American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 144 Not taking the bait is also taking the bait

Isabella's sudden appearance in the headlines has left North American people quite puzzled.

Since the release of "Azkaban" last year, Isabella has disappeared from the public eye.

After the premieres in the UK and the US, she never gave another public interview to the media. Even though "Azkaban" grossed over $10 billion worldwide, setting a new record, she never appeared in public again.

Since all the media outlets are saying that Isabella's disappearance is because she is filming "The Goblet of Fire," and Warner Bros. has already announced that "The Goblet of Fire" has been split into two parts due to plot issues, and the production time will be doubled.

Therefore, when Miss Beaver was busy with important matters, everyone was accepting of her disappearance.

Yes, if a public figure doesn't appear in public for a long time, it will arouse suspicion from the outside world.

The degree of suspicion is linked to the public figure's fame.

The less famous you are, the fewer people and things you can influence.

on the contrary……

To put it simply, those guys standing at the top of the world have public schedules every day. If they disappear for even a day, rumors will spread. If they disappear for two days, something is suspected to be going on. If they disappear for more than three days, it's either a new person is appearing or a world war is breaking out.

Although Isabella can't compare to the real Sun, she does own one of the most popular reality TV IPs of the 21st century. If she's not busy and doesn't appear on her own show, her fans will be screaming with excitement.

It's precisely because everyone knows she's filming "Harry Potter" that she's trending on social media in the US again during filming? And it seems this trending topic is criticizing her?

This……

What the hell is this?
The bewildered public curiously flipped through today's news.

Then, Beaver Entertainment's purchase of the Marvel rights from Lionsgate and its decision to drop Resident Evil finally came to the attention of the general public.

Then, many people, or rather, everyone who saw the news for the first time, were stunned.

because……

"Isn't Resident Evil a horror game? How come this thing belongs to Isabella?"

"Was the Resident Evil movie made by Beaver Entertainment? How come I didn't know that?"

"If I remember correctly, Isabella was born in 1990, right? She was only chosen by J.K. Rowling in 2000? And she didn't officially debut until 2001? Because that's the year 'Sorcerer's Stone' was released? And when was the first 'Resident Evil' movie released? Did Isabella have the ability to make a movie with an investment of at least tens of millions back then?"

"..."

Yes.

Since Resident Evil isn't a major IP, and Beaver Entertainment didn't publicize it much when they acquired the IP and invested in the project—well... even if they had, probably not many people would have cared, because last year, when Beaver Entertainment acquired the rights, the biggest event in North America was Fox's discrimination against the first Black actress to win an Oscar.

Therefore, in the general public's world, they don't even know that Resident Evil already belongs to Isabella.

The lack of crucial information makes the current attack seem somewhat inexplicable.

After the media, eager to capitalize on the trend, released the full source of information, the public discovered that Halle Berry was not the only victim affected by the 'discrimination against actress' incident last year.

The list of victims also includes Constantine, who co-developed Fantastic Four with Fox.

When Fox terminated its partnership with Constantine due to a bombshell scandal, Constantine, which had already invested heavily in the project, faced a fatal business crisis. To save itself, Constantine was forced to sell off projects it could no longer develop, including their major intellectual property, Resident Evil.

Beaver Entertainment acquired it at that time.

Then, Beaver Entertainment invested money in its development.

The second installment of the Apocalypse series, which is related to this, was officially released earlier this year.

Although "Apocalypse" is closely related to its predecessor, it performed poorly at the box office.

Once this information entered the public eye, public opinion finally found its direction...

“Oh, I think I finally understand why Milla Jovovich suddenly attacked Isabella.”

2005 7 Month 10 Day.

CSB evening talk show.

A white host in a suit and tie is holding a photo of Milla Jovovich in one hand.

That was a promotional photo for Resident Evil. Milla Jovovich, with blonde hair, was wearing a red halter dress and looked very sexy.

Holding a picture of Miss Beaver in one hand—

That's a still from "The Philosopher's Stone." The little girl in the Hogwarts classroom is so pretty and adorable.

After showing the photos to the camera, the host began to speak eloquently, "I can say with certainty that the reason Mira attacked Isabella was because she was being unreasonable and wanted to vent her anger."

"The reason..."

"First of all, Resident Evil was never something Beaver Entertainment would produce."

