I’m in Hollywood Chapter 593: What else do you do

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"Saving Private Ryan" is the first part heavyweight movie released by Firefly Pictures this summer, so after finishing the final cut yesterday, although today is Saturday, the Firefly management still ca n’t wait to hold an internal test.

After watching the film, many executives who participated in the screening had doubts similar to Katzenberg. The quality of this film is absolutely beyond criticism. From the plot to the soundtrack, they are first-class, but too real and terrible. The length of the film's nearly three hours and the R-rated rating that the film may encounter are all the focus of suspicion.

However, the excellent performance of Firefly in the past few years has prevented the company from falling into crisis because of the failure of one or two major movie productions. In addition, the movie was made by Eric, an Big Boss, even if the movie fails, the management Nor will they bear too many responsibilities, so everyone on the scene did not have much psychological pressure, but instead made their own suggestions for the announcement details of the film.

Eric originally planned to officially release "Saving Private Ryan" on June 6, 1994, the 50th anniversary of the Normandy landing.

But unfortunately, June 6th happened to be Monday, the first day of workday. The weekly Box Office statistical cycle of North America is from Friday to next Thursday. Some movies may be released on Wednesday or Thursday. However, for the consideration of Box Office data, unless it is a very special date, there will be few choices for Film Studio on Monday. People have just spent the weekend at the node that has the least desire to watch movies.

Therefore, as a result of the unanimous discussion, the 50th anniversary of Normandy ’s landing was not so stimulating for the film Box Office, and it could not be regarded as a very special date. The proposal of Eric was unanimously opposed, and finally decided to release the film. Advance to June 3.

It is already four o'clock in the afternoon to complete the detailed announcement plan for "Saving Private Ryan". After all, it is a weekend, and everyone will soon disperse after finishing the work.

Leaving the meeting room, Kathryn's original uneasy mood finally let go. She still remembers that after finishing her own first part feature film "Relentless", she was harshly criticized by the little Production Studio executives at the first audition. Point out a series of revisions.

Although the production cost of "Saving Private Ryan" is dozens of times that of "Relentless". But today this situation did not happen. The people who participated in the screenings spent most of the time discussing the details of the announcement of the movie. This made her look at the lazy young man walking beside her. She knew that if it wasn't for the little man's patience and even intervening with his own eyes during the editing, the effect of "Saving Private Ryan" would definitely not be like today. outstanding. Think of these. Kathryn's resentment towards Eric forcibly cutting off some of his favorite lenses also disappeared.

Kathryn was staring at the young profile with some surprise, Eric suddenly turned his head, and a faint smile hung from the corner of his mouth: "Look at your speechless appearance, do you want to invite me to dinner at night? , Hehe. Then I promised. "

Kathryn did not cause any annoyance at Eric ’s somewhat rogue tone, but subconsciously gave him a white eye: “Did you mean to go to ICM ’s Oscar to warm up party at night?”

"party is to participate, dinner is also to be eaten," Eric said with a smile: "Everyone knows that it is difficult to fill up the stomach on that kind of party."

Kathryn was hesitant about what to do, and behind them they heard a rush of footsteps, and the voice of Katzenberg came immediately: "Eric, wait a minute."

The two stood still. Only after Katzenberg approached, Eric discovered that there was a hidden excitement on his face.

"Eric. I just received a call, yes ..." Katzenberg said that he suddenly stopped talking and glanced at Kathryn, although he knew that the relationship between Eric and Kathryn was not ordinary, otherwise he would never spend 70 million USD Go to shoots "Saving Private Ryan" such a war film with a very large investment risk, but Katzenberg does not know to what extent the two have reached.

Eric is about to let Katzenberg continue, and Kathryn will take the initiative to say goodbye: "Then let's talk, I will go back first." After the woman finished, she walked towards the parking lot.

Katzenberg noticed a somewhat depressed expression on Eric and opened his mouth with a smile. But then I remembered something and swallowed back the words that came to my mouth.

If Kathryn is a girl about the same age as Eric, Katzenberg may also ridicule a few words, he believes that Eric will not be angry. but. Thinking of the age of Kathryn, Katzenberg couldn't help but shook his head. However, under normal circumstances, Western women are always difficult to maintain, but Kathryn looks like 30, and has a temperament that he can't even hold his heart. No wonder his little Boss will be so upset.

