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The taxi stopped on the side of a road at the top of Beverly Hills. The driver had a pleasant chat with the black-haired middle-aged passenger beside him who was wearing a neat suit and looked at the luxurious mansion outside the car window. He joked: " Dude, I never thought that the destination of your visit would be here, a Beverly mansion of this size, where either superstars or top Hollywood producers live, you must be prosperous."
Chris Wedge was also in a good mood, even a little excited. He responded to the driver's words with a smile on his face, and after paying the car, he turned and walked towards the gate of the mansion with a briefcase in his hand.
After confirming the house number again, Chris Wedge reached out and rang the doorbell, waiting patiently, thinking of the phone call a few days ago again.
It all started in 1987, when Chris Wedge was just 30 years old, resigned from an animation studio where he worked, and founded Lantian, a film and television special effects production company, on the second floor of a dentist’s clinic with a few partners. Studio, after eight years of development, although the current Blue Sky Studio is far from being on the same level as industry leaders such as the digital field and Industrial Light & Magic, it is already well-known in the film and television special effects industry, with more than 100 employees under its banner, and Last year, I undertook part of the CG special effects production of "Game of the Brave".
A few days ago, the producer who was in charge of the "Game of the Brave" crew contacted Blue Sky Studio suddenly called him and asked him if he was interested in computer animation. Chris Wedge has always been envious of his former friend John Russell Te's success in 3D animation has also made similar attempts. Of course, he nodded without hesitation, so there was today's anticipated meeting.
There was a female voice asking inside the door. Chris Wedge felt that the voice was a little familiar, so he didn't have time to think about it, so he quickly got up and answered.
The door opened, and a tall girl with a little blush on her face appeared in front of Chris Wedge. The girl's long blond hair was a little fluffy and messy, and her attitude was lazy. The upper body is covered with a loose beige knitted sweater. The round neckline is wide open, revealing a small piece of white skin on the shoulders. Although the hem of the knitted sweater was a bit wide, it did not conceal the two slender breasts wrapped in white skinny jeans.
Chris Wedge was in a daze for a moment. It wasn't until the girl frowned slightly that she suddenly realized, and said with some embarrassment: "Miss Roberts, hello, nice to meet you. I'm your fan."
Chris Wedge raised his right hand slightly as he said this, and looked at Julia's green slender hand grasping the doorknob, and finally stretched out his hand in embarrassment.
"Eric and Liz are waiting for you, come with me," Julia replied, stretched out her hands to tug on the knitted sweater, turned around and walked in.
Chris Wedge followed Julia through the corridor in the courtyard, calmed down at this moment, and recalled the situation when he just saw Julia. Only then did I realize that the state of this first-line Hollywood actress just now was a bit abnormal, a bit like just waking up, a bit like drunk, or, more like a bit... Hey, Chris Wedge is sure that he just didn't Smelling the smell of wine, it is already four o'clock in the afternoon, and even the nap time has long passed, let alone just waking up.
Thinking wildly involuntarily in my heart, I bypassed the path. Seeing the two figures by the swimming pool in front of the mansion stand up and walk over, Chris Wedge quickly put aside those messy thoughts, thinking about these things would not do him any good, in case the master guessed his thoughts. That would be even worse.
Looking at a pair of young men and women walking over, Chris Wedge eagerly extended his hand to Eric who was walking in front: "Hello, Mr. Williams."
"Hi Chris, just call me Eric, this is Liz. You should be on the phone."
"Of course, Miss Murdoch, nice to meet you," Chris Wedge smiled and shook hands with Elizabeth again.
The three of them sat down at the round table in the courtyard. Julia served coffee to the three of them. She was not interested in participating in the conversation. Instead, she lazily walked to the beach chair next to her and lay down, flipping through a magazine.
Although Chris Wedge was a little confused about the relationship between the man and the woman in front of him, he carefully controlled his eyes and tried not to glance at Julia who was not far away.
"In general, you and Liz must have talked on the phone. I have also seen the special effects you did for "Alien 3" and "Game of the Brave". During the production of "The Game", I once invested in an animation short film from Columbia, but it didn't work out, right?"
Chris Wedge nodded: "Yes, Eric, the studio I worked in in my early years had done Disney's animation outsourcing projects, and I have always been very interested in animated films."
Elizabeth asked: "If it's an investment in animation, you should find Firefly. Why did you contact Columbia?"
Chris Wedge smiled awkwardly, glanced at Eric, and didn't know how to answer.
