Chapter 206 Anti-Customer-Oriented (2-in-1 Chapter 6,000 Words)

? The black Cadillac galloped towards the Santa Monica Valley, and Tom Cruise accompanied Ronan himself to the appointed place.

Ronan glanced at Tom Cruise and asked, "Tom, how did you start delivering the letter?"

"No way." Tom Cruise spread his hands and said, "Who asked me to find Steven Spielberg."

How could Ronan believe such words? When digging Alan Albert and Danny Donald before, he didn't see Tom Cruise attaching too much importance to Spielberg, and when the conditions were right, he also faintly Under the corner of DreamWorks, a few hoes were dug.

Knowing that Ronan didn't believe it, Tom Cruise explained again: "My agent is negotiating with DreamWorks. Spielberg has a project and wants to invite me to be the leading actor." He further explained: "I Both Spielberg and CAA are clients of CAA, CAA intends to package this project, and I also think the project is very interesting."

Ronan glanced at the signboard on the side of the road and said, "Spielberg's film is a guarantee of success, and the balance between art and business is also relatively good."

Tom Cruise said with a smile: "So, Spielberg called me, and I can only act as the messenger." He paused, and then said: "I am only responsible for delivering the letter. I affect you."

"I know." Of course Ronan understood what Tom Cruise meant, and he didn't get entangled in this aspect. Instead, he asked, "What project did you cooperate with Spielberg?"

Tom Cruise: "You know Phyllis Dick's short story 'Minority Report'?"

Ronan thought for a while: "I've heard of it."

"A movie based on this adaptation." Tom Cruise said: "If there is no accident, I will be one of the leading actors and producers."

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

Tom Cruise said directly: "I don't have much right to speak in this regard, but I can find an opportunity to ask." He looked at Ronan: "I really didn't expect that your embassy film industry can be overseas so soon. Release the film."

Ronan said truthfully: "Your friend, Alan Albert, is very capable. Besides, I am willing to invest, and the money thrown in will always have some effect."

Even with the channels left by Polygram Pictures, the cost of embassy pictures in establishing an overseas distribution network,

The expenditure before and after also reached as much as 33 million US dollars.

Personnel salaries, recruiting newcomers, leasing office space, purchasing office equipment, etc., plus the necessary activity funds for channel business, if you calculate a certain overseas market alone, the cost is actually not too much, but looking at the global market, it adds up to a huge sum. numbers.

Ronan is also fortunate that he won the embassy film industry earlier and established a North American distribution channel, thus making full use of "The Blair Witch" to obtain huge profits.

Inside a clubhouse on Brentwood Street in the Santa Monica Valley.

Spielberg and Katzenberg arrived at the clubhouse early.

"Did you see the overseas box office of "Human Purge 2" last week?" Spielberg asked first.

Katzenberg nodded, and his voice was a little rough: "Look, the overseas distribution network of the Embassy Pictures is unquestionable. Even if there are defects, they can be repaired later. After all, it is the first time to release a film overseas, and it has such a good result. ,It's not easy."

Spielberg muttered: "A sound overseas distribution system..."

If DreamWorks can have an independent overseas distribution channel, why go to the six major companies to distribute movies? The overseas distribution network he wanted was established by a young man in his early twenties.

The old face is dull.

When Spielberg thought of poor employment, he regretted it in his heart. How could he believe in Albert Hoffman, that useless waste?

He has also reflected on himself. Since the establishment of DreamWorks, he has held great power in his hands, and power has gradually fascinated his eyes. As a result, the first thing he sees is not those capable people, but those who will please him.

"I have suspended the animation studio's overseas distribution negotiations." Katzenberg said at this time: "If possible, we should use our own distribution channels."

Spielberg asked with concern: "Shrek and The Little Pony King have also stopped?"

Katzenberg nodded: "Stop it. The earliest contact with Paramount was not sincere enough. The terms of Universal Pictures, which had been negotiated some time ago, were too harsh. It is better to wait for others to use other people's distribution channels to let others earn the bulk of their income. have a look."

