hunt hollywood

So it was not until after get off work, when Simon was about to leave, that Simon said to Ed Catmull: "Ed, I proposed to Jobs last year to buy this company. This offer is still valid. You can tell him that any If he is interested in selling Pixar at any time, he can contact me."

We got along very well in the afternoon, and Ed Catmull also felt that Simon was really interested in Pixar's technology. Hearing this, he said, "Simon, do you have to buy our company? If it's just a shareholding, Steve Husband should be very happy, and we can also help persuade him."

"This will involve the issue of control," Simon shook his head, and said, "I think Jobs definitely doesn't want to repeat his experience at Apple, and I personally do the same. Ed, you should have realized it, I am interested The goal of Jobs is to use Pixar's technology to produce 3D animation and develop CG special effects technology related to movies, but Jobs' goal is to produce professional computers for animation production, and our two operating philosophies are completely in conflict."

After talking like this for a few words, Simon shook hands with Ed Catmull and others one by one again, and took Jennifer away from the Pixar headquarters.

The main filming of "Basic Instinct" will take place in San Francisco. On Tuesday, I came here with several main creators of the "Instinct" crew. It took two days to confirm the filming location of the film. Brian De Palma and others have returned Los Angeles.

Simon visited Silicon Graphics headquarters in Silicon Valley in the morning, visited Pixar in the afternoon, and will fly to Park City, Utah tomorrow to attend the opening ceremony of this year's Sundance Film Festival.

"Run Lola Run" became a blockbuster at the Sundance Film Festival last year with the strong support of Robert Redford. Redford even greeted him specially a few days ago. Whether it was the favor of promotion or personal friendship, Simon was very grateful. Impossible not to join in.

The Hilton Hotel in downtown San Francisco.

Jennifer returned to the living room with a pot of coffee in her hand. Neil Bennett had already checked the suite for wiretapping.

Enthusiastically helping Neil Bennett put the various instruments into the box, and waiting for the other party to leave, Jennifer poured a cup of coffee for Simon, sat down on the sofa next to him, and said, "This is very similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. "

"Obsessive-compulsive disorder is better than being eavesdropped. I feel uncomfortable when I think of those little things in the Plaza Hotel suite," Simon said, putting down the documents in his hand, clapping his hands at the female assistant, and said, "Come on."

Jennifer blushed slightly, and refused: "No, I'm not a kitten. Besides, it's time for you to call my dad."

Simon didn't force it, picked up the phone with a smile, and dialed the number of Leibold's house.

It was past eight o'clock in the evening in New York, and the phone was connected quickly. Simon and James chatted about New World Entertainment.

The stock price of New World Entertainment rose again from yesterday's high of US$15, and was fixed at US$16.75 at the close of trading in the afternoon, with a total market value of more than US$4 million.Simon couldn't afford it anymore. After discussing it with James on the phone again, Simon made a decisive decision to liquidate all the New World Entertainment stocks in the hands of Westeros.

The fundamental purpose of Simon's acquisition of New World Entertainment is Marvel, and the company's film and television entertainment assets are second.

Since a group of people came together to slaughter the fat sheep, the wisest choice for Simon now is to withdraw immediately.If you keep holding the 7% shares of New World Entertainment in your hands, the company's stock price will only continue to be strong, and it may even allow New World Entertainment to survive the next most difficult period.

Once this is the case, it will be even more difficult for Simon to get Marvel.

All New World Entertainment stocks held by Westeros are non-restricted tradable shares. Therefore, although the shareholding ratio exceeds 5%, it is not subject to the SEC's restrictions on shareholding reduction.

Early the next morning.

Westeros immediately began to sell its stocks after it publicly released its shareholding reduction announcement in accordance with SEC regulations.

Simon arrived in Park City at around 11 am local time in Utah. Janet had also arrived and rented an apartment at the resort last time. Returning to the West Coast, mainly to attend next Saturday's upcoming 45th Golden Globe Awards with Simon.

The opening ceremony of the Sundance Film Festival still starts at 1 pm.

After Simon arrived in Park City, he made a brief arrangement before rushing to the Egyptian Theater in Park City, where the opening ceremony was held.

Since "Run Lola Run" was a great success starting with the Sundance Film Festival last year, this year's Park City is obviously much more lively. If it weren't for Robert Redford's advance arrangements, Simon and the others might not even be able to squeeze into the crowded Egypt. theater.

In some chats in advance, Simon also learned from Redford that compared to last year, the number of films registered for the Sundance Film Festival this year has directly doubled.

Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, the number of screening halls used for the screening of participating films in the next ten days has increased to 3 instead of just 10 last year.There are not so many screening halls in Park City, and many of them are temporary reconstructions.It is said that some films that failed to be shortlisted also built their own screening halls, hoping to attract the attention of the media and film producers during the film festival.

After the opening ceremony, the opening film this time is also quite weighty.

Milan Kundera's novel "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" adaptation, Daniel Day-Lewis and Juliette Binoche starring "Prague Love".Because the producer of "Prague Love" Saul Zaentz holds the copyright of "Lord of the Rings", Simon noticed this movie some time ago.

"Love in Prague" is confirmed to be released on February 2th, and will be distributed by Orion.

For the promotion of the film, Saul Zaentz and other main creators also came to Park City.

After the opening ceremony of the film festival, everyone rushed to the Sundance Institute headquarters at the foot of the ski resort to attend the official opening party of the film festival. Simon met Saul Zaentz under the recommendation of Robert Redford.

Saul Zaentz is over 60 years old this year, with a thick white beard, habitually pursed mouth, and looks a little serious.

This well-known Hollywood producer started as a record company in his early years. In 1975, he participated in the production of the first film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and many other awards. In 1984 The "Mozart" once again attracted the attention of Hollywood with its excellent score of 11 out of 8 Oscars.

For Hollywood filmmakers, being able to produce two Oscar-winning films in their career is definitely an honor that they can show off for a lifetime.

at the party.

After introducing each other, Saul Zaentz said: "Simon, I know you are very interested in "The Lord of the Rings", and I also heard that you have already obtained the copyright of "The Hobbit". However, unless you can provide A practical production plan. Otherwise, I would not have given you the copyright of The Lord of the Rings."

Simon and Saul Zaenz stood together in the corner of the hall. Hearing this, he shook his head and said, "Sol, if I can't get the copyright, I definitely can't invest in the development of this project in advance."

Saul Zaentz shrewdly said: "You can make The Hobbit first."

"But I prefer to make the "Lord of the Rings" series first," Simon said, hesitating for a moment, looking at Saul Zanz and said seriously: "Sol, I know you may not be short of money, and I know That might sound a bit abrupt. But, to show my sincerity, what do you think of $1000 million?"

Saul Zaentz caught Simon's quote perfectly, despite the noise at the party.

$1000 million? !

Subconsciously wanted to ask a question, but Saul Zaentz knew that he heard right.

but.

how can that be.

Currently, Hollywood's top quotation for the copyright of novels or scripts is only about 100 million US dollars, and Simon Westeros has directly increased the market price by ten times.

However, feeling that the young man was throwing money at himself, Saul Zaenz wanted to show an angry expression, but his face was more of surprise and disbelief.

Nobody in Hollywood would spend $1000 million to buy the rights to a novel, and few people in the world would do that.After all, $1000 million is enough to make a very good movie in this day and age.

In fact, Saul Zaentz also heard that Simon had previously purchased the copyright of the TV series "Charlie's Angels" with a huge sum of money. Although the specific transaction price has not been disclosed to the public, it certainly cannot be the rumored $1000 million.What's more, that deal also included the copyright of more than 100 episodes of TV series, which is a real asset, but "The Lord of the Rings" is just a film and television adaptation right with an uncertain future.

After hesitating for a while, Saul Zaentz still couldn't calm down and refused directly: "Simon, I need to think about it."

"Of course," Simon nodded, and said, "However, Saul, I hope to get your reply before the end of this weekend."

Saul Zaentz shook his head and said, "It's too urgent."

Simon insisted: "I don't want to wait too long."

Saul Zaentz hesitated for a moment, and said: "Simon, since you have obtained "The Hobbit", you must know that this copyright actually includes a fixed sharing clause, and the production company will need to pay for movies, TV, etc. in the future. 7.5% of net profits in all respects go to the Tolkien Estate."

Simon nodded and said, "I know."

Saul Zaentz said: "So, if you want to get the copyright, I also need a sharing contract, at least 5%."

Simon refused without hesitation, saying: "Saul, I have already paid 1000 million U.S. dollars, and it is impossible to give you any more share. Perhaps you will think that since Simon Westeros is willing to offer a sky-high price of 1000 million U.S. dollars, he must Wouldn't mind paying more. But I can categorically guarantee that it's only $1000 million and only for this weekend. After the weekend, I'll calm down and start this thing from scratch. Also, if you agree to the deal, Also had to sign a non-disclosure agreement never to disclose our transaction price.”

Listening to Simon's words, Saul Zaenz couldn't help thinking.

