hunt hollywood

"Of course, even I won't," Simon nodded, and said, "Actually, I'm happy to give advice, but I don't really like to lobby a person to agree with my point of view. For Microsoft, and even Westeros Shares of all other companies, the most direct way for me to express my personal intention is the stock, buy, or sell, it's that simple. Even, if you need, I can transfer the voting rights of the shares held by Westeros Give you."

Bill Gates is not polite at all: "Really?"

"Of course it is true, but in exchange, how about selling some of your stocks to me, 5%, 9% off the market price? Bill, you are already a billionaire, and you definitely need more cash to spend Right? Public selling will be restricted by the SEC’s shareholding reduction, and private transfers will be fine. At that time, I will authorize you to vote on 10% of Westeros’ shares.”

Bill Gates looked at a certain guy looking like a wolf grandmother, shook his head almost subconsciously, and said, "Sorry, Simon, I have no plans to sell stocks for the time being. If you want more, you can buy them from the open market."

The two chatted like this, and the lunch was quickly served.

After some communication, although it still felt a little weird, Bill Gates unknowingly let go of his vigilance towards Simon, and the atmosphere of the subsequent conversation became more relaxed.Now that he has achieved his goal, Simon also appropriately revealed more thoughts about the Wintel alliance.

After lunch, Simon and Gates separated and returned to the company headquarters. It was already past two o'clock.

As soon as he walked into the company's office building, Amy appeared in front of him with a script.When Simon saw the script Amy handed over, surprise flashed across his face.

"rain Man".

Is it.

Should be your own, can't you escape?

Originally going directly to the editing room, Simon took Amy to his office after seeing the script of "Rain Man".Sitting down behind the desk, Simon has restrained his emotions just now, opened the script and read it with great interest, while waiting for Amy to take the initiative to explain.

Although I felt that Simon's expression was a bit weird just now, Amy didn't think much about it. She sat down across the desk and said, "Simon, this was sent by someone from Michael Ovitz. It's a story about the family relationship between brothers with autism. .He still called, but you were not here."

Simon asked, "He wants us to invest?"

Last Friday, Simon asked Amy to release the news that Westeros intends to invest in foreign film projects. This is obviously how "Rain Man" came to the door.

Amy nodded and said: "Actually, I have heard of this project a long time ago. Since last year, Ovitz has been promoting the establishment of the "Rain Man" project. It is said that it was when Ovitz was studying psychology in college. , participated in charity activities to help autistic patients, and was very touched by it, so he liked the script very much, and he also brought in Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise to play the leading roles."

Simon opened the script in his hand and asked, "The projects of Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise shouldn't lack investment, right?"

Amy said: "The story lacks a commercial selling point, and Hoffman and Cruise did not agree to lower the film salary. The budget cost needs to be 2500 million US dollars. No one in Hollywood is optimistic about this project. Warner, Universal, Paramount and other companies have all rejected this project. After taking over the script, several first-line directors also chose to quit. In the second half of the year, Spielberg originally agreed to direct and helped raise funds. However, he also announced his withdrawal recently. The public reason is to direct "Invincibles" Raiders 3, but I think Steven is also not optimistic about this project."

Simon smiled and said, "Then why did you bring it in front of me? You really treat me like a fat sheep?"

Amy also smiled and said: "Now United Artists has taken over this project, but they hope to find other investors to share the risk. Ovitz heard that we are interested in the copyright of "The Hobbit" in the hands of United Artists, he Said on the phone that if Daenerys Pictures would bear the $1000 million investment, he could help persuade United Artists to transfer the rights to "The Hobbit" to us."

Simon glanced at Amy and said, "What do you mean?"

Amy shook her head and said: "It's too risky, and I don't agree with investment. However, because it is related to "The Hobbit", I will show it to you. Since Ovitz said it, he must be sure to help us get it." The copyright of "The Hobbit". Moreover, there should be room for bargaining for the investment share of 1000 million U.S. dollars."

Because he was worried that he would be too strong in Hollywood, Simon originally planned to let go of "Rain Man", the North American box office champion in 1988 in the original time and space.but.Over the past year, what Simon has done in Hollywood and Wall Street can no longer be described as simply being too sharp, and there is no need to be too restrained now.

After making up his mind, Simon closed the script and said to Amy, "I'll read it tonight and reply to Ovitz tomorrow."

Amy nodded, talking about another matter, said: "All the actresses you fancy have rejected the invitation of "Basic Instinct", Simon, then we can only choose the heroine from the second- and third-tier actresses gone."

