hunt hollywood

Chapter 680 Reward Scheme (Revised)

Daenerys Studios.

The time is July 7, another Monday.

Because they wanted to watch the sample of "Suicide Squad" together in the afternoon, Terry Semel came early and had dinner with Simon in the high-rise restaurant of Daenerys Studios at noon.

By the way, complain.

"A reward of 5000 million US dollars, Simon, is it too much? Since there is no provision in the contract, we don't need to pay such a sum of money at all, or, like the previous few times, 3000 million US dollars is enough. This time After giving 5000 million US dollars, the next few projects will definitely be more than a lot according to the usual practice, and we will not be able to pay them at that time.”

At the dinner table, Terry Semel grimaced.

The topic is about the reward plan for the main creators of "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" that Simon has just finalized.

According to last week's box office statistics, "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" not only broke through 3.3 million US dollars at the local box office in North America, but also reached 5.3 million US dollars in overseas revenue, and the global box office has reached 8.6 million US dollars. There is no suspense that the global box office of the final masterpiece of the Batman trilogy has exceeded 10 billion US dollars.

Not only that, since it was released more than a month ago, the sales of various peripheral products of "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" have been as hot as ever. At present, the total sales of dozens of peripheral products worldwide have exceeded 11 billion US dollars according to preliminary statistics. The heat has begun to decrease, but it is expected that the total sales of the project will be around 25 billion US dollars in the next few years.

In addition to the two parts of the box office and peripherals, and counting the income from channels such as video tapes and TV broadcasts in the future, "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" will be another one that can bring Daenerys and Time Warner 10 billion. Super cash cows with dollar-level net returns.

Simon had never been one to let a horse run but not eat grass.

In order to ensure the smooth advancement of the huge DC movie universe series, the contracts signed by Simon with the main creators were very harsh. Compared with the huge profits of several consecutive DC masterpieces, the salaries received by the superhero actors can be stingy to describe.

Simon will not allow any changes to the original contract. However, in addition to the basic salary, starting from the original "Batman: Beginning of War", with the success of the project, he will give an additional bonus to the leading actors and directors, etc. .

It’s just a series of projects in the past, and the highest total bonus did not exceed 3000 million US dollars.

This time, Simon gave a one-time bonus of 5000 million US dollars, which immediately made Time Warner's heart ache.

The summer file that has entered the final stage, in addition to "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises", Warner Bros.'s other two projects "Gambler Ma Huali" and "I Love Trouble" all ended in failure, and the huge losses required "Batman : The Dark Knight Rises to make up for it.

Now, there is a sudden loss of 5000 million US dollars, which will even affect Time Warner's financial report at the end of the year.

Simon was indifferent to Semel's complaints and said: "Terry, the $5000 million is to reward Bont, Adam and Valerie for their contributions to the Batman series over the years. Whether there will be so much in the future depends on the situation. And , you should understand that compared to the benefits we get, this money is not much at all, it is only equivalent to 5% of the net profit of the project. If it were not for the original contract restrictions, now each of them may ask for 10% or even higher share of the net profit."

Although the DC movie universe has created a phenomenon-level movie series miracle, compared with Steven Spielberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson and other Hollywood first-line filmmakers who have a strong voice, The income of the main creators of the DC movie universe can be called shabby.

$5000 million may seem like a lot, but it's not as much as Jack Nicholson earned from Tim Burton's version of "Batman" alone in the original time and space.Moreover, the money was distributed to director Jane de Bont, actor Adam Baldwin, heroine Valerie Golino and many others. Among them, Bont and Adam took the most, each only 1000 Ten thousand U.S. dollars.

Of course, Simon can also pay the salary strictly according to the contract, and there is no need to pay any other extra cents.However, this will definitely seriously hit the enthusiasm of the creators. The first phase of planning for the DC movie universe has only completed the first half, and there is still a long way to go. If it is too harsh, the gains will outweigh the losses.

Of course Terry Semel also understood this truth, but said: "Simon, if I remember correctly, you don't seem to like Adam."

