America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 296, Section 294: George Lucas's Attitude Makes Judy Strange

It's incredibly popular, extremely popular.

No one expected it to be so popular; even Eric himself was astonished.

The numbers were so astonishing that he had no idea there were so many businesses in the United States.

In the first week alone, more than 5 businesses signed agreements with the platform to advertise on Google Play.

The businesses vary in size, ranging from large e-commerce platforms like Amazon to smaller ones that operate in only one city or state.

The advantages of social media are obvious. If your business is still in its early stages and only operates in a few cities, you can very accurately target local bloggers and collaborate with them.

If it needs to be local, it can be local; if it needs to be national, it can be national; and when it needs to be global, given a few more years, Facebook will definitely be able to do it.

Of course, it's unclear exactly how much I'll earn until next month's settlement, but it's safe to say it will be substantial, given my legitimate monopoly position.

In a way, MySpace did make a contribution; at least it let the market know that social media can be just as effective as television in creating content.

The rise of GG's business is like Eric having another trump card in his hand.

Stealing business from television stations and cutting off their source of income is tantamount to weakening their power in disguise.

In Eric's office at the MGM Grand, Carole walked in, her large breasts swaying.

She's been dressing increasingly revealingly lately, so much so that it hurts people's eyes; her flirtatious nature is gradually becoming apparent.

She is 42 years old this year. Although she is a bit old, she has a beautiful face, a stunning figure, and a mature charm that is still very attractive.

However, Eric hasn't had much energy to look after her lately, ever since he swallowed little Elizabeth a few days ago and has been constantly overworked.

Who understands the pain of sleeping in the same bed with someone else?

In the end, it became so thin that it was just watery soup.

Nicole showed her big sister nature, restraining everyone and suggesting that if they wanted to have fun, they should please each other, giving Eric some breathing room.

Sigh, it's all tears when I talk about it.

"Men can cry, it's not a sin. Even the strongest person has the right to be tired." He suddenly understood what Andy Lau was talking about in those lyrics.

"Boss, Warren and Bema are here."

"Okay, let them in."

After making coffee for the couple, Carole closed the door and went out.

Eric gave the other person a good look: "I didn't realize you were really determined this time?"

"Yes, I'm determined to lose weight. Bema will keep an eye on me, and I've already lost 11 pounds."

"11 pounds! Why doesn't it seem like the effect is very noticeable?"

"In a while, you'll definitely see a muscular hunk rise up. Once I lose weight, we'll get engaged. That's love!"

"I love your mom's twisted dough sticks!" Eric instinctively wanted to say, but thankfully he held back.

He chuckled and said, "Then congratulations in advance. Losing weight is a good thing, but I don't want you to ruin your health. Please do it while taking care of your health."

"I don't want him to be too hasty either. Health is the most important thing, and women have more experience in this kind of thing." Bermahadi nodded.

"Darling, I love you!"

"I love you too!"

The two kissed in front of Eric, showing off their affection.

"Ugh! That's enough, stop! I feel nauseous."

"If you want to get intimate, I can get you a private room. The lounge is right next door, but you need to finish your work report first."

Knowing that Eric was short on time, the two quickly got down to business.

Warren said, "AK Films has continued its rapid development over the past six months. The company now has 133 employees and can support six film crews operating simultaneously."

"We shot 24 films in the first half of the year, keeping the total cost under $2000 million, and sales were very good, thanks to our loyal customers."

"All the resources in the film library were also shared with Lionheart.com, and since The Purge 2 did well at the box office, it wasn't greatly affected."

"While the $8600 million in North America is less than the first film, it was released in more than a dozen countries overseas and grossed more than $3300 million, making its total box office quite high."

"Our net profit for the first half of the year is around $9100 million. With Sharkshot 3 and Machete coming up in the second half, we'll give it a shot and hopefully break $2 million."

"$2 million? That's a lot!"

Eric was a little surprised. He was usually lucky if he could spare 1% of his energy for AK Films, and he really didn't expect the company to be developing so rapidly.

"That's because Lionheart also pays a copyright fee, and it doesn't include MGM's shareholding."

