hunt hollywood

Because it is directly oriented to video tapes and TV channels, it is technically not as cumbersome as a big-screen animation film, and it can be completed in about a year.

After all, it is the first one, and Simon patiently gave the Marvel animation team a year and a half of production cycle.

However, the budget of 1500 million US dollars is equivalent to the net profit of the entire Marvel Entertainment for three years at this time.Simon's attitude is very clear, if you mess it up, Marvel will do comics with peace of mind in the future, and don't think about anything else.

It was not easy for Simon to let go. The Marvel team also cherished this opportunity very much. Not only did they choose the most popular "Spider-Man", Stan Lee, who was originally based in New York, also came to Los Angeles specially, planning to personally visit the West Coast. Follow up project preparation.

The first "Spider-Man" animated film will tell the origin as usual. Simon listened to Stan Lee explain the plot concept in person, but once again told him not to make a low-school children's film, and at the same time make a good plan for the animated character image. The image of each superhero in subsequent projects will be different.This is a place where Simon is very dissatisfied with the DC animation movies in his memory. Even the animated images of popular characters such as Superman and Batman have changed.

Simon also knows that this situation is the result of different teams working on different projects, but these are not things he needs to focus on now, he only asks.

The LOFT buildings on the second floor can indeed give people a relaxed environment that stimulates creativity. They are spacious, open, and easy to communicate. They are not as fast-paced as the administrative area. Whether it is graffiti on the wall or movie figures everywhere It makes people feel that this should be the place where art is born.

The earliest LOFT building transformed from an abandoned factory in New York's Soho District is indeed a gathering place for artists.

No wonder Nancy Brill moved the entire consumer goods department and her Daenerys Analysis Company, Blockbuster Los Angeles branch and Blizzard Studios here. a feeling of.

Marvel's team only occupied a small corner on the 3rd LOFT floor, and the rest became the territory of a small woman.

Leaving Marvel's office area, I planned to go to Pixar to see the development progress of "Toy Story". I happened to meet Nancy coming out of the Blockbuster branch office area, so I found a seat in the nearby rest area to sit down and chat. From the Blockbuster thing.

During this period, Blockbuster has completed the acquisition of the Errol company, and the number of its own chain stores is also increasing. It is estimated that the number of chain stores will exceed 2000 by the end of the year, making it the veritable largest video chain company in North America.

After Nancy split the position of chairman and CEO that originally belonged to Blockbuster founder Wayne Huizenga, after poaching an executive from Wal-Mart to serve as Blockbuster CEO, the little woman completely took control of the company. company.

Of course, it can be considered that Daenerys Entertainment has completely controlled Blockbuster.

According to the results of many discussions between Simon and Nancy at the beginning, what Nancy personally followed up now is to continuously improve the operational efficiency of Blockbuster all day long, so as to avoid the problems of decreased execution and redundant staff of the video chain giant due to over-expansion.

This is also the reason why Nancy hired the executive named James Frey from Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is undoubtedly the best in solving the above problems. Retail chains can only continue to improve efficiency and reduce their own costs. Through various preferential policies for customers, we can maintain our own advantages and competitiveness among competitors in the same industry.

If the scale of the enterprise is larger, the price will be more expensive, and it will not reflect its own scale advantages at all, and the company will not be far from decline.

Chapter 361 He Is Sitting By Your Side (Repair)

"3000, I think this is the optimal number of Blockbuster chain stores in the United States. It is very unwise to blindly pursue market share, which will only waste our funds and energy in commercial areas with very low returns. By continuously optimizing the allocation of the planned 3000 video chain stores, I hope that Blockbuster can achieve a 50% local market share in the next three years."

The video industry in the United States has developed rapidly in recent years, and it is expected that sales will exceed 100 billion US dollars this year, which is equivalent to twice the domestic box office.

If Blockbuster can achieve a 50% market share, it will become an industrial giant with an annual revenue of 50 billion US dollars and a profit scale of about 5 million US dollars. The market value of a single block is enough to easily break through [-] billion US dollars.

In the [-]rd office LOFT of Daenerys Studios.

Simon heard Nancy say this, and said: "If your goal can really be achieved, maybe I should buy out the remaining shares of Blockbuster now."

"I've calculated it," Nancy gesticulated on the table with her slender fingers, and said, "Blockbuster's recent market value is around 32 billion U.S. dollars. Within US$30 billion. In the case of a wholly-owned acquisition, the quotation can be controlled between US$45 billion and US$50 billion, and we actually need to pay about US$30 billion in cash.”

