hunt hollywood

Before cooperating with Wes Craven on "Death Comes", Simon knew that he had directed a not-so-successful "The Girl Next Door" for Warner Bros. last year, but he did not expect that the screenwriter of this film would be Bruce Joy Robin.

There may not be many people who know Bruce Joy Robin, but there should be few people who don't know "Ghostly Love".

Bruce Joy Robin is the screenwriter of "Ghost Story".

Released in 1990 in the original time and space, "The Love of Ghosts" not only became one of the most tear-jerking romance films in history, but also grossed 2200 million US dollars at the global box office with a production cost of 5 million US dollars. Nominated for a series of awards such as the film, the film is definitely a good harvest for word-of-mouth box office awards.

Simon had tried to find the whereabouts of Bruce Joy Robin before, but to no avail. Now he did not expect to meet him by such a coincidence.

This might not be a coincidence either.

After all, the circle of Hollywood is still too small.Many people you are interested in may be close at hand, but you just haven't noticed it yet.

Thinking about whether he should attend more social parties in the future, after sitting down, Simon completely restrained the surprise in his heart just now, and discussed the matter of "Scream" with everyone as usual, and at the same time unknowingly brought the topic to In the direction you want.

Several people chatted for a while, and hearing Simon's doubts about his ability, Bruce Joy Robin distinguished: "Simon, the box office performance of "The Girl Next Door" is indeed not satisfactory, but the script is based on a novel. I think I And Weiss have done their best within the creative framework given by the studio."

"So," Simon looked at Bruce Joy Robin, and said, "Bruce, do you have any other scripts, ideas? Although I have provided the outline of the story of "Scream", I still hope that Screenwriters themselves can be creative enough."

Bruce Joy Robin nodded and said, "Of course."

Simon raised his hand and said, "Tell me."

Bruce Joy Robin pondered for a moment, and said: "I watched "The Prince's Revenge" a few years ago, and I had an idea when I saw the scene where Hamlet's father's soul left his body and told his son to avenge himself. Now the story is very well thought out. It is perfect, but it has not been written yet. Sam and Molly are a pair of couples who are about to enter the marriage hall. One night, they encountered a robbery on their way back to their residence after watching a play. The ghost of normal communication, he wandered around Molly, only to find that his death was not an accident..."

conference room.

When Bruce Joy Robin finished speaking, Amy couldn't help but said before Simon spoke: "Simon, this is a great idea, we should buy it, shouldn't we?"

Wes Craven also nodded and echoed: "It's really good, but unfortunately I'm not good at this genre, otherwise I would definitely direct it myself."

Simon thought for a moment, but said: "Actually, I just happen to have a similar idea about ghosts." After saying this, he noticed the nervous look on Bruce Joy Robin's face, and Simon smiled and said to him: " It's just that ghosts think like you, and the story is a different story. Your story is about love, and my story is about family, but I think this story is also suitable for you to create. So, Bruce, Dan Nelith Films can sign you a contract for three scripts, what do you think? Two commissioned scripts and one original script."

Bruce Joy Robin didn't expect that he could get three contracts in a blink of an eye. He was a little surprised and excited, but he still said cautiously: "Simon, are you sure all three scripts can be shot?"

"Actually, you want to ask if your script can be shot?" Simon smiled and said, "The answer is yes, of course, you also need a certain amount of patience. Heh, I know this sounds very similar to that of all film companies. Executives will say the same thing, if you are not at ease, you can add some restrictive clauses to the contract, and you need to talk to Amy about this."

Bruce Joy Robin nodded, but still tried again: "What about the authorship?"

"The authorship of "Scream" belongs to you, and the authorship right of the ghost movie belongs to me, oh, I mean my ghost movie, your ghost movie, the authorship of your ghost movie is naturally still yours," Simon asked after explaining: "Do you have any other questions?"

Bruce Joy Robin shook his head.

"Then, you can ask your agent to contact Amy about the specific salary contract. Let's talk about "Scream" first."

