"Let's talk about the future. ”

Eric shook his head and smiled, but he wasn't too worried about this problem, MGM's fundamental problem was still in the business philosophy.

Until now, MGM still maintains the vertical business philosophy handed down from the era of big studios, but since the 80s, several other major Hollywood film companies have begun to try to diversify their development, and strive to open up the surrounding industrial chains such as audio-visual products, books, records, toys, and theme parks related to movies, so as to maximize the 'locomotive effect' of the film business, and increase the ability of film companies to resist risks through the development of profit channels.

But at the same time, MGM fell into the hands of the casino tycoon Cork Corkerian, who preferred to play capital operations, and the casino tycoon was obviously much more interested in transforming MGM into a hotel than in making a movie, which caused the old movie giant to miss the best opportunity for transformation.

And now, Hollywood studios, which have opened up the industry chain, have begun a new round of integration with media groups, and once this trend is completed, MGM will be completely left behind, and there is no chance to catch up with those who have integrated with media groups.

In this case, Eric's provision of some high-quality film projects for MGM will only make the studio prosperous for a while, and when everyone is busy dividing up the profits in the future, MGM will still be the declining MGM.

After saying goodbye to Chris, Eric returned to his room to change his clothes and drove to a restaurant in New York City-sur-Seine. He was going to meet tonight with Marcel Novalet, a vice president of the investment arm of Crédit Lyonnais, and John Cali, the current president of MGM Pictures.

In 1990, Cork Corkerian sold MGM to Italian investor Giancarlo Paretti for $1.3 billion, but it didn't take long. The U.S. Federal Securities and Exchange Commission found significant problems with the transaction. Giancarlo Paretti, an Italian investor, is just an empty shell. The whole process of the transaction was completely through the fraudulent method of empty gloves White Wolf to defraud the acquisition of MGM.

Giancarlo Paretti was finally imprisoned for this fraud, but the biggest bitter fruit was swallowed by Crédit Lyonnais, because the French Crédit Lyon bank was the financier of the transaction, at the end of last year, the fraud case was finally sentenced, Giancarlo got the punishment he deserved, but the deal was still declared valid, and Giancarlo Paretti took 75% of MGM shares from Corkerian was transferred to the name of Crédit Lyonnais. Crédit Lyon organized an auction in order to get rid of MGM, but no one dared to take over the mess, so Crédit Lyon had no choice but to reorganize MGM's management, recruiting Frank Maccasso and John Cali to form a new management team, hoping to improve MGM's performance and then successfully find a successor.

But now the result is that the two new helmsmen are not in a good position, and the two films "Desperate Bear Peak" and "The Last Action Hero" released heavily in the summer have all failed.

Eric was thinking about a plan to match a European film company with MGM along the way, after the hotel car stopped. As soon as Eric got out of the car, he saw two white men greet him warmly.

Eric immediately recognized John Cali, who was about sixty years old and had gray hair. Eric had seen each other at some events in Los Angeles before, but it wasn't until "Fang Fang" John Cali was originally an executive in the production department of Warner Pictures, and has been working at Warner Pictures since the late sixties, and is an old man in the Steve Ross era, after Steve Ross's death, because the infighting between the two co-presidents of Warner for the position of CEO gradually intensified, coupled with the invitation of Crédit Lyonnais, John Cali left his old club where he had worked for many years and became the president of MGM Pictures.

Eric blamed the hapless CEO of Carlock Films for the last time "Bear Peak" climbed "Jurassic Park", so he didn't know that it was actually a moth made by the two helmsmen at MGM. However, even if he knew, Eric wouldn't care too much about it now, anyway, both MGM movies now ended in a miserable situation and didn't have any impact on Jurassic Park.

Seeing John Cali greeted him warmly with another Frenchman in his forties and fifties with a big nose, Eric also walked up briskly with a smile.

"Eric, it's a pleasure to have you here tonight," John Cali said with a familiar hug to Eric, and then introduced, "This is Mr. Marcel Novare of Crédit Lyonnais." ”

"Hello, Mr. Novare," Eric held out his hand to the other.

Marcel Novare exchanged pleasantries with Eric before the three of them walked towards the restaurant. The waitress guided the three of them into a quiet corner, ordered food, and Marcel Novalet couldn't wait to get straight to the point.

Although MGM is the last of the seven Hollywood studios, it is arguably the largest of any studio in Europe.

To Eric's surprise, but also reasonable, Crédit Lyon wanted Firefly to take over MGM.

