Chapter 547： I look at the face of Dumas.

"The future will be discussed in the future." Xiao Xiao said, "

Eric shook his head and smiled, but his heart was not too worried about this problem. MGM's fundamental problem is still in business philosophy.

Until now, MGM still maintains the vertical business philosophy that has been handed down in the era of the big film, but since the 1980s, several other major movie companies in Hollywood have begun to try diversified development, and strive to open up audio-visual books and books related to movies. Peripheral industry chains such as records, toys, theme parks, etc., maximize the 'locomotive effect' of the film business, and increase the ability of film companies to resist risks through the exploitation of profit channels.

But at the same time, MGM was in the hands of the gambling tycoon Kirk Kokorian, who likes to play capital, and the casino tycoon’s interest in transforming MGM into a hotel is obviously better than The filmmaking was much bigger, which led the veteran movie giant to miss the best time to transform.

Now, the Hollywood film company that has opened the industry chain has started a new round of integration with the media group. Once this trend is completed, MGM will be completely thrown away and there is no chance to catch up with those who are integrated with the media group. The pace of their peers.

In this case, Eric provided some high-quality film projects for MGM, which will only make the film company prosper, and wait for everyone in the future to share the benefits, MGM is still the fading rice. Gao Mei.

After saying goodbye to Chris, Eric returned to the room to change his clothes and took a bus to a restaurant in New York, Seine. He is going to meet with a vice president of Marseille Novare, the investment department of Lyon Credit Bank, and John Cali, the current president of MGM Studios.

In 1990, Cork Kokorian sold MGM for $1.3 billion to Italian investor Giancarlo Paretti, but it wasn’t long before the US Securities and Exchange Commission found that the deal was significant. The problem, Giancarlo Paretti, the Italian investor's company, is just an empty shell. The entire transaction process is entirely through the fraudulent way of empty gloves and white wolves to obtain funds to acquire MGM.

Giancarlo Paretti finally went to jail because of this fraud, but the biggest bitter fruit was swallowed by Lyon Credit, because the French Credit Union is the financing side of the deal. At the end of last year, the fraud eventually ended. Sentence judgment. Giancarlo received the punishment he deserved, but the transaction was still valid, and 75% of MGM shares that Giancarlo Paretti received from Kokorian was transferred to the Credit Union Bank of Lyon, France. Lyon Credit Bank in order to get rid of MGM. Organized an auction, but no one dared to take over the mess, Lyon Credit Bank can only reorganize MGM's management, and dug up Frank Makaso and John Cali to form a new management team, hoping to make MGM's performance has improved. Then find the receiver.

But now the result is that the two new helm men are unfavorable, and the two films in the summer file, "The Bears" and "The Last Action Heroes" all ended in failure.

Eric was thinking about the cooperation between the European film company and MGM in the way. After the hotel car stopped, Eric just got off the bus and saw two white men warmly greeted him.

Eric recognized John Gray, a gray-haired man about sixty years old. Eric had seen each other at some events in Los Angeles, but until the celebration party of Fang Fang, neither of them had ever At any intersection, John Cali was originally an executive at Warner Pictures. Worked in Warner since the late 1960s, is the old man of Steve Rose, after the death of Steve Rose, because Warner's two co-presidents intensified their fight for ceo's position, plus Lyon Credit At the invitation of the bank, John Cali left the old club who had worked for many years and served as the president of MGM Studios.

Eric has detained the last "Chull Xiongfeng" climbing "Jurassic Park" speculation on the unfortunate ceo of Caroline Pictures, so I don't know that it is actually Migao's two helmers. The moths that came out. However, even if you know, Eric will not care too much now. Anyway, MGM’s two films are now ending in a mischief and have not had any impact on Jurassic Park.

Seeing that John Cali was welcoming with another 40-year-old Frenchman with a big nose, Eric also walked up in a smile.

"Eric, I am very happy that you can come over tonight." John Cali was very familiar with Eric, and then introduced: "This is Mr. Marcel Novale of Lyon Credit Bank. ""

"Hello, Mr. Novale," Eric reached out to the other side.

Marcel Novale and Eric chilled and three talents walked into the restaurant. The waiter guided the three men into a quiet corner and ordered the dishes. Marcel Novale couldn’t wait to start straight into the subject.

Although MGM is ranked last among the top seven in Hollywood, MGM's scale is the largest compared to any European film company.

What made Eric unexpectedly and sensible was that Lyon Credit Bank even hoped that the fireflies could take over MGM.

After Marcel Novalé made this suggestion, he noticed Eric's slightly surprised look and continued: "Eric, as long as you promised to take over MGM, Lyon Credit is willing to give a very reasonable price. Moreover, we will also be responsible for lobbying the US Securities and Exchange Commission to pass this transaction request."

