Hollywood Hunter

Daenerys Studios.

The time is July 25, another Monday.

Because he was going to watch the rough-cut samples of "Suicide Squad" in the afternoon, Terry Semel arrived early in the morning and dine with Simon in the high-end restaurant of Daenerys Studios.

By the way complain.

"Simon, is there too much a $50 million reward? Since there is no provision in the contract, we don’t have to pay such a sum at all, or, as in the previous few times, $20 to $30 million is enough. This It was given US$50 million at a time, and the next few projects must be more or less in accordance with the convention, and we will not be able to afford it at that time."

At the table, Terry Semel looked sad.

The topic is about the main reward plan for Simon Batman: The Rise of the Dark Knight.

According to last week's box office statistics, "Batman: The Rise of the Dark Knight" not only broke through the US$330 million box office in North America, but also reached US$530 million in overseas receipts. The global box office has reached US$860 million. According to the current worldwide box office Data trends, this Batman trilogy finale's global box office has exceeded the $1 billion mark and there is no suspense.

Not only that, but more than a month after its release, the sales of various types of peripheral products of this super blockbuster have been selling like before. Currently, the global preliminary statistics of peripheral sales have reached 1.1 billion US dollars. Although the popularity of movies has begun to decrease, It is expected that total sales around the project will be around US$2.5 billion in the next few years.

In addition to the box office and the surrounding parts, and counting the income from future video and television broadcasts, "Batman: The Rise of the Dark Knight" will be another one that can bring 1 billion to Daenerys and Time Warner. Super cash cows with dollar-level net income.

Simon was never a person who wanted horses to run but did not want horses to graze.

In order to ensure the smooth progress of the huge DC movie universe series, Simon signed a contract with one of the main creators is very harsh. Compared with the huge profits of several consecutive DC masterpieces, the salaries received by the superhero players can be used. Stingy to describe.

Simon will not allow any changes to the original contract. However, in addition to the basic salary, starting with the original "Batman: Moment of War", with the success of the project, he will approve an additional amount for the starring and director.

It is just a series of projects in the past, and the total bonus has not exceeded 30 million US dollars.

This time, Simon granted a $50 million bonus at one time, which immediately caused Time Warner to hurt.

The summer file that has entered the final stage, in addition to "Batman: The Rise of the Dark Knight", two other Warner Brothers projects "Gambling Horsepower" and "I Love Trouble" both ended in failure, and the huge loss of which requires "Bat" Xia: The Rise of the Dark Knight made up for the profits.

Now, the sudden loss of 50 million US dollars may even affect Time Warner's financial report at the end of the year.

On the other side, Simon was indifferent to Semel’s complaint, saying: "Terry, $50 million is to thank Bonte, Adam and Valerie for their contribution to the DC movie universe over the years. You should understand that compared to what we get Revenue, this money is not much at all, only equivalent to 5% of the project's net profit. If it is not the original contract limit, each of them can request this profit to be divided into figures."

Although the DC Film Universe has created a phenomenal film series miracle, but with Steven Spielberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson and other Hollywood first-line filmmakers who have a strong voice The income of the main creators of the DC movie universe is shabby.

The $50 million may seem like a lot, but Jack Nicholson hasn’t earned much from Tim Burton’s version of Batman.Moreover, the money should also be distributed to the director Jan de Bont, the actor Adam Baldwin, the heroine Valerie Galino, and others,

Speaking of course, Simon can also pay the salary strictly in accordance with the contract, and no other penny is required.However, this will definitely seriously hurt the initiative of all of you.The planning of the first phase of the DC movie universe only completed the first half, and the next road is still very long, too harsh, it will only outweigh the gains.

Of course, Terry Semel understood this truth, but said: "Simon, if I remember correctly, you don't seem to like Adam."

Semel is talking about Adam Baldwin.

After the success of "Batman: Moment of War", Adam Baldwin came up with the idea of ​​re-signing the agreement, which was also beaten by Simon.

