Chapter 373： lurking HBO

Facts have proved that no matter how great a person is, if he is still greedy for power and refuses to retire in his later years, he will definitely become suspicious, suspicious, and full of tricks.

It took Redstone 15 years to create his media empire Viacom.

But in old age, the time of corruption is even faster.

The wrong decision on Blockbuster directly led to the bankruptcy of the once largest video tape rental company in the world; the spin-off and listing of Viacom and the cbs group directly reduced his personal assets by half; the acquisition of DreamWorks made the original The unsustainable Paramount added to the woes...

Even because he was afraid that his sons and daughters would seize power, he even bought the part of the shares that originally belonged to his sons and daughters in the credit fund at a low price.

As Redstone's confidant, Philip Dorman must maintain a consistent style and absolute loyalty.

At least on the surface.

Philip Dorman asked carefully: "But we can't let the sta TV network go and let it develop, right?"

Lei Shidong seemed to be in a good mood, and said self-righteously: "In the professional cable TV field, the market space is so large, hbo and sho occupy all the market share, sta dares to jump out and grab the market, huh, do we need to do it?"

Philip Dorman frowned. "You mean... hbo?"

Redstone answered indifferently, and said indifferently: "This is a small market. It is impossible for Americans to spend so much money to subscribe to TV programs. At $8 a month, it is enough to buy two movie tickets."

Both hbo and sho have been developing for decades, and the size is only so small. The number of members of hbo is only more than 7 million, and the number of sho is only more than 5 million.

Even if Dunn is agile and capable, can he change the American consumption concept?

Past markets have proven that Americans prefer to pay for movies on the big screen rather than wasting their money on the small screen.

Philip Dorman disagrees with this view. He believes that the reason why the professional cable TV market in the past has not developed is because there is not enough good content.

In the past five years, the number of members of hbo has doubled, because of the launch of several self-made large-scale boutique dramas, with "Sex and the City" and "Black D Family" TV networks are now developing so rapidly, but also because of an order The eye-popping drama "Six Feet Under".

Maybe it's not that Americans don't like spending big bucks on the small screen, it's just because there used to be no products worth their bucks!

However, Philip Dorman did not dare to directly provoke Lei Shidong's authority. The old man seemed very determined, so he could only remind carefully: "I heard... that "Band of Brothers" was filmed according to the rhythm of the movie and cost 1.2 $100 million, a sensation."

Lei Shidong disagreed, "There have been movies on TV, but is the viewing effect like that of a movie theater? Again, the law of the market is the general trend, and no one can go against it!"

Philip Dorman sighed and felt helpless, so he had to follow him and said: "Anyway...even if we don't start with sta TV network, hbo has to start, hehe, they are the leaders in the field of professional cable TV, their There will be more pressure."

Redstone glanced at him admiringly, "That's right, we need to enlarge and relax the pattern! For Viacom right now, it is obvious that Paramount's platter investment is more important. What's more... hum, Tang En's appetite is too big!"

"Oh?"

"The layout of Tang En Pictures is too broad. It not only does animation, TV series, but also TV stations. Where does so much money come from? If the time is pushed forward for half a year, I may be a little bit jealous of Tang En. Now, there is no need for it. ."

The corner of Philip Dorman's eyes moved, if he understood, "Yeah, Dunn has just lost a lot of money in the stock market, I heard that it is 1 billion US dollars? Hehe, so much money, even if it is a big-selling "Never" "Sinking" can't fill such a big hole."

Lei Shidong nodded and said: "To be honest, Tang En is the most outstanding young man I have ever seen, with ambition and drive. But everyone has to go through a period of idealism, and they need to use social experience and life experience to recognize the reality. . Dunn's future is boundless, but what is lacking is time."

...

Michael Ovitz, in the name of Legendary Pictures, bought a private jet, also a Gulfstream series, and spent $28 million to invite Dunn to visit.

Hollywood is the place with the highest density of private jets in the world, not only there are too many stars here, but also the need for work.

The filming of the movie goes all over the world, and all the major film companies will have one or several dedicated private jets. The boss of the film company needs to visit various crews, and even more needs this kind of transportation.

Dunn Pictures currently leases three private jets, one for President Bill McNick, one for Marvel Studios President Nina Jacobson, and one for collective sharing.

Tang En even thought about it. After he made a big profit in September, he would just buy a few and come back.

The leased plane needs to be arranged and booked in advance, which is very troublesome. If something happens temporarily, the aircraft leasing company will not be able to adjust it at all.

Dunn went to a small civilian airport in West Hollywood. Michael Ovitz was very proud, and he seemed to be a bit of the majesty he had when he was in charge of caa.

"Michael, I've already contacted Redstone, and you should follow up." Tang En just glanced at the small plane casually, and he didn't like it.

