Chapter 328 326. The six major alliances collapsed!

"I'm leaving now, help me take care of everyone and have fun."

"Are you kidding me? This is a big party. You are the protagonist. We are all waiting for you to take the lead."

"I won't wear this head today. Maybe next time there's a chance, I'll arrange some little stars for everyone then."

"Besides, I'm not used to eating takeout, and the ones at home can't serve me well enough."

"So you're afraid of getting dirty. You can rest assured that they don't accept just anyone. They guarantee they're healthy and nothing will happen."

"Forget it. You guys might not be able to let go if I'm here. So let's just leave it at that. I have someone else to visit."

"Visit? You actually used this word. It seems that the other party is very important."

"Haha. His last name is Adams."

"Adams, which Adams?"

“The same Adams who wrote the Declaration of Independence.”

"Gudong! Well, I won't delay your business any longer. I would like to thank you on behalf of everyone."

"Yeah, have fun."

After saying goodbye to Sergei, Eric continued on his way to John Adams's house.

His purpose of coming to New York this time was to attend Hasbro's shareholders' meeting.

The popularity of "Iron Man" and "Captain America" ​​has directly made Marvel peripherals a hot commodity.

Following Eric's instructions, a large batch of goods produced in advance was almost sold out. The sales performance was so good that more money was earned than in the previous year.

Coupled with the various authorizations from MGM some time ago, Hasbro has had a very good time in the past few months, with its stock price rising every day.

As long as there is money to be made, people will naturally follow you.

Those who had originally surrendered on the surface but were unwilling in their hearts gradually stopped objecting.

After these people stabilized, the communication and interaction between Hasbro and Double Star Entertainment became much smoother.

Now a mechanism for the flow of talent has been established between the middle and lower levels of both sides, and this mechanism will sooner or later be expanded to the top levels.

Since the two companies have similar positioning, integrating resources is the right approach.

After Double Star Entertainment goes public in a while, it will be time to enter into deeper integration.

John Adams was waiting for Eric at home because he had informed him in advance.

When he saw him, the middle-aged man immediately walked over with a smile and hugged Eric with an indescribable enthusiasm.

You ask why? Of course it's because Lionheart Network gave him a lot of dividends.

John Adams helped Eric solve network problems in exchange for a 5% stake.

As Lionheart Network expanded, this 5% stake could bring him tens of millions of dollars in revenue every month.

How would you react to someone who gives you tens of millions every month? After the servant left, John Adams asked, "What is it that requires you to come here in person? It must not be something as trivial as filming a movie."

"It's related, but it's definitely not the case. However, it will be very beneficial for future filming if it's done."

"Go ahead."

"Well, do you know the Paramount Act?"

John Adams shook his head: "I only know Paramount movies."

"This law was born in the last century, almost 60 years ago."

"In Hollywood at that time, big companies had almost absolute power over life and death, not only over directors, screenwriters and actors, but even over the audience."

"Wait, what about the union?"

“Unions existed, but they were not as influential as they are today, ultimately because big companies could control both filming and exhibition.”

"You mean the cinema?"

"That's right. At that time, theaters and film and television companies were one and the same. It wasn't until the Ministry of Justice introduced a new bill that forced the separation of film and television companies and theaters that the film and television industry structure you see today was born. That new bill is the Paramount Act."

John Adams nodded: "OK, what do you want to do?"

"I hope to repeal the Paramount Decree. To be precise, it's not just me who hopes, but several of our big companies all hope."

"It's different now. In the 1990s, Hollywood was invincible and had no rivals in the world, but it's different now."

“The whole world is developing, and governments are paying more and more attention to the film and television industry.”

"Although the film and television industry is insignificant in terms of box office returns, its output of ideology and culture is more powerful than missiles and artillery."

"As competitors become stronger, it becomes harder and harder to do business in Hollywood."

"Especially now that production costs are rising, a movie can easily cost tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars. Such costs were unimaginable in the past."

