America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM

Chapter 328 326. The six major alliances collapsed!

"I'm leaving first. Please help me take care of everyone and have fun."

"Are you kidding me? This is a big party. You are the protagonist. We are all waiting for you to take the lead."

"I won't take the lead today. I will arrange some little stars for everyone next time when there is a chance."

"Besides, I am not used to eating takeout. My family can't serve me well."

"So you are afraid of getting dirty. Don't worry about that. They don't accept everyone. They are guaranteed to be healthy and nothing will happen."

"Forget it. You may not be able to let go if I am here. So, I have to visit someone."

"Visit? You actually use this word. It seems that the other party has a great background."

"Haha. His last name is Adams."

"Adams, which Adams?"

"The Adams who drafted the Declaration of Independence."

"Gudong! Okay, I won't delay your business. I thank you on behalf of everyone."

"Well, have fun."

After saying goodbye to Sergey, Eric continued to John Adams's house.

He came to New York this time to attend Hasbro's shareholders meeting.

The popularity of "Iron Man" and "Captain America" ​​directly made Marvel peripherals a hot commodity.

According to Eric's instructions, a large number of goods produced in advance were almost sold out, and the sales performance was so good that the money earned was more than in the past year.

In addition to the various authorizations of MGM some time ago, Hasbro has been quite comfortable in the past few months, and the stock price has been rising every day.

As long as there is money to be made, everyone is willing to follow you.

Those who originally surrendered on the surface but were not convinced in their hearts gradually lost their opinions.

After these people stabilized, the communication and interaction between Hasbro and Double Star Entertainment became much smoother.

Now a talent flow mechanism has been established between the middle and low levels of both parties, and this mechanism will sooner or later be extended to the top level.

Since the positioning of the two companies is similar, integrating resources is the kingly way.

After Double Star Entertainment goes public in a while, it will be time to enter a deeper integration.

Because he had said hello in advance, John Adams waited for Eric at home.

When he saw him, the middle-aged man immediately smiled and came over to hug Eric, with an indescribable enthusiasm.

You ask why?

Of course, it was because Lionheart Network gave him a lot of dividends.

John Adams helped Eric solve network problems in exchange for 5% of the shares.

As Lionheart Network expanded, this 5% of the shares could bring him tens of millions of dollars in income every month.

What would be your attitude towards someone who gave you tens of millions every month?

After the servant left, John Adams asked, "What is it that requires you to come in person? It must not be a trivial matter like filming."

"It is related, but it is not. However, it will be very beneficial for future filming if it is done."

"Go ahead."

"Well, do you know the Paramount Act?"

John Adams shook his head: "I only know about Paramount Films."

"This act was born in the last century, almost 60 years ago."

"In Hollywood at that time, big companies had almost absolute power of life and death, not only over directors, screenwriters and actors, but even over the audience."

"Wait, what about the unions?"

"Unions exist, but their influence is far less than it is today. In the final analysis, it is because big companies can control the power of filming and screening at the same time."

"You mean the cinema."

"Yes, at that time, theaters and film and television companies were integrated. It was not until the Ministry of Justice introduced a new bill that forced the separation of film and television companies and theaters that the film and television industry structure you see today was born. That new bill is the Paramount Act."

John Adams nodded : "OK, what do you want to do?"

"I hope to repeal the Paramount Act. To be precise, it's not me who wants it, but several of our big companies all want it."

"Things are different now. In the 1990s, Hollywood was invincible and had no rivals in the world, but it's different now."

"The whole world is developing, and governments are paying more and more attention to the film and television industry."

"Although the film and television industry is insignificant in terms of box office benefits, its output of ideology and culture is stronger than missiles and cannons."

"As opponents become stronger, Hollywood's business becomes more and more difficult."

"Especially now that production costs are constantly increasing, a movie can easily cost tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars. Such costs were unimaginable in the past."