Marcel Novare, noticing Eric's slightly surprised look, continued: "Eric, if you agree to take over MGM, Crédit Lyonnais is willing to offer a very reasonable price. We will also be responsible for lobbying the U.S. Federal Securities and Exchange Commission to approve the transaction request. ”

Firefly Pictures has now reached a peak in Hollywood, and continuing to expand in the film business will definitely involve the problem of monopoly, it is conceivable that if Firefly Pictures acquires several other major Hollywood film companies again, it will definitely receive pressure from all sides, however, Eric is very clear that among the film companies other than Firefly Pictures, other goals are difficult to achieve at the moment, but only if MGM initiates the acquisition, there will be much less resistance, and there will even be people secretly promoting this matter.

The Federal Securities and Exchange Commission's ruling is also very affected by the power of capital, and the acquisition of MGM by Firefly at this time is equivalent to taking a big burden into its arms. This big burden will definitely slow down the pace of firefly expansion. It will also affect the evaluation of Firefly Pictures by investment institutions.

If it's another time. In the face of MGM's rich film library resources, Eric doesn't mind taking over MGM and slowly adjusting it, but in the next few years, Firefly will increase the pace of expansion without stopping, and it is absolutely impossible to take over the mess of MGM at this time.

Since Marcel Novaire was so direct, Eric did not beat around the bush and refused bluntly: "Marcel, I'm really sorry, I can't agree to your request. Because I can't think of any reason to take over MGM right now. ”

Of course, it is impossible for Lyon Credit to guess Eric's strong interest in MGM films, so Eric's reaction did not surprise Marcel Novare, who did not expect much from Eric's agreement, and made this suggestion to Eric, more out of a rush to the doctor.

Crédit Lyonnais is one of the three largest banks in France, not only operating traditional banking business, but also involved in investment banking and insurance, because of the European economic recession caused by the turmoil in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in the early nineties, Crédit Lyonnais has been in huge losses for several years in a row. This year's losses are expected to be as high as 11 billion francs ($2.2 billion), of which MGM, which was taken over by the fraud, accounts for a large part. Crédit Lyon is now eager to cash out this hot potato.

Unable to meet Eric's refusal, Marcel Novaire did not dwell on it any longer, and waited for the waiter to serve the dishes one after another, before Marcel Novaire gave John Cali a gentle look.

John Cali bowed slightly, put down his knife and fork, turned his head to Eric, and said, "Eric, I don't know if you're interested in the 007 series?"

Eric smiled slightly, thinking that it was still the case, but it was true that MGM did not have any bargaining chips to cooperate with him, and the only thing that Crédit Lyon wanted to do now was to get rid of MGM, and did not want to invest in the Firefly film business like other European studios.

The 007 series is like a hanging ginseng for MGM, cutting a slice whenever it is terminally ill, and then it can survive for a few years.

Before the sixteenth part of 007, whether it was the United States period or the MGM era, the production cycle of 007 was one every two years, and the reason why this long-standing series was abruptly terminated four years ago was that in addition to the continuous turmoil at MGM and the reasons for copyright disputes, the most important reason was that the box office and reputation of the sixteenth "007: License to Kill" were too big at the box office, "License to Kill" At that time, the budget was $32 million, but it only earned more than 33 million box office in the United States, and if it weren't for the global compensation for the losses, "Murder Made" almost became the first loss-making sequel to the 007 series.

For a legendary agent classic series, the loss of an investment is of course nothing, but MGM is more afraid that the reputation of this series will be completely ruined, and if the seventeenth or even eighteenth part still cannot be recognized by fans, then the series is likely to be completely suspended. As a result, MGM hesitated for several years to start the production of Part 17 007, and nothing has come of it until now.

"Speaking of the last 'License to Kill,' this sequel has a terrible reputation, but I think one of the settings is still very interesting," Eric replied, reminding of Kelly Lowe who played Sam's deceased wife in "Sleepless in Seattle," Kelly Lowe was the Bond girl of "License to Kill," and Eric and Kelly Lowe had a night in Seattle, but the girl left after that night, and Eric never saw each other again.

When John Cali heard Eric say this, he naturally asked, "What setting?"

"The setting of two Bond girls, "Murder License" is the only 007 movie where two Bond girls are jealous for Bond and cry because of it, but it's a pity that the plot conceived by the screenwriter of the previous one is more focused on revenge films, but it loses the essence of Bond movies, so it does not highlight the two points of the two Bond girls, and I also think that there are some problems with the setting of the two Bond girls. ”

John Cali hesitated, but chose the first focus of Eric's words, and asked, "Eric, what do you think is the essence of the 007 movie?"

Eric chuckled a little wickedly. "Of course it's to save the world." ”

John Cali and Marcel Novaret on the other side were stunned. Then he laughed along with Eric. But after laughing. John Cali realized that Eric's remark, although a bit ridiculous, hit the heart of the 007 series, so he immediately asked, "What do you mean by the two Bond girls you just said that there is a problem with the setting?"

