hollywood billionaire

Chapter 389 Take it all (Part )

A vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious country.

These are the three major development themes proposed by Saudi Arabia in the Vision 2030 plan.

In order for the world to witness the rise of a modern Islamic power in fifteen years, in addition to using public investment funds to drive foreign capital injection, rapidly promote urbanization, and vigorously develop culture, entertainment and tourism, the small people at the helm must Salman also needs to improve the domestic employment environment, expand the employment population and improve the quality of employment, increase the export of non-oil products and the output value of non-oil industries, improve government efficiency, and establish a complete e-government system, thereby strengthening Saudi Arabia's international presence. competitiveness in the market.

The above-mentioned agendas are all top priorities repeatedly emphasized in the National Transformation Plan adopted by the Council of Ministers.

But it is not easy to achieve these goals. Chatham House, a famous British think tank, pointed out in a research paper that as a religious country with an absolute monarchy, Saudi Arabia has significant structural disadvantages, such as the weakness of government agencies and the bureaucracy. Inefficiencies in the system and a huge skills gap between market demand and the education system are obstacles to the country's further development.

Saudi Arabia, which strives to have an efficient cloud-based government, must carry out drastic, even radical reforms within the original administrative system.

In addition, there are also problems in Saudi Arabia’s job market that are almost impossible to solve through human labor. Currently, the number of Saudi nationals working in the public sector is twice that of the private sector, accounting for 70% of the total employed population. This is because the salaries of Saudi government departments and state-owned enterprises are very generous. In 2016, the average salary of Saudi civil servants exceeded US$3000. During the same period, the monthly salary of the regional director of the Michigan DMV in the United States was only US$3770.

Taking into account the work intensity and tax-free status of public servants in Saudi Arabia, as well as the series of social benefits that Saudi citizens can enjoy, US$3000 is basically the net income directly put into their pockets every month. According to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Civil Service Khalid al-Araj, many government employees only work for less than one hour a day, and they can also enjoy a wide range of benefits provided by the Saudi government for citizens, such as free medical insurance, free basic education, free College education and generous pension benefits.

Not only that, if you want to study abroad, the government will directly provide you with a full scholarship to cover your tuition fees in a foreign country. In addition, in order to increase residents' home ownership, Saudi Arabia also provides interest-free loans of up to 50 riyals to citizens working in government departments and the military through a real estate development fund directly controlled by the official government. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority even stipulates that certain citizens with good credit and stable income can directly purchase real estate with zero down payment.

Start by taking the religious police off the streets who can "trace, question, arrest and detain anyone suspected of committing a crime" at will and ban businesses from selling cats, dogs, Barbie dolls, Pokémon and Valentine's Day gifts.

But to use the knife on the heads of 70% of the people is tantamount to shaking the foundation of the royal family's rule. Therefore, the government can only reduce welfare while increasing welfare. In order to reduce dissatisfaction among all sectors of Saudi society with Salman Jr.'s Vision 2030 reform plan, Saudi Arabia is formulating an unprecedented cash transfer plan-the "Citizen Account Plan." Through this program, all Saudi families registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development can receive a monthly cash payment from the government.

Then please allow women the right to drive, so that they can travel, study abroad, and work legally without the permission of a male guardian, and no longer treat them as "legal minors."

They must slowly untie the layers of shackles that tightly wrap Saudi society, like peeling off a cocoon, in order to gain some room for development for this kingdom that wants to gain global recognition in fields other than oil.

In other words, if Saudi Arabia wants to develop its own national film industry, it must first solve the embarrassing situation that the country has not had a public cinema for 30 years and only has two small cinemas at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the Aramco headquarters. .

A series of jaw-dropping detached treatment has made very few citizens of Saudi Arabia willing to leave government departments and do the dirty work in the private sector that they scorn and only "migrant workers" can do. In 2016, of the nearly 1400 million employed people in Saudi Arabia, 70% worked in the government sector, and only 30% worked in the private sector or started their own businesses.