"However, compared with the ever-increasing production costs, the profits earned by film and television companies are declining year by year."

"We have to negotiate with cinema chains, censorship agencies in various countries, and tax authorities. We are constrained by too many departments and clauses."

"John, do you know what system China implements?"

John Adams shook his head slightly.

"MGM established a branch there two years ago. It turns out that China allows theaters to participate in film production, just like Hollywood in the last century."

"Others are making progress, but we are regressing. I predict that within ten years, Hollywood's advantages will gradually be equalized. We need reform."

"Reintegrate the resources of film and television companies and theaters to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This is the best way out in the future."

After Eric finished speaking, John Adams nodded and looked troubled: "It's not that easy to repeal a bill. It will affect many people's interests."

"To put it bluntly, the three major cinema chains will definitely come out to oppose you, as you are essentially stealing their jobs."

"Besides that, let me ask you a question Eric."

"you say."

“Who is the president now?”

"Bush Jr., he was just re-elected last month, what's wrong?"

“Whose interests does Bush represent?”

"Republicans, wait, okay, I get your point."

"Yes, most people in Hollywood have always been loyal supporters of the Democratic Party. Not everyone is as focused on making money as you are."

"Just imagine, a few months ago, the Hollywood stars were cheering for our president's opponents. Now you want him to repeal the bill. Is that possible?"

"If it were me, I wouldn't agree either." Eric sighed.

Unexpectedly, John Adams suddenly changed the subject: "That's right, but there is a way out. It depends on how sincere you are willing to be."

"How much does it cost? As long as it's a problem that can be solved with money, it's not a problem."

John Adams laughed and said, "Money is only one aspect. What's more important is that you take sides."

"Hmm? You don't want me to join the Republican Party?"

"That's not the point. The point is the mid-term elections in two years."

"Although Bush was re-elected, the Democratic Party now holds a majority in Congress."

"In the midterm elections two years from now, if you can help the Republicans, as long as they can win."

"After taking over Congress, whether it's amendment or repeal, a Paramount Act won't be a problem."

Hearing this, Eric frowned.

He has always wanted to stay out of America's partisan disputes.

No one looked for him?

Of course, his father, Charlie Cooper, is a Democrat, but Eric has never been involved in these matters.

Although I knew that I couldn't escape it sooner or later, I didn't expect it to arrive in this way, and by the Republican Party.

"Eric, actually someone has approached me a long time ago. They know the relationship between you and me and hope that I can come forward to persuade you, but I didn't agree."

"Why?"

"Some people hope to use Facebook's influence to achieve their own goals. In the past, everyone's attention was focused on television and newspapers, but the emergence of Facebook has given many people new ways of thinking."

"There is also Lionheart. Through multiple live broadcasts, Lionheart can attract tens of millions of people online at the same time on hot events. Do you understand how much political resources are contained in this?"

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

"Although I am also a shareholder of Lionheart Network, I am only responsible for dividends and will never interfere in other matters."

"But if you are willing to show your sincerity, many problems can be easily solved, understand?"

Eric nodded, he was not a fool.

Moreover, judging from later events, especially the period of the Great Golden Retriever, it is clear that Twitter governs the country, and social media, elections, and politics have long been indistinguishable.

But in theory, supporting the Democratic Party is actually more in line with one's own interests.

However, it will take at least four years for the Democrats to come to power, during the Obama administration.

But then the problem arises again: even if I join the Democratic Party now, I will be considered a newcomer.

The three major cinema chains are old customers who have had good relations with the Democratic Party for many years. If they want to amend the bill at that time, whether it can be passed is another matter.

"John, I have never been clear, what party are you from?"

"I'm sorry, that's not accurate. The military cannot take sides, but I want to know which side you support in your heart?"

John Adams gave a playful smile, "I don't take sides, and I don't need to, but if you want to ask the Adams family."

