1997 was one of the most important inflection points before the end of the century, not only because "Titanic" set off a box office frenzy at the end of the century and officially opened the blockbuster era; is also because of the strong rise of HBO, which has completely changed the landscape of the TV drama market.

In that year, HBO changed their slogan for the ninth time, "This is not TV, this is HBO (It's. Not。 TV，It’s。 HBO)", announcing a real reform of the television station, they began to independently produce well-developed TV series productions. Since HBO is a cable network, they don't have to worry about ratings or censorship, which means they can be completely hands-free to produce TV series, just to keep subscribers happy. This has allowed a large number of excellent works to emerge.

In fact, in the early 80s, HBO began to produce TV movies independently in order to keep up with the pace of the times, trying to attract a regular user base with these classic works. But after entering the 90s, the genre of TV and movies gradually declined, so HBO once again made drastic reforms.

In 1997, HBO released the large-scale heavy-tasting "Prison Storm (OZ)", which was applauded by film critics, followed by the release of "Desire" in 1998. Wangdu" really ushered in the glorious era of cable television networks, and the subsequent "**** family" pushed HBO's excellent reputation to the peak - which also made HBO start a glorious decade of hegemony.

Hugo didn't expect that the project of the "**** family" was actually in the hands of Endeavor Elite Agency, which dominated the Emmys for eight years from 1999 to 2007, received 90 nominations and won 21 trophies.

The "**** family" will not work on the wireless network, whether it is the subject matter or the scale, including the core idea of the series, it is not suitable for broadcast on the wireless network. Only a cable network like HBO can allow the crew to play heartily and show all the essence.

Therefore, Hugo almost subconsciously said the name of HBO.

However, Hugo doesn't know much about history, and at this time, even "Prison Storm" has only aired its first season, and it has not caused the imaginary sensation, and is still waiting for the appreciation of film critics and the precipitation of time, so naturally no one will treat HBO differently.

Faced with Rick's surprise, Hugo was stunned and hesitated, "I just think...... Well, wireless networks have limitations, because they have to pack the main group of people between the ages of 18 and 49, and the scale can't be too big. Cable networks, on the other hand, are much more lenient in that they can concentrate all their energy on the series and ensure that the quality of the series is not compromised in order to cater to advertisers. I think that there is such a drama as '**** family'...... Uh, maybe the chances in the cable network should be greater, you know, **** things are always sensitive, aren't they? ”

In fact, the **** family (The. Sopranos" literally means soprano, but in the episode it refers to the protagonist's last name. In other words, Hugo shouldn't have said anything like "****" when he didn't know anything about the series.

But fortunately, Rick and Joseph didn't think much of it, they just thought that Hugo had heard a word in the company, so they didn't pursue it. Rick thought seriously about Hugo's words for a moment, and couldn't help but nodded, "Maybe, you can try it." It's just that if it's a cable network, I don't know how to ...... the development prospects."

This time, Hugo learned to be obedient, he didn't know much about the history of HBO, and he didn't know what the current situation of HBO was, so he obediently kept his mouth shut.

"Now the company is too big, and my knowledge of the TV drama industry is limited, maybe we should slow down for a while......" Rick muttered in a low voice, he was just casually feeling, and did not intend to get a response, because neither Joseph and Hugo, nor himself, have very limited knowledge of the TV drama industry. Even if they want to come up with ideas, they are not enough.

But after a moment of silence, Rick heard a voice say, "Maybe this is also a development opportunity?" He looked up suddenly, and then saw Hugo's hesitant expression, Rick's eyes widened, and he asked, "What?" ”

Hugo had already planned not to speak, after all, he had a very limited understanding of the development history of the TV series, but when he heard Rick's muttering, he couldn't help but reply. Seeing the inquiry in Rick's eyes at this time, Hugo thought about it, but decided to take matters into account, "You know, now all major agencies are focusing on the film industry, even William Morris Agency, they have very limited energy to invest in TV series. ”

"Yes, that's because movies are really profitable, no one wants to make TV series, even talents in the TV drama industry want to be able to enter Hollywood." Rick said of course that the reason why Endeavour Elite Agency is involved in the TV drama industry is because of its low competitiveness, and they are trying to find a breakthrough, but so far the results have been limited, but the film sector has ushered in another development opportunity.

