Heads Up Hollywood

Facts have proved that no matter how great a person is, if he is still greedy for power and unwilling to retire in his later years, he will definitely become jealous, suspicious, and full of tricks.

It took Redstone 15 years to create his media empire, Viacom.

But in old age, the time of corruption is faster.

The wrong decision on Blockbuster directly led to the bankruptcy of the once largest video rental company in the world; the spin-off and listing of Viacom and CBS Group directly reduced his personal assets by half; The unsustainable Paramount is getting worse...

Even because he was afraid that his children would seize power, he privately bought the part of the shares in the credit fund that originally belonged to his children at a low price, and was directly sued by his son in court and compensated 250 million U.S. dollars.

As Redstone's confidant, Philip Dorman must maintain a consistent style and absolute loyalty.

At least on the surface.

Philip Dorman asked carefully: "But we can't let the STA TV network go and let it develop?"

Lei Shidong seemed to be in a good mood, and said self-righteously: "In the field of professional cable TV, the market space is so big. HBO and SHO occupy all the market shares. STA dares to jump out to grab the market. Hehe, do we need to do it?"

Philip Dorman frowned, "You mean... HBO?"

Lei Shidong's answer was irrelevant, and he said calmly: "This is a small market. It is impossible for Americans to spend so much money to subscribe to TV programs. $8 per month is enough to buy two movie tickets."

Both HBO and SHO have been developed for decades, and their size is only so small. HBO has only over 7 million members, and SHO has only over 5 million.

Even if Tang En is quick-witted and capable, can he change the consumption concept of Americans?

The past market has proved that Americans prefer to spend money on watching movies and watching the big screen, rather than wasting money on the small screen.

Philip Dorman disagrees with this view. He believes that the reason why the professional cable TV market did not develop in the past is because there is not enough good content.

In the past five years, the number of HBO members has doubled because of the launch of several self-made large-scale high-quality dramas, represented by "Sex and the City" and "The Black D Family". The STA TV network is developing so fast now because of an eye-popping drama "Six Feet Under".

Maybe it's not that Americans don't like spending big bucks on the small screen, it's because there hasn't been a product worth the big bucks for them in the past!

However, Philip Dorman did not dare to challenge Lei Shidong's authority directly. The old man seemed very determined, so he could only carefully remind him: "I heard... that "Band of Brothers" was filmed completely according to the rhythm of the movie, and cost 1.2 Billion dollars, a sensation."

Lei Shidong disagreed, "Movies have also been shown on TV, but is the viewing effect as good as that in movie theaters? Again, the law of the market is the general trend, and no one can go against it!"

Philip Dorman sighed, feeling quite helpless, so he had no choice but to go along with him and said, "Anyway... even if we don't attack the STA TV network, HBO has to. Hehe, they are the leader in the field of professional cable TV. Their There will be more pressure."

Lei Shidong glanced at him appreciatively, "That's right, we need to enlarge and relax the layout! For Viacom at the moment, it is obvious that Paramount's platter investment is more important. Not to mention... hehe, Don En's appetite is too great!"

"oh?"

"Twain Films' layout is too broad. It not only makes animations, but also makes TV dramas and TV stations. How can there be so much money? If the time is pushed back half a year, I might be a little jealous of Tang En. Now, there is no need .”

The corners of Philip Dorman's eyes moved, as if realizing something, "Yeah, Tang En just lost a lot of money in the stock market. I heard that it was 1 billion US dollars? Hehe, with so much money, even if it is a big-selling "Never "Sunken" can't fill such a big hole."

Lei Shidong nodded and said: "To be honest, Twain is the most outstanding young man I have ever met, with ambition and drive. But everyone has to go through a period of idealism, and needs to use social experience and life experience to recognize reality Twain's future is boundless, but what is lacking is time."

...

In the name of Legendary Films, Michael Ovitz bought a private jet, also a Gulfstream series, at a cost of 28 million US dollars, and invited Twain to visit it.

Hollywood is the place with the highest density of private jets in the world. Not only are there too many stars here, but it is also required by work.

Movies are shot all over the world, and all major film companies will have one or several dedicated private jets. The boss of the film company needs to inspect various crews, so he needs this kind of transportation.

Tang En Pictures currently rents 3 private jets, one is dedicated to President Bill McNick, one is dedicated to Marvel Studios President Nina Jacobson, and the other is shared by the group.

Tang En even thought about it, and after he made a lot of money in September, he would directly buy a few of them back.

Leased aircraft need to be arranged and booked in advance, which is very troublesome. If something happens temporarily, the aircraft leasing company can't make adjustments at all.

Tang En went to a small civilian airport in West Hollywood. Michael Ovitz was proud of himself, and he looked a bit like he was when he was in charge of CAA.

