Chapter 176: the business world revolves in the air
May 3.
The plan.
Since 1992, the process of establishing a foundation for writers, illustrators, and creators has been underway. The initial steps were taken in early 1993 with the hiring of scriptwriters to enhance the Lux Comics series. Subsequently, ghostwriters were hired to publish books for the company's series, such as Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, and Hellboy, which have been under the hands of Mike Richardson, Mike Mignola, and Thomas Lumber. The foundation will subsidize some unrecognized writers who will be part of the organization.
Writers who are part of Tor Books, currently under the label, include Orson Scott Card, Neil Gaiman, Terry Goodkind, and Anne McCaffrey.
One of Lux Comics' primary demands is the acquisition of the Lord of the Rings franchise, including The Hobbit and many other books from the company. For better or worse, Billy has mentioned his intention to acquire this franchise.
The history and tracking of copyright have caused some discontent for Steve Parks, who had to trace the rights holder and negotiate with him. For now, Steve Parks has entered into a one-year negotiation with Saul Zaents, who acquired the rights from United Artists in 1969. The initial agreement with Christopher Tolkien covers various aspects, from delivering high-quality hardcover books to producing small comics narrating stories of unfinished tales. Despite not having the 2000s boom, the deal includes characters beloved by fans.
-Good afternoon, Mr. Zaents, - said Steve Parks in a Moroccan café. Mr. Zaents is on vacation, and to Steve Parks' dissatisfaction, he chose another warm location.
-Mr. Parks, what a pleasure. Having finalized our negotiations, only the most important thing remains: fixing the price, - Zaents said.
-Something that bothers me, but so be it. Please tell me about your new product. I have high expectations for the film adaptation of 'The English Patient,' - said Steve Parks.
Since 1992, Zaents acquired the rights to the novel 'The English Patient,' and the production project has been on the air. However, the investment is low, and Zaents' preference for making a wonderful film with a strong cast to capture the grace of the novel has displeased some investors unwilling to bet their money on such a film.
-Oh, Steve, you know my price. Even our formalities are obvious. You know I'm willing, as long as Lux Animation sponsors my film, - said Saul Zaents.
-So, the price of rights, - Steve Parks asked, eager to finalize a value for the contract, growing impatient with Saul, who was a fox in business dealings and tended to exasperate and win in this type of back-and-forth.
-Hahaha. Come on, Steve, we're friends. We agreed that a $20 million investment in my film 'The English Patient,' with Lux Animation sponsoring my investment, will allow you to distribute it under your distribution label. I'll keep 10% of the profits and a $1 million salary as a producer. You'll immediately have the film rights to 'The Lord of the Rings,' - Saul Zaents said.
-7%, Saul, and a $1.5 million salary. Plus, we'll do everything possible to make the production wonderful. We have an additional producer who will coordinate expenses and the team during filming, but we're willing to invest a little more in advertising and delivering the best film. Also, the boss has approved the request, - Steve Parks said.
-Deal, we have a deal. But how much more would the investment be? - Saul asked.
-An extra $5 million for production and distribution. As long as the production starts next year while we secure the money. You can start assembling a team to begin filming in mid-next year, - Steve Parks said.
Unintentionally, the first non-animated Lux Comics movie had been greenlit—a revelation that went against the normal efforts of Lux Animation, which already had the producer label in its hands and could create and distribute films.
-I'm glad to do business with you. So, let the rest follow its course, - Saul said, giving his final approval. Closing the deal, Steve Parks made the call, and in less than 10 minutes, the contract was at hand. Saul signed, and Steve Parks signed, feeling completely relieved, something that would alleviate his growing mistake with the unheard silence of George Lucas, who showed more wisdom than initially seemed
Saul laughed heartily, completely happy. Steve Parks shook his head, but playing along is what's needed in these moments to strengthen the relationship with Saul Zaents. In the 10-minute journey, not only had the agreement been signed, but the well-organized Lux Animation team had taken control, and the recent guest, Christopher Tolkien, was visiting the Lux Animation headquarters.
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Raimon received the green light for the purchase of the film rights, and all that remained was to lead Christopher through the intricate path at Lux Animation.
-This is my favorite place—the video game area we have in the company, - said Raimon resolutely.