Watch Kathryn drive away. Eric only asked: "Jeffrey, what happened?"

"Oh, this is the case," Katzenberg also withdrew his mind and regained his excitement: "I just received a call, another partner of Warren Buffett, Tom Murphy and Berkshire, Charlie Munger arrived at Los Angeles in the afternoon, Three people are now settled in the holiday villa at Los Angeles in Buffett. "

Buffett and Tom Murphy came to Los Angeles, and Eric was surprised for a while. Then I guessed Buffett's intention, and I subconsciously wanted to contact Jeffrey and others to hold a meeting. Just after taking out the phone, the Eric mobile phone rang on its own.

"It must be about this matter," Jeffrey waved at Eric: "You answer the phone, I contact Jeffrey."

Eric pressed the connect button, there was a mysterious voice from Kapoor over the phone: "Eric, just now a friend called to ask me for a few invitations to preheat party tonight, you Guess who is coming? "

Eric smiled and reported three names: "Warren Buffett, Tom Murphy, Charlie Munger."

"Eh ..." Kapoor was obviously stunned, and then laughed: "I should have thought of such an important thing, someone will definitely inform you the first time, then you look at the preparation, I have to Go to the security company to strengthen the security work of party tonight. By the way, I originally invited some reporters tonight. Do you want me to cancel this link? "

Eric said: "No, since all three of them came to Los Angeles, then this time the initiative will fall completely on Firefly. And this kind of thing, it is basically impossible to keep secret."

Media from all over the world have focused their attention on the acquisition of ABCTV Station by Firefly during this time. The three of Warren Buffett did not appear to cover up whereabouts in Los Angeles, if the reporter could not find the mystery. It seems too incompetent. What's more, since Buffett and others personally came to the door, Eric not only did not want to keep it secret, but even hoped that the incident would be as lively as possible.

......

It was just the end of the day, and there were already a large number of reporters outside Hollywood Susnet Tower Hotel. There are even two TV Station live cars.

Guests who came to participate in the IMCOscar warm-up party soon realized the unusualness. There are hundreds of partys on the scale before and after Oscar every year, but no one can attract such a large amount. Scale media attention.

With a few calls, most people can hear what happened.

Although these reporters came to meet Eric Williams, Warren Buffett and other big figures. However, during the waiting period, in the face of face-to-face stars, the reporters did not hesitate to film. Whenever a Hollywood Star appeared outside the hotel, it could bring a flash of flashlight. Therefore, most of the stars who came to participate in the party appeared radiant, especially those second- and third-line small stars who lacked exposure, slowed down one by one and tried to make these reporters take more pictures.

The time soon came at seven o'clock in the evening. The sky in Los Angeles in March has completely darkened.

The banquet hall wrapped in ICM was already packed with Hollywood superstar celebrities, and everyone gathered in a small circle in twos and threes to discuss what was going to happen tonight.

"I thought the negotiations really broke down. I dumped all the ABC stocks in my hands a few days ago, and I might lose hundreds of thousands of USD." A chubby white man with a glass of champagne in his hand I said so to the few companions beside me, my tone was relaxed, and I didn't seem to care about the loss of hundreds of thousands of USD. The girl who had been leaning against him had heard the words of Fatty, and she could not help but eyeballs and rubbed against him.

Another middle-aged man in a white suit glanced at the petite girl leaning on his companion without a trace, and said with some triumph: "I bought 3,000 shares yesterday at a low price, if Eric Williams and Warren Buffett tonight Can be negotiated. It may be possible to exchange for an Firefly Pictures stock. "

Another tall middle-aged man said quickly: "It is not that easy to want Firefly stocks. I heard that the main difference between Firefly and ABC is that in the stock replacement share, Eric Williams is only willing to sell Firefly. A small number of shares. Now there are not many ABC shares in the circulating market. If the acquisition is completed. In order to achieve privatization, most of the circulating shares may be required to be converted into cash or bonds, otherwise it is impossible to achieve delisting from the exchange. The minimum number of shareholders. "

The petite girl leaning on the side of Fatty said with a curious tone: "What if these investors are not willing?"