Semel was talking about Adam Baldwin.

After the success of "Batman: Beginning of War", Adam Baldwin had the idea of ​​​​re-signing the agreement, and was beaten by Simon for this.

Simon nodded, but shook his head again, and said: "This is already a thing of the past. Adam's performance in the past few years is still his duty. Moreover, even if I don't like a person, as long as the other party is not above the line, after paying, I should give I'll still give it, it's two different things."

Terry Semel actually understood in his heart that it was difficult for him to change the decision made by the young man in front of him, so he settled for the next best thing: "So, Simon, is it okay to pay in installments? 5000 million US dollars, first give 1500 million, and the rest The following years are paid separately."

Time Warner's current situation is not very good, and the $5000 million can be amortized and paid over the next few years, so it will not have a significant impact on the financial report.

As long as the total amount remains unchanged, the installment payment can continue to mobilize the enthusiasm of DC creators.

Simon knew that this should be a plan that Semel had thought up before he came, and this face still had to be given, so he readily agreed.

Terry Semel was actually not satisfied with this result, but he could only do so. He changed the subject and said, "Simon, have you considered one thing? There are only two parts left in Adam's contract."

Simon lowered his head and cut the steak on the dinner plate, and asked casually, "What?"

Terry Semel said: "After the planned "Justice League", I feel that this series can continue."

Simon picked up a piece of steak and put it into his mouth slowly, and said after a while: "Terry, I told Stan Lee at first that Daenerys Entertainment will probably start the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 1995, judging from the current situation , It is estimated that I will break my promise. However, after "Justice League", this matter will definitely not be delayed any longer."

The reason why Time Warner was unable to gain control of the DC movie universe, apart from Daenerys Entertainment's firm grasp of the copyright of the Big Three of DC superheroes, is another very important reason, which is Marvel.

The profits created by the DC movie universe are too rich. If there is no backing from Marvel, Warner will go all out, and Daenerys may have to compromise on the right to speak.

The current situation is that if Warner is dissatisfied with its right to speak and profit share, and wants to re-divide, or even break up after the negotiation fails.Then, the result will only be that Warner will fight chicken and eggs, but Daenerys Entertainment will be able to directly launch its own Marvel Cinematic Universe plan.

Terry Semel obviously didn't want to mention the topic of Marvel, but he still said: "I mean, it's actually okay for the two to coexist completely, isn't it?"

Simon put down the tableware, took a sip of the red wine next to him, and showed a playful smile on his face: "Of course we can coexist. However, Terry, I think you may be thinking too far. Frankly speaking, if you can't be in Levin How many years do you think you can stay in this company when you succeed as chairman of Time Warner?"

As far back as I can remember, Terry Semel left the company after Time Warner merged with AOL around 2000 and joined Yahoo as CEO.

This time there will certainly be no AOL-Time Warner merger.

However, with the complex internal strife pattern of Time Warner's management, as the influence of Steve Ross gradually dissipated, a series of Time Company executives who regained control of the situation would certainly not allow Terry Semel to go further.As the co-CEO of Time Warner and Robert Daly, he is already under one person. If he can't go further to become the chairman, the only way is to leave.

Terry Semel heard what Simon said, remembered his own situation, and immediately forgot about DC.

Speaking of which, Terry Semel was the same age as Michael Eisner, who was lying at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan at this time. Even five or six years later, he would only be in his early fifties, still far from retirement age, and working at Warner After so many years, Terry Semel is not reconciled to losing everything now suddenly.

After hesitating for a moment, Terry Semel suddenly said: "Simon, will you help me become the next chairman of Time Warner?"

Not to mention other things, just the DC movie universe is enough to affect Time Warner's management structure.

If at the time when Time Warner's internal struggles were at its most intense, Daenerys Entertainment suddenly released a statement that the ownership of Time Warner's next head may determine whether the two parties can still cooperate smoothly in the DC movie universe, and a large part of shareholders and directors must Carefully consider Simon's personal preferences.

