Rebirth of America, this is my time

In fact, when Ethan learned that Roy Disney wanted him to become the white knight of the Walt Disney Group, he had already learned about the market value of the major Hollywood giants.

Then……

He was greatly shocked.

Different from the media aircraft carriers that people will see in the future, the seven major Hollywood companies of this era are really the little ones among listed companies. The cheapest ones are only close to 200 million, and the most expensive ones are only 60 to 700 million.

If we look at Destiny Games' money-making speed, even if Ethan Jones lets these companies run for ten years, he is still confident that he will acquire them in the fifteenth year.

There is no way, who makes video games so unreasonable in terms of the speed of making money?

And when Ethan has a world in his head...

Then only a nuclear-powered money printing machine can kill him.

In this way, it is really not nonsense for Spielberg to say that he can easily acquire a film giant, but Ethan's own thoughts... If there were no sneak attacks by Commodore and Rockwell, Allen would ·Bradley's backstab, he will definitely make a bold acquisition, but now?

cough--

Be steady.

If nothing else, if he dares to make any acquisition at this point in time, Morgan Stanley, which he just robbed, will definitely cause trouble, whether it is to raise the acquisition price of the target company or to attract other buyers. Anyone bidding against him would feel like a lump in his throat.

We'll talk about officially entering Hollywood later.

It was difficult for Ethan to refuse, but Evelin dared to speak. She looked at Spielberg with a smile and said: Steven, for us now, the movie project is just a supplement to the promotion of the game. In our opinion, Come on, the movie could be a big advertisement to let more people know about our game.

Okay, I understand...

The two people's intentions have been so clear, so Spielberg will not be entangled.

While he nodded in agreement, Ethan also changed the subject, Steven, how far has your friend David Begelman's case developed? Will Columbia protect him to death?

Since Ethan has been engaged in chip defense and looting counterattacks in recent months, he has no time to pay attention to Hollywood, so he has no idea how far the Colombian check fraud case has developed.

And this question...

Spielberg sighed, his eyes flashing helplessly under the lenses, This matter...

He lengthened his voice.

It seems to be organizing language, but it is more like recalling the entire process of the entire case.

I actually don't know. He shook his head and said: The check fraud case was quite serious a few months ago, but now there is no sound. Both Ferbole and the IRS seem to have stopped investigating.

I asked about the reason, and it seems to be related to the surrender of Columbia Pictures shareholders.

MGM issued an acquisition invitation to Columbia Pictures at the beginning of this year. At first, Columbia Pictures shareholders strongly opposed it and refused to accept it.

But as the check fraud case intensified, several major shareholders of Columbia Pictures successively received inquiry letters from Verber and the IRS, and their views on the entire acquisition suddenly changed 180 degrees. , those shareholders seem to no longer want to stay in this inexplicable whirlpool.

About April or May? Columbia Pictures held an extraordinary shareholders' meeting. Nearly 70% of shareholders were satisfied with MGM's offer, but they did not accept MGM's cash acquisition plan. They The hope is that Columbia Pictures can fully merge with MGM so that, after the deal closes, they will receive a certain amount of stock in the new company.

MGM agreed to Colombia's terms, and then the check-forgery investigation hit a strange lull while the deal was being approved.

This should be easy to understand, right? Because there have been monopoly cases in Hollywood before, America's Department of Justice needs to evaluate whether this merger will re-create a company with a monopoly market. If approved, the merger will be officially carried out.

And then...

David Begelman may be able to escape the investigation.

Spielberg told what he learned.

These words also made Ethan's eyes flicker, and he sneered: Does that mean that the guy who attacked Columbia was Kirk Kerkorian, the boss of MGM?

Although the check fraud case had nothing to do with Ethan's half-money, the attack on Columbia had a real impact on his personal interests. When the mastermind behind the scenes almost caused the Alien project to be rescheduled, it was Ethan's only idea to find the real culprit, remember the real culprit, and take revenge on the real culprit!

not to mention--

MGM is the enemy!