Firefly Film has reached a peak in Hollywood and continues to expand in the film business. It will definitely involve monopoly issues. It is conceivable that if Firefly Pictures re-purchases other major Hollywood studios, it will definitely receive The pressure of the party, however, Eric knows very well that among the film companies outside the Firefly Films, the current situation of other targets is difficult to achieve, but the only resistance to the acquisition of MGM is much less. And even someone will secretly contribute to it.

The Federal Securities and Exchange Commission's ruling is also greatly affected by the capital forces, and the firefly's acquisition of MGM at this time is equivalent to taking a big bag into the arms, this big bag will definitely drag the pace of firefly expansion. It will also affect the investment agency's assessment of the firefly film industry.

If it is other time, in the face of MGM's rich library resources, Eric does not mind to take MGM to take over and teach him slowly, but in the next few years, the fireflies will continue to increase without stopping. At the pace of expansion, it is absolutely impossible to take over the mess of MGM.

Since Marcel Novale is so direct, Eric does not turn around. Truly refused: "Marcel, I am sorry, I can't promise you this request, because I can't think of any reason to take over MGM."

It is certainly impossible for Lyon's credit to speculate on Eric's strong interest in the MGM library. Therefore, Eric’s reaction did not exceed Marcel Novale’s expectations. He had not expected much from Eric’s promise to this, and he proposed this proposal to Eric. Out of a doctor's thoughts of illness and rush.

Lyon Credit is one of the top three banks in France. Not only does it operate traditional banking, but it also involves investment banking and insurance. Because of the European economic recession caused by the turmoil in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in the early 1990s, Lyon Credit Bank has suffered huge losses for several years. The amount is expected to be as high as 11 billion francs (equivalent to 2.2 billion US dollars), of which MGM has taken over a large part of the fraud case, and Lyon Credit Bank can't wait to cash out this hot potato.

Because the heart did not expect, Marcel Novale heard that Eric refused, and then did not entangle, waiting for the restaurant waiter to continue to serve. Marcel Novale made a glance at John Cali.

John Kali slightly decapitated, put down the knife and fork, turned his head to Eric: "Eric, don't know if you are not interested in the 007 series?"

Eric smiled a little, and thought it was still like this. However, MGM did not find any chips to cooperate with him, and the only thing that Lyon Credit Bank wants to do now is to put MGM. I didn't want to invest in the Firefly movie business like other European film companies.

The 007 series is like a ginseng for MGM. Every time you get sick, you cut a slice, and then you can walk for a few years.

Before the 16th 007, whether it was the United States or the MGM era, the production cycle of 007 was two years. The reason why this long-lasting series suddenly stopped four years ago, in addition to the continued turmoil in MGM and the reasons for copyright disputes, the main reason is that the box office and word of mouth of the 16th "007: Killing License" are too Street, "murder license" at that time the budget is 32 million US dollars, but in the United States only only harvested more than 33 million box office, if not for the global to make up for losses. "Murder Manufacturing" almost became the sequel to the first loss of the 007 series.

For a legendary classic series, the loss of an investment is of course nothing, but MGM is even more afraid that the reputation of this series is completely destroyed, if the 17th or even the 18th is still not available. The recognition of the fans, then this series is likely to be completely stopped. Therefore, MGM has hesitated for several years in the process of starting the 17th 007, and there has been no result until now.

"Speaking of the last "killer license", the reputation of this sequel is very bad, but I think one of the settings is very interesting," Eric replied, thinking that he had never slept in Seattle. Kelly Lowe, who plays Sam’s wife, Kelly Lowe is the daughter of the Killer License. Eric and Kelly Lowe have had a good night in Seattle, just that After the evening, the girl left, and Eric never saw each other again.

When John Kali heard Eric say this, he naturally asked: "What setting?"

"The setting of the two state girls, "The Killing License" is the only one that appeared when the two state girls were jealous for Bond and also shed tears. Unfortunately, the plot of the previous scriptwriting concept is more focused on the film of revenge. Instead of losing the essence of the Bond movie, it did not highlight the two points of the two state girls, and I also feel that there are some problems with the setting of the two state girls."

John Kali hesitated, or chose the first focus of Eric's words, and asked: "Eric, what do you think is the essence of the 007 movie?"

Eric smiled a little evilly and said: "Of course it is to save the world."

John Cali and the other Marcel Novaré were a glimpse, and then laughed with Eric. But after laughing, John Cali realized that Eric had just ridiculed the sentence, but it hit the core of the 007 series, so he immediately asked: "The two you just said What do you mean by setting up a girl with a problem?"

