The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 798: The Blank Check

The autobiography "American Sniper" was released in mid-February. After a quiet first month, its popularity exploded the following March, landing it on The New York Times bestseller list for two consecutive weeks. The book sparked widespread discussion among both the media and the public, and Chris Kyle instantly became a celebrity across the United States.

Around the same time, another book co-authored by Chris Kyle, "American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms," was also successfully published, chronicling the ten classic firearms he had used.

In addition to starting his own company and writing books, Chris Kyle was also dedicated to helping veterans overcome post-traumatic stress disorder. He co-founded a non-profit organization called the FITCO Cares Foundation, established to help veterans deal with PTSD. Through the foundation, he created the Heroes Project, which provided physical rehabilitation equipment, personal training, living assistance, and psychotherapy to veterans suffering from both physical and psychological injuries.

All of this made Chris Kyle an even more remarkable figure.

A bestselling autobiography is far more valuable to Hollywood than any original screenplay, so it was inevitable that Chris Kyle and "American Sniper" would attract the attention of various small and mid-sized Hollywood companies and producers.

Matthew could see the value in Chris Kyle's unique life story, and naturally, others could see it too.

But because of Taya Kyle, Bella Anderson's negotiations with the Kyles over the autobiography's rights had yet to result in a formal agreement.

Everyone wants to maximize the value of their assets, and Chris Kyle was no exception.

Many producers and representatives from Hollywood production companies had contacted Chris and Taya Kyle, hoping to acquire the film rights to "American Sniper."

"Taya, Matthew's offer is reasonable."As they entered a private club, Chris Kyle said to Taya as they walked, "His five-million-dollar offer for the rights was the highest we've received, and besides, this autobiography wouldn't even exist without Matthew."

He emphasized, "Matthew is also a partner in our military contracting firm, and I think the rights should go to him first."

Taya Kyle, however, shook her head firmly. "This is business, honey!"

Someone walked past, and she lowered her voice. "Chris, your story is unique, a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Once we sell the rights, that's it! We deserve to get the best possible price."

Chris Kyle sounded disheartened. "Matthew's offer was sincere."

"Sincere?" Taya Kyle scoffed. "That's because he saw its value and deliberately befriended you."

"That's not what you said before." Chris Kyle had always held a good opinion of Matthew.

However, having served for ten years, he was well aware of how much he owed his wife and family, so he didn't press the issue.

Taya Kyle waited until the passersby were out of earshot before raising her voice slightly. "Honey, have you ever stopped to think about it? Matthew Horner is a liberal. Why would he befriend a conservative from Texas? For personal gain!"

Chris Kyle disagreed. Party affiliation had nothing to do with it; his opinion was based purely on personal experience.

"And now someone else is offering a higher price." Taya Kyle shook her head resolutely. "Why shouldn't we talk to them? Why tie ourselves to Matthew Horner?"

Soon, in front of a small, secluded house, they met the publisher's intermediary, who led them inside and made the introductions.

"Taya, Chris, this is Harvey Weinstein, the head of Weinstein Pictures," the intermediary said. "Harvey, this is Chris Kyle, and this is Taya Kyle."

After both parties exchanged greetings, the publisher's intermediary excused himself and left.

"I've paid special attention to the book 'American Sniper'." Harvey Weinstein's tone and expression exuded the arrogance and power typical of Hollywood's elite. "I'm interested in adapting this book into a film."

Chris Kyle frowned slightly. Not even Pentagon generals spoke to him with such a tone.

Taya Kyle gently squeezed her husband's hand—this wasn't the military, it was the world of business.

"Mr. Weinstein," Taya Kyle said gently, "many film studios have expressed interest in the 'American Sniper' autobiography."

Harvey Weinstein had done his homework before the meeting and knew that quite a few small and mid-sized companies were pursuing the film rights to the autobiography. Though he didn't know their specific names, he was confident they were all small-scale operations with no real power to compete against Weinstein Pictures.

"Weinstein Pictures is sincere about this collaboration." Harvey Weinstein might have said the words, but he couldn't hide his usual domineering style of dealing with so-called 'little people.' "I'm prepared to buy the film rights to this autobiography for a price of three million dollars."

Three million dollars? Taya Kyle's expression didn't change, but inwardly she was already calculating. This was just Harvey Weinstein's opening bid. There was still room for negotiation. If they played their cards right, the final price could climb to over five million dollars, so...