Simon looked at Nancy's beautiful and delicate hand, with a smile on the corner of his mouth, and said, "You know, I'm planning a big acquisition recently."

Feeling Simon's gaze, Nancy gave him a blank look. Seeing that the man didn't show any guilt at all, she didn't look away, so she picked up the coffee cup next to her and took a sip, saying, "Two things There is no conflict, even if your own funds are insufficient, it is not easy to get billions of dollars from the bank?"

The debt crisis that broke out at the end of last year caused major banks in North America to tighten credit, and it became more difficult for many companies to obtain loans.However, high-quality borrowers like Simon have become the most enthusiastic lending targets of major banks.

Even if Simon wants to raise 100 billion US dollars now, it will not be too difficult.

"That's right," Simon said, "It's just that, besides Universal, I'm still considering other things, which are also big plans that cost a lot of money, and the rate of return is higher than that of Blockbuster, so this matter Just lean back."

Involving the acquisition of billions of dollars, Nancy didn't expect Simon to agree to it outright. Hearing that Simon had other plans, she asked curiously, "What?"

Simon shook his head: "I can't tell you."

Nancy said dissatisfied: "Boss, don't you think I'm not trustworthy?"

"Of course it's worth it," Simon affirmed: "However, trust needs to be maintained. The most important point is that if it is not necessary, don't easily give others reasons that may destroy this trust."

If Nancy realized something, she said, "Okay, I won't ask any more."

"So, let's talk about overseas," Simon continued: "I found that Blockbuster's overseas expansion seems to be a bit slow. Unlike movie theater chains, video chain stores are subject to few government controls and trade barriers in overseas markets. Since they plan to expand , Overseas expansion should also be a very important item.”

Compared with Blockbuster in the United States, which can break through 2000 chain stores this year, overseas, at this time, it has only completed a small-scale layout in the surrounding countries of the United States and the five European countries of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and the West.Moreover, apart from Canada and North America, the total number of chain stores in other markets is less than 200, and they are mainly concentrated in core cities such as London, Paris and Berlin.

"Those overseas chain stores are only for exploring the market for the time being. Early market research and data analysis are very important. After completing these, as long as the funds are sufficient, the overseas expansion speed will not be slower than that in North America. In addition, I plan to put Blockbuster in the near future. All chain stores in the Boston-Washington metropolitan area on the east coast are connected to the Internet, and Blockbuster’s membership system needs to be redesigned. In short, there are a lot of things to do, and the overseas market can’t devote too much energy for the time being.”

"It's good that you know it in your heart," Simon nodded, and urged: "Also, don't take everything on yourself, let go of what should be left to Wayne Huizenga and James Frey. "

Although it is a very important holding company under Daenerys Entertainment, because of the existence of Nancy Brill, Wayne Huizenga and others, Simon is very relieved of this company, except for some important financial And personnel changes, he basically does not ask Blockbuster's specific operations now.

"I understand."

Nancy said, thinking of something, beckoned to her assistant who was waiting nearby, explained a few words, turned to Simon and explained: "Speaking of Blockbuster's membership system, please help to see if there is anything that needs to be improved. And the "Dune" video game, which has already started internal testing, just happened to bring you a copy."

Seeing that the little woman was about to blatantly squeeze the boss again, Simon said, "I'm hundreds of thousands a minute, so don't bother me with this kind of thing?"

The layout of real-time strategy games is a very important classification from the era of stand-alone games in the 90s to the era of online games in the new century. Many years later, phenomenal popular online games such as "World of Warcraft" and "League of Legends" are all related to real-time strategy games. There are countless connections.

Therefore, Simon has actually been following up the production of "Dune", after all, it is related to many future layouts.

As for Blockbuster's membership system, he has no interest in discussing it.

With so many people in Blockbuster, it is impossible to keep them in vain.

Nancy didn't understand the hundreds of thousands of stalks in one minute, and said: "Just let you see if you have any good ideas. Of course, we should do the details ourselves. I find that you can always produce novelties that break through the limitations of ordinary people's thinking. Conceived, this talent is simply enviable."

"Is this a compliment? But why didn't I feel it myself?"

Nancy said: "The DC movie universe is just such a plan. Do you know how amazing it is? As long as the two films next year can be successful, this plan may be included in the case textbook by Harvard Business School."

Simon smiled and said, "Well, it seems that I am really good."

Nancy gave Simon another white look.

The assistant quickly delivered a folder and a floppy copy of Dune.

