Chapter 1836: 1836 Turning Point in History

1997 was one of the most important turning 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 era of blockbuster movies; but also because of the strong rise of HBO, which completely changed the structure of the TV drama market.

In this 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 TV stations, they began to independently produce excellent TV series work. Since HBO is a cable network, they don't need to consider the ratings, and they don't need to worry about the review system, which means that they can completely free their hands to produce TV series, and only need to satisfy subscribers. This has enabled a large number of excellent works to emerge.

In fact, since the early 1980s, in order to keep up with the times, HBO began to independently produce TV movies, trying to attract fixed user groups with these classic works. But after entering the 1990s, works on the subject of TV movies gradually declined, so HBO once again made drastic reforms.

In 1997, HBO launched the large-scale and heavy-tasting "Prison Wind and Cloud (OZ)", which ushered in the applause of film critics, and then "Sex and the City" launched in 1998 really opened the glorious era of cable television networks. , The subsequent "**** Family" pushed HBO's excellent reputation to the peak-this also enabled HBO to start a glorious decade of dominance.

Hugo did not expect that the project of "**** Family" was actually in the hands of Endeavor Elite Brokerage Company, which dominated the Emmy Awards for eight years from 1999 to 2007, received 90 nominations and won 20 awards. A classic episode of a trophy is undoubtedly a diamond, quietly waiting for the moment to shine.

"The **** family" is not feasible on the wireless network, no matter the subject matter or scale, including the core idea of ​​the series, it is not suitable for broadcasting on the wireless network. Only a cable network like HBO can allow the crew to fully play and show all the essence.

Therefore, Hugo said the name of HBO almost subconsciously.

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

Facing Rick's surprise, Hugo was stunned and hesitated for a while, "I just think...uh, the wireless network has limitations, because they have to deal with the main group of eighteen to forty-nine-year-olds, and The scale cannot be too large. Relatively speaking, the cable network is much looser. They can concentrate all their energy on the series and ensure that the quality of the series will not be compromised to cater to advertisers. I think,'**** A show like 'Family'... well, maybe it should have a bigger chance on cable, you know, fucking stuff is always sensitive, isn't it?"

In fact, the literal translation of "**** family (The. Sopranos)" means soprano, but it refers to the protagonist's surname in the series. In other words, when Hugo didn't know anything about the episode, he shouldn't talk about topics like "****".

But fortunately, Rick and Joseph didn't think much about it. They just thought that Hugo heard a few words in the company, so they didn't pursue it. Rick thought about Hugo's words carefully, and nodded, "Maybe, you can try it. However, if it's a wired network, I don't know how it will develop..."

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

"The company is too big now, and my understanding of the TV drama industry is limited. Maybe we should slow down for a while..." Rick murmured in a low voice. , because whether it is Joseph and Hugo, or himself, the understanding of the TV drama industry is very limited. Even if they want to make suggestions, they have more than enough energy.

But after being silent for a while, Rick heard a voice saying, "Maybe this is also a development opportunity?" He suddenly raised his head, and then saw Hugo's hesitant expression, Rick opened his eyes wide and asked Say, "What?"

Hugo had already planned not to speak. After all, he had very limited understanding of the development history of TV dramas, but when he heard Rick mumbling, he still couldn't help but reply. Seeing the inquiry in Rick's eyes at this time, Hugo thought for a while, and decided to discuss the matter, "You know, all major agencies are now focusing on the film industry, even the William Morris agency, they The energy invested in TV dramas is also very limited.”

"Yes, that's because movies are the real moneymakers. No one wants to make TV dramas. Even the talents in the TV drama industry want to enter Hollywood." Rick said of course, the reason why Endeavor Elite Agency will get involved in the TV drama industry , because the competitiveness here is small, they tried to find a breakthrough, but so far the results have been limited, but the film department has ushered in another development opportunity.