Chris Kyle's brow furrowed again, almost imperceptibly. He looked at Harvey Weinstein. The man was making a terrible impression on him—his appearance was unpleasant, his arrogance was blatant, and his expression was insufferable. It was difficult to see him as a man of integrity.

He recalled Matthew's calm demeanor from their meeting. They both moved in the same film circles, so how could the disparity between them be so vast?

Was he more famous than Matthew? Or wealthier?

But Chris Kyle remained silent, as Taya Kyle was still talking with Harvey Weinstein.

Taya Kyle negotiated with Harvey Weinstein for some time, but he showed no intention of raising his offer. Instead, he pontificated about what an honor it would be for them to entrust the autobiography to him, Harvey Weinstein, to personally oversee its production.

A transfer price of three million dollars didn't even come close to Matthew Horner's offer, and it certainly wasn't going to satisfy Taya Kyle.

"You have to understand, working with Weinstein Pictures is a rare opportunity," Harvey Weinstein said with confidence. "Together, we can make an outstanding film. Biographical subjects are always favorites at the Academy Awards!"

He started writing them a blank check of promises. "I will personally manage the film's adaptation to position it for the Oscars. Once we land some major Academy Awards, the film will be a global phenomenon."

Taya Kyle glanced at Chris Kyle, who said nothing.

Perhaps because he'd won so many Oscars, Harvey Weinstein put on an air of supreme confidence. "Mr. Kyle, by the time we're done, you'll be a worldwide celebrity!"

Taya Kyle countered, "If the film has Oscar potential, are you saying the rights to 'American Sniper' aren't worth more than three million dollars?"

He was dangling nominations in front of them, not profits. Did he really think they'd be dazzled by the promise of empty glory?

Her words seemed to annoy Harvey Weinstein. He raised a finger and wagged it, a common tactic of his in negotiations, and said dismissively, "Without my involvement, 'American Sniper' is worth nothing at the Oscars!"

Negotiation was nothing more than a game of pressure and enticement, all leading to an eventual compromise between both parties.

According to normal procedure, Taya Kyle's side would continue to bargain.

But Chris Kyle was not an ordinary man. Before Taya could even open her mouth, he shook his head and said, "We have nothing more to discuss."

"Chris." Taya Kyle was also displeased with Harvey Weinstein, but she felt there was still room to negotiate.

Chris Kyle, the Texan cowboy, stood up abruptly. "Let's go."

Although Taya Kyle was determined to maximize their profit, she saw her husband's resolve and didn't want to undermine him in front of an outsider, so she rose to her feet as well.

"You should reconsider!" A flicker of displeasure crossed Harvey Weinstein's face. "If you pass on Weinstein Pictures, you'll have a hard time finding a more suitable partner."

Chris Kyle glanced at him and replied coldly, "That won't be necessary." He truly couldn't stand the sight of the man, but he couldn't resist adding, "Hollywood is full of other film companies."

The corner of Harvey Weinstein's mouth curled into a smirk. "But there are very few companies that can put up serious money for the rights."

This was true, and Taya Kyle knew it. But one company had already offered a higher price than Weinstein Pictures, which gave her plenty of leverage.

She valued tangible benefits she could hold in her hands more than vague promises about the future.

Seeing that the couple wasn't budging, Harvey Weinstein added, his tone carrying a faint warning, "You two had better think this through. A partnership with Weinstein Pictures would be a win-win for everyone. But if you refuse..." He trailed off, then continued, "I can guarantee one thing: no matter who you sell these rights to, the film they make will never have the slightest chance at an Oscar."

Hearing the threat in his words, Chris Kyle's hand instinctively went to his waist. Taya quickly pulled it away, unsure if her husband was armed today.

Chris Kyle shot Harvey Weinstein one last look, then took Taya by the arm and walked out without a backward glance.

Just as Chris and Taya Kyle were leaving the private club, Matthew received a call about it back at his studio.

"Are you sure?" Matthew asked Bella Anderson, who was sitting in the chair across from his desk. "The person the Kyles met with was Harvey Weinstein?"

Bella nodded gravely. "No mistake. My source is the editor-in-chief at the publishing house for 'American Sniper.' He said another editor acted as the go-between for the two parties behind the scenes."

Matthew folded his arms on his desk. Harvey Weinstein's antics were becoming increasingly repugnant.

"Go on, call the Kyles and find out what happened," Matthew said, making a swift decision. "I'll figure out how to push back against Harvey Weinstein."