In addition, Black Rock Asset Management has also continued to buy Time Warner's shares in recent years, and its current shareholding ratio has reached 4.9%, which can break through the 5% declaration level at any time.

Buying Time Warner's stock is mainly out of investment needs.

Time Warner has not fully recovered yet. However, when the federal telecommunications regulations continue to be relaxed in the next few years, Time Warner, which owns the cable TV network, can take advantage of the trend to set foot in the field of network service providers, thereby reaping the dividends brought by the Internet wave. Soar.

Although the current shareholding has not exceeded 5%, when necessary, Black Rock can easily increase its holdings and break through this limit.At that time, public reporting is only one aspect. The most important thing is that, by becoming a major shareholder with more than 5% of the shares, Black Rock can demand a seat on Time Warner's board of directors and thus have voting rights in the company's major decisions.

These are the chips that Simon can use to help Terry Semel become the next Time Warner chairman.

Therefore, Semel didn't doubt Simon's ability to help him at all, and Simon didn't explain too much, just looked at the middle-aged man across the table: "So, Terry, what can I get?"

Terry Semel did not hesitate this time, saying: "Allies, the most solid allies."

Simon was noncommittal: "I'll think about it."

Terry Semel didn't urge him either. The promises about allies were too broad, and they still needed to be supported by actual actions. He probably understood that the young people on the other side wanted to see their specific performance in the next few years.

Speaking of which, since the death of Steve Ross, Terry Semel has always been very close to Simon. He, the co-CEO of the group in charge of the film business, has taken the initiative to deal with many things that could have been done by the top management of Warner Bros. Take it, probably, from the bottom of my heart, Semel had some ideas very early on.

The two sides quietly reached a tacit agreement and skipped this topic for the time being. Terry Semel said again: "I heard that the Disney management is in contact with Eisner, intending to let him voluntarily relinquish the post of Disney chairman and CEO, Simon, you What do you think of this acquisition?"

Simon already knew about this too.

Michael Eisner suffered a sudden heart attack last Friday. Even if he can survive the next high-risk heart surgery, it will take at least two or three months before he can return to work.

With Eisner's illness and the promotion of a series of recent events, it is impossible for Disney's major shareholders and board of directors who are obviously inclined to sell the company to accept Eisner, a diehard who is firmly opposed to the sale of Disney, to take over the company again.

Originally, Disney's board of directors could decide to fire Eisner at its own discretion, which was within the board's purview.

The current situation is that Michael Eisner's physical condition can no longer bear the additional stimulation.If Disney's board of directors decides arbitrarily to provoke the head of Disney who has worked for Disney for ten years, public opinion alone can make Disney's board of directors resign collectively.

So he could only carefully discuss this matter with Eisner on the hospital bed.

Simon said: "The sale of Disney is inevitable. As long as Eisner is smart enough, he should accept the conditions of the Disney board of directors and ask for a more generous compensation. In this way, no matter what happens in the future, there will be a lot of money left behind."

Terry Semel's eyes flickered, but he remembered Steve Ross.

When Steve Ross knew he had cancer, he began to prepare for his family.Although Ross has passed away, according to the agreement Ross signed with Time Warner, his family can continue to receive various subsidies worth tens of millions of dollars from Time Warner for ten years.

Now, Eisner is facing the same situation.

As long as he hasn't been completely fascinated by power, he should know how to choose this time.

Withdraw voluntarily, in addition to the terms of the original agreement, you can also get an additional compensation from Disney, so that whether Eisner can survive this heart surgery or not, his family can get more solid financial protection in the future .On the contrary, if he insists on refusing to let go of Disney's power by virtue of his serious illness and prevents Disney's major shareholders from selling the company at a high price, then even if he recovers from his illness in the future, Eisner's life in Disney will definitely not be easy.

Considering this, Terry Semel pressed: "It sounds like, Simon, you don't seem to object to Disney being bought by Vivendi?"

Simon smiled and glanced at Semel: "Do you think I should object?"

