Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Paramount CEO gets Fox job!"

The front page of the business news in today's New York Times is the news that former Paramount Chairman and CEO Barry Diller resigned and went to work for 20th Century Fox.

The report listed many popular movies that Diller shot during his time at Paramount, such as "Ordinary People", "Indiana Jones", "Flashdance" and so on.

This time he resigned not only from Paramount, but also from the president of Paramount's parent company Gulf Western, and a series of concurrent positions such as Simon \u0026 Schuster Publishing.

The compensation for giving up all this is his transcendent status in 20th Century Fox. Fox's boss, oil tycoon Marvin Davis, will give Barry Diller a junior partner position, at least 10% of the shares, and an annual salary of no less than 2.5 million US dollars at Paramount.

Barry Diller will take up his new position on September 30th.

Michael Eisner, the 42-year-old president of Paramount, and Jeff Katzenberg, the 33-year-old production director, flew to New York this afternoon to meet with Martin Davis, president of Paramount's parent company Overseas Western.

They are the two most likely candidates to succeed Barry Diller. Although Gulf Western said that Barry Diller's position and responsibilities are likely to be taken over by multiple different people, Paramount is also seeking to reshuffle the senior management positions.

Martin Davis said that the new management will be released in the near future. And he also said that before Monday night, he had not heard that Barry Diller intended to resign.

"Mr. Eisner is now busy trying to get more power games in the high-level reshuffle. He will discuss your new movie with you as soon as he takes over as CEO."

The agent Niceta conveyed Eisner's thoughts. Barry Diller's resignation was sudden, and he and Katzenberg were a little unprepared. The most important thing now is to get the approval of Martin Davis, president of Gulf Western.

There are also rumors that Katzenberg wants to go to the newly established Tri-Star as president, and Eisner is trying to persuade him to stay with him at Paramount.

"I didn't expect their executives to have such high salaries." Ronald was very interested in the annual salary of Diller, the former president of Paramount, as disclosed in the newspaper. His annual salary plus bonus was actually $2.5 million. After going to Fox, he also got 10% of the shares. These executives, who do nothing but sit and get paid, are the easiest people to make money in this industry.

"Hey, your income is also very outstanding among directors." Niceta said very happily. He drove Ronald to Cannon Company in person. Today was the day when Minahan notified the first "Break Dance" dividend.

"Our movie, Break Dance, has already exceeded 75 million in the box office in the American market alone. Facts have proved that our Cannon can make a lot of money in the film business!" Minahan waved his hand violently!

"Ahhhh!" The employees shouted happily.

Entering the Cannon's office, I heard Minahan holding a staff meeting. Minahan was on the stage in the screening room, holding a microphone, announcing the good news to the employees loudly and happily.

"We will give everyone a special bonus soon. In the coming days, we will shoot more and better movies. We will also strive for Oscar and Golden Globe nominations."

"Pa pa pa" The employees heard the bonus and applauded quickly.

"Next, we will go two ways. On the one hand, we will shoot more commercial blockbusters. We have found Bruce Lee's partner, Chuck Norris, to continue shooting commercial films. On the other hand, we have also found Andrei Goncharovsky to shoot art films..."

Minahan chattered to the employees for twenty minutes, and he finally saw Ronald arrived. He handed the microphone to his subordinates and happily took Ronald to the meeting room.

"Your accountant has arrived, Lawrence, Lawrence," Minahan called the name of Ronald's accountant who arrived earlier.

"Have you completed the account verification?"

"I have completed it," Lawrence said with a smile. This time, the dividends were more than he expected.

Up to now, the total box office in America is just over 75 million, and it is expected to exceed 80 million US dollars.

Excluding the 37 million box office released by MGM, Cannon Pictures' own distribution has nearly 40 million.

The total gross profit belonging to the producer and distributor is about 30 million. Then deduct the distribution fee taken by MGM, the copy production fee of Cannon Pictures, and the marketing material fee on the spot. The final profit available for distribution is 15 million.

According to the director's contract, Ronald can get 10%, which is 1.5 million US dollars in dividends.

This part of the money is just the profit on the account. It will take until next year to recover all the box office revenue. Minahan certainly will not let this excessively long account period hinder his investment in other movies.

He took a low-interest loan of 10 million US dollars from a Belgian bank with this part of the income as collateral. Today is the first dividend distribution. Ronald can get half of the total dividend, which is $750,000.

