Seeking a New Target

Samuel Goldwyn Films' attitude toward Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was rather ambiguous, and the gap between the two sides' asking prices was simply too large.

So Aaron shifted his focus to New Line Cinema!

After New Line chairman Robert Shaye watched the rough cut, he expressed interest in distributing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

"Aaron Anderson, young people these days really are something!"

In New Line's New York office, Robert Shaye smiled at the young man before him.

"Mr. Shaye founded New Line in the seventies, took it public two years ago, and turned it into the leading representative among second-tier film distributors. That's what's truly impressive."

Robert Shaye smiled. "What you proclaimed at the Sundance Film Festival—the first year of independent film—was what truly shook people to the core."

"Sex, Lies, and Videotape making such a splash at the Cannes Film Festival was a major step forward for American independent cinema!"

Aaron looked rather casual. "Independent films, art films—those labels are nothing more than a way to distinguish them from mainstream Hollywood commercial movies."

"Back then, filmmakers opposed to Hollywood's mainstream were concentrated around San Francisco in Northern California. Now, those places have long since emptied out."

"Before box office revenue, art is worth nothing. Even the art films people remember are the ones that made money at the box office!"

Robert Shaye neither agreed nor disagreed. "New Line needs a film for release during next spring's season."

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles isn't bad. How about 3.5 million US Dollars for the outright purchase of its distribution rights?"

"After all, it's a B-grade action movie directed by a Hong Kong filmmaker."

Aaron tapped his fingers against his knee. New Line was indeed showing some sincerity, but it still fell short of his desired price.

Aaron knew the film's potential. Unfortunately, he had no capital. For a film like this, the best arrangement would have been a commissioned distribution deal with a distributor, sharing revenue instead of selling off the distribution rights outright.

However, Golden Harvest was, after all, a foreign company. Under a revenue-sharing distribution arrangement, they would have to wait too long for returns. Hong Kong's film industry was famous for its speed, and Golden Harvest needed to recoup its funds as soon as possible!

Aaron looked at the other man. "My expectations for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are even higher than yours, Mr. Shaye."

"I can accept the price of 3.5 million US Dollars, but I need a backend guarantee. If the North American box office exceeds 50 million US Dollars, Golden Harvest receives 15% of the amount above that figure. If it exceeds 100 million US Dollars, Golden Harvest's share rises to 25%."

Robert Shaye laughed. "While I don't think this movie will be that successful, the percentage you're asking for is a little high."

"Ten percent above 50 million US Dollars, and twenty percent above 100 million."

Aaron considered it, then stood and shook Robert Shaye's hand. "Pleasure working with you. I'll arrange for Golden Harvest's representative to come over and sign the contract as soon as possible."

Robert Shaye nodded, studying Aaron for a moment. "You became an agent to broaden your connections and resources, didn't you? If you have any ideas after leaving CAA, you can come to New Line."

"Thank you. I'll consider it."

Soon afterward, in late July, Golden Harvest and New Line signed a cooperation agreement for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Golden Harvest chairman Raymond Chow also made a special trip to New York to attend the signing ceremony.

In a hotel room, Raymond Chow was very pleased with Aaron Anderson's performance. "Thomas told me that originally, not a single film company had been willing to offer 3 million US Dollars. New Line getting up to 3.5 million is indeed quite good!"

Aaron shook his head. "Actually, the price could have been a little higher, but I value the subsequent box office share more."

"Once the movie is released next spring, you'll understand just how much profit those backend shares can bring."

Raymond Chow froze for a moment, then laughed. "If that's the case, then that would be wonderful. When the time comes, Golden Harvest certainly won't be stingy with your bonus, Aaron."

Aaron thought it was only fair. Without the revenue share, all the profit would belong to New Line. There was nothing wrong with securing those terms for Golden Harvest.

"By the way, I heard you came from Seattle, Mr. Chow?"

Raymond Chow nodded. "A few days ago was the anniversary of a friend's death, so I made a special trip to pay my respects."

"Seattle... Bruce Lee, right? He was one of my idols too. What a pity," Aaron quickly guessed. Bruce Lee was buried in Seattle.

"Is that so? You like kung fu movies too, Aaron?"

Aaron nodded. "I do. And one of the new directors I represent is especially enthusiastic about Hong Kong kung fu films!"

"That's good. If you have the chance, Aaron, you should visit Hong Kong. The Hong Kong film industry is thriving these days as well."

"Of course. Hong Kong's film exports are second only to Hollywood's. When discussing the global film industry today, neither Hollywood nor Hong Kong can be ignored..."

At the same time, Sony's acquisition of Columbia TriStar Pictures was nearing its end, while Japan's Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. had acquired the landmark Rockefeller Center complex in Manhattan, New York, sparking another wave of American resentment.

A political commentary book titled The Japan That Can Say No, co-written by Japanese right-wing politician Shintaro Ishihara and Sony founder Akio Morita, was published to great sensation. The entire book brimmed with Japan's supreme confidence.

Electronics, automobiles, foreign debt—Japan's influence had now reached its peak, and America was filled with all kinds of Japanese elements!

As David Lynch's dark road drama Wild at Heart was about to begin filming, Nicole Kidman was also preparing to head to the set with the crew.

And Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape was about to be released. After settling the deal for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Aaron had already begun searching for his next target.

In New York, Jennifer Connelly, who had attended auditions for several films during summer break, sat on her bed, conflicted as she looked at the script for Boiling Point in her hands.

Ever since appearing in Once Upon a Time in America, she had become America's sweetheart, but none of her subsequent films had made much of a splash, and her image as a pretty face had become deeply ingrained.

Although she had transferred from Yale to Stanford, she still very much wanted to act. After a string of failed auditions, she had now received a script for a radically different role—one that required her to undress and bare her body on screen.

Her mother, who had always handled her career, supported her dropping out and transforming her image, shedding her reputation as a mere pretty face.

But it would inevitably invite plenty of controversy. Jennifer Connelly stared blankly at a business card in her hand.

It was the one Aaron Anderson had given her when she auditioned for Pretty Woman in Los Angeles. Professional matters should be left to professionals.

He wanted to sign her, and Jennifer Connelly had looked into his background as well. Though he was a new agent, he had a good eye for films.

He had also recently helped facilitate another film deal.

Moreover, Jennifer Connelly felt that he was around the same age as her, and she wanted to hear his opinion.

Then she got out of bed, went to the telephone, and dialed the number on the business card...