Chapter 173 The Man Female Celebrities Most Want to Marry
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Then Cao Kun said, "We need to sign long-term contracts with all the main actors, um, for 10 films."
The salary for each sequel cannot exceed 20% of that for the first film.
If he could, Cao Kun would even prefer not to give them a single cent extra.
But if the film becomes a big hit, it's unrealistic not to add more credit.
When the lawsuit goes to court, he will be the one in the wrong.
Judges are also more likely to side with the actors.
There are many such examples in Hollywood.
Unless, he kills the actor.
But then, who would make movies for him?
Moreover, once a lawsuit is filed, it's equivalent to breaking ties with the actor, which is detrimental to future sequels.
Of course, Cao Kun could use some coercive methods, but it's completely unnecessary for such a small amount of money.
Signing contracts for several films at once became a practice later adopted by Disney and Marvel.
But for a company as powerful as Disney, once a film becomes a big hit, the actors' salaries will increase for each film.
Lin Yibin was surprised that Cao Kun was so confident that he signed 10 contracts at once.
That's way too exaggerated.
This is unprecedented in Hollywood.
He reminded Mr. Cao, "If we don't film 10 movies within the stipulated time, we will have to pay a penalty for breach of contract; otherwise, we will have to pay them the corresponding remuneration."
Cao Kun: "It's okay. If they breach the contract, they will also need to pay a penalty. I'm going to set an exorbitant penalty for them."
Well, don't worry about that. I'll have a lawyer handle it.
Okay, now go find these actors and get them sorted out.
…………
Two weeks later, on May 7, 1999.
A medium-sized premiere is underway.
This is Universal Pictures' premiere for "The Mummy".
Although most horror movies don't have premieres, The Mummy isn't a pure horror movie.
It's a fantasy horror film, but essentially it's a popcorn movie; it doesn't need to create any scary atmosphere.
Originally, given Cao Kun's role, he was not even qualified to attend the premiere, let alone walk the red carpet.
However, how could Universal dare not send him an invitation?
When the contract was signed, it was clearly stated that he would be on the invitation list for any premiere and would definitely have the opportunity to walk the red carpet.
Moreover, his current identity is not just that of a minor actor and an exorcist.
The creators of "The Mummy," along with guests invited by Universal Pictures and the lead actors, walked the red carpet one by one.
At this moment, Rachel Weisz, arm in arm with Cao Kun, also walked onto the red carpet.
Reporters on both sides were taking pictures of them frantically.
They seemed to want to blind them with flashlights.
For many actors, this is the moment they enjoy most after working so hard.
Standing under the spotlight, walking on the red carpet, being bombarded by flashing lights, and being greeted by a multitude of fans chanting their names.
Inner vanity and the pursuit of fame and fortune will be greatly satisfied at this time.
Such moments can make many celebrities who are walking the red carpet for the first time instantly ecstatic.
Cao Kun, however, didn't seem to care about this.
He just felt that the flashes were too dazzling.
Moreover, the reporters' suspicions about his identity also reached his ears clearly.
Who is this guy?
Is he in The Mummy?
"Was this a guest invited by Rachel?"
"Didn't you see the poster and cast list? He's an actor in 'The Mummy,' he has a role."
"This guy looks familiar. I feel like I've seen him somewhere before, but I can't quite place it."
...
Cao Kun heard many more voices, but he pretended not to hear them.
He whispered to Rachel, who was holding his arm, "Aren't you ashamed to be with someone as insignificant as me instead of Brandon?"
Rachel Weisz smiled and said, "Brandon reeks of alcohol, and I don't want to be choked by his stench."
Moreover, the characters in the movie are fictional, while the characters in real life are real.
"Master Cao Kun, are you an exorcist master, or a producer with your own successful works? Aren't you more capable than Brandon?"
Cao Kun glanced at her with some surprise. Why was she suddenly so straightforward? Was she no longer a green tea bitch?
Has the routine changed?
Rachel said, "Does Master Cao Kun think that I was too tactful in my previous words? Alas, I didn't mean to, this is how I was raised."
We people from country Y are generally conservative and reserved.
They tend to speak indirectly and don't express themselves directly.
But I'm trying to change.
They've really changed their tactics.
Cao Kun said, "I'm glad you like it."
The two walked to the end of the red carpet, signed their names on the autograph wall, and after a few questions from the host, entered the theater.
Upon seeing Cao Kun and his companion enter, producer Paul Boone greeted them, saying, "Master Cao Kun, you've finally arrived."
Your reputation in the industry is far greater than mine now.
Cao Kun: "Really?"
Paul Boone: "Of course, your one Saw movie grossed more than all my other movies combined."
You're highly regarded in the industry right now, and I bet many people are asking you to be a producer.
Cao Kun: "I rejected some of them."
Paul Boone: "If it were me, I would also turn it down. How can making money for others compare to making money for yourself?"
At this moment, Sivis also came over: "Master Cao Kun, I heard that 'Saw 2' has finished filming?"
Cao Kun: "You're very well-informed. 'Saw 2' is in post-production."
Sivis: "I'm really looking forward to the finished film. When can you come to Universal to talk about distribution?"
Cao Kun: Let's talk about it after it's finished.
Sivis: "Actually, it doesn't necessarily have to wait until production is complete; it's fine to discuss it beforehand."
Given the current momentum, even if Saw 2 is made into a complete flop, it will still make money.
How could Sivis possibly miss out?
Cao Kun: "No rush."
"Okay, whatever you say." Sivis stopped insisting.
Seeing how polite the Universal Pictures executives and Paul Boone were to Cao Kun—not the kind of politeness one would show to someone who is an exorcist, but the kind of politeness one would show to an industry leader—Rachel's eyes lit up even more.
Her eyes flashed, and many thoughts raced through her mind once again.
Even if Cao Kun can't make her beautiful, having such an excellent boyfriend is still very good.
He's handsome, and his status as a well-known producer is also impressive.
More importantly, it will be of great help to her future career.
Thinking of this, she unconsciously tightened her grip on Cao Kun's arm.
The smile on her face made her even more charming.
The men that Hollywood actresses marry most often are not actors.
Instead, they are wealthy businessmen, as well as producers, directors, and other similar figures within the industry.
Female celebrities' prime years are usually very short.
However, having a producer or director husband can greatly extend their career.
New works can be continuously released.
The male actor, besides being good-looking, is useless and a womanizer, causing no peace of mind at all.
Therefore, producers and directors are the preferred partners for Hollywood actresses.
For example, Fat Winston, Cate Blanchett, Milla Jovovich, Kate Beckinsale, and others all did this.
Of course, the most popular role is that of a film company owner, who is both a wealthy businessman and a producer.
Coincidentally, Cao Kun was the same.