Simon put the game floppy disk aside, opened the document, and Nancy on the opposite side said: "For the time being, we plan to divide the members into two levels: junior members and senior members, mainly providing member discounts, extending the return period of video tapes, and reducing liquidated damages. Class terms, and some ideas of monthly or yearly subscriptions.”

After ordering Nancy's assistant to bring him another bottle of water, Simon lowered his head and began to look at the membership plan in front of him.

Nancy didn't waste time either. She flipped through another file and noticed that her assistant had brought over a bottle of mineral water. She casually picked up a topic and said, "I've seen you drink water several times. Why don't you drink water?" Have you had coffee?"

Simon didn't look up, and said: "Jenny and I are planning to have a child, and drinking coffee is not good."

Nancy wondered: "Does coffee affect children?"

"It has a very serious impact, so you need to pay attention to it in the future."

"I have no intention of getting married."

"Not getting married doesn't mean you can't have children."

"It's very troublesome to have a baby. If necessary, I plan to adopt one."

"It's better to have children by yourself."

Nancy thought of something, and said dissatisfied: "Machismo."

Simon was puzzled: "Is there a causal relationship between these two things?"

"Have!"

"Well, I'm machismo."

Both of them were quiet, and after a while, Simon said: "I think these plans are very good. What are the specific effects? I think Blockbuster can choose chain stores in one or two states like the overseas pilot you just mentioned. Try it first, if it works, it will be promoted nationwide, if it is not feasible, it will be cancelled, and it will not affect the overall situation. In fact, the advantage of a large enough enterprise is here, and the fault tolerance rate is very strong. It is not just a membership system. As long as there are any good ideas, You can choose some areas to try."

Nancy turned her head and thought for a while, then picked up her memo and wrote it down.

Simon smiled and said, "Don't be so solemn, don't you remember?"

"I thought of the first half of what you said, but I didn't think of the second half," Nancy said, quickly wrote down a few words and looked up: "Is there anything else?"

"About value-added services for members," Simon said, "Have you ever rented videotapes at Blockbuster chain stores?"

Nancy said: "Of course, every week."

"Do you find it troublesome?"

"trouble?"

"Haven't you ever thought that you can deliver goods to your door?"

Nancy thought for a moment, and said: "The cost is too high, the selection of film sources, remote booking, and logistics are all big problems."

"In the short term, you can use the phone to book. As for the logistics issue, try to cooperate with the postal system. The federal postal system is very developed, and they probably don't mind having an extra job. Sign a contract with the local postal system to contract annual orders After packaging the contract, Blockbuster will be able to get rid of the shackles of chain stores, and only need a few large warehouse logistics centers in a city.”

Nancy showed an expression of surprise on her face, and said: "This is simply a kind of subversion. If it is really done, our existing chain store system will collapse."

Simon shrugged and said, "I can recall that other people should have similar thoughts. Blockbuster subverts itself, or is subverted by others. Which do you choose?"

Nancy frowned, continued to consider for a moment, and said: "This kind of service involves too many complicated links, and it needs to be developed to a sufficient size to form a scale effect. It is impossible for a small-scale video chain company to carry out such a business. We ourselves don’t seem to need to do this. The distribution of Blockbuster’s chain stores has been carefully selected and is still being optimized to maximize the convenience of users. They often drop into the store to pick up videos on their way from get off work. No need for remote mail. By the way, you just said short-term, do you have long-term thoughts?"

It was not surprising that Simon felt the negation in Nancy's tone.

It is really not easy to implement a business model similar to Netflix in this era when only telephone reservations are available for the time being. Moreover, even in the Internet age, Blockbuster will instinctively resist this for the sake of maintaining its own chain store system. Business model.

"In the long run, if the Internet users grow to a sufficient scale, Blockbuster can establish its own online website, and users can search and pre-order video tapes through the website, just like the library's electronic book retrieval system, which can solve the problem of film source selection and There is no problem with remote booking, and it is more secure and more convenient. The video tapes are obtained through the postal system, and after viewing, users only need to put the video tapes into a special Blockbuster package and mail them back, without leaving the house.”

"If I remember correctly, the number of AOL users should reach 15 this month. How many years do you think it will take to reach a sufficient user scale?"

"It took only ten years for the proportion of American households to have video recorders to go from 2% to 70%. I believe that it will take at most ten years for the Internet to reach this level of popularity."

"The idea of ​​developing a business through the Internet is very good, but even if your prediction can come true, it will take at least another five years. The penetration rate of 2% home video recorders cannot develop a Blockbuster." Nancy said , suddenly changed the subject, stared at Simon without blinking and asked, "Boss, I'm very curious, how did you come up with these advanced ideas?"