Due to the schedule for next summer, during this period, "Basic Instinct" has been in intensive preparations.

In addition to its own controversy and the gimmicks of pornographic films, whether the actress as the heroine can spark with the actor Michael Douglas and present a strong, calm, and ruthless female writer image has a great impact on whether "Basic Instinct" can Achieving box office success is critical.

Simon has held the selection of the heroine in his hands from the very beginning. He first set his sights on Michelle Pfeiffer. After the script was handed over, he was directly rejected because of too many nude scenes, and then carefully selected several popular actresses. The actress sent out an invitation, but was rejected unexpectedly.

Reluctantly rubbing the script of "Rain Man" in his hand, Simon said: "In this case, let's choose from the second- and third-tier actresses, and ask the agency to send a shortlist as soon as possible. The film will start shooting in February next year. We don't have much time."

Amy agreed, and the two chatted about some things before starting to work on their afternoon work.

Chapter 135 I Must Not Let You Succeed

Beverly Hills.

In a reception room at the MGM headquarters, Tony Tomopoulos, chairman of United Artists, was leaning on the sofa, holding the coffee just delivered by his secretary, and said to Michael Ovitz sitting on the other side: " Did you hear? That kid was testing Semel at a party hosted by Warner Bros. last night to see if he could sell DC to him. Pascal seems to be still negotiating the copyright of a TV series for him and Columbia, and Columbia offered 1000 million The dollar didn’t scare him away, tsk tsk. Young people nowadays plan to buy the whole world just after making some money.”

Michael Ovitz heard the obviously unbalanced tone of Tomopoulos, who was over [-] years old. Although he didn't feel that Simon Westeros began to get carried away because of his sudden wealth, but because of the purpose of today's meeting, He still smiled and said, "Hollywood needs this kind of person, otherwise, how could we get all the investment for so many movies we produce every year."

When Tony Tomopoulos heard this, a shrewd flash of light flashed in his eyes, and he said: "Michael, I know you have always wanted to promote the project of "Rain Man", but that kid is really good in his cooperation with Fox and the others." A little greedy, a screenwriter actually asked for 10% of the box office, which has never happened in the history of Hollywood. As for this cooperation, even if "Rain Man" continues to drag, it should be in the interest of United Artists, and I definitely won't backed down."

Michael Ovitz nodded and said: "I understand, Tony. In fact, I have always advocated equal benefits. If everyone makes money together, the business can last forever."

The two were chatting, and Tomopoulos' secretary walked in with Amy Pascal.

After the greeting, the three sat down on the sofa, and Michael Ovitz asked Amy with a smile, "How did you talk with Robin?"

Amy Pascal had just met Hollywood actor Robin Williams because of the "Dead Poets Society" before coming to the MGM headquarters. Although she is a client of CAA, she can only be regarded as a second-tier customer at this time. Robin Williams wasn't in charge of Ovitz himself.

However, Amy was not surprised by Ovitz's sudden question.The CAA tycoon who likes to control everything is like a spider, and he can always make people feel that he knows all the trends in Hollywood.

"Robin is very interested in the script of "Dead Poets Society", and we plan to sign the contract tomorrow."

Michael Ovitz was a little surprised: "So urgent?"

Amy said: "Simon hopes that this matter will be finalized years ago, and he can start preparations after he comes back."

Tony Tomopoulos couldn't understand what Amy and Ovitz were talking about at all, and asked at this time: "Isn't Westeros in Los Angeles?"

Amy turned to Tomopoulos and said, "Simon has gone to New York. Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve. His girlfriend is over there."

The secretary brought coffee to Amy at this time, and Tony Tomopoulos waited for a while, and said: "In this case, Amy, let me tell you about your development plan for "The Hobbit" first? This is a very classic movie. Novel, United Artists will not hand it over to anyone else lightly."

"Tony, Daenerys Pictures did not start the plan of "The Hobbit" immediately. We hope to obtain the copyright first, and spend two to three years designing and perfecting the special effects technology required for this fantasy epic before launching make."

Tomopoulos shook his head and said, "Three years is too long, and what's more, these words sound like an excuse to get the copyright."

Amy retorted: "Tony, if I said that Daenerys Pictures will start production immediately, this is the real excuse. "The Hobbit" is a fantasy novel involving elements such as dragons, elves, and dwarves. , Without enough time for careful preparation, forced to start, the result will only fail."

Tomopoulos said: "Okay, Amy, what's your offer?"

