American Gossip King

Chapter 125 I'm Happy to Be the Sucker

Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Ian sat in Howard Stringer's office, smiling as he looked at the middle-aged white man.

Howard Stringer is an indispensable figure in Sony's history.

This person was a reporter, producer and CEO of CBS, spending 30 years at CBS, winning nine Emmy Awards, and his CBS Evening News, which he co-hosted with Dan Lasser, was once the highest-rated news program in the United States.

He served as chairman of Sony Corporation of America from 97, overseeing Sony's US operations and global film, music and entertainment divisions, transforming Sony's struggling music and film businesses into the pillar industries Sony is today.

In his early years at Sony in 97, he improved the poorly performing Columbia Pictures division and spearheaded the distribution of Spider-Man films in 2001, making the film division a major source of profit for Sony.

In late 04, he spearheaded the merger with MGM Studios and combined Sony Music and BMG into Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

In March 2005, the board of directors of Sony Japan appointed Howard Stringer as chairman and CEO of the Sony Group, making him the first foreign leader in Sony's history, which demonstrates his capabilities.

As for now, Howard Stringer is the top executive at Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Spider-Man is the foundation of his rise to power.

Ian's arrival today is mainly because he hasn't given up on Spider-Man.

After acquiring Lockbridge Pictures, Ian Smith made a request to Sony Pictures to acquire the Spider-Man rights.

According to Ian's plan, it would be very difficult to acquire the copyrights for the major film and television companies' completed works, such as The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, so they are only suitable for publicity and distribution cooperation. However, there is still a chance for those works that are not yet completed.

The first Spider-Man movie was never released, so its value is inevitably underestimated, and it is also related to the later Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Unfortunately, even so, Howard Stringer didn't want to sell.

This is a project he personally oversaw; he's hoping to take off with Spider-Man.

Howard chuckled, "You know what? When my secretary told me you were coming to see me, my first instinct was to tell everyone downstairs to keep their manhood in check, so Ian Carl doesn't see it!"

Ian laughed heartily: "Journalists also have their own principles. Taking photos under the guise of being a guest crosses my line."

Ian has never secretly taken photos of people while visiting them, as that would make them never invite him again.

Howard pointed at Ian: "Well said, but don't expect me to sell you Spider-Man because of this."

"That doesn't matter, I just wanted to talk to you about other things," Ian smiled.

With an attitude of complete indifference towards Spider-Man... The worst thing you can do in business negotiations is to reveal your true intentions.

Howard asked, "What do you want to talk about?"

"For example, the Sony electronics company's unexpected failure the day before yesterday."

Howard shook his head: "I don't think there's anything to say about it, it was just an accident."

Ian laughed, "It was indeed just an accident. But what would the public's reaction be if they knew that making GG for Sony resulted in a death?"

Howard's face darkened.

Unless it's the funeral industry, no brand wants to be associated with death.

Given Howard's understanding of Ian, he'll definitely make a big deal out of such good news.

The most important thing is his tone; he seems to have some knowledge.

Did he film the scene?

Fuck, this guy is like a devil, wherever he goes, it's either blood red or pink!

He looked at Ian coldly: "Besides threats, do you have any other methods?"

Ian shook his head slightly: "I'm not threatening you, Your Excellency, but someone is targeting me."

As he spoke, Ian turned to look out the window, gazing at the distant scenery with a faint smile on his lips: "I knew Spielberg had a lot of influence in Hollywood, but I didn't expect it could even affect Sony. Business is business. What did he give you? To make you give up all your partnerships with Carl Media?"

Howard was stunned: "What did you say?"

Ian chuckled. "I know what he did, Mr. Stringer. It wasn't right! Carl Media is the most promising media company right now, and we've been expanding rapidly! And you, you rejected a media company with huge potential! I mean, even if we don't consider selling Spider-Man, this is still inappropriate!"

Howard Stringer sighed softly, "Your information network is always so impressive. Okay, I admit it, yes, I promised Spielberg I wouldn't cooperate with Carl Media. This industry values ​​relationships highly. Ian Carl, I admit you're strong, but you can't just barge into the entertainment industry and expect to succeed. Money alone won't cut it, and neither will threats!"

Ian laughed: "It's not that threats alone won't work, but the United States is an open country. Ordinary borderline smears don't have enough impact, while other smears are not so easy to obtain."