"While I don't know why Beaver Entertainment bought it, since Beaver Entertainment only got involved in the production starting with the second installment of the series, what does the success or failure of this project have to do with Isabella?"

"Right?"

"She didn't even make the first one!"

"Besides, when she bought the rights, the second part had already been approved! The script and everything else were already in place!"

"Secondly, the fact that Beaver Entertainment chose to get involved in the production of the second installment of the series proves that Beaver Entertainment is actually very optimistic about this project. Otherwise, why would they spend money to buy the rights and invest in its production?"

"Then, when Beaver Entertainment saw potential in a project, ensuring the integrity of the creative team and maintaining continuity between the second and first installments was the only way they could achieve success, and they certainly did."

"In that case, isn't the explosive box office performance of 'Apocalypse' a problem with the creative team?"

"Isn't the problem with the director, screenwriter, and lead actor?"

"So, when there are potential problems with the core creative team of a project, or when there are potential flaws in the creative approach of a project, isn't cutting it the normal choice for a normal person?"

Personally, I think Beaver Entertainment's choice is fine!

"I don't even think Milla Jovovich could find a loophole in Beaver Entertainment's decision!"

"So, here's the question: when Beaver Entertainment's decisions are based on normal human thinking, why is Milla Jovovich criticizing them? And now, she's even going so far as to criticize Isabella, the owner of Beaver Entertainment?"

At this point, the CBS talk show host raised his eyebrows at the camera.

Her radiant smile piqued the curiosity of countless North American people.

Just as everyone was intently watching the television, eager to know what the CBS talk show host was thinking, the white man cleared his throat, no longer keeping them in suspense, and continued—

"Here's a hint for you all: Milla Jovovich was born in 1975."

"This year is 2005."

"She is already 30 years old."

“We all know that the peak of a male actor’s career is different from that of a female actor. A male actor’s career may continue to rise as he gets older, but for female actors… once they are over 30, many of them will start to decline.”

"Therefore, no matter how hard Mira tries in the future, she will never be able to compete with her 20-year-old peers."

"It's unlikely she'll have a new series again."

"Therefore, for her, holding onto a potential series would have been better for extending her career. Unfortunately, her series performance was poor, and this poor performance was not the investors' fault."

"When she couldn't logically and convincingly accuse the investors, she could only vent her anger by cursing."

boom--

The analysis by the CBS talk show host was like a bombshell!
It plunged straight into the crater!
Although the bombs themselves are not very powerful, the explosions they trigger can sweep across North America and even the entire world!
"Oh—so Mira's just being a shrew???"

"Oh my god—no wonder I felt like I didn't understand the news! I never understood why Mira was criticizing Isabella! Now I finally know, it's because she's incompetent! And she's in the wrong!! But she's still not convinced!!!"

"OMG—how can there be such disgusting people in this world—"

"Isn't Mila's disgusting nature known to everyone? Her father went to jail for participating in the biggest medical fraud case in history! He was sentenced to 20 years! She herself has also been tried by law for crimes such as credit card fraud and vandalism! When a girl can keep dating and marrying directors in order to become famous, how can she be a good person?"

"M-Fxxk! Isabella saved Resident Evil! It was Mira herself who ruined everything! And the one who did the good deed gets cursed by the one who did the bad? How can such a person still have the face to live in this world!"

"..."

When Beaver Entertainment's behavior seemed logical and Milla Jovovich's past was utterly reprehensible, the revelation of the 'truth' sparked a wave of condemnation against Alice across North America.

In just one day, a torrent of public opinion surged forth.

In just two days, public anger surged toward Milla Jovovich.

Of course, this is also related to Isabella's excellent personal image.

Again--

When someone can present themselves as God on their public persona, they can't possibly allow their business card to bear the mark of Satan. So-called individuality is nothing but the stench of a petty devil already rotting in the world; they can't pretend to be an angel, and any attempt at embellishment is futile.

The overwhelming barrage of insults enraged Milla Jovovich, who smashed several cups in anger.

He glared at his agent with wide, rounded eyes and a raised nose.

Do you have a solution?

Have you contacted a public relations team?

"Although I really want to curse Isabella! I want to curse that bitch! That little slut! But I didn't show it to the media! So those media outlets are spreading rumors! They're spreading rumors!!"

