hunt hollywood

Simon and the guests simply socialized, found Gwen Shotwell and other SpaceX backbones, and began to pour cold water and wave the whip.

"This is just the beginning, Gwen, and everyone. The most important thing for you next is to build SpaceX's own launch vehicle. Moreover, I have set a goal for a long time. SpaceX must work hard on reusable rockets, oh , Is there anyone telling me it's impossible this time... Very good, it's not good for someone to be fired on such a beautiful day today..."

After pouring cold water, of course, don't forget the sweet dates.

After announcing a reward plan totaling 1500 million U.S. dollars on the spot, it was almost time. Simon turned to look for Janet, and saw her walking with a woman with a Slavic appearance.

"Simon, this is Natasha. She speaks English very well, and she doesn't look like a Ukrainian at all. I'm planning to invite her to go shopping in the city together."

After listening to Janet's introduction with a smile, Simon gave her a look of 'you're pretending to be stupid and sweet at all', and then casually shook hands with the woman in front of him: "Hello, Natasha, heh, I'm very happy Love this quintessentially Slavic name."

Looking closely, this Slavic woman with a height of about 175 centimeters is about 30 years old, wearing a black women's suit, whether it is just the right plump figure or a somewhat charming face in the whiteness, she is quite emotional, After speaking, the voice was so soft that there was still a bit of cuteness in it.

"Oh, Mr. Westeros, it's an honor to meet you today. You can call me Nata."

"Okay, Nata."

Janet continued to be silly and sweet: "Simon, look at Nata's skin is so fair, I really don't know how to maintain it, I must ask later."

"Actually, it's natural, but Jenny, your complexion looks better. I'm a little too white."

"No, Simon likes white ones." Janet said this, and looked at the man in the woman's slightly bright eyes: "Are you leaving?"

"Yes, there will be a meeting soon, and I won't be going home at noon. Shall I take you to the city first?"

"Okay," Janet said, not forgetting to look to her side: "Nata, do you have any problems separating yourself from others?"

The woman shook her head quickly, with a look of honor: "Of course not."

Simon didn't bother to pay attention to Janet's sudden interest, and said goodbye to everyone, and left the SpaceX headquarters with the two of them.

First flew to Beverly Hills to lay down the two daughters, and then rushed to Malibu Studios.

Filming started at the end of last year and was completed in mid-February, and the rough cut was recently completed.Because it is a project that Simon personally followed up, and the work schedule was arranged in advance, Simon will watch the samples with the main creators today and put forward follow-up production suggestions.

Chapter 1104 Two Acquaintances

After watching the sample of "American Pie", it was time for lunch, and we will continue in the afternoon. During lunch, I will discuss some work matters with Amy Pascal, who returned to work after maternity leave a few days ago.

Today is February 3.

on Monday.

In 1997, Easter was on March 3th, and one week earlier on March 30st, the Easter schedule will start. At that time, there will be three films of Daenerys Entertainment, "Scary Ghost", "Taken" and "Hurricane". The Cable Repairman,” and MGM’s “Alien 3.”

In addition, the 69th Oscars this year will be held on March 3.

The Oscars in the 90s are still at their peak. Even if this year is still the year when Daenerys Entertainment deliberately gave up the awards, Simon will not completely ignore them.

Finally, there is the recent movie box office situation.

The Star Wars series, which was re-screened on January 1, briefly seized control of the North American film market, and soon gave way to films produced by Daenerys Entertainment.

In the four box office weeks ending February 2, "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" was re-screened for a month, and the cumulative box office exceeded 27 million, reaching 1 million US dollars. According to the box office trend of the past weekend, this The first part of Star Wars still has a box office of about 337 million US dollars at most, and the total domestic box office of this re-screening is about 2000 million US dollars.

In addition, the second film "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back", which opened on February 2, after the first part consumed most of the fans' feelings, the box office in the first week was only 21 million US dollars, and it is estimated that the domestic volume is only about 2146 million.

In comparison, "BJ's Diary", which was only released on February 2, earned $14 million in its first week, and in the second week of its release from February 3762 to February 2, the box office decline was well controlled at 21%. It collected another 2 million US dollars and easily won the single-week box office champion.

刚刚过去的2月28日到3月2日一个周末，《BJ单身日记》跌幅同比稍微扩大为33%，依旧进账1273万美元，预计完整第三周票房依旧在2000万美元左右。

At the same time, two and a half weeks after its release, the cumulative box office of the film reached 7938 million US dollars, which is only 2000 million US dollars away from breaking through [-] million.