He thought for a while, and then said: "The production cost of "Shrek" was 60 million U.S. dollars, and the cost of "My Little Pony King" was 80 million U.S. dollars. It is unrealistic to rely solely on the North American market for profit."

Spielberg agrees: "It's fine to wait."

In the past few years, DreamWorks Animation Studio has not been going well. The income of several animation films that invested huge sums of money is very mediocre. "Prince of Egypt" is more influential, but after selling out the overseas distribution rights, it can barely make a profit.

It's still a solid soundtrack.

Katzenberg suddenly said, "Steven, why didn't we take Polygram's distribution division?"

Spielberg was stuck again, and a bit of imperceptible embarrassment appeared on his slightly aged face.

When Ronan entered the reception room alone, he happened to see Spielberg and Katzenberg all thinking about it, as if they were facing some major event.

In any case, the qualifications of these two people are on the table, Ronan greeted politely, Spielberg and Katzenberg responded politely, came to shake hands with Ronan one after another.

"Congratulations, Ronan." Spielberg chatted with Ronan once, and he was familiar with it, with a smile in his eyes under the round glasses, and said: ""The Purge 2" has sold well at the box office, congratulations. "

Ronan smiled and said, "Thank you."

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

Ronan smiled, but didn't answer.

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

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

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

Ronan knew that the other party would not believe him, but he could only answer in this way. In fact, he really moved Alan Albert and Danny Donald with his sincerity.

Did Spielberg realize what was going on behind the scenes?

Ronan raised his vigilance and secretly observed Spielberg and Katzenberg.

Somewhat unexpectedly, Spielberg didn't mean to ask at all, and changed the subject directly: "Ronan, you established Relativity Entertainment, under which Shahai Entertainment is in charge of production, and Embassy Pictures is in charge of distribution. This is to make the company bigger. Bar?"

During the recent period, Spielberg has studied a lot of Ronan and Relativity entertainment materials, and the businessman's sense of smell makes it easy for him to analyze the ambitions in it.

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

Ronan does not deny this point: "Whoever starts a business doesn't want to make the company bigger?"

Katzenberg remained silent, not interjecting for the time being, and seemed to focus entirely on Spielberg.

"It is too difficult to grow a company in Hollywood." Spielberg seemed to be deeply touched: "Although this circle is not monopolized by any one company, it is monopolized by several companies. It touched the ceiling."

Ronan is very clear that what he said is very reasonable. Relativity Entertainment still has a relatively broad development space for the time being. This is because Relativity Entertainment is small in scale, and the annual production and distribution of films 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, DreamWorks and Relativity Entertainment are of the same type, and both face the same situation."

"Steven, what you said is very correct." Ronan first agreed, and then asked: "If you have something to say, just say it."

Facing these old foxes, it's no use going around.

Spielberg didn't expect Ronan's words to be so simple and direct, but thinking about the young people in their twenties whom he met before, most of them are like this. The younger generation and the older generation have different styles of doing things.

"You want to make the company bigger, and DreamWorks is the same." Spielberg said: "We have the same interests, why not join forces and seek our own territory in Hollywood?"

Ronan looked at Spielberg, just turned his head, and realized his true intentions.

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

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

Spielberg pushed down the round glasses and said: "DreamWorks has the largest platform outside of the six major Hollywood companies, and a whole industry chain has initially taken shape. In the past two years, "Saving Private Ryan", "American Beauty" " and "Gladiator" and other films have achieved great success. DreamWorks is a powerful company. If your Relativity Entertainment can join DreamWorks, it will not only increase the strength of DreamWorks, but also allow you to obtain a broader platform."

Without waiting for Ronan to speak, Katzenberg added: "DreamWorks has ten times or more resources than your Theory of Relativity entertainment."

Ronan frowned slightly, and said slowly: "So, DreamWorks wants to buy my Theory of 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 a big company and becoming a member of a big company.

Miramax, New Line Films, Castle Rock Films, Revolutionary Films Studios, Orion Films, and more.