Having been immersed in Hollywood for many years, Terry Semel is very familiar with the fate of foreign capital intervening in Hollywood, and he can understand it after a little thought.

Indeed, Simon has no reason to object to the acquisition, and may even have surreptitiously pushed for it.

Daenerys Entertainment is already strong enough in Hollywood at this time, and if they want to go further, they can only continue to erode the market share of other competitors.Once Disney is acquired by Vivendi and loses its identity as an American company, Daenerys Entertainment will not have much to worry about when it cannibalize.

Chapter 681 Downtime accident (repair)

After lunch, Terry Semel accompanied Simon to watch the "Suicide Squad" sample for more than an hour before leaving Daenerys Studios, but Simon spent the entire afternoon on this project.

"Suicide Squad", which has been scheduled for December 12, will start filming in January at the beginning of the year and wrap up in April.

Up to now, the post-production of the film has been carried out for more than three months, and the special effects part started at the same time shortly after the filming started. The whole project is expected to be completely completed by the end of October.

Because the characters involve the copyright of superheroes such as Batman, "Suicide Squad" is jointly invested by Daenerys and Time Warner, and Warner Bros. Pictures is responsible for distribution.Therefore, compared with the "Flash" and "Steel Bone" that Warner held alone, Simon also paid more attention to this new series.

Discussing the follow-up special effects, editing, soundtrack and other details with the main creators of "Suicide Squad" until after five o'clock in the afternoon, Xi left the post-production center on the first floor of the studio and returned to his office in the administrative area on the third floor.

Girl A who followed into the office waited for Simon to sit down behind the desk, handed over a few documents, and said, "D reached an agreement with Igret in the afternoon to transfer 20% of Instagram's shares, and the condition is 500 million US dollars in cash. In addition, Eaglet provides 18 months of unlimited free server support for Instagram. In addition, Eaglet will also open an Eaglet account authorization login interface for Instagram."

The $500 million in cash and account authorization are well understood.

In the past weekend, because of the diversion of Igret’s portal and a large number of celebrity recommendations with a total of tens of millions of fans on the Facebook social network, the number of registered users of the Instagram website exceeded 120 million in just three days .

This kind of starting line of stepping on the ladder and the speed of rising like a rocket make many hard-working entrepreneurs in the Internet field envy and hate. At the same time, the value of the Instagram website itself has also been recognized by the industry.

Simon confirmed that Miss D and the others wanted to sell the website after the data of registered users on the first day of the website's launch last Friday, and there would be a lot of people vying for an offer of 2000 million US dollars.

Now, 20% of the shares are exchanged for $500 million in cash, which is equivalent to a valuation of $2500 million.

It's more than that.

In the past Internet platforms, various types of mailboxes, QQ, Weibo and other account authorization login interfaces abound. Many users have become accustomed to this convenient authorization login mode.But now, the account authorization of Eaglet, which has almost monopolized the Internet user resources, is not a treatment that can be obtained by any website.

Up to now, Ygritte understands that the huge user base is his most precious resource.Therefore, although Simon proposed the concept of authorized login, Bezos and other management also accepted it, but they are cautious about opening each interface.

The reason why Instagram can get this kind of treatment is not only the reason for Eaglet’s shareholding, but also the consideration that Eaglet’s management plans to use this website as a supplementary business of its own social network sector.

What Instagram was to Facebook.

Simon had communicated with Bezos on the phone this morning.

However, 18 months of unlimited free server supply, this condition is new.

When Simon asked, Alison explained: "This is also a disguised form of gambling. For 20% of the shares, D initially offered Ygritte 1000 million US dollars, which is actually not high. Whether it’s Silicon Valley or Wall Street, in recent days, venture capitalists have been probing Instagram, not to mention $1000 million, even if it’s higher, some people are willing to accept it. However, Eaglet was only willing to give $400 million at first. The two parties bargained and finally added this clause. Provide 18 months of server support for free. If the development of Instagram is not as expected, Igret will not have much loss. On the contrary, if Instagram continues to be like the past few days Rapid growth, as a shareholder, Eaglet can also benefit from the added value of the website.”