"Michael, I've already contacted Redstone, and you have to follow up." Tang En just casually glanced at the small plane, a little bit disdainful.

Michael Ovitz is in power and controls Legendary Pictures. The whole of Hollywood will pay him back his smiling face, and he looks a lot more energetic. "Well, Paramount, I'll arrange someone to talk about it tomorrow!"

Tang En followed him, entered the plane for a visit, and quickly said: "Let's talk first, and there is no rush to sign a contract."

"Huh?" Michael Ovitz paused.

If it's okay for others to say, it doesn't matter how long the delay is, but now that Lei Shidong has pulled it out, it's too late, wouldn't it be disrespectful to the old man?

Tang En thought about it, and said in a deep voice: "All in all, platter investment is one of my trump cards. If the other party doesn't give me benefits, I can't give Paramount the opportunity to get in touch with platter investment!"

Michael Ovitz's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Tang En, "Have you negotiated with Mr. Redstone?"

There was another sentence he didn't say - "Are you not level enough?"

Tang En shook his head, "No, but I talked to him on the phone a few times, and I think...some words don't need to be so clear, he should understand."

"It's a bit difficult!"

Michael Ovitz looked puzzled.

Lei Shidong is not only involved in the media and entertainment fields, but also has deep-rooted contacts on Wall Street!

He started with a small drive-in theater company, and was able to spend tens of billions of dollars in less than 20 years to establish the current media empire, all relying on Wall Street funds.

Redstone holds only about 13% of the shares of Viacom Group, but has more than 75% of the voting rights, which shows the trust and support of Wall Street in him.

In the previous life, Paramount would be the first to create the "Assorted Platter Investment" project, not because Paramount has a lot of talents, but because there is a big Buddha like Lei Shidong behind him, and Lei Shidong's face and connections.

Dunn gritted his teeth, and said in a deep voice, "No matter what, at least in September...well, before "Band of Brothers" is released, I want to ensure that the STA TV network will not be suppressed by Viacom."

Michael Ovitz couldn't help laughing after hearing this, "So that's the case, I should have said it earlier!"

"You have a way?"

"It's too simple! An agreement can be initialed, and the official contract will be signed after the screening of "Band of Brothers" is successfully completed. If this condition is reflected in the contract, no matter whether it is Paramount or Redstone, they can understand it." You mean it."

Tang En's eyes widened, a little in disbelief, "This is okay?"

"Why not?" Michael Ovitz smiled conceitedly, and pointed to his chest, "Have you forgotten what I do? I'm a manager!"

After Tang En heard this, he laughed loudly, "Okay! Sure enough, he is a manager, and his ability to play with contracts is high!"

At this time, Ira Fisher, the little secretary who was with him, handed over the phone and said quickly, "It's Mr. McNick."

"Bill, what's the matter?"

“Something went wrong with Band of Brothers.”

Bill McNick's voice was thick and sounded like he was holding back his anger.

Tang En was a little confused, "The publisher of "Band of Brothers" is DreamWorks, and we are the largest investor, so we have the right to supervise. What can go wrong?"

Bill McNick gritted his teeth: "It's because the publisher is DreamWorks!"

"Wait, what's going on?"

"I just received a notice from DreamWorks that they have restarted the North American TV copyright bidding for "Band of Brothers."

"What?"

Tang En exclaimed, thinking he had heard wrong.

What are you doing?

Tang En Pictures invested 120 million US dollars in "Band of Brothers", tied with DreamWorks as the largest investor in this TV series.

As early as a month ago, Dunn Films, DreamWorks, and Tom Hanks' Pratton Films had reached an internal agreement. Tang En Pictures would buy out the North American TV rights of the show for US$52 million. .

Considering human factors and the advantages of investors, US$52 million is a conscience price.

Unexpectedly, seeing that "Band of Brothers" is about to be broadcast in 3 months, DreamWorks would do something like this?

As the publisher, DreamWorks even advertised it!

"Band of Brothers" will premiere on Starz TV on September 9th!

"Didn't we sign a contract?"

"The scheduled signing date is June 25th, which is next Monday. The main reason is that Dreamworks' publicity has been published, and Steven and Tom have made verbal promises, so I didn't order the legal department and copyright The department will follow up the signing with the fastest speed."

Bill McNick sighed heavily, with remorse in his voice.

Tang En said grandly: "Bill, this has nothing to do with you, it's DreamWorks! Huh? No, who is robbing us of the copyright of "Band of Brothers"?"

Bill McNick said, "HBO!"

Tang En was simply full of bitterness.

He has worked hard to plan for more than a month, and all the spearheads are directed at Viacom's SHO TV network.

Unexpectedly, the hidden dangers of SHO were easily resolved, but an HBO appeared over there!

Well, I really think I'm a bully!