-Something novel for an administrative company, - said Christopher.
-It is. We aim to serve the service. Only an ideal environment can allow people to let their imaginations soar or work as they should. There's the sales department, the human resources department, the analysts and accountants, and, of course, my workplace—the Operations Department. The CEO of the company is Anne Hall, who is currently handling some paperwork. On the other hand, we hired an accounting and rights company. The third floor is the animation, production, and recording area, - said Raimon.
-This is the boardroom, - said Raimon. Trained at the back of Mr. Tolkien, the hope of generating cooperation depends on the approval of this gentleman.
-It's a very... modern company, - said Christopher, filling spaces.
Raimon listened and took a seat beside Mr. Tolkien. In a second, through the main door, entered Billy Carson, radiating his boss aura. Even Mr. Tolkien couldn't deny the character of the young man, as he greeted appropriately and sat next to Raimon Green, responding with only a reassuring smile.
-So, this is the first time we have had the opportunity to meet. Thank you very much for coming to Lux Animation. I'm Billy Carson, the owner of the company, and it's a pleasure to see you here today. We have many things to discuss, but it's better to dedicate our present time to the contract, - said Billy.
-Of course. I've come to visit the future of writing, - said Christopher reluctantly, echoing the words of Steve Parks. But the sophisticated company, along with the foundation label and recent public negotiations with McMillan, has provided assurance.
-As stated in previous meetings, the diversification of the Lord of the Rings series is proposed for cinema, television, and animation production., - read Raimon.
To which Mr. Tolkien nodded.
-But before that, we want the world of Middle-earth to become a franchise under Lux Animation. You, as the editor of your father's posthumous books and head of the literary circle, we want you to join us as the head of our literary label and cooperate with us in content creation, - said Raimon, somewhat confused by the agreement that followed Billy's somewhat strange implementations for this era. It is the reading of a glossed contract with multiple obligations and rights, such as the gains to be acquired under the tutelage of Lux Animation.
-As for the literary rights, we agree on a traditional contract, along with permission to create illustrated editions, luxury editions, and special editions of each book, along with permission to publish your father's posthumous books. Marketing, negotiation, and communication from both parties for the creation and expansion of the world are valued. While the film bureau will address different requirements, we are willing as a company to make million-dollar investments to satisfy the poetic vision, as long as it aligns with reality. Profits will be based on net profits, with each film contributing 5% to the gains, - said Raimon.
The reading and discussion continued for a while. What was the most important clause? Penalty or breach clauses, the party that breached the contract or terminated the contract would have to pay 30% of the contract value. The contract value was assessed on a carefully planned list of future investments in three Lord of the Rings movies, two Hobbit movies, an animated series of 25 episodes, and another series. Linked to another contract signed a month ago, a private contract where Lux Animation committed to making a $200 million investment
-Your rights are clear, and, of course, being part of our foundation for writers, a special foundation that seeks to expand the boundaries of fantasy and science fiction, - said Raimon calmly.
Christopher nodded, as Steve Parks had already discussed extensively with him about the expectations for the series created by his father and the prospects of creating very successful enterprises. On the contrary, this can only be analyzed by the ferocity of time travel, which knows the details of the future, and Billy has already aimed for six series to be the pillars of his company: Slamdunk, One Piece, Warhammer, Middle-earth, and Game of Thrones. What's missing? Some of these have not yet been fully acquired, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Isaac Asimov's Foundation, and Ender's Game.
-It's a pleasure for us to work with you. I will be attentive to producing the illustrated editions you have requested. Do you have any specific artists in mind? - asked Raimon, who, for the first time, saw the enthusiasm of Mr. Tolkien over time.
-Well, I liked many artistic illustrations from a Scotsman who has an unprecedented skill with the brush, - said Christopher.
-Let's hire him. Have him do an initial job for The Hobbit, and then continue with all the books if you wish. In the coming months, we will revitalize the series your father created with new releases. We will attract the attention of quite a few, - said Billy.
Thinking about the campaign that would revolve around England, the United States, and Canada, the recruitment of writers was a done deal, as was the hiring of less-favored screenwriters by the industry.
For now, all that's left is to wait for enough time for the other writers to settle into the area, thought Billy.
...
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