Simon nodded, but shook his head again, saying: "This is already a thing of the past, Adam's performance in the past few years is still a duty. And, even if I don't like a person, as long as the other party is not online, I should give It will still be given, this is two different things."

In fact, Terry Semel also understood that it was difficult for the young man to decide what to do, so he took the second place and said, "So, Simon, can I pay in installments? $50 million, give 1500 first. Ten thousand, the rest will be paid separately in the next few years."

Time Warner’s situation is not very good now, and the US$50 million can be diluted to pay in the next few years, and it will not have too obvious an impact on earnings.

As long as the total amount remains unchanged, the installment payment can continue to mobilize the enthusiasm of DC creators.

Simon knew that this should be the plan that Semel had thought of before he came, and this face was still to be given, so he readily agreed.

Terry Semel is not satisfied with this result, but it can only be so, and turned to the topic: "Simon, have you considered one thing, Adam has only two contracts left."

Simon cut his steak in the dinner plate and asked casually, "How?"

Terry Semel said: "After the planned "League of Justice", I think this series can be continued."

Simon slowly picked up a cow and put it in his mouth, only a moment later said: "Terry, I first told Stan Lee that Daenerys Entertainment will probably open the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 1995. From the current situation It’s estimated that I have to say something. However, after the Justice League, this matter will definitely not be delayed."

The reason why Time Warner can’t touch the control of the DC movie universe, in addition to Daenerys Entertainment firmly grasping the copyright of the DC superhero three giants, there is another very important reason, Marvel.

The profits created by the DC movie universe are really too rich. Without Marvel, Warner broke down and Daenerys may have to compromise on her right to speak.

The current situation is that if Warner is dissatisfied with his right to speak and profit share, and wants to re-divide, even after the negotiations are fruitless, then the two will be scattered, then the result will only be a slap in the Warner side, Daenerys Entertainment Side, but can directly start the Marvel Cinematic Universe project.

Terry Semel obviously didn’t want to mention Marvel’s topic, saying: “I mean, it’s okay for the two to coexist completely, isn’t it?”

Simon put down the tableware and took a sip of the red wine next to him, with a playful smile on his face, saying: "Of course they can coexist. However, Terry, I think you might consider it too long-term. Frankly, if you can’t After Levine succeeded Time Warner as Chairman, do you think you can stay with this company for a few more years?"

In memory, Terry Semel left the company after the merger of Time Warner and AOL around 2000, and then joined as the CEO of Yahoo.

This time there will definitely be no more mergers between AOL and Time Warner.

However, with the complicated internal dumping pattern of Time Warner's management, as Steve Rose's influence gradually dissipates, the Time Series executives who regain control of the situation will certainly not allow Terry Semel to go further.As one of Time Warner's co-CEOs, it is already one person. If you can't become the chairman of the board, the result is only the way to leave.

Terry Semel heard Simon say this, remembering his current situation, and suddenly forgot about the DC movie universe.

Speaking of that, Terry Semel is the same age as Michael Eisner, who was lying at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan at this time. Even after five or six years, he is only in his early fifties, far from his retirement age and working in Warner. After so many years, Terry Semel is not willing to suddenly lose everything now.

After a moment of hesitation, Terry Semel suddenly said: "Simon, will you help me, help me become the next chairman of Time Warner?"

Not to mention others, just the DC movie universe is enough to influence Time Warner's management pattern.

If at the time of the most fierce internal struggles in Time Warner, Daenerys Entertainment suddenly released a sentence that belongs to Time Warner’s next head, it may decide whether the two parties can still cooperate smoothly in the DC movie universe, and a large number of shareholders and directors need to Consider Simon's personal preference carefully.

In addition, Black Rock Asset Management has also continued to buy Time Warner's stock in recent years, and its current shareholding ratio has reached 4.9%, which can break through the 5% declaration level at any time.

Buying Time Warner's stock is mainly for investment needs.

