Meiyu: I don’t care about the cost when making movies

Chapter 194 Vice President

Wayne's expectation for the box office of "Dog Hotel" was about US$2 million, so the shortfall was only 300 million.

It's not a big number to him.

But he couldn't give up the profits to Harvey for nothing.

After thinking for a moment, Wayne took out his cell phone directly in the car and called Alan Horn.

"Hello, Mr. Horn, I'm Wayne."

After a brief exchange of greetings, Wayne told him the current quotation situation and asked him whether he needed to use his right of first refusal.

No way, he definitely hopes that Alan Horn can use his right of first refusal on "Hotel for Dogs" compared to "Taken".

On the other side, Alan Horn is actually struggling with this issue.

Although the production cost of "Taken" is higher, and because it is an action movie, the box office space is larger, this does not mean that the income he can get from "Taken" will definitely be higher than that of "Taken" Dog Hotel" high.

After all, these advantages can also be seen by other publishing companies.

Therefore, the price quoted for "Hurricane Rescue" will definitely be higher than that of "Dog Hotel".

If it's any other time, that's fine.

It happened to be the time when he had just taken over the CEO position, and he also defied everyone's opinions and sold Warner's most important IP to Wayne.

Therefore, he had to choose the more profitable one between "Hurricane Rescue" and "Dog Hotel" to prove that his vision was correct.

After hesitating for a while, Alan Horn directly explained the dilemma he was currently facing to Wayne and wanted to ask Wayne for some advice.

At the same time, Wayne took the initiative to say that Warner Records has considerable influence in domestic entertainment without opening his mouth.

Although he is not the CEO of Warner Records like Howard Stringer, he still has some connections with Warner Records.

If Wayne needed anything, he would do his best to help.

"Mr. Horn is very well informed~" Wayne couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

Alan Horn got it so quickly, and the news that he was going to create an entertainment company in China was indeed a bit beyond his expectation.

However, Alan Horn is not bragging. Compared to Sony's deep involvement in Neon and Wanwan, Warner Records does have a decisive influence in today's domestic entertainment music scene.

As for female singers, there are big names such as Sammi Cheng, Na Young, Zhang Huimei, Sun Yanzi, Zhou Xun, Gigi Leung, Kim Hae Sum and so on.

The male singers are not weak either, including Guo Tianwang, Pu Shu, Sun Nan, Lao Lang, etc.

Coupled with some second- and third-tier singers, this lineup can directly organize a satellite TV-level New Year's Eve party.

Of course, because domestic entertainment copycats are rampant, if all these big-name contracts are packaged and sold, it will not be as profitable as Warner's purchase of the next "Dog Hotel".

So if Wayne really trades the contracts of one or two stars, Alan Horn is [-]% sure that he can convince Time Warner executives to agree to the deal.

In this case, Wayne was not polite to him.

"I am very interested in the film and television business deals between Zhou Xun and Guo Tianwang, as well as the record business deals between Naying, Sun Yanzi, and Sun Nan. I wonder if Mr. Horn can help?"

Alan Horn made a quick calculation in his mind, and then happily agreed.

Among Wayne's requests, the most valuable ones are not Naying and Son Nam, but Son Yanzi, who just debuted last year and became very popular.

The influence of Naying and Sun Nan is limited to domestic entertainment, while Stefanie is not very famous in Southeast Asia although her influence in domestic entertainment is not enough.

Considering that they are copycats, in a comprehensive comparison, Sun Yanzi's records are worth more.

Sun Yanzi's contract is for eight years, and is currently worth about US$150 million to Warner Records.

As for the most difficult part of the conditions, it was to find a way to convince Zhou Xun and Guo Tianwang to transfer their film and television and business contracts to Lighthouse Entertainment.

Among them, Zhou Xun's current film and television business contract is with Rong Xinda. Since domestic entertainment film remuneration is still at cabbage prices, the liquidated damages are not very high.

To directly buy the remaining contract of Johnson, it is estimated that US$50 would be enough.

It was just drizzle for Warner Records.

However, as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, whether it is to buy the remaining contract or directly persuade him to terminate the contract, Guo Tianwang will cost much more than Zhou Xun.

