Hollywood starts with a broker

"Indecent Proposal?"

At Dawn Studios, after browsing the script Steven Ruther sent over, Aaron understood that it was indeed a good script.

"How about it, Aaron? Good story, right? Isn't the plot very novel?"

Steven Ruther had a smile on his face.

The story of "Indecent Proposal" tells the tale of a young couple who, after losing money in a casino, encounter a handsome, older millionaire.

This millionaire is very fond of the young, sexy wife and offers the couple $1 million, hoping to spend one night with the sexy wife.

After a fierce ideological struggle, the couple agrees to the proposal, stipulating that neither side will ever mention it again, but in the aftermath, the couple can't return to the way things were, and the older millionaire reappears in their lives...

Aaron nodded. "Indeed, it's good. Is Adrian Lyne satisfied with the script?"

"It still needs revisions. The screenwriter, Amy Jones, will refine it according to director Adrian Lyne's opinions!"

Steven Ruther explained.

"Not bad," Aaron said, knowing this was a package deal from CAA, but he also thought it was feasible.

"What's the budget CAA has set?"

"No less than $35 million, plus 15% of the film's profits?" Steven Ruther was very direct.

Aaron frowned. "Steven, this is just a drama; there aren't any big scenes or sets to build."

"How could it require a $35 million budget?"

He then shook his head. "That's impossible, and your 15% of the film's profits is too high."

That's 15% of the total revenue from the box office, videotapes, and television broadcasts!

"For the role of the millionaire, we think Robert Redford is a good fit, and for the male lead, we're looking at Tom Cruise."

Aaron smiled. "Would Tom Cruise take a role like this? He's not short of scripts!"

Steven Ruther spread his hands. "Aaron, Sherry Lansing, the producer who worked with director Adrian Lyne on 'Fatal Attraction,' is also interested in the script."

"You also know that Sherry Lansing's production company has a cooperation agreement with Paramount."

"Sherry Lansing?"

The first woman to become president of production at 20th Century Fox, and after leaving, she founded a film production company with the assistance of Paramount!

"Aaron, the 15% of the film's profits is definitely non-negotiable!"

Aaron tapped the table and sighed. "Dawn is willing to undertake a production budget of $25 million."

"No higher than that. As for the male and female leads, we'll continue to discuss them."

Steven Ruther thought for a moment. "A budget of $25 million? Okay."

Aaron looked at the other party. "I have my own requirements as well. 'Indecent Proposal' will be scheduled for release in the second half of next year. CAA needs to speed things up!"

Steven Ruther hesitated for a moment. "Wouldn't that be too rushed?"

"You can't handle a release date at the end of next year?"

"Of course, we can handle it!"

And just like that, Dawn Studios' first packaged film, "Indecent Proposal," was confirmed.

Aaron didn't expect that he would have a packaged project from CAA?

Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades.

Michael Ovitz arrived at Steven Spielberg's seaside villa.

"Oh, Aaron Anderson is actually willing to support me in filming 'Schindler's List'?"

Steven Spielberg was surprised to hear this because his old friend Steve Ross, the chairman of Time Warner, and Sidney Sheinberg, the president of MCA Universal, were not optimistic about this non-commercial project.

Michael Ovitz nodded. "I've already spoken with him. Aaron Anderson is very eager to work with you."

"Don't forget, you're Steven Spielberg. Dawn Studios is a start-up, and its first move has yielded surprising results."

"However, it lacks any foundation. Aaron was just an agent at CAA before, wasn't he?"

"Alright, have something to drink," At this time, Spielberg's remarried wife, Kate Capshaw, brought over two cups of coffee.

"Thank you!"

Steven Spielberg married Kate Capshaw this year. When he divorced the year before last, he paid over $100 million in alimony.

"Are you talking about that young producer, Aaron Anderson? Isn't 'Ghost,' which is currently in theaters, his work?"

Kate Capshaw asked with a smile.

Michael Ovitz nodded. "Yes, that's him. A very talented young man."

Kate Capshaw sat next to Spielberg, propping up her head. "Being able to make Warren Beatty lose face is indeed impressive!"

"Why would he want to support 'Schindler's List'?"

Michael Ovitz spread his hands. "Spielberg's position is beyond doubt. Dawn probably wants to enhance its industry standing."

Okay, Kate Capshaw didn't understand. Wasn't this too big of a price to pay?

After all, no one believed that "Schindler's List" would have box office success.

Steven Spielberg didn't care about other things. "Michael, the post-production of 'Hook' is already complete. I want to start filming 'Schindler's List' as soon as possible."

"Does Dawn have any conditions?"

Michael Ovitz smiled. "Aaron is very sincere in cooperating with you this time and won't have any opinions on your filming process."

"Before the end of the year, Dawn will transfer the budget to the film's dedicated account!"

"Oh, really? Can I officially start filming by the end of the year?"

"Of course. Dawn has funds now. Aaron just acquired Legacy Entertainment, and Pixar Studios cost a lot."

"The sources of funds are the films 'Boyz n the Hood' and 'The Silence of the Lambs,' and you also know how pleasing the box office of 'Ghost,' which is currently in theaters, is!"

"Ghost" has already exceeded $80 million at the North American box office, and it has just been released overseas and has already broken $50 million.

"Honey, Michael is right. The box office trend of 'Ghost' is even stronger than last year's 'Pretty Woman.'"

Kate Capshaw interjected from the side.

"No wonder. Then I'll meet with Aaron Anderson as soon as possible and start preparing the crew!"

With the revenue from "Ghost" supporting it, Spielberg indeed didn't have to worry about Dawn running out of money.

"Steven, the 'Jurassic Park' project can't be delayed, right?"

Michael Ovitz reminded him.

Spielberg waved his hand. "Don't worry. The two films will be prepared together. After I finish filming 'Schindler's List,' I'll immediately start filming 'Jurassic Park.'"

"It won't be delayed!"

Michael Ovitz knew that Spielberg valued "Schindler's List" very much, so since he had made arrangements, there was naturally no objection.