Time Warner has not yet fully recovered, but until the next few years of federal telecommunications regulations continue to be relaxed, Time Warner with a cable TV network can follow the trend of entering the field of network service providers, thereby obtaining the dividends brought by the Internet wave, stock price Soar.

Although the current shareholding has not exceeded 5%, but when necessary, the increase in shareholding breaks through this limit. Public declaration is on the one hand. On the other hand, to become a major shareholder holding more than 5% of the shares, Black Rock can also request Time Warner’s The seat of the board of directors has the right to vote on major decisions of this company.

These are the chips that Simon can help Terry Semel become the next Time Warner chairman.

Therefore, Semel did not doubt that Simon was capable of helping himself, and Simon did not explain too much, just looking at the middle-aged person across the table: "So, what can I get?"

Terry Semel did not hesitate this time and said: "Allies, the most solid allies."

Simon was undecided and said, "I think about it."

Terry Semel did not urge it. The promises made by his allies are too broad. He still needs actual actions to support him. He probably understands that the young people on the opposite side want to see his specific performance in the next few years.

All in all, since Steve Rose’s death, Terry Semel has been very close to Simon. Many of the things that could have come out of Warner Bros. Film’s executives, his group co-CEO in charge of the film business has taken the initiative. Then, probably, from the bottom of my heart, Semel had some ideas very early.

The two sides quietly reached a certain tacit agreement and skipped this topic for the time being. Terry Semel added: "I heard that Disney management is in contact with Eisner and intends to let him take the initiative of giving up the positions of Disney chairman and CEO, Simon. , What do you think of this acquisition?"

Simon already knew about it.

Michael Eisner had a sudden heart attack last Friday. Even if he can successfully pass the next heart surgery with a high risk factor, it will take at least two or three months to re-enter work.

As Eisner fell ill, and a series of recent events promoted, it is obvious that Disney’s major shareholder and board of directors of the company are obviously inclined to sell.

Originally, Disney's board of directors could completely dismiss Eisner's position at its own discretion, which was within the scope of the board's power.

The current situation is that Michael Eisner's physical condition can no longer withstand additional stimulation.If the Disney board decides unauthorizedly, to inspire a good man who has worked for Disney for ten years, only public opinion can make the Disney board resign collectively.

So he could only take the initiative to discuss this matter with Eisner on the hospital bed.

Simon said: "Disney's sale is inevitable. As long as Eisner is smart enough, it should accept the conditions of the Disney board or request a more generous compensation. In this way, no matter what the future will be, a lot of money will remain. "

Terry Semel's eyes flashed, but he remembered Steve Rose.

When Steve Rose knew he had cancer, he started preparing for his family.Although Ross has passed away, according to the agreement that Ross originally signed with Time Warner, his family can continue to receive various allowances from Time Warner for up to ten years.

Now, Eisner faces the same situation.

As long as he has not been completely enchanted by power, he should know how to choose this time.

Voluntary withdrawal, in addition to the terms of the original agreement, can also get an additional compensation from Disney, so that whether Eisner can survive this heart surgery, his family can get a more solid financial guarantee in the future .On the contrary, if you insist on letting go of Disney’s power based on your own disease and prevent Disney’s major shareholders from selling the company at a high price, even if you get sick in the future, Eisner’s life at Disney will never be better.

With these in mind, Terry Semel asked: "Sounds, Simon, you don't seem to object to Disney being acquired by Vivendi in France?"

Simon smiled at Semel and said, "Do you think I should object?"

Having been immersed in Hollywood for many years, Terry Semel is familiar with overseas capital's involvement in Hollywood's end.

Indeed, Simon has no reason to object, and may even secretly promote this.

Daenerys Entertainment is already strong enough in Hollywood at this time, if you want to go further, you can only continue to eat away the market share of other competitors.Once Disney was acquired by Vivendi and lost its identity as an American company, Daenerys Entertainment would "cannibalize" itself without much worries.