After Elizabeth said what she just said, she immediately understood that Firefly already possessed the top 3D animation technology in the industry, and under normal circumstances, it is impossible to look at Blue Sky Studio at all.
Eric didn't seem to hear Elizabeth's question, and directly chatted with Chris Welch about 3D animation movies. Chris Welch has also prepared quite well these days, and skillfully dealt with Eric's various problems. In order to solve the problem, he also took out a set of animated short film storyboards prepared in advance and showed it to Eric.
Even with some technical accumulation, an animation studio still needs to start with short animated films in the production of 3D animated films. At the beginning, after Pixar produced short films such as "Jumping Lantern" and "Tin Iron Soldier", After accumulating enough experience, I started to get involved in animated feature films.
Half an hour later, Chris Wedge put away the drawing and said, "Eric, this short film only needs an investment of 3 million U.S. dollars. As long as the funds can be obtained, I promise to come up with one within half a year that is enough to prove our Works with the ability to control animated feature films come out."
Eric shook his head and said, "Chris, I don't intend to invest in Blue Sky Studios."
Chris Wedge just showed a disappointed expression, thinking that the short animation script he had precisely prepared had not passed Eric's approval, but Eric continued: "I plan to acquire Blue Sky Studio."
Chris Wedge raised his head immediately: "Eric, you mean...acquisition?"
Eric nodded, with a smile on the corner of his mouth: "Yes, acquisition."
Although not in the Hollywood circle, Chris Wedge still knows something about the relationship between Eric and Elizabeth. He had always felt it before. It must be that Fox is more interested in Blue Sky Studios. Even if they want to acquire Blue Sky Studios, it should be Elizabeth who represents Fox.
But after half an hour of communication, Chris Wedge realized that Eric still played a leading role in this matter. This made him feel puzzled again. At this time, Firefly already owns two animation studios, Pixar and Disney Animation. Even if Firefly wants to continue to expand in the field of animated films, it should be limited to these two studios.
Although he knew that he would not reject the offer, Chris Wedge asked carefully, "Eric, can I... know why?"
"Of course." Eric explained: "Although the classification of animated films has always been controlled within the PG-13 level because of the audience. But for Disney, there are still many good ideas that do not meet Disney's core values. If these ideas are released by Disney, it will damage the established brand image of Disney. Therefore, I plan to take these ideas out and hand them over to an animation studio that is completely independent of the Disney system for production, and hand them over to Released by other film companies."
Chris Wedge asked: "Aren't there many film companies under Firefly?"
"Disney is a very important brand within the Firefly system. If Firefly's other film departments release animated films, audiences will naturally associate it with Disney. What I want is to completely separate."
Chris Wedge nodded, glanced at Elizabeth, and said, "So, Eric, what are the terms of the acquisition?"
"In order to express the sincerity of the long-term cooperation, we do not plan to take over the whole capital. Firefly and Fox each offered 5 million US dollars to obtain 45% of the shares of Blue Sky Studios. You can continue to retain 10% of the shares. In addition, Firefly will give The animation technology support of Blue Sky Studios. The animated films produced by the studio in the future will be distributed by Fox."
The asking price of US$10 million to acquire 90% of the shares was far lower than Chris Wedge's expectations. After all, this studio was his eight-year effort, but Eric promised to give Blue Sky Studio technical support. However, Chris Wedge did not hesitate too much immediately. You must know that the top 3D animation technology in the hands of Firefly cannot be bought with money. This is the root of Firefly's ability to monopolize the 3D animation film market in recent years.
After thinking about it for a moment, Chris Wedge nodded decisively and said, "Eric, I agree to this deal."
"Very good. I hope we can cooperate happily in the future," Eric got up and shook hands with Chris Wedge, and the two sat down again. Eric began to talk about his detailed plan.
When we chatted until sunset, Chris Wedge took the initiative to leave very wittily. The specific acquisition contract will be negotiated in more detail in the future.
After seeing off Chris Wedge, the two returned to the swimming pool. Elizabeth looked at Julia who was still lazily leaning on the beach chair, and said, "Eric, look at her, Chris Wedge just now Chico glanced at Julia more than once, I think he must be guessing that Julia seems to be high, and it will be big news if it gets out."
Julia seemed to come alive suddenly, and threw the magazine in her hand towards Elizabeth, and retorted: "You're just high, I'm just a little tired."