"Tony, I already made an offer to United Artists, $100 million. Now, as a supplement, Daenerys Pictures can invest $1000 million in "Rain Man."

Although he had just settled for "The Hobbit", Tony Tomopoulos didn't really care much about the copyright of the novel.

United Artists obtained the copyrights of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in 1969, and it has been almost 20 years now. Although the novels were very popular back then, the Middle-earth series did not show any eye-catching business in terms of film and television. potential, otherwise United Artists would not have transferred the rights to The Lord of the Rings to Saul Zaentz in 1976.

At this time, hearing that Amy readily agreed to invest 1000 million U.S. dollars in "Rain Man", and thinking about the rich net worth of a certain little guy, Tomopoulos quickly shook his head and said, "No, it's not enough, Amy, If you want to get The Hobbit, you need to invest at least $1500 million."

Amy heard this and turned to Ovitz suspiciously: "Michael, you didn't tell me this on the phone."

Michael Ovitz was also a little surprised by Tomopoulos' sudden change of mind, and couldn't help frowning: "Tony, you can't do this, this will only make "Rain Man" run aground again."

Tony Tomopoulos just looked at Amy, and said: "Since Westerlocken has offered Columbia Pictures a worthless TV series with a price of 1000 million US dollars, Dustin Hoffman and Tom C. For a movie starring Ruth's two superstars, he probably wouldn't mind paying an extra $500 million, not to mention getting the rights to "The Hobbit."

With a slightly annoyed expression, Amy retorted, "Tony, we didn't ask $1000 million for a TV series."

Tony Tomopoulos thought for a while, sat up straight, and said, "Amy, I think it's better for Westeros to come and talk to me about this matter in person."

Amy shook her head and said, "I just explained, Tony, Simon is in New York."

Tony Tomopoulos laughed: "It's not 200 years ago, so just make a phone call."

Amy picked up the satchel that was just placed next to her, and said, "If you insist, Tony, I'll go back and discuss it with Simon."

"No, I mean now," Tony Tomopoulos insisted, not wanting to give Simon and Amy too much preparation time, "we can hold an impromptu conference call."

Amy looked at her watch and said, "It's already five o'clock in the afternoon in New York, and now it's Simon's private time."

"Amy, I hope this matter can be resolved today, so, call him. Or, you can tell him tomorrow during Westeros working hours, and this matter is over."

Amy looked at Tony Tomopoulos, stalemate for a moment, and dialed a series of numbers through the landline on the coffee table.

In hands-free mode, Simon's voice quickly sounded from the speaker: "Hello?"

"Simon, it's me." Amy looked up at Tomopoulos and said, "I'm at the MGM headquarters. Mr. Tomopoulos wants to talk to you in person."

"Tomopoulos?"

"Chairman of United Artists."

"Oh."

Tony Tomopoulos felt a little uncomfortable listening to the inattentive voice in the speaker, but he still took the conversation and said, "Simon, I'm Tony Tomopoulos."

"Hello, Tony."

Tony Tomopoulos didn't exchange too many pleasantries, and said straight to the point: "Simon, let's be straightforward. "The Hobbit" is a very precious copyright asset of United Artists. If you want to get the copyright of this novel, Dan Nelith Films needs to cover at least $1500 million of Rain Man's investment."

After a brief pause for a few seconds, Simon's voice sounded again: "Tony, the budget of "Rain Man" is 2500 million US dollars, right? If Daenerys Pictures invests 1500 million US dollars, who owns this movie?"

Tony Tomopoulos said: "Simon, United Artists developed the entire project, and the copyright naturally belongs to us. However, Daenerys Pictures will definitely get its due share of revenue in the future."

"Sorry, Tony, I'm not used to paying enough and not getting the initiative. If United Artists wanted $1500 million, the project would have to go to Daenerys Films, like Instinct .”

Tony Tomopoulos declined, saying: "Simon, that's impossible, unless Daenerys Pictures takes on the entire investment."

"Tony, I'm not interested in this project, I just want "The Hobbit". Ten million dollars is enough for United Artists, and it's not a big problem for you to raise another $1000 million."

"Fifteen million dollars, Simon, since you want The Hobbit, it has to be fifteen million dollars."

There was another moment of silence on the other side of the phone before Simon said: "That's 2500 million US dollars. Daenerys Pictures is responsible for the production and United Artists is responsible for the distribution. At the same time, you must guarantee the schedule, marketing efforts and the number of guaranteed screens."