In addition, the overseas sales of "Breakdance" are encouraging, because breakdance appeared in the closing ceremony of the Olympics, and more than 200 million viewers around the world were fascinated by this dance. Many countries have purchased a lot of copies of the film.

According to the pre-agreed share ratio, Ronald can get 1% of the income from the sale of all overseas copies, which is 400,000 US dollars.

Ronald was overjoyed with the total income of US$1.15 million. It was the first time he ever made more than $1 million from a movie in one go.

"Your friend Miss Jodie Foster has called. I asked her to come for the audition. We still follow the old rules and let Goncharowski make his own decision. In addition, the filming of the sequel to Breakdancing has been completed. Do you want it? Come and take a look?" Minahan had just enjoyed Ronald's happiness of counting money, so he didn't ask him to talk anymore. After explaining a few words, he ordered the driver to send Ronald and his group back.

He quickly wrote checks to his agent, accountant, lawyer and others. He still had more than 900,000 US dollars left, and Ronald felt that he could indulge himself a little.

"I want to buy a house in Los Angeles so that I don't have to rent a house when I have social gatherings."

"Haha, it's easy to buy a house in Los Angeles, but it's not so easy to buy a house where you can invite people in your circle to have a party." Niceta explained to Ronald with a smile.

In Hollywood, luxury homes are mainly distributed in three areas. One is the traditional Beverly Hills, where since the 1920s, the most powerful people have gathered in mansions. The richer the people, the closer they live to the top of the mountain.

The second area is Malibu. In addition to the typical sunny beaches of Southern California, there are also many strange rocks. It is an ideal choice for celebrities' vacation homes. Many people go there for vacation in the summer, but it is not suitable for year-round living.

The third area is mainly a gathering place for singles on Mulholland Drive. It's also famous for its wild parties. But since golden bachelors like Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, and Marlon Brando set the trend, housing prices here have also been driven up.

The cheapest small building in the three areas, suitable for parties, costs more than one million US dollars.

It's not that Ronald can't afford it, but he's not willing to invest all his money in such a luxury house, nor is he willing to take out a mortgage. Instead, I want to use it to invest in film production, or simply buy some stocks and earn dividends.

"Well, I'll continue to rent. Find me a big house that is convenient for parties, with at least three living rooms, a three-car garage and a driver's house. The lawn, swimming pool, and tennis court must also be sound."

Niceta made an OK gesture to show that she understood, "Three garages? Are you planning to buy a new car?"

"Yes, Bud, my driver in New York, will be here soon. I want a good and suitable car with a car phone in the back and one where you can read and write in it. Driving by yourself is a waste of time."

"Then Mercedes-Benz is best for you. It has all the facilities you mentioned, the price is not very expensive, and the quality of German products is guaranteed," Niceta said. "With three garages, you still need to buy one." A sports car?"

Hollywood stars, actors, and directors often buy a sports car as the first thing they do.

"Yeah, I want to see a Ferrari." Ronald remembered Jane Morgan's teachings. He couldn't let others look down on him, and he had to have a sports car worthy of his status.

"Welcome to Ferrari", a silver-haired salesman stopped Ronald and Niceta. He saw the two people's handmade suits and the Armani boat shoes on their feet, and he had a rough idea of ​​what model this customer could afford.

"Please let me recommend this 308 to you," he said, leading Ronald to an open-top Ferrari.

"This 308 was once used as the main character's car in the TV series Magnu P.I., so Ferrari enthusiasts also call her Magnu P.I.. Starring Tom Selleck himself also drives this 308."

Ronald opened the door and got in. The driver's seat was slightly smaller.

The silver-haired salesperson helped him adjust the seat, "This is a compact Ferrari and the most suitable one for entry-level people. It is equipped with a 2.9-displacement V8 engine."

The salesperson turned on the headlights. The 308 has hidden headlights. The headlights popped out from the front of the car. He got into the passenger seat and said to Ronald, "Try?"

Ronald followed suit and drove out.

The engine screamed loudly, and Ronald drove around on the road, turned off the engine, and got out of the car.

"Do you have a bigger one?" Ronald felt that the driver's seat was not very comfortable. The price of this car

.

At more than thirty-five thousand US dollars, it is indeed very entry-level, and it is also well-known. It is of high quality and low price. Unfortunately, the space in the driver's seat was too small, making it uncomfortable for him to drive.

"Of course, look at this car"

The silver-haired salesman thought that Ronald disliked the car's small displacement, and immediately introduced him to the latest Ferrari Testarossa.

