America: My Time

Chapter 691 Sponsorship Plan
Chapter 681 Sponsorship Plan

In fact, John's plan wasn't just about Paramount's blockbuster project; it was about the two major media groups. Whether it was film or television, the two media groups would prioritize Bentley Motors in their productions, promoting Bentley's brands and subtly influencing audiences to accept them, guiding everything in the direction they desired.

"Boss, are you sure you want to do this? Won't this put a lot of pressure on Bentley Motors from the start?" Robert Iger asked John cautiously. He felt a little worried about this decision. As the CEO of the group, he was well aware of how much expenditure Bentley Motors would incur by doing this.

Barrydiller nodded and said, "It will indeed put enormous pressure on the Bentley Motors Group. Such an investment, not to mention the huge expenses for the sample cars to be provided every year, the sponsorship fees will also be staggering. The Bentley Motors Group is already suffering considerable losses. Will such a hasty sale trigger a financial crisis for the Bentley Motors Group?"

John smiled calmly and said, “I know you all mean well, and you don’t need to worry about these issues. Besides, you’ve underestimated the strength of the Bentley Motors Group. Although the Bentley Motors Group did suffer some losses in the confrontation with the British, it wasn’t as great as you think. Perhaps the Bentley Motors Group will face considerable pressure in the next year or two, but in the long run, it’s worthwhile. Of course, it’s also worthwhile for the two media groups. The Bentley Motors Group is just the beginning; gradually, more brands will participate. As we enter the era of blockbusters and film series, the financial pressure we will face will be significant, so accepting brand sponsorships is the best thing that can happen.”

"Boss, do you want to involve other groups to increase the strength of the two major media groups and reduce the pressure on Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group?" At this moment, Robert Iger understood his boss's intentions, but wasn't this a bit too radical? Other media groups hadn't taken such a step, and wouldn't this affect production?

"That's exactly how it is. Whether it's a blockbuster or a series, with economic development, future projects will face more financial pressure. Relying solely on their own investment puts too much pressure on film studios and television stations, and failure could easily trigger a crisis. Accepting sponsorships from established brands would be different; it would reduce the pressure on the two major media groups. Other Hollywood giants cooperate with each other, but we don't need that. We can cooperate with established brands to minimize our own pressure and risks. Forever Group, Southern Group, Dream World, Nvidia, and others can all join this plan and provide funding to the two major media groups! If all my companies join this plan, even if the two major groups fail on one or two projects a year, it won't have a significant impact on us. At the same time, other brands can also use the media platform to expand their influence. Let's start with Hollywood!"

Robert Iger and Barry Diller were both shocked and amazed by their boss's boldness. If all this could be accomplished, the biggest hidden danger of the two media groups would be eliminated. With the sponsorship of so many companies, the problem of funding would no longer be a concern for the two media groups. After all, rapid expansion had put them under considerable pressure.

“Boss, if we do this, other Hollywood giants will probably do the same, especially the two controlled by Japan. They have the support of the entire Japanese government.” Barrydiller frowned at this moment. Although the two major media groups could do this, other Hollywood giants could also follow suit.

"Don't worry, that's impossible. They don't have the power of Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media. We are a global media group with influence that Columbia Pictures and Disney can't match. Moreover, our two media groups can promote our partners from all angles. Do they have that kind of strength? Even if they want to learn, they need to have the ability. They don't have that ability, at least I haven't seen it. We have cinemas all over the world, satellite TV, numerous TV stations, newspapers, and magazines. Can they reach our level? Businesses aren't stupid. They won't cooperate with us without seeing the benefits. Besides, Japan isn't a monolithic entity."

As John said, John is the boss of all the major groups, so John can make this cooperation plan independently. Other companies would find it difficult because they have more to consider, while John does not. Most importantly, the two major media groups have absolute strength, which can enable companies to achieve greater promotion and expansion, something that many media groups cannot do.

“Then we have no problem!” Barrydiller and Robert Iger nodded after hearing John’s explanation. Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media certainly didn’t need to worry about others learning their methods, because their power was different, so even if they tried to learn, they might not gain anything. “Let’s get started, beginning in Hollywood. We can discuss any issues further later!” After John communicated with Robert Iger and Barrydiller, the two media conglomerates sprang into action. This cooperation would not only begin in Hollywood but would also expand throughout the entire conglomerate, unfolding comprehensively!
"However, the television station also needs to take action. Only in this way can we have greater development potential and more funds for expansion. After digesting all the benefits brought by the previous expansion, we need to go further. Whether it's the film industry, the television station, or even the newspapers and magazines, we need to continue to improve and seize more market share. Opportunity favors the prepared. Only by solving the funding problem can the two major media groups continue to operate and move forward with great strides. Loans are no longer possible, as that would seriously threaten our own security. Therefore, cooperating with enterprises and brands to obtain more sponsorships is our best option."

Barrydiller and Robert Iger both agreed with John's words. They knew how much bank loan Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media had obtained during their expansion. Even at the lowest interest rates, it put considerable pressure on the two media groups. Every project had to undergo numerous reviews, with concerns about potential failures. It could be said that initially, the two groups couldn't afford any failures. Although things were much better now, without external support, relying solely on their own development, the two groups had reached their limits. Therefore, if they wanted to go further, they would have to find other ways.

Although the two media groups have collaborated with various brands and enterprises in the past, those collaborations were all short-term. This time, however, it is not a short-term collaboration, but a long-term one. This requires more time for adjustment and understanding, and for both parties to reach a consensus that is acceptable to each other.

If John hadn't intervened, such cooperation would have been impossible. The reason is simple: everyone wants to reap the greatest benefits and no one wants to take on greater responsibility. But with John's mediation, the conditions for cooperation became clear!

While John was communicating with Barry Diller and Robert Iger, the old guys weren't idle either. They were making numerous preparations, and the Hollywood giants were also making even more preparations. For those old guys, their instincts told them that John's actions were not trivial and that this change might affect them. So they all wanted to understand the plan and John's strategy. As for the Hollywood giants, they were even more eager to face this impact head-on.

Many people are now paying attention to the changes at Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group, and to their new blockbuster plans. Every blockbuster project is a shock to the industry. Films like Top Gun and Die Hard have made some people famous, but they have also caused a strong impact on their competitors, forcing them to be cautious.

Those who stand at the top of the industry are not fools. They do not believe that Paramount's blockbuster plans are solely Paramount's own plans. It is almost as if Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media are working together. If Paramount launches a new blockbuster plan, why wouldn't Universal Pictures follow suit? Anyone who thinks that is a fool.

Because of these concerns, Hollywood giants were communicating and trying to find ways to deal with the impact from Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media, and to cope with this upheaval. At this time, the Japanese companies were also invited, including Columbia Pictures and Disney.

Rivals are mortal enemies. Now they need to unite all their forces to deal with the pressure from Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group. Otherwise, if things continue like this, they will not be able to withstand the impact and will fall into crisis. Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group are already very powerful. If they continue like this, these guys feel that they don't have much of a chance. They don't think they can fight against the impact and strangulation of the two major media groups on their own. Therefore, these guys intend to unite to target Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group.

Although it sounds crazy and unbelievable, there are conflicts between them, and their own losses would be considerable if they directly confronted Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media. However, for the sake of future development and to stop the rampant expansion of Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media, they have no choice but to join forces. Only in this way can they stop the two media giants' aggressive push in Hollywood and steer the situation in their favor, instead of letting it spiral out of control!
(End of this chapter)