"However, the competition this year is obviously fiercer. Warner and Paramount have both set up their own subsidiaries, and the market in the second half of the year should be relatively difficult."

"Moreover, relying solely on 'The Purge' and 'Sharknado' isn't sustainable. Box office potential is declining every year. Although many big names are willing to make cameo appearances in 'Machete' out of respect for you, it still depends on whether the audience will accept it."

"Actually, I have received some scripts, but I can't make up my mind. After all, even if we cut corners, it will still cost several million dollars once it's launched. If you have time, you might as well review them."

Eric nodded slightly: "Pick a few good ones and send them to my office tomorrow."

"Warren, I think the scripts for 'The Bucket List' and 'Juno' are very interesting; Eric would probably be interested," Berma suggested.

"The Bucket List? Juno?" The familiar names immediately made Eric's radar go off.

"Yes, there are two scripts, but 'Juno' is a bit extreme. It talks about a minor girl getting pregnant. It doesn't have big scenes and the cost is easy to control. It's just too risky. I regretted buying the script. I feel like it doesn't have much of a future."

Upon hearing that the underage girl had a large belly, Eric was 100% certain that it was the movie starring Elliott Page, now known as Elliott Page.

This movie did indeed spark a social discussion when it was released, and it did very well at the box office and with good reviews. I vaguely remember that it won a lot of awards and nominations. I didn't expect that the script was already circulating in the market. It seems to be one of those types that has been shelved for a long time.

Warren slapped his forehead in regret: "I was tricked by that script broker. He was very good at persuasion, and he got me all confused and I ended up buying the script. Now that I think about it, I wasted $90."

"I'm interested."

"what?"

"So what if I'm a minor? What's wrong with sensitive subject matter? Can it be more sensitive than 'The Passion of the Christ'?"

"Eric, do you really think this kind of subject matter has potential?"

"That sounds quite interesting, and it would be perfect for Elizabeth and Crystal. I'm already thinking of finding suitable roles for them."

Upon hearing this, the couple exchanged a glance and understood. So, you don't care about making money; your goal is to spend millions of dollars to support your little girl.

What else is there to say? The boss has his preferences, and whether you're a brother or a subordinate, you must fully support him.

"OK, I'll send the script over this afternoon."

After Warren finished his report, Bemahadi said, "BK Films has done a lot of work in the past six months, from preparation to the official launch of business. We currently have 77 employees and plan to recruit another batch in the second half of the year. I will give you a report then."

"Filming for 'The Human Centipede' and 'Hostel' is basically complete. I consulted with professionals, and their opinion was that the former was too unconventional, while the latter might still make it to the big screen."

Eric had anticipated this: "You coordinate with Volvo and choose a release date for 'Hostel' soon. 'The Human Centipede' will go through DVD and online channels. I don't expect that thing to disgust people in theaters."

"Okay, The Invisible Man and Pearl will be launched in the second half of the year. It's unlikely that they will be released on Halloween. We'll try to make it to February next year."

"Another piece of good news: we've acquired the rights to 'Halloween'."

"Malek Arkad finally relented?" Eric asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Yeah, dealing with this guy wasn't easy. He's greedy and keeps throwing out smokescreens, but the result is always good."

Eric gave Béma a thumbs up. Of the four major serial killers in the horror film industry, New Line Cinema holds the rights to three, while the rights to "Halloween" are held by Malek Arkad.

He is a producer who owns his own small company, which relies on this IP to survive.

There are many similar cases in Hollywood. The copyrights of well-known blockbusters such as "007" and "Terminator" are partially or entirely owned by individuals.

MGM had to obtain authorization from the film company before it could produce "Casino Royale," and ultimately had to share profits with them.

Therefore, in order to sustainably exploit resources, these people often pay great attention to the big screen, ensuring quality while not exhausting all potential. Winning them over is not an easy task.

"Now that we've acquired the rights to 'Halloween,' I'll go talk to Bob Mayer and we can prepare to build a crossover serial killer universe."

After the couple left, Judy walked in and plopped down on Eric's lap.

