After reaching an agreement with the Old Man, Jasiel boarded his private jet and flew to Los Angeles that same day to discuss the production of Batman: Shadow of the Bat with the producer Jameson had arranged.
As a media tycoon, J.
Jonah Jameson owned a controlling stake in a film production company and held shares in several major entertainment businesses.
Since Jasiel was his grandson, Jameson gave him as much support as possible.
“Mr.
Jasiel, nice to meet you.”
The man who greeted him was Jim Lambert, a second-tier Hollywood producer with over thirty years of experience.
He had worked on nearly a hundred high-quality films.
Jim’s greatest achievement came seven or eight years ago, when he led a film that ranked in the top five at the global box office for that year and entered the top fifty of all time.
That success elevated him to the ranks of first-tier producers, bringing him wealth, recognition, and influence.
However, after reaching that height, his career declined.
His recent projects received decent reviews but often failed financially, while the few that succeeded made only modest profits.
These setbacks pushed him back into the second tier.
Otherwise, Jameson would not have been able to secure him.
In Hollywood, top producers held influence comparable to major studio executives, and the very best could compete directly with the largest film companies.
“Hello, Jim.”
Jasiel recalled Jim’s background and handed him the prepared outline.
The producer, in his early fifties but still energetic, accepted it.
“My grandfather should have explained the basics,” Jasiel said with a smile.
“I plan to produce a film with an initial budget of fifty million Dollars.
I have one requirement.
It must succeed, or at the very least, it must become widely known.”
Batman’s reputation had to be established.
“I will do my best.”
Jim’s tone remained polite, but reserved.
He had been cautious in recent years, waiting for a project worthy of a comeback.
He no longer took risks unless something truly stood out.
The only reason he agreed to meet Jasiel was out of respect for Jameson.
He flipped through the pages, his initial skepticism fading as he read more carefully.
After going through the outline several times, his expression changed.
“This is a very fresh concept,” Jim said, looking up.
“A brilliant idea.
Where did it come from?”
“I call it a superhero film,” Jasiel replied.
“Captain America inspired me.
Everyone knows his story.
Even after seventy years, his legacy still resonates.
That proves there is a strong market for this kind of film.”
“That may be true,” Jim said, “but success depends on many factors, including luck.”
Jasiel smiled.
“Luck is already on our side.
The film is backed by Tony Stark.
That alone could add tens of millions to the box office.”
“Tony Stark?” Jim raised an eyebrow.
“You mean the industrialist?”
“Exactly.
You can confirm it yourself if you want.”
Jim considered this for a moment before standing and extending his hand.
“If Stark is involved, then this project already has a strong chance of success.
Let’s work together.”
“Agreed.”
Jasiel shook his hand, smiling.
He did not mention that Stark Industries would provide no promotional support.
In fact, Tony Stark might even prefer the film to fail.
Still, Jasiel was confident.
Batman’s appeal was undeniable.
“One more thing,” Jim added before leaving.
“This film will require large-scale scenes.
The budget must be secure.
What is your upper limit?”
“Don’t worry about funding,” Jasiel said casually.
“Focus on assembling the crew and casting.
Send me a proposal and a preliminary budget as soon as possible.
I will provide the story and complete the script.
Bring in a few screenwriters, and have them meet me in New York.”
“No problem,” Jim replied.
After their discussion, Jasiel spent a night in Los Angeles, experiencing the energy and luxury of Hollywood before returning to New York City.
Jim proved his efficiency quickly.
Within a few days, he secured an experienced, highly regarded screenwriter known for ghostwriting and finalized the terms.
The screenwriter contacted Jasiel.
Since his home was not suitable for business discussions, Jasiel arranged to meet at the Daily Bugle.
Although he was no longer editor-in-chief, he still served as deputy editor-in-chief and retained his former office, the largest one in the building.
It was the perfect place to work.
In the meantime, Jasiel refined the outline of Batman: Shadow of the Bat, relying on his detailed memory of the story.
Some sections still required professional input, and he had no intention of overstepping his limits.
He understood that specialized work should be handled by experts.
Although he planned to direct the film himself, Jim had already selected assistant directors.
The production team knew exactly what kind of film they were aiming to create.
Knock.
Knock.
Someone tapped on the office door.
“Come in.”
Jasiel leaned back in his chair and glanced toward the entrance.
The person who stepped inside caught him off guard.
“Eddie?
What’s going on?”
Jasiel had expected the screenwriter, not him.
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100