Eric was also interested, simply put down the dishes, and said: "In the traditional way of making, Bond girls have always played the role of Bond's assistant or lover. Even if there are two Bond girl protagonists in the sixteenth part, they still can't escape this mindset. But why don't we go the other way and set up two Bond girls, one good and one evil, one to assist Bond and the other to be Bond's enemy. Just like Warner's last two "Batman", although Michael Keaton, who plays Batman, is quite popular, the villains in both the first and second films have attracted more attention from the audience. Needless to say, the clown played by Jack Nicholson will definitely become a classic imitation for later generations, and Catwoman and Penguin played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito also left a deep impression on the audience. This shows a problem, I have seen too many protagonists with a sense of justice in the movie. The audience is still very much looking forward to the villain screen characters with distinct personalities, which gives the 007 series a big breakthrough point. ”

Marcel Novaire listened to Eric's words, but subconsciously felt that it made sense, and did not feel too deeply, but John Cali, who has been a producer for more than 20 years, is a bright eye, as a former executive of Warner's production department, John Cali also experienced the joy of the success of the first "Batman", but Warner only attributed the success of the "Batman" series to the popularity accumulated over decades of comic book serialization, but did not think in too deep directions.

Eric's chatter-like words at this time made John Cali have a sudden feeling in his heart that perhaps Warner paid more than $50 million for the role of Jack Nicholson's clown, which was not too unjust. At the same time, John Cali couldn't help but admire Eric's keen thinking and vision, and secretly sighed that it was not for nothing that this young man achieved such dazzling success at such a young age.

Although he sighed in his heart, John Cali did not forget to strike while the iron was hot: "Eric, since you have such an idea, why don't you just be the director of the seventeenth 007? MGM will definitely make an offer that satisfies you?"

Eric took a sip of the red wine next to him, but instead of answering John Cali's invitation directly, he said, "John, is MGM willing to keep the 007 series strong?"

John Cali's heart moved slightly, but on the surface he was silent, sighed softly, and said, "Eric, you know, we don't have many options. ”

"There's a great opportunity right now," said Eric, putting down his glass and looking at Marcel Novalet, "but it's up to Crédit Lyonnais." ”

Marcel Novalet, although he didn't know much about cinema, was also keenly aware that Eric's next words would definitely have a great impact on MGM's current situation: "Eric, if Crédit Lyon can help, we will definitely do our best, so let's talk about your thoughts." ”

Eric said: " Recently, several film companies and film foundations want to invest in Hollywood, but Firefly's production plan within two years has been determined, and it will be very inconvenient to adjust, and it will not maximize the benefits, so I think maybe everyone can cooperate, I am responsible for selecting suitable projects and participating in the production appropriately, European film companies and foundations are responsible for investment, and MGM is responsible for production and distribution, which can not only solve MGM's current operational dilemma, but also make full use of the financial advantages of Europe. ”

Marcel Novaire nodded his head the whole time, listened carefully to Eric's words, and turned his head to look at John Cali, who also had an intentional look in his eyes, but compared to Marcel Novare, John Cali knew better how difficult it was to implement Eric's suggestion. Although Eric's personal contribution seems to be the least in this cooperation proposal, in fact, his personal participation is also the most valuable part, just like in the original time and space, because of Steven Spielberg's strong appeal, DreamWorks has just announced its establishment to the outside world. Investors from all over the world have rushed to send more than a billion dollars in start-up capital. And at this time. If it weren't for Eric's intervention. Maybe those European studios won't even consider cooperating with MGM at all, after all, the two blockbusters in the summer file have scared them.

But at the same time, MGM's current situation is the most clear to the major European film forces, even with Eric taking the lead, the possibility of them agreeing is still very slim.

"Eric, personally, I'm looking forward to this collaboration, but ......," John Cali was about to continue. Noticing Marcel Novalet's eyes at him, he stopped talking, after all, his identity was only a professional manager at MGM, seeing that Marcel Novalet seemed to be very enthusiastic about this plan, John Cali couldn't pour cold water on him immediately, so he could only change his tone and say: "But we still have to negotiate with all parties." ”

Marcel Novare also immediately interjected: "Eric, we will give you an answer as soon as possible, and in addition, Lyon Credit will do its best to facilitate this matter." ”

"Then I'll wait for your good news," Eric nodded.

The rest of the topic is much lighter. John Cali curiously continued to ask Eric about his thoughts on the villain's on-screen role, and Eric was not stingy. I shared some of the theories I saw in my previous life with John Cali. It wasn't until half past nine that the three of them finished the dinner.

After settling the bill, John Cali and Marcel Novare sent Eric out of the restaurant, leaving the restaurant, Eric was standing on the side of the road to say goodbye to the two, when he saw another beautiful figure coming out of the bright restaurant hall, it was Sophie Marceau, who had not been seen for a few days, at this time the girl was accompanied by a tall middle-aged man about forty years old, typical of French appearance, the middle-aged man and Sophie walked out, chattering about something.