Michael Ovitz is in power and controls Legendary Pictures, and the whole Hollywood will pay him a smile, and the whole person looks a lot more energetic, "Well, Paramount, I will arrange someone to talk tomorrow!"

Tang En followed him, entered the plane to visit, and said quickly: "Let's talk first, don't rush to sign the contract."

"Huh?" Michael Ovitz stepped back.

If it's okay for others to say, it doesn't matter how long it is delayed, but now Lei Shidong has pulled it out, and it is too delayed, doesn't it not give the old man face?

Tang En pondered for a moment and said solemnly: "All in all, platter investment is one of my trump cards. If the other party doesn't give me benefits, I can't give Paramount the opportunity to contact platter investment!"

Michael Ovitz jumped in his heart and looked at Dunn, "Have you negotiated with Mr. Redstone?"

There was another sentence he didn't say - "Aren't you high enough?"

Dunn shook his head, "No, but I've spoken to him on the phone several times, and I think... some things don't need to be said so clearly, he should understand."

"It's a little tricky!"

Michael Ovitz looked puzzled.

Lei Shidong is not only involved in the media and entertainment fields, but also has deep-rooted contacts on Wall Street!

He started as a small drive-in theater company, and in less than 20 years, he spent tens of billions of dollars to build the current media empire, all relying on Wall Street funds.

Redstone occupies only about 13% of Viacom Group's shares, but has more than 75% of the voting rights, which shows Wall Street's trust and support for him.

In the previous life, Paramount Club pioneered the "Platform Investment" project, not because of the abundance of talents in Paramount, but because of the big Buddha Lei Shidong behind him, and Lei Shidong's face and connections.

Dunn gritted his teeth and said solemnly: "Anyway, at least in September... er, before the release of "Band of Brothers", I want to make sure that the sta TV network will not be suppressed by Viacom."

When Michael Ovitz heard this, he couldn't help laughing, "So that's the case, I should have said it earlier!"

"Do you have a solution?"

"It's too simple! You can sign an agreement first, and the formal contract will be signed after the successful screening of "Band of Brothers". If this condition is reflected in the contract, whether it is Paramount or Redstone, you can understand You mean it."

Tang En's eyes widened, somewhat incredulous, "Is this okay?"

"Why not?" Michael Ovitz smiled conceitedly and pointed to his chest, "Forget what I do? I'm an agent!"

Tang En listened and laughed, "Okay! Sure enough, he is an agent, and his ability to play with contracts is high!"

At this time, the little secretary Ella Fisher who was following him handed over the mobile phone and said quickly, "It's Mr. McNick."

"Bill, is something wrong?"

"There's something wrong with "Band of Brothers"."

Bill McNick's voice was heavy, sounding like he was holding back his anger.

Tang En was a little confused, "The publisher of "Band of Brothers" is DreamWorks, and we are the largest investor and have the right to supervise. What could go wrong?"

Bill McNick gritted his teeth and said, "It's because the publisher is DreamWorks!"

"Wait, what's going on?"

"I just received a notice from DreamWorks that they restarted the bidding for the North American TV rights of "Band of Brothers"What?"

Tang En exclaimed, thinking he heard it wrong.

What are you doing?

Dunn Pictures invested $120 million in "Band of Brothers", and is tied with DreamWorks as the largest investor in the TV series.

As early as a month ago, Dunn Pictures, DreamWorks, and Tom Hanks' Pretton Pictures had reached an internal agreement that Dunn Pictures would spend $52 million to buy out the North American TV copyright of the show. .

Taking into account the human factors and the advantages of investors, 52 million US dollars is a conscientious price.

But I didn't expect that, seeing that "Band of Brothers" will be broadcast in 3 months, DreamWorks actually did this kind of thing?

As the publisher, DreamWorks even hit out the publicity!

"Band of Brothers" will debut on starz TV on September 9th!

"Didn't we sign the contract?"

"The scheduled signing time is June 25th, which is next Monday. The main thing is that DreamWorks' publicity has been released, and Steven and Tom have made verbal commitments, so I didn't order the legal department and copyright. The Ministry will follow up the signing as soon as possible.”

Bill McNick sighed heavily, with remorse in his voice.

Tang En said aggressively: "Bill, this has nothing to do with you, it's DreamWorks! Huh? No, who is robbing us of the copyright of "Band of Brothers"?"

Bill McNick said in a deep voice, "hbo!"

Dunn is simply full of bitterness.

He has worked so hard to plan for more than a month, and all the spearheads have been directed at Viacom's sho TV network.

Unexpectedly, the hidden danger of sho was easily resolved, but an hbo appeared there!

Well, really take me as a bully!

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(Sanqi Chinese)