hunt hollywood

In doing so, on the one hand, it can reduce risks, on the other hand, it can also eliminate Wall Street's hostility towards Cersei Capital, and at the same time establish Cersei Capital's relationship network on Wall Street.

Most of the financial giants on Wall Street are in a state of mutual competition and mutual cooperation.

The main reason why Drexel Securities, which was once invincible, went bankrupt within a few months after falling into crisis is that Drexel had no friends on Wall Street.

In the past ten years, when Drexel Securities was issued more than 800 billion US dollars of junk bonds, Drexel Securities has been eating alone, unwilling to give up a little of the lucrative underwriting fees to other companies. Call for help, but no one is willing to lend a helping hand.

Compared with the first phase of the Apollo Management Company’s $10 billion fundraising plan, Cersei Capital intends to raise another $30 billion for Black Rock Asset Management, which is comparable to Black Rock’s existing funds.

The reason for such a difference is mainly due to the difference in risk between the two companies in their business.

The leveraged buyouts, equity investments, and condor investments that Apollo Management is responsible for can lead to heavy losses if you don't pay attention.In comparison, the investment business of stocks, bonds and fixed-income products that Black Rock Asset Management is engaged in has a very low degree of risk. Of course, the returns are also very low, which requires scale to win.

Amidst the busy schedule, the time has come to the last day of January.

Heading back to Los Angeles in the afternoon, Simon spent the morning at the New York branch of Daenerys Entertainment in Greenwich.

The TV spring file has quietly started. Although the annual TV program promotion season is in May, from the beginning of the year, various TV program production companies have begun to look for projects for the new year.

Daenerys TV Company, which is in charge of Robert Iger, produced a total of 10 TV shows last year, of which 4 were reality shows led by Simon, 3 TV series taken over by New World Entertainment, and 3 new series launched last year.

Right now, the main income of Daenerys TV Company is still 4 reality shows such as "Who Will Be a Millionaire". Of the 3 new dramas last year, the TV network has only renewed one, and the other 3 old dramas After last fall's release, another one was cut due to low ratings.

Moreover, among the four reality shows, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" broadcast on the CBS platform also encountered some problems.

Phenomenon-level reality shows have never been so easy to appear. In Simon’s memory, there are only a few reality shows that can reach the level of familiarity, whether it is in the 90s or after the new century. "Who Will Be a Millionaire" and "Survivor" all belong to this category, and "Big Brother" is slightly inferior, but in the past two years, there have been no more popular projects than these three reality shows.

However, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills", which belonged to the basic cable station in the original time and space, did not have such good luck.

Adding to the sequence of public stations, compared with "Who Will Be a Millionaire", "Survivor" and "Big Brother", the ratings data of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" is already at the bottom.

At the beginning, CBS also launched two reality shows at the same time. Although the ratings were lower, they could barely continue. This made CBS less dependent on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills".

So, before the second season of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" aired, CBS tried to lower the renewal price of the reality show's third season again.

In the building of the New York branch, Simon listened to Robert Iger's introduction of the situation in the conference room, knocked on the table and thought for a moment, and said: "In this case, cancel the cooperation with CBS."

Robert Iger was a little surprised: "Simon, even if the quotation is reduced by another 20%, we are still profitable, and there is no need to cancel it."

Simon glanced at the other executives of the TV department in the conference room, waved his hand to signal everyone to go out, and then said to Iger: "Bob, for "The Housewives of Beverly Hills", I actually planned to make a complete series of "The Housewives of Beverly Hills" of."

Robert Iger nodded and said: "I know, you mentioned it before. However, Simon, this is not realistic. It is impossible for the four major TV networks to give us too much time to broadcast a whole series of reality shows."

"So, we needed to find a separate platform for this series."

Robert Iger also knew that Cersei Capital had hoarded a large amount of funds overseas, so he tentatively asked, "Simon, are you planning to acquire a TV network?"

"It's not the time yet," Simon shook his head and said, "Bob, there are some things I can't tell you yet, but if everything goes well, we will have our own TV network in the second half of the year. The scale of the public television network, but it is more than enough to accommodate the wife series, and it just so happens that with the use of the wife series, we can also build our own TV network into a branded female TV station."

Having been in the TV industry for a long time, Iger quickly understood what was going on after hearing what Simon said.