The tall middle-aged man smiled and said: "If you insist on not selling, then your stock may be put into a packaged holding company by Firefly, but this is not cost-effective, because the company's market value is difficult to determine after privatization. . The value of the stocks in your hands often shrinks significantly, plus those shares do not bring you any say, so as long as the smart people will choose to realize. "

Guests were talking in a whisper, and there was a little commotion in the banquet hall. Kapoor Sid, the host of the party tonight, hurried through the crowd and walked out. People realized that today The most important guests at night are coming soon.

Although there are many outsiders in the banquet hall tonight, most of them are still stars in the Hollywood circle, manager and other film and television practitioners. Although they have heard of the Buffett, they are still more concerned about Eric. The young tycoon of Hollywood with the halo of the richest man on his head, many people cheered up. Some actresses also deliberately went to the corner to check the makeup, hoping to leave a good impression in front of Eric Williams.

At the same time, because it was not expected in advance that so many reporters would gather outside party, the driver directly drove car to the door of the hotel, so the two cars that Eric and Katzenberg each took were surrounded by reporters.

Until Kapoor appeared with the brigade security guard, and tried hard to disengage the crowd, Eric had to get off.

Outside the wall of people composed of security guards, Firefly executives, such as Eric and Katzenberg, got out of the car. The reporters suddenly went crazy, taking pictures and asking questions to Eric loudly.

Walk all the way to the door of the hotel, when the reporters thought these big men would disappear without a word. Eric stood on the steps and stopped, squeezing both hands to signal everyone's silence before saying: "About the matter tonight, I will hold a press conference after the end of party. But now it is not convenient to disclose anything, everyone wait patiently Right. "

"Is there really a showdown tonight?" As soon as the voice of Eric dropped, a reporter asked in a hurry, without even having any time to call it. The reporters who were planning to speak openly heard this crucial issue and quietly came together again.

Eric smiled lightly at the corner of his mouth. Nodded without trace, but did not directly answer, said: "I don't think Mr. Buffett will come here because he appreciates a certain Hollywood Star."

After finishing this sentence, Eric did not give reporters the opportunity to ask questions and turned to the hotel lobby.

Eric took Katzenberg and others to talk with Kapoor and walked into the elevator, just appeared at the banquet scene, the crowd in the hall seemed to feel the iron nails attracted by the magnetic force, and gathered towards the door, all kinds of greetings The sound floats around Eric and Katzenberg.

Although most of the women ’s brokerage contracts are in ICM, tonight except Penélope. Eric did not see other women in the crowd, and even small girl who liked to participate in party did not come to join in the fun. And Penélope just greeted Eric with his eyes, and continued to stay with the other two girls of 《Charlie's Angels》. Although the Spanish girl with a delicate mind is not yet clear about the specific situation, she is also clearly aware that Eric has tonight Very important things to do.

The current ICM can be said to be strong and strong. A large number of first-line Director and Actor such as James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino, Tom Hanks, Al Pacino, and Julia Roberts are all gathered under the ICM at this time. The overall strength is not much worse than the Creative Artists Agency that has been in the limelight in previous years. Since the founder Marvin Joseph gradually withdrew, Kapoor has successfully become the head of the ICM with the company equity and the personal relationship with Eric.

Eric spent more than ten minutes to greet acquaintances one by one, and came to a reception room with Kapoor and others.

Buffett is not too late today. Eric just had a few words with everyone, Kapoor was notified, and the Buffett three arrived.

With the security guard, Kapoor rescued the three old mans who were also trapped in the car, and Eric and Katzenberg, who stood in the hotel lobby, greeted them.

After Buffett shook hands with others one by one. Only to Eric: "Eric, we meet again."

"Yeah, I always look forward to meeting again," Eric said with a smile.

Buffett shook hands with Eric before introducing: "These two are Tom Murphy and Charlie Munger."

"Hello." Eric stepped forward with a smile, complimenting again. Then the party did not go to the banquet hall, but went directly to a small meeting room prepared by the hotel.

After the waiter brought coffee and left the meeting room, Kapoor also nodded at Eric, turned and pushed the door away.

In the conference room, there are only the top executives of Firefly and ABC. Katzenberg, Jeffrey, Michael Lynn and Frank Wells sit on the sides of Eric, and the Buffett trio is opposite.