If he cooperates with other film companies, Saul Zaentz understands that he can probably only get a copyright transfer price of about US$100 million, and perhaps the sharing terms can be easily negotiated.However, even with a 5% share of the net profit, the film company earns more than 2 million US dollars, and he can get a profit comparable to Simon Westero's quotation at this time.

What's more, the Tolkien Heritage Foundation only took 7.5% of the net profit share, and he just changed hands, so it is impossible to talk about 5%, maybe only one or two percentage points at most.Taking into account the factor of "Hollywood Accounts", the chances of the future revenue share reaching Simon Westero's offer of 1000 million US dollars at this time are even slimmer.

After a moment of silence, Saul Zaenz raised his wine glass to Simon and said, "Simon, I will give you an answer before leaving Park City."

Simon took out a business card from his suit pocket, and asked for a pen from Janet's handbag beside him to write down the address of the resort he was staying in, handed it to Saul Zaenz and said, "Sol, I'm looking forward to it. Good news to hear."

Janet had just been quietly listening to the conversation between Simon and Saul Zaenz, and when Saul Zaenz walked away in a daze, the woman took Simon's arm and said with a smile: "1000 million dollars, This is the price of a top luxury house on Fifth Avenue."

In my memory, due to the vicious default of New Line Films, the famous "Lao Lai" in Hollywood, Peter Jackson, Saul Zaentz, and the Tolkien Heritage Foundation, etc., are all due to the income from the "Lord of the Rings" series. In court, the amount involved in each lawsuit has reached more than tens of millions of dollars.

Although I don't know the specific amount of Saul Zaentz's share in the original time and space, it must be very cost-effective if he can completely buy the adaptation rights of "Lord of the Rings" for 1000 million US dollars.

Thinking about this, Simon stretched out his hand to gently embrace the woman, and said, "A lot of things don't seem to be going well recently. Everyone regards Simon Westeros as a fat sheep. I suddenly want to try it. If I also regard myself as a Fat Sheep, can some things become a little easier?"

Janet felt the slight sense of frustration in Simon's tone, and leaned over to gently stick her face on the man's face, saying: "You are not a fat sheep, Simon, those guys who treat you like a fat sheep will definitely be in the future." Find out that you are an idiot."

Simon smiled and said, "This is also what I am worried about."

Janet was a little puzzled: "Why?"

Just as Simon was about to explain, Robert Redford walked over from the crowd, greeted him, and asked, "How was the talk?"

Hollywood gossip always travels fast, and it's no secret that Simon is interested in the rights to The Lord of the Rings.

Hearing Radford's question, Simon shook his head and said, "Saul promised to think about it."

"The adaptation rights of many classic Hollywood novels need to be honed, and it's useless to rush," Robert Redford comforted, rubbing the wine glass in his hand, and said: "Simon, there is actually one thing. A lot of scripts came in, some of them were really good. I was wondering if you could invest in a few, or even one, and they were very talented directors or writers, like you, who just lacked the opportunity. And, these The cost of the project will not be too high, about two or three million will do.”

Simon is actually very interested in making some very interesting independent films. Daenerys Pictures can also support some direct filmmakers through this kind of project. Before Redford could continue talking, he nodded readily and said: "This I’ll be in Park City on the weekends, and Bob, just get the scripts delivered to me, and I’ll pick a few and invest in them.”

Although he was already very sure, Robert Redford still didn't expect Simon to agree so simply.However, he didn't hesitate, and said with a smile: "I'll have someone deliver the script to you tomorrow. In addition, I can help with the distribution if you need it."

Chapter 145 Good things come in pairs

Last night, I was tossed very late by some small and broken sounds, and in the end I even wondered if it was my hallucination. When I brushed my teeth, I looked in the mirror. Fortunately, there were no dark circles under my eyes, otherwise I would be embarrassed.

It was seven o'clock in the morning.

Saturday.

It's still cold in Park City in January, but it's warm inside.

Leaving the bedroom, he slowed down guiltily and glanced at another door not far away. He must have not gotten up this time.

When I went downstairs to the living room, I was taken aback.

Simon was already sitting on the armchair by the fireplace, talking on the phone.Janet was curled up in his arms like a kitten, squinting her eyes, wearing only a long light pink woolen sweater, her two dazzling white long legs protruding out of the hem of the clothes unscrupulously, looking full of spring.

She stood blankly at the stairs for a few seconds, until the man nodded towards her, then she realized that she walked over nonchalantly and sat down on the sofa next to her.

My heart is sour.

After he kissed her on the neck in the car that day, although there was no other intimate contact after that, she naturally thought that the two of them had some kind of relationship.

just now.

Janet could curl up in his arms without a care.

But Jennifer could only sit next to him, with a faint sense of guilt in her heart like stealing someone else's things.