After sorting out the information on a series of media groups in the industry in memory, Iger tentatively asked: "USA?"

Like the CW, AMC and MTV television networks many years later, they all belong to the national basic cable television network in the United States.

Different from the public television network, the basic cable station is a cable TV station, but different from the paid cable station, the basic cable station does not directly charge the user, but gets the revenue share from the cable TV operator, and also has some advertising revenue .

The current USA TV station is still jointly held by Paramount Communications and MCA, each accounting for 50% of the shares.

Although the brilliance of USA after the new century is completely overshadowed by TV networks such as CW, AMC and MTV, compared with AMC with such phenomenal and popular dramas as "The Walking Dead" or CW with DC superhero dramas, the TV programs produced by USA are lackluster. , but in this era, due to the joint support of the two giants, Paramount Communications and MCA, USA has top-notch popularity and scale among the newly emerging basic cable channels in Taichung.

Seeing that Iger guessed it, Simon did not deny it, nodded with a smile, and said: "Remember to keep this matter secret."

"of course."

Iger agreed, and did not ask any further questions, but he couldn't help wondering whether Simon's next goal was MCA or Paramount Communications.

MCA seems to be a little easier.

For Paramount Communications, Martin Davis was not able to take power until the death of the previous head of the company, and he was not willing to let go easily.

Because of the original contract, if CBS wanted to take back "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills", CBS had to voluntarily give up. The two discussed this matter for a while, and Simon handed a folder to Iger and said, "I took the time to look at the company. I’m looking for project materials for TV dramas, and I have selected two of them, remember to take them down. For the rest, you can decide on your own.”

Iger took the folder that Simon handed over and opened it. First, a sitcom material appeared in front of him. The name was printed on the cover, "Seinfeld".

"Seinfeld", a sitcom that was as popular as "Friends" in the 90s.The popularity of this series overseas is not as high as "Friends", but it is very popular in North America. In the original time and space, "Seinfeld" even created a record of more than 7000 million viewers when it finally ended.

Simon saw the information about this project when he was in Los Angeles. Another purpose of coming to New York this time is to tell Iger to take this project down.

As for the other one, it is the sand that Simon habitually mixes in. It doesn't matter if it succeeds or fails, or it is best to fail.

Chapter 334 An Unexpected Dark Horse (Repair)

Santa Monica.

The time is July 2th, Thursday.

Simon arrived at the company headquarters at eight o'clock, and Jennifer, who had arrived earlier, followed him into the office holding a stack of documents.

Because Simon has been letting go of many things intentionally or unintentionally, and he is often not in Los Angeles during this period, Jennifer's authority is getting bigger and bigger under Simon's behest, almost taking on the role of Simon's internal spokesperson for the company.

In recent weeks, the female assistant has personally led the team to be responsible for the financial audit work of the past year.

In the second half of last year, due to the big sales of "Bodyguard", "The Sixth Sense", "Scream 2" and other films, the hot sales of "Bodyguard" soundtrack, the success of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" video game, TV projects The continuous income of Daenerys Entertainment and the overseas and video distribution of films such as "Rain Man" at the end of 1988, Daenerys Entertainment experienced an explosive growth in revenue.

Compared with the net profit of US$1.1 million in the first half of last year, Daenerys Entertainment’s net profit after tax for the whole year last year was The scale is also expected to exceed $5 million.

Relying on the abundant funds that Daenerys Entertainment continues to send, James Raybould has been continuously increasing investment in new technology fields.

Right now, Westeros’ shareholding in Microsoft has reached 21.3%, of which 10% is taken over from Microsoft’s two major shareholders, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, in the form of loans, and the rest is taken over by Danielle. The funds provided by Silk Entertainment were absorbed from the open market, and Gates personally approached Simon because of this matter.

As the release date of Windows 3.0 approaches, Microsoft's share price has started to rise again during this period because of the outflow of the beta version.

Holding a 21.3% stake in Microsoft has exceeded Simon's expectations, and Westeros does not intend to increase its shareholding in Microsoft.

Westeros' shareholding in Intel has also increased to 15.6%, which is also the result of its re-absorption last year.On the basis of the original shareholding, Westeros invested nearly 5 million US dollars for the 3% of the shares, all of which were funds sent by Daenerys Entertainment.

