Chapter 66 Making Five Movies: I Have Three Conditions

The two clinked their glasses.

Qin Feng said, "I have already considered it, and I can take over the *Pirates of the Caribbean* project next."

"Although I have a greater personal preference for sci-fi films, I am willing to try fantasy and monster movies as well."

"That's wonderful," Bruckheimer said with a smile. "Our *Pirates of the Caribbean* has been shelved for two years while we've been searching for the most suitable director."

"Mr. Bruckheimer, I heard you mention last time that the script is already in place, is that correct?"

"Only a first draft, and I'm not entirely satisfied with it yet. I'd say the conceptual setup of the film is very good, though."

"Director Qin, if you take it on, you'd better rewrite the script."

"Alright, sounds good. You can email it to me later."

Bruckheimer wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Director Qin, when do you expect you can come over to Disney?"

Qin Feng thought for a moment. "I have to wait until *The Matrix* is released and wrap up all my current work before I can head over."

"Of course, during this period, I can finish rewriting the *Pirates* script first and do some preliminary preparation work."

Bruckheimer nodded. "Ah, no problem... Also, Director Qin, before you arrive, I'd like to discuss something with you."

"Please go ahead."

"In recent years, Disney has been ramping up its efforts in live-action films and we think very highly of talented young directors like you. If you join us, the studio will sign you for at least five pictures."

"Do you agree?"

Qin Feng frowned slightly.

Five films? That's quite a lot...

Bruckheimer across from him watched him closely, waiting for his answer.

Qin Feng slowly picked up his wine glass and took a small sip.

His thoughts raced:

Looking at the trajectory of development, Disney would experience explosive growth in the future, making it an exceptionally good platform.

Looking at his own career path, jumping from Universal Pictures to Warner Bros. meant hopping from one place to another, and in the long run, that was never a sustainable solution.

Although his ultimate goal was to establish his own independent studio through Qin Dynasty Pictures and carve out a distinct territory in Hollywood, you cannot grow fat in one bite. There has to be a process of step-by-step accumulation of resources, connections, and capital.

Since Disney's top executives valued him, why not leverage Disney to achieve his own goals and accumulate wealth?

He could steadily expand his Qin Dynasty Pictures and its subsidiary, Blumhouse.

However, he needed to secure enough speaking power so as not to be too passive.

With this in mind, he met the expectant gaze of the producer.

"Mr. Bruckheimer, signing for five films all at once is indeed quite a large number for me."

"I have three conditions, and I'm not sure if your esteemed company can agree to them."

Bruckheimer said, "Director Qin, please feel free to lay them out. In fact, our top executives wanted to sign you for even more projects; we are hoping for a long-term collaboration."

Qin Feng leaned forward slightly.

"First of all, regarding the film genres, I have my own preferences. As you already know, I favor large-scale special effects and high-budget productions."

"Therefore, aside from the first *Pirates of the Caribbean* movie, for the other four films, I need to shoot the subjects I want to shoot, and the studio cannot force anything upon me."

"Otherwise, if I don't want to make the film, the quality won't be high either."

Bruckheimer replied, "That's not a problem at all. We have the utmost confidence in Director Qin's vision and the future of special effects cinema."

"Good. Secondly, regarding the scripts and the leading actors for all five films, I need to have the right of final decision."

"I will write the scripts myself. As for the leading roles, I have my own experience and judgment, and I might even cast people from my inner circle. I wonder if your company can agree to that?"

Bruckheimer thought for a moment. "That's also fine. What matters most to us is still the box office revenue generated by the film itself."

"Rest assured, actors affiliated with the studio can be arranged to appear in other projects."

"That's for the best," Qin Feng continued. "Thirdly, about my compensation—it's better to get this out of the way in advance."

"As the director and screenwriter, for each film, I don't want an upfront fee; I want a direct backend percentage."

"I would like a backend of 18% of the studio's net profits. Can you agree to that?"

Upfront fees were negligible and could be ignored.

An 18% backend was indeed quite high for a director.

This was definitively A-list director pricing in Hollywood right now.

Qin Feng was merely putting it out there first to test the waters and leave room for negotiation.

Bruckheimer pondered.

Iger had given instructions earlier that regardless of the cost, Qin Feng had to be secured, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

"I can't make the final call on compensation; I'll need to confirm with the General Manager, but I believe it can be considered."

"Do you have any other requests?"

Qin Feng said, "That's all of them."

"Since that's the case," Bruckheimer raised his glass once more with a smile, "let's toast in advance to a pleasant collaboration."

"Pleasant collaboration!"

...

Bruckheimer didn't dare to delay. Upon returning that evening, he called Iger.

Iger pondered for a long time as well.

"The crux of the matter still lies in the studio's profitability and influence."

"From the current perspective, Qin Feng is not going to disappoint—meaning we will make money on all five films."

"Since that's the case, let's go with the 18%. In this industry, no one else is going to offer Qin Feng this kind of rate, which means no one will compete with us for him."

"This is also a statement of intent, a declaration to the other major studios that Disney is going to make blockbuster special effects films a core focus of our future."

"Agree to his terms."

"Very well, General Manager."

...

Over the next three days, Qin Feng relaxed and gradually finished rewriting the *Pirates of the Caribbean* script.

After reviewing it, he emailed it to Bruckheimer's inbox.

A day later, the reply arrived.

[Qin Feng, read the script, it's brilliant and flawless!]

[Regarding your compensation, the studio has no issues either. Drop by whenever you have time to sign the contract.]

[Welcome to The Walt Disney Studios!]

Everything was settled.

Qin Feng was in a remarkably good mood.

After all, there were several films he could finally go ahead and make now.

At the same time, Spielberg called him, asking him to sign the screenwriting contract for the *Jurassic Park* sequel.

That morning, Qin Feng drove to Universal Pictures.

His trunk was packed with red gift boxes.

His first stop was Director Spielberg's office, where he presented his mentor with two boxes of Longjing tea and two bottles of Moutai.

He chatted with Spielberg for a long time, roughly briefing him on his recent developments.

Then he returned to his car and delivered pieces of Jiangnan Suzhou embroidery to producer Kathleen Kennedy, all of which had been shipped over from China earlier.

He also handed out some Chinese snacks and tea to familiar colleagues in other departments.

Kennedy unrolled the Suzhou embroidery and was instantly awed by the Chinese craft, admiring it endlessly and marveling at its intricacy.

Looking up at him, she repeatedly said, "Qin Feng, when are you coming back to Universal? What do you want to direct for your next film? Everything is open for discussion."

"Studio policies aren't set in stone, you know. It was all my fault for being too stubborn before—please don't hold it against me!"