American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 89 Risk and opportunity coexist

Isabella, of course, believed that Barry Mayer and Robert Iger would handle the situation.

Because her reputation is crucial to the success or failure of their careers.

But honestly, the sudden revelation of industry secrets left her somewhat... somewhat... somewhat speechless...

Having lived two lives, she naturally knew that physical records were very expensive in North America. Moreover, she also knew that this was the real reason why Apple was able to create iTunes. The reason why Jobs was able to change people's listening habits and revolutionize the music industry was because he brought down the price of music. After the iTunes Store was launched, a song cost only 99 cents.

If it weren't for the low price, or if you asked Steve Jobs to sell digital music at the price of a physical single, he could never have made it to iTunes, the iPod would never have been mass-produced, and the iPhone might not even have had the money for research and development.

Even if Isabella knew all of the above, she hadn't personally experienced these things in her previous life. When someone tries to understand a piece of history from an outsider's perspective, remembering the outcome is already the greatest success. As for the details?

Only those involved can truly remember such things.

So when she became a party involved and learned the details, a bad feeling immediately popped into her head.

"Is this how you raise prices?"

"You...you...you raised the price of the album by 10% just for an 8-cent patent fee?"

Isabella sighed and asked with a headache.

Although this history is not the real culprit that put Isabella in a passive position, since the issue of money-making in the record industry has been around for a long time, in Isabella's eyes, this recent history is the foundation of public anger.

If the music industry hadn't pulled any stunts in recent years, the criticism they're facing now wouldn't have become such a thorny issue.

Nathan Bailey on the other end of the phone fell silent for a long while before saying, "Isa, executives of publicly traded companies are responsible for performance. The additional $800 million in expenditure may seem small, but..."

"This kind of expenditure actually affects the company's net profit."

This is true.

When Sony raised its patent royalties in the music industry, that 8-cent increase impacted more than 5% of the company's net profit.

Because singers, songwriters, producers, etc. in the music industry all receive a share of the retail price.

To give a simple example: Suppose a record costs $10. If the content provider takes 40%, then the Big Five only get $6. After deducting distribution costs, which average 15% (that's the price of a Walmart display case), and manufacturing and advertising costs, which typically account for 30%, then the Big Five only get $150, or 1.5 cents.

So, patent fees in manufacturing costs increased by 8 cents?

If the Big Five don't adjust their retail prices, their profits will be 142 cents, a decrease of 5.33%.

This drop is actually quite terrifying.

In a mature industry, the only thing more terrifying than this drop is Meituan's 89%.

Therefore, if you insist that Sony is guilty of heinous crimes and has caused widespread public resentment, then there's really nothing wrong with that.

This……

Perhaps this is the real reason why the five companies raised prices but were not punished?
"So, according to your logic, all the current troubles are caused by Sony?"

Isabella tried to find humor in her predicament and started making a half-joking remark.

He shook his head and simply brushed these trivial matters aside.

She had no interest in dwelling on the money-grabbing issues within the record industry.

At this moment, all she needed to know was that the enemy's attack was precise and ruthless; that was enough for her. As for anything else...

"Okay, let's not talk about that anymore. I just want to know one thing right now: how are my mini discs selling?"

“Eminem said I was just cashing in, if I didn’t earn much…”

"Then I'll be unhappy."

"You want to know this? Oh—you'll have to wait a moment, I need to go look at the reports..."

Since the topic of profit sharing wasn't being discussed today, Nathan Bailey wasn't prepared for what Isabella would say.

However, he has sales reports on hand.

After he searched through the data for a while, the sales data related to the records appeared in front of Isabella.

As of July 1, 2003, Isabella Haywood had been launched in major markets around the world. Although it did not sell 5 million copies in its first week, the total global sales had already reached 8.1 million.

If nothing unexpected happens, we should be able to break 10 million this year.

but--

Isn't what we're facing right now just an unexpected event?
If the public opinion storm stirred up by Eminem is not handled well, it will affect more than just the variety show "The Voice".