Tony Tomopoulos originally thought that he and Simon would be wrangling on the phone for 10 minutes, but he didn't expect this to happen suddenly.

United Artists had previously purchased the script copyright of "Rain Man". Tony Tomopoulos' planned production and publicity strategy was to seek external investment as much as possible. Produced by United Artists and distributed by MGM.

With Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise two first-line superstars participating, although it is generally not favored, compared with most Hollywood projects, the commercial prospects of "Rain Man" are still guaranteed.

In the current situation of United Artists, it is impossible for high-quality film projects to fall on their side.

According to this operating strategy, the company will be able to earn a stable distribution fee no matter what in the future.If the film is successful, as the producer, United Artists can reap some profits.The project failed, and the company didn't have much to lose.

just now.

A young guy with a lot of money suddenly proposed a plan that he hadn't expected at all before.

$2500 million.

It was taken out so easily. You must know that Warner, Universal, Paramount and other companies have all rejected this project before. Even Spielberg failed to attract enough funds for the film, so he used it to shoot " Raiders of the Lost Ark 3" excuse to quit.

Who would have thought that things would turn so suddenly.

A series of emotions flashed through his mind, and Tony Tomopoulos couldn't help but asked: "Simon, Daenerys Pictures will pay all the $2500 million. Are you sure you're not joking?"

"Tony, do you think I'm joking?" Simon said with a bit of impatience in his tone, "Okay, that's it. Amy, let's talk about this. I have to go out to dinner with Jenny. Free chat, goodbye."

After saying that, the call was cut off.

After a slight click, the reception room fell silent.

Amy noticed Tony Tomopoulos's flickering expression soon after he was silent for a while, got up and said: "Tony, let's talk about this matter later, Simon's decision is too hasty, I need to talk to him talk."

There must be a demon in everything that happens.

Tony Tomopoulos has been in Hollywood for so many years, and he has already matured.

Although it feels very unbalanced that Simon has a net worth of more than one billion dollars at a young age, he also definitely agrees with the young man's talent in movies.Moreover, Tomopoulos also has a general understanding of Simon's previous wonderful cooperation plans with Orion, Fox and Disney, whether bold, shrewd, or risky.

Therefore, Tony Tomopoulos does not think that Simon Westeros will be a person who will spend 2500 million US dollars on a script that everyone is not optimistic about for the rights to a novel.

Current situation.

Or, Simon Westeros is actually very optimistic about this script, so he just pretended to be stupid and asked to win the entire project.Or, the huge amount of money turned an otherwise stunning young man into a short-circuited playboy.

Hearing Amy's voice, Tomopoulos added another reason in his heart.

Or, Simon Westero's previous series of business operations were all planned by this woman, and his nature was just like what he just said on the phone.

I really wanted to see if Amy was playing hard to get. When she got up, Tony Tomopoulos also stood up quickly, stretched out his hand to the woman again, and said, "So, let's stop here today, Amy, I also need Think again. Let's, uh, make another appointment next week."

Amy shook hands with Tomopoulos, nodded to Ovitz, then turned and walked towards the reception room.

There was no way to continue talking about the matter, and Michael Ovitz, who had been watching quietly just now, stood up and said goodbye to Tomopoulos.

Leaving the MGM office building, he noticed that Amy's car had just exited the parking lot. Ovitz walked over, tapped on the window of her car, waited for the glass to slide down, and asked with a smile, "Amy, can you Shall I explain what's going on?"

Amy showed a helpless expression on her face, and said: "Michael, you also saw that Simon recently..." Saying this, Amy shook her head slightly, and sighed: "I don't know how to persuade him now .”

Michael Ovitz smiled unchanged, and said: "Amy, if I remember correctly, when you called on Monday, you still complained that the investment of 1000 million US dollars was too much, but today you have no intention of reducing the share at all."

Amy showed no flaws in her expression, and said, "This is Simon's decision."

The two chatted for a few words, and Ovitz watched Amy drive away, but the smile on his face did not change.Regardless, he realized, the Rain Man project was definitely on the cards.

perhaps.

According to the vision and ability of a certain young man, this film will bring you some surprises in the future.

After all, Michael Ovitz does not believe that young people who can make themselves feel like the same when they meet for the first time can be so easily lost by huge amounts of money and become reckless and without judgment.

Thinking of this, Michael Ovitz suddenly remembered a detail that Amy Pascal mentioned at the beginning of the meeting.

There was a little more smile on his face.

Little guy, since you're in a rush to sign Robin Williams, I can't let you get away with it.