The black Cadillac sped away towards the Santa Monica Valley, with Tom Cruise personally accompanying Ronan to the agreed location.

Ronan glanced at Tom Cruise and asked, "Tom, how did you make a living as a messenger?"

"No way. Tom Cruise spread his hands and said, "Who asked the person looking for me to be Steven Spielberg." ”

How could Ronan believe this kind of words, when he dug Alan Albert and Danny Donald before, he didn't see Tom Cruise pay too much attention to Spielberg, and when the conditions were right, he also dug a few hoes under the corner of DreamWorks.

Tom Cruise knew that Ronan didn't believe it, and explained: "My agent is negotiating with DreamWorks, and Spielberg has a project that wants me to be the leading actor." He further explained, "Spielberg and I were both clients of CAA, and CAA was interested in packaging the project, which I found very interesting. ”

Ronan glanced at the sign on the side of the road and said, "Spielberg's film is a guarantee of success, and the trade-off between art and commerce is relatively good." ”

Tom Cruise smiled and said, "So, Spielberg called me, and I can only act as this messenger." He paused, then added, "I'm only responsible for delivering letters." Ronan, don't let me affect you. ”

"I know. Ronan certainly understood what Tom Cruise meant, and instead of dwelling on this, he asked, "What project did you work on with Spielberg?"

Tom Cruise said, "Do you know Phyllis Dick's short story "Minority Report"?

Ronan thought for a moment, "I've heard of it. ”

"A film based on this one. Tom Cruise said, "If nothing else, I'll be one of the leading actors and producers. ”

Ronan suddenly had an idea: "Tom, is it possible for Embassy Pictures to get the overseas distribution rights of this film?"

Tom Cruise said directly: "I don't have much say in this, but I can ask when I get a chance. He looked at Ronan: "I really didn't expect your embassy pictures to be able to distribute films overseas so soon." ”

Ronan said honestly, "That friend of yours, Alan Albert, is very capable. Then there is that I am willing to invest, and the money thrown in it always has some effect. ”

Even with the legacy of Polygram Pictures, the cost of Embassy Pictures to establish an overseas distribution network has reached as much as $33 million.

Personnel salaries, recruiting new people, leasing office space, purchasing office equipment, etc., plus the necessary activity expenses for the channel business, if you calculate a certain overseas market alone, it is actually not too much, but when you look at the global market, it adds up to a huge number.

Ronan was also glad to have taken over Embassy Pictures earlier and established a North American distribution channel, thus making full use of "Blair the Witch" to make huge profits.

Santa Monica Valley, inside a clubhouse on Brentwood Street.

Spielberg and Katzenberg rushed to the clubhouse ahead of schedule.

"Did you see if 'Human Eradication 2' did not have overseas box office last week?" Spielberg asked first.

Katzenberg nodded, his voice a little astringent: "Look, the overseas distribution network of Embassy Pictures is beyond doubt." Even if there is a defect, it can be repaired later, after all, it is not easy to have such a good result for the first overseas release. ”

Spielberg's words are in his mouth: "a sound overseas distribution system ......"

If DreamWorks had an independent overseas distribution channel, why bother to find the big six companies to distribute the film? The overseas distribution network he had in mind was built by a young man in his early twenties.

The old face is dull.

Spielberg regretted it when he thought of misemploying people, how could he believe Albert Hoffman's useless waste?

He also reflected on himself that since the establishment of DreamWorks, the power in his hands has gradually fascinated his eyes, resulting in the first thing he sees is not those who are capable, but those who will please him.

"I've paused the animation studio's overseas distribution talks. Katzenberg then said, "If possible, we should go through our own distribution channels." ”

Spielberg asked with concern, "Shrek and Pony King have also stopped?"

Katzenberg nodded, "Stop." Paramount, who was first contacted, was not sincere, and the conditions of Universal Pictures, which had a negotiation some time ago, were too harsh, and it was better to wait and see if it was to go through other people's distribution channels so that others could earn the majority of their income. ”

He thought for a moment and said, "Shrek cost $60 million to produce and Pony King cost $80 million, and it's not realistic to rely on the North American market alone to make a profit. ”

Spielberg agreed: "Wait a minute. ”

In the past few years, DreamWorks Animation Studio has not been smooth, and several animated films that have invested heavily have had very average incomes, such as "The True Story of Brother Ant" and "Brave Golden City", which have incurred losses, and "The Prince of Egypt" has a greater influence, but after selling out the overseas distribution rights, it can barely make a profit.

This is still the original soundtrack.

