Burbank.
A screening room at Warner Bros. Studios.
Until the end credits ended, everyone in the screening room was still immersed in the shocking visual journey of just over two hours.
This was the first internal preview screening of the first installment in the Batman series, officially named "Batman Begins". All executives from Warner Bros. Pictures and Daenerys Entertainment attended, including Steve Ross also took the time to fly over from the East Coast.
After the surprising post-credits scene, the lights came up and Steve Ross, sitting side by side with Simon, was the first to applaud.
Under the bright light, everyone with expressions of admiration, aftertaste, surprise, shock, etc. on their faces reacted and responded one after another. No one among them was posturing to please Simon. The more people know about movies, the more they will understand how much of a breakthrough the superhero movie they just watched has created. Many amazing details in the movie have never appeared in previous Hollywood movies.
It can be said that the last time that shocked everyone was probably George Lucas' "Star Wars".
At this time, everyone couldn't help but have the idea that Simon Westeros' "Batman" will definitely become the object of reference and imitation in Hollywood action movies for many years to come.
In addition to a series of amazing technical details, the plot of the film is also coherent.
Simon's final cut was 138 minutes long.
Before watching the movie, some people originally thought that such a duration needed to be further compressed, but now, no one has this idea anymore.
From the beginning of the film, the compact plot of the entire film has always firmly controlled the audience's attention. When the subtitles rise, most people's first feeling is that they are still unfinished. The Easter egg at the end of the subtitles is also just right to evoke aroused the audience's desire for a sequel.
When the applause stopped, Steve Ross said to Simon: "I think the sequel can start now."
Simon said: "In fact, planning for the sequel has already begun since the first project was initiated."
Steve Ross thought of the Easter egg at the end of the film and smiled: "I can't wait to see the second part."
While chatting like this, the staff showed everyone a few more theme posters of the film. After a brief discussion, everyone left the screening room.
It's almost noon.
In the afternoon, there was a publicity meeting for "Batman" between the publishing teams of the two companies. Simon had other things to do and did not plan to attend in person. After informing Robert Rem, who was in charge of this matter, he and Steve Ross walked side by side to the parking lot of the movie theater.
Because it was a working day, passers-by on both sides of the road nodded to the two big guys from time to time.
After casually greeting the people around him and chatting for a while, Steve Ross said, "Speaking of which, Simon, I would like to congratulate you again on becoming the richest man in the Federation."
On Saturday, the day Forbes magazine was released, Steve Ross called.
Simon just nodded and said: "Thank you."
Steve Ross asked, "So, what are you going to do next?"
"Next, I want to take a year off, let go of company affairs, be a bystander as much as possible, sort out some things, and learn some things."
Steve Ross was stunned for a moment. He actually wanted to lead the topic to another place. After hearing what Simon said, he quickly agreed: "That's good, Simon. You have achieved what most people can do in their lifetime." Goals that are unattainable should really be stopped and thought about carefully.”
Simon smiled bitterly and said: "However, this matter is easy to say, but it is not so easy if you really want to stop."
Not to mention anything else, the 10-movie project that was launched some time ago required Simon to spend a lot of time personally at the helm. What's more, there are many other things in the plan that need to be implemented within the next year.
When Janet first heard Simon talk about taking a long vacation, she said that he might not be able to let go even if he wanted to, and that was indeed the case.
Steve Ross laughed when he heard this, nodded empathetically, and added: "You are still young, so you still have the opportunity to let go. Moreover, if you want to continue to expand your business territory, you must also learn to let go, alone. After all, it’s impossible to take care of everything.”
Simon nodded seriously and asked again: "What about your side?"
Steve Ross knew what Simon was asking and said: "Paramount's attempt to prove that Time Inc. changed its acquisition plan for Warner Bros. in order to resist their offer was also blocked by the judge unless they can produce new evidence. Otherwise, the case will be closed by the end of the month.”
In the lawsuit filed by Paramount Communications, Time Inc. and Warner Bros., Paramount’s initial reason was to protect the interests of shareholders, and it provided some documents to prove that Time Inc. was the acquiree in the merger between Time and Warner. Once this accusation was made With support from a Delaware court, Paramount will be able to bid for Time Inc.
