New York 2006

Chapter 180 Game of Thrones

On April 2008, 4, Luo Ji warmly welcomed several old white men who arrived in front of the Future Records building.

"Hi, Director Francis. Congratulations, your movie "I Am Legend" was a box office hit!" Luo Ji greeted him warmly and hugged Director Francis warmly.

"I didn't expect that everyone would like my movie so much." Director Francis said with a smile.

In December last year, "I Am Legend" was released, with an investment of 12 million US dollars, in exchange for a global box office of 1.5 million US dollars.So far, DVD sales have reached 5.85 million US dollars, not to mention the broadcast rights sold through various channels. Warner Films has made a lot of money.

Francis Lawrence also rose to become one of Hollywood's top directors.

Francis then introduced: "Here, let me introduce you, this is George Martin, the author of the novel "A Song of Ice and Fire", and this is Daniel Weiss, the screenwriter and screenwriter of the film and television version of "A Song of Ice and Fire" The initiator. During this time, he helped me write the script for the prequel to "I Am Legend." This is the person in charge of HBO's "A Song of Ice and Fire" project."

Luo Ji led a few people towards the company building.

As he walked, he said to George Martin: "George, I'm a big fan of you."

Mr. George Martin said with a smile: "Haha, I heard about it."

Last year, after Luo Jitian revealed Lena Headey's film and television clips, he consulted online. Netizens soon gave the answer, which was the plot of the novel "A Song of Ice and Fire".

Luo Ji then pretended to be a fan of the novel and wanted to buy the film and television rights. However, by this time the film and television rights had already been sold to HBO.

Mr. George Martin then said: "You may not know, but I participated in the first version of the script of your movie "Twilight"."

Luo Ji was surprised and said, "No wonder, I just said it's so familiar, and the writing has your style. In the end, all the vampire family died!"

George R.R. Martin is not only a novelist, he is also a Hollywood screenwriter.

"Haha, that was the plot I originally designed." George Martin then said: "How did you design the plot of your movie?"

"Designed according to the plot of the novel."

George Martin curled his lips: "Young boy!"

Luo Ji spoke seriously: "I respect the author of the original work more."

George Martin said with a smile: "Well, that version is quite romantic and more in line with a girl's fantasy."

Luo then stared at Mr. George Martin: "The last part of "The Twilight Saga" will be published soon. When will the fifth part of your novel be published?"

George Martin said perfunctorily: "Come on, come on!"

Luo Ji said seriously: "Then you'd better hurry up, we've all been waiting for so long. I saw someone on the novel forum saying that if you don't update, be prepared to force the update physically."

Mr. George Martin's expression suddenly froze and he said nothing more.

Everyone came to the company conference room, and Luo Ji arranged for a few people to sit down.He is in a very good mood now. He has been harassing HBO for almost a year, and they are finally willing to see him.

The old white man from HBO said impatiently: "Logic, can you please stop annoying us like a piece of candy? The copyright of the novel belongs to us at HBO. You have been harassing us since last year. Are you annoyed? And now you are asking for Francis The director acts as a lobbyist.”

"I'm the middleman," Francis said with a smile.

Luo Ji chuckled and said, "I'm afraid you will randomly adapt this novel."

The old white man at HBO was immediately unhappy: "We are HBO, please understand. HBO's products must be high-quality products!"

Luo Ji tried to keep his attitude down as low as possible: "I know, I know. I still believe in you. But how did I hear that the project is now in a stalemate? You seem to be deliberately blocking the project and not giving the green light."

The old white man from HBO said lightly: "Project approval takes time! Let me say it again, it is impossible to sell the copyright to you. We at HBO have not fallen to the point of selling copyright."

"I know, I don't want to develop it myself."

Luo Ji then said seriously: "I have read the novel more than five times. If you want to restore the plot of the novel, a large investment is necessary. How about I be one? It can also be considered as sharing the risk for you."

George Martin persuaded: "Logic is right. Only large investments can restore the scenes of the novel. Introducing investors can also share risks for you."

This is why the project is now at a stalemate. The investment is too great. The current budget for the first quarter is at least 5000 million US dollars.But there’s no telling whether the project will be successful or not. It’s a gamble.

The old white man from HBO said nothing and just looked at Luo Ji.

Luo Ji then said: "HBO and Warner are part of the same group. I cooperated with you on "The Twilight Saga". You should have inquired about my situation. I respect the creators very much. I work with you." Your HBO philosophy is the same. I will never interfere too much in film and television creation."

