Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 665 European Sex Capital
In late June, a piece of news suddenly shook Hollywood: French water group Vivendi acquired Canadian media giant Seagram for $304 billion.
This transformed Vivendi into an international media giant that owned MGM Studios and PolyGram Music Group.

In an interview with the French newspaper Les Echos, Vivendi CEO and President Jean-Marie Messier outlined his strategic vision: "The 21st century is the world of telecommunications, and Vivendi should own cultural products such as film, television, and music, which need to be disseminated to the world through telecommunications and the internet!"

At the George V Hotel in Paris, Aaron was invited to a business cocktail party hosted by Vivendi.

Aaron, with his arm around Christiana Yerry, said, "Your ambitions are indeed considerable. It seems that the acquisition of the Seagram Group is just the beginning of your international mergers and acquisitions."

"North America is the main market, and Jean-Marie Messier will definitely have more moves to make!"

Christina Yerry whispered, "What's Hollywood's reaction?"

Aaron smiled. "Fortunately, the Seagram Group is at the bottom of the Big Seven; it doesn't have wireless broadcasting, cable television, or satellite television."

"MGM's performance in recent years has been mediocre; the only notable company it has is PolyGram Music Group."

The Bronfman family plunged headlong into the media industry, which was extremely disastrous, and they even lost Seagram's brewing business.

Vivendi, which started with water and energy, only ventured into the media industry in 1998. Aaron is certainly looking forward to its outcome!
Christina Yerry cautioned, "Vivendi also plans to merge its Pathé cinemas and Gaumont cinema chains to create a large European chain."

Dawning Global owns a 40% stake in Oudian Cinemas, which is the largest cinema chain in Europe with more than 800 cinemas, but these are mainly small cinemas.

"It doesn't matter anymore. The cinema industry isn't valued much by Dawn, even Angel Cinemas, which mainly focuses on multiplex cinemas, is only so-so."

"And what about these established cinema chains?"

Dawn Cinema invested in Landmark Cinemas and established Angel Cinemas to maintain its own distribution channels.
After acquiring Universal, Universal's distribution system is relatively complete, and after integration, the importance of cinemas has been greatly reduced.

In particular, under Aaron's leadership, Dawn Universal has dominated Hollywood in recent years, and films produced by Dawn have long been a focus of competition among theater chains.
Hollywood film studios are a seller's market for theaters, and Dawn is the most prominent example. Many smaller theaters are completely subservient to Dawn!
“I’m going back to the United States. How are you planning to get back to China?” Christina Yeri asked.

"Besides, the Houston Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals and won the championship. Aren't you going to go back and take a look?"

Aaron kissed him. "The European Championship semi-final is about to begin, France vs. Portugal, in Brussels, the capital of Belgium."

"The Italy vs. Netherlands match will be held in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. I plan to wait until after the European Championship final before leaving."

Christina Yerry smiled, "There's still a week left. The finals will be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on the 4th of next month."

"Yes, the Netherlands is a great place!"

Aaron Anderson spent quite a bit of time in France this time, visiting resorts like Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Corsica, and staying in Paris for more than half a month.

Aaron smiled without saying a word, and seeing Jean-Marie Messier walking towards him, he said, "Alright, I'm going to have a chat with this newly minted Hollywood mogul..."

June 29, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Arena Stadium, 2000, Euro 6 semi-final match between the Netherlands and Italy.

Inside the VIP box at Amsterdam Arena Stadium, Aaron embraced Lin Zhiling as they watched the game!

"Yesterday in Brussels, France defeated Portugal 2-1 in extra time, advancing to the final; "After today's match, the winner will compete against France for the European Championship title. I told you to bet on France to win the championship, did you bet?"

Aaron kissed the girl and asked, "After Lin Zhiling finished her studies in Japan, Aaron specially sent her to Europe for a vacation!"
Lin Zhiling nodded. "Yes, I bought it. $10 for Italy to advance, and $10 for France to win the championship."

"That's good. Don't worry, I'm lucky, I'm sure I'll make you money!"

"Really? I've checked the odds. If we win everything, we could earn over $50."

"Of course, it's a guaranteed win. The finals are in Rotterdam on the 4th of next month. Where else would you like to go for fun these next few days?"

"I admire Audrey Hepburn very much, and I really love the movie 'Roman Holiday' starring her. I've always wanted to visit Rome, Italy!"

"No problem. After the match, we'll explore Amsterdam today and head to Rome tomorrow."

As the match progressed, the score between Italy and the Netherlands remained 0-0, and no goals were scored in extra time.

Finally, Italy defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in a penalty shootout to advance to the final and compete against France for the championship trophy!

Amsterdam, with its crisscrossing canals and numerous bridges, is often referred to as the "Venice of the North," along with St. Petersburg in Russia.

"This city is really open-minded."

Lin Zhiling and Aaron looked at the shop window girls on the street and couldn't help but sigh.

Amsterdam, known as the "sex capital," boasts the world's largest red-light district!
Aaron, with his arm around Lin Zhiling's waist, said, "Besides tulips and windmills, sexuality is also a defining characteristic of the Netherlands."

"What were the Dutch queens thinking?"

However, every year, tourists visiting Amsterdam will definitely make a point of visiting Amsterdam's Red Light District to take photos.

The sex industry generates substantial profits for the Netherlands every year!

“Okay, let’s go,” Lin Zhiling said, pulling Aaron along as they left.

As Aaron walked, he asked the woman, "What are your plans for the future? Are you going to continue your modeling career in Japan, or go back to Taipei?"

Lin Zhiling thought for a moment, "I think so. I'm currently signed with Media Asia, which allows me to conduct business in Taipei, Hong Kong, and Japan."

"Specifics will depend on the company's arrangements. However, I also plan to enter the hosting industry; Media Asia's current focus is on developing in mainland China."

"Next, they will also help me connect with some advertising business and modeling activities in mainland China!"

Aaron glanced at the woman; Lin Zhiling's looks and figure were very alluring. "Hmm, either way is fine. Anyway, you're quite attractive, and it wouldn't be difficult for Huanya to promote you properly..."

(End of this chapter)