is still the same truth, the traverser is not necessarily the smartest, and the creativity around the movie has long been mastered by the people of this era.

It can be said that "Jaws" in 1975 and "Star Wars" in 1977 played an important role in the establishment of Hollywood's modern commercial blockbuster model.

When Jaws was released in North America on June 20, 1975, there were 464 screens, which was already quite impressive at the time, and Universal also invested a lot of advertising hype into high-concept marketing concepts.

As a result, countless merchandise attempts were made to promote the film's release, including soundtrack records, T-shirts, plastic mugs, books about filmmaking, original novels from the film, beach towels, blankets, shark-looking clothing, toy sharks, hobby kits, games, posters, necklaces made of shark teeth, pajamas, water guns, ......

One of them, a board game developed by a toy company, had players use a hook to hook the contents out of the shark before it closed its mouth.

Therefore, Spielberg was not too surprised by Tang Huan's incidental request, he was surprised that it seemed that the other party was more confident than himself in the commercial value of this work, maybe this is one of the differences between billionaires and ordinary people.

"This will be a movie with children as the protagonists, and I'm afraid in terms of commercial returns, it's really ......," Spielberg had to remind again.

Because he estimates that a big Hollywood boss like Tang Huan is likely to only focus on the box office.

This year, the box office is not more than 100 million. I'm embarrassed to say it's a success.

At the beginning, the box office of "1941" was more than 90 million. It is one step away from breaking 100 million. The result was a disappointment for Columbia and Universal Pictures.

Now I must learn from the experience and get vaccinated in advance, so as not to end up in time.

"You don't have to worry so much, I really like this genre." Tang Huan dispelled the other party's concerns in a firm tone, and continued to talk about opening an independent company to run the film.

How do you get Spielberg and Sid, who has the grace to carry him? Hinberg drifted away, and then transplanted this cash cow from the world to the United States?

There is no doubt that nature is a benefit.

Spielberg's good friend George? Lucasfilm founded Lucasfilm in San Francisco, California in 1971. operated "American Style Painting" and "Star Wars", gained fame and fortune, and made a lot of money, needless to say.

And "Raiders of the Lost Ark", directed by Spielberg and currently in the late stage, is George? Lucas is the producer, running under the structure of Lucasfilm.

Tang Huan didn't believe it, Spielberg vs. George? Lucas's wealth is not enviable.

Sid? It is true that Hinberg and Universal promoted Spielberg, but they only stayed at the simple work level, Spielberg couldn't get rid of the identity of a migrant worker, and Tang Huan wanted to become George by supporting Spielberg? A boss like Lucas and an independent producer to poach Sid? The purpose of Hinberg and the Globe's corner.

"This E.T. movie will be made through this company." Tang Huan quietly set the prerequisites. "Twenty percent of the shares left to me is fine, specific structure. and other shareholders, as determined by you. ”

Seeing that Spielberg did not object, Tang Huan continued: "As for the remuneration method, it is fixed or divided into calculations, and it is free to choose. ”

It is no exaggeration to say that Tang Huan's corporal Lixian is close to the extreme.

There's no way around it, Spielberg has the capital to go back to Sid? Hinberg and Universal are there for help, and if they want to dig people, they can't be small-bellied.

Moreover, Spielberg's high-performance stocks naturally have to be held for a long time, and it is impossible to just make a hammer deal.

"In addition, you have the right to decide on the production of film merchandise and video game adaptations, and abide by the principle of whichever comes first, but you have to give priority to the companies under my name. For example, the video game adaptation should have been given to EA, but if someone is willing to pay $30 million and EA has no intention of following up, EA loses the video game adaptation. This is just one example, and the specific rules are set out in more detail later. Tang Huan looked at Spielberg with a smile, "What other needs do you have, just say it." ”

Spielberg listened attentively, and he already understood that Tang Huan was trying his best to win himself over.

Although he could see this, Spielberg couldn't refuse the plan that seemed to be all good for him, and he was embarrassed to even say "I'll go back and think about it".

Seeing Spielberg nodding in agreement, Tang Huan smiled with relief, his revenge action finally successfully completed the first step, it was really not easy.

You know, Spielberg has been in Hollywood for many years, and he has long understood the rules and become a veteran in the industry, especially with George by his side? Successful examples like Lucas are for reference.

During the filming of "Star Wars", George? Lucas gave up what he could get paid to direct and get the right to the film.

The decision resulted in him earning billions of dollars in royalties directly from all the games, toys and collectibles he owned.

And in the original time and space, Forbes Online once estimated that in George? During Lucas's lifetime, the revenue generated by the Star Wars franchise was close to $20 billion.

So far, two Star Wars films have been released, and it turns out, George? Lucas's way of controlling the ownership of the film has been extremely successful.