"I'll make them pay the price!!!"

"And now that I've completely fallen out with Isabella, I'm going to unleash all the insults I want to say! Get me a talk show! I'm going to tell you the whole story of how she canceled my project! I'm going to let the whole world know! She—Isabella Heywood! Is a hypocritical beast!"

Theoretically speaking, a star of Milla Jovovich's caliber can afford to maintain a PR team.

but……

Who told her to invest so much money in her personal brand over the years?
Why is it that her personal brand has been consistently losing money?
Therefore, when she changed her annual PR service subscription to pay-as-you-go in order to save money, she was naturally a step behind in public relations when facing a real storm, as she could no longer enjoy the annual subscription benefits.

and……

"Sorry, Mira, none of the PR people in the industry are willing to take your jobs these days."

The agent shrugged helplessly and said, "They all think the storm you're facing this time is a bit tricky."

"Then……"

"Uh……"

"Mira, let me tell you the truth, nobody in the industry will take on any PR work related to Isabella right now, because Isabella's PR is handled by Warner Bros. and Disney, and no company in the PR world dares to go up against them!"

"Because those PR companies also need to release their press releases through the media, if a company angers Warner and Disney and gets blacklisted by both of them, then that company can go bankrupt and be liquidated!"

"so……"

"Let's give it the cold shoulder."

"How about you go on vacation to Africa? Or... Europe? And while you're at it, wait for '.45' to start filming?"

Mira took a deep breath at her agent's words.

His chest was held high, and it took him a long time to vomit.

Mila's calmed expression led her agent to believe that she had come to a realization.

however……

"Please get in touch with director Palma for me!"

Mira stared intently at her agent and said, "I hate the feeling of being a fugitive!"

"Mira—Are you crazy—"

Before the agent could even speak...

Paul Anderson, who had been silently listening to their conversation from the shadows, roared—

"Mira! You and Director Palma are no longer together, okay?"

Even if there is a connection, Director Palma will only side with Isabella!

"Stop making a scene, okay? You said the wrong thing, that's it!! Can't we just admit it???"

Mira was born in Kyiv, in the former Soviet Union.

In 80, he fled to London with his parents and settled in Los Angeles in 81.

Because it wasn't easy for Soviet citizens to make a living in the United States, her parents used to support themselves by doing odd jobs in their early years.

The person who hired her parents was Hollywood director Brian Palmer.

Uh……

To be honest, Mila was able to enter the entertainment industry and continue to receive projects despite her own films flopping, all because of Palmer's recommendation. You have to understand that in that confrontational environment back then, without Palmer's help, she wouldn't even have been able to go to school, because in the eyes of the Americans, her family were all Soviet spies.

Palma's teammate in Hollywood was George Lucas.

The two have a very good relationship.

Back when Palmer was filming "Carrie," many of his ideas couldn't be implemented due to budget constraints. Upon learning this, Lucas, who was working on "Star Wars" at the time, invited him to share a pre-production team with him.

Yes, the early funding for "Carrie" was actually provided by "Star Wars".

Then, since Palmer was more famous than Lucas at the time, Lucas asked Palmer to give him feedback on Star Wars, and then the opening credits of Star Wars appeared.

Yes, the classic opening of Star Wars was written by Palmer.

When Palma and Lucas were close friends, Mira would seek help from such a powerful figure when she encountered a difficult problem. But unfortunately, who in the industry didn't know that Spielberg was Lucas's closest friend?
So……

"Paul! What else can you do besides yell at me?" "Mira, you..."

"Stop! I don't want to see you again, okay? We're over! We have no future! So! Get out of my house right now! Now! Get out of here immediately—"

The heart-wrenching roar left Paul Anderson stunned.

Although he wanted to suggest that everything that was happening might be related to Milla Jovovich's previous schemes, but...

He couldn't be bothered to say any more.

He glanced at Mira one last time, then turned and left.

As he left, Mira collapsed to the ground, unable to move even as her manager screamed frantically.

When North American citizens discovered that Milla Jovovich did not confront the public outcry, most people felt that she might be too guilty to face the issue, and many more believed that this might be the beginning of the end for the entire incident.

Because when you're criticizing someone, no matter what you say, if the other person just ignores you, then...