In the previous life, even the largest independent film company, Lionsgate Films, faced a similar situation. Companies such as Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures had proposed Lionsgate Films, and even turned against the two big names of Lionsgate. Shareholders, if Lionsgate hadn't launched a "poison pill" anti-acquisition, maybe Lionsgate would have become a subsidiary of the Big Six.

"No, Ronan, we are not going to acquire Relativity Entertainment." Spielberg has never been just a director: "We are inviting you to join DreamWorks and jointly open up a new territory of Hollywood."

Hearing this, Ronan could only say that Spielberg, a well-known good man in Hollywood circles, was so friendly and harmonious even to companies that wanted to acquire others.

Could it be that he got the twenty-four character true biography?

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

Spielberg smiled all over his face: "We may become the seventh largest Hollywood giant."

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

Through the words of these two people, Ronan could vaguely hear that DreamWorks was really eager for overseas distribution networks.

I found him at this time, probably because the overseas distribution of "Human Purge 2" was basically successful.

"Steven." Ronan said the same thing: "DreamWorks really intends to acquire Relativity Entertainment?"

Spielberg frowned unobtrusively, and said, "This is not a simple acquisition. Jeffrey and I have reached an agreement." He looked at Katzenberg, and after Katzenberg nodded, he continued Said: "Exchange the shares of DreamWorks for the shares of Relativity Entertainment in your hand."

Compared with those old powerful figures with their nostrils upturned, Spielberg did not underestimate Ronan. A young man in his early twenties can make such achievements. Pay sincerity.

Therefore, Spielberg said: "After the share exchange, you will become a shareholder of DreamWorks, and even one of the decision makers of DreamWorks."

Frankly speaking, this sincerity is very good, not a simple acquisition, but an exchange of shares in DreamWorks.

Ronan said very politely: "I am very honored that DreamWorks attaches so much importance to it." He directly asked, "How many shares in DreamWorks can Relativity Entertainment exchange for?"

If it can be exchanged for 60 to 70% and let him hold the controlling stake, it is not impossible to accept this deal.

But Ronan didn't get dizzy and knew it was a fantasy.

Spielberg said with a smile: "If you have the intention to cooperate, we can entrust a third-party agency to value Relativity Entertainment, and determine the exchange rate based on the actual value of DreamWorks and Relativity."

Katzenberg also said: "We can ask a third party that both parties can trust."

Ronan's fingers tapped the armrest of the sofa, what is the value of DreamWorks now? Today, DreamWorks has not yet separated. It has a music department, a game department, a TV drama production department, a peripheral sales department, and the most famous live-action film production department and animation studio.

Although except for the latter two departments, other departments are the burden of DreamWorks in Ronan's eyes, but when calculating assets, they account for a very heavy weight.

On the other hand, Relativity Entertainment has a simple company structure, and apart from the movies it has already produced or purchased, it doesn't have much assets at all.

How many shares can be exchanged for?

Ronan asked tentatively: "Steven, there is always a rough figure, otherwise I will rush to reach an agreement with you, and I will not be able to explain to the company's management and employees."

Katzenberg looked at Spielberg. In fact, after talking with the board of directors, DreamWorks had reached an agreement.

Spielberg is very clear that he cannot make random promises at this time, otherwise how will he honor the contract when he signs the contract? How to talk about it when negotiating? He pondered for a while, and said: "The maximum shareholding will not exceed 5%. If the amount is not enough, DreamWorks can pay in cash."

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

Fantasy is fantasy after all.

"Of course, this is only a preliminary plan." Spielberg added: "We can talk about the specifics."

Ronan pondered for a while, and decided to be straightforward. This kind of matter cannot be dragged on, and there is no need to fool Spielberg. The old man still has considerable influence in Hollywood.

"Sorry, Steven." Ronan did not apologize: "I think it's best for Dreamworks and Relativity Entertainment to develop separately."