Howard Stringer chuckled. "You're right. I could admit right now that I've slept with at least twelve beautiful women, but so what? It doesn't even affect my wife. Ian Carl, you can't have all the dirt, and your dirt isn't that bad. You need a better way of handling things!"

Ian chuckled softly, "How about we take over Sony Pictures then?"

Howard Stringer was stunned: "What did you say?"

Ian shrugged: "I want to buy Sony Pictures."

Howard Stringer shook his head repeatedly: "Don't joke around."

Ian looked at him. "I'm serious, Mr. Stringer. Sony's biggest problem is its lack of media support. Disney has ABC News, Fox has Fox News and News Corp., Universal has NBC News, Warner has HBO, Paramount has Viacom, and what does Sony have? An electronics company? A Japanese company at that!"

He chuckled, "I know you have a good relationship with CBS. Sony has been working closely with CBS for the past two years. Oh, by the way, did you know? I'm already discussing acquiring internal shares of CBS with James Peley."

Howard Stringer was speechless.

Of course he knew that this was no longer a secret.

Ian chuckled. "Interested in making a bet with me? I'll acquire over 30% of CBS's voting rights by the end of this year. If I do, I'll ask Sony's parent company for a joint controlling stake in Sony Pictures and provide better promotional support. Don't worry, I'm not trying to acquire Sony, just get shares. Sony needs the support of local media! If I don't succeed, I can give you shares in Carl Media Group at a low price. This isn't really a bet, but a win-win cooperation, just with a pre-agreed price. If I win, I'll get a cheaper price... you won't lose out either way."

Howard Stringer looked at him speechlessly.

The latest novel is first published here!

After a long pause, he said, "If I don't accept it, you'll publicize this whole GG death thing extensively?"

Ian took a sip of his coffee. "It's not just that... Have you ever considered that this might not be an accident? Do you know what that means?"

Howard Stringer's expression changed: "Ian Carl, you can't do this!"

"I can!" Ian replied earnestly. "Chief Betton and I are good friends. I'm a journalist, and I have the right to report anything I want to report."

Then he laughed and said, "But I'll try not to do that. As you said, you can't do business by coercion. I suggest you talk to Sony's parent company. If they're willing to accept the bet, I can even give you the distribution rights to my Shengda Greek Wedding."

"My Big Greek Wedding" was a blockbuster movie in 02 with a budget of only five million dollars. Tom Hanks was one of its investors.

Ian Carl offered eight million dollars plus a promise of free publicity in exchange for an 80% stake in Tom Hanks. However, for Tom Hanks, the most important thing was probably to befriend Ian Carl.

Hollywood isn't all headstrong people; Tom Hanks is a smart guy.

Therefore, Ian will not reveal anything about Tom Hanks.

At this moment, Ian said, "Think about it, this bet is a win-win situation. I just need you to say a few good words for me."

Sony Pictures is currently operating at a loss, so Ian's offer to take a controlling stake in Sony Pictures at this time is still quite attractive to Sony.

Most importantly, this bet is not big. Regardless of who wins or loses, it is a joint effort – the losses are not significant. It is a bet with only a large or small win, so the success rate will be much higher.

A good bet is one where the losing side feels like they haven't lost!

Considering Ian's influence, even Howard Stringer felt that this matter was not off-limits for discussion.

As expected, Sony's parent company responded quickly after Howard Stringer relayed the message.

They are very interested in this collaboration, but of course, they also have their own conditions.

For example, Sony Pictures' support for Sony's parent company, namely Blu-ray support, is something Sony values ​​highly.

Ian said no problem, as long as Sony agrees to his right of first refusal – most film and television projects of film companies still need to accept external investment, and there is no time limit, even after the film is completed, shares can be sold in advance.

If I can't buy Spider-Man, I'll buy the company first. Then, I'll use my power and inside information to buy up Sony's high-value assets that haven't yet been revealed and then sell the shares—from beginning to end, he never intended to run a film company properly.

If the pregnant woman takes the baby, the child will have to take my surname.

I'd be happy to be the one left holding the bag!

Sony never expected that Ian's purpose was this, and even Howard Stringer never expected that Ian would value Spider-Man so much.

By the end of July, Sony and Carl Media had finally reached an agreement.

With the agreement reached, Ian set off for New York.

Having secured sufficient capital, he was finally ready to formally negotiate with CBS.

(End of this chapter)