Actually, it's meaningless.

However, just as public sentiment was beginning to subside, on July 13, someone stood up to speak in support of Mira.

That's a host on an NBC entertainment program.

When the other person was hosting a program and discussing current hot topics in the entertainment industry, they said—

"Personally, I think some of the public opinion is too extreme, and many theories and judgments are even untenable."

"First of all, some people say that it's normal for Beaver Entertainment to abandon Resident Evil because it wasn't doing well?"

"So, I'd like to ask, are comic book movie adaptations really that successful?"

"Besides Spider-Man, are there any other comic book adaptations in the world that have achieved great success?"

"So, if Beaver Entertainment is willing to save Marvel, why can't they save Resident Evil? Is it because they're incapable, or because they look down on it? Right?"

"Secondly, Isabella is not short of money right now."

"As is well known, The Voice, which is currently in its third season, is her project."

"When The Voice brings in billions of dollars for Disney every season, her income can't be any less."

"So why did she cancel Resident Evil?"

"Why can't she combine Resident Evil and Marvel into one project?"

After this statement was made...

North American public opinion is in an uproar again!
Countless people who were already dissatisfied with Mira began to refute her, saying that the person who made the comments was a saint, that companies should make a profit, and that if you think Resident Evil is good, why don't you buy the rights and develop it yourself? It's only a few tens of millions.
Barabara...

The renewed use of profanity has thrown North American society into chaos.

This has also prompted many voices of support from Europe.

There's nothing we can do about it; Isabella is currently a top star.
If the North American flame war only lasts a day or two, Isabella's European fans might not even get a chance to join in the fun.

But when flame wars in North America can last for a long time...

"I strongly suspect this NBC host is Japanese! Only a Japanese person would utter such an idiotic theory!"

"That's right! Marvel is an American company! Resident Evil is a Japanese game! Now, Isabella thinks American comic book characters can be made, and then an American TV host thinks she's wrong? She should be saving Japanese game characters while making American comic book characters? This... is insane!"

"I strongly suggest that NBC investigate the backgrounds of its own presenters! They don't want their company secrets to be sold without them even knowing!"

"..."

The chaos and turmoil that is raging around the world has actually attracted a lot of attention.

Many influential figures find the current situation quite interesting, and the public's support for Isabella demonstrates Miss Beaver's influence among the general public.

But in the eyes of Ted Turner and Steve Case...

"Steve, why couldn't this have happened sooner?"

"Why did this happen so late?"

Ted Turner was feeling unwell.

Steve Case took a deep breath and echoed, "Yeah... if something like this had happened sooner... we might have won much sooner... we might have taken control of Time Warner much sooner..."

That's right!

In their view, now was the perfect time to attack Isabella!
The reason is simple—

When everyone thinks that Isabella's decision to cancel Resident Evil was the right thing to do, they can destroy Isabella's good image in one fell swoop by simply telling the truth and revealing the real reason why Constantine sold Resident Evil.

The logic is quite simple, isn't it?

Although Constantine lost Resident Evil because they had previously cooperated with Fox to harm Isabella, such things cannot be told without evidence. Therefore, as long as the public knows that Isabella only spent $25 to acquire Resident Evil, they can forcibly label Isabella as a robber.

They're taking advantage of the chaos.

At that time, her public image will be ruined.

The resulting tsunami will certainly be part of a chain reaction.

But unfortunately...

At this moment, Ted Turner and Steve Case have changed their approach and their thinking.

After they abandoned their attack on Isabella and decided to win her over, they made a significant bet on the matter...

Changing your mind at the last minute comes at a huge cost.

Putting aside everything else, at the very least, Carl Icahn, who was robbed by them, would kill them.

Because their actions will affect Warner's stock price.

If Warner's stock price collapses, then Carl Icahn's cost of taking the table will be heavily inflated.

"Ugh--"

The two looked out at the outside world with some disappointment.

At that moment, they truly felt that they were somewhat unlucky.

Meanwhile, Rupert Murdoch shared the same sentiments…

"Are you sure all the information circulating outside is from Warner themselves?"

new York.

News Corporation headquarters.

Rupert Murdoch looked at the secretary who came to report with a complicated expression.

"Yes."