Of the total sales of 8.1 million, 317 million were cassette tapes, 204 million were standard CDs, and 155 million and 134 million were deluxe and hardcover editions, respectively. Based on the global pricing of $9.99 for cassette tapes and $19.99, $29.99, and $49.99 for the three CD editions, the total sales of 8.1 million generated $185.92 million in revenue.

Of these, "Be What You Wanna Be," "The Climb," and "Love Story" are Isabella's original songs, and she receives 50% of the sales revenue. "Tears In Heaven" and "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" are covers, and Warner Music helped her obtain the cover rights, so she only receives 5% of the sales revenue.

After a simple calculation, Isabella's share of the profits is $5949 million.

Catherine's share of the profits is $186 million, which is a cut from the creation of merchandise related to Little Beaver.

Meanwhile, the soundtrack for The Voice movie, which was released on the same day as Isabella Haywood, has also sold over 300 million copies worldwide, generating a total revenue of approximately 7585 million. However, since the soundtrack includes 25 songs and music, Isabella, who only contributed 4 songs, didn't receive much money, roughly less than 500 million.

However, since she receives a cut of the entire "The Voice (movie)" revenue, she can also receive 5% of the soundtrack revenue.

That is, $380 million.

So, all things considered, Isabella still managed to rake in over $6000 million in the past three months.

Nearly 7000.

This fact cheered Isabella up a little...

There's no way around it, money always makes people happy.

And, to be honest...

That's a real windfall of $7000 million.

She is now considered a beneficiary of the existing system.

If she gets criticized and still doesn't win any votes, she'll feel like she's been wronged.

After settling the accounts, and learning that Barry Mayer and Robert Iger were still discussing things, Isabella took the initiative to say goodbye to Nathan Bailey; she didn't have time to wait for the outcome.

Although the current public opinion storm is quite upsetting, she has scenes to film tomorrow and must rush back to the set tonight.

Yes, it's already evening in London.

Jet lag!
This is fucking good stuff!

As the call ended, Isabella handed the phone back to her mother. Vivian had been listening the whole time. Just as she was about to get up, Catherine added that Robbie had just called, expressing his concern for her well-being…

"Oh, she called?"

"Okay, give me your phone."

Isabella took her phone from her older sister and dialed back as she walked.

Unfortunately, Robbie doesn't have much time for a lunch break.

When Isabella called back, she had already finished lunch and gone to the theater; her assistant, Melina, answered the phone.

After a brief conversation, Isabella learned that Robbie was very agitated after hearing that she had been criticized. She rushed back to the hotel, turned on her computer, and started arguing with the trolls. However, her mind was not completely consumed by anger. After venting her frustrations online, she calmed down. Isabella was relieved and said with a smile, "Melina, wait until Marg finishes filming before telling her that I have called back."

"Don't disturb her filming."

"Ok."

"If she asks you how I am, just say I'm fine."

"Okay."

"Then... if she's still worried, you can have her call me."

"But...we're in Burbank right now, and there's an eight-hour time difference between Pacific Time and London Time?"

Melina felt it was inappropriate.

Isabella laughed, "This is a one-time thing, and there won't be another."

"Because I probably won't be able to go to bed before 10 p.m. as usual tonight..."

"And even if I do fall asleep, I probably won't sleep well."

"So if she's worried, just let her make the call."

Isabella couldn't sleep until she found a way to handle the media storm.

Therefore, when Robbie Jr. finished filming in California, it was already midnight in London?

On this special day, Isabella is open to 'harassment'.

Since the boss had said so, Melina stopped insisting.

After handing the phone back to her older sister, Isabella, who had gone downstairs, also saw Rowling in the hotel lobby.

This woman was supposed to return directly to Scotland after the book signing, as she was still breastfeeding, but...

"Aunt Annie, you're not waiting for me here, are you?"

