The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 688

James Wan had never imagined that the person Leigh Whannell invited over would be the Chief Operating Officer of Dimension Films, though he certainly knew his friend had good intentions. The two were both friends and partners, equally frustrated by the empty promises from Lionsgate. It was Wan who had proposed the idea, and Whannell who had written the script.

As for Steven Stabler, the man standing before him, James Wan had seen plenty of men just like him over the years.

He knew that the initial flicker of condescension on the man's face was due to his appearance and ethnicity; Hollywood had never spared him that kind of unfair treatment. Compared to that, the arrogance laced in Stabler's words was of little consequence.

After all, the chasm in status between them was undeniable. In Stabler's eyes, he was just a minor director.

Leigh Whannell glanced at James, puzzled by his best friend's sudden silence. This was the kind of opportunity they had been waiting for. After breaking away from Lionsgate, establishing a stable, long-term relationship with Dimension Films would undoubtedly make their path forward much smoother.

Steven Stabler cast a glance at James. From the moment he'd agreed to this meeting, it had never occurred to him that the other party might refuse. The two sides simply weren't on the same level.

Dimension Films was extending a lifeline at a critical moment. Weren't they supposed to grasp it eagerly?

After all, Saw had been a genuine success, and while Dead Silence had been met with a mediocre reception, why not give James Wan another chance? There were good reasons for it. The project's production budget was only $1.5 million, and more importantly, a major figure behind Dimension Films had seen it and expressed interest. Otherwise, why would he, the COO of Dimension Films, personally meet with two small-time creators like James and Leigh?

James Wan didn't hesitate for long.

Had this been before his meeting with Matthew Horner, he would have accepted Dimension Films' offer in a heartbeat.A man willing to treat him as an equal, to delegate authority without hesitation and invest money freely, was a far more suitable partner than an arrogant man with thinly veiled prejudice.

Besides, Matthew Horner's reputation in the industry was well-known—far better than that of the overbearing Dimension Films and the Weinsteins who stood behind it.

Given Dimension Films' track record, who was to say they wouldn't turn into another Lionsgate, full of nothing but empty promises?

With these thoughts in mind, James Wan no longer hesitated. He looked at Steven with a serious expression and said, "It's an honor to receive an invitation from Dimension Films."

At his words, Steven smiled, assuming James had already agreed.

But Leigh knew better. He had worked with James for years and was all too familiar with his friend's polite but firm way of delivering a refusal.

He's turning him down.

Realizing this, Leigh Whannell started to open his mouth to intervene, but James Wan gave him a subtle gesture to stay quiet.

Leigh Whannell held his tongue, trusting his friend's judgment.

James Wan offered a polite smile. "I would also be very hopeful for a collaboration with Dimension Films, but..." He lowered his voice slightly. "I've already found an investor and have committed to working with another party."

Steven's eyebrows shot up. "Are you sure you've thought this through, James?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "An opportunity to work with Dimension Films doesn't come along every day."

"I appreciate Dimension Films' sincerity," James Wan replied, his voice firm. "But I have to honor my commitment."

Steven frowned. "Your project would be financed and produced by Dimension Films, and then handed over..." He leaned in, emphasizing his next words. "To the Weinsteins for distribution. Do you have any idea how rare an opportunity that is?"

James knew, of course. The Weinstein Company was a titan in the world of independent film, possessing incredibly powerful distribution channels and operational capabilities.

But that was no longer enough to sway him.

Leigh Whannell stared at James in astonishment, unable to comprehend his reasoning. The Weinstein Company was far more powerful than Lionsgate, and the benefits of collaborating with them would be immense. How could James so decisively turn down such a lucrative partnership?

Strictly speaking, he and James Wan were players in the independent film scene. But they weren't making arthouse dramas; they made low-budget horror films. For them, a company like Weinstein was practically the highest they could aim.

If they turned down a company like that, could James really have found a partner from one of the "Big Six" studios?

Leigh believed that might have been possible before Dead Silence, but that film's poor market performance had changed things...