Considering the reputation of "BJ's Diary", the film will still have a good curve until Easter, and the follow-up box office is conservatively estimated to be no less than 5000 million US dollars, which also means that the film's domestic box office will be at least 1.3 million US dollars.

Since Julia Roberts is significantly more popular than Renee Zellweger, and Hugh Grant, one of the protagonists, has not encountered the scandal of being arrested for prostitution in this time and space, and his popularity has plummeted. Therefore, this new version of "BJ "Single Diary" cost $2500 million more to produce than the original's $1000 million to $3500 million.

Now, only two and a half weeks after its release, Daenerys Entertainment has recovered all production costs in North America.

For the packaged marketing plan of the three British films in February, the total publicity budget is 2 million US dollars, even if 2000 million of them are counted on "BJ's Single Diary", it will only take two weeks at the latest. It will also enter the profit cycle.

For the other two films, as of the weekend just past, the cumulative box office of "Two Smoking Barrels" reached 2313 million US dollars, and the box office of "Follow" also reached 1919 million US dollars. The former has a budget equivalent to less than 200 million US dollars, while the latter It is only 300 million US dollars, and counting an additional total of 500 million US dollars in publicity, the cumulative box office since February 2 has exceeded 7 million US dollars, which has also begun to bring considerable profits to Daenerys Entertainment.

And that's just North America.

The most successful part of Daenerys Entertainment's package announcement strategy in February was still in the UK.

There is no need to repeat the complicated emotions that have been entangled between Britain and the United States for a long time. In short, these three films are considered to be "glory for the country", and their distribution in the UK has been very successful.

Even though the box office data in the UK in a short period of time cannot be compared with that in North America due to the size of its own market, according to the box office trend reported by the UK recently, even if the box office of "BJ's Single Diary" in the UK cannot catch up with North America, it is equivalent to Breaking through [-] million US dollars, but there is not much suspense.

The other two small films, with cutting-edge British filmmakers and the excellent quality of the film itself, are more popular in the UK than in North America, and the box office in the UK is expected to exceed that in North America.

Not to mention the series of blockbusters that were released at the end of last year and are still continuing, three box office dark horses broke out in the first small period of the year, allowing Daenerys Entertainment to show a kind of "in front of other Hollywood studios." Your uncle is even bigger than before, with a look of disdain.

During the meal, regarding the success of the three films in February, Amy couldn't help but half-jokingly and half-seriously asked why Simon's vision for choosing films over the years was so precise?

"The key is to be one step ahead of others," Simon also replied with a smile: "In the film industry, from silent to sound, from black and white to color, in every stage, the types that can be discovered have actually reached the extreme. If you want to break through, you just have to Can move forward. The most recent re-release of the Lucas Star Wars series is the most typical case. If this film is placed 20 years later, the result is difficult to say. For Daenerys Entertainment, CG special effects and 3D animation , This is an advancement at the technical level, and the concept of the movie universe is an improvement at the innovation level. Besides, the three films this time can be said to be a small innovation at the marketing level under the premise that we have three excellent films."

Although Simon talked about him a bit, Amy still showed a thoughtful expression, and said after a while: "In this case, the 3D and IMAX technologies that Daenerys Entertainment has been promoting should be our next innovation and breakthrough. Is it right?"

"of course."

In recent years, Simon has been investing in the research and development of technologies such as 3D and IMAX, and has carried out small-scale promotion. For this purpose, he also bought the Canadian IMAX company."Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" at the end of the previous year was IMAX's debut. Only 26 IMAX screens in North America contributed more than 5000 million US dollars to the box office of the Super Bat War.

After IMAX's great success in the Super Bat War, the total number of IMAX screens worldwide has rapidly exceeded 100 in the past year, and this number will double this year.Among them, the two Jinshu cinemas invested by Simon in China each have an IMAX screening hall.

After the success of the two pilot projects, IMAX will also become standard for the second batch of 20 movie theaters that are being planned.

With the rapid increase in the number of IMAX screens, the once very expensive conversion and copying costs are more and more acceptable to studios after being shared equally, making this shocking movie playback mode more and more popular.

As the owner of IMAX Corporation, Daenerys Entertainment's advantages in this regard are naturally conceivable.

Compared with IMAX, the promotion of 3D technology is much slower, mainly because 3D shooting and projection technology is not mature enough, so Simon postponed the timetable of this technology, and planned to make efforts again after 2000.