"Hehe, come on, let me help you check if you are really tired," Elizabeth said, and she rushed to grab Julia's waist, but Julia flexibly lifted her foot and kicked it away .
thump-
Elizabeth was unprepared for a while, and fell into the swimming pool with a crooked body.
"Ah, woo..."
Elizabeth, who was kicked into the swimming pool by Julia, quickly poked her head out, lying on the edge of the pool, and shouted angrily to Julia: "But, I won't let you go, you vicious woman, murder dear husband."
Eric smiled and pulled Elizabeth out of the pool, urged her to change clothes, turned around and sat down on the beach chair where Julia was lying, and stretched out his arms to put the girl on his lap.
Julia, who had just regained her energy after being teased by Elizabeth, felt the movements of Eric's hands, and whispered a few times, like a cat whose bones had been taken out, and soon softened back to laziness Bewildered state.
Elizabeth came back after changing her clothes, wiped her wet hair with a large towel in her hand, and looked at Julia who was soft on Eric. This time, I didn't provoke this cat that would go crazy at any time. I sat down next to it and said, "Eric, you keep talking about some animation movie ideas that don't conform to Disney's release style. Do you already have an idea?"
Eric picked up the magazine in Julia's hand just now and flipped through it casually, and said: "I read a picture book that is completely anti-fairy tales a while ago, the author is William Steiger, you can start it recently Take the right to adapt this album."
"What, you didn't make it clear."
Eric smiled. Said: "You can buy a book tomorrow and you will know. That picture book is basically a complete subversion of Disney's previous fairy tale routines, but I think it is very interesting and can be made into a special animation movie, but this However, it is impossible for an animated film to be distributed by any of Disney and Firefly's film companies, otherwise Disney's carefully crafted brand image will be greatly affected, so I came up with the idea of establishing an animation studio separate from Firefly."
Elizabeth became interested: "Oh, what's the name of this album?"
Eric said: ""Shrek"."
The "Shrek" of the former Spacetime DreamWorks is completely an animation work after Katzenberg left Disney in anger, in order to avenge his old club, as can be seen from the quality of the film. The investment of the film is not high, and the production is rough, but unexpectedly, this low-cost animated film that spoofs Disney's fairy tales unexpectedly hit the box office, and even won the North American box office champion of the year, and brought the precarious DreamWorks Animation back to life. . Now that Katzenberg has not left, and DreamWorks has changed into another look, Eric is almost sure that if he does not intervene, an alternative 3D animation movie like "Shrek" will not even appear again in this world.
Recently. In order to find a project for Firefly's summer vacation next year, Eric also sorted out some of the videos in his memory, and naturally thought of these.
Although "Shrek", "Ice Age" and other series have achieved box office results no less than Disney animation in their previous lives, these animated films have somewhat deviated from the core spirit of Disney animation. Moreover, the 3D animation film market is far from saturated. Cooperating with Fox to win Blue Sky Studios can put animation projects that are not suitable for Disney into this studio and continue to bring huge profits to Firefly. Through cooperation with Blue Sky Studios. Keep Firefly's clout on Fox.
Thinking about this, Eric thought of another thing again, and said to Elizabeth: "Liz, there is one more thing. Now that there is Blue Sky Studio, are you interested in buying a toy company here?"
Elizabeth asked puzzled, "Toy company, why?"
"In the future, the animation produced by Blue Sky Studio will definitely produce peripheral products."
Elizabeth stared at Eric for a few seconds, curled her lips and said, "You're talking nonsense again, few people would buy a restaurant just to eat a steak, right?"
"Well," Eric said with a smile, "It's actually because of the copyright in the hands of this toy company, Hasbro, you know?"
"Transformers," Elizabeth blurted out, but immediately perked up: "You mean Transformers?"
Eric nodded: "Look, when it comes to Hasbro, you immediately think of Transformers. It can be seen how well-known this toy series is. If it is developed into a live-action movie, it will definitely have unlimited potential."
"Then there's no need to buy Hasbro, can't we just buy the copyright of Transformers?"
"Of course not. Copyright will always have a time limit. Hasbro will not be so stupid as to sell you the permanent copyright. Therefore, you can get rid of Hasbro once and for all. Wait for the special effects technology to develop for a few more years, I believe Transformers The copyright value is not much worse than, if not comparable to, Star Wars."
"You're exaggerating. What movie copyright can compare to "Star Wars?" Elizabeth shook her head almost subconsciously. The influence of "Star Wars" has been deeply rooted in the minds of Westerners, and even pillowed on Eric's lap Julia followed suit and shook her head slightly.