Therefore, when Han Yi appeared in front of Turki Al-Sheikh with his music copyright acquisition fund plan, the mood of the director of the Saudi Entertainment General Administration could almost be described as ecstatic.

We need to make achievements so that the Vision 2030 plan will not make any progress, but we must not let the achievements we make are too eye-catching and advanced, which will lead to disaster for ourselves. The challenges Turki Al-Sheikh faces at this point in time are extremely difficult.

If the above-mentioned stubborn diseases are too deep-rooted, then start with the entertainment industry, which is the most naughty and least touching on traditional values, and develop Saudi Arabia into a cultural and entertainment power in the Near East. Is it okay?
Unfortunately, even in the entertainment industry, Saudi Arabia still faces various taboos. For example, starting in 1983, public screening and viewing of movies were considered evil acts that violated Shariah and were banned.

For the past six months, Turki Al-Sheikh has been dancing on the edge of a knife - he advocated the introduction of a Six Flags roller coaster park in Riyadh, which has attracted widespread criticism in Saudi Arabia. Many conservatives and clergymen accused him of providing a venue for "immoral mingling between men and women." He negotiated day and night with many copyright holders, and after untold hardships, he officially announced the first animation exhibition in the country's history in Jeddah, the most open port city on the west coast of the Kingdom, bringing together "Breaking Bad" and "Thrones". "Game" and "Doctor Strange" and other popular cultural works that are loved by ordinary people in Saudi Arabia have been brought to the shores of the Red Sea. However, at the same time, a hashtag that calls Comic Exhibition a "devil worship festival" has spread in the Middle East on Twitter. The area quietly became popular.

What else could be more suitable for Saudi Arabia now than this investment plan?

Want to improve the business environment and diversify the economy?

Do you want Riyadh to become a Middle Eastern tourist destination that tourists from all over the world yearn for like Dubai?
Find a way to end gender segregation in restaurants, shopping malls and public beaches so that unmarried couples can live in the same room.

At this point in 2016, Turki Al-Sheikh and the monarch he is loyal to are not able to make many breakthroughs.

In the eyes of many loyal believers, expressing love and admiration for virtual characters is betrayal and abandonment of faith in God. There were public calls for a boycott, and some even called for an inquisition against Comic-Con organizers.

Want to expand your employment base?

1. Being able to acquire the music copyrights of legendary European and American superstars will greatly enhance Saudi Arabia’s public image and international influence.

More importantly, before turning Saudi Arabia into a civilized and open modern society, a development hotspot where international capital rushes in, and a human beacon that neighboring countries look up to and envy, Salman still needs to solve a lot of problems. Only the issues left over from history can unlock the shackles that have imprisoned this kingdom for 84 years.

On the one hand, it is trying to develop a market economy and improve industrial competitiveness, but on the other hand, it must spend a lot of financial resources to keep citizens in a greenhouse. Not that there is anything wrong with this approach, but under such circumstances, it is almost impossible for the private sector to thrive and stand out in the brutal international competition.

In other words, the vast majority of the country's labor force, from a macro perspective, are parasites supported by the oil economy and cannot make an effective contribution to economic growth. In order to force the flow of employment from the public sector to the private sector, Salman Jr. and the Saudi government under his leadership can only gradually reduce the salaries and social benefits of public servants.

Although he has the full support of Crown Prince Salman, Turki Al-Sheikh is still frightened. After all, Salman Jr. had not officially succeeded as crown prince in 2016. Once the wind changes, or Salman Jr. wants to compromise with the conservatives for the throne, then Turki Al-Sheikh, who leads the Saudi Entertainment General Administration, will become the number one on the front line of the battle between the conservatives and the reformists. A cannon fodder.

2. It will not touch on the current sensitive topic in Saudi Arabia regarding the full opening of live entertainment. After all, what is purchased is only the copyright and not the performance. On the contrary, it will enhance the national pride of the Saudi people and make them feel that the kingdom is occupying the culture that they could only look up to. Highlands.

