King of Hollywood

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Although the company's performance had improved somewhat previously, and Adrian had given some people a talking-to through Laverne, there remained a small minority who were just muddling through. This was quite normal, of course, but asking them to pack up and leave was also normal. Any company aiming for growth would not tolerate such underperformance.

The next step was to expand each department. Adrian delegated all this to Laverne, giving only two requirements. The first was to quickly sign a few outstanding scriptwriters. Frankly speaking, the current writers in the script department were only at the stage where they could help modify and adjust scripts, whereas Adrian needed talents who could write scripts given just a concept and guidelines.

For the two films he was currently making and the several more he planned to make, Adrian had completed all the scripts himself. This was fine initially, but as time went on, more films would be produced. Would he have to write all the scripts himself? There were already over ten script outlines stored with the Screenwriters' Guild.

Laverne had no objection to this. He was aware of Adrian selling scripts to those film companies. If the script department could have writers helping this big boss create a few more low-cost, high-grossing scripts, it would undeniably be hugely beneficial to the company's development. However, he was puzzled by Adrian's other request.

"Establish a television production department?" Laverne asked puzzledly in Adrian's office. "Why?"

"Of course, it's to prepare for making TV series, Laverne," Adrian shrugged. "What did you think I was going to do?"

"But… we've only just started to stabilize. Isn't it too soon for lateral expansion, Ed?" Laverne tactfully reminded him, clearly holding a dissenting opinion.

"I know your concerns, Laverne, but don't worry," Adrian didn't seem upset; he knew what Laverne was worried about. "I didn't say we have to establish a complete department right away, nor did I say we have to see results immediately. I need you to first set up a framework, recruit personnel to practice and form a relatively professional team so we can start production when the time is right. I'll give you enough time and funds, though that doesn't mean you can squander it."

"Could I know what 'the time is right' means?" Laverne pondered for a moment before replying.

"Do you remember what I mentioned to you a few days ago? My goal isn't just focused on film production." Adrian smiled slightly. Previously, he had somewhat disclosed the entertainment media company being set up with Claude to Laverne. Laverne was smart and capable, the perfect candidate for CEO once the film company grew larger.

Laverne showed a look of understanding, "I understand, Ed. I'll do as you say."

"Alright then," Adrian nodded, then thought of something else, "By the way, let them practice making TV series by sending pilot tapes to TV networks. If they are really chosen, it wouldn't be a bad thing."

Major TV networks in the United States rarely invest in making TV series themselves. Typically, film and TV production companies first produce a 20 to 40-minute video and present it to network executives. If they think it's valuable, they'll buy it and let the production company create a season, then schedule it based on the content. Of course, if the ratings don't meet their expected ratio, they will cut it without hesitation.

So using pilot production as a way for the team to practice isn't a bad idea, and it also provides an opportunity to train the writers. TV series scripts are generally handled by five to six people because they are aired weekly. So, an outstanding TV series has highlights in each episode—be it suspense or comedy—and scripts must be adjusted based on audience feedback. This is a great test of the writers' capabilities. Additionally, if a network picks it up, it can increase the company's revenue, and if it becomes a hit, the company's reputation will be greatly enhanced. Why not?

"I got it." Laverne nodded.

While Adrian was handling matters at the film company, Claude hadn't been idle either. AC Entertainment Media Company was quickly established. Although the name was quite awkward, merely the initials of the two of them, Adrian didn't mind. A company's name is just a symbol. Without influence, a memorable name is inconsequential.

While Adrian granted Claude full authority over the company, that didn't mean he wouldn't care about its development. But Claude didn't need his help, setting up the company structure quickly, and even poaching several talents from his father's company. The Godfather had criticized Adrian over the phone, complaining about their lack of respect. Adrian just laughed it off. He knew the Godfather was just a bit reluctant. Every father hopes his son will inherit his legacy, but every wise father also knows that ultimately the son needs to create his own career.