Recently, the post-production of the soundtrack for "The Twilight Saga" has been completed, and many young women have been invited to watch the movie. Their evaluations are very high. Warner's promotional funds for the movie have now been increased to 2000 million US dollars. One half for each side.

Logic and Warner are now in their honeymoon period.

"I know this, otherwise I wouldn't come to see you!" HBO's old white man then said: "You have a very good reputation within the group."

"So, are you willing to accept my investment?"

The old white man from HBO said seriously: "I'm just here to meet you today. As for the cooperation, let's talk about it later!"

"Okay!" Luo Ji stood up and shook hands with him: "I'm waiting for your news." Luo Ji sent HBO's old white man outside the conference room, and then asked Fiona to see him off.

HBO's old white man asked: "Aren't they leaving?"

Luo Ji said casually: "I'll chat with them again!"

The old white man at HBO was immediately unhappy: "Logic, you have to understand that the project is now under our control and they have no decision-making power."

"I know, I'm just a fan who wants to know the progress of the project." Luo Ji then said, "Why isn't HBO willing to accept my investment?"

"You also know that we are HBO and we are not short of money."

“Then you should give the project the green light!”

The old white man from HBO said impatiently: "It's not your turn to interfere in our HBO affairs!"

"OK." Luo Ji immediately raised his hands in surrender.

Watching the old white man from HBO leave, Luo Ji felt that he was very irritable today. He didn't know whether it was because of negotiation or because he was really tired of his harassment.

Back in the conference room, only Luo Ji, George Martin, screenwriter Daniel Weiss and director Francis Lawrence were left.

Luo Ji looked at everyone and said, "Do you think HBO will introduce my funds?"

"Logic, I'm more than willing to bring in your money. But we have no control."

Screenwriter Daniel Weiss said: "I was the initiator of the project at the beginning, and then recommended the novel to HBO, and they agreed readily. But now the project has stalled. Introducing your funds can actually solve this problem perfectly, but They are HBO, whether they will accept you or not is hard to say."

George Martin sighed: "Logic, I'll put in a good word for you."

"thank you very much."

George Martin, like Stephanie, the author of "Twilight", was very eager to see the film and television version of his novel.But as the creators of the novel, both lost control of the project.

Luo Ji thought for a while and said to several people, "Do you think it's possible to break the contract directly and I'll pay the liquidated damages and then take over the project?"

George Martin's head suddenly shook like a rattle: "No, if this show wants to restore the novel, the scale must be very large. In the future, it can only be broadcast on HBO, not other platforms."

Screenwriter Daniel Weiss also said: "George is right, no other platform will broadcast it except HBO."

Luo Ji wondered: "Aren't there Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax? These platforms are also willing to broadcast larger-scale works. They are premium channels and are competitors with HBO!"

Screenwriter Daniel Weiss thought for a while and said: "But none of them have as much influence as HBO!"

"Okay." Luo Ji said casually.

The few of them chatted for a while, and then Luo Ji saw off Mr. George Martin and screenwriter Daniel Weiss. Only director Francis and Luo Ji were left in the conference room.

Francis looked at Luo Ji and said, "George Martin and screenwriter Daniel Weiss may just want you to put pressure on HBO. Don't misjudge and think they will join you."

"I know, we also use each other." Luo Ji said with a smile.

Francis said: "Logic, you are really an investment genius! Apple's stock has risen very well! It has risen by more than 60% since you recommended it to me last year."

Luo Ji said, "Haha, really? Did you also buy it at that time?"

Francis' expression darkened, but he quickly returned to normal, smiled and said, "I bought it."

"That's good, let's make a fortune together!"

Francis said nonchalantly: "Logic, what do you think Apple stock will do next? The trend in the past few months has been very unstable!"

Luo Ji said casually: "Although Apple also fell during the January stock market crash, it has risen again. With the current sluggish performance of the market, it is enough to prove that Apple is favored by everyone. I still say that it is not good in the short term. It’s clear, but it’s still optimistic in the long term. Smartphones will inevitably replace traditional mobile phones.”

Francis smiled: "That's good."

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle!
Luo Ji picked up the phone and saw that it was Ms. Clinton's personal assistant, Patty Doyle. The two had not been in contact for a long time after their last request for inside information failed.

"Director Francis, I'm going to take a personal call."

"Ok."

Half an hour later, Luo Ji walked into the conference room with a solemn expression.

Francis saw this scene and asked with concern: "What's wrong?"

"It's okay." Luo Ji recovered quickly and smiled casually: "Let's continue talking about film and television!"

(End of this chapter)