Simon sat down behind the desk, and the female assistant handed over today's work schedule, put down the documents in her hand and said, "The financial audit work will probably be over next week, here is a briefing. In addition, there is a Warner for you The salary plan provided by the producer of "The Flash" and "Steel Bones", the base salary of each film is 200 million US dollars plus 10% of the local box office share. Finally, there are several novels and script materials that the company has just bought recently, including That Michael Crichton dinosaur sci-fi you mentioned."

Hearing Michael Clayton's dinosaur novel, Simon raised his head and raised his eyebrows slightly.

Jennifer noticed Simon's expression and took the initiative to explain: "Amy communicated with Mr. Friedman personally, because other studios also noticed the project in Clayton's hands, and everyone made offers. It was finally negotiated The price is 250 million US dollars, 200 million US dollars is the buyout fee of the novel, 50 US dollars is the script adaptation fee, and the latter point is the result of Mr. Friedman’s insistence.”

Simon nodded, understanding why Jonathan asked for this.

Participating in the adaptation of the script, Michael Clayton can also obtain additional revenue sharing according to the "Basic Agreement" of the Screenwriters Union after the film is released.

For an unpublished novel, $250 million was a bit high.

Although Michael Crichton has made a lot of fame in the novel world over the years, before "Jurassic Park", the film and television projects he participated in were not considered successful. Last year, a crime thriller directed by Clayton himself The film "Edge of the Trap" had a production cost of 1700 million U.S. dollars, but only received a poor box office of 330 million U.S. dollars. The investor Columbia Pictures almost lost everything.

This is why Jonathan can easily dig the opponent from C to WMA.

Speaking of which, if it weren't for Simon's expressed intentions, Jonathan probably wouldn't have much interest in Clayton.

Thinking about this, Simon asked the female assistant, "When will the novel be published?"

"Clayton just finished the story outline, at least until the end of the year."

"Transfer the information of this project to the special effects studio, and ask them to come up with a development plan for CG dinosaurs to me in the near future, and put the others on hold for now."

Jennifer nodded, wrote down the matter on the memo in her hand, and continued: "Also, Joe Ross from Fox called yesterday, about "Terminator", he asked if you have time to talk about it tomorrow night thing?"

Simon wondered: "Tomorrow night?"

"Ross is organizing a reception at his home in Coldwater Canyon tomorrow night," the female assistant tore out a page from her pocket memo and handed it over, "Here is the address."

"Put it away for me." Simon pushed the page over again, looked at the female assistant and smiled, "How about we go together tomorrow night?"

Jennifer shook her head and said, "I'm very tired recently, I want to go home and sleep."

"Why don't I go to your place after the reception, Bel Air is still very close to the Cold Water Canyon, remember to leave a window for me."

The female assistant curled her lips and said, "Uncle has a very good shotgun at home, and he will beat you like a wild boar."

Jennifer has always lived in the home of her uncle George Norman. In this regard, it may be because she is close enough that the female assistant does not have the psychological barrier of relying on others like Simon.

Simon had a frightened expression on his face, but asked curiously, "Why is it a wild boar?"

The female assistant tilted her delicate head with ponytail, and said, "It might be a rabbit."

Worse than wild boars!

Simon pretended to be angry and waved his hand: "Go out, BOSS is about to start working."

Jennifer helped Simon tidy up the table with a smile, and asked, "Do you want coffee?"

"Mineral water is fine, and I quit caffeine recently."

The female assistant nodded, turned and left.

Simon lowered his head and glanced at today's work schedule again. The production meeting of "League of Pink" started at nine o'clock and was expected to last the whole morning.

The preliminary preparations for "The League of Pinks" are ready, and the filming will start next week.

Because it's a women's movie, Amy is basically in charge of this project.However, as one of the projects in the 10-film plan, Simon still has to attend the final production meeting in person.

Next, the rough cuts of the two films "Ghost Love" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" have been completed. In the afternoon, I will discuss with the main creative team the plans for the later fine cuts and soundtracks.

It's just these three things, and I will probably be busy until six o'clock in the afternoon.

Putting the work schedule aside, Simon took the information left by the female assistant just now, put aside the top financial briefing, and planned to read the final financial report after the audit was completely completed, which would save time.

The information about "Jurassic Park" has already been introduced by the female assistant, and it is also put aside.

