American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 78 Your Opponent is Teaming Up

Although the failure of "The Two Towers" last year made Robert Shea furious.

But he didn't act rashly and resort to underhanded methods to retaliate against Warner or attack Isabella.

This is not only because everyone's disputes stem from self-interest, but also because nobody wants to actually risk their lives—

The Weinstein brothers were idiots in their eyes.

This isn't to say they think the Weinstein brothers can't wield wands, but rather that you have to consider whether someone can nuke you before you wave your wand! If someone can nuke you, then what's the point of casting spells?
No matter how powerful Avada Kedavra is, he can't beat Ivan the Great! Right?

Furthermore, it's because Robert Shea still has a card to play—

This year, their new line will release the final chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings: Unrivaled".

Even if The Two Towers doesn't break 9, the average box office of the first two films is 8.5 million, so the third film definitely has a chance to break 8, break 9, and get close to 10. And Warner Bros. doesn't have Harry Potter this year.

So, when they can win naturally, isn't it just plain stupid to provoke them?
Then, if they can successfully reach the top this year, they will still be a sword in Ted Turner's hand.

Ted Turner could use their new line's performance to attack Warner Bros. at the board meeting, saying that Warner Bros. was too reliant on Harry Potter, and that such over-reliance on a single IP was unhealthy when Warner Bros. was one of the Big Six in the industry.

Therefore, Ted Turner could suggest to the board that New Line be merged into Warner Bros. to co-develop The Hobbit.

When the success of The Lord of the Rings became known to the world, Ted Turner's proposal would certainly have been approved by the board.

At that time, Robert Shay, the discoverer of "The Lord of the Rings" and the founder of New Line Cinema, will be able to smoothly enter the heart of Warner Bros. Although he cannot replace Barry Mayer at this time, his entry can be quite disgusting.

As a Warner executive handpicked by the board, is it alright for me to make changes to your projects?
As a Warner executive handpicked by the board, is it alright for me to look through your internal documents?
As a Warner executive handpicked by the board, I think it's okay for me to have a problem with Harry Potter and want to audit the accounts, right?

Yes!
This practice is somewhat dirty!

But in the business world, what is truly clean?

Because Warner Bros. didn't have "Harry Potter" this year, Robert Shea always thought he had it in the bag, but now there's "The Matrix"? What the hell is this?!
You've got it wrong, haven't you?

Looking at his secretary, Robert Shea spoke rapidly, as if he had swallowed gunpowder: "The Matrix you're talking about is the sequel to the 1999 film 'The Matrix,' right? Their original film grossed over $4 million? 4.65 million?"

"Although that movie met the standards for a sequel, it didn't revolutionize the world back then, did it?"

"It was only number 4 on the global box office chart in 1999!"

"It also features Toy Story 2, The Sixth Sense, and The Ghostly Threat!"

"It wasn't the most eye-catching one throughout 1999!"

"And now you're telling me it can have sequels 6, 7, and 8???"

"M-Fxxk! Is this a financial crisis?!"

"Even with a massive inflation, its box office revenue couldn't possibly increase this quickly!"

"Or perhaps I'm currently in Germany in the last century?"

"Is there going to be a war soon?"

"In the blink of an eye, the price of bread went from 50 marks to 5000 billion marks???"

The machine-gun-like barrage of words made the secretary's ears ache and her face wet with sweat.

He could understand his boss's surprise.

Because everyone previously thought their new line was a sure thing to win this year.

Now, Warner has suddenly jumped out and said, "I still have some big names in my hand?"
Who can bear this!

but--

"Boss, I know this is hard to accept, but it's the truth."

The secretary sighed softly, "I had already confirmed the news before coming here. Warner Bros. didn't bribe those data companies, so there's no question of inflating expectations to lure audiences in. The data companies think it's good because it genuinely is good..."

There is no such thing as absolute fairness when it comes to things done by humans.

Therefore, data and research companies in North America can also tailor reports to their clients' specific needs.

As for saying that such a customized service is a joke on the company's reputation?

Ah--

Not to mention that all predictions may be wrong, and that predictions can only be used as a reference for judgment, not as a basis for reality, reputation alone is something that can be bought!

As long as The New York Times quotes my predictions every day, I'm the best in the industry.

Not convinced?

Go start your own data company and challenge me!
Since anything can be sold in a capitalist society, Warner Bros.' expectations for "The Matrix" should be fairly realistic after they stopped giving money to the data company, and their box office estimates may even be underestimated.

How come a film like "The Hackers," which is made less often, can still gross 700 million?