In Simon's plan, "Scream" will be the first film independently produced and distributed by Daenerys Films during next year's Halloween schedule, so he also attaches great importance to it.

The script writing meeting lasted until after get off work, during which Simon took the time to answer a call from Warner Bros. Pictures CEO Terry Semel, and indeed invited him to a reception tonight.Due to the arrangement in advance, the two had to reschedule the meeting to tomorrow night.

In addition, Terry Semel also mysteriously reminded Simon on the phone that there will be a surprise next Monday.

Although the other party didn't say it clearly, Simon naturally knew that next Monday is the day when the new nominations will be announced for the American Film and Television Golden Globe Awards.As one of the most important barometers of the Oscars, the Golden Globes' gold content is still very high compared to other union awards.

Now that "Run Lola Run" has been sold out, Simon will naturally not spend money on award public relations. Due to his age, he is unlikely to win awards anyway, and he is even a little cold about it.

However, both Orion and Warner spared no effort for their own interests.

Five o'clock in the afternoon.

Sending off Wes Craven and Bruce Joy Robin, Amy called her assistant to come in and pack up the materials on the conference table, and at the same time said to Simon who was flipping through the meeting minutes: "Why didn't you see it this afternoon?" Jenny?"

Without raising his head, Simon turned a page of the memo in his hand and explained: "Her parents are coming from New York, and they want to invite me to dinner at night, so I sent her back early at noon."

Amy remembered the gossip in yesterday's newspaper that 'Simon Westeros escorted the female assistant home, and the two behaved very intimately', and said with a smile: "You came to Xingshi so soon to question the crime?"

Simon wondered: "Huh?"

Amy's tone was ridiculed: "You abducted their daughter."

Simon didn't answer directly.

Amy didn't joke too much, and turned serious: "Simon, "When Harry Met Sally", "Pulp Fiction" and "Instinct" have already confirmed the publisher, "Scream" we plan to publish it ourselves , these are all fine, but what about "Dead Poets Society" and "Steel Magnolias"? And so many copyrights you bought recently? I think we should first sign a fixed publishing contract with the Seven Big Seven before investing in Make it specific, otherwise it will be very passive in the future.”

Simon raised his head when he heard Amy talking about the business, and said: "It's not difficult to sign a publishing contract, but we can't possibly get too favorable terms. The release of "Dead Poets Society" and "Steel Magnolia" can be seen." It depends on the situation, I still prefer Daenerys Films to do it themselves, the production budget of these two films is not too high, and it is okay to lose money."

Amy nodded helplessly, and said: "But, we have 1 million US dollars now, if you are not willing to sign a fixed distribution contract with the Seventh, it is impossible for us to make too many movies according to your ideas, or we will all be smashed." It's in hand. The big studios would be more than happy to see us lose all of the $1 million."

Simon shook his head and said: "I didn't say that all the money can only be invested in Daenerys Films' own movies. There are so many projects in Hollywood, we can participate in the investment, and you can release the news recently. 1 million U.S. dollars, about seven or eight movies can be invested. In addition to "Scream", "Dead Poets Society" and "Steel Magnolia", I will choose another project for the company recently, and all the remaining funds will be distributed. Many movies Companies should be running out of money by now."

Amy couldn't help but said: "This seems to be more risky."

Simon smiled and said, "So, the next step is to look at your negotiation skills. Don't forget, you can get 5% of the money you make, and you get nothing if you lose."

Chapter 133

After get off work, Simon rushed directly to George Norman's house in Bel Air.

On Wednesday, he revealed his intention to Jennifer. Simon received a call from James Raybould early yesterday morning. The two chatted for more than an hour. He and Norman were in charge of the East and West coast ideas separately, saying that he could do the job himself, and more professionally.

After careful consideration, Simon also agreed.

They were still busy with movies on weekdays, so the Rayboulds rushed over today, planning to discuss more details with Simon on the weekend, and borrowed Norman's house to invite Simon to dinner.