"However, the TV drama industry is also profitable, right?" It was Joseph who said this, "as if...... Super Bowl ad revenue, if I'm not mistaken, Independence Day's ads for the Super Bowl last year had incredible results. Then Joseph looked at Hugo, "That's what you mean, right?" ”

Hugo nodded, the corners of his mouth outlined a smile, and with Joseph's explanation, the whole thing seemed logical, "It is because everyone is focused on the film industry that the development potential of the TV drama industry is even greater." Looking at 'Friends' and 'The X-Files', maybe the earning power of TV series will never be comparable to that of movies, but if you don't try, who knows? Perhaps, TV dramas can also develop peripheral industries like movies, and then build a culture - we all know that television has a much more profound impact on our lives than movies. ”

Joseph also understood what Hugo meant, "Now those big brokerage companies don't care about TV dramas, maybe the company can gain a foothold in this area and win the qualification to compete with them." That's what makes your dabble in TV dramas, right? Joseph's understanding is much more comprehensive, "If all goes well, we can dominate the TV industry and bring all the top TV stars into our ......"

"And then dig more actors for the movie." Rick's whole train of thought also changed, "It's like we went to Canada and Australia to find more qualified actors, and turned the TV drama industry into our base." ”

Hugo clearly knows how profitable the TV drama industry is, and Warner Bros. can make hundreds of millions of dollars a year just by relying on the TV series "The Big Bang Theory", which is even more profitable than other film companies to make ten movies. "Of course, the premise is that we keep going and put a lot of effort into developing it." Hugo looked at Rick, "Remember?" As you said, this is a difficulty, but it is also an opportunity. ”

Endeavor Elite Brokerage Company has benefited from Hugo, a little butterfly, and is now standing at an inflection point in history, as for whether the company soars or falls apart, it depends on their own efforts.

Rick's mood relaxed at this time, and the smile on the corner of his mouth outlined, although there were still many difficulties in front of them now, and the countermeasures they had just discussed were not sure if they would work, but at least it was no longer chaos. What's more, Rick has regained his confidence, and the rest will depend on the company's teamwork.

"By the way, Hugo, Alan is planning to invest in 'Saving Private Ryan', did Steven mention it to you? This time, he wrote another check for $100 million, which was completely generous. After relaxing, Rick began to make small talk. However, this sentence made Hugo stunned, and Rick didn't notice it, and continued, "Before I came here, I was still wondering if Steven was looking for you because Alan was looking for you by name again. But if you think about it, it shouldn't be, if he names you, he should give you the position of the leading actor, then Tom will be depressed. ”

Allan...... Hugo doesn't have such a good memory of his name, but Allen, who is a check for $100 million as soon as he comes out, is no stranger to Hugo, because they are friends, real friends. Alan Strello, a film speculator from Germany, made a fortune with his eye for "Independence Day" and attracted the interest of many wealthy people in Hollywood. However, Hugo had not heard the name for a long, long time.

How long has it been? It should have been after the end of last year's Oscars, more than a year has passed, but in a trance, Hugo feels as if there are a few years. Hugo hadn't heard Allen's name since Oscar's accident at the yacht party that night.

That night, Allen's eyes revealed his true thoughts, and although he didn't say it directly, he disappeared completely after that, and even deliberately avoided the occasion when Hugo appeared. Perhaps, this act in itself says too much.

"What did Steven say, did he nod his head in agreement?" Hugo kept his mood calm and didn't stir too much. If it is really Allen's investment, maybe Steven's phone invitation yesterday is Allen's opinion. Hugo didn't know, and he wasn't sure, but ...... If this is the case, then how should Hugo respond?

Refuse? Avoid? Or pretend to be nothing?

Hugo had no way to answer because it was a hypothetical question, and he couldn't make a judgment until it actually happened. "Steven doesn't care, Alan is bold and has little interference with the crew, which is naturally best for Steven. But......" Rick relaxed and gushed, but Hugo's hearing was fading and he was immersed in his own thoughts.

"Hugo? Hugo! I don't know how long it took, Rick's voice sounded again from far and near, and Hugo woke up from his thoughts, "Sorry, I forgot, you must be tired, and you still have work today." You go and rest first, and leave the rest to me and Joe. ”

Hugo nodded, stood up, paused in place, seemed to want to say something, but had no clue, and finally silently turned and walked to the room.