Their Tom and Jerry is very good!

However, just when Ethan was targeting MGM boss Kirk Kerkorian as an enemy, Spielberg shook his head and said: Ethan, this matter may not be that simple.

He cleared his throat and said: On the surface, Kirk Kerkorian is the biggest winner in the entire acquisition. At the same time, he is also your direct competitor, so he publicized the check fraud case and put Columbia Pictures Being dragged into the quagmire will not only allow MGM, which has half-retired from the industry, to regain its film production and distribution capabilities, but it can also deal a blow to you, distracting you with the crisis of the film project, so that you cannot devote yourself wholeheartedly to video games. Go to the main business of production.

but--

He was not supposed to know about David Begelman's check fraud case.

Spielberg propped his elbows on the table, leaned forward, and looked at Ethan with powerful eyes, I know about David Begelman's case. Ferber was very low-key when investigating him last year and never publicized it to the outside world. At the same time, Columbia did not accuse David Begelman of this matter, but only a few people on the board of directors conducted a self-investigation. In this case, how could MGM know about this matter?

“They’ve been building hotels for the last seven or eight years!”

Their development focus is not Hollywood at all!

When they break up the companies in Hollywood and sell them off, their influence in Hollywood will decline to a level that is unimaginable to ordinary people!

When actors can't get the right projects from them, directors can't get movies they like, and producers can't get satisfactory investment from them...

Even if there was a traitor in Columbia Pictures, Kirk Kerkorian wouldn't know about it!

so--

The exposure of the check fraud case should have nothing to do with Kirk Kerkorian!

Although Spielberg had just apologized to Ethan, and Ethan also said that he did not take the Columbia incident to heart, neither of them actually believed these things.

Spielberg didn't believe that a guy who wanted revenge could be so pregnant!

And Ethan...

I don't take things personally but I can keep it in my heart, right?

In this case, Ethan's inquiry was to get to the bottom of the matter, and Spielberg's categorical words and detailed analysis made him very satisfied.

At this moment, he finally felt that Spielberg's previous concealment was self-protection.

After looking at Spielberg for a long time, Ethan suddenly smiled and said, What's going on in this restaurant?

You won't be served for half a day?

Oh - I'm hungry too, I'll go take a look. Such words made Spielberg get up knowingly.

As he left, Ethan turned his head and glanced at his sister.

Since he didn't take anything to heart and would complain to his sister when bad things happened, Evelin, who knew the overall situation, directly expressed her thoughts, It sounds quite sincere.

So far, I haven't found any logical loopholes in his words.

But the final judgment must be determined based on the real culprit he identifies.

Evelin’s words spoke to Ethan’s heart!

Since Spielberg can boldly state that Kirk Kerkorian will not be the real culprit behind the entire incident, then...who does he think is the real culprit?

Only by first finding the person he thinks is the real murderer can he tell others that Kirk Kerkorian is not the real murderer. In this case, by listening to the name of the real murderer Spielberg thinks, he can tell others that Kirk Kerkorian is not the real murderer. Is this guy analyzing a case, or fishing in troubled waters for something else?

Ever since, after Spielberg urged the waiter to finish serving the meal, Ethan asked what was in his mind while staring at the speechless starry sky. After hearing his question, Ethan was cutting Steak Spielberg also said: If I didn't analyze it wrong...

The real culprit behind the scenes should be Warner Communications.

‘Fuck! ’

As soon as the name Warner appeared, Ethan's eyes instantly straightened!

Because Warner hasn't gotten ahead of himself since the draw with him last year, and when Warner Communications boss Steve Ross has been pretending to be dead, Spielberg thinks they are the real culprits?

Why?

Ethan was a little curious.

reason?

He wanted to know why.

The reason is simple. Spielberg forked a piece of steak and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing it. Because it is in the interest of Warner Communications to kill Columbia Pictures.

What? This outrageous statement made Ethan a little confused.

Because colleagues are originally enemies!

Everyone wants to die together!