Eric also came to the interest. Simply put down the tableware and said: "In the traditional production ideas, the girl has always served as Bond's assistant or lover's role, even if there are two protagonists in the 16th. There is still no way to escape this kind of thinking. But why don't we do the opposite, set up a two-nation girl, one auxiliary bond, and the other as the enemy of Bond. Just like Warner's two recent "Batman", although the bat Manki's actor Michael Keaton is very popular. But whether it is the first or the second, the villains have attracted more attention from the audience. The clown played by Jack Nicholson needless to say, it will definitely become later The classics imitated, and the catwoman and penguin played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito also left a deep impression on the audience. This shows a problem and sees the sense of justice in the movie. The full-fledged protagonists, the audience is still very much looking forward to the distinctive character of the villain, which gives the 007 series a great inspiration."

Marcel Novale listened to Eric's words, but the subconscious thought it made sense and didn't feel too deep. But John Cali, who has worked for more than 20 years, is a bright spot. As a former executive of Warner Studios, John Cali has also experienced the first success of Batman. Joy, but Warner's internals are more to attribute the "Batman" series to the popularity of comics serials for decades, but not to think too deeply.

Eric's chattering words at the moment made John Kali feel a sense of openness. Perhaps Warner paid more than $50 million for Jack Nicholson's clown character, which was not too embarrassing. At the same time, John Kali also admire Eric's keen thinking and vision, and it is not unreasonable to sigh that this young man is so young and successful.

Although my heart sighed. John Cali did not forget to hit the iron: "Eric, since you have such an idea, why not just serve as the director of the 17th 007? MGM will definitely offer a quotation that will satisfy you?"

Eric took a sip of the red wine next to him, but did not directly answer John Kali’s invitation. Instead, he said: "John, isn’t MGM always willing to keep the 007 series strong?"

John Cali's heart moved slightly, but on the surface, he sighed softly and said: "Eric, you know. We don't have much choice."

"There is a good opportunity at the moment," Eric put down his glass and looked at Marcel Novarre. "However, this requires Lyon Credit Bank to bridge the bridge."

Although Marcel Novale didn't know much about the film, he was also sensitive to the fact that Eric's next words would definitely have a big impact on MGM's current situation: "Eric, if Lyon Credit If you can help, we will do our best, or talk about your thoughts."

Eric said: "Recently, several film companies and film foundations want to invest in Hollywood, but the production plan of the fireflies within two years has been determined by more than half, it will be very inconvenient to adjust, and can not maximize profits. So I think maybe everyone can cooperate, I am responsible for selecting the right project, and participating in the production properly, the European film company and the foundation are responsible for the investment, MGM is responsible for the production and distribution, so that it can solve the current operation of MGM. You can also take advantage of the financial advantages of Europe."

Marcel Novale nodded in the whole process and listened carefully to Eric. He turned to look at John Cali. John Kali also had an intent to look at it, but it was relative to the horse. Serge Novale, John Cali, is more aware of the difficulty of implementing Eric's proposal. Although Eric's personal contribution seems to be the least in this cooperation proposal, in fact, his personal participation is the highest part of the gold content, just like the original time and space, because of the powerful call of Steven Spielberg. Force, DreamWorks has just announced its establishment not long after, there are investors from all over the world to rush to send more than one billion dollars in start-up funds. At this time, if it is not Eric, perhaps those European film companies will not consider working with MGM again. After all, the two blockbusters of the summer file have already scared them.

But at the same time, MGM's current situation is the most clear of the major European film forces. Even if Eric takes the lead, the possibility of their promise is still very slim.

"Eric. Personally, I am very much looking forward to this kind of cooperation, but..." John Cali just wanted to go on and noticed that Marcel Novale looked at himself. Just stopped the words, his identity is only a professional manager of MGM, seeing that Marcel Novale seems very eager for this program, John Kali is not good to immediately pour cold water, can only change the mouth : "But we still have to negotiate with all parties."

Marcel Novale also immediately interjected: "Eric. We will give you an answer as soon as possible. In addition, Lyon Credit will try its best to promote this."

"Then I will wait for your good news," Eric nodded.

The next topic is a lot easier. John Cali is very curious to continue to ask Eric's insights about the role of the anti-action screen. Eric is also not awkward. He shared some of the theories he saw in the past with John Kali. Something. Until nine and a half, three talents ended the dinner.

After the checkout, John Cali and Marcel Novalé sent Eric to the restaurant and left the restaurant. Eric is standing on the side of the road and saying goodbye to the two people, and seeing another bright and colorful shadow in the bright restaurant hall, it is Sophie Marceau who hasn't seen it for a few days. At this time, the girl is still followed by a forty. The middle-aged man of a tall and old man, the typical Frenchman looks, and the middle-aged man walks with Sophie and talks about what he is talking about.