3. Cooperating with these musicians with box office appeal leaves room for imagination in the later stage - once Salman has paved the way to power, he can launch performance projects in the country. These international stars are Saudi Arabia. The frequency of large-scale concerts is guaranteed for at least the next ten years.

After thinking about it, there is no harm at all, and of the initial investment of one billion pounds, Saudi Arabia only needs to provide about 25%. Hanyi promised that the remaining 75% will be provided by Han Music Group, which can be regarded as a certain To this extent, Turki Al-Sheikh's doubts about whether Han Yi, a partner, wanted to defraud money from major oil companies.

And what is it that suppresses this doubt to a minimum, almost to nothing?

Of course it was the musical feast that was going on in front of Turki.

Can a rich man who can make Justin Bieber willingly support other artists, let Dr. Dre bring Eminem and 50 Cent on stage together, and let Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, come to support him, can he succeed in the music industry? Do what he promised?
No one can guarantee 100%, but in Turki Al-Sheikh's network, no one is more hopeful of accomplishing this goal than Han Yi.

"Mr. Han's vision, like Saudi's, is not just a concept on paper, but a profound transformation. The organization we have created together will completely change the music industry as we know it." "

"As I just said, Mr. Al-Sheikh, I have never doubted the strength of this alliance, nor your determination and ability." Mick Jagger rubbed his hand thoughtfully Pointing his finger, "I just really don't understand. What do you want me to do in this foundation? I don't think I need to invest in it, right?"

"We will definitely set aside some of the founder's shares for you." Han Yi responded, "However, you are right, we have sufficient funds and do not need you to invest any more."

"So you just want me to be a partner on stage?"

"Yes."

"In what name, in what capacity, in what position?"

"These can be further negotiated. If you want to play a greater role in the actual acquisition and management of music copyrights, we can even consider letting you wear multiple hats...or assign your trusted subordinates to join the organization." said Here, Han Yi paused, "But no matter what, we hope you can at least serve as the chairman of the advisory committee of this fund."

"What about him?" Mick Jagger raised his chin slightly and pursed his lips in the direction of Dr. Dre.

"For the position of chairman of the advisory committee, haven't you already found the most suitable candidate?"

"How can I be more suitable than you, Mr. Jagger?" Dr. Dre shook his head and asked with a smile.

"I may be older than you, but your business achievements are...far above mine." Mick Jagger raised his hands above his head, "Although I don't use Beats, it doesn't mean I haven't heard about it. I am very jealous of your intelligence and talent in this great company, Mr. Yang.”

"Like you, Mr. Yang will also play a major role in the newly established foundation." Han Yi patted Andre on the shoulder, "He will also be the founding partner of this music copyright management organization and become a partner with you. Co-chairman of the team."

"Oh." Mick Jagger pursed his lips, "Is that so?"

"We need to acquire all types of music rights."

Dr. Dre understood what Mick meant by this rambling question. The thick and colorful words of praise in the front are just for fun, while the understated and rising tone in the back is the true portrayal of his inner thoughts.

As he himself said, Mick Jagger was an extremely conceited megalomaniac.

In his opinion, no one can be equal to him, even if it is just an empty title.

"Pop, rock, electronic music, hip-hop." Dr. Dre suppressed the fire in his heart and said in a deep voice, "According to Mr. Han and I's plan, in addition to the management team responsible for actual execution, we also need a An advisory board composed of many industry experts. Not only you, but also me, as well as other leaders in the fields of performing arts, songwriting, publishing, music law, innovative finance, music recording and artist management, using their respective professional knowledge and experience. Deep connections lock in the most valuable assets for us.”

"You undoubtedly have a unique and transcendent status in the field of rock and pop." Dr. Dre spread his hands like knives and placed them on his chest. "As for me, I will take care of things in the field of hip-hop."

"So the purpose of the advisory committee is mainly to find high-quality copyright resources for this fund?" Mick Jagger asked.

"You can say that."