Unfortunately, this charge was rejected due to insufficient evidence.
Recently, Paramount has presented new evidence that Time Inc. and Warner Bros. adjusted their acquisition plans to resist Paramount's offer.
This is actually a fact that anyone with a discerning eye can see, but in court, Paramount is destined to have a hard time proving this. After all, it is impossible for Time Inc. and Warner Bros. executives to admit that the change in acquisition strategy was to resist Paramount's offer.
The parties involved do not admit it, and it is impossible for substantive documents to point to this. As long as Time Company and Warner Brothers come up with some high-sounding excuses to refute it, Paramount is destined to fail.
The two came to the parking lot and rushed to a restaurant near Warner Bros. Studios for lunch.
At one o'clock in the afternoon, after lunch, Simon and Steve Ross had just walked out of the restaurant when a flash light came on not far away.
These days, there is a lot of media discussion about Simon becoming the richest man in the Federation, and something ridiculous like the 'Psychic Study Class' fraud case happened to happen. Although Simon's life is rhythmic, there are a lot of paparazzi around him. Follow the daily life of the new richest man in the Federation.
"Simon, think about it seriously. As long as Warner is involved in any field, we have the possibility of cooperation."
"I will, Steve."
The two said goodbye, and after Simon got in the car, he couldn't help but think about Steve Ross's invitation to a deeper collaboration at lunch.
Speaking of which, Simon is very interested in not only DC but also many assets held by Warner, such as Warner's cable television operating system and HBO, which is still in the hands of Time Company.
The future of Hollywood is dominated by comprehensive media groups. If Daenerys Entertainment does not have its own TV network, it will be difficult to gain a foothold in the media field in the future. Therefore, Simon has been considering getting involved in the TV field during this time.
However, Warner is not the best partner for the time being.
There was an audition for the male lead in "Sleeping with the Enemy" in the afternoon. Simon was driving to the Fox Studios in Century City, Beverly Hills. On the way, his mobile phone rang.
Jennifer called from Santa Monica and said that Christopher Scars, chairman of the Australian Qintex Group, had contacted here and hoped to invite Simon to dinner.
Simon had also heard about this Australian company that was trying to acquire MGM these days. He didn't have much relevant information in his memory. He mentioned it when he was on the phone with Janet, and the woman told him to ignore it the next day. A piece of information was sent over.
Qintex Group is a comprehensive investment company headquartered in Brisbane, Australia. It is somewhat similar to Westeros Corporation and is involved in media, hotels, retail, tourism and other businesses.
However, the information sent by Janet showed that Qintex Group has expanded too rapidly in recent years, and its debt ratio has reached a very dangerous level. It may go bankrupt if it encounters the slightest situation, and it will not be able to come up with 1 billion US dollars. to acquire MGM Resorts.
The inner plan of Qintex Chairman Christopher Scars is nothing more than to bring in some unidentified capital to form a partnership, hoping to gain nothing.
Janet also relayed on the phone what her father had said about Christopher Scars, a man who was likely to go to jail in the next few years because he couldn't pay back his loans and used too many illegal tactics.
After instructing Jennifer on the phone to reject the other party's invitation, Simon got off the car at the Fox Studios parking lot and was about to rush to the administration building when a female voice came from behind: "Simon."
Turning around, the first thing that caught Simon's eye was the four insanely long legs stretched in white jeans.
These are two women, one is Jerry Hall, who greeted Simon at the last Columbia Pictures party, and the other Simon also knows, named Ella Macpherson, the most famous super star in North America in recent years. One of the famous models, she also has the nickname 'The Body', which shows that this woman has a devilish figure.
The two women quickly came closer, probably noticing Simon's gaze just now, with smiles on their faces.
Simon didn't hide anything, he stretched out his hand towards Jerry Hall and said, "You two should stop running around. If you walk on the street like this, many people will definitely hit the lampposts."
"You are so domineering, Simon. You are worried that we will hit a pillar and don't let us go out on the street." Jerry Hall smiled, shook Simon's hand, and said, "This is Ella MacPherson."