Now that he had agreed to James Raybould, Simon didn't tell his personal lawyer his original thoughts without extra complications.Counting it, George Norman is a civil lawyer, and he is indeed not suitable for helping Simon manage the assets of Westeros Corporation.

Because he didn't know that he had missed some opportunities, George Norman was also very enthusiastic at night, and congratulated his brother-in-law for reaching a partnership with Simon. Occasionally, she would show some cautious expressions, but she knew very well that her father had taken away the opportunity that should have belonged to her uncle.

It's a new year soon.

In recent weeks, Simon has successively paid the personal income tax for 1987 and various taxes for the two companies under his name.Of course, the main thing is the tax of Westeros Corporation.

After completing the tax settlement, the main assets under the name of Westeros are the stocks of those 26 companies.

It is worth mentioning that when Simon applied for Westeros Corporation, he confirmed the nature of the company as a limited liability company (LLC). The biggest advantage of the LLC type company is that it can avoid double taxation.The income of the Westeros Corporation is equivalent to Simon's personal income. He only needs to pay income tax once, and Simon can enjoy his due profits.Of course, LLC type companies also have their own disadvantages, such as being unable to go public.

Fortunately, Simon didn't think about listing Westeros either.

In comparison, for future listing and financing considerations, the nature of Daenerys Films belongs to a joint stock company (Corp). This type of company needs to pay taxes on its own profits and shareholder dividends.

As the North American stock market gradually got rid of the haze of the stock market crash in October, and the technology stocks caused by the exposure of the "Westero portfolio" were greatly sought after, the technology stocks held by Westeros have continued to appreciate during this period.

According to the latest statistics made by Simon's private accountant after the stock market closed today, the total value of technology stocks held by Westeros has exceeded 16 billion US dollars.Compared with Simon's initial investment of US$7000 billion in principal, the cumulative appreciation has reached 11%.

The appreciation of this batch of stocks is equivalent to making up for all the huge taxes paid by Simon.

On the other hand, Westeros' 26% shareholding in 4.9 technology companies can basically squeeze into the ranks of major shareholders of these companies, but it is not easy to get board seats and share the power of a company. Not so easy.

However, these companies have benefited from the impact of the 'Westeros portfolio' in recent months and their stock prices have soared. It is obviously impossible to hope that their own stocks will be sold off. The possibility of Simon getting a seat on the board of directors of these companies is still very big.

After negotiations over the weekend, James Raybould, who was authorized by Simon, formally issued an application for joining the board of directors to all technology companies in which Westeros holds shares, and the media who learned of the news quickly paid attention to this matter.

new week.

The most watched event in Hollywood is undoubtedly the announcement of the new Golden Globe nominations.

At nine o'clock on Monday morning, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced a series of nominations for the 45th American Film and Television Golden Globe Awards in the form of a press conference in the ballroom of the Sunset Tower Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Since the "operability" of the Golden Globe Awards is far greater than that of the Oscars with many judges, there is no suspense that "Run Lola Run" won the best film in the drama category, the best director, the best actress in the drama category, the best screenwriter and the best drama. Five nominations for best soundtrack, becoming a big hit at this year's Golden Globe Awards.

Simon also knows that unless the Hollywood Foreign Press Association completely abandons its integrity, his best director nomination will definitely only be one nomination.As for the best film in the drama category, the winner in my memory should be Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor". Simon does not think that "Run Lola Run" can compete with this long-established European film master.

Of course, after all, it is something to be happy about.All morning, Simon has been fielding combined calls from all sides.

And so on until noon.

In a restaurant in downtown Santa Monica, as the host, Simon arrived 10 minutes earlier, and Bill Gates arrived soon after.

Clearly doing some homework, Gates politely congratulated "Run Lola Run" on its Golden Globe nomination after the meeting.The two sat down at the dining table, each looking at each other quietly.

