America's Road to Wealth

Chapter 206 Music Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne
The figure of $12 billion.

Honestly, even Spielberg was moved.

Yes, Spielberg is indeed one of the most profitable directors in Hollywood.

In 1993, Spielberg earned an unprecedented $2.5 million from the box office and other profit sharing of his "Jurassic Park".

But "Jurassic Park" is a special case.

For example, Spielberg made less than $1998 million on "Saving Private" in 2000.

Spielberg feels that there will be very few opportunities to make money like "Jurassic Park" in the future.

$[-] million in six years is already very impressive for Spielberg.

Besides, the $2.5 million in "Jurassic Park" was achieved almost ten years later.

In addition to the box office profit share and the director's remuneration, the profit share from the sale of peripherals, DV, etc. over the years is a figure that is all added up.

These all add up to make this number so exaggerated.

Now that he heard Abel's offer of US$12 billion, Spielberg was very excited.

The mentality that was not for sale at the beginning was shaken immediately.

What's more, his other two partners were even more excited about this offer.

That's why David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

One of the reasons why DreamWorks would want to sell.

The price is too high.

Of course.

There is another reason for these two giants to want to sell DreamWorks.

The reason for this is that since DreamWorks was established six years ago, it has always been squeezed out by the Hollywood giants, both openly and secretly.

Don't think that Hollywood's Big Six or Big Eight can't be harmonious internally due to the daily battles of intrigue and conspiracy.

This is wrong.

Once a new challenger is encountered, or outsiders harm the collective interests of everyone.

The Hollywood moguls who were already at odds.

When facing a new challenger, they will team up with a tacit understanding to cheat people together.

In the past few years, it can be said that DreamWorks has been cheated miserably.

A DreamWorks movie hits theaters.The filming was blocked, the publicity was more expensive than others, and behind the scenes was also more expensive than others. Everything was more troublesome than others.

All kinds of troubles, big and small, came one after another.

The Big Three have long been exhausted.

Spielberg is fine, he just needs to get serious about making movies.

Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen are different.

The two partners responsible for the company's operations took on more pressure and work.

The dream of starting a business earlier was crushed by the giants.

It can be said that there are not many left.

Even Spielberg himself.

After founding DreamWorks.

Spielberg also felt that those Hollywood giants were hostile to him.

Let's be more realistic.

From an economic point of view.

Spielberg's income in the past six years is not even half of what he earned from "Jurassic Park".

When he was a freelance director, the whole of Hollywood welcomed Spielberg.

After becoming the Big Three of DreamWorks, except for actors who want to appear in DreamWorks works.

Everyone else was hostile to Spielberg.

In parallel time and space.

The last Big Three finally started to sell DreamWorks in 2002 after carrying it for two years.

It's just that their prices are more expensive. After all, DreamWorks was the number one independent film company at the time.

It also has a very powerful DreamWorks animation department.

It was sold until 2004, the parent company of Paramount, one of the Hollywood giants.

Viacom finally bought DreamWorks for $16 billion.

Now two years ahead, with Abel knowing David Geffen.

He sent someone to contact David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg, and set up a meeting with the two.

After getting these two people, I came to contact Spielberg.

Doing so can be regarded as directly forcing Spielberg.

Another reason is $12 billion, not $16 billion.

It was because at this time, DreamWorks Animation was not that strong.

We have to wait until DreamWorks releases "Shrek" this year, which has achieved great success.

It was only after the world realized the power of DreamWorks Animation that the value of the entire DreamWorks company increased a lot.

Now in 2001.

The offer of 12 billion US dollars is already a good figure for DreamWorks.

But money is something that no one thinks is too little.

After being silent for a long time, Spielberg opened a new price.

"$14 billion," Spielberg said.

"DreamWorks will release a very high-quality cartoon in the near future. Its box office will definitely be very good. $12 billion is not the real price of DreamWorks."

In fact, 14 billion U.S. dollars can also be accepted by Abel.

If you can buy it cheaper, why spend an extra [-] million U.S. dollars?

Wouldn't it be nice to spend [-] million U.S. dollars on new starting point real estate to buy a few pieces of land or luxury houses?

The haggling continues.

"Come on, Steven. We all know the upper limit of animated movies. Do you think DreamWorks can compare to Disney and Pixar in animated movies?"

"Besides, my initial quotation was only 10 billion US dollars. It was your two good friends who forcibly raised the price to 12 billion US dollars."

"I've already regressed twice, you can't make me regress again?"

After hearing what Abel said, Spielberg looked at David Geffen.

The latter shrugged and said nothing.

If it was Spielberg, he could bargain successfully.

If you sell a little more money, then David Geffen can get a little more share, of course he is happy.

Spielberg once again offered the price: "13.8 billion US dollars. This is our six-year hard work, and it was not for sale."

You can buy it now.