These things are all in Daenerys Entertainment's plan, but Amy didn't talk much, and instead said: "Helen Fielding has completed the idea of ​​the second novel of "BJ's Single Diary", the subtitle is 'The Edge of Reason' ', to explore the story after Brigitte and Mark are together. According to the agreement, we have the priority. I had a phone call with Helen, and she also hopes that the sequel can be launched together with the second novel?"

Simon recalled the box office of the sequel of "BJ's Single Diary". It was not popular in North America, but it was still selling well all over the world. He nodded: "You guys are responsible for this matter. Well, I remember that Julia signed with us for 5 films. There should be more movie appointments, right?"

"Starting from "Steel Magnolia", "Pretty Woman", "Sleeping with the Enemy", "Assassination of Gannets", and most recently "BJ's Single Diary", there are exactly five volumes." Amy said, seeing her family The boss smiled as if recalling the past, "Does it feel like time flies?"

"Yeah, I'm 29 years old."

It's a bit strange to put this emotion on someone.

Amy rolled her eyes slightly, and then said: "Five contracts are completed, and last time you gave Kate Beckinsale the "Shakespeare in Love" that Julia has always wanted to play. If there is a sequel, Julia It might not be easy to talk to Leah."

"Let's leave it alone if we can't talk about it. We can't develop a lot of projects now, and there is no shortage of this one."

Amy nodded.

It was just a bit of a joke just now. After being in charge of Daenerys Entertainment for so many years, Amy's attitude towards celebrities is completely the same as that of her own boss.

Daenerys Entertainment doesn't need to accommodate any single filmmaker right now.

So I talked about other things again: "Last time, the script of "Bad Things" has been snatched by Paramount, and it is going to be produced under the label of Orion, with a planned investment of 3000 million US dollars. The film will be released at the end of the year, and now many stars are in contact, even our 'Batman' has become interested, I have also read the script, and think it is very good. Simon, why did you suggest that Ella give up?"

Simon asked back: "What do you think is good?"

"A very complete black crime story, whether it is creativity, suspense and rhythm, it is very good, isn't it?"

Simon also had to nod.

Amy pressed, "So?"

Simon thought for a while and said: "It's mainly because of the screenwriter Peter Berger. He insists on writing and directing himself, but I'm not sure about the ability of the other party. You know, although I am always happy to support newcomers, the premise is that they must Prove yourself first, like the two British directors this time, the combined budget of the two films is only 500 million US dollars, which is acceptable to me. As for that Peter Berger, he has neither directed works nor any films With a professional background, I want to control tens of millions of dollars of investment with only one script, no matter how good the story is, I would rather give up."

After hearing her boss' explanation, Amy didn't have any objections.

Not to mention Paramount's 3000 million US dollars, even if it is multiplied several times, Daenerys Entertainment can afford it now, and it can afford it.

However, this is not about money, the key is time, to be precise, the schedule.To invest in such a project, it is necessary to provide corresponding schedule resources. At that time, the loss of 3000 million will be the next step. It takes up a period of schedule and fails. For Daenerys Entertainment, the potential loss may be even more.

The rapid development and growth of Daenerys Entertainment over the years, in the final analysis, is a large number of successes corresponding to the ebb and flow accumulated under the repeated failures of other studios.

Thinking this way, just picked up some pasta on the dinner plate with a fork, Amy suddenly remembered the project proposed by her boss some time ago: "Simon, in this case, should we be more cautious about "Ghost Story" , This is an idea you personally proposed, I believe there must be many directors that Hollywood is willing to take over, there is no need to use a new one?"

"Have you seen that Lin's work?"

Amy shook her head: "No, how about I take some time to look at it at night?"

"No, you should have more time to take care of your son." Simon smiled and said, "First of all, I am very optimistic about this director. He is just the opposite of the Peter Berg we just mentioned. He came from a standard film school. , and very pragmatic, I’m only 23 years old this year, and I’ve already made two feature films. There are so many people in Hollywood dreaming of becoming famous overnight, but very few of them are really willing to work hard.”

Amy listened carefully, feeling quite touched, and asked: "What's next?"

"Secondly, in order to pursue a sense of reality as much as possible, this project is best done by newcomers."

"I've read your memo, but I think it's right for the actors to use newcomers, but the director doesn't have to?"

"It's the same with the director," Simon said, "because the film itself needs to give people a relatively young texture. If it is a famous director in Hollywood, it will inevitably have some deep-rooted stereotypes. Oh, so to speak, the filming Lin, who has made two feature films, may be a bit too mature, but, you know, I can't find a real rookie."