How fast can he run normally?

10 million?
Why didn't Warner Bros. buy data for "The Hacker"?

Robert Shea frowned, looking puzzled.

"Because... 'The Hacker' is an R-rated movie..."

The secretary paused for a moment, then said, "Buying data for R-rated films would be unprofitable..."

“Oh…No…” Robert Shea slapped his forehead in frustration.

He realized he had made a mistake in his haste.

"Hackers" is an R-rated film, and there is a limit to the audience for this type of movie.

No matter how good the data is, it's all for nothing if the people who want to see it can't get tickets, so not buying data is actually the standard practice.

Since that's the case...

When will "The Hacker" be released?

"May 15th, next Thursday."

"Prepare a ticket for me."

"Okay."

Since "The Matrix" could potentially threaten his plan to win big, Robert Shea decided to go to the theater to see it for himself. Then, as May 15th arrived, everyone else in the theater was dumbfounded.

The quality of the Hacker sequel completely exceeded his expectations!
The dazzling fight scenes and stunning special effects even shocked him!

As Neo raised his hands, countless bullets froze in mid-air—

That godlike scene was truly captivating!

If he had to describe it, he felt a shock similar to when he watched Jackie Chan jump off a building while sitting in the theater!

After Neo effortlessly defeated all his opponents...

The allure of Eastern martial arts convinced him that this movie was bound to be a huge hit.

That is indeed the case—

Because Warner Bros. had already showcased the film's selling points in the trailer for "The Hackers," the film raked in $3750 million at the box office in 3603 theaters across North America on its opening day!

The single venue generated $10410 in revenue!

This data is terrifying!
Because it has the second-highest opening weekend in North America after "The Failed Man"!
"The Failed Man" only grossed 3940 million on its opening day!

As an R-rated film, can the sequel to "The Hackers" catch up with the PG-13 "The Failed Man"?
This fact made Robert Shea extremely arrogant!
He's about to explode!
After waiting for the data from the second, third, and fourth days to come out...

"Bang!!!"

new York.

Long Island.

Inside a mansion worth tens of millions.

Ted Turner slammed the box office data report from the North American theater chain onto the coffee table in front of him, his face contorted as he roared, "Robert! Is this what you told me at the beginning of the year that we could win?"

"If I remember correctly, at the beginning of the year, you told me that Warner Bros. didn't have any big releases this year, right?"

So what's the current state of "Hackers"?

"They broke a bunch of opening day records even though they were released on a Thursday!"

"North America grossed $9170 million in its opening weekend!"

"They directly beat 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'! Becoming the second highest-grossing film in North American box office history for its opening weekend!"

"If this is what you mean by 'no blockbusters'! Then tell me!"

"The Lord of the Rings will gross $1 billion in North America!! And $3 billion worldwide!!!"

"Wow--"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ted Turner threw the report he was holding at the ground.

A thin A4 sheet of paper may not be very harmful, but the fact that he was kissed on the face humiliated Robert Shea.

Clench your fists!

He lowered his head—

he……

He couldn't outmaneuver Ted Turner.

After panting heavily and staring at Robert Shea for a while, Ted Turner finally leaned back on the sofa.

He asked in a deep voice, "How many blockbusters does our new production line have this year?"

"Just... just one..."

"The Lord of the Rings?"

"Um……"

Is there any possibility of salvation?

"It's highly likely... that's not the case..."

"Ah--"

Ted Turner sneered at the stammering reply.

Staring intently at the guy who had been with him for so many years, at this moment, he truly felt that Robert Shea was a piece of trash.

"Robert."

After a moment's thought, Ted Turner finally spoke: "I've been very busy this year, so I haven't had much time to ask about the details regarding the film and New Line Cinema. Therefore, I'll give you one more chance..."

"I hope that The Lord of the Rings will reach 10 billion yuan at the box office this year."

"It became the second film in the world to gross over $10 billion."

"Okay?"

Ted Turner's words were light and casual, but Robert Shea's nod was laborious. "Okay."

He knew this might be his last chance to stay on the new line.

but--

Ted Turner didn't care about his thoughts. "Fine, get back to work."

Robert Shea did not hesitate and turned to leave.

As he left, Ted Turner sighed heavily and slapped his head in frustration.

"Why is Warner Bros. so difficult to deal with?"

He muttered to himself, "How can Barry Mayer be so lucky?"

He couldn't figure it out.

But soon, he stopped thinking about those things.

Because he understands that with the sequel to "The Matrix" expected to gross 700 million or even 800 million, New Line is unlikely to be able to get into Warner Music this year. In that case, if Barry Mayer can still boost Warner Music's performance.