Isabella greeted her with a smile.

"If I don't wait for you, who else can I wait for?"

Rowling glared at her.

He also nodded to Vivian Catherine.

Then he looked at Isabella and asked, "Is there a solution to this?"

"not yet."

"Is Barry Mayer still thinking?"

"Ah."

"This guy is useless... Fine... Let him think about it for now. Call me if I can help."

"Oh dear—Aunt Annie—don't worry—things are still under control—"

Isabella accepted Rowling's kindness with a smile, and at the same time, she hoped that Rowling would put her mind at ease.

Unfortunately, as soon as she appeared nonchalant, Rowling's brow furrowed.

After looking around and confirming that there were no outsiders in the booked hotel, she poked Isabella's forehead with her index finger. "Isabella, let me tell you, don't joke with me at a time like this! This is a very troublesome situation!"

"You feel relaxed now because the public opinion hasn't fully fermented yet!"

"Right now, it's just a fan war of words; the media hasn't officially gotten involved yet! Once the media focuses on the money-making scheme, if Barry Mayer still hasn't come up with a solution, then you'll be in for a world of hurt!"

"Then, let me tell you, the media will definitely focus their attention on the money-making scheme!"

"Because The Times came this morning with a mission!"

To be honest, Rowling has always treated Isabella like a daughter. This is not only because the little girl's words when they first met reminded her of the hardships of being a mother, but also because after so many years of getting to know each other, Isabella has become genuinely close to her.

So when she learned that Isabella had been attacked, she was furious.

As the whole incident unfolded, she became even more aware that things were getting complicated.

Because Isabella's enemies are very powerful.

Because Isabella's enemies were genuinely plotting against her.

As for how these views were arrived at?

Very simple.

The Times is actually owned by Rupert Murdoch.

This morning, none of the other media outlets attending the book signing were aware of Eminem's actions, and then The Times directly overcame the time difference barrier to stir up trouble? That can only prove one thing—

Isabella's presence blocked many people's way;
Those people weren't going to follow any rules of the underworld; they just wanted Isabella dead.

So……

"Thank you, Aunt Annie."

Rowling's words made Isabella's smile widen, and she opened her arms and hugged her.

"Don't worry, I'd rather wrong myself than wrong anyone else..."

Just as Rowling predicted, once the Anti-Good Alliance took the time difference into account when making their moves, their goal was to kill Isabella in one fell swoop, and they would not give Isabella any chance to breathe.

Sure enough, at nine o'clock in the London night, Isabella had just returned to the film set when Michael Barnason, Chris Columbus's go-to producer, who was waiting at the door, told Isabella to go find Columbus, saying he had something to talk about.

After Isabella slipped into Columbus's office, the guy who was staring at the computer suddenly moved the screen to the side, and then, malice from North America appeared before Isabella:

Criticism has emerged in many forums, with trolls detailing Isabella's lack of professionalism.

Even well-known media figures have joined in, sharing Isabella's money-making schemes with their followers on their bloggers.

Isabella smiled as she watched the barrage of negative press releases.

This situation made Columbus sigh and shake his head, saying, "Isa, can you still laugh at a time like this?"

Do you know how much money your enemies have spent on smearing you?

“CBS alone invested $200 million!”

Public opinion warfare is very expensive because the media is not a charity.

So, buying articles is basically just throwing money at people.

Since Isabella knew these things, she wasn't surprised, but...

"Oh—Chris—how did you know CBS received $200 million?"

Isabella leaned back in her chair at the desk and said with a smile, "Don't tell me you got paid too?"

“…” Columbus choked.

Do I look like the kind of person who would betray their friends for money?

He rolled his eyes and said, "Shirley Lansing called me and told me."

"She said she couldn't influence CBS, but she could tell you about things happening at CBS."

"She originally wanted to call you directly, but she was afraid you were busy, so she called me instead."

"Let me pass this information on to you."

