The Box Office King of Hollywood

By July, some speculative news appeared in the media. Informed journalists obtained hints from inside Universal Studios and published reports suggesting Universal might spin off the Scorpion King into its own film. However, without Universal's confirmation, these reports didn't attract much attention amidst Hollywood's daily gossip.

But Matthew knew this was true; the project had completed its internal review at Universal Studios, tentatively named "The Scorpion King." The project hadn't been publicly announced due to certain discussions within Universal Studios.

Helen Herman relayed that if the financing for this fantasy action film went smoothly, the production budget would be around $40 million. If not, it might be reduced by $10 million.

Universal Studios wouldn't directly invest much in this project; the production costs were mainly covered through financing. Now more knowledgeable about Hollywood, Matthew understood that Hollywood's major productions often resulted from multiple investments. Many film funds and investment institutions frequently invested in promising film projects for profit.

The investment model was similar to other commercial investments, with the product being the film.

Films, especially major commercial productions, are high-risk commercial products. No one can guarantee success before a film's release. A failed big-budget film can doom a company, even if major studios have stronger risk resistance, they still seek ways to avoid risk.

If possible, everyone wants to profit without bearing risk.

After Independence Day, Helen Herman had good news: Universal Studios, Sean Daniel, and Stephen Sommers had no objections to Matthew continuing as the Scorpion King, and the crew was officially formed. Although not yet public, Sean Daniel had begun negotiating Matthew's actor contract with her.

According to Helen Herman, the film aimed to capitalize on the Scorpion King's popularity from "The Mummy Returns" and planned to release "The Scorpion King" next summer or earlier, leaving tight timing.

Another piece of news surprised Matthew.

Stephen Sommers decided not to direct but to serve as a writer and producer alongside Sean Daniel, controlling the overall direction of "The Scorpion King" and seeking another suitable director.

The reason Stephen Sommers stepped down as director of "The Scorpion King" was partly that, given his current fame and status, "The Scorpion King" was considered a small project. Additionally, he had reached an agreement with Universal Studios to prepare another super production, a fantasy adventure action film.

"Stephen Sommers is ambitious now," Helen Herman told Matthew at the Angel Talent Agency office. "He wants to bring Universal Studios' famous monsters into the same movie, asking for a budget of $150 million. Universal Studios is quite interested."

Matthew frowned in thought, recalling a monster ensemble movie he had seen, featuring werewolves, vampires, and Dracula, among others, which wasn't very successful and had poor box office results.

Helen Herman continued, "Stephen Sommers has a good impression of you. If 'The Scorpion King' is successful, we might have a chance to compete for the lead role in this super production."

Failure in "The Scorpion King" would mean no need to consider such opportunities. A newcomer actor facing failure in their first major commercial lead role would likely ruin their prospects.

"I want to focus on 'The Scorpion King' for now," Matthew said, remembering the movie might be "Van Helsing," featuring Hugh Jackman and a female lead from "Pearl Harbor." The film's failure had significant implications for the female lead's career.

Helen Herman didn't discuss further but mentioned, "I've started negotiations with Sean Daniel for your contract. I've asked for a million dollars for you."

Matthew nodded, understanding this was just a starting point.

Helen Herman added, "Sean Daniel has started planning, and for salary, he's allocated $5 million, including the director and other behind-the-scenes roles. Taking a fifth for yourself isn't realistic."

She estimated, "Your contract will likely be around $500,000."

Matthew was satisfied with this amount, seeing a significant profit from his investment.

He also knew Helen Herman was using him as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the crew, aiming for more roles for Angel Talent Agency's clients, such as the female lead and other key supporting characters.

Angel Talent Agency's efforts in making him the lead were not just for a 10% commission.

But Matthew didn't inquire further, as this was part of business. Helen Herman and Angel Talent Agency had provided him with many conveniences and resources, not out of charity.

Helen Herman had bigger goals than just securing a lead role in this project.

This was why she temporarily prevented Matthew from contacting Sean Daniel and Stephen Sommers directly. Any misstep by Matthew could complicate future negotiations.

"Do you have any special requests regarding treatment?" Helen Herman asked.

Matthew shook his head, "You handle it."

As long as the salary was appropriate, he wasn't overly concerned about other treatment aspects.

Although discussing money upfront and haggling over every penny might seem greedy and nouveau riche, what stars truly care about is money. Unless there's an Oscar lure, salary is always the most crucial aspect of any contract, as it represents status, popularity, and vanity.

That afternoon, after leaving Angel Talent Agency, Helen Herman visited Universal Studios again to meet Sean Daniel. Since Stephen Sommers was preparing another project, "The Scorpion King" was under Sean Daniel's control.

The project, "The Scorpion King," had officially been approved but remained unannounced due to timing issues. The crew was essentially a shell, with only the production team led by Sean Daniel confirmed.

"Helen, your requests for Matthew to have a personal assistant, car service, private makeup room, and travel expenses are not an issue," Sean Daniel said, finding Helen Herman's conditions reasonable and matching Matthew's status as a regular actor turned lead. "But the salary you're asking for is too high."

He was serious, "A million dollars... Matthew Horn is a good actor, but not worth that price."

"But he's the lead actor!" Helen Herman emphasized. "He created the highly popular Scorpion King character."

Sean Daniel shook his head, unwilling to prolong the discussion. "Five hundred thousand dollars, or I'd rather replace him."

Helen Herman unexpectedly agreed, "I can accept that, but with a condition."

"Condition?" Sean Daniel frowned, not wanting to replace the Scorpion King, as that would increase the risk. "What condition?"

Helen Herman adjusted her glasses, "I heard the crew needs a female lead and several supporting characters. Can my actors be given priority?"

Initially, she wanted to mimic CAA's strategy but realized Angel Talent Agency lacked the power.

Sean Daniel thought it over, "If the conditions are similar, I can give priority."

The negotiations gradually went smoothly, and in the following days, they reached a consensus on many aspects.

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