Simon chatted with the opposite party for a while, put down the microphone, and asked Jennifer, "How did you rest last night?"

Some blushing sounds appeared in Jennifer's mind again, her eyes moved aside, she nodded calmly and said, "Very good, you, um, who were you calling just now?"

"Ed McCracken, the CEO of Silicon Graphics," Simon said, and explained: "I suddenly realized one thing last night. I don't need to entrust the production of 3D animation and CG special effects to other companies. On the acquisition of the company. If I want to do this, I can hire people to form a team, which is cheaper and more flexible to control the development direction of technology. Silicon Graphics supplies professional graphics to many universities, enterprises and R&D teams The workstation happens to have contacts in this area, and I just asked McCracken to introduce some people for me."

Jennifer listened to the man's words absently, but suddenly realized something, looked up at Simon, and said, "You, last night, thought of this?"

Simon nodded: "Yeah, what's the matter?"

Before Jennifer could answer, Janet, who was curled up in Simon's arms, couldn't help laughing.

Simon also figured it out in a blink of an eye. Looking at the blushing Jennifer, he had no choice but to add: "Actually, when I left the Pixar headquarters the day before yesterday, I already had this idea."

Jennifer felt even more embarrassed, stood up and said "I'm going to prepare breakfast" and fled to the kitchen.

Simon watched the female assistant disappear in a little panic, patted Janet who was still squinting in his arms, and said, "Honey, go to the bedroom and sleep well, and be careful of catching a cold."

Janet wrapped her arms around Simon and said coquettishly, "You hug me over."

Simon picked up Janet and went to the bedroom on the second floor, put her on the big bed, covered her with the quilt, and said, "Sleep, I'll call you when breakfast is ready."

Janet huddled under the quilt, but she winked at Simon when she heard the words: "You can call me after you have breakfast with her."

Simon smiled and pinched the woman's face, helped her close the quilt, and went downstairs again.

While still on the stairs, Simon heard the phone ring and came to the living room, just in time to see Jennifer coming out of the kitchen, probably to answer the phone.Seeing Simon, the female assistant immediately shrank back, like a frightened deer.

Simon smiled helplessly, walked over to pick up the receiver, a call came from New York, and it was already working hours on the east coast.

After Westeros began reducing its holdings of New World Entertainment yesterday, the company's share price fell directly from $16.75 at Thursday's close to $13.25 at yesterday's close.

The shareholders and executives of New World Entertainment, who were still secretly delighted and waiting for Simon's initiative to contact them, couldn't sit still. Early this morning, Larry Kupin, the major shareholder of New World Entertainment, rushed to visit James Raybould in person. At this time, he was talking to Simon in Raybould's office.

After buying New World Films from Roger Corman, the king of B-movies, in 1983, after several years of mergers, expansions, and reorganizations, Larry Cupin and his other partner, Harry Sloan, still maintain There are more than 40% shares of New World Entertainment.

On the phone, Larry Kupin said that they were very clear about Simon's intentions, and that he was happy to see the deal come to fruition, and hoped that the two parties could formally start the acquisition negotiations.

Even with the stock price of $13.25 at yesterday's close, New World Entertainment's market value still exceeds $3 million, which is still not something Westeros can afford.

What's more, once the two parties officially start negotiations, the stock price of New World Entertainment will definitely rebound again.

The main dilemma that New World Entertainment is currently facing is the lack of funds.If Simon agrees to start the acquisition negotiations for New World Entertainment, those Wall Street capitals who want to kill Westeros will definitely not allow the company's operations to have problems.

At that time, it will definitely be much easier for New World Entertainment to obtain working capital to get out of the predicament.

Therefore, Larry Coupin's mind is also very obvious.

As long as they can keep in touch with Simon, the big benefactor, regardless of whether the final deal is reached or not, New World Entertainment is very hopeful to overcome the current difficulties.Naturally, it is impossible for Simon to marry someone, so he simply perfunctory the other party on the phone, and then handed over the matter to James.

After breakfast, Simon took Janet and Jennifer to the city at nine o'clock to attend the premiere of a film called "Land of Dreams", which Robert Redford also studied at Sundance Served as an executive producer on the film it financed.

Simon also spoke to "Land of Dreams" director Michael Hoffman at a party at Redford's house last year.As it is the first feature film directed by a person, Michael Hoffman's narrative techniques are not proficient enough.However, Simon really likes the discussion of disillusionment and confused reality under the cold lens of the film.

The premiere of "Land of Dreams" ended, and Simon, Robert Redford and others left the Egyptian Theater and were planning to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

As soon as they went out, they were surrounded by a group of reporters.