Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 113: Acquisition Plan]

"Michael, start discussions with Good Machine Productions and Artisan Entertainment regarding acquisitions. These two movie distribution companies look promising and are worth pursuing further."

Link made some notes on the documents and handed them over to Michael Leeson.

Michael Leeson took a look and responded, "Link, our company's film production capabilities are decent, but our distribution abilities need improvement. Should we acquire a distribution company first before we proceed? If we try to acquire too much at once, the company's burden might be heavy."

Link shook his head.

"Currently, the company has only invested in the production of two films, Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project. Both were low-budget productions, and given the company's current state, they just about suffice. However, next year, we need to invest in multiple films -- like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Final Destination, and Pulp Fiction. The production department can't manage everything with just a few people.

If we want to enhance our film production capabilities, acquiring other companies is a shortcut. We can afford to be a little slower when it comes to acquiring distribution companies. Guess Pictures currently has only one film waiting for release, with the rest scheduled for the latter half of next year. We can take our time with that."

"I understand, Link," Michael Leeson replied before leaving, while Link continued to peruse the remaining documents.

...

These included lists of production companies, distribution firms, special effects studios, and animation houses. Among these, Link identified two very promising targets: Marvel Entertainment and Pixar Animation Studios.

Marvel Comics, established in 1939, had become a giant in American comic books alongside DC, boasting many iconic characters like Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four. However, mismanagement over the past decade had led Marvel Entertainment to sell off beloved characters to resolve financial issues.

In 1988, New World Pictures successfully acquired Marvel for $46 million. By 1989, investor Ronald Perelman had spent another $82.5 million to reacquire Marvel from New World. Yet, despite these changes, Marvel continued to struggle.

Currently, Ronald Perelman sought to boost comic sales by selling trading cards, similar to the promotional strategies of fast-food chains. Yet, with the movie and television landscape evolving rapidly in the '90s, relying on trading cards seemed almost impossible for Marvel to regain its footing.

The company was still teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, with a valuation around $80 million and continuing to decline.

...

The second target, Pixar Animation Studios, was founded by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs after he left the company.

In 1986, Jobs invested $10 million to purchase Lucasfilm's computer animation division from George Lucas. Over the years, Pixar had matured, primarily producing corporate promotional videos, as well as animated logos for film companies -- in fact, Guess Pictures' logo had been designed by Pixar.

Starting in 1990, Pixar had produced several successful animated shorts, including Luxo Jr., Tin Toy and Knick Knack, and had recently won an Academy Award for its computer-assisted animation system (CAPS) at the Oscars. While Pixar was at the forefront of the computer animation industry, it still hadn't turned a profit, and its future remained uncertain.

Currently, Pixar's market value was around $30 million. These two companies represented significant acquisition potential. Successfully acquiring either or obtaining a controlling stake in both would certainly be a huge advantage for Guess Pictures. It seemed wise to initiate conversations with the heads of these companies.

Knock, knock, knock--

---

"The big boss, it's time to clock out."

Lily stood at the door, tapping her finger against it.

Link looked at his watch; it was still before four in the afternoon.

"You forgot, didn't you? Last time my freinds invited you out for dinner. You agreed."

"I forgot, but now that you mention it, I remember."

Link recalled that the last time they had dinner, he had picked up the tab, and now they wanted to return the favor.

He set the documents down and slipped on a casual jacket, turning back to see Lily in a sharp gray business outfit, her hair styled into a neat ponytail, with nude stockings paired with black heels. She looked fashionable and quite alluring.

"Are you sure you don't want to change?"

"Why should I change? They're inviting you for dinner, not me."

"Then I won't go either. I'm not that familiar with them. It would be awkward without you there. How about you help me push it off?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? They're already at the restaurant! If you don't show up now, it would be rude."

Lily took a lint roller and brushed off his jacket.

"You started the nonsense talk; that's not on me."

"Can't I joke around? You really need to lighten up."

Lily shot him a glance, her hands gentle but her words sharp.

"Yeah, you have a sense of humor, along with being charming. Wow, very impressive."

Link playfully leaned forward to peek into her slightly open blouse, catching sight of a gemstone necklace, her delicate collarbone, and the soft curves of her figure.

"Pervert, what are you looking at?"

Lily quickly covered her chest, raising the hand as if to hit him.

"It looks like a bug fell into your blouse. Would you like me to help you get it out?"

"Go away! If you dare to reach for it, I'll cut your hand off. You're a big boss; haven't you seen anything? Can't you be a bit more serious?"

"With you, it's just not possible."

Link chuckled softly, humming a tune as he exited the room.

Lily shot him an exasperated look while glancing down at her collar, where he had stolen a glance -- her lingerie revealed a bit of delicate black lace that made her fair skin appear even more flawless. She couldn't help but blush.

...

Once downstairs, Link got into his car and called Monica, letting her know he would be dining with a few actors and would be late returning home. He reminded her to eat earlier and to take care.

Monica advised him to be careful and not to drive if he had been drinking, offering to come pick him up if he called her.

Link acknowledged her advice and hung up. He then called Jennifer Connolly, chatting for a bit and planning to stay over at her place that weekend.

"You should call the babysitter and check if Cici has eaten. If she hasn't, we can go together. The more, the merrier -- she loves being around people."

Link said to Lily, who was sitting in the passenger seat.

"But it's all adults there; it would be awkward for a little kid, right?"

"More adults mean more gifts to collect."

Link joked.

Lily shot him a sideways glance, pulling out her phone to call the babysitter and check if Cecilia had finished her lessons for the day.

Aunt Pat, the babysitter, confirmed that Cecilia was done and was currently practicing her piano.

Lily asked Aunt Pat to change her clothes, and they planned to pick her up in ten minutes to head out for dinner together.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.