Then all his plans would fail miserably.

So……

"No! The Voice of China must die!"

His eyes flickered as he leaned back on the sofa, but ultimately his resolve hardened…

"It must die!!!" With that thought, Ted Turner decisively grabbed his phone.

After a few seconds of murmur, he dialed a number he had saved for many years but rarely called.

A moment later, as the call connected, a smile returned to his face—

"Hi Mr. Rupert Murdoch, it's been a long time..."

“Yeah~ I’m Ted Turner, Ted Turner of AOL Time Warner…”

While Ted Turner was searching for teammates, Michael Eisner of Disney also had red eyes.

Because he was also in a huge mess right now.

Because Finding Nemo premiered three days after The Hackers were released.

Disney invited two hundred journalists and film critics to watch the film, and 99% of them were amazed after watching it.

After its official release, "Under the Sea" grossed $7025 million in North America during its opening weekend.

While it can't be compared to the sequel to "The Matrix," this is still the best opening weekend for an animated film in North America.

Second place goes to Monsters, Inc.

Yes~~~
After the release of "Under the Sea", Pixar officially kicked Disney out and was crowned king!
"Michael! Can you tell me how long our Disney animation business is going to be paralyzed?"

April 2003, 6.

California.

Burbank.

Disney headquarters.

At a hastily convened high-level meeting, Disney board member Stanley Gold looked at Michael Eisner with a serious expression.

At the same time, he was holding a thick stack of documents in his hand.

“Since the release of Monsters, Inc. in November 2001, and up to the release of The Sea of ​​Shadows, in a year and a half, Disney has released a total of four animated films. Of these, three were profitable and one was a loss.”

"On the surface, this data is very impressive, because our project has a success rate of 75%."

"But what actually happens?"

"The success rate of our project is 0%."

"This is not only because Disney has never released a movie that can shock the world like 'Monsters,' 'Under the Sea,' or even 'Ice Age,' but also because the four movies we released have nothing to do with our own franchise!"

"Or rather, Michael, they have nothing to do with you!"

"The film 'Return to Neverland,' which grossed 1.15 million yuan with an investment of 2000 million yuan, was written by Mr. Disney while he was still alive!"

"The Jungle Book 2, which grossed $1.35 million on a $2000 million investment, was the brainchild of our Australian studio!"

"The only film that can be considered a blockbuster, 'Lilo & Stitch,' which grossed $2.73 million on an $8000 million investment, was a project that Jeffrey Katzenberg started while he was at Disney. Director Chris Sanders is one of Katzenberg's people!"

So——

Tell me—

"Michael!"

“My dear Michael!”

"Is your job at work just sitting in the chairman's seat and taking a dump???"

The blatantly humiliating question made Michael Eisner's eyes widen in fury!

At that moment, he wished he could pull out a knife and stab Roy Disney to death!
Because Stanley Gold is Roy Disney's man!

He is the chairman of the Disney family foundation, Clover!

What he meant was the will of Roy Disney!
but……

He can't.

and so--

Stanley.

Michael Eisner gritted his teeth, making a sound like a wild beast scratching at its cage. "I advise you not to go too far."

"Humph--"

Stanley Gold chuckled and put down the documents in his hand.

Just when Eisner thought that this beast had stopped while he was ahead, Stanley Gold turned his gaze to Robert Iger beside him and asked, "Bob, how are things going with the contract renewal negotiations between Disney and Pixar?"

“One-year contracts are too disadvantageous for us.”

"I've talked to Steve Jobs about this."

As soon as Stanley Gold finished speaking, Robert Iger chimed in, "Steve said that his current focus is entirely on Apple, and he doesn't have time for Pixar. So, if the environment at Disney makes him comfortable, he might reach a long-term cooperation agreement with us; otherwise... he will definitely take Pixar with him and leave Disney..."

"Bob!!!"

"What do you mean???"

Before Iger could finish speaking, Eisner roared!
A roar like a lion could blow the roof off a conference room!
But Iger slowly turned his head and looked at him with a smile, "Michael, I don't think I understand what you mean."

Perhaps it's because I wasn't wearing contact lenses?
Today, Iger is wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses on his nose.

With his glasses on, even when dressed in a suit, he could give off a "smiling tiger" vibe simply by raising the corners of his mouth.

But in Eisner's eyes, it was more like a Black Mamba in the desert—

He straightened up in the yellow sand!

He doesn't pretend anymore!