John Cali and Marcel Novare followed Eric's gaze almost at the same time, and that night John Cali also attended the celebration party of the Seydoux family, and learned a little about it, and glanced at Marcel Novalet, and John Cali said to Eric, "Eric, in that case, we will take our leave." ”

Eric didn't mind the teasing and ambiguity that appeared at the same time between John Cali and Marcel Novare, said goodbye, and walked over to Sophie.

Approaching the two of them, Eric could clearly recognize Sophie's impatient expression, although he could not understand French. After getting used to the somewhat dim light outside, Sophie also saw Eric at a glance, and the girl's expression was a little surprised at first, and then she winked mischievously at Eric, and then bowed her mouth to the middle-aged man next to her, obviously signaling Eric to help her.

The middle-aged man noticed the change in Sophie's expression and looked ahead, only to find that a young man in his twenties walked towards him, the young man was dressed in a decent black suit, his face was angular, and his temperament was light and calm, giving people a faint sense of oppression that was difficult to ignore. Although he felt that the young man's appearance was somewhat familiar, the middle-aged man could not recognize Eric's identity for a while, but he instinctively produced a trace of vigilance.

Seeing Eric walk in front of the two of them, the middle-aged man took a slight step forward, stretched out his hand to Eric, and said in French: "Hello, my name is Frederick Blonn, may I ask who you are?"

To the surprise of the middle-aged man, a look of confusion appeared in the eyes of the young man in front of him, and he looked at his outstretched hand, but he did not mean to respond, but just turned his gaze to Sophie.

Sophie knew that Eric couldn't understand a few words of French, so she smiled narrowly, but now she had to test Eric to solve the siege, so Sophie had to quickly say to the middle-aged man: "He can't understand French, you can use English." ”

When Frederick Brown heard Sophie's words, a hint of contempt flashed in his eyes, but he introduced himself again in English.

Eric then reached out to him and shook his hand, "Hello, I'm Eric Williams. ”

If it was just a little familiar, after Eric finished saying his name, Frederick Brown immediately remembered his identity, he is also a person in the film industry, of course, he can't not know Eric, a young Hollywood tycoon who has created the miracle of Firefly Pictures in just a few years, thinking of this, Frederick Brown immediately put away the trace of contempt that had just emerged, and said eagerly: "Mr. Williams, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm a producer at TF1 Film Studios." ”

"Oh, TF1, I know," Eric nodded, and was about to blurt out names such as "Paddington Bear", "Rescue in the Air", and "Super Body", but immediately realized that these were movies more than ten years later, and his thinking was a little embarrassed, and he looked at Sophie and said, "That, Sophie's "Heartbeat Feeling" is your company, right?"

Sophie noticed Eric's somewhat embarrassed appearance and burst out laughing. Frederick Bloom didn't dare to be so unscrupulous as Sophie, and nodded: "Yes, it was jointly invested by us and Gaumont. ”

"Oh," Eric nodded, not meaning to talk to the other party any more, and pointed to Sophie, who was still grinning very unfiguratively, "I haven't seen Sophie for a long time, don't you mind letting us talk alone, right?"

What do you mean by long time no see, am I familiar with you?

Thinking so, the girl rolled her eyes at Eric, but didn't deny it.

"Of course, in that case, I'll take my leave," said Frederick Blonn, said goodbye to Sophie, and walked towards the parking lot.

"Phew, I'm glad I ran into you, otherwise I wouldn't know how to get rid of this pesky guy," Sophie said as she waited until the middle-aged figure disappeared into a white BMW.

Eric gestured to the hotel driver not far away, and pointed to the Seine on the other side of the road: "Let's go over there." ”

"Ah, that, well," Sophie seemed to realize something, but did not refuse Eric's invitation, and followed him across the road to the Seine, and the two of them went down the steps all the way to the embankment of the Seine, and it was dark at night, and there were many couples walking on the embankment, but no one paid attention to the two of them.

Glancing at Sophie, who seemed to be slightly hunched by the coolness of the night, Eric asked, "Why did you eat with that guy since you hated him?"

"It's my agent who just picked me up for a movie," Sophie seemed to remember the unpleasant experience just now, and said angrily: "I suddenly received an invitation tonight, saying that I wanted to talk about the script, but the director and screenwriter left very early, leaving the annoying guy just now who kept pestering me, and I knew that I wouldn't come, but I took the script for the sake of Alexandre Dumas's face." ”

Listening to Sophie's arrogant tone, Eric smiled lightly and said, "Dumas's work, which one?"

Sophie said: "The sequel to "The Three Musketeers" is about d'Artagnan's daughter, hmph, if he comes to pester me again, I won't take it, and I can't find a movie." (To be continued......)