I’m in Hollywood

Michael Eisner, who was sitting in a high-end coffee shop in Beverly, glanced at his watch again. There were still five minutes before the appointed time, but his face was already showing a look of impatience.

He's been fidgeting these days. Disney lost hundreds of millions of dollars in consecutive film failures last summer, and none of the movies released at the end of the year have achieved much success. Throughout 1990, if it weren't for Disneyland and branded product sales to make up for the losses, Disney would likely have posted its first loss since his tenure.

However, even though the balance of payments was barely maintained, some shareholders still began to accuse him of monopolizing the power of Disney and single-handedly shot down Eric Williams, thus ending the good cooperation between Disney and Firefly.

Of course, Michael Eisner would not admit his remorse to others. If he had known that such a situation would result, he would certainly not have been such an early bird. But it is useless to say these now. After he expressed his reconciliation to Eric through Human Ghosts, it was only in exchange that Firefly was not openly hostile to Disney, but the cooperation between the two parties was out of the question.

Although he has complete control of Disney's board of directors, Michael Eisner is very clear that this absolute dominance is based on the fact that he can make enough profits for Disney shareholders.

Only if Disney can bring a steady stream of profit to shareholders, there will be no situation in which shareholders unite against him in a company with very scattered owners.

Occasionally one or two shareholders jumped out to pick on him, and it would not have any impact on him, not even those from the Disney family. Therefore, he will only be sitting here today. And rarely arrive earlier than others.

Before I knew it, five minutes had passed, and a waiter finally led Robert Shea to this table. Michael Eisner let himself show a warm smile, shook hands with Robert Shea, and two People sit opposite.

I'm so sorry. Michael, I've come across something that's a bit late, Robert Shea said to Michael Eisner after ordering a cup of coffee.

Michael Eisner still had a smile on his face and said, It's okay. Robert, and you're not late.

The two chatted briefly, the waiter quickly served coffee, and Robert Shea slowly added a few pieces of candy to himself, looking leisurely. It doesn't seem to have any intention of negotiating business affairs, and the attitude of taking a posture is obvious.

He has had a really good life these days. After getting through the resentment of being kicked out by Firefly, because he has the script of Cutthroat Island snatched from Eric, Robert Shea found himself better than when he was Firefly. Wanting the scenery, the seven major film companies lowered their stance to show their affection to him, hoping to cooperate with him to develop the Cutthroat Island project.

Robert Shea certainly thought about making Cutthroat Island independently, but he invested in such a large film. Distribution is not that simple.

Losing the new line, with the little connections he has now, it is impossible to support the release of a big-budget movie like Cutthroat Island. Unless he is willing to accumulate a few years of patience. Otherwise, relying on the seven distribution channels is inevitable.

But out of the resentment of being kicked out of Firefly, Robert Shea was eager to make a comeback, and of course, he also used Cut Throat Island to disgust Eric, so he has decided to cooperate with the Seven, and he has been working on it these days. The seven senior executives shuttled around, hoping to use this chip in their hands to strive for the best interests for themselves.

Michael Eisner looked at Robert Shay who was holding his posture. A sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he stabbed without a trace: I heard that the kid went to New York again.

Of course Robert Shea knew who Michael Eisner was referring to. His expression became gloomy: It must have been because of this oil price fluctuation again, maybe I made some money last time. This time I want to make a fortune. Young people, they are always ignorant, not only did they refuse hfpa (Hollywood Foreign Press Association) invited guests to present awards. He didn't even attend the Golden Globe Awards this year. He must have offended hfpa this time. It will not be so easy for Firefly's films to win awards in the future. matter.

Michael Eisner doesn't particularly care about the Golden Globes and Oscars. MGM has more than 150 Oscar trophies, ranking first among all film companies. It is not half-dead now.

Only those second- and third-tier small companies care about the profit dividends brought by the Golden Globes and Oscars. From this, it can be seen that Robert Shea's vision is still limited to what level. Michael Eisner suddenly felt that Eric made the right choice to kick Robert Shea out of the Fireflies.

Sooner or later, that kid will take care of himself, Robert, let's talk about Cutthroat Island now, Michael Eisner said bluntly.

Robert Shea put down the coffee in his hand and cheered up: Let's talk about Disney's conditions first, Michael, I am still very inclined to cooperate with Disney, but you also need to come up with conditions that make my heart move.

Michael Eisner said: Forty-six percent, including all investments in investment and distribution, you account for forty percent and Disney for sixty percent. Of course, you can also get this percentage of income.

Robert Shea felt incredible for a while, looked at Michael Eisner's serious expression, and sneered: Are you kidding me, Michael, don't say I'm forty-six, even fifty-five, I won't agree. Yes. I'm so sorry, I think I should leave, everyone's time is precious.

What are you doing in such a hurry, Robert, why don't you listen to me, Michael Eisner waved to Robert Shea with a half-smile.

Aware of Michael Eisner's unusual expression, Robert Shea hesitated for a moment, then sat back.

Michael Eisner continued: Let's talk about The Ghost Story first. At the beginning, Eric Williams said that apart from him, if the script is placed in the hands of others, it is unlikely to succeed. I didn't believe it at first, but after the release of Human Ghost, I found out that what he said was not wrong. If it weren't for the tear-jerking oh,my- soundtrack, the grade of this movie would have dropped by more than one level. The box office will definitely shrink significantly. Besides him, with other directors or composers, the chances of linking this classic old song from decades ago to Human Ghost are infinitely equal to zero.

Does this have anything to do with what we're talking about today? Robert Shea asked impatiently.

Michael Eisner nodded, looked at Robert Shea with bright eyes, and said confidently: Of course, do you know why I'm not as eager as other film companies, but only contact you now?

Robert Shea instinctively had a strong sense of unpleasantness, and asked a little stumblingly: Why...why? (To be continued)