Shirley Lansing is the chairwoman of Paramount, which, along with CBS, is a subsidiary of Viacom.

Once everyone is connected, obtaining information becomes easier than eating or drinking.

Paramount's relationship with Isabella is related to the yet-to-be-filmed "Mean Girls"... Although "Mean Girls" is only a small part of Paramount's investment projects, Shirley Lansing felt that Isabella could not easily fall after it had already become deeply involved with Warner Bros. and Disney.

Therefore, is someone attacking Isabella through their channels?

She might not be able to stop it, since she doesn't have "HP" or "The Voice" under her control, but she will still provide the information, because for her, this is a free investment.

To reiterate, very few of the top executives at Fortune 500 companies are truly fools. If you think you're smarter than them, you need to first understand who they're fighting against and who's eyeing their positions.

"Okay, what else did she say besides two million?"

Since the other party was extending goodwill, Isabella accepted it with a smile.

Her question prompted Columbus to continue: "Because the events need time to unfold, the formal attack has been scheduled for tomorrow by your enemies. Everything today is just an appetizer; tomorrow is the main course."

Public opinion attacks are subject to very strict time constraints.

So, at 9 p.m., Eminem issued a diss, and around 10 p.m., media outlets around the world joined in criticizing it, saying that such a thing would never happen because it was simply treating the general public like monkeys.

An accident is called an accident because it happens suddenly.

If the media can follow up on an unexpected event within an hour, that's considered fast, especially since we're not in the mobile internet era yet. But to be able to write a critical article and publish it within an hour? That's not efficiency, that's pure malicious intent.

To put it bluntly, Harden's cousin's gift of a large plane to the Americans occurred at 8:46 AM on the 11th of 01. The first cabinet meeting afterward was held at 10:53 AM on the 12th, and only then did the word "war" appear.

No matter how fast the media attacks, they can't outpace the world's largest violent group, can they?
Since the enemy's ultimate move has a countdown...

"Chris."

"Ok?"

"Don't you want to do something?"

Isabella looked at Columbus with a smile.

Although she remained calm, Columbus could detect the weariness in her eyes.

He shook his head, grabbed the documents on the table, and tossed them to the little girl.

"We'll be filming Harry's scenes tomorrow, so if you're not in the zone, then..."

"The rest will be cancelled."

"hahahaha~"

Isabella laughed. "Thank you, Chris."

"Get lost." Columbus waved his hand and said, "Go back, wash up, and go to bed. It's more comfortable to take the phone call in bed."

From the perspective of the entertainment industry, if an artist is forced to work poorly by public opinion, it is actually a very unprofessional act. However, Hollywood is not the entertainment industry, and the biggest dream for those who enter the industry is to change their destiny.

Therefore, Columbus could understand Isabella's difficulties, not to mention...

His own company is actually registered under the DreamWorks name.

When his teacher climbed from an individual to become a capitalist in the industry, controlling the means of production, witnessing Isabella protect herself and her intellectual property was, in fact, another miracle.

Isabella appreciated Columbus's good intentions.

I said goodbye and went back to my room to wash up.

She took a simple bath; the warm water washed away her fatigue and gave her a bit of energy.

After curling up in bed again...

"Keisha?"

"what?"

"Stay with me and wait for news."

Isabella patted the empty seat next to her and said lazily.

At the bedroom door, Catherine, who had intended to turn off the light for her, squinted.

Why didn't you ask your mom to come with you?

"Because you'll have insomnia tonight."

"Mom also has insomnia, she'll definitely be listening intently to the phone."

"But I don't want her to worry until things have a clear outcome."

Isabella pursed her lips and looked at Catherine with a serious expression.

This sight made Catherine raise her eyebrows, slip into the room, and climb into bed.

The older sister's approval made the little girl overjoyed, and she hugged her sister, cosplaying as a sloth.

It smells so good~
Perhaps it was because the situation was indeed very difficult? Even with company, Isabella didn't want to talk.

