Bab 309: Chapter 309: Striving for Rights
Less than a week later, the owner of the Burbank residence, having come from Europe, completed the real estate transaction with Matthew in Los Angeles. Now, owning his own property in America, Matthew felt quite attractive by traditional standards—a man with a house is indeed appealing to many women.
Although he was gradually getting used to life here, Matthew was quite pleased with acquiring the residence and decided to name it, albeit uncreatively, after the ivy growing on its exterior walls.
Thus, the residence was henceforth known as "Ivy."
On the day he named it, Zack Snyder, who was gradually making a name for himself in the film industry, came to visit.
"Have you finished your research?"
In the living room, Matthew offered Zack a glass of water. Zack removed his briefcase, placed it on the coffee table, and said, "I've studied it thoroughly. Frank Miller's graphic novel is perfect for my style of adaptation!"
After thanking Matthew for the water, Zack continued, "The main character, Leonidas, is a born hero, tailor-made for you."
Matthew sat on another armchair and replied, "I've read the graphic novel too, and I really like Leonidas."
"That's why, Matthew," Zack had prefaced his statement for this moment, "let's collaborate again! You know my vision, and what kind of film I want to make. I also understand your strengths and know which roles will let you shine."
"Zack, I've told you before," Matthew earnestly said, "we share the same vision; God wouldn't approve if we didn't continue to collaborate."
"You're right!" Zack visibly relaxed, "We must continue to work together."
He knew his artistic vision was hard to sell within the industry. Without aligning with someone of high calibre and strong influence, his ideas would hardly materialize and could end up like "Dawn of the Dead," a film that strayed from his original style.
Matthew shifted the conversation to the main topic, "Zack, now that you've studied the graphic novel, do you have any specific ideas?"
Zack opened his briefcase and pulled out several storyboard sketches, handing them to Matthew, "I've already outlined a framework."
Matthew flipped through the enlarged storyboard sketches, noting their color and background matched Zack's typical cinematic style.
There were only five sketches, but the last one particularly impressed him.
The scene depicted a few of the last standing Spartans dying from a barrage of arrows, with a muscular Leonidas taking several hits yet still roaring in rage.
The content was typical, but paired with the unique color tone of the sketches, it conveyed a tragically heroic fervor.
Indeed, Matthew found these sketches more impactful than the artworks at the recent exhibition. Heroes aren't always those who laugh last; the sketch depicted a massacre of Spartans by Persians, yet it was profoundly stirring.
Not to belittle, Zack's artistic skill was notable.
Of course, that was just Matthew's view. In the art world, Zack's tragic sketches might not compare to the arbitrary lines of some postmodern painters.
As Matthew examined the sketches, he recalled the information he had sought on Frank Miller, the original author. Tragic heroics were Frank's forte, with his works often filled with tragic heroes.
For example, in "The Dark Knight Returns," an aged Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement to fight various evils, climaxing in a battle against his former ally, Superman.
Frank's specialty was crafting characters who, despite their efforts, ultimately succumb to fate yet win the hearts of the audience. Leonidas was undoubtedly such a character.
"Last month, I reached out to Frank Miller," Zack said as Matthew's gaze lifted from the sketches. "I inquired about purchasing the rights to adapt the graphic novel."
Matthew immediately put down the sketches, asking, "Did he agree to sell?"
Zack shook his head, "Frank Miller refused me." He thought for a moment, then elaborated, "I went to New York last month specifically to meet him, hoping to discuss a collaboration, but Frank was very resistant. He said '300 Spartans' means a lot to him, representing the pinnacle of his career, and he can't tolerate his work being adapted into a mundane film like 'Troy.'"
"What about increasing the offer?" Matthew suggested straightforwardly. "We could pool our resources to buy the film rights to the graphic novel."
Zack shook his head again, "It's not about the money. Frank Miller isn't short on cash. Although acquiring the rights would certainly cost a significant sum, if we can't sway Frank, even offering ten million dollars might not convince him to sell us the rights."
Matthew crossed his arms and propped his chin, pondering.
Zack had previously discussed financial matters with Matthew, knowing he had a significant sum available. If Frank agreed, acquiring the film rights to "300 Spartans" would be no issue for them.
"Do
you have any good ideas on how to persuade Frank Miller?" Matthew asked.
Zack had managed to direct the film, surely convincing Frank at some point, likely because Frank approved of Zack as a director.
"I have an idea, but it'll be costly," Zack glanced at Matthew, seeing no objection, continued, "Frank's biggest worry is about the style of the adaptation. If we can alleviate his concerns there, discussions will likely proceed much smoother."
He took a sip of water, then said, "I plan to shoot a few scenes consistent with the graphic style, and let Frank see them personally. Maybe that will persuade him."
"Sounds good, that could work," Matthew agreed.
Zack set down his glass, smiled, and said, "We'll shoot with a green screen and have a special effects studio handle the post-production. I can cover the filming costs personally, but I need actors, particularly those with outstanding physiques."
Without hesitation, Matthew offered, "Since we're collaborating, I'll act for you."
Zack nodded, "Matthew, with you involved, our case is much stronger."
"Let's do this…" Matthew quickly decided, "My stylist can handle the makeup for the shoot. We can hire other actors, and I have a good relationship with Disney Studios, so renting a small soundstage there for a few days won't be a problem."
He paused briefly, then added, "But we'll need to wait a while for the shoot, I'm busy with work at the moment."
"I know, you're preparing for 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith,'" Zack had been keeping tabs on Matthew's activities, as his participation was crucial for filming the ideal movie, "We can do our shoot after you're done with 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.' I also need some time to prepare."
Although it was just a few test shots, extensive preparations were needed, like renting cameras, designing sets, and contacting special effects studios.
Seeing Matthew's full support, Zack resolved to spend even all the salary from "Dawn of the Dead" to give it a try.
"That works," Matthew considered for a moment, then added, "Zack, if you need my help with anything, just let me know."
He had his own calculations: if he could acquire the film rights to "300 Spartans" with Zack, negotiating with film studios as a co-producer who brings capital could be very advantageous. A successful box office could also propel Zack's distinctive style into top-tier productions like "Batman v Superman."
With substantial cash flow at his disposal, investing in a starring film seemed feasible.
Of course, Matthew knew it wouldn't be easy. Acquiring adaptation rights was one thing; convincing other film studios was another, as he and Zack lacked the capital and capability to produce a film independently, let alone handle distribution, which is often more critical than production.
Ideally, Zack would convince Frank Miller, then Matthew's starring roles in "National Treasure" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" would sell big at the box office. Even if he didn't reach A-list status, his continuous success would bolster film studios' confidence in him, making negotiations much easier.
Matthew and Zack discussed many details in the living room all afternoon.
To be frank, outside of acting, Matthew's expertise was limited, so after sending Zack off, he immediately contacted Helen Herman and went to Angel Agency to talk with her until nearly midnight.
Compared to the half-professional Matthew, Helen was undeniably a true professional. She also showed some interest in the project, planning to talk with Zack personally and instructing Matthew to focus on filming "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" while she handled this matter.
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