Katzenberg suddenly said, "Steven, why didn't we take the distribution department of Polygram Pictures?"

Spielberg was stuck again, and there was a little imperceptible embarrassment on his slightly old face.

When Ronan entered the reception room alone, he happened to see Spielberg and Katzenberg both with thoughtful expressions, as if they were facing some major event.

Anyway, the qualifications of these two people were on display, Ronan politely took the initiative to say hello, Spielberg and Katzenberg responded politely, and came over to shake Ronan's hand one after another.

"Congratulations, Ronan. Spielberg had a chat with Ronan once, and he was quite familiar, and his eyes under the disc glasses were smiling, and he said: ""Human Eradication Project 2" is a box office hit, which is gratifying. ”

Ronan smiled and said, "Thank you." ”

Spielberg added: "I didn't expect Embassy Pictures to integrate PolyGram's distribution channels so quickly. ”

Ronan smiled and didn't answer.

Spielberg asked curiously, "Ronan, can you ask? How did Embassy Pictures impress the people in the distribution department of Polygram Pictures?"

This question made Ronan a little alert, but his face remained silent and said, "It should be sincerity." ”

The smile on Spielberg's face instantly stiffened, and the answer was simply too sincere.

Ronan knew that the other party would not believe it, but he could only answer like this, in fact, he did impress Alan Albert and Danny Donald with sincerity.

Did Spielberg perceive what was going on?

Ronan heightened his vigilance and secretly observed Spielberg and Katzenberg.

Somewhat surprisingly, Spielberg didn't mean to ask at all, and directly changed the topic: "Ronan, you established Relativity Entertainment, which has Shahai Entertainment in charge of production and Embassy Pictures in charge of distribution, is this preparing to make the company bigger, right?"

Recently, Spielberg has studied a lot of materials on Ronan and the theory of relativity, and the businessman's sense of smell makes it easy for him to analyze the ambitions.

Moreover, he and Katzenberg also communicated with the board of directors of DreamWorks, and the overseas distribution channel persuaded all the directors.

Ronan doesn't deny this: "Who wouldn't want to make their company bigger?"

Katzenberg remained silent, not interjecting for the time being, and seemed to be completely dominated by Spielberg.

"It's so hard to make a company big in Hollywood. Spielberg seemed to be deeply touched: "Although this circle is not monopolized by any one company, it is monopolized by several companies, and other companies have developed to a medium size, and they have touched the ceiling." ”

Ronan knows very well that this is very reasonable, and Relativity Entertainment still has a relatively broad space for development for the time being, because Relativity Entertainment has a small scale, and the films produced and distributed every year are limited, and it has not attracted people's attention in a short period of time.

Spielberg's voice is not loud, but it cannot be ignored: "In fact, Dream Factory and Relativity Entertainment are the same genre, and they are both facing the same situation. ”

"Steven, your words are very correct. Ronan first agreed, and then asked, "If you have something to say, just say it." ”

In the face of these old foxes, it is useless to go around.

Spielberg didn't expect Ronan's words to be so simple and direct, but think about the young people in their twenties who I contacted before, most of them are like this, and the younger generation has a different style of doing things from the older generation.

"You want to make your company bigger, and DreamWorks is no different. Spielberg said: "We have the same interests, so why not join forces and seek our own territory in Hollywood?"

Ronan looked at Spielberg, and just a turn of his head realized his true intentions.

What does DreamWorks need most? What does Relativity Entertainment need in DreamWorks?

"Joint? I don't quite understand. Ronan said.

Spielberg pushed down his disc glasses and said: "DreamWorks has the largest platform outside of the six major Hollywood companies, and a whole industry chain has taken shape, and films such as "Saving Private Ryan", "American Beauty" and "Gladiator" have been hugely successful in the last two years. DreamWorks is a powerful company, and if your Relativity Entertainment can join DreamWorks, it will not only increase the strength of DreamWorks, but also give you access to a broader platform. ”

Without waiting for Ronan to speak, Katzenberg added, "DreamWorks has ten times or more resources than your Relativity Entertainment. ”

Ronan frowned slightly, and said slowly: "So, DreamWorks wants to buy my Relativity Entertainment." ”

After almost all small and medium-sized film companies in Hollywood develop, they will face the same situation and even fate, being acquired by large companies and becoming a member of large companies.

This is true of Miramax, New Line Pictures, Castle Rock Pictures, Revolution Film Studios, Orion Pictures, and many more.