In this case, Spielberg's argument simply doesn't hold up!

Just when Ethan frowned and thought Spielberg was a little strange, Spielberg said: One thing you may not know is that Columbia Pictures owns half of the shares of Warner Bros. Burbank Studio under Warner Communications , and this studio carries all the ownership of all photography locations, post-production locations, and prop storage warehouses under Warner’s name!”

To put it simply, although Warner Communications has the most complete shooting resources in Hollywood, half of them belong to Columbia Pictures...

‘…’

Ethan was shocked!

He really didn’t know this news!

As Spielberg told it, the grudges between the two families also appeared in front of him.

After television entertainment developed and gradually entered the homes of American people, the film industry suffered an unprecedented impact. The North American box office gradually narrowed under the impact of the tide of the times. Major film industry giants have experienced this since the 1960s. The chill of winter has arrived.

In the early 1970s, Columbia Pictures almost went bankrupt, and Warner Brothers also encountered a serious financial crisis. They wanted to save themselves. In order to cut costs, the bosses of the two companies met and decided to jointly create a company called Warner Bros. Burbank. studio to manage two overlapping businesses.

When reusable departments such as photo studios, post-production rooms, prop houses, and production plants are all merged together, the two companies can get rid of a bunch of useless expenses.

After they cut costs, the business conditions of the two companies suddenly improved at a speed visible to the naked eye. In just three years, their studio became the busiest place in Hollywood, because with their merger, Warner Bros. Bank Studio has become the largest photography venue in Hollywood. It can meet the shooting needs of almost all production companies. With the emergence of this fact, major companies have also begun to reduce their own filming locations, preferring to rent rather than hire people.

Ever since——

Almost overnight, Warner Bros. Burbank Studios became the profit center for both companies. Warner and Columbia were surprised to find that they could make money just by renting out the space.

Spielberg said seriously: So, from then on, the two of them began to compete for the actual management rights of this company. Warner wanted to take the company as its own, and Warner provided the venue when the company was formed. Columbia wants to kick Warner out...

The two families have been fighting over this matter for three years, and so far the two sides have been in a stalemate. Therefore, if Columbia can be dragged into a scandal trap and cause them to be acquired, then Warner can monopolize the largest photography studio in Hollywood. base.

Oh—— Ethan understood what Spielberg meant.

Who benefits the most and who is the most suspect? he asked.

Yeah~ Spielberg nodded vigorously, Whoever benefits will be the murderer.

If judged according to this line of thinking, Warner Communications is really more suspect than MGM.

But the problem is——

I have two questions now.

After thinking for a moment, Ethan said: First question, why didn't you tell me about this before?

When Ethan cast a scorching look at Spielberg, the guy who seemed to be determined to correct himself suddenly smiled bitterly, Sorry Ethan - Spielberg said: I didn't tell you this. First, when Columbia When you are obviously opposed to Warner, you who are already opposed to Warner can get more resources after cooperating with them. Secondly, I was helping David Bergman to promote the project. He needed to succeed, and I knew that Alien This project will definitely succeed, but I don't know if you want it.

I don't know if you're willing to accept that the enemy of your enemy is your friend.

Take the land beneath our feet as an example. The Duke who delivered the Iron Curtain speech never considered the guys from the east as friends...

What Spielberg is talking about is a famous incident in WW2.

Although John Bull and Wooly Bear teamed up to fight Hans Cat, the two sides never regarded each other as friends. In August 1944, they had already had a crisis of confidence. At that time, Wooly Bear's army had already reached the east bank of the Vistula River, and was fighting with Warsaw is across the river, and while they were planning their next step, an uprising broke out in Warsaw, which was occupied by Hans cats. According to common sense, Mao Xiong should help, but Mao Xiong refused, letting Hans Cat suppress it, and explained that the rebels were criminals and they would not save them.

Because of this incident, the Duke who later gave the Iron Curtain speech angrily complained that the bear was watching the fire from the other side and ignored innocent lives in order to promote his ideas. However, after entering Warsaw, the bear found a series of evidence to prove that those guys before him were He is a scum, and his actions are not wrong.