But
Gotta pay more!
"13 billion US dollars, a buy-out price. Steven, you know that this price is already very sincere."

Abel makes the final offer.

Spielberg seems to be able to see that this is Abel's bottom line.

The big director was silent for a while, and finally said softly:

"That's $13 billion. We hope it's cash."

"Of course~" Abel said with a smile, "I always buy things in cash."

Spielberg also smiled for the first time, standing up and shaking Abel's hand:
"I hope you will treat DreamWorks well. It will definitely make you a lot of money."

Abe stood up and shook hands with Spielberg and David Geffen.

"DreamWorks will become one of MGM's independent companies and enjoy the same treatment as Marvel movies."

But Abel actually valued the animation department of DreamWorks more.

DreamWorks Animation is almost in the American media industry now.

The cheapest and high-quality animation company that can be bought.

Even the purchase price of 13 billion, at least half of it was for Dreamworks Animation.

As for DreamWorks itself, its production team, distribution channels, copyright, etc., MGM actually doesn't really need it.

But it also has some value.And because of the famous musician David Geffen, DreamWorks also has a music DreamWorks company in it, which also has some value.

More importantly, the contract stipulates that DreamWorks has the priority investment and signing rights for Spielberg and other Big Three.

In other words, if DreamWorks wants to make movies in the future, Spielberg and other big three must give priority to signing with DreamWorks.

Or if Spielberg wants to make a movie, DreamWorks has the right to invest first.

Of course, in terms of price and remuneration, it is necessary to follow market rules.

Spielberg's directing ability, and the working ability of the other two giants.

That's part of DreamWorks' values.

It all adds up to make it worth $13 billion today.

If these channels, animation companies and music companies are deducted.

There is also the ability of the Big Three.

For the Hollywood giants, Dreamworks is basically worthless.

After this important matter is settled, the atmosphere of the following chat will be much more relaxed.

Abe also waved Derek Wright and Scarlett Johansson over.

Let Scarlett, hand over the paperwork to Spielberg and David Geffen.

"This is the transaction contract. Please take a look at it. If there is no problem, I will hand it over to your lawyer. I hope to complete the transaction within a week." Abel said with a smile.

By this time.

Derek Wright and Scarlett.

Only then did I realize that the document sent over was the document for MGM's acquisition of DreamWorks.

Derek Wright is okay, but Scarlett feels a little dreamy.

DreamWorks changed hands and was acquired by MGM.

This kind of super earthquake in the entertainment industry, the source of its shock was actually in my hands just now.

This gave Scarlett a great sense of participation, as if she had also become a big shot in Hollywood.

Spielberg looked at the contract and saw nothing wrong.

The big director planned to take it away and show it to his lawyer.

Besides, Spielberg is still a little uncomfortable with the "betrayal" of David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg at the moment.

The big director doesn't want to be here and continues to face Abel and David Geffen.

Spielberg added:
"I want to take it home and have my lawyer look at it for me. Try to sign the contract as soon as possible, is that all right, Mr. Smith?"

Abel raised his hand, "Please."

Spielberg stood up, took the contract and nodded to Abel and David Geffen, and when he was about to leave, he nodded to Scarlett and Derek Wright as a greeting.

This made Scarlett a little excited again.

Spielberg, super director, say hello to her!
Xiaomengxin, who has a complete status in the circle, has no resistance when facing the boss.

David Geffen did not leave, he and Abel had long been friends.

During the yacht trip held by Ovitz last time, the two of them got in touch pretty well.

David Geffen looked at Derek Wright and Scarlett, and said to Abel:

"It won't bother you, will it?"

Abel shook his head, it's not that he doesn't know why Derek Wright and Scarlett came here.

At this time, Scarlett was so young, her face was not even fully opened.

In addition to the figure is very beyond the age, the scale is very large.

There is no parallel time and space, the appearance of the widow sister with a height of 1.6 meters and an aura of 1.8 meters.

If it is not suitable, he intends to raise it first and then eat it.

At this time, it is more important to win over David Geffen.

"David." Abel said softly:

"Jeffrey will continue to run DreamWorks Animation. Spielberg will continue to make his movies. What are your plans?"

David Geffen's ability and character are very good.

This is a dare in LGBT not ZZZQ at all.

Even in ZZ's wrong era, an oily person who announced his sexual orientation.

He is one of the most profitable people in Hollywood with investment vision.

More importantly, David Geffen is very good at music.

And Abel's current media layout is in the middle.

There are even TV stations, but there is no reliable music or record company.

He originally wanted to acquire a ready-made company, but he never found a suitable target.

This time I just bought DreamWorks, and DreamWorks has its own music company.

I have a good relationship with David Geffen.

Abel's idea was to fool David Geffen over.

Let him help himself to support and develop Dreamworks' music company or record company first.

In fact, according to the contract just now, David Geffen is the same as Spielberg.