In the previous life, even the largest independent film company, Lionsgate, faced a similar situation, Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures and other companies have played Lionsgate's idea, and even once instigated Lionsgate's two major shareholders, if it were not for Lionsgate to launch a "poison pill" anti-takeover, maybe Lionsgate would have become a subsidiary of the Big Six.

"No, Ronan, we're not buying Relativity Entertainment. Spielberg was never just a director: "We're inviting you to join DreamWorks and open up a new landscape in Hollywood." ”

Hearing this, Ronan could only say that he was worthy of Spielberg, a well-known good old man in the Hollywood circle, who even said that he wanted to buy someone else's company so friendly and harmonious.

Didn't you get the twenty-four character true biography?

Katzenberg said at the right time: "Mr. Anderson, you think about it, and the cooperation will benefit both sides. ”

Spielberg was full of smiles: "We might become the seventh biggest man in Hollywood." ”

This is Spielberg's dream, and it is also the slogan that DreamWorks shouted early on, and he is not afraid to let others know.

Ronan could faintly hear through the words of these two people that DreamWorks was really eager for overseas distribution networks.

I found him at this point in time, probably because the overseas release of "Human Erasure Project 2" was basically successful.

"Steven. Ronan still said the same thing: "Does DreamWorks really plan to buy Relativity Entertainment?"

Spielberg frowned imperceptibly and said, "This is not a simple acquisition, Jerry and I have reached an agreement. He looked at Katzenberg, and after Katzenberg nodded, he said, "Trade your shares in DreamWorks for your shares in Relativity Entertainment." ”

Compared with those old powerful people with their nostrils in the sky, Spielberg did not underestimate Ronan, a young man in his early twenties can make such achievements, there must be his merits, and if you want to impress him, you must pay sincerity.

So, Spielberg said, "When you buy a share, you become a shareholder of DreamWorks, or even one of DreamWorks' decision-makers." ”

Frankly, this sincerity is very strong, not a simple acquisition, but a purchase of DreamWorks shares.

Ronan said very politely: "I'm honored that DreamWorks takes it so seriously. He asked directly, "How many DreamWorks shares can Relativity Entertainment buy in exchange?"

If you can get sixty or seventy percent in exchange for a controlling stake, it is not impossible to accept the deal.

But Ronan didn't get dazed, knowing it was fantasy.

Spielberg said with a smile: "If you are interested in cooperating, we can entrust a third-party agency to value Relativity Entertainment, and determine the trade-in ratio based on the actual value of DreamWorks and Relativity." ”

Katzenberg also said, "We can bring in a third party that both sides can trust. ”

Ronan's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the couch, how much is DreamWorks worth now? Now DreamWorks has not been separated, there is a music department, a game department, a TV series production department, a merchandise sales department, and the most famous live-action film production department and animation studio.

Although except for the latter two departments, the other departments are burdens to DreamWorks in Ronan's eyes, but when it comes to counting assets, they account for a very heavy weight.

On the other hand, Relativity Entertainment, the company is simply formed, and there are not many assets at all except for the movies that have been produced or purchased.

How many shares can I redeem?

Ronan asked tentatively: "Steven, there must be a rough number, otherwise I will not be able to explain to the company's management and employees if I hastily reach an agreement with you." ”

Katzenberg looked at Spielberg, in fact, after breathing through the board of directors, an agreement had been reached within DreamWorks.

Spielberg knew very well that he could not make promises at this time, otherwise how would he honor the contract when he signed it? How would he negotiate it? He groaned for a moment and said, "The maximum amount will not exceed five percent of the shares, and if the amount is not enough, DreamWorks can pay in cash." ”

Ronan instantly gave up, DreamWorks wanted overseas distribution channels, not a new boss for himself.

Fantasy is fantasy after all.

"Of course, this is only a preliminary plan. Spielberg added: "We can talk about it slowly." ”

Ronan pondered for a while and decided to be direct, this kind of thing can't be delayed, and there is no need to fool Spielberg, the old man's influence in Hollywood is still quite large.

"Sorry, Steven. Ronan didn't apologize: "I think it's best for DreamWorks and Relativity Entertainment to develop separately." ”

If you really want to go the road of being acquired, the big six companies are more suitable than DreamWorks.

Katzenberg wanted to speak, but Spielberg raised his hand to stop him, and said: "Ronan, think about it again, how many years does it take for DreamWorks to develop and relativistic entertainment to do it? And with your current momentum, it won't take long for it to attract the attention of the six major companies, do you want to become a subsidiary like Miramax who is constantly fighting for the right to speak?"

Ronan didn't speak, but was thinking, of course, not thinking about how to be acquired by DreamWorks, but whether he could cooperate with DreamWorks?

