Brief Summary
This video analyzes how Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds strategically hijacked the production of the movie "It Ends With Us," using tactics similar to Ryan's success with "Deadpool." They started by accepting low salaries, then used their influence to gain control over the script, wardrobe, and editing, ultimately securing a producer credit for Blake. Their goal was to secure the rights to all of Colleen Hoover's books and build a production empire.
- Blake and Ryan used a calculated strategy to gain control of the production.
- They leveraged their influence and connections to manipulate the director and secure their desired outcome.
- Their ultimate goal was to secure the rights to all of Colleen Hoover's books and build a production empire.
Step One: Start Small and Be Underpaid
Blake Lively initially accepted a low salary of $3 million for her role in "It Ends With Us," despite her usual earning status. This was a strategic move to gain a foothold in the production and build trust with the director, Justin Baldoni. This strategy mirrors Ryan Reynolds' approach to "Deadpool," where he accepted a low salary of $2 million to gain creative control.
Step Two: Wait Until 50% of the Budget is Spent
Once half of the production budget was spent, Blake made demands for wardrobe changes, exceeding the allocated budget. This destabilized the production and put Justin in a difficult position, as he had already invested a significant amount of his personal funds. This move highlights Blake's calculated approach to gaining control.
Step Three: Take Over the Script and Leverage "Dragons"
Blake enlisted the help of Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift, whom she referred to as her "dragons," to rewrite the script. Ryan, known for his scriptwriting skills in "Deadpool," made changes without consulting the director or screenwriter. This tactic put pressure on Justin to accept the changes, further solidifying Blake's control.
Step Four: Exploit the Writer's Strike
During the actors and writers strike, Blake used the opportunity to renegotiate her contract, demanding increased creative input and control over the film. This move put Justin in an impossible situation, as he was already over budget and facing pressure from Sony Studios, the co-distributor.
Step Five: Infiltrate the Editing and Extend Access
Blake and Ryan gained access to the editing bay during the director's protected editing period, a critical phase in filmmaking. They extended their access to 10 days, allowing them to edit their own final cut of the movie. They replaced the original editors with their own hires, including one who worked on "Deadpool."
Step Six: Threatening to Not Promote
Blake threatened to leave the project, take the book's author with her, and make no marketing appearances if her cut of the movie wasn't chosen. This ultimatum put Justin in a precarious position, as Blake's presence was crucial for the film's success.
Step Seven: Steal Producer Credit
Blake's final move was to secure a formal producer credit, despite being hired as an actress. She met the criteria for a Producer Guild of America (PGA) mark by making changes to the script, hiring key personnel, and taking control of the editing and music. This move would elevate her career from actress to producer, allowing her to negotiate higher salaries and backend deals in future projects.
The Ultimate Goal: Colleen Hoover's Book-to-Film Franchise
Blake and Ryan's ultimate goal was to secure the rights to all of Colleen Hoover's books and build a production empire. They saw "It Ends With Us" as the first step in this ambitious plan, aiming to control the entire book-to-film franchise. This explains Colleen Hoover's support for Blake, despite the controversy surrounding the production.