"But we don't have the final say?" Mick Jagger raised his hands in front of his eyes, bent his index and middle fingers, and made two clicks, "It's just a 'suggestion'."

"As Andre said, a group of full-time professionals will complete the implementation work at the executive level." Seeing that the momentum was not right, Han Yi hurriedly jumped out to smooth things over, "Negotiation, management, auditing, want to acquire music copyright , there are a lot of little things to do to make it reach its full potential, so we will hire a whole team of CEOs, CFOs, general counsels, synchronization licensing leaders... you would see in a normal music copyright distribution company. There will be positions in this foundation.”

"So this is essentially a music rights distribution company."

"From a practical perspective, the two are very similar in nature, but not exactly the same." Han Yi explained patiently, "They manage 50% of the traditional copyright issuers, and we manage 50% of the artists. That's the difference."

"so……"

Mick Jagger clenched his hands into fists and bumped his left and right hands together.

"We are going to fight to the death with Universal, Sony and Warner."

"We will not fight to the death with anyone, Mr. Jagger." Dr. Dre snorted and couldn't help but interject, "We cooperate with the three major music groups to strive for the best interests of the artists."

"You have bought the copyright from the musicians, how can you strive for the maximum benefit?" Glancing at Dr. Dre, Mick Jagger laughed, "Sorry, Mr. Yang, I just reminded you Let me pass you... I am outspoken, not easy to get along with, and I don't know much about the details of the operation of the music industry... To be honest, people who don't know much about it have to put up with my weird questions if they want to deal with me. I apologize if I offended you."

"No offense, Mr. Jagger." Dr. Dre forced a smile, "Purchasing copyrights from musicians is exactly how we strive for the best interests of musicians. Mr. Han also elaborated on this matter just now Logic - Every musician holds a Powerball lottery ticket, but they can only choose to withdraw it annually. What this foundation wants to do is to provide musicians with a one-time withdrawal of the entire winnings, so that they can realize it instantly. Freedom of wealth and opportunities for class advancement..."

"Including me?" Mick Jagger pointed at himself and asked suddenly.

"What?" Dr. Dre frowned, "I don't quite understand what you mean, Mr. Jagger."

“Is my name included in the list of people you want to help achieve financial freedom and class advancement?”

"We..." Han Yi wanted to take over the conversation, but when he opened his mouth, he found that he didn't know how to continue the topic.

Is Mick Jagger's name on the roster?

Of course there are.

Who doesn’t want the Rolling Stones’ library of copyrights?
If we can get the music copyright from the Rolling Stones, it will undoubtedly be equivalent to dropping a czar-level nuclear bomb in the industry.

After dealing with Mick Jagger, it will undoubtedly be much easier to deal with other legendary musicians.

This is the real reason why Han Yi and Dr. Dre are so active in extending an olive branch to Mick Jagger and want to make this frontman with no behind-the-scenes management experience the chairman of the advisory committee.

Not for his experience, not for his wisdom, not for his network, not for his status.

Their series of attempts and bids were all aimed at quietly approaching the rights to the Rolling Stones.

"Look, I knew I was definitely on the list."

Mick Jagger slapped his thigh and laughed loudly.

"Anyone who wants the rights to the Rolling Stones' music, I know that, and the track record we've created over the past half century is by far the most commercially valuable work of art on the planet... Mind you, I I’m talking about the most commercially valuable works of art, not anything else. I’m not implying that I’m the greatest rock musician in the world, but judging from the total value of the copyright library, I should be considered the top one. A handful. I believe no one can refute this.”

"So, throughout my career, I've had a lot of capitalists show up at my door waving money and want to buy the Rolling Stones' library... None of them ever succeeded, but I respect them because they were able to Being honest and forthright about your intentions that I can’t respect…”

At this point, the smile on Mick Jagger's face suddenly disappeared.

"They are those who are trying to get closer to me step by step and make me feel like they are here for me, but in fact they just want the music."

"I have no respect and no gratitude for people like this."

(End of this chapter)