Chat about some topics at random, and after a while, Buffett finally said: "Eric, I think this matter will continue to procrastinate, and it will do no good to everyone, so I think we are still open and honest, do you think?"

Eric smiled and nodded without rebutting it, but he believed that everyone here was very clear. At this time, Firefly has fully prevailed, and even a large number of shareholders within ABC have publicly stood on Firefly a few days ago. Side, if not to avoid internal turmoil in ABC, Eric can even cooperate with the part of ABC's shareholders who prefer Firefly, and quickly take control of ABC.

"Mr. Buffett, I do n’t want to waste too much time on this kind of thing. Everyone knows that Firefly is not the only choice for ABC."

Buffett has not spoken yet. Tom Murphy sitting beside him could n’t help saying: “Everyone also knows why you chose ABC. Among the three major TV Stations, only ABC is in the best operating condition. Our TV Network network is Now United States is the most perfect one, and TV Station is also the most United States. If you choose any of the other two, it will take at least three years to catch up with ABC. Of course, I even think that because of complex internal problems, you may even catch up If you do n’t have a chance, you ca n’t keep going. ”

Although Fox TV Network has been on the rise for several years, Tom Murphy is still used to the name ‘three Major TV Networks’.

Eric shook his head and smiled: "Mr. Murphy, what you said is just your personal assumption. I think a few years ago, many people assumed that Firefly Pictures did not have any possibility to join the Seventh Congress, but now this matter has already been It has become a fact. Moreover, judging from the ratings of TV programs such as Fox TV Network 《Friends》, "X-Files" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", I think your assumption is no longer valid. "

Because of the rebellion of ABC ’s internal shareholders and the stalemate in negotiations with Firefly Pictures, Tom Murphy has been in a very bad mood in the last week. Hearing Eric ’s words, Tom Murphy ’s face was a little embarrassed, and he was waiting to be rebutted, sitting on the other side of Charlie Munger I asked with great interest: "So, Mr. Williams, why do you insist on acquiring ABC instead of choosing the other two TV Network? I want to choose any of NBC and CBS to save you a lot of money ? "

Eric smiled and said: "As Mr. Murphy said, ABC is the top three ... Oh, it should be the best among the conditions of four Major TV Networks."

Charlie Munger continued to ask: "This does not seem to be a reason?"

"This is the reason, of course, mainly because I do n’t want to buy NBC or CBS, I put too much energy on repairing the two TV Network, I still have more things to do."

"Oh," Charlie Munger is even more curious: "After the acquisition of TV Network, Firefly will be United States and even the world ’s largest integrated media group. According to the federal antitrust law, Firefly was almost impossible to continue to expand at that time. Now, what else do you do? "

Eric said: "I think this should not be the topic we are discussing today?"

Charlie Munger also suddenly realized that he was about to distort the topic. He noticed the eyes of his old friend, and spoofed cough for a while, but he still said with some interest: "I really think about young people now. Curious, if possible, why not take the time to talk casually? "

Eric nodded and smiled: "Of course, no problem, Mr. Munger, if you have time, you can call me at any time."

Buffett ca n’t refute the old friend ’s face. After the two of them finished talking, they took out a notepad from their pocket and handed it to Eric: “Eric, this is the last concession I can make, you can first Take a look. "

Eric took the little notepad and gestured to the left and right. The booth was opened on the table. Katzenberg and Michael Lynn came together to look at the paper, while Jeffrey and Frank Wells did not feel good about coming together.

The quotation given by Buffett is not much different from the last received condition, except that concessions have been made in the shares already held by Firefly Pictures, and Firefly can add the shares held by it to the 30% exchange Among the shares.

After the last quotation, in order to suppress ABC ’s stock price, Firefly sold 3 million shares, and the shareholding ratio was also reduced to 5.5%. Simply convert, Buffett is equivalent to reducing the share conversion ratio to 28.4%, according to After the merger, the market value of the three 10 billion USD is calculated, and each percentage point is equivalent to the difference of 300 million USD. The amount involved in the future will be even greater, and of course Eric cannot easily be withdrawn.

Write a series of negotiated numbers quickly, Eric handed the notepad to Buffett, and said: "Mr. Buffett, this is our plan." (To be continued.)