"However, compared with the increasing production costs, the profits obtained by film and television companies are declining year by year."

"We have to negotiate with theaters, censorship agencies of various countries, and taxation, and we are constrained by too many departments and clauses."

"John, do you know what system China implements?"

John Adams shook his head slightly.

"MGM established a branch there two years ago. China originally allowed theaters to participate in production, just like Hollywood in the last century."

"Others are making progress, but we are regressing. I predict that within ten years, Hollywood's advantages will be gradually caught up. We need reform."

"Reintegrate the resources of film and television companies and theaters, reduce costs and increase efficiency. This is the best way out in the future."

After Eric finished speaking, John Adams nodded and looked embarrassed: "It's not that simple to repeal a bill. It will affect many people's cake."

"To put it bluntly, the three major cinema chains will definitely oppose it. You are stealing their jobs."

"Besides that, I have a question for you, Eric."

"You say."

"Who is the current president?"

"Bush Jr., he was just re-elected last month, what's wrong?"

"Whose interests does Bush Jr. represent?"

"The Republican Party, wait, okay, I understand what you mean."

"Yes, most people in Hollywood have always been loyal supporters of the Democratic Party. Not everyone is like you who only cares about making money."

"Imagine that a few months ago, the group of stars representing Hollywood were still cheering for our president's opponents. Now you want him to repeal the bill. Is it possible?"

"If it were me, I wouldn't agree either." Eric sighed.

Unexpectedly, John Adams suddenly changed the subject: "That's right, but it's not completely impossible. It depends on how much sincerity you are willing to show."

"How much money is needed? As long as it is a problem that can be solved with money, it is not a problem."

John Adams laughed and said, "Money is only one aspect. What's more important is that you need to stand on the side."

"Huh? You don't want me to join the Republican Party, do you?"

"That's not the point. The point is the midterm elections in two years."

"Although Bush Jr. has been re-elected, the Democratic Party now holds a majority of seats in Congress."

"In the midterm elections in two years, if you can help the Republican Party, as long as you can win."

"After taking over Congress, whether it is amended or abolished, a Paramount Act is not a problem."

Hearing this, Eric frowned.

He has always wanted to avoid participating in the party disputes in the United States.

Has no one approached him?

Of course, his father, Charlie Cooper, is a member of the Democratic Party, but Eric has never been involved in these things.

Although he knew that he would not be able to escape sooner or later, he did not expect that it would arrive in this way, and it was still the Republican Party.

"Eric, in fact, someone has approached me a long time ago. They know the relationship between you and me and hope that I will come forward to persuade you, but I did not agree."

"Why?"

"Some people hope to use the influence of Facebook to achieve their own goals. In the past, everyone's attention was focused on television and newspapers, but the emergence of Facebook has given many people new ways of thinking."

"There is also Lionheart. Through multiple live broadcasts, Lionheart can attract tens of millions of people online at the same time on hot events. Do you understand how many political resources are contained in it?"

"Although I am also a shareholder of Lionheart, I am only responsible for dividends and never interfere in other matters."

"But if you are willing to show sincerity, many things can be solved easily, understand?"

Eric nodded, he is not a fool.

And from the situation in later generations, especially during the Golden Retriever period, Twitter's governance is obvious to all, and social media, elections, and politics have long been indistinguishable.

But in theory, it is actually more in line with one's own interests to support the Democratic Party.

But it will take at least four years for the Democratic Party to take power during the Obama era.

But then the problem arises again. Even if I join the Democratic Party now, I am still a newcomer.

The three major cinema chains are old customers with good relations with the Democratic Party for many years. When I want to amend the bill, whether it can pass is another matter.

"John, I have never known which party you belong to?"

"Sorry, it is not accurate to say that. The military cannot stand on the side, but I want to know which side you support in your heart?"

John Adams smiled playfully: "I don't support any side, and I don't need to do so, but if you want to ask the Adams family."

