Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 283 Marvel's Request for Cooperation

"What do they want?"

"cooperate."

Margaret turned to the second page of the document.

"Marvel's proposal was that Franchise Studios would license the character copyrights of Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, and Ant-Man to them, and they would be responsible for producing The Avengers."

The investment ratio is 50/50, and the profits are also 50/50.

Copyright licensing fees are separate.

After listening, Fu Yibai remained silent for a few seconds, then smiled.

"They're dreaming."

"really."

Margaret smiled too.

"The characters belong to us, they only contributed half the money, and the production rights are still in their hands."

This plan essentially means we provide the intellectual property, pay half the cost, and only take half the profits, giving the production control back to someone else.

"What did you reply?"

I said I needed to think about it.

Margaret closed the file.

"But Marvel is in a hurry."

Their CEO, Kevin Feige, personally made three phone calls, saying he could fly to Los Angeles anytime to discuss it in person.

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the floor-to-ceiling window.

He fully understands Marvel's current situation.

Without Iron Man as the core character, and without the support of supporting characters like Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, and Ant-Man, The Avengers simply wouldn't stand up to its name.

The character IPs held by franchise studios are exactly what they need most.

"Margaret, could you analyze this for us? If we use the character's IP as part of our investment percentage, could we reach an agreement?"

Margaret pondered for a few seconds.

"From a legal perspective, it is feasible to use a character's IP as equity."

Hollywood has precedents.

The problem is that Marvel's current financial situation isn't very optimistic; they might prefer to pay copyright licensing fees in cash rather than have us take equity in their IP.

She paused, then changed the subject.

"However, we have Iron Man."

Fu Yibai looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

"The first Iron Man film grossed $860 million worldwide and is currently the only truly blockbuster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe."

The audience recognition and commercial value of the character Tony Stark far exceed those of Captain America and Thor.

Margaret's voice became more resolute.

"If we insist on using IP as equity, Marvel doesn't have many options."

Without Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, and Ant-Man, the Avengers lineup would be very thin.

They can't possibly carry a superhero blockbuster with just Captain America and Thor.

"So your assessment is that we can talk?"

"We can talk."

Margaret's head.

"But it requires skill."

If we act too aggressively, Marvel might think we're taking advantage of their misfortune.

But if you act too agreeable, they'll think you can negotiate a lower price.

Fu Yibai straightened up and tapped his finger lightly on the table.

"so.

You tell Kevin Feige that Franchise Studios is willing to cooperate.

Margaret picked up her pen, ready to take notes.

"But there are a few conditions."

"Please speak."

"First, Franchise Entertainment used the character rights to Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, and Ant-Man, along with some capital investment, to acquire a 50% stake in the Avengers project."

We do not accept simple copyright licensing; it must be in the form of equity.

"Second, the franchisee controls the production."

We decide on the director, we review the script, and we ultimately control the editing.

Marvel can participate in creative discussions, but the final decision rests with us.

Margaret stopped writing and looked up.

"Boss, the second condition... Marvel might think it's too demanding."

"Then let them think that."

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, his tone calm.

"Marvel has no bargaining chips right now."

Their cash flow couldn't support a project the size of "The Avengers," banks refused to lend them money, and the parent company's stock price collapsed.

We have funding, intellectual property, production capabilities, and global distribution channels.

If they don't agree, we'll just drag it out.

We can afford to drag this out, but Marvel can't.

Margaret closed her notebook and nodded.

"I see.

I'll go reply to Kevin Feige right away and lay out our terms.

"No need to rush."

He'll call back twice more.

The less anxious we are, the more anxious he becomes.

Margaret's lips curved into a slight smile.

"Boss, that's a ruthless move."

"The business world is like a battlefield."

Fu Yibai smiled and stood up.

That's enough for today.

As they came out of the office, Anne and Scarlett were chatting at the end of the corridor.

The two were talking about something. Annie covered her mouth and laughed, while Scarlett raised an eyebrow with a hint of smugness in her expression.

Upon seeing Fu Yibai emerge, the two turned their heads simultaneously.

"Are you done talking?"

Anne came up to him and naturally took his arm.

"Um."

"Then let's go home?"

"go home."

The three people walked outside.

Stepping out of the building, the Los Angeles sun beat down on me, warm and comforting, like soaking in lukewarm water.

Fu Yibai opened the back door, and Annie and Scarlett got in on either side, sandwiching him in the middle.

The car drove out of the parking lot and merged into the traffic on Sunset Boulevard.