John Cali and Marcel Novale looked at Eric at the same time almost. John Kali also attended the Sai Du’s "Fang Fang" celebration that night, and he knew a little about it. To Marcel Novale made a look. John Kali said to Eric: "Eric, in this case, we will leave."

Eric didn't mind the ridicule and embarrassment that both John Cali and Marcel Novale emerged at the same time. I took the initiative to go to Sophie and walked over.

When I came to the two people, Eric could not clearly understand the unbearable look of Sufi. After adapting to some dark light outside, Sophie also saw Eric at a glance, and the girl's expression was a little surprised first, then she blinked at Eric. He also made a small mouth toward the middle-aged people around him, apparently indicating that Eric had made a clearance for her.

The middle-aged people noticed the change of Sophie's look and looked ahead. Only then did a young man in his twenties walk towards him. The young man was dressed in a decent black suit with a sharp face and a calm and calm temperament. It gives a faint sense of oppression that is hard to ignore. Although I feel that the appearance of the youth is familiar, the middle-aged people have not recognized Eric's identity for a while, but instinctively produced a little vigilance.

Seeing that Eric walked up to them, the middle-aged talent stepped forward and reached out to Eric. In French, "Hello, my name is Frederic Bron, are you?"

What surprised the middle-aged man was that there was a confused look in the eyes of the young people in front of him. He looked at his outstretched hand but did not respond. He only turned his eyes to Sophie.

Sophie knew that Eric couldn't understand a few words of French and smiled narrowly, but now I have to test Eric's clearance. Sophie has to quickly reach the middle-aged humanity: "He can't understand French, you use English. ""

Frederic Bron heard the words of Sophie, and his eyes flashed a scorn, but he once again introduced himself in English.

Eric reached out and reached out to him: "Hello, I am Eric Williams."

If it was just a little familiar, Eric said his name, Frederick Bron immediately remembered his identity, the same person in the film circle, of course he could not understand Erik this short The young Hollywood tycoon who created the miracle of the firefly movie in a few short years, Frederick Bron immediately put away a glimpse of the glimmer that just emerged, and said eagerly: "Mr. Williams, very happy to see You, I am a producer of the tf1 film production company."

"Oh, tf1, I know," Eric nodded, just about to blurt out names such as "Paddington Bear", "Air Rescue", "Super", but immediately realized that these are more than a dozen. After the movie, after a stagnation of thinking, I was a little embarrassed. I looked at Sophie and said, "That, Sophie’s "The Feeling of Heart" is your company?"

Sophie noticed that Eric was a little embarrassed and smirked. Frederick Bron did not dare to be so unscrupulous with Sophie and nodded: "Yes, that is our joint investment with Gaomeng."

"Oh," Eric nodded. He didn't mean to pull it down with the other person. He pointed to Sufi Road, who was still very small in the image. "I haven't seen Sophie for a long time. I don't mind letting us alone. Let's talk?"

What is long time no see, I am familiar with you?

The girl thought so, turned her eyes to Eric, but did not deny it.

"Of course, if that's the case, then I will leave," Frederick Bron said a few more words with Sophie. If you don't, go to the parking lot.

"Call, fortunately, I met you, or I don't know how to get rid of this nasty guy," Sophie waited until the middle-aged figure disappeared into a white BMW sedan.

Eric made a gesture to the hotel driver not far away, pointing to the Seine on the other side of the road: "Let's go there."

"Ah, that, okay," Sophie realized what it was like, but did not refuse Eric's invitation. He followed him across the road to the Seine. The two came down the stairs all the way down. On the banks of the Seine, the night is thick, and there are many couples walking on the river embankment, but no one pays attention to them.

Seeing Sophie, who seems to have shrunk his neck because of the coolness of the night, Eric asked: "Since you hate that guy, how can you eat with him?"

"It’s my agent who just picked me up a movie," Sophie seems to think of the unpleasant experience just now. He said: "I suddenly received an invitation this evening, saying that I want to talk about the script, and the result is directed. And the scriptwriters left very early in advance, leaving the guy who had just been annoying to keep stalking me. I knew that I wouldn’t come, but I saw it on the face of Dumas, only to pick up the script."

Listening to Sophie's arrogant tone, Eric smiled softly and said: "Which is the work of Dae Zhongma?"

Sufi said: "The sequel to "Three Musketeers" tells the story of Dada Niang's daughter. Hey, if he wraps around me, I won't shoot, I can't find a movie." (To be continued.)