This car has air intakes on both sides, and there is a shark fin-shaped air intake behind the door.

"The 4.9-displacement V12 engine can accelerate from 100 kilometers to 100 kilometers in just six seconds. It is also the car of Don Simpson, the protagonist of another TV series "Miai Vice."

Ronald looked around the Testarossa. This car was larger than the 308 just now. The engine was a classic mid-mounted configuration. The whole car was square and full of power.

After sitting on it, the driver's seat was very spacious. Ronald turned the key and started the ignition and took a test drive. The power of this car is much better than before, and the sound is very wild. Ronald was a little unsure at first, but he quickly adapted and drove very well.

"This car is a bit too big and too muscular." Ronald drove the car back to the original spot. The engine of this car was very noisy when it was driven. If you open the window, you can't hear it clearly from the passenger seat.

In addition, the straight lines at the front and rear were completely inconsistent with the streamlined design of traditional Ferrari cars like a female body, and Ronald was a little hesitant.

"Are there any models in between?"

The silver-haired salesman shook his head slowly. Although this person was personable, he was obviously an outsider in sports cars. For him, a 308 might be the most cost-effective option for him to go out with dignity. This Testarossa sells for 67,000, which is a waste in the hands of people who don’t know how to appreciate it.

Any good engine or good design will be wasted in the hands of celebrities who don't understand cars.

"Vince, let this gentleman take a look at that parallel-imported car." The owner of the dealership came out from behind. He recognized Niceta, a client who could be accompanied by this CAA gold medal agent. It must be a big deal. Since he doesn't like these two cars, why not show him the car that was put aside after the customer went bankrupt after it was introduced.

"Okay, please follow me," the silver-haired salesman said with a look of pain on his face. It was specially designed and manufactured by Ferrari to participate in road GT events.

When we reached the corner behind, there was a red Ferrari parked quietly.

"Isn't this the same as the 308?" Ronald looked at the front face, which also had hidden headlights. Behind the door are two air intakes, where the body narrows like a woman's waist.

"No, he is unique." The silver-haired salesman stepped forward, opened the car door, and inserted the key. Then ask Ronald to come in and test the car.

Turning the key gently, Ronald heard a soft engine sound, as if a girl was speaking softly.

Extraordinary indeed. Ronald started the car and turned on the headlights. Opened slowly. The appearance of the front air intake of this car is somewhat similar to that of the 308, but the air intakes on both sides are much larger. Moreover, the sound of the engine is very soft, which is different from the sharp 308 and the violent Testarossa.

As soon as he stepped on the accelerator, Ronald felt a difference. The car's accelerator response was very quick, and the engine sound was very soft, as if it didn't bother to reveal its power at this speed. Ronald continued to step on the accelerator.

"Woo..." The low engine is like a lady, humming softly with ease.

"I'm very satisfied. How much does this car cost?" Ronald drove the car back and asked the silver-haired salesman.

"This is Ferrari GTO288. Only more than 200 were built in the world."

The silver-haired salesperson stroked her gently, "Equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. There is also an air-to-air intercooler, which uses fuel injection. It is a longitudinal installation mode configured in a racing car, leaving room for the transmission rearward, so Wider tires can be installed for faster speeds.

Let me tell you, this is America’s fastest street-legal vehicle. Because only two hundred were built, they did not meet America's standards for imported cars and had to be imported in parallel by the company in the name of one car exclusively as a European property.

It happened that the owner's company that made the reservation went bankrupt and he had only been here for a few days. It was expected that it would be snapped up soon. "

"Okay, how much?" Ronald was inexplicably fond of this GTO288. Perhaps it was the gentle yet powerful feeling that resonated with him.

"The original price is US$85,000. After all the import procedures have been completed, the total is US$95,000. If you have a company, you can go through the transfer procedures immediately." The store owner came over and said.

"Is it too expensive?" Niceta knew that Ronald didn't spend much money on toys, so she wanted to bargain.

"It's her." Ronald liked it more and more. He took out his checkbook, signed it and handed it over.

"Please wait a moment, let me confirm." The shop owner took the check and went to the backstage to call the bank to confirm.

"This is a beauty that needs a strong man to appreciate and a man with control to control her well." The silver-haired salesman came over to shake hands with Ronald and congratulate him on his vision.

"I will treat her well," Ronald nodded.

－－－－－－Digression－－－－－

Something delayed me today

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