The secretary nodded and said, "The controversy outside was orchestrated and created by Barry Mayer himself. As for the reasons... we've heard two rumors so far. One is that Isabella herself wanted to hype up Marvel and generate buzz for her own movie, and the other is that Milla Jovovich had previously offended Isabella, so Barry Mayer helped her out."

How is Milla Jovovich's fashion business doing?
This is no secret within the industry.

Even though she has never publicly revealed her specific plans to save the brand, those in the know can guess what she's doing.

and so……

Isabella doesn't like her?

Honestly, unless you're a masochist, nobody likes being treated like a pig to be slaughtered.

As for Isabella's love for Marvel...

"Ugh--"

Murdoch sighed heavily and waved his hand, "Go ahead and get busy, I'll think about it..."

The secretary nodded repeatedly and decisively withdrew.

Murdoch leaned back in his chair, looking somewhat agitated.

As a powerful figure who had dominated the underworld for decades, he naturally knew that Isabella was full of weaknesses at this moment.

Once Barry Mayer dared to use the "Resident Evil" topic to boost Isabella's popularity with Marvel, all he had to do was manipulate the media to reveal the deal price for "Resident Evil," which would disgust Isabella and Warner Bros. to death.

but……

He cannot do this.

The reason is simple—

If it weren't for his punch last year, Isabella wouldn't have been able to acquire Resident Evil at such a low price. When he was the one who started it all, was his leaking information considered a leak? That was fucking self-destruction!

Therefore, this task can only be done by someone else.

And others...

In today's world, which media outlet would dare to do something like this?

It's important to know that at this moment, Isabella wasn't only backed by Warner Bros. and Disney, but also by Viacom.

That is, CBS.

Everyone knows that Isabella hugged the Transformers.

Even if she doesn't actually act in the show, her name alone can attract viewers.

When Sumner Redstone is able to truly benefit from her popularity, even if Isabella hasn't done anything at the moment, and even if she is truly wicked, those who don't want her to fall can shut everyone up!
Not to mention, the other media companies that benefited from "The Voice of China" haven't said anything yet!
The BBC's loudspeaker came on...

So who the hell is attacking whom?
Right?

Thinking of this, Murdoch sighed heavily.

At this moment, he knew that he could no longer withstand another round of upheaval.

Or, to erase the impact of last year's racial discrimination incident on the Fox brand, in January of this year, in order to avoid complaints from competitors, he officially moved News Corp to the United States and also used News Corp to acquire Fox.

Fox was delisted from the NYSE in January and became part of News Corp.

When even a brand as big as Fox can't withstand the bombardment of public opinion...

Bringing up old stories?

Will last year's storm blow again this year?
hehe--

What's the difference between this and deliberately jumping into a cesspool?

"never mind."

"Let's just pretend this never happened."

Murdoch rubbed his temples and decided to let Isabella off the hook for now.

Of course, he actually felt that Barry Mayer was fishing at the moment.

Because the public opinion storm stirred up by Barry Mayer was full of loopholes.

This is not something a smart person should do.

That being the case...

This kind of cunning old fox is probably lying in ambush, waiting for you to take the bait before rushing out and punching you.
When Ted Turner, Steve Case, and Rupert Murdoch chose to remain silent, the world gradually quieted down.

This situation brought a smile to Barry Mayer's face.

"It seems that what Kevin Feige said was true."

He made a phone call to the princess.

"So?"

Miss Beaver yawned, finding the outside world's reaction rather uninteresting.

Well, she's not a very good-tempered person.

When those guys kept staring at her, all she wanted to do was slap those idiots across the face!
It seems they knew what she was thinking?
But it also seems more like a desire to implement one's plan step by step.

Upon hearing Isabella's question, Barry Mayer replied directly, "Play a show?"

“Okay.” Isabella had no objection. “You can talk to Bob directly about the show. I’ve finished everything I needed to do. You can decide how to air it. I have no problem with that.”

Barry Mayer chuckled at the lazy words.

I chatted with Isabella for a few more minutes before hanging up.

After he dialed his old friend Robert Iger's cell phone...

2005 7 Month 23 Day.

Disney suddenly announced.

A spin-off series related to "The Voice" will officially premiere next Wednesday!

And its name is—

The Voice: The Two-Faced Girl – Hannah Montana

(End of this chapter)