DreamWorks is still very valuable now.

Spielberg didn't know what Ronan was thinking, and he definitely closed the door and let the little short hand go.

"What conditions do you have, you can mention. Spielberg said.

Ronan knew that DreamWorks would not give up easily, so he simply stated his conditions: "DreamWorks' controlling stake and decision-making power." ”

"What?" Cartzenberg's smooth forehead split into numerous furrows.

Even the well-informed Spielberg was frightened, what kind of condition is this? Ants swallow elephants?

Spielberg and Katzenberg looked at each other and had the same thought, underestimating the young man's ambition.

This is where DreamWorks acquired Relativity Entertainment, and it was clearly Relativity Entertainment that acquired DreamWorks!

Are you kidding!

Although DreamWorks has encountered many difficulties and has not established an overseas distribution network until now, it is not comparable to a small company like Relativity Entertainment.

Seeing Spielberg and Katzenberg's ugly faces, Ronan duly added, "Such conditions are unfair to DreamWorks, so I didn't say it at first." He smiled: "Steven, forget about the acquisition." ”

Hearing Ronan's words, Spielberg's face looked better, but his heart was not very happy, and at his level, he was rarely rejected.

As a businessman, he was also thinking quickly, was there any way to get Ronan to lower his conditions?

Spielberg thought about it for a while, but he didn't find a good way for a while, the equity of Relativity Entertainment was in Ronan's hands, and it was impossible to deal with those means of equity dispersion.

Unless Ronan agrees.

Ronan's words didn't stop: "Steven, we don't need to buy, DreamWorks can completely cooperate with Relativity Entertainment." ”

Katzenberg immediately looked up at Ronan, this person had just rejected DreamWorks' kindness, and turned his head to talk to DreamWorks about cooperation? He thought that this person who had been in Hollywood for more than 20 years was thick-skinned enough, but he didn't expect this young man to be thick-skinned.

At such a young age, how did you get this practiced?

Until now, Spielberg doesn't know that even if he attaches great importance to Ronan, he still underestimates him.

"Cooperation?" he asked, with a slightly calm face, "How to cooperate?"

Ronan began to try to pull the conversation up to his pace: "As far as I know, DreamWorks films, whether live-action or animated feature films, have never had a fixed overseas distributor, and you have worked with Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., and Twentieth Century Fox.

Spielberg did not answer, and this kind of question is obvious, and there is no need to answer it at all.

Ronan didn't need Spielberg's answer, and said: "Why doesn't DreamWorks find a stable overseas distributor? Embassy Pictures has established an overseas distribution network and successfully distributed the film "Human Eradication Project 2", and if DreamWorks needs it, Embassy Pictures is willing to provide overseas distribution services to DreamWorks. ”

There's no need to think about North American distribution, DreamWorks itself has North American distribution capabilities.

"Overseas distribution. Spielberg seemed to have some idea.

The positions between the two sides suddenly changed, and Ronan said: "Steven, Relativity Entertainment has just been established, and it is not at the same level as DreamWorks, nor is it like you and the six major companies in competition, I don't know what the six major companies are for you to release films overseas, but it must not be easy, Embassy Pictures does not have the huge scale of the six major companies, and its own distribution costs are low, and you can get more benefits from overseas by cooperating with Embassy Pictures." ”

Spielberg knew that it would be difficult to acquire Relativity Entertainment as expected since Ronan said the so-called conditions, and now there are very few companies in Hollywood that can distribute films overseas on a large scale, otherwise DreamWorks will not accept the harsher distribution conditions of the six major companies, and even some films can only sell out overseas rights to the six major companies for distribution.

"Do you have offline distribution capabilities?" questioned Katzenberg.

The offline distribution of animated feature films is more important than the online distribution.

"Of course. Ronan is confident: "We have further strengthened our overseas distribution network on the basis of the former PolyGram Pictures, not only with overseas cinema companies and agencies, but also with TV stations, distributors and derivatives manufacturers and distributors. ”

As an example, he said, "The masks worn by the main characters in the Human Eradication Project have been sold in 25 countries, and more than half a million have been sold during Halloween. ”

"I'll think about it seriously. Spielberg made Ronan's head a little messy, and took the initiative to end the meeting: "Ronan, let's stop here today, let's keep in touch." ”

Ronan stood up and shook Spielberg's hand, and said "I really want to work with DreamWorks." Especially Steven, I'm a big fan of your movie, and I grew up watching E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. ”

Katzenberg is almost speechless, are all the young people in Hollywood so cheeky and black-hearted now?