"But TV shows make money, right?" Joseph said. "It's like... the Super Bowl ad revenue, if I remember correctly, the 'Independence Day' ad that ran at the Super Bowl last year." It achieved incredible results." Then Joseph looked at Hugo, "Is that what you mean?"

Hugo nodded, with a smile on the corner of his mouth. With Joseph's explanation, the whole thing seemed logical, "Because everyone is focusing on the film industry, the TV drama industry has even greater potential for development. Look at 'Friends ', 'X-Files', maybe the earning power of TV dramas can never be comparable to that of movies, but if you don’t try, who knows? Maybe, TV dramas can also develop peripheral industries like movies, and then create a culture-we all know, Television has had a far more profound impact on our lives than movies have.”

Joseph also understood Hugo's meaning, "Nowadays those big agencies don't care about TV dramas, maybe the company can gain a foothold in this area and win the qualification to challenge them. This is also the outstanding feature of your involvement in TV dramas, right?" Joseph said The understanding is much more comprehensive, "If everything goes well, we can dominate the TV drama industry, and then we can bring top TV stars under our umbrella..."

"Then find more actors for the film." Rick's whole thinking also turned around, "It's like we went to Canada and Australia to find more qualified actors, turning the TV drama industry into our base."

Hugo knows exactly how profitable the TV drama industry is. Warner Bros. can earn hundreds of millions of dollars in pure profit a year just relying on the TV series "The Big Bang Theory", which is even more profitable than other film companies making ten movies. "Of course, the premise is that we continue to persevere and spend a lot of energy to develop slowly." Hugo looked at Rick, "Remember? You said that this is a difficulty, but it is also an opportunity."

Thanks to Hugo, the little butterfly, Endeavor Elite Brokerage Company is now standing at the inflection point of history. As for whether the company will skyrocket or fall apart, it depends on their own efforts.

Only now did Rick relax, and a smile formed on the corner of his mouth. Although they were still faced with a lot of difficulties, and the countermeasures discussed just now were not sure whether they would work, at least it was no longer a mess. More importantly, Rick has regained his confidence, and the next thing depends on the company's teamwork.

"By the way, Hugo, Allen plans to invest in 'Saving Private Ryan'. Did Steven mention it to you? He wrote another check for 100 million dollars this time, which is completely generous." After relaxing, Rick started chatting too. However, this sentence made Hugo stunned, and Rick didn't notice it, and continued, "Before I came here, I was still wondering whether Steven was looking for you because Alan called you by name again. But If you think about it carefully, probably not, if he rolls the roll, he should give you the leading role, and Tom will be depressed."

Alan... Hugo doesn't have a good memory for names, but Hugo is no stranger to Alan, who is a $100 million check, because they are friends, real friends. Alan Strelo, a film speculator from Germany, made a lot of money by virtue of his "independence day" vision, and attracted the interest of many rich people in Hollywood. However, Hugo hadn't heard this name for a long, long time.

How long has it been? It should have happened after the Oscars ended last year. More than a year has passed, but in a daze, Hugo felt as if it had been a few years. Hugo hadn't heard Alan's name since Oscar's accident at the yacht's celebration party that night.

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

"Then what did Steven say, did he nod in agreement?" Hugo kept his mood calm and didn't move too much. If Allen really invested, maybe Steven's phone invitation yesterday was Allen's opinion. Hugo didn't know, and he wasn't sure, but...if that was the case, how should Hugo respond?

reject? avoid? Or pretend nothing happened?

Hugo has no way to answer, because this is a hypothetical question, and he cannot make a judgment before things actually happen. "Steven doesn't care. Allen is bold and doesn't interfere with the crew. This is naturally the best thing for Steven. But..." Rick relaxed and talked endlessly, but the rain Guo Guo's sense of hearing is gradually disappearing, and he is immersed in his own thoughts.

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

Hugo nodded, stood up and paused on the spot, as if he wanted to say something, but didn't have a clue, and finally turned around and walked towards the room silently.