At that moment, James Wan politely reiterated, "I'm sorry, Mr. Stabler. I already have a partner."

"Very well, then." Stabler maintained his composure, seeing no point in wasting any more time on this minor-league director. "I wish you the best of luck," he said flatly.

Without another word, he stood up and turned to leave.

Dimension Films was a highly influential mid-tier studio in Hollywood with a packed schedule year-round. Since a collaboration wasn't happening, Steven Stabler had no reason to waste any more time or energy on two nobodies.

"James!"

The moment Stabler was gone, Leigh Whannell couldn't hold back any longer. "What were you thinking? Turning down Dimension Films! Where are we going to find an opportunity that good again?"

He was clearly disappointed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Do you realize what you just did? We just threw away the best chance we had!"

"Leigh, calm down," James said quickly. "Just listen to me first, alright?"

"I'm listening!" Leigh Whannell took a deep breath, managing to suppress some of his agitation.

"I've already found an investor and a production company," James said. Seeing Leigh's expression, he dropped any pretense and spoke quickly, "This afternoon, I went to the Disney lot to meet with Matthew Horner about our new project. Matthew Horner's Production Company No. 13 is going to finance and produce it."

Hearing this, Leigh calmed down a little, but then asked, "Production Company No. 13? A small-time operation? They don't have any distribution capabilities, do they?"

Just to shoot the movie, the two of them could probably scrape together one and a half million dollars on their own. But making a film was never that simple, unless they wanted to release it themselves.

James Wan knew what Leigh was worried about and added, "Matthew Horner personally promised me that he would give my crew maximum creative freedom and wouldn't interfere at all with filming or production. What's more, he's going to push for distribution at the level of the Big Six."

He deepened his tone for emphasis. "The Big Six! Can Dimension Films even compare to that kind of distribution power?"

Leigh's eyes widened. "Did Matthew Horner really say that?"

"He did." James Wan nodded. "Matthew Horner has an excellent reputation."

"I know that," Leigh Whannell said, still hesitant. "But for independent films, Dimension is the most..."

James Wan couldn't help but laugh. "Leigh, you're thinking too small." He leaned back in his chair. "Matthew Horner has deep and established partnerships with companies like Disney and Warner Bros. The films his studio makes can easily be pushed through their distribution channels. Since we have a shot at getting distributed by one of the Big Six, why should we hamstring ourselves by releasing it as a niche indie film instead of a commercial one?"

Leigh considered this, and he had to admit, James had a point.

James Wan continued, "You think Production Company No. 13 is just a new, small-scale operation. But have you ever considered how successful Twilight was, which they released last year? Now look at Dimension... no, even if you include the Weinstein Company and the Weinstein brothers behind it, what's the highest North American box office for a film they've ever produced and distributed?"

"I think it was Chicago," Leigh Whannell said after a moment's thought. "The North American box office was probably around $170 million."

"And what about Twilight?" James Wan didn't wait for an answer, pressing his point. "It's time for us to break out of the narrow confines of independent film."

Leigh Whannell nodded slowly. When a better future was within reach, who would want to stay confined in such a small circle?

James Wan wasn't a fool. He had a clear vision for making the most advantageous choice. "Leigh, look at Matthew Horner—the connections, the resources, the fame, the status, and the financial power he holds. How can they even compare? He's so far above them!"

"Alright!" Leigh made up his mind. "Let's work with Matthew Horner. And as for Dimension Films, that bunch of arrogant pricks, to hell with them!"

***

Meanwhile, Steve Stabler settled into his car. After telling the driver to go, he immediately made a phone call to report on the situation.

"The director of the Saw franchise doesn't want to work with us?"

Hearing the question, Steve Stabler quickly replied, "Boss, James Wan has found a new partner."

"Who is it?"

Steve Stabler hesitated. "I didn't ask."

"You didn't ask..." The voice on the other end was clearly displeased, but quickly added, "No matter. I'll find an opportunity to speak with James Wan myself later."

"Understood." Stabler said a few more words before quickly hanging up.

It seemed his own big boss had taken a particular interest in James Wan and his horror film project.