"We are spread across all walks of life, and we have long been integrated into every important field of the country."

"In other words, we support both sides and help whichever side is stronger."

"Sitting on the fence?"

"No, if you are weak and still hesitate, this behavior is called sitting on the fence."

"But if you are strong enough , this is called going with the flow. "

"So do you think I should take this bus two years later, or take that bus four years later?"

"Hahaha, why bother? You don't think that because you helped the Republicans win the midterm elections, the Democrats will not tolerate you, will retaliate against you? Will they attack you?"

"If you have this idea, you have already put yourself in the position of a weak person."

"Eric, you are a businessman. In essence, helping anyone is doing business. Just take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen yourself."

"When you become powerful, others will only be eager to do business with you. Who will take the initiative to offend you?"

"It's very clear at this point.

"Well, you help me smooth the relationship first. Just ask for the money you need."

"My first move is to acquire Warner Bros., and I will definitely face antitrust investigations at that time. This is the first cooperation."

John Adams stretched: "Wait for my news. By the way, when do you plan to go public on Lionheart Network?"

"The specific time is not determined, but it is expected to be at least a year later. I am used to making the basics solid before moving forward."

"OK, anyway, I don't care about operations."

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Time flies. It has been a week since the meeting in Santa Monica.

Eric didn't know what the six companies did and talked about after he left.

But the good news is that Paramount and Universal have contacted him privately.

Brad Grey cursed Michael Aeneas and Barry Meyer on the phone.

The reason was about the cooperation plan they proposed. Lionheart Network gave up 40% of the shares, Disney wanted 15%, Warner wanted 10%, and the remaining four companies shared 15%.

Paramount also knew that its strength was the weakest. If there was only this plan in front of it, it would have no objection.

But Eric's plan was 7.5% for each company, a two-fold gap.

This is not a gap, it is a generation gap!

Is there any need to choose? You know what to do with your ass.

So Brad Grey made a request. As long as Eric lends him an interest-free loan and lets him pay off the debt owed to Disney, Paramount will immediately cut ties with the other party.

Anything that can be solved with money is not a problem. It's just a few hundred million, which is nothing to Eric now.

Just lend Paramount a sum from Lionheart Network's account.

It's near the end of February. In a few days, it will be the Grammy Awards Ceremony, and after the Grammys, it will be the Oscars.

The four major awards in the American entertainment industry, after these two ceremonies ended, the summary of the entire 2004 came to an end.

And at the last moment, Paramount suddenly issued an announcement.

"Looking back on the past year, Hollywood has experienced the most chaotic period in history."

"We are caught in endless malicious competition, which not only brings a bad experience to the audience, but also seriously affects the livelihoods of directors, screenwriters, actors and other practitioners."

"This kind of competition is obviously unhealthy and unsustainable, and it also affects the development of the entire film and television industry."

"So Paramount decided to withdraw from this unfair competition relationship and re-cooperate with MGM, especially in the construction of streaming media platforms. Increase exchanges."

As soon as Paramount's announcement was released, MGM and Lionheart Network responded positively to the matter and expressed warm welcome.

Less than an hour later, Universal also followed up with an announcement.

Not only do they want to strengthen exchanges in streaming media, but they are also willing to sell the copyrights of the Hulk and Namor back to Marvel.

Marvel naturally agreed with both hands and shouted "Long live Dad" in their hearts.

At the same time, it was announced that the film and television adaptation of Hulk would be explored and related personal movies would be launched as soon as possible.

I don’t know if the determination of Paramount and Universal stimulated Sony and Fox.

After the announcement was issued, Eric quickly received calls from the two companies.

That night, Sony and Fox also issued similar announcements in succession.

Following Eric’s advice, the two parties decided to jointly develop the copyrights of superheroes such as Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool.

Although fans don’t understand what this joint development means, it’s a good thing anyway.

At this point, Operation Rio declared bankruptcy and the six major alliances collapsed!