Chapter 488： Acting

As the time entered March, "Monsters Electric Company" successively dropped from the major theaters in North America, and the final North American box office stayed at a figure of 308 million U.S. dollars, becoming the second North American film to exceed 300 million U.S. dollars in 2000. , And the global box office accumulation has exceeded 500 million US dollars. Watermark advertising testWatermark advertising test

In the envy and admiration of countless people, Pixar's market value has gradually approached 7 billion U.S. dollars, once again becoming the focus of financial and entertainment media.

However, some media suddenly broke the news. Among them, the contradiction between Pixar's top management that has been faintly circulating recently has become the focus.

Even USA Today interviewed a manager who had just left Pixar.

"After "Toy Story 2", many viewers are waiting for the news of "Toy Story 3." Pixar Studio has cultivated a large number of loyal supporters for itself with continuous excellent works. These people also believe that "Toys "Story 3" will be the same as "Toy Story 2", completely surpassing the previous one."

"However, this kind of waiting may be delayed indefinitely due to the decision of Pixar's senior management...Rich Darinois, who has just resigned from Pixar, revealed some inside information about Pixar to this newspaper. The following content comes from him. Transcript of the interview."

"As early as last year when "Monsters Electric Company" was just released, John Lasseter, one of the founders of Pixar, wrapped his arms around the necks of me and Andrew Stanton in his office and shouted loudly. ,'It's time to start the third episode of "Toy Story"! Hey, let's start doing it now!'"

"In the following month, the central point of our discussion was "Toy Story 3". This series realized the dream of Pixar Studios. We all want it to continue, but now we have to stop the project. "Toy Story" "3" was opposed by the studio’s largest shareholder."

"Yes, this person is Ryan Jenkins, and his new project for Pixar Studio is "Finding Nemo", which is his story centered on the sea and the clownfish. For this reason, Pixar had to change his mind. To realize his new idea."

"I admit that the Pixar studio can have its current brilliance. Ryan Jenkins has played a role that cannot be ignored, but these roles are more supported by the story and funding. In fact, all the top management of Pixar have a consensus. Computer animation is too unprofessional. None of the relevant suggestions is reliable."

"Is there any conflict between Ryan and Pixar’s management? The answer is yes. At first, he promised not to directly interfere with Pixar’s daily operations. The capital of the company was introduced into Pixar Studios, which led to a significant decline in management’s shareholding ratio. Also, this new animated feature film project has caused dissatisfaction among the majority of management.

"The Pixar studio now has 600 employees and can produce two animated feature films at the same time. What is needed is a modern management system. The two sides are looking for common ground to ease the relationship between each other. For this reason, Ryan Jenkins agreed to one. A new project called "The Superman Family", but if he does not control the swelling desire for power, Pixar's top management will surely split..."

Later, when Ryan went to Jenkins Pictures, he was blocked by reporters. His answer was as general and formulaic as most people expected, "We have differences on the new animated feature film project. This is limited to work..."

Not long after, John Lasseter, one of the core members of Pixar, was also asked these questions by reporters.

"The Pixar studio can have today, Ryan's support is very important."

After he finished speaking, he vaguely expressed his dissatisfaction, "I hope Ryan can continue to support our work as in the past."

What are the interviewees’ words sometimes interpreted by the media? Many people in Hollywood must have a personal experience. If a huge pusher is added behind the scenes, it will definitely develop in an uncontrolled direction.

"The conflicts between Pixar's controlling party and management are acute, and the future faces great uncertainty..."

"The rising animation giants are likely to be destroyed by civil strife!"

"Ryan Jenkins is evolving into a tyrant of power. Under his inflated sex, Pixar Studio may become a victim."

A large number of comments that are not conducive to the Pixar studio have appeared on the pages of many media, and these comments have brought the most direct adverse reaction, which is reflected in the stock market.

Pixar’s stock stopped its upward momentum since the release of "Monsters Electric Company" and fell. In just five days, its market value has evaporated by more than half a billion U.S. dollars. The market value of Pixar, which was infinitely close to seven billion U.S. dollars, has returned to sixty. Less than US$500 million.

"You must do everything possible to lower Pixar's stock price!"

This is an order from a luxurious office in the Disney headquarters building.

Then, the person who gave the order left Burbank and flew directly to Australia by plane. His destination was Sydney.