"Hello, Miss Macpherson."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Westeros, nice to meet you."
Ella Macpherson responded with some restraint, looking at the man in front of her curiously.
Simon shook hands with Ella Macpherson, turned to Jerry Hall and asked, "Why are you here?"
Jerry Hall said: "I came to audition for a small role, and it happened that Ella also came to audition."
"it's over?"
"Yeah, I was planning to go shopping together to see if there would be any men hitting the pillars."
"Maybe even women can."
"Haha," Jerry Hall smiled and asked, "What about you, Simon?"
"Same, audition."
"Then you must be auditioning for someone else."
"You are already so beautiful and so smart, I won't praise you any more."
"I really don't want it anymore. I will probably faint if I am praised again by Westeros."
After joking for a while, Simon raised his wrist to look at his watch and said, "Then, let's talk when we have time."
Jerry Hall hesitated for a moment and said, "Simon, when will you finish your work?"
"There are too many things to do. I probably won't be able to finish them all even if I don't sleep."
"In that case, why don't we sneak in some coffee together later?"
"I'm afraid that won't work. There are too many paparazzi around me recently, so it would be bad to be photographed."
"It's just coffee, not a date."
"It's a pity that the paparazzi doesn't think so."
Jerry Hall didn't bother too much and just nodded regretfully after hearing this.
Simon was about to leave when Ella Macpherson, who had been silent just now, suddenly said: "Mr. Westeros, can we go over and see how you auditioned?"
Simon paused, looked at Ella Macpherson, and said, "Otherwise, there will be a party over at Coldwater Canyon on Saturday night, hosted by WMA President Jonathan Friedman. You can come over. By the way, Have you signed an actor contract?”
"The one I signed recently happened to be at the WMA."
Simon guessed that Jonathan was probably following ICM's strategy of expanding business into the fashion industry, and nodded: "That's just right. If you are free, I will call Jonathan and prepare two invitations for you."
"Then it's settled," Ella Macpherson agreed, and quickly took out a business card from her bag and handed it over, saying: "Mr. Westeros, this is my contact information."
Simon took the business card handed over by the woman and put it away. Finally, he nodded goodbye to the two women and walked towards the administration building.
The four major fashion weeks in autumn have already begun. This year’s Milan Fashion Week opens on September 22. Gucci’s 1990 spring and summer fashion show is scheduled for September 23. Simon and Janet will probably rush to Europe on September 20. , and at the same time began Simon's sabbatical.
Today is still September 13th, Wednesday, and there is still one week left before departure.
The original plan was to take a break after completing "Batman", but it turned out to be difficult.
"Pretty Woman" has been completed and has begun to enter the later stages. "The Last Days" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" are both in the process of intense filming, and Simon can't completely ignore them. High Gate Pictures' key project next year, "The Intersection of Life," also requires Simon to be distracted. In addition, the four films in the 10-film plan that are confirmed to be released next year, including "Sleeping with the Enemy", "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle", "Dangerous Days" and "Pink", all require Simon to personally helm, plus the upcoming With North American bond markets operating in October, Simon's so-called 'holiday' hardly lives up to the name.
Moreover, this is based on Simon completely letting go of Daenerys' entertainment television business.
Entering September, four blockbuster reality shows produced by Daenerys TV: "Who Will Be a Millionaire", "Survivor", "Big Brother" and "The House of Beverly Hills" will be released one after another, in addition to six more TV series projects, these jobs all fell to Robert Iger.
Fortunately, all four reality shows have laid a good foundation last year, and as long as Robert Iger doesn't mess around, he won't mess up.
Simon is still very relieved about Robert Egger.
As for the TV series business, Simon can't spare any energy for the time being. Although he hopes that Robert Egger can bring him some surprises, he doesn't have high expectations.
Simon continues to be busy amid the publicity surrounding becoming the richest man in the federation, and is looking forward to his European trip in late September. However, the new week has just begun, and the dispute between Daenerys Entertainment and Alistar Records, the record company signed by Whitney Houston, has once again become the focus of media attention.