I'm in Hollywood

CHAPTER 35 - I'LL SHOW YOU ANOTHER DAY

CHAPTER 35 – I'LL SHOW YOU ANOTHER DAY
Posted on February 22, 2017 by Elawn

Eric was about to speak when Barry Diller continued: "Eric, before you refuse, perhaps you aren't aware that Home Alone's protagonist, Stuart Runkle, has signed with the CAA*. With the agency's rapid expansion in recent years, their appetite has also been growing. Michael Ovitz recently directly broke into the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer company's headquarters because he was dissatisfied with their arrangements. He had a huge fight with their CEO, and in the end, MGM had to make compromises. If you release Home Alone's sequel independently in the future, the CAA will probably stuff its nose in it too."

Although what Barry Diller said made sense, Eric still bluntly refused. It was true that Home Alone needed Stuart Runkle, but Stuart Runkle also needed Home Alone to stabilize his fame.

His past's Macaulay Culkin had only this series to show for it, every single other movies he had played in were mediocre. Eric didn't believe that the changes so far would make any difference, if the CAA wanted to meddle in this, then fine, let's see whose patience was longer, he had other movies to make in the meantime.

"Mr. Diller, I can sell Home Alone's overseas copyrights to the 20th Century Fox for 25 million $, however, I will shoot three movies in the upcoming year including Home Alone's sequel, and if I'm going to sign a distribution agreement with the Fox, I want 35% of the North American box office, and 10% of the overseas one."

The reason why Eric no longer dwindled on the overseas copyright is because he suddenly found himself in urgent need of money, and 25 million $ would help alleviate his current problems.

Barry Diller patiently listened to Eric, then frowned: "Eric, the Fox will gladly pay you the 25 million $ for the overseas' copyrights, but for the others, according to what you said before, you are just making low-budget productions, so your demand is a bit.... Only big productions get that kind of share, you know. Well once you make Home Alone's sequel, Fox might also consider the other two ......"

Seeing Barry Diller shook his head, Eric confidently smiled and said: "I believe my movies are worth the price, if you're still having misgivings, how about signing a gambling agreement with me Mr. Diller ?"

"That's ......"

Barry Diller almost choked, because of the previous gamble, Columbia's Blount Cohen status was on the verge of collapse, he may have to pack up and leave at anytime. Barry wasn't stupid enough to follow in his footsteps.

"Maybe I should bring those conditions somewhere else, I believe that several other movie companies would be very interested. Michael Eisner has been calling me a lot lately."

Barry Diller laughed: "Eric, you can't fool me on this one, I know Michael personally."

Eric shook his head and said: "I'm not lying to you Mr. Diller, after that incident, Mr. Eisner has indeed contacted me."

As his former assistant, Barry Diller knew Michael Eisner better than anyone. The guy was a very conceited person, so for him to still keep in contact with Eric after all that, Diller was really surprised. He did not know that the reason for this was because Eric had left a deep impression on Disney's CEO during their meeting.