Amy laughed and said, "Anyway, you are watching in person, so it must be fine."

"Yeah, after watching the samples of "American Pie" in the afternoon, it will be the production meeting of "Ghost Story". I will have a good chat with them."

Amy nodded slightly, and continued: "Also, Hugh Jackman, the first male lead that Brian is working on in "L.A. Confidential", you should be very optimistic about him, right?"

"Well," Simon cut the lamb chops on the dinner plate, curling the corners of his mouth: "Actually, I've been looking for and arranging some actors in recent years, not very deliberately, but I've been doing it all the time, guess what I'm preparing for? "

Amy thought for a while, and suddenly she had a flash of inspiration: "Marvel Cinematic Universe?"

"Bingo, this is telepathy, I want to give you a raise."

Amy smiled and said, "Boss, I will take it seriously."

"Then let's forget it quickly," Simon continued to joke, and continued: "Hugh is one of them. As for which role he is suitable for, we will keep it secret for the time being."

Amy objected again: "But, Simon, if you make the candidate you are looking for too popular, you probably won't be able to use it in the future, and you won't be able to sign a long-term contract."

"I'll pay attention."

The two talked about this, and enjoyed a quiet lunch for a while before Amy said again: "Also, boss, we should also arrange some acquisitions this year, Blockbuster, or, remember the boss you mentioned before, Lei Shi East Viacom?"

"Not for the time being. For Blockbuster, this year's job is to separate the directly-operated stores from the authorized stores, sell the authorized business, take the initiative to slim down, and reduce the resistance of our future wholly-owned acquisition. As for Viacom..." Simon thought Thinking of the coveted MTV and Showtime TV stations under this media company, I still can only shake my head: "The timing is not suitable for the time being, mainly in the stock market."

Amy thought for a moment, then nodded: "I see."

"Also, if you know Redstone, it's very difficult for us to get Viacom."

"Redstone is very tough, I know that, but Simon, he's 73 years old."

Simon remembered a tough old man in his 20s who still held on to power 90 years later and reluctantly resigned after being required by the court for a compulsory psychiatric evaluation, and shook his head with a smile: "This shows that you still don't understand Redstone. "

"It's a big deal, let's make a hostile takeover."

"If I remember correctly, the Redstone family's control of Viacom should be a dual-class share model."

"This is troublesome."

"So, only Redstone is willing to sell Viacom to us."

Amy thought for a while, then shook her head again: "Viacom's MTV is very profitable. If, as you said, Redstone is tougher than I imagined, the possibility of letting him go is very low."

"Actually, I've been doing it these years," Simon said. "Redstone has always wanted to acquire Hollywood studios, but he failed every time, and there will be no chance in the future. In the future, the media industry will be diversified. In the world of globalization giants, Viacom only relies on the cable TV business, and it is difficult to develop for a long time..."

When Simon said this, he didn't continue, but Amy showed a knowing smile.

Whether it is MTV or Showtime, which is still in development at this time, Simon is determined to win.Viacom has missed the opportunity to grow into a comprehensive media group due to overt or covert sniping over the years, and it would be too easy for Daenerys Entertainment to target Viacom next.

First, the roots of the Redstone family are National Entertainment, which is a theater company.

Now Daenerys Entertainment wants to suppress a theater company...

Gee.

Then there is Viacom, whether it is MTV or Showtime, they are all cable stations.

America Online, which is controlled by the Westeros system, has begun trial operation of the cable TV operator business.

Simon's plan is that after the collapse of the new technology bubble, AOL will quickly expand its cable TV business through large-scale acquisitions, and strive to grow into the largest cable TV operator while maintaining the largest network service operator.As long as this goal is achieved, Viacom's cable channels will also be restricted by the AOL platform.

Daenerys Entertainment can also independently create similar cable stations to compete with Viacom.

Taking a multi-pronged approach, Viacom will either take the initiative to sell, or go to the most extreme bankruptcy and liquidation, and then be acquired by Daenerys Entertainment.

Of course, both options will take time.

Compared with Lei Shidong, what Simon lacks most is time.

Don't be afraid for three to five years, just take your time.

After chatting like this, the lunch was almost at the end, and Amy mentioned one more thing: "Universal Studios in Rome, Simon, you should go and see it."

"It's very reassuring for you to stare at me," Simon joked, thought for a while, and said: "I don't have time this month, next month, after Easter, I have accumulated a lot of things, and I should go to Europe again. "

After lunch, the two went to work on their own affairs.