The silence in the room made them lose track of time. They didn't know how much time had passed when Isabella felt tired of lying down. Her phone, which was on the bedside table, lit up with a "buzz." She picked it up and saw that the caller was Robert Iger.

Without hesitation, he answered the call immediately. Because it was urgent, as soon as the call connected, Aiger said, "Check your emails."

"?"

Isabella paused for a moment, then realized that the email Aiger was referring to must be the one they used when they discussed the script last time.

She got up, turned on her computer, and the links on it led her to another MSN.

Isabella was both amused and exasperated by the fact that the chat group only had three members.

"Do you think your phone conversations are being eavesdropped on?"

As soon as she turned on the voice recorder, Isabella asked a question.

“We might be wiretapped, and you definitely will be wiretapped.”

Barry Mayer's voice came through the earpiece: "Because Murdoch's investments in British politics are greater than in the United States, he has people in both the Conservative and Labour parties, so he can do things with impunity over your side."

"Okay."

Isabella didn't want to dwell on this well-known fact and asked directly, "Did you have a solution for your call?"

"Probably," Iger's voice came through the earpiece.

"Probably?" This answer made Isabella frown slightly. She glanced at her older sister beside her, who was also quite surprised.

Aiger didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "Well, because things are a bit complicated, I need your cooperation..."

Since Nathan Bailey has said that making money is a slippery slope in the music industry, they can no longer respond to all the controversies head-on, just as they did with the Michael Arndt incident.

If they couldn't confront him head-on, they had to take a roundabout approach. After discussing it, Barry Mayer and Robert Iger both agreed that Isabella's next step was to label Eminem as an idiot.

Because as long as the public believes that Eminem's attacks on Isabella are just the same as before, an attempt to get attention and ride the wave of popularity, then Mayer and Iger can muddy the waters and reverse public opinion.

To put it simply, it means keeping the topics of discussion around the world confined to the realm of 'personal grudges'.

As long as the issue isn't veered off into accusations of "making money," public opinion will be easier to manage.

Furthermore, both Barry Mayer and Robert Iger firmly believe that the scope of the discussion can be controlled because, when it comes to 'making money,' no capital in the music industry is clean.

Michael Eisner can only label Isabella as a "money grabber" once. If he does it again, other investors will step in to deal with them, because if the topic explodes, Sony, EMI, and BODMAN will also be unable to stay out of it.

Now, these three families can happily watch the show because all the struggles are none of their concern.

But if the flames of war were to spread to them...

The most ruthless members of the group would directly insult Eisner's own mother!
At that time, these people will be even more anxious than Isabella and the others!
"Okay... I think your approach is fine..."

Isabella and her older sister exchanged a glance...

Well, she certainly doesn't have much experience in power struggles.

Therefore, once someone in the know comes up with a concrete plan, following it becomes the obvious choice.

"So I'd like to know, what do you want me to do?"

Isabella said, "Bob, you just said something like things are a bit complicated and you need my help?"

"Yeah~"

While in California, Iger, who was sitting in front of his computer making a voice call, nodded and said, "We hope you ignore Eminem, uh... or rather, provoke Eminem by ignoring him."

"..."

The abstract description left Isabella completely bewildered.

Maye added, "Yes, Isa, we think your response this morning was very good..."

The two already knew about Isabella's bewildered behavior at the autograph session.

In their view, this was a very clever move.

Isabella has never been to the United States! And Eminem dissed her before she even met him? Doesn't that just mean Eminem is desperate for publicity?

Right now, all they need to do is spread this concept to the world, and Eminem's attack on Isabella will be seen as full of malice in the eyes of the public. And in the eyes of the general public, Eminem's behavior is already full of malice, so wouldn't the matter of 'making money' be easily overlooked? At least that's how it is with Egger and Meyer.

Even though both of them thought Isabella's response was excellent, they also felt it wasn't strong enough. Simply stating that she didn't know Eminem wouldn't generate much public interest; she needed to use other methods to encourage the public to share and discuss her response, only then could she better build consensus.