Even though everyone knows that there is never right or wrong in this dispute of ideas, these bloody facts do prove one thing, that is, the enemy of the enemy is never a friend.

Ethan didn't want to delve into this kind of thing, but at the same time he knew Spielberg's reasons were genuine.

Oh Steven—I told you I don't care about that kind of thing.

Ethan smiled and said, Everyone has selfish motives, and so do I.

I want you and George to take care of my movies because you're good enough to make me money.

Ethan - I - As soon as these words came out, Spielberg wanted to say something, but no matter how his Adam's apple twitched, no sound came out of his throat.

In the end, he could only sigh: I'm sorry.

Okay, Okay, let's not talk about this anymore.

Ethan waved his hand and said: Second question, are you using the results to infer the cause? If so, then I think this conclusion is a bit unreliable, because how does Warner know about the other party before someone formally proposes to acquire Columbia? Aren’t you targeting Warner Burbank Studios?”

When Ethan raised this question, Spielberg, who was still feeling guilty, immediately raised his head and looked around. After realizing that the place he was in was a private room, he came to his senses and breathed a sigh of relief.

What's wrong? Ethan became interested, Is this question difficult to answer?

No, no, no - Spielberg shook his head: This question is not difficult to answer, but the answer to this question may damage the image of Warner Communications, so it cannot be known to others.

Spielberg's caution made Ethan look serious, and when he cast a confused look at the other person, Spielberg also spoke. The guy lowered his voice, as if he were a thief, and said: Ethan, if I If you remember correctly, did I tell you before that Warner Communications suppressed David Geffen?

Yes. Ethan nodded, You said it.

“You know David Geffen is Jewish just like me, right?”

certainly.

The chairman of Warner Communications, Steve Ross, is also Jewish. You know this, right?

Yes.

As Ethan nodded continuously, Spielberg also swallowed.

He first glanced at Evelin to make sure that the girl wouldn't talk nonsense, then he looked at Ethan and said in a hoarse voice: Although the internal conflicts in our tribe are very serious, we are still very united in the same industry. For example, David Begelman, he is also Jewish, so he was very kind to me, and I reciprocated, but Steve Ross is different.

He was not the same type of person as us from the very beginning.

Do you know how he started?

He was collecting protection money in New York.

At this point, Spielberg stopped and stared at Ethan with his straight eyes.

And Ethan's heart has already set off huge waves!

'what? ’

‘The boss of Warner is a gangster? ’

‘Fuck! ’

‘Isn’t this guy just coming ashore with a clear conscience? ’

Ethan was shocked.

But the next second, he felt something was wrong.

Wait, where did you say he collected the protection money?

New York.

Oh Sxxt! You mean New York, not New York State?

Yes. Spielberg nodded seriously and said, It's the New York you think of.

As for why he can collect protection money there——

The reason is very simple.

Because he didn't start from scratch either.

Note: ① The cooperation between Columbia and Warner began in the early 1970s. Due to financial problems, they could only merge all physical locations that could be reused. This method worked quickly, and the entire cooperation was not terminated until the 1990s. As written in the article The venue belongs to Warner Bros. The reason why this happened is also very simple. Sony acquired Columbia. Anyone who watches Entertainment should know that after Sony acquired Columbia, it poached two big losers from Warner Bros., Peter Guber and Jon Peters. In order to get these two people, Sony gave up half of the shares of Columbia Building. Columbia All feature film, film and television distribution rights were given to Warner, and the studio that Warner had been thinking about for nearly 20 years was also handed over. (Warner released its own documentary 100 Years of Warner in May this year, which is quite objective. The only problem is that they only select the good ones to talk about. For example, the things in the article were recorded by Sony in their own memorabilia of the film company. But Warner himself didn't say it, and the person who did these things was Steve Ross.) ② The example of 'the enemy of the enemy is the enemy' in the article comes from WW2 Memoirs.