"Hey? What are you doing? What are you doing? What if you break it?"

"Sit down my ass, you look like a limp snake."

"Do you know the saying, 'Strike the snake while the stick is still there'? The stick will break."

"What does it have to do with me? Breaking up won't affect my happiness."

"Cold-blooded woman, I'm still your boyfriend in name only. You never know when I might need you. If I'm gone then, see if you'll cry."

"Hmph! Even toys are better than you. I just saw Warren, he looks thinner."

"Yeah, a man who wants to board the ship of love definitely has to buy a ticket, and losing weight is the ticket he paid for it."

"Fine, wish this fool who's digging his own grave good luck. I've heard rumors that you've gotten involved with Elizabeth Olsen. It's only been a few months. Are you really not afraid of being guillotined?"

Eric's expression changed, and he pushed Judy away: "Where did that sound come from?"

"Is that really true?"

"Where did this come from?"

Judy clicked her tongue in disdain: "Eric, you're a real beast, a complete scumbag! Elizabeth's only 15, how could you do that to her!"

"You're bluffing me?" Eric realized.

"Idiot, when I called you last night, I heard her voice sound a bit off. It's so late and she's right next to you. I knew I was right."

Eric gave a slightly awkward laugh: "Let's not talk about these pointless things during work hours. Have you completed the task I assigned you, the integration with Industrial Light & Magic?"

Judy rolled her eyes. "I've talked to George Lucas, met with him a few times, and tested the waters."

"It's a bit of a surprise. This old man is quite open-minded, and he knows why we're here."

"Although he wasn't very good-tempered on set, he was quite honest when it came to business."

"George Lucas meant that he was quite disappointed by the criticism and abuse from fans of Star Wars Episode II."

"Moreover, Industrial Light & Magic is showing signs of fatigue in the face of the impact from Weta Digital and many new visual effects companies."

"But it's impossible to make him sell his company because of that. It's the culmination of his decades of hard work, like his child."

"Enough with the nonsense, what conditions did he offer?"

Eric interrupted him directly, saying that in Hollywood, any excuse is simply because the price isn't right.

"Eric doesn't really want to sell at this stage. George Lucas's idea is to continue to wait and see, until MGM and the Big Six have reached a conclusion, and then make a decision."

"However, if we win, the old man is willing to merge with MGM after the contract with Fox expires next year."

"The premise is that he doesn't want pure cash. He wants shares in MGM and Lionheart, maybe 20% cash and 80% shares, or maybe 30% cash and 70% shares."

"In short, if you're going to buy, buy the entire Lucasfilm company, without splitting it up or selling it separately. That's his condition."

"Sitting on the sidelines and watching the tigers fight, playing a clever game of strategy, is only human nature."

Eric thought for a moment: "How about this, let's talk to George Lucas and sign a framework agreement in advance, incorporating his conditions."

"But we must add one condition: MGM must be guaranteed its right of first refusal to purchase Lucasfilm."

"Heh. If we win, why would he choose Disney over MGM?"

"Just in case, in case Disney snatches him away. By the way, when does his contract with Fox expire?"

"Star Wars Episode III will be released next summer, and the contract will expire after that."

Eric suddenly laughed: "Judy, the Big Six have been targeting us relentlessly. What do you think would happen if MGM also prepared a few blockbusters to counter Star Wars: Episode III?"

"Great idea! If Star Wars Episode III doesn't meet box office expectations, it will force Lucas to sell the company to us."

"The methods are too underhanded. What if we anger him?"

"That's why we need to sign a framework agreement in advance and secure the right of first refusal. You must get this done."

"Leave it to me. Also, this is the script for Dragon Ball. It was just delivered. You said you wanted to review it personally."

"Also, I wanted to ask you, do you have any plans for this weekend?"

"No, not at the moment. Do your parents have any objections? Do you need me to go home with you?"

"No, I made plans with Gadot to go to a resort this weekend, and she asked me to ask for your opinion."

Eric was carefully reading the script when he casually said, "Whatever you want," and then he suddenly looked up when he heard the door close.

"Holy crap? Something doesn't seem right!"

(End of this chapter)