Even though young men are full of vigor, and Claude is incredibly capable, some things cannot be resolved quickly, such as acquiring a publishing company and a talent agency. The former is fine; after the new media company is integrated, they'll directly look for a poorly run publishing company to negotiate with. But the latter, after acquisition, requires reorganizing according to CAA's system and retraining the agents, which isn't a task that can be completed in a few days.

Adrian couldn't be of much help in this regard, except for giving Dennis a check for two million and telling him to take a good six-month rest. Although "Memento" did poorly its second weekend, with only around a $2,100,000 North American total after increasing to over 1,000 theaters, it didn't mean the box office was going to bottom out.

Because "Memento" was full of clues and details, understanding it all in one viewing wasn't easy. Even Roger Ebert admitted this. This indirectly made people perceive the movie as hard to understand, affecting the box office. However, those tightly linked clues and details in the story would make people who liked it want to watch it repeatedly, bringing more people to the theater in the later stages. So, I believed the box office for "Memento" wouldn't be too far off from "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," even though the theaters might take a larger share.

Therefore, Adrian still gave Dennis a bonus four times the last time. Even if the final box office wasn't great, it wasn't a big deal. Claude had earned him a substantial amount in oil futures, and not all the funds were invested into the newly established media company. Partly because so much wasn't needed yet and partly because he wanted to invest elsewhere, like acquiring a few million shares each in Microsoft and Cisco.

Originally, he wanted to acquire more shares. Although these companies' stocks weren't dirt cheap like cabbage when they first went public, the IT industry's development boom had not yet arrived. Compared to those big companies, they were still very cheap. But the problem was their current market value was only around tens of millions, so getting 5 million of each was already good. But that didn't matter. Even now, with only a mere 5 million, provided nothing unforeseen happens, it would increase by a hundredfold eight years from now.

Alright, let's return to Dennis. Since the talent agency couldn't operate smoothly just yet, Adrian straightforwardly let him rest for six months. Dennis had been busy following him around with two films since May last year, so it was indeed time for some relaxation. Moreover, Adrian's next few films didn't require his participation.

To be frank, Adrian wanted very much to arrange a role for him, even considering having him continue as the male lead in his next film. If he could perform exceptionally, with a bit of manipulation, his fledgling reputation could soar, propelling him into the ranks of A-list actors. But this film was integral to the rollout of Adrian's plan and allowed no room for potential errors. Although Dennis received widespread acclaim for his performance in "Memento," some critics faulted him for being too young. So Adrian, after much deliberation, decided to stick with the original cast.

No matter, there are plenty of films for him to participate in. When the time comes, they can just pick a few good ones for him. Besides, this is also a little test for him. Leaning back in his office chair and staring at the ceiling, Adrian thought about it like this. Unknowingly, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly as memories of critics brought to mind Kate, far away in London. Compared to those European critics at the Berlin Film Festival, some American critics were slightly harsher on her. Phrases like "wooden as can be" were about as kind as they got, and the 17-year-old Kate was understandably disheartened.

"Hey, darling, did you just get up?" Adrian asked after dialing the phone, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Hey, Ed, how are you? Calling me at this hour." The soft and lazy voice from the phone came through with a yawn. Adrian could vividly imagine Kate clutching a blanket and lazily lying in bed in just her underwear.

"Because I'm thinking of you now." Adrian smiled. "Did I wake you?"

"Of course not," Kate giggled, then sighed. "If only you could appear in front of me now."

Probably sensing the melancholy in her tone, she promptly changed the topic, "Oh, I encountered an interesting thing at school a few days ago…"

And so, they chatted away as if they had endless things to talk about. After a long while, they reluctantly hung up the phone. Afterward, Adrian sat in his chair with hands folded together, thinking for a few seconds, a slight smile forming at the corner of his mouth.

Anyway… he had been resting a lot lately, so… he pressed a button on his office desk phone, "Ms. Jenson, please book me a flight to London, as soon as possible. Thank you!"

(Please continue to save and recommend, sigh…)

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