As long as the DreamWorks label is still there, David will continue to work for DreamWorks.

In other words, when Abel bought DreamWorks, he didn't just buy DreamWorks itself.

There are also the souls that make up DreamWorks, three powerful Hollywood bosses.

Including David Geffen, according to the market price, DreamWorks has the priority to sign and invest in the three of them.

Unless the label of DreamWorks ceases to exist one day, this right will continue forever.

The limit is 20 years.

This is one of the reasons why the value of DreamWorks will be as high as 13 billion US dollars.

"If you need me. Or DreamWorks needs. Then I will continue to be my producer." David Geffen said.

This is his forte.

"If you or DreamWorks don't need me, then I might go buy a newspaper and try to be a newspaper tycoon."

David Geffen in an alternate time and space.

After DreamWorks was sold.

He really went off to be his newspaper tycoon.

At first David Geffen offered $20 billion for the Los Angeles Times.

The latter has been slow to accept the offer and is in talks with other sellers about a takeover.The acquisition plan came to an end.

Later, David Geffen bought a large amount of "New York Times" stock, but this acquisition also encountered twists and turns.

The Sulzberger Family Inn was unwilling to let go, and eager buyers lined up.

David Geffen has no hope of success.

"How about helping me?" Abel said with a smile:
"How about being the person in charge of the music sector in my media group? I know you are an excellent record producer, a true music emperor."

David Geffen looked hesitant.

It is true that David Geffen had achieved great success in the music and record industry in his early years.

But now he has no interest in music.

It's just that David Geffen pays more attention to Abel as a friend, and Abel is the highest among his friends.

Plus David Geffen still has a contract with DreamWorks there.

After thinking about it, David Geffen replied softly:
"Yes, but I would like a time limit. Three years. No, five years."

"I've only worked for your music company for five years, and during that time, I can have my own business."

"Of course."

David Geffen emphatically assured: "I will never delay the development of your music company. How?"

"No problem, deal." Abel smiled and shook hands with him.

In this way, Abel felt that his own music territory could begin to develop.

David Geffen said:
"DreamWorks' music company is just a small label. Before that, it mainly did film soundtracks, as well as dubbing and music for cartoons."

"If you want to expand the scale and enter the record industry, you need to continue to recruit staff, add new equipment and new office space."

"You are a professional in this area." Abel said directly:

"I'm going to separate DreamWorks Music and inject another $[-] million into it."

"Then I'm fine," David Geffen said with a smile.

"David, do you have any ideas for developing a music company?" Abel said softly.

"Find new singers and open up new channels." David Geffen replied:
"Of course. You are so rich, if you want, we can go dig Jackson, Madonna or Britney."

Abel nodded, and he also understood the truth.

In fact, to put it bluntly, a new music label appeared.

It's nothing more than digging out newcomers or digging out big names.

It is these two, it is not so easy to dig.

Finding newcomers requires a certain amount of luck and foresight.

To dig out big names requires a lot of small money.

Few people can do the former, and few people can do the latter.

But in comparison, the latter is easier to do.

At least as long as you have money, you can poach any big guy.

But if you have money, you may not be able to find good new singers.

But Abel is different from others.

Abel said to David Geffen, "David, have you ever heard of Arista Records in New York?"

David Geffen thought for a while, and said uncertainly: "It seems that there is such a company, it is a small record company."

Abel nodded and said:

"I was in New York before, and by chance, I heard this demo from Arista Records, a young undebuted singer. I think it sounds very good, maybe I can buy it and dig this potential newcomer over. "

David Geffen didn't think Abel had much musical scouting ability, or the ability to appreciate music.

But Arista Records is just a nice little record company.

According to David Geffen's plan, Music DreamWorks itself also needs to acquire and annex the labels of several small and medium-sized record companies in order to expand its scale and channels as soon as possible.

The acquisition of Arista Records is also within an acceptable range.

At the same time, to meet Abel's small request, David Geffen thinks it is very simple.

David Geffen nodded and said, "I will get someone to contact Arista Records as soon as possible."

Abel smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

As a reborn.

Of the American singers, Abe only remembers two.

One is Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift.

The other one is Avril Lavigne.

Taylor Swift, Abel only vaguely remembers that she was born in 89.

At most eleven or twelve years old now, it is impossible to debut at such a young age.

This made him want to find it, but he couldn't find it in a short time.

But Avril Lavigne appears to be in New York.

In the encyclopedia he read before his rebirth, the name of Avril Lavigne was also mentioned.

At that time, he glanced at it roughly, and then forgot about it.

Even after rebirth, the memory of his previous life became particularly clear.

It is like a file stored on a computer hard drive.

As long as he can remember things before rebirth.

In this life, he can also recall it very clearly.

Taylor is too young, but Avril Lavigne is already sixteen or seventeen years old.

Should be able to find it.

(End of this chapter)