The Best Entertainment Era

Many Hollywood film companies have the ability to distribute films in North America, but they are unable to distribute films overseas. The situation of Polygram Films is just the opposite.

This UK-registered film company was established in the early 1990s, and initially focused on film production. It was not until 1993 that it really had the ability to distribute films. The scope of film distribution at first was limited to the UK.

Thanks to PolyGram's mature record distribution system, PolyGram Pictures established a film distribution channel at a very fast speed. Before PolyGram was acquired by Seagram Group, PolyGram Pictures already had a number of countries in Europe, Australia, The ability to distribute films in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

However, Polygram has no distribution channels in North America. The North American film market is the most exclusive film market in the world. It is too difficult for foreign companies to enter the North American film market, even for British companies.

In the past few years, Polygram Pictures has mainly relied on Sony Columbia Pictures and Gramercy Pictures to distribute films in North America.

In the conference room, Garcia asked: Those people in Polygram's distribution department are very familiar with Sony Columbia Pictures?

Ronan found a piece of information, handed it over, and said, Sony Columbia has released a total of seven films for Polygram.

After reading the information, Garcia gave it to Robert again, saying, We don't know people from Polygram, and this will become a big obstacle.

Ronan agreed with what he said: It will be much easier if someone you know recommends you.

Robert answered immediately: Sony Columbia Pictures?

Ronan nodded and continued: From the collected information, the distribution department of Polygram Films is headed by Alan Albert and Danny Donald, Alan Albert is the director, and Danny Donald is his deputy. , The two have a very high prestige in the distribution department, and if they are dealt with, they can basically attract their distribution team. With this distribution team, it means that they can get distribution channels other than North America, the Middle East and Africa.

We have distribution channels in North America. Robert said: In the case of the Middle East... and Africa, the markets in these two places are relatively small, and we can slowly build on the original foundation.

Garcia reminded: The premise is that we can get it.

Ronan looked serious: That's right. If Universal Pictures really dismisses the staff of Polygram Pictures, this group of people may attract some people's attention.

Companies like DreamWorks and Lionsgate dream of having overseas distribution channels.

Especially DreamWorks, as long as it establishes overseas distribution capabilities, it will really have some capital to fight against the six major companies.

Ronan asked Garcia: How is your inquiry from Universal Pictures?

Internal news from Universal Pictures. Garcia replied: Just like the news you got, what Universal Pictures really wants is the film library of Polygram Pictures, and they are not interested in employees who need a lot of human capital, and Universal Pictures’ overseas distribution system is much more complete than that of Polygram, and it does not need the channels that Polygram has just established.”

Ronan asked again: Have you heard that other companies are interested in Polygram?

Robert and Garcia looked at each other, and the latter said, Not yet.

Knowing the attraction of distribution channels to film companies that want to grow bigger, Ronan said: Ask more about this, especially DreamWorks and Lionsgate.

Most of the production companies in Hollywood are doing production in a safe and sound way. In fact, there are many companies that want to become bigger, but very few of them actually put it into practice.

Ninety-nine percent of small companies will be stumped by the issue of capital and risk alone.

Relativity Entertainment currently has relatively sufficient funds. Even including the distribution commission from Embassy Pictures, the Blair Witch has a large revenue.

The North American box office income is 79.5 million US dollars, the sequel copyright is sold for 12 million US dollars, the first week of videotapes and discs is 7 million US dollars plus the income of the following months is currently 9 million US dollars, all overseas copyrights are 50 million US dollars, and the first round of TV broadcast rights $3 million, followed by $1 million for two subsequent rounds.

The film currently grosses $161.5 million, with television and video and disc follow-ups continuing to generate revenue.

Of course, the net profit is not so much, for example, videotapes and discs have to be commissioned by channels and so on.

As for those people in the tax bureau, Ronan never wanted to take the initiative to provoke them. Tax avoidance is also a legal means, and investment tax credit is the best way.

At present, Reaper is still showing in North America, with a cumulative box office of 65.5 million US dollars in North America. It won't take long for this film to bring in a lot of money.

Ronan has the confidence to have funds in his hands, otherwise, he can't even satisfy others with his salary, so how can he recruit people?

Ronan then called Lawyer Dinah and the investigators in London to ask them to help collect more detailed information. If Universal Pictures really does what they know and he is fully prepared , can formulate targeted plans, and it is easier to attract people.