It needs to be at least US$500 million.

Well, that's about ten Zhou Xun's worth of this period.

This is because the competition in Hong Kong Entertainment is too fierce, and under the squeeze of those film and television companies, even the Four Heavenly Kings' salaries are still not high.

Otherwise, it can be doubled again.

As the president of Warner Bros., Alan Horn is not particularly familiar with the Chinese market and Warner Records.

But he knew that it would not be worth 2000 million US dollars to package and sell Warner Records' China region.

It's nowhere near as valuable as "Hotel for Dogs" and "Taken".

"Then trouble Mr. Horn. Lighthouse Entertainment is expected to officially open on the 6th of next month. I hope to hear good news from Mr. Horn before then. As for "Dog Hotel" and "Hurricane Rescue"... Actually My goal from the beginning was to make Taken a trilogy."

Alan Horn immediately knew what to choose.

If you want to make a trilogy, the quality and box office of this opening chapter must not be bad.

As a result, "Taken" may not reach the heights of "Mission: Impossible" and "The Bourne Supremacy" because it stars Liam Neeson.

But at the box office, it should not be less than 3 million US dollars.

Hang up the phone.

Alan Horn felt relaxed, and then immediately called the boss of the parent company to advance the matter.

On Wayne's side, he also unconsciously showed a playful smile.

The deal with Alan Horn seemed like a win-win situation, but in fact he won twice.

Since Warner doesn't need the right of first refusal for "Dog Hotel", then he can naturally sell the copyright to DreamWorks, the highest bidder, openly, and then continue to let the "ambitious" DreamWorks attract the firepower of the Big Seven.

Later, Wayne called Mia and told her about choosing DreamWorks.

So that night, both parties worked overtime to finalize the remaining contract details, and completed the signing and payment early the next morning.

With an investment of 2000 million, it took less than two and a half months from project establishment to completion, and more than four times the income was obtained.

I have to say that it is too easy to make money once the brand and reputation are established.

On the other hand, DreamWorks was also extremely happy after successfully acquiring the copyright to "Dog Hotel".For this reason, Spielberg even called to express his gratitude, and also wanted to invite him to attend the screening ceremony and screening party scheduled to be held on the 29th.

Naturally, Wayne would not refuse this potential ally and readily agreed.

As for the crew of "Wedding Crashers"?Just adjust the shooting plan and shoot other scenes first.

"By the way, Ella, you can come with me then."

After hanging up the phone, Wayne in the rest room said to Isla Fisher next to him while eating a luxurious lunch specially prepared for him by the crew.

This made Isla Fisher subconsciously exclaim, and then a look of surprise appeared on her face.

"Really? Can I go too?"

"Of course, didn't you also play a major supporting role in it? You and Martina will accompany me on the red carpet."

"Ah! That's great! Thank you, Wayne!"

Ignoring the envious looks of others around her, Ella couldn't help but rush forward, hugged Wayne's neck, and kissed him heavily on the cheek.

Being able to walk on the red carpet with Wayne, even with Martina, will definitely attract a lot of attention, okay!

It is no exaggeration to say that even an amateur with no works at all, if he can take photos and walk the red carpet with Wayne, he will gain huge exposure and popularity in a short period of time comparable to third-tier or even second-tier actresses.

When the time comes and with the release of "Wedding Crashers", her fame and status will definitely increase dramatically.

It is not impossible to rise directly from the [-]th tier to the [-]nd tier actresses like the widowed sisters and Megan did!

Others thought of this too.

For example, Sarah Michelle Gellar and the newly joined Son Ye-jin and Han Ga-in are a little better. While they are envious, they are more looking forward to it.

But for people like Rose Byrne and Helena Mattson, it was really almost enviable.

Unfortunately, nowadays there are more and more women who want to drink coffee and have in-depth communication with Wayne.

Big bosses like Harvey, Howard Stringer, and Alan Horn are all looking for beauties who can catch Wayne's fancy. It's more difficult for them to join than it was for Sarah Michelle Gellar and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Isla Fisher is so much taller.

Just then, Wayne's cell phone rang again.

Wayne picked it up and took a look. It was Li Ying calling.