...

Compared to California, South Wales, Australia has huge advantages in taxation and labor costs, attracting many Hollywood crews to shoot here, and studios in the suburbs of Sydney have become a busy place.

Nicole is too familiar with this place. Sydney is not only her hometown. She also filmed the "The Matrix" series here a few years ago. Standing in the studio where the "The Matrix" was filmed, the opposite became the last century. The magnificence and luxury of Paris in the early days were corrupted.

Back in the dressing room, with the assistance of several assistants, Nicole took off the wig first, then took off the complicated clothes of the showgirl, and changed back to the dress she always liked. Then surrounded by bodyguards, she left the set and took off. The car went directly to a famous restaurant in downtown Sydney.

Entering the agreed private room, the light blue eyes became thin and long, and the person who greeted him was very familiar. Strictly speaking, he used to be a very pleasant partner.

"Hello, Michael."

Gently squeezed the other hand's stretched hand, Nicole sat down, with no expression on her pale face, "I didn't expect you to come to Sydney in person."

"It should be."

There were only two people left in the private room. Michael Eisner said directly, "Nicole, I'm here on behalf of Disney's greatest sincerity."

"Sincere?"

Nicole’s mouth was lightly sarcasm, “The recent decline in Pixar’s stock price has nothing to do with you, right? I have not felt your sincerity. It is an indisputable fact that the stock in my hands has shrunk by 60 million US dollars.”

She seems to have a natural pursuit of profit, just like all the rich.

"This is just a normal business method." Michael Eisner's eyes moved. The woman opposite, regardless of her wealth or status, has the qualifications to sit on an equal footing with him and to bargain. "If we can cooperate, the benefits will be completely okay. Make up for your current loss."

His people have been in contact with each other several times, and from the beginning they refused without hesitation. Now there is room for discussion. The position of this woman is obviously changing with the changes in some aspects of Ryan Jenkins.

Of course, as a figure in charge of Disney for decades, Michael Eisner understands that interest is the best tool to move people.

"Nicole, how are you thinking?" The two parties had talked in private several times, so he asked directly.

"I...why do I want to work with you?" Nicole's right hand slowly turned the coffee cup on the tray, and her long red eyebrows were slightly raised. "If Disney annexes Pixar, you can re-establish your position, and even... "

Needless to say, some words are too clear, her eyes swept across the opponent's face, and she slowly said, "What's the advantage of me?"

"Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron..."

Hearing these two names, Nicole's pale face instantly turned sickly white, and the hand on the table was clenched tightly, and the long red nails almost disappeared into the palm of her hand.

"Don't pretend these two names in front of me! There is another name!" The voice was cold, with a trembling that was not easily noticeable, "Also, Michael, if you want to continue talking, let your people Keep your mouth shut forever!"

"I swear!"

Those who are not known are sometimes more effective when held in the hands. This is something that Michael Eisner only wanted to understand later.

"I only have less than 15% of the shares in my hand." Nicole's face was ugly, and it seemed to be a little crazy.

"The rest of the work Disney will do." Michael Eisner seemed extremely confident, and Pixar's management must have had a problem. "You only need to agree to Disney's acquisition plan at the Pixar shareholder meeting in June. "

"Acquisition?" Nicole put a hint of mockery on her face, "Pixar has a market value of more than six billion U.S. dollars. If you want the remaining minority shareholders to change the shares in their hands, it is impossible without a seven billion U.S. dollar bid. uukanshu.com Can Disney come up with or raise seven billion US dollars in a short period of time?"

"Furthermore, I am not short of money."

Regardless of the fact that Disney’s current market value has reached 36 billion U.S. dollars, even if half of the price is 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in the short term, its capital chain may be broken, causing a crisis for the entire group.

Michael Eisner is still full of confidence. He has led mergers and acquisitions of TV networks and knows how to swallow a listed company.

"At present, Disney is raising funds. This is a long-term plan." Whether it is his expression or what he says, he appears very sincere. "If you are willing to promote, we will adopt a cash transaction plus stock swap."

"I am not interested in cash. You should know that I am not short of this money."

Those slender and long eyes suddenly widened, with unconcealed ambitions in them, "Exchange my Pixar shares for Disney shares, and then..."

She stood up, "I want a position as a Disney director!" ()