However, Elizabeth quickly realized that if this sentence was said from other people, it would naturally have no credibility, but it would be different if Eric said it this way: "Eric, you are not serious, are you? "
Eric nodded firmly: "Do you think I'm joking?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes: "Then why didn't Firefly take Hasbro down?"
Eric shrugged and said: "Firefly's target is too big. If we make a move, not only will someone jump out to fight for it, but Hasbro will also open its mouth. My plan is similar to that of Blue Sky Studios. Fox is in the Ming Dynasty. Firefly is in the dark. How about taking Hasbro down here first, and then we will split in half?"
Elizabeth blinked shrewdly: "What if I don't plan to break up with you?"
Eric clenched his fist pretending to be vicious, and cracked his joints: "Then I have to be rough."
Elizabeth was not frightened by Eric's actions at all, but Julia emotionally pulled Eric's fist to her cheek and rubbed it. Called in a low voice: "Eric..."
Elizabeth looked at Julia's appearance with an unbearable expression: "I think you should drag her into the house and beat her up first."
Eric pulled Julia up helplessly, reached out and smacked the girl's butt lightly: "Stop pestering people, let's make dinner."
"Well, what do you want to eat?"
"Eat whatever's in the fridge."
Seeing Julia walking away, Elizabeth shrugged and turned back to the topic just now. Since Eric looked so determined, she no longer doubted, and asked, "How much does this company cost?" ?”
"I checked. The current market value of Hasbro is 2.9 billion US dollars. If it is a friendly merger, it can be won at about 3.5 billion US dollars. Even if it is a hostile takeover, it should not exceed 4 billion US dollars. Moreover, I think Fox influence, the possibility of a successful takeover in good faith is still very high.”
"But, 3 billion to 4 billion dollars," Elizabeth retreated again: "Eric, I think we should buy the copyright of Transformers first. Try to extend the copyright period, 20 years, is it enough? "
Eric shook his head and said: "Hasbro's operating conditions are very stable. In recent years, the net profit has been around 200 million US dollars. After the acquisition is completed, with the peripheral authorization of Blue Sky Studio and Hasbro's perfect toys In the production and distribution system, there is definitely a lot of room for improvement in future performance. Coupled with the huge potential of Transformers copyright, it can be said that Hasbro is the kind of company whose value is seriously underestimated. It is merged, even if it does not carry out film and television copyright development. , The entire investment can be recovered within ten years, if Firefly hadn’t had too many plans to carry out in recent years, I would definitely do it myself.”
Before Eric was reborn, the global box office of the first four films in the "Transformers" series was close to 4 billion US dollars, and the peripheral profits generated by the film were even more immeasurable. In my memory, after Disney took over Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm successively, it also issued an acquisition offer to Hasbro, but Hasbro’s asking price was too high, and the most important copyright of "Transformers" was also assigned With Ramon in his hands, the deal was not completed.
In recent years, special effects movies have become more and more dazzling in Hollywood. Eric believes that someone will soon notice the copyright of Transformers. If you don't take it down in advance, you will only regret it by then. Hollywood-related copyright authorization, the longest case is only 20 years, but Eric knows that 20 years later, Transformers is still in the process of filming, even if this time and space will advance the production date, because of the popularity of Transformers To a certain extent, there is absolutely no problem with the length of the series surpassing Harry Potter. Then, 20 years of copyright authorization time is far from enough. What's more, Hasbro will definitely not agree to sell Transformers for 20 years. Instead of suddenly encountering the risk of losing copyright control when the Transformers series is in full swing in the future, it is better to completely eat this company at this time.
The reason for sharing this cake with Fox is that, on the one hand, Firefly already owns Marvel, a large gold mine of copyrights that can be developed for decades, and has many copyrights for animated movies and live-action movies that can be developed. All profits are taken up, and it is impossible to have sufficient release time and schedule. On the other hand, the development of Firefly itself has reached a limit. Due to the restrictions of anti-monopoly and other factors, it is impossible for Firefly to merge other film companies with great fanfare. The best way to infiltrate, so that while gaining profits, Eric can also gradually expand his control over Hollywood, just like MGM at this time, with cooperation in many film projects, Eric is in this company The invisible power held by the film company is not even lower than its CEO. If Eric speaks, MGM's major shareholder Lyon Credit Bank will definitely replace the helm of MGM without hesitation. (To be continued.)