Hollywood, I became a legend with special effects.

Chapter 54: Pleasant Cooperation

About twenty minutes later, Jiang Yu closed the proposal, leaned back in his chair, and placed his hands on the table.

“Ms. Thomas,” he began, his voice steady, “first of all, I must say that the Inception project, from concept to script, is extremely compelling. Director Nolan’s imagination is admirable, and this project seems somewhat similar to Japan’s Paprika; but such a project that insists on originality and authorial expression deserves support.”

Emma was secretly delighted, knowing that the important part was yet to come.

"I am indeed interested in participating in such a project."

Jiang Yu maintained a steady pace in his speech, "In fact, regarding the $2000 million interest from the Japanese side that you just mentioned, if you don't mind, Light Chaser Pictures can take on the entire amount. In other words, we can solve $7000 million of your current $9000 million shortfall."

Emma and her assistant's eyes widened instantly.

9000 million? The entire shortfall? Even covering the portion in Japan? This...this guy is incredibly generous! Far exceeding their expectations!

"Mr. Jiang, you mean..." Emma was somewhat incredulous.

"Yes, Light Chaser Animation Studios can invest $9000 million to become the main investor in 'Inception'," Jiang Yu confirmed, then added, "Regarding the revenue sharing from the global box office, we can negotiate according to our investment ratio, referring to industry practices. I have no major objections. However..."

He paused, his tone still calm but undeniably firm: "I want half the revenue from the film's copyright and derivative products such as character designs. Furthermore, all visual effects in the film must be handled by Light & Shadow Digital. We need to be the sole builders of this film's visual world."

Emma's joy froze instantly. Copyright and half of the merchandise? This is simply... outrageous!

Even Warner, as the main distributor, could not possibly obtain such a high percentage; this is practically asking for a slice of the most lucrative long-term revenue.

The special effects were all handled by Light & Shadow Digital. Although we knew it was Jiang Yu's own company, which might guarantee quality, it also meant that the production would be somewhat constrained, and the price...

“Mr. Jiang,” Emma said, trying to remain professional, “we are very grateful for your investment, as it solves our biggest problem. However, the demand for 50% of the copyright and merchandise revenue… frankly, this is beyond the scope of normal negotiations for any Hollywood film of this scale. Warner Bros., as the distributor and some investors, has its own vested interests in this regard. Also, having all the special effects handled by one company requires consideration of existing team collaborations and cost control.”

She paused, trying to find a compromise: "How about this? We can try to give Light Chaser Pictures 30% of the copyright revenue and 25% of the merchandise. As for visual effects, Light & Shadow Digital can be the main supplier, undertaking no less than 70% of the core visual effects production. This will ensure quality while also leaving some flexibility."

Jiang Yu shook his head slightly, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"Ms. Thomas, I understand your difficulties. Please understand my position. Light Chaser Animation Studios has invested a significant amount; $9000 million carries enormous risk in the current environment. We need a matching long-term return and an opportunity to showcase our core technologies. Copyright and merchandise are core assets that, besides box office revenue, can continue to generate value for the next decade. Special effects are not just a business, but also an opportunity for us to prove our capabilities. The dream world of Inception requires top-notch special effects to realize, and Light Chaser Animation Studios has the technology and the willingness to take on this challenge."

He looked at Emma: "50% of the copyrighted merchandise, and all the special effects. That's my condition. Of course, to show my sincerity in the collaboration, I can also make two additional promises: First, Light Chaser Pictures will not interfere with Director Nolan's artistic creation and final editing rights; we respect the director's vision. Second, I can secure two significant roles for Light Chaser Pictures in the film."

"A role?" Emma was taken aback.

"Yes." Jiang Yu pulled out a sticky note from the side, wrote down two English words, and pushed it over: "The Architect and The Businessman."

He was referring to Ariadne, played by Ellen Page in the original film, and the character who was a spokesperson for the Japanese energy tycoon Saito.

"For these two roles, I hope Director Nolan can consider adjusting their character settings to be of Chinese descent, or at least of Asian appearance. This would not only increase the diversity of the film, but also align with Light Chaser Animation's long-term strategy of promoting Asian actors. Of course, the specific casting and performances must be approved by the director."