His chest heaved, and he glared fiercely at Egger. Then, Eisner abruptly stood up, waved his hand, and left.

This situation left the others in the meeting room looking at each other in bewilderment. It wasn't until Gold waved to signal the end of the meeting that everyone gradually got up to leave, except for Iger, who stayed behind and looked at him.

"Well done."

Gold smiled at Egger.

"Thank you."

Aiger raised an eyebrow.

Gold said, "To be honest, I've never seen Eisner so angry. I'm sure Roy will be overjoyed when he hears Eisner's reaction... uh... I guess..."

"Hahaha~ Then I wish you guessed all the answers correctly." Aiger stood up with a smile and extended his right hand.

“Okay, thank you, that’s enough for today…” Gold also stood up politely and shook hands with him, but before leaving, he paused and said, “Oh, by the way… you have to be careful, Eisner is not one to give up easily.”

"I know, but in the face of absolute power, no conspiracy can survive, can it?"

Egger shrugged confidently.

That confident look made Gold raise an eyebrow. "Of course, good luck."

Gold knew why Egger was so confident.

Iger still has two cards to play right now.

One of them is "Pirates of the Caribbean," which can be considered a face card.

Although the internal screenings received only lukewarm responses, Gold personally enjoyed the humorous style of "Pirates of the Caribbean," so when the film's release date was set for this summer, Gold felt that it had a high probability of success.

If Iger can create an IP, then all the normal shareholders in the group will side with him.

However, it doesn't matter if "Pirates of the Caribbean" doesn't happen.

Because the second card in his hand was the King.

How could Gold not know about The Voice?
With Miss Beaver, who possesses magic, on Aiger's side, Eisner's chances of winning are indeed quite low.

This--

Eisner also knew about this.

He stormed back to his office, slumped onto the throne, and grabbed the landline phone from the desk.

He intended to dial an internal short number, but his finger suddenly paused when he pressed the key.

A moment later, he put the receiver back down, took out his phone, and dialed another number.

As the call connected, a puzzled voice entered his ears.

"Michael Eisner?"

"it's me."

"What's up?"

Yes, are you in Los Angeles?

"I'm in New York."

Oh—just met with Robert Shea?

"The last time I saw him was half a month ago, so..."

"Shall we meet? I don't think you want 'The Voice' to succeed, do you?"

"of course."

"Then we'll..."

"How about the day after tomorrow? I'm going back to Los Angeles tomorrow."

“Okay, Det Turner, I’ll be waiting for you in Los Angeles…”

In the eyes of those in the know, with the successive successes of "The Matrix" and "Undersea," the war between North American entertainment industry, or rather, global entertainment giants, may be about to officially begin, because no one wants to give up halfway—

Ted Turner has been battling Warner for almost eight years; it would be a huge loss to give up now.

Because no one is willing to give up the rights they have enjoyed for many years—

Michael Eisner has been at Disney for almost twenty years. How many twenty-year periods does a person have in their lifetime?
Because nobody wants to accept a decline in stock price—

Fox only ran "American Idol" for two seasons, and then it was canceled? Rupert Murdoch must be furious!
Because nobody wants to be called a loser.

Edgar Bronfman Jr. has been ridiculed by the world for years for selling his DuPont shares, acquiring Universal, and acquiring PolyGram. He wants to change all that! He wants to start over! And then, his chosen reboot site, Warner Music, is gone?

He can't tolerate this!
But to those unfamiliar with the industry, the current entertainment industry appears to be a vibrant and diverse landscape.

There are just too many good movies, good music, and good shows.

There's simply not enough time to keep up.

As for Miss Beaver, who has been mentioned by countless people?
Right now, she's in England, frantically counting gold coins.

"The salary for The Philosopher's Stone is £30."

"The salary for 'The Secret Chamber' is £120 million."

"The compensation for not accepting endorsements is £100 million."

"These three items together amount to £250 million..."

"Then, The Voice's fixed fee is £100 million."

"Azkaban, £600 million."

"The compensation for not accepting endorsements is £500 million."

"That adds up to £1200 million."

"So, from the time I entered the industry until now, my personal income from film fees and endorsements is £1450 million?"

"Wow, am I that rich?"

The little beaver popped its head out from the mountain of files with a "whoosh".

Her movements seemed to have special effects; the moment she peeked out, countless gold coins slid off her body.

As it fell to the ground, it also produced a crisp 'clanging' sound.

That rich voice made the little guy, who was full of joy, extremely adorable.

The golden glint in her eyes seemed to be telling everyone that she was a money-grubber.

(End of this chapter)