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Trying to put his vision into words, James Cameron said:
"We all know how the Titanic ends. But how do I show that on screen?
"I've tried scale models. I've tried simulating it in swimming pools. None of it feels real. At this point, I'm one step away from actually sinking the full-scale ship model in the Gulf of Mexico just to film it.
"But I don't want just one shot.
"I want to capture the sinking from every angle, every perspective—every single person in that moment."
He paused, then continued:
"Pixar's animated films opened up a new line of thinking for me. I've also teamed up with Scott Ross—formerly of Lucasfilm—and an old friend, Stan Winston, to establish Digital Domain. We're planning to develop this kind of technology ourselves.
"But in Hollywood, there isn't a second studio like yours—one that already has a supercomputer dedicated to image processing, and actual results to show for it.
"So besides asking for your professional opinion, I also hope Stark Pictures can collaborate with Digital Domain to develop this technology together… and see if we can achieve what I'm aiming for."
---
Henry pretended to think for a moment before replying:
"Well, since you already have a visual effects company, you should understand the basics.
"We need a physics engine—something that can simulate how objects behave in reality.
"The difference is, animated films simplify things. If you look at the polygon count in Toy Story, you'll see they've made trade-offs to achieve smoother visuals.
"But if you want realistic water splashes, vortices, light interacting with the human body—
"That's an entirely different level of rendering complexity."
He shrugged lightly.
"Can it be done? Sure.
"If there's demand—and the money's there—then even things that don't exist yet can be created.
"That's how the business world works."
---
Cameron's eyes lit up.
"That's great, Mr. Brown! Then we definitely have room to collaborate.
"But… there's just one small problem between us."
Henry played dumb.
"What problem?"
Cameron gave a dry smile.
"I'm broke."
---
Henry let out a helpless chuckle.
"Director Cameron, business is business.
"What you're asking for isn't something we can just improvise overnight. It takes manpower, resources.
"For the sake of cinema, I can accept not making money—but I can't take a loss and work for free.
"If I say yes to you today, what happens when someone else comes tomorrow with the same request?
"In the end, relying purely on passion to support filmmaking will destroy Hollywood.
"Because passion varies from person to person—but everyone still needs to eat."
---
Cameron forced a smile—far from the domineering "set tyrant" he was known to be. It was awkward, almost painful to watch.
"You're right. I understand that.
"But this is a commercial project. If I invite you to invest… would you be interested?
"You told me before—if I needed funding, I could come to you."
---
Henry widened his eyes in surprise.
"20th Century Fox agreed to that?"
Normally, co-financing a film helps spread risk. After all, no one knows whether a movie will succeed before release.
But in practice—
Good projects don't get shared.
Sequels, big directors, star-led productions—these are considered safe bets. Studios hold onto them tightly.
That's why Henry had previously said:
only projects rejected by major studios trickle down to smaller companies.
But Waterworld's catastrophic failure had shaken Fox's confidence in Titanic.
---
Cameron explained:
"Fox refuses to increase the budget. But without more money, we can't continue filming.
"So they compromised—allowed us to seek external funding.
"I won't hide it from you. Fox approached Universal first. We worked well together on True Lies in '94. But after Waterworld, they're too scared to join.
"Last month, Fox approached Paramount. They had success with Braveheart last year. Paramount is interested—but details haven't been finalized.
"I figured I'd need Stark Pictures' computing technology anyway, so I came to ask you directly.
"If you're willing to join, then naturally, all the CGI work would go to Stark Pictures."
He hesitated, then added reluctantly:
"And… if you want to push that actress you're supporting into the film, I can reconsider.
"But it won't be a major role. Most characters are already designed around specific actors, and the script is set."
---
Watching the director struggle to say that, Henry nearly laughed inside.
This was a man famous for his iron will—yet here he was, making concessions.
It showed just how much he believed in this project.
After all—
When Cameron would one day stand on the Oscars stage and declare, "I'm the king of the world!"—
Who would remember this moment of compromise?
---
Henry spared him further discomfort.
"As for casting, Director Cameron, just stick to your original plan.
"At most, Charlize could do a cameo—but her current level of recognition isn't enough for a significant role."
In other words:
Important supporting role? Not happening.
Background extra? Not worth it.
→ Better to skip it entirely.
---
Then Henry got to the point:
"Let me ask—how much has the project spent so far?"
Relieved, Cameron answered without hesitation—showing zero concern for Fox executives:
"Fox has already spent about $135 million.
"Mostly on sets, props, locations, and early staff salaries.
"If we diverted actor salaries, we could keep things running for a bit—but those funds are locked in separate accounts.
"In reality, the project is out of money.
"In a few days, principal photography begins. I don't even have the daily operating costs covered.
"You could say… we're at the deadline."
---
Henry frowned slightly.
"How much more do you need to finish the film?"
Cameron replied:
"Fifty… no—sixty million dollars.
"That includes crew costs, logistics, food, accommodation.
"We'll start filming modern-day scenes in Canada, then move to the Gulf of Mexico for the main shoot, where the full-scale Titanic set is ready.
"I guarantee—give me this funding, and I'll finish the film."
---
A director's "guarantee," huh.
Henry couldn't help but feel it sounded like a flag being planted.
After all—
Wasn't that exactly how 20th Century Fox ended up on this sinking ship in the first place?
And now…
It was heading straight for the iceberg.
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