"Boss, I have reviewed all three locations selected by the professional agency for the location of the new store in Los Angeles. The on-site conditions are similar to those in the report provided by the other party. They are very suitable. Do you want to inspect them in person? "

The fork and knife in Wayne's hand continued to cut the Wagyu steak imported from Neon on the plate. After thinking for a while, he agreed.

"Okay, I'll go over and take a look after I finish my scenes this afternoon."

With the help of Anne Hurst, he completed the acquisition of Supreme for US$1500 million in only three days.

James Zegna, the original founder and chief designer of Supreme, and his design team will continue to stay and have signed a ten-year contract, firmly tied to the company.

However, Wayne did not treat them badly. Not only did all employees receive a salary increase, but he also gave James Zegna the position of vice president and director of the design department of the new company, as well as a 3% equity dividend.

The acquisition of the textile factory in Los Angeles was a little slower due to the need for assessment and screening, but with the secret help of Antonio Villaraigosa, it was completed two days ago.

Yes, he secretly contacted Antonio Villaraigosa about this matter.

After all, he is also the Speaker of the California House of Representatives. Antonio Villaraigosa’s influence in Los Angeles is actually not small.

Moreover, old foxes like Antonio Villaraigosa understood what Wayne meant as soon as he heard it, so he was particularly concerned about this matter.

Finally, with his advice and help, Wayne bought a medium-sized textile factory in Glendale for $2800 million.

Although this textile factory has only more than 1300 employees, which is not a lot, from equipment to employee technology, it is considered the best in Los Angeles.

Previously, we mainly manufactured for several mid-to-high-end brands, and also followed the high-end boutique route.

And through their families, these more than 1300 employees can indirectly affect 5000 to [-] people.

With this factory and Hemera Pictures, which has expanded to more than 200 employees, he can already provide 400 million in cash at a time.

In addition, the original owner of this textile factory is also one of the vice presidents of the California Textile Association and the Fashion Association.

So under the secret operation of Antonio Villaraigosa, Wayne directly took his place and gained two more titles.

Next, after merging the textile factory into superme, in addition to gradually expanding the number of employees and production scale, it is time to select the location of the new store.

Of the three locations currently selected, one is located in Beverly Hills and the other two are located in downtown Los Angeles.

It stands to reason that as a trendy brand, Superme’s current consumer group is still those street culture enthusiasts, so it would be most appropriate for the new store to be opened in downtown Los Angeles.

But when he thinks that 20 years from now, downtown Los Angeles will likely become a zero-dollar shopping paradise like in his previous life, Wayne still prefers to open his new store in Beverly Hills.

After finishing work in the afternoon and driving around three locations, Wayne became more determined in his preference.

However, Li Ying and her team cannot see that far ahead 20 years from now. Out of consideration for consumer groups, they still prefer a location in downtown Los Angeles.

After all, Beverly Hills and street culture are so incompatible.

Here, people of color wearing street clothes might be arrested by the police while walking on the street.

"."

After hearing Li Ying's reasons, Wayne couldn't help but laugh out loud when he thought of the scene she described.

"Okay, you've convinced me, then let's make a compromise and find a store on Melrose Avenue!"

Melrose Avenue is located in West Hollywood, only five kilometers from downtown Los Angeles.

This is currently a relatively famous tourist shopping street in West Hollywood. Later, due to the increasing number of Internet celebrity attractions, more and more trendy brand stores opened here, and it has gradually become the largest and most famous trendy shopping street in Los Angeles.

Due to the location selection during this period, Li Ying had almost all the information about all the shopping streets in Los Angeles in his head, and he couldn't help but look thoughtful after hearing this.

Although there are not that many trendy brand stores on Melrose Avenue today, in terms of customer flow and environment, they are enough to rank among the top fifteen or even top ten in Los Angeles.

Opening here, although the customer base is not as "corresponding" to the city center, it is not necessarily worse than the city center.

The number of tourists who come to Hollywood for sightseeing every year is not a small number. Who says we can’t develop them into new customers?

And because tourists here come from all over the world, this will also help spread the Superme brand.

Although with the help of Anne Hurst, they don't need to worry about the issue of popularity, but it would be good to have a little more.

(End of this chapter)