This is not the first time Simon has encountered this kind of problem. Janet used to stare at her little eyes that were lethal, so she calmly said: "The idea just now was told to me by a guy named Reed."

"Reed?"

"Yeah," Simon nodded, raised his chin towards the empty seat beside Nancy, and changed into a faint and strange tone: "He's sitting next to you."

Nancy turned her head to look at the air beside her, and said in a displeased tone, "Hey, Reed, can you sit across from me? I hate men."

The little woman sternly cooperated with Simon to make cold jokes. Neither of them laughed, but it confused Jennifer Raybould and Shirley Lansing who happened to be walking together, and even had a hairy feeling.

What's the situation?

Seeing Jennifer and Lansing, Nancy stuck out her tongue, and after greeting the two women, she explained: "It's just a joke." She stood up, pointed to the "Dune" game floppy disk in Simon's hand, and said, "I'll start Go busy, this, remember to send me an email after the trial."

After Nancy left, Jennifer said to Simon who got up: "Ms. Lansing has been waiting for you for a while, so I brought her here."

Simon checked his watch.

Schedule a meeting with Shirley Lansing at 02:30 pm to discuss Daenerys' work with MGM.It was still a little early after the meeting at Marvel, and I was not in a hurry to go back to the administrative area. I didn't expect to chat with Nancy, and it was already three o'clock before I knew it.

After saying sorry, he just sat down here, and Simon asked Lansing, "Have you read the script of "A Few Good Men"?"

These days, Johnston Holdings in Australia has begun to take over Seventh Television Network under the name of Qintex Group, and the cooperation between Daenerys Entertainment and MGM has also been advancing.

In Simon's view, the most critical issue facing MGM is not to be sold around like in the 80s. As long as a stable development environment is given, under the background of Hollywood's global expansion in the 90s, it is not necessary to recover its vitality. difficulty.

No matter how bad it is, with a few years of patient operation, Australia can re-sell this company at a very good price.

As for the two planned cooperation films, Simon was not satisfied with several projects proposed by MGM, and finally simply took out a copyright just bought from Daenerys, "A Few Good Men".

Chapter 362 Vasalman's Invitation (Revised)

Like Daenerys Entertainment's "Steel Magnolia" and "Driving Miss Daisy" in the last two years, "A Few Good Man" is based on the hit Broadway play about a fledgling The story of a Navy lawyer under pressure to investigate an army murder.

The original version of "A Few Good Men" has also been translated as "The Heroes of Righteousness", starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore. It was also a hit movie with a box office of over [-] million.However, just looking at the coffee positions of the three protagonists, you know that the production cost of the film will not be too low, which is why Simon is willing to take the project out to cooperate with MGM.

Shirley Lansing took the coffee brought by the female assistant, thanked her, and said to Simon: "It's a very good story, and it's similar to Harrison Ford's "Presumed Innocence" this summer. Affirmed by an Oscar."

Harrison Ford's "Presumed Innocence" released in the summer is also a court crime film.

The film had a mediocre start, but since its release on June 6, within three months, the film has unknowingly accumulated more than 8 million US dollars at the box office, and the total local box office is expected to reach 7000 million US dollars, far exceeding the initial expectations of the industry media. expected.

Simon even felt that "A Few Good Men" in the original time and space was probably a movie following the trend of "Presumed Innocence".

"Since this is the case, let's start preparations as soon as possible. In addition, I have already given Demi Moore the lead actress. She is very suitable for this role. It just so happens that she still has a contract with Daenerys. The lead actor Daniel Caffey , you can contact Tom Hanks."

Shirley Lansing hesitated: "Simon, I think Hanks is more suitable for comedy, and he is not young enough."

"You can take the time to watch the sample of "The League of Pinks". Hanks' play is much wider than you think. Moreover, Hanks is 34 years old this year, which is already very young in Hollywood. If it doesn't work, I will modify the script." The original script of "Rain Man" was two middle-aged people. The producer wanted Hoffman and Nicholson to play together. Later, it was changed to a pair of brothers with a big age difference for Cruise. "A Few Good Men" also Similarly, the hero does not necessarily have to be a fledgling, he may be a middle-aged man who has been excluded or made some mistakes, in short, it must give the audience a sense of counterattack contrast.”

Shirley Lansing nodded, but said: "Actually, Simon, I showed Cruise the script. Tom is very interested in Kafei's role, and his offer is not high, 600 million US dollars. That's $300 million less than what he got paid for "Rising Thunder," which is very sincere."

To ensure the success of "A Few Good Men", it is undoubtedly the safest to use the original cast.