Chapter Five Hundred and Ninety Third What Else Do You Do

"Saving Private Ryan" is the first heavyweight film released by Firefly Pictures this summer, so after finishing the final cut yesterday, although today is Saturday, Firefly's management can't wait to hold an internal test film.

After watching the finished film, many executives who participated in the test screening had similar doubts to Katzenberg. The quality of this film is absolutely beyond reproach. From the plot to the soundtrack, it is first-class, but the scenes are too real and tragic. , the film's nearly three-hour duration and the r-rating the film may encounter are the focus of doubts.

However, Firefly's excellent performance over the past few years has prevented the company from falling into crisis due to the failure of one or two big-budget movies. In addition, the movie was personally decided by the big boss Eric. Even if the movie failed, the management They will not take too much responsibility, so everyone present did not have too much psychological pressure, but dutifully put forward their own suggestions for the details of the film's announcement.

Eric originally planned to have "Saving Private Ryan" officially released on June 6, 1994, the 50th anniversary of D-Day.

But unfortunately, June 6th happened to be Monday, the first day of the working day. The weekly box office statistics cycle in North America is from Friday to the next Thursday. Some films may choose to release on Wednesday or Thursday, but for box office data considerations, unless it is a very special date, few film companies choose to release it on Monday. This is the node where people just spent the weekend with the least desire to watch movies.

Therefore, the unanimous result of everyone's discussion was that the 50th anniversary of the Normandy landing did not have such a strong stimulating effect on the movie box office, and it could not be regarded as a very special date. Eric's suggestion was therefore unanimously opposed, and it was finally decided to advance the film's release date. until June 3.

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon when the detailed announcement and distribution plan for "Saving Private Ryan" was completed. After all, it was a weekend. After finishing the work, everyone dispersed quickly.

After leaving the conference room, Catherine finally let go of her anxiety. She still remembers being harshly pointed out by the executives of the small production company at the first preview meeting after she completed her first feature film, Heartless. A series of revised opinions.

Although the production cost of "Saving Private Ryan" is dozens of times that of "Relentless". However, this did not happen today, and most of the people who attended the preview were discussing the details of the movie's announcement. This made her look at the lazy young man walking beside her. She knew that if the little man had not been patient and even intervened with his own eyes during the editing period, "Saving Private Ryan" would never have been effective. as good as today. Think of these. Catherine's resentment that Eric forcibly cut out some of her favorite scenes disappeared without a trace.

Catherine was staring at the young profile in a trance, when Eric suddenly turned his head, with a faint smile on the corner of his mouth: "Looking at how you look like you don't want to talk, do you want to invite me to dinner tonight? Hehe. Then I promise."

Catherine was not annoyed by Eric's somewhat rascal tone.

Just subconsciously gave him a roll of eyes: "Didn't you say you're going to the Oscar warm-up party tonight?"

"You have to go to a party, and you have to eat dinner," Eric said with a constant smile. "Everyone knows that it's hard to fill your stomach at that kind of party."

Katherine was hesitating what to do when there was a rush of footsteps behind them, and Katzenberg's voice came immediately: "Eric, wait a minute."

The two stood still, and after Katzenberg approached, Eric realized that there was an undisguised excitement on his face.

"Eric. I just answered a call, yes..." Katzenberg suddenly stopped talking and glanced at Catherine, although he knew that Eric's relationship with Catherine was unusual, otherwise he would definitely He wouldn't spend $70 million to shoot a war movie with such a high investment risk as "Saving Private Ryan", but Katzenberg doesn't know how far the two of them are.

Eric was about to let Katzenberg continue, when Katherine took the initiative to say goodbye: "Then let's talk, I'll go back first." After the woman finished speaking, she walked towards the parking lot.

Katzenberg noticed Eric's depressed expression and opened his mouth with a smile. But then he remembered something, and swallowed the words that came to his mouth.

If Katherine is a girl about the same age as Eric, Katzenberg may also make a few jokes, and he believes that Eric will not be angry. but. Thinking of Katherine's age, Katzenberg couldn't help shaking his head. However, Western women are usually difficult to maintain, but