After hearing this, Simon asked, "Who thought of this?"

Alison was slightly puzzled, and said, "D."

Simon nodded slightly, and said with a smile: "A, B, C, D, I'm missing you, why don't we let them out together?"

Girl A blinked her eyes, as if she suddenly remembered, and said: "Boss, Madam called and said that she hoped that you would go back early today. Mr. David Johnston and his wife came to Los Angeles temporarily, and they will have dinner at home tonight."

Simon also seemed to have immediately forgotten what he just said. After nodding, he waved his hand to indicate that girl A could go out, and he looked down at a piece of media and audience feedback materials about last Saturday's "God Watches Movies" incident. Simon's plan was rejected, but now that it had happened, he no longer struggled with it, and began to follow up personally, trying to maximize the benefits.

I continued to work until six o'clock, remembering Alison's reminder, so I went home from get off work.

Back at the Shell Villa, Janet was chatting with David Johnston and his wife in the small bar area by the glass curtain wall, Jennifer was preparing dinner, and Veronica was looking after the four in the rest area next to the curtain wall. children.The three little Westeros and David Johnston's son, born in February at the beginning of the year, was named Derek Johnston.

After greeting David and his wife, Simon sat down next to Janet, took a glass of red wine handed over by the woman, and asked with a smile, "What were you talking about just now?"

Janet unconsciously leaned towards Simon, leaning on the man's arm on the back of the sofa chair, and said, "David and Lily are going to move to San Francisco, Simon, do you think David can find a place in Ygritte?" a job?"

Simon heard Janet say this, and glanced at David and his wife. David Johnston was obviously embarrassed, but Leslie looked forward.

Without any hesitation, Simon nodded quickly: "Of course, no problem. David is studying fluid physics, and he must be very good at mathematics. It just so happens that Igret is constantly strengthening his big data department, and David can work here. "

Not expecting her husband to be too proactive, Leslie Johnston could only ask, "Simon, what does the big data department do?"

Simon said: "Igret currently has more than [-] million users worldwide, and the big data department mainly mines and analyzes user behaviors on IE browsers, Igret portals, social networks and other platforms. And integration, in order to more efficiently and accurately deliver advertisements to target users, promote products, customize services, etc. This is a very important department, which is personally in charge of by Tim Berners-Lee, and will affect the entire Yige in the future The direction of Ritter's development."

After Simon finished explaining, David Johnston was obviously moved by the job.

Leslie Johnston realized that when her husband entered this department, he could only be an ordinary researcher and lead a small team at most. Even in a research-oriented department, managers also need emotional intelligence and leadership skills. David obviously doesn't have the talents, and it's impossible for Simon to make him the head of the department.

However, the couple moved to San Francisco, and Leslie's main purpose was for herself, and she didn't expect much from her nerdy husband.

After getting married at the end of the previous year, and then became pregnant last year, Leslie Johnston's career has almost stagnated.

Fortunately, Simon is really good to the people around him, and directly handed over a large part of the design work of the Eaglet Park in Mountain View to the design company of Leslie's family.

Now that the child is half a year old, Leslie plans to return to work, starting with taking over the branch of the family's architectural design firm in North America. The North American branch of the company should belong to itself, not a pair of younger siblings.

As for the husband, it is good not to be idle if he has a job, and he can take care of the children by the way.

After directly finalizing this matter, Leslie took the initiative to talk about the design of Cape Dume Manor. Since buying a large number of surrounding properties, the remodeling work of Cape Dume Manor has not stopped. At present, many redundant villas are being demolished one after another. It is planned to directly build a garden corridor, a lawn, a sports field, etc. However, if you want the manor to be more beautiful, you will definitely need a professional designer to plan.

However, Jennifer is mainly responsible for this matter. Simon and Janet are very busy on weekdays, so they can't give too much attention to it.