Bill Gates is only 32 years old this year. He wears a pair of black-rimmed glasses with large lenses. His appearance looks younger, even a bit like a middle school student, and he is the kind of nerd who is often bullied by campus bullies.

Just by looking at his facial features, Simon also understands why many classmates in the biographies and movies are often bullied by Jobs of the same age.

but.

After speaking, Gates didn't look like a bun at all.

After ordering, when the waiter left, Gates said bluntly: "Simon, I hope you can explain why you are interested in Microsoft's stock?"

Simon ignored Gates' questioning gesture, and said in a relaxed tone: "Bill, it should be said that I am very interested in the entire electronic information industry, and Microsoft is just one of them."

"If that's all it is," Gates took out a fax from his briefcase and handed it over, "I'm afraid I can't agree to the request of the Westeros representative to join Microsoft's board of directors."

"Actually, I don't really want to join the board of directors of Microsoft. I am very busy. However, since I have invested so much money, in order to get more returns, I still hope to provide some personal suggestions for the development of these companies," Simon picked up the page The fax glanced at it, put it down again, sat up straight and stared at Gates opposite, and said, "Bill, you own nearly 45% of the company's shares, are you still worried that I will compete with you for control?"

"Okay, let's be honest," Gates said with a relaxed tone, "Simon, if Microsoft rejects Westeros' request to join the company's board of directors, will you sell the stock?"

"I have already answered you. My main purpose is to invest. If I can make more money by continuing to hold Microsoft stock, I will definitely not sell it. As for the Microsoft board of directors, if I feel the need to join, maybe I will Keep buying stocks and increase your stake to 10% or more until you agree."

"What if I insist on refusing?"

"Except for you and Paul Allen, Microsoft's tradable shares should be 30%," Simon said with a smile, "Maybe I can buy out all of Microsoft's tradable shares. At that time, you, me, and Paul Allen Allen, the three of us can discuss the future of the company together."

After Microsoft went public last year, Bill Gates and Paul Allen still hold about 45% and 25% of the shares respectively, and the proportion of Microsoft shares in the circulation market is 30%.According to Microsoft's total market value of more than one billion US dollars after the stock price rebounded, Simon was indeed able to buy all the outstanding shares.

According to regulations, once the tradable shares in the market are reduced to a certain percentage, Microsoft can only be delisted.

Bill Gates looked at the young man across the table, and found that he could clearly feel the strong eagerness in the tone of the other party when he said the words just now.

He really does this kind of thing!

After a moment of silence, Gates finally said again: "Simon, I don't like you, you are a lunatic."

"Everyone knows this, and I don't know if I'm cured or not," Simon smiled indifferently, and turned serious: "Okay, Bill, why don't we talk about Windows, I've been I am studying Windows 2.0 just launched by Microsoft. In all fairness, it is still very bad. However, your thinking is correct. Compatibility is a necessary development strategy for an operating system that wants to expand rapidly at this stage. Moreover, the graphical interface The system can also promote the rapid popularization of personal computers in the mass market. Only by selling personal computers to mass consumers can the entire electronic information industry develop rapidly. Just like video recorders, there were less than 100 million households with video recorders in North America ten years ago, but now , but the figure is 5000 million. As a result, the sales revenue of video tapes in North America last year exceeded the box office revenue. In my opinion, the market capacity of personal computers is far greater than that of video recorders. Moreover, due to the need for standardization, this market will be difficult in the future. There are too many types of operating systems. In this regard, Microsoft does not have an advantage, because you do not produce hardware, and companies such as IBM can easily throw off Microsoft. So, while maintaining compatibility, Microsoft must also develop certain own advantages."

When Simon said this, he stopped in time.

Bill Gates, who had already begun to listen attentively, saw that Simon suddenly stopped talking, and subconsciously asked, "What kind of advantages?"

Simon raised his finger and pointed at the fax page just now: "Give me a board seat first."

Bill Gates insisted: "You talk first."

Simon asked, "Do you have a pen?"

