[Chapter 97: Jealousy]
"$300 million? Link, have you lost your mind?"
In a trendy bar in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino shot an envious glare at Link.
"It's not $300 million. Since Paranormal Activity debuted, everyone who wanted to see it already did. The follow-up will be lucky to earn around $10 million. Paranormal Activity would gross about $298 million in North America," Link replied humbly while holding his beer.
"Does it really matter if it's $298 million or $300 million? You made this film for only $20,000, and now it's raking in $300 million at the box office -- that's just the worst-case scenario ever," Quentin grumbled.
"Quentin, Link is our friend. Paranormal Activity is a hit; we should congratulate him, not criticize," Steven Soderbergh, bald and wise, interjected.
"His film being a success doesn't spell good news for me. A few months back, I bet him right here in this bar over whose second film would perform better. Now his movie has taken in $300 million; do you think I've got a chance of winning?" Quentin fumed.
"Oh, I remember now. Looks like there's really no hope. Paranormal Activity is expected to gross $300 million in North America, plus over $300 million abroad. That's $600 million -- a number we haven't seen in five years. Unless George Lucas decides to let you direct Star Wars, you don't have a chance," Steven joked.
"Exactly! My movie hasn't even started filming, and I'm already facing a possible loss. How do you think I feel about that?" Quentin chugged his beer in frustration.
Link shook his head. "You can't just focus on the film's success. You also need to consider how many people are criticizing me, how many enemies this film has created for me, and the difficulties it's thrown into my career. Once you see that, I hope your mood improves."
"Link makes a good point," Steven Soderbergh added. "The success of Paranormal Activity has shot Link's fame into the stratosphere, but it's seriously impacted many others too -- film companies and countless actors, directors, and producers."
"And the audience; they're the most important," Link chimed in.
The quality of Paranormal Activity was decent but not spectacular. However, the hype was exaggerated, overwhelming, which adversely affected other films released in the same period. Many fans of those films weren't happy with Paranormal Activity and voiced their displeasure.
Additionally, Link made over $200 million off Paranormal Activity, while the entertainment industry couldn't claim a share. With the capital-driven nature of the business, it was no wonder they were envious and sought to undermine him.
"Yes, all these downsides aren't good for Link's future in the film industry; he'll face more challenges in Hollywood than we do. Quentin, you should offer Link some comfort," Steven advised.
"Link, if you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to make Paranormal Activity?" Quentin asked.
"Of course. Box office earnings are a type of honor; no director would complain about having a movie that grossed too much," Link replied with a slight smile.
Quentin scoffed, then turned to the quiet Robert Rodriguez, director of El Mariachi, who was emerging in the industry.
"Robert, what do you think about Link's Paranormal Activity?"
"There's no doubt, it's a masterpiece," Robert Rodriguez said, in his early twenties with curly black hair, light stubble, and striking features that reflected his Mexican heritage. However, he was born in America and spoke standard American English.
"A masterpiece? Are you sure you're not putting Link on a pedestal too high? Besides, when we're among friends, we can be direct; saying something harsh won't upset Link," Quentin said.
"I'm stating facts. For us independent filmmakers, if you want to establish yourself in Hollywood, box office performance is the first thing to consider, then comes critical acclaim. The major studios will only partner with directors who have box office potential, not just award-winning directors.
Link made Paranormal Activity for $20,000, and it grossed over $500 million globally. The return is an astonishing 25,000 times the investment. That's something no one has achieved before, and likely never will. Calling it a masterpiece isn't an exaggeration," Robert shrugged.
"Quentin, are you upset? Why don't you try making a film for $20,000 too?" Steven joked.
Quentin grunted, "Making a movie for $20,000 wouldn't even cover my crew's daily expenses."
"I'm meticulous with details; I focus on the quality and artistry of my films, so my budgets can never be too low. A low budget usually leads to a mediocre film." Quentin then had an epiphany.
"Link, since I've lost this one, how about we wager again, but this time, on who's film collects more awards. The loser buys drinks for everyone."
"There's no need. I'm prepping my third film, and yours is still far from starting; this bet doesn't make sense. By the way, when's your second film going into production, and what's the budget? Guess Pictures would be a great partner," Link queried.
After gaining fame, it's not just him who found Guess Pictures; Quentin established a company called A Band Apart, a nod to a French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard's movie title. A Band Apart was also one of the production companies for Quentin's second film.
"Preliminary budget is $10 million. Want to invest? I can offer you 40%, but here's the catch: you can't interfere with my direction -- I've told that to Harvey Weinstein too," Quentin said.
"Are you really sure you don't want my input on the film? My instincts are sharp, and I have a great eye for detail. With my guidance, your film will be more refined and appealing to audiences."
"No, I'm the director; the film is my baby. I just want it to grow up to look like me, not anyone else," Quentin asserted resolutely.
"Suit yourself," Link raised his glass, smiling.
He understood Quentin's quick acceptance of his investment stemmed from two reasons.
First was the film's higher investment posed a risk, so it needed another partner to share the load.
Secondly, with Guess Pictures coming on board, the film's production partnership would involve three companies, allowing him to maintain control over the crew and edit the final cut, shielding it from the notorious 'Big Scissors' Harvey.
For a director, nothing was more essential than being able to oversee the crew and secure final cut rights.
*****
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