assembled. By May, the special effects department would start working on some post-production shots. Finally, in June, the film would officially begin shooting.
But now, without the "Mirror Possession" ability, how could Dunn confidently direct the film? He would be exposed the moment he started, and any mishap on set would turn him into a laughingstock in Hollywood.
Dunn spent two days pondering his situation and realized that quitting the project at this stage wasn't a viable option. He didn't have the funds to pay the penalty for breaking the contract. If he wanted to continue directing *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace*, he needed the system to reward him with another "Mirror Possession."
*TITANIC* had grossed $1.88 billion globally, meaning he only needed to accumulate $120 million more at the box office to earn another "Mirror Possession" and resolve his current dilemma.
However, with *Titanic* already out of theaters worldwide, and *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* not scheduled for release until mid-August, competing directly with *Blade* seemed impossible.
What could he do?
*TITANIC* was no longer an option. The only tool at his disposal was *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*.
Dunn personally visited Bryan Lourd.
When he explained his intentions, Bryan Lourd was stunned. "What? Dunn, you want to release the film earlier?"
Dunn waved his hand dismissively. "Only overseas. The North American release date remains unchanged."
Bryan Lourd immediately rejected the idea. "No way! That would disrupt everything. The North American box office can drive overseas earnings, which is why Hollywood films usually release later overseas. It's an invisible form of promotion."
"I understand, but what's our primary goal? To counter *Blade*!"
Of course, Dunn couldn't tell the truth, so he made his excuse as convincing as possible. "If we release it overseas first, we can gauge audience reactions to decide if the film needs re-editing before its North American release. We need to present the best version of the film to compete with *Blade*!"
Bryan Lourd shook his head repeatedly. "Dunn, are you giving up on the overseas market? If *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* is released now, by August, who will be there to counter *Blade* overseas?"
Dunn smiled. "I've considered that. I don't think it's a concern. *Blade* is an R-rated film, so it has limited release regions. Plus, with a black lead, its audience is smaller. The most critical factor is that Steven Spielberg's *Saving Private Ryan* is scheduled for overseas release in August. Let them fight it out… uh, I mean, let them compete. We'll avoid the brunt of it."
Bryan Lourd agreed with Dunn's logic but still found the early overseas release too risky. "Dunn, with your film's quality, as long as we follow the standard promotion, distribution, and release strategy, a box office hit is almost guaranteed. There's no need to take such a big risk."
Dunn felt bitter. He knew this was true, but to avoid being exposed during the *Star Wars* production, he had no choice.
"Bryan, actually… I have some reasons I can't fully explain, but the film must be released early overseas." Dunn sighed. Dealing with such a savvy negotiator required more than just persuasion.
Bryan Lourd raised an eyebrow and gave Dunn a long, searching look. He didn't press for details and instead said slowly, "If that's the case, then it's a different story. How about this: I'll schedule a meeting with Bill this afternoon, and we'll discuss it together."
…
Bill Mechanic was already in a bad mood, and when he heard Dunn's "unreasonable" request, he sternly refused. "No way! Dunn, film distribution follows certain rules. This isn't child's play!"
Bryan Lourd's brow furrowed slightly. "Bill, I think it might be possible…"
"Bryan!" Bill Mechanic's voice deepened. "Do you really think Dunn's idea is the right one?"
Bryan Lourd's expression stiffened, and he looked slightly embarrassed.
Dunn remained silent for a long time before sighing softly. "Bill, we've been friends for a while now, and I understand your difficulties. How about this: If the film can be released overseas starting in April, I'm willing to give 20% of the film's rights to Fox. Of course, this doesn't include the profits."
"Hm?" Bill Mechanic's eyes suddenly lit up, and his tone grew excited. "Dunn, are you serious?"
Dunn smiled. "Of course. I know you've been under pressure from the board because of my film, and I wouldn't just stand by and do nothing."
Bill Mechanic took a deep breath, surprised by the generous offer Dunn had just made.
If he could secure a portion of the rights to *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*, he would have something substantial to report to the board, thereby regaining his full authority.
Compared to such a significant matter, the release date of *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* was a minor detail.
"With April approaching, time is tight."
Bill Mechanic's attitude softened immediately after receiving such a benefit.
Dunn smiled. "I know, so I hope Fox can speed things up and use all its connections to get the promotion and distribution done quickly. Let's aim to have the film released in the first batch of countries by April 15th and in all overseas regions by May."
"It won't be easy," Bill Mechanic said, teasing slightly before breaking into a hearty laugh. "But I can make it happen!"