And this...

If possible, Mayer and Egger hope Isabella can write a song like Eminem improvises.

Write a diss track about Eminem.

And it is written from the perspective of 'ignoring'.

The overall concept behind this move is as follows—

First of all, Isabella has already told the media that she does not know Eminem.

Now that the media has brought up Eminem in front of her and said that Eminem criticized her, wouldn't a normal person take the initiative to find out about this?
After learning more...

When a musician finds themselves being attacked for no reason, unless they're a loser, they'll write a song to retaliate, like Mariah Carey's passionate attack on Eminem.

That's why Maye and Iger suggested that Isabella solve the problem by writing songs.

Furthermore, such a direct and positive response is bound to pique the public's interest.

At that time, all the storytelling will be much easier.

Then--

In this segment, the two felt that Isabella couldn't just use Fxxk like Mariah Carey.

There are two reasons:

1. After being Fxxk'd, Eminem won't lose his mind, he'll just get excited. That's how he makes a living from Fxxk.

2. Directly using Fxxk doesn't fit Isabella's style. Miss Beaver can get angry and swear, but she can't use foul language.

If I had to describe it, it would be like Chris Columbus and Isabella saying that Miss Beaver shouldn't pose.

Character!

Character!

Character!

This is very important!
So, writing a subtly dissing song, or a dissing song that is allegorical and veiled, would be a response that fits the tone.

Since they've already written a diss track that's allegorical and critical, perhaps attacking Eminem from a completely ignoring perspective would be even better.

Because doing so would most likely provoke Eminem.

Because Mariah Carey has proven to the world that she is very concerned about her image.

If Eminem is provoked, he will definitely respond. Once he responds, Aeger and Meyer will let the world see his madness. And if he is mad, who will care about his accusations and attacks?
This logic should be easy to understand, right?
The raving of a madman can evoke a sense of physical disgust in the public.

Regardless of whether their words are reasonable or not, the public will think they are unreasonable.

This is a little trick from psychology.

To be honest, as the counter-argument was fully presented, Isabella was a little... 'dumb'. It wasn't that she didn't understand, but she thought that Maye and Egger's logic was just too damn... outrageous.

These two hope she can weather the storm through music?

And the song you write has to be one that ignores Eminem but is still dissing him?

This……

This……

This……

Isabella admits that the plan sounds pretty appealing, but...

Don't you think your demands are a bit outrageous?

Being attacked by the enemy should be a sad thing.

But at that moment, Isabella almost burst out laughing.

She leaned on her older sister and said helplessly, "Don't tell me that this is the only solution you came up with after thinking about it all day."

"A song that ignores yet disses... This idea... This idea... is so abstract!"

“Uh…Isa, we know this plan is a bit outrageous, but it’s the best we came up with after discussing it,” Iger said. “Because when Barry priced your mini-disc, he did use a money-grabbing strategy. And the reason many people buy your mini-disc isn’t because they believe in your musical talent, but because they like you as a person.”

"Therefore, responding with music makes Eminem's attacks seem like a joke."

"At the same time, responding with music will allow you to better embrace music in the future."

“If it were just a matter of solving the problem, we would have called you back already.”

"We had already come up with five plans by noon."

"The reason we've been discussing this until now is because we believe you can use this event to complete your identity transformation."

"Right now, no matter how well you do, you're still just an actor. But once you let your music speak for itself... as long as you can say you're successful, you can confidently and boldly sell records in the future. At that time, no one will dare to say you're unworthy."

"Because you showcased your talent in front of millions of people."

"We came up with this idea because we feel we can have a long-term partnership with you."

"Honey, I believe you can understand me, right?"

Iger's question made Miss Beaver stop giggling.

I raised my head and looked at my older sister.

Catherine, who had listened to the whole thing, nodded in agreement.

(End of this chapter)