"We are present in all walks of life, and we have long been integrated into every important area of ​​the country."

"In other words, we support both sides and help whichever side is stronger."

"Sitting on the fence?"

"No, if you are weak and still hesitate, this behavior is called fence-sitting."

"But if you are strong enough, it's called going with the flow."

"So do you think I should take the bus that comes in two years, or the bus that comes in four years?"

"Hahaha, why are you so entangled? You don't think that because you helped the Republicans win the midterm elections, the Democrats will not tolerate you, will retaliate against you? Will they attack you?"

"If you have this kind of thinking, you have already put yourself in a weak position."

"Eric, you are a businessman. Essentially, helping anyone is doing business. Just take advantage of the opportunity to expand yourself."

"When you become powerful, others will only be eager to do business with you. Who would take the initiative to offend you?"

It is very clear at this point.

"Well, you can help me smooth things over first. Just tell me how much money you need."

"My first move is to acquire Warner Bros., which will definitely face antitrust investigations. This can be considered the first cooperation."

John Adams stretched and said, "Wait for my news. By the way, when do you plan to go public on Lionheart Network?"

"The exact time has not been determined, but it is expected to be at least a year later. I am used to building a solid foundation before moving forward."

"OK, I don't care about operations anyway."

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Time flies, and it has been a week since the meeting in Santa Monica.

Eric didn't know what the six families did or talked about after he left.

But the good news is that Paramount and Universal have contacted me privately.

Brad Grey rants about Michael Aeneas and Barry Meyer on the phone.

The reason is that regarding the cooperation plan they proposed, Lionheart Network would transfer 40% of its shares, Disney would take 15%, Warner would take 10%, and the remaining four would share 15%.

Paramount also knows that its strength is the weakest, and if this is the only plan in front of it, it has no objection.

But the proposal Eric proposed was 7.5% per household, a double gap.

This is not a gap, it is a generation gap! Do I need to choose? I know what to do with my butt.

So Brad Grey made a request that as long as Eric lent him an interest-free loan and asked him to pay off the debt he owed to Disney, Paramount would immediately cut ties with the other party.

Nothing is a problem if money can solve it. A few hundred million is nothing to Eric now.

Just lend Paramount some money from Lionheart Network’s account.

It’s almost the end of February, and the Grammy Awards will be held in a few days, followed by the Oscars.

These are the four major awards in the American entertainment industry. After these two ceremonies, the summary of the entire 2004 has come to an end.

And at the last minute, Paramount suddenly issued an announcement.

"Looking back over the past year, Hollywood has experienced one of the most chaotic periods in its history."

"We are caught in an endless vicious competition, which not only brings a bad experience to the audience, but also seriously affects the livelihoods of directors, screenwriters, actors and other practitioners."

"This kind of competition is obviously unhealthy and unsustainable, and it also affects the development of the entire film and television industry."

“So Paramount decided to withdraw from this unfair competition relationship and resume cooperation with MGM, especially to increase exchanges in the construction of streaming media platforms.”

As soon as Paramount's announcement was released, MGM and Lionheart Network responded positively to the matter and expressed their warm welcome.

Less than an hour later, Universal followed suit and released an announcement.

Not only do they want to strengthen exchanges in streaming media, but they are also willing to sell the rights to the Hulk and Namor back to Marvel.

Marvel naturally agreed with both hands and shouted "Long live daddy" in his heart.

At the same time, it was announced that the film and television adaptation of Hulk would be explored and the relevant personal film would be launched as soon as possible.

I don’t know if Paramount and Universal’s determination stimulated Sony and Fox.

After the announcement was made, Eric quickly received calls from both families.

Sony and Fox also made similar announcements that evening.

Following Eric's advice, the two parties decided to jointly develop the copyrights of superheroes such as Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool.

Although fans don’t understand what this joint development means, it’s a good thing anyway.

At this point, Operation Rio was declared bankrupt and the six major alliances fell apart!

(End of this chapter)