Bill Gates took out a pen from his briefcase and handed it over. Simon wrote something on the back of the fax paper, and then handed over the pen and paper together, saying: "A suggestion, change a board seat, actually I feel I lost money, maybe you can sell me some of your stocks at a discount."

Bill Gates ignored Simon's words and picked up the fax paper directly, but there was only one very strange word on it: Wintel.

Chapter 134 Delivered to Your Door (Repair)

Looking at the words on the fax paper, just thinking for a while, Bill Gates said: "Wintel, Simon, you mean Microsoft and Intel?"

Simon nodded and said, "That's right."

Bill Gates immediately showed a disapproving expression, and said, "Simon, since 1981, Microsoft and Intel have been very good partners. You don't need to remind me of this."

"Of course I know. But, it's like IBM forcing Intel to license the X86 architecture patents to other manufacturers. Next, if IBM also feels that Microsoft threatens its own initiative and introduces other operating systems to divert Microsoft's market share, then you What are you going to do?"

In the late 70s, Intel launched a powerful X86 architecture processor.In order to avoid Intel's dominance, IBM forced Intel to license the X86 patent to more than a dozen companies.As a result, although Intel has been able to produce processors with the best performance in recent years, its market share has not had much advantage in the field of processor chips.

Thinking of IBM, a behemoth with a market value of more than 700 billion US dollars after the stock market crash, Gates was a little silent for a while.Even Microsoft and Intel together have a market capitalization of less than $50 billion.If IBM really takes measures to restrict Microsoft, it will not have much power to fight back against IBM.

Simon saw that Gates was silent, and continued: "So, it is definitely not enough to be a simple partner. Microsoft and Intel must be closely integrated into a technology alliance that advances and retreats together, so that as long as users choose one of them, they must choose the other at the same time." The graphical interface operating system is destined to be the future development trend of PC, and Microsoft has already taken the lead. After all, the core patent of X86 is still in the hands of Intel. Compared with other chip manufacturers, it also has many advantages. If the two of you are strong United, after a few years, even in front of IBM, should have a fight."

Bill Gates said: "This may be a good way, but Intel is not necessarily willing to bundle itself with Microsoft."

Simon shrugged and said: "This is your business, I am not the largest shareholder of Microsoft."

Bill Gates thought for a while, and then said: "Even if your idea can be realized, everyone is not a fool. If Microsoft and Intel do this, IBM and other manufacturers are likely to kick us both out."

Simon said: "This comes back to your own products. Intel's processors are definitely the best in the market, and this company holds core patents, so the possibility of being completely excluded from the market is very low. In comparison, Microsoft’s foundation is indeed too shallow, and the operating interface of the Windows system is still imitating Apple’s Macintosh system. If Apple suddenly turns its face, there may not be Windows 3.0 in the future.”

Hearing Simon's words imply that Windows copied the Apple computer operating system, Bill Gates looked a little unsightly, but he still asked: "Can you solve this problem?"

Simon smiled and said: "It just so happens that I also bought 4.9% of Apple's shares. See, this is the benefit of having a lot of money. If there is friction between Apple and Microsoft, I think I can still help mediate it .”

Although he is also a billionaire, more than 95% of Gates' net worth is now in Microsoft stocks under his name, and the funds that can be used in his hands are only a few million dollars.In addition to the inevitable jealousy of Simon's huge wealth, Gates even felt a little absurd.

A young man who is less than 20 years old has earned a wealth that others can hardly match in a few lifetimes.

What's wrong with this world?

Is there a bug like the operating system?

After struggling for a moment, Gates said again: "Simon, if you insist, I can agree that you personally join Microsoft's board of directors instead of an unknown lawyer in New York."

"I'm very busy, and I don't have time to fly to Seattle to attend various meetings of Microsoft." Simon shook his head decisively, and said, "Bill, James is my spokesperson. suggestion."

"You have to make sure he doesn't wantonly interfere with Microsoft's corporate decisions."