Jiang Yu spoke in a calm tone, as if he were discussing something perfectly natural.

Emma stared at the two words on the paper, her mind reeling.

The other party's conditions were extremely tough, but they didn't seem entirely unnecessarily unacceptable.

He offered a very high investment amount, promised not to interfere with the creative process, and even made reasonable requests to increase the diversity of characters.

"Mr. Jiang, I need to communicate your request to Chris and Warner immediately." Emma stood up, having regained her composure. "Give me a moment, I need to make a phone call."

"Please go ahead. There's a quiet lounge next door." Jiang Yu gestured for him to proceed.

........

Emma and her assistant hurriedly left the office with their phones and laptops.

Yang Siwei poured Jiang Yu more hot tea and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Jiang, aren't the conditions too high? Warner and Nolan might have a backlash."

Jiang Yu picked up his teacup, blew on the steam, and smiled slightly: "Not high. What they want is life-saving money; what we want is the future gold mine and the power to influence the market. It's a seller's market now; we have the leverage."

The wait was longer than expected; it took Emma more than an hour to return to the office.

Her expression was somewhat complicated, a mixture of exhaustion, relief, and helplessness.

"Mr. Jiang," she sat down again, looking directly at Jiang Yu, "after urgent communication with Chris and Warner, we reached an agreement. Warner agreed to make significant concessions on copyright and merchandise revenue, but 50% is simply unacceptable. Their final bottom line is: 35% of the total film copyright revenue and 30% of the net profit from character merchandise. That's the limit. Warner needs to retain sufficient control and long-term incentives."

She paused, then continued, "Regarding the special effects, they can all be handled by Light & Shadow Digital, but they must undergo budget and quality review by a third-party supervisor appointed by Warner Bros. to ensure they meet the film's requirements and cost control. As for the roles, Chris has agreed. The dream architect Ariadne can be changed to a young Chinese-American genius studying architecture in Paris; the businessman role can also be clearly defined as Saito's Asian business partner, with his screen time appropriately increased to serve the plot. The final selection of actors must be based on Chris's audition."

Jiang Yu listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, as if he were calculating something.

In reality, his inner world was far less calm than he appeared.

35% copyright and 30% merchandise? This far exceeds his initial optimistic expectations!

It seems that Warner Bros. and Nolan have truly been cornered by money, and their $9000 million investment and promise of non-interference in creative work are more substantial than imagined.

He pretended to ponder, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he was still weighing the pros and cons.

Emma watched him nervously, her palms sweating slightly.

After a full minute, Jiang Yu finally let out a slow sigh of relief, a smile appearing on his face as if he had made a difficult decision. He extended his hand: "Well then, Ms. Thomas, it's a pleasure to cooperate. Light Chaser Animation will invest $9000 million in exchange for a percentage of the box office revenue from the Inception project, 35% of the copyright revenue, 30% of the merchandise revenue, and all special effects production rights. The two roles will be adjusted as agreed. Our legal team will handle the specific contract details with you and Warner Bros."

Emma's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down, and she even felt a surge of excitement.

Despite the considerable cost, the most critical funding issue has been resolved!

She gripped Jiang Yu's hand tightly: "It'll be a pleasure working with you, Mr. Jiang! Chris and Warner Bros. will thank you for your decision! We're confident we'll create a film unlike any other!"

"I have no doubt about it," Jiang Yu said with a smile.

After seeing off Emma Thomas, who was both relieved and full of fighting spirit, Jiang Yu returned to his office and stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.

For $90 million, they bought over 30% of the long-term revenue from "Inception" and control over its core special effects, while also casually adding two promising Asian characters... This deal is more profitable than robbery.

"Siwei," he ordered without turning his head, "notify Zhou Mu and Wu Na to prepare for a big job."

"Yes, Mr. Jiang," Yang Siwei replied. Although she didn't fully understand the potential of "Inception," judging from the boss's expression and the outcome of the negotiations, it was undoubtedly another amazing scheme.

Jiang Yu looked out the window at the lights of thousands of homes gradually coming on, feeling relaxed and happy.