Simon briefly reviewed the salary plans for the producers of "The Flash" and "Steel Bone", and then signed and agreed. The following people will continue to negotiate with Warner on the detailed contract.

Finally, there is a stack of copyright materials for novels and screenplays.

Like other Hollywood studios, Daenerys continued to acquire the copyrights of various novels and scripts after the operation of Daenerys Entertainment was on the right track.Of course, most of these may end up being lost.

This is how Hollywood spends a lot of script development budget every year.

However, these expenditures will actually be calculated into various other film projects according to the rules of Hollywood's ledger.

In addition to "Jurassic Park", there are a total of seven novels and script materials sent in. Simon roughly read them. In addition to the basic materials of the project, there are also various annotations attached, or which director is interested in the project. Interest, or which star is interested in starring, or the corresponding producer's opinion on the script.

The Hollywood circle is very small, or Simon has too much information in his mind. Among the seven documents, Simon easily found a fairly familiar work: "Thelma & Louise".

As far as I remember, this is a movie directed by Ridley Scott, starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, and the word of mouth and box office seem to be very good.

The project comment was written by Amy herself, saying that actresses such as Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer who have read the script are interested in starring, so it can be The project is being promoted, and the project budget is about 1500 million US dollars.

1500 million was still a big production a few years ago, but now it can only be regarded as the middle-lower.

Simon read the outline of the story, and it suddenly occurred to him that this story might give Catherine a try.

Catherine is definitely a feminist at heart, and just happened to have completed a similar road-style movie "Blood Corpse Night", which is very suitable for directing this project.

Thinking of this, Simon took the pencil and wrote his own comments on it, asking Amy to transfer the script to Catherine.

Catherine is about to start filming "Point Scary," but as long as a woman is interested in the project, Daenerys Entertainment can of course wait for her to finish the project in hand before starting the film.

Aside from Thelma & Louise, several other projects failed to arouse Simon's interest.

The key projects of Daenerys Entertainment next year are basically external cooperation films such as "Batman: The Dark Knight" and "The Fugitive", and there are still many project vacancies. Therefore, Simon has given the heads of the three labels enough project approval He doesn't want Daenerys Entertainment, which is getting bigger and bigger, to be completely dependent on him alone.

After reading the materials sent by the female assistant, it was almost nine o'clock.

The production meeting of "League of Pink" was held at Daenerys Entertainment Headquarters. Jennifer pushed the door in to remind the film director that Penny Marshall and others had arrived, and Simon got up and rushed to the conference room.

The next day is Friday, April 2th.

Another week from January 1 to February 26 has passed.

Although "Batman: Beginning of War" in the past week is still firmly locked in the single-week box office champion position with a box office of 2340 million US dollars, the cumulative box office has reached 3 million US dollars.However, Hollywood's eyes were attracted by another film adaptation of a stage play that was originally not too conspicuous.

"Driving Miss Daisy".

Apparently, it's Daenerys Entertainment again.

Prior to this, at the 1th American Film and Television Golden Globe Awards on January 20th, "Driving Miss Daisy" won three out of three and won Best Picture in Musical Comedy, Best Actor in Musical Comedy and Best Musical Comedy. Three awards for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.

Subsequently, in the nominations for the 1nd Academy Awards announced on January 22, "Driving Miss Daisy" won 62 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor in one fell swoop. A film with the most Oscar nominations.

Including "My Left Foot," "The Bodyguard," "The Sixth Sense" and "Metropolitan," Daenerys Entertainment's total nominations for the upcoming Oscars 21, also ranked first among the various studios.

The distribution rights of "Batman: Beginning of War" belong to Warner, and Terry Semel originally hoped to nominate a best picture for the film public relations in order to boost the later box office.However, the Oscar judges were obviously not interested in this commercially-heavy comic film. In the end, the film only won 3 technical awards, and the relevant nominations were not included in Daenerys Entertainment.

Of course, this is off topic.

Going back to "Driving Miss Daisy", until January 1th, the film has been kept in a small-scale screening state, and the number of screens has only increased to more than 25 in the two weeks before and after the Golden Globes.

To sum it up, from December 12 to January 8 last year, although the word-of-mouth and popularity of "Drive Miss Daisy" has continued to rise, due to the limited screening scale, the cumulative box office of the film has barely exceeded 1. Ten thousand U.S. dollars. .