If you really want to take 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 achieve the strength of Relativity Entertainment? And with your current momentum , it won’t take long to attract the attention of the six major companies, do you want to become a subsidiary company like Miramax that 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?

Now DreamWorks is still very valuable.

Spielberg didn't know what Ronan was thinking at all, and if he denied it, he would definitely close the door and let it go.

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

Knowing that DreamWorks would not give up easily, Ronan simply stated his conditions: "DreamWorks' controlling and decision-making power."

"What?" Katzenberg's smooth forehead instantly split into countless gullies.

Even the well-informed Spielberg was frightened. What are the conditions? Ant swallows an elephant?

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

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

What a joke!

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.

Ronan saw Spielberg and Katzenberg's faces were ugly, and added in a timely manner: "Such conditions are unfair to DreamWorks, so I didn't say it at first." He smiled: "Steven, Let’s forget about the acquisition.”

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

As a businessman, he is also thinking quickly, is there any way for Ronan to lower the conditions?

Spielberg thought for a while, but couldn't find a good solution for a while. The equity of Relativity Entertainment was held by Ronan, and there was no way to deal with the scattered equity.

Unless Ronan agrees.

Ronan's words did not stop: "Steven, we don't need to acquire, DreamWorks can cooperate with Relativity Entertainment."

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

How did you do it at such a young age?

Now, how could Spielberg not know that even though he values ​​Ronan very much, he still underestimates him.

"Cooperation?" He asked with a slightly sullen face, "How to cooperate?"

Ronan began to try to bring the conversation to his rhythm: "As far as I know, the films produced by DreamWorks, whether they are live-action films or animated feature films, have never had a fixed overseas distributor. You and Universal Pictures, Pai Ramon Films, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox have all cooperated, so if they change overseas distributors so frequently, the distribution conditions they offer must not be very good, right?"

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

Ronan didn't need Spielberg to answer, saying: "Why didn't DreamWorks find a stable overseas distributor? Embassy Pictures has established an overseas distribution network and successfully released the film "Human Purge 2". If DreamWorks needs it, Embassy Pictures is willing to provide DreamWorks with overseas distribution services."

There is no need to think about publishing in North America, DreamWorks itself has the ability to distribute in North America.

"Overseas distribution." Spielberg seemed to have some ideas.

The positions between the two parties were suddenly changed, and Ronan said again: "Steven, Relativity Entertainment has just been established, it is not on the same level as DreamWorks, and it is not in the same competitive relationship as you and the six major companies. I don't know why the six major companies What are the conditions for you to release films overseas, but it must not be easy, the embassy film industry does not have the huge scale of the six major companies, and its own distribution costs are low, and you can get more income from overseas by cooperating with the embassy film industry."

Ever since Ronan said the so-called conditions, Spielberg knew that it would be difficult to acquire Relativity Entertainment as expected. Nowadays, there are very few companies in Hollywood that can distribute films overseas on a large scale, otherwise DreamWorks would not accept the big six. The company has relatively strict distribution conditions, and even some films can only sell overseas copyrights to the six major companies for distribution.

"Do you have offline distribution capabilities?" Katzenberg was the one who asked.

Offline distribution of animated feature films is more important than online distribution.

"Of course." Ronan is very confident: "On the basis of the former Polygram Films, we have further strengthened the overseas distribution network. We not only cooperate with overseas theater companies and agency companies, but also cooperate with TV stations, distributors and derivatives. Manufacturing and sales parties have established a close cooperative relationship."

He gave an example: "The masks worn by the main characters in the "Human Purge" have been distributed and sold in 25 countries, and more than half a million pieces were sold during Halloween."

"I will seriously consider it." Spielberg made Ronan's head a little messy, and took the initiative to end the meeting: "Ronan, come here today, let's keep in touch."

Ronan stood up and shook hands with Spielberg, turning his back on the guest: "I very much hope to cooperate with DreamWorks. Especially Steven's movies. I am a loyal fan who grew up watching "ET."

Katzenberg was almost speechless, are young people in Hollywood so thick-faced and dark-hearted now?