Even Ronan has received news from Polygram Films, and these situations are of course on the desks of some bigwigs in the industry.

In a small conference room on the top floor of DreamWorks Pictures, the Big Three gathered together, as well as several core executives of the company.

I have worked with Universal Pictures for many years, and I just contacted Ron Mayer. The relationship between Spielberg and Universal Pictures is quite complicated, Ron Mayer confirmed. interest.

David Geffen, with a bald head, asked: Steven, can't Universal Pictures buy Polygram Pictures first, and then transfer the distribution department to us?

Spielberg reveals a hint

Sisi smiled wryly: David, there is no possibility, my relationship with Universal Pictures...

After all, David Geffen is in the record industry, and he doesn’t know much about Hollywood. Spielberg knows this, but he doesn’t want to explain. His love-hate entanglement with Universal Pictures is really unclear. .

In the early 1990s, in order to raise funds to shoot Schindler's List, he had to accept the directorship of Jurassic Park semi-forced under the pressure of Universal Pictures. Since then, his relationship with Universal has taken a sharp turn for the worse. It is also one of the reasons why he made up his mind to create DreamWorks.

Jerry Katzenberg said: The rise of DreamWorks will touch the interests of established forces. The Big Six companies are the last to see DreamWorks establish a sound channel. Will Universal Pictures sell us overseas distribution channels?

These words were a little questioning, and David Geffen glanced at Jerry Katzenberg with an unhappy expression.

Jerry Fu Katzenberg snorted softly in his throat, and David Geffen didn't seem too pleased.

DreamWorks has been established for five years, and the Big Three, which were still united at the beginning, have already broken apart due to various interests and power disputes.

But in the general direction that is beneficial to the company, the three still maintain the same.

Spielberg interjected in time: Overseas distribution channels are very important to DreamWorks! Not only the film and television production department. He first looked at Jerry Katzenberg: The animation department's cartoons can also pass through DreamWorks. channel to enter the global market.” Then David Geffen said: “We can also learn from PolyGram and build a global record channel based on the film channel.”

Both David Geffen and Jerry Katzenberg nodded in support of Spielberg.

After these three giants fought and compromised secretly, Spielberg is now in charge of live-action film and television and related industries, Jerry Katzenberg is in charge of animation production, and David Geffen is in charge of record and music businesses.

In a way, the Big Three stand together.

This may have stabilized the power structure at the top, but the three-legged situation is actually not good for a start-up company.

Spielberg added: Ron Meyerken revealed this news because of his personal relationship with me. It is absolutely impossible for Universal Pictures to help DreamWorks.

Jerry Katzenberg asked: Stephen, it won't take long for this news to spread. Overseas distribution channels are too important to us, and we must get them as soon as possible.

David Geffen didn't speak, but looked at Spielberg with concern.

He is the one who is most familiar with the film industry here.

Spielberg said: I have no contact with people from Polygram Films, and I am not familiar with their management. At present, people from Polygram Films are all in London, England. We need to send people to London as soon as possible to communicate with them. They approached and tried to get the entire team from Polygram Publishing to join DreamWorks.

He looked at a deep-haired man with a big nose: I have asked my acquaintances in London to learn about Polygram Films, and news will come soon. Albert, when you go to London, you must win Polygram. distribution team.

Facing the big three, Albert said confidently: You wait for my good news.

David Geffen warned: The news has not been fully disseminated, we must keep it secret, so as not to attract more competitors.

Spielberg also said: Yes, keep it secret.

Yeah. Albert nodded cautiously.

Spielberg is also more at ease with him, this is his confidant, the ability may not be very strong, but his loyalty is commendable, and he will never betray the interests of DreamWorks.

Due to limited ability, Alberg's position is not very high. If he can accomplish this, he can raise his position in a fair manner.

Later, some details were discussed. After the meeting, Albert left DreamWorks and prepared to go home and pack his luggage so that he could leave for London early tomorrow morning.

As soon as he came to the front hall, a familiar entertainment agent came over.

Mr. Hoffman. The agent approached Albert and whispered, The character I mentioned last time...

After Albert left the office building, he said, Let them all go to the Marina Hotel at night, and I will discuss the roles with them in person.

The meaning of these words could not be more clear, the agent immediately said: No problem, it will be delivered on time at seven o'clock in the evening.

Watching Albert Hoffman leave, the smile on the manager's face disappeared, and he spit: This man is a pervert, and his food looks too ugly!