System in Hollywood

If Sera could bring her on board, it would fit well with Hemera Pictures.

After all, unlike the Seven Giants, Wayne doesn't pinch pennies with the company's producers. Instead, he treats them like independent filmmakers and gives them proper compensation.

For example, Susan, who produced *Resident Evil 1* and *2*, didn't get a box office percentage like top-tier producers, but her combined pay for both films was a hefty $2 million.

Considering she didn't have to secure funding or find projects herself, this pay is quite high.

At least for Mary Parent, according to the original timeline, she had to wait until 2013—after founding her second company and producing *Pacific Rim*—to earn this much.

Now that she could get it all in one step, Mary Parent certainly wouldn't refuse.

It must be said, the party culture in America indeed helps with networking and finding opportunities. No wonder people, whether average or from the upper class, enjoy attending parties.

"By the way, isn't Lily's birthday on the 18th? What should we get her as a gift?" Mia asked.

"How about giving her the script for *Hotel for Dogs* as a gift?"

"..."

The three of them had a pleasant lunch. Afterward, Wayne dropped Mia off at the company and, after a short rest, headed to Industrial Light & Magic with Sera, along with the legal and financial team responsible for the acquisition.

However, things weren't as relaxed on the other side.

Levin Braman, the general manager of Industrial Light & Magic, was so nervous that he had no appetite.

"I wonder if the new boss will be easy to get along with..." Levin Braman thought to himself, his eyes gazing out the large office window at the street below, sighing unconsciously.

He had worked under George Lucas for many years and was content. If possible, he didn't want to change bosses.

But changing bosses wasn't up to him, and besides, Wayne's offer was too generous.

If it were him, he would have caved when Wayne offered $100 million.

He had to admire Wayne's boldness.

But for someone in his position, this wasn't exactly good news.

Although Sera, on behalf of Wayne, had reassured him that he would keep his position as general manager and that there wouldn't be major changes to the current executive team—just adding a deputy director and a financial supervisor—the contract also stipulated that for the next three years, they couldn't voluntarily resign.

The problem was, he couldn't quit, but Hemera Pictures could fire him at any time! Industrial Light & Magic was such a big company; if he were Wayne, he'd certainly want his trusted people to run it.

So, after learning that George Lucas had accepted the acquisition offer, Levin Braman mentally prepared himself for being fired within six months to a year and finding a new job.

However, later, through his network, he learned that Avi Arad, general manager of Marvel, which was also acquired by Hemera Pictures, had been in the role for half a year with no sign of being replaced. This gave him some hope.

Industrial Light & Magic was already Hollywood's largest and top-tier special effects company, and at almost 40 years old, Levin didn't want to leave.

About an hour later, Levin Braman, still anxious, finally saw the approaching convoy from the end of the street.

Upon seeing the eye-catching, imposing Cybertruck, his heart tightened. Grabbing his coat, he rushed out of his office to greet Wayne, his new boss.

But to his dismay, despite hurrying, George Lucas, who was much older than him, had already beaten him to it.

After pulling aside the receptionist for a quick inquiry, Levin learned that George Lucas had come to the office after lunch and had been leisurely sipping coffee in the lounge area. No wonder he was quicker!

"Hello, Mr. Wayne. I'm George Lucas. This is our first formal meeting, isn't it?" George Lucas greeted Wayne warmly.

Although Wayne's full name was Wayne Anderson, and etiquette dictated that people not well-acquainted with him should address him as 'Mr. Anderson,' at some point, those familiar with his wealth began calling him 'Mr. Wayne.' Clearly, another wealthy 'Bruce Wayne' played a role in this.

"Hello, Mr. Lucas. Though this is indeed our first meeting, I've admired you for a long time!"

George Lucas, hearing Wayne's sincere compliment, smiled warmly, and they began chatting.

Years of experience had taught George two important lessons: First, money runs out faster than expected. Thinking a few hundred million dollars is enough to retire comfortably is a mistake, unless one is willing to give up the luxurious lifestyle.

The second lesson was to carefully select investors. Otherwise, the profits from a hard-earned movie could end up in someone else's pocket, leaving the creator frustrated.

Take a simple example: despite making many classic films, in 2018, George Lucas's net worth was only $5.4 billion.

Sounds like a lot, right?

But don't forget, in 2012, he sold Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm for over $4 billion.

Most of that was in Disney stock, which had been rising rapidly.

By 2018, his wealth had grown thanks to the stock, but the money he made from *Star Wars* and merchandise wasn't even enough to sustain his lavish lifestyle.

Investors like Wayne, who only want priority box office returns and the right to choose the female lead, without demanding home video or merchandise profits, are ideal in George's eyes.

As for digital rights?

Come on, who's watching movies online at this point? With the tiny screens and slow connection speeds, it's more frustrating than enjoyable.

"Hello, Mr. Wayne. I'm Levin Braman."

Seven or eight minutes later, Levin Braman finally found an opportunity to introduce himself. 

(End of Chapter)