Therefore, it is necessary to release the bait to entrap Spielberg, and to reach the balance point of interest distribution, which really made Tang Huan spend a lot of thought.

Now that a consensus has been reached, Tang Huan still has to personally sit in charge and supervise its implementation, so as not to have too many dreams at night and be Sid? Hinberg and Universal spotted the sprouts.

In order to speed up the progress, Tang Huan deliberately gave up his Learjet 35, a small business jet that can carry 8 people, to pick up Spielberg.

As a result, a film company called Amblin Entertainment was quickly formed, named after Spielberg's 1968 short film "Amblin". The location is located near the headquarters of Luen Mei.

Other than that. Spielbergra came two partners. KathleenKennedy - Catherine? Kennedy and FrankWilton Marshall - Frank? Marshall.

The former was appreciated by Spielberg when he was filming the movie "1941" in 1979 and served as Spielberg's secretary.

The latter worked with Spielberg during the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

According to the historical trajectory, these two will become a famous Hollywood husband and wife, especially Catherine? Kennedy is one of the few gold medal producers.

Although Tang Huan attaches great importance to Spielberg, he can't keep an eye on Amperin Entertainment. So he launched his own agent and let Lin Qingfang serve as a director.

In Tang Huan's view, Lin Qingfang's so-called reading now, he may not be able to learn any real materials, it is better to learn from practice, didn't he invest $10 million in the production of "E.T.", just take advantage of this convenience, let him hang up a false position, just watch it, and have a good experience.

The establishment of Amperin Entertainment and the establishment of "E.T." It was announced that Tang Huan had successfully intercepted Hu, and the revenge operation came to an end for the time being. And the hidden killing move is also prepared.

If the other party dares to swallow that bait, then follow the historical trajectory to bring about its own destruction, otherwise, EA will take it and make money honestly.

As a technology tycoon in Silicon Valley, it is only natural for Tang Huan to lead the members of Amperin Entertainment to visit his home base.

"While ILM is unique in its film special effects, my personal computer might be able to help a little bit as well." Tang Huan proudly introduced multimedia processing technologies such as graphics, images, and sounds, which were still in the incubation stage, which really made Spielberg and others curious, and at the same time opened their eyes.

"I also brought advertising sponsorship for this movie, EA, Fangyuan Computer, Zheru are all a problem, and Shisi candy and so on." After the tour, Tang Huan casually handed Spielberg a form, "You decide for yourself which ones are available." ”

Spielberg took a closer look, and at the same time understood in his heart that Tang Huan wanted to hitchhike and advertise in an obscure way, but fortunately, these products are still very reliable in science fiction movies.

"I really liked the script, and I took the time to think about it, what should this alien look like? Finally drawn. Tang Huan smiled and took a painting and unfolded it for everyone to see.

Catherine? When Kennedy and Lin Qingbian saw such an "ugly" alien, their faces invariably showed disapproving looks, and Lin Qingbian said unceremoniously and directly, "It's ugly." ”

"Isn't it, the alien's face design, I refer to Carl? Sandburg, Albert? Einstein and Ernest? Hemingway's face. Tang Huan snorted awkwardly, it seems that there is indeed a gap between the times in aesthetics.

"It's something so ugly that only its mother would love it." Spielberg muttered to himself as he read the inscription on the painting, and couldn't help but be stunned thoughtfully.

At this time, the subordinates reported to Tang Huan, and a MGM manager asked for a meeting, and claimed to represent the boss Cork? Kirklian came to talk about business.

"Even if he has a business, he shouldn't come to me directly, just contact Lianmei." After Tang Huan muttered in confusion, he waved his hand, "Invite someone over." ”

MGM has been in charge of the distribution work for several years, and the two companies can be regarded as close business contacts, but so far, there has really been no communication at the boss level.

Seeing Spielberg staring at the painting and looking at it intently, Tang Huan made a joke, "My painting work is not bad." ”

"Don, you're a veritable man of many talents." Spielberg complimented him seriously, then pointed to the painting and said, "When I saw the aliens you drew, I was suddenly a little moved, can you give me this painting for study?" ”

"Of course there is no problem." Tang Huan laughed, and said in his heart, of course you will be touched, the reason why I drew the appearance of E.T. is to save you the time and money wasted on the selection of E.T. models.

Everyone was discussing the painting, and the guy from MGM was brought in.

"Can you arrange a separate place to speak?" The other party looked at Spielberg and the others with a look of hesitation on his face.

Tang Huanxin said. How can that work? It is precisely this form that I want to use. to convey trust and importance to Spielberg.

"If you have something to say, it's all your own people here." Tang Huan waved his hand magnificently.

"That'...... All right. The other party nodded helplessly, "My boss Coke?" Mr. Kirklian believes that MGM and Luen Mei have cooperated for a long time, complement each other's advantages, and have a tacit understanding, so it is better for the two to become one, and Mr. Tang is willing to buy MGM? ”

Originally in the office. Spielberg appreciated the painting, and Lin Qingfang whispered for Catherine? Kennedy and Frank? Marshall and the two explained the various cultural relics and ornaments collected by Tang Huan, and the atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious, but at this time, it suddenly became solemn and serious, and it seemed so quiet that even a needle could be heard falling on the ground.

Hearing the other party's intentions, Tang Huan couldn't help frowning, even if the MGM Hotel burned down last year, it wouldn't make Cork? Kirklian can't hold on, so sell MGM.

You know, in the original time and space in 1981. MGM could have paid $350 million to buy Luen Mei from Pan America. It's like a posture that is not affected by the fire and wants to spend money on it.

But when he thought about it, he couldn't tell.

According to media reports, now Cork? Kirkrian had completely separated MGM and MGM Pictures into two separate parts.

The significance of this is self-evident, so as not to drag each other down.

Before the fire, Cork? Naturally, Kirklian didn't care too much about the MGM Pictures toy being a money-losing product, but isn't it a serious setback for the hotel and gambling business now?

If he hadn't bought Luen Mei, MGM Pictures would have received Luen Mei into the account, which would be equivalent to picking up the distribution business that he had given up before, and adding the cash cow of "007".

But now that there is no United States to make up for the shortcomings, MGM Pictures seems to be unable to find a way to break through the decadent situation, and Cork? Kirklian also lost patience and had the idea of simply selling.

After a quick analysis in his heart, Tang Huan slowly asked, "Can I know Cork?" Mr. Kirkrian, how much does it cost MGM Pictures? ”

"About $1 billion." The other party observed Tang Huan's expression and replied carefully.

Tang Huan nodded secretly, and said in his heart that it was not too dark.

In 1986, Cork? Kirklian sold MGM and United America to TurnerBroadcastingSystem for $1.5 billion -- Ted Turner, the boss of Turner Broadcasting. Turner.

The latter founded the world's first television news channel, CableNewsNetwork, in 1980 – CNN, and his eye for MGM's vast film library was not only commercial.

But after the deal was completed, the sharp-witted Ted? Turner, who immediately sold Luen Mei back to Cork for $480 million? Kirkrian.

So from that point of view, it seems that MGM is worth the price.

But Tang Huan is not impressed, Luen Mei is being digested and integrated smoothly, he doesn't want to be dragged down by the bottomless pit of MGM, and he doesn't have that spare money, the funds obtained by EA financing, in addition to dealing with possible industry risks, are also planned for investment in new areas.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have the financial resources to buy MGM, so I can only fail Cork? Mr. Kirkrian's kindness. Tang Huan shrugged.

Tang Huan refused so neatly that the other party couldn't help but be a little stunned, "Now the media says that you are the richest man in the United States, and it is not a trivial matter to buy MGM with a casual financing." When the time comes, you'll be the only boss who controls two of Hollywood's eight largest companies at the same time. ”

Hearing the other party's obvious agitation, Tang Huan laughed noncommittally.

It is estimated that this myth of wealth deliberately created and whitewashed by Wall Street has made most Americans take it for granted that they can really call for wind and rain and do anything, and they can buy whatever they want.

And maybe some people will analyze and come to a conclusion, he can't get rid of the common problem of being young and frivolous, and he is happy with his achievements, as long as he grasps this, he can flicker and succeed in sucking blood.

Seeing that Tang Huan was there, and it seemed that he really had no intention of making an acquisition, the other party couldn't help but be anxious, "One billion dollars is just a preliminary pricing, there is still room for negotiation, and the transaction method can also be flexibly combined, such as cash and stocks, which are acceptable." ”

"No matter what the media says about my wealth, but I know in my heart that I really don't have the strength to buy MGM, please convey it to Cork on my behalf? Mr. Kirkrian's gratitude. Tang Huan didn't answer, politely sent the other party out of the door in person, and apologized repeatedly.

Waiting for Tang Huan to return to the office, Spielberg and the others, who had enjoyed a gossip up close, got up to say goodbye.

"No matter what difficulties the E.T. project encounters that are difficult to solve, you can contact me directly." Tang Huan made a clear endorsement in front of Spielberg, "If there are other good ideas for new scripts, you can also contact Lianmei, I believe that everyone will be satisfied." ”

Spielberg, Catherine? Kennedy and Frank? Marshall nodded yes again and again, and the three of them were genuinely happy, and they felt that they had really met the best of the generous and understanding benefactors.

When the car of the three disappeared from view, Tang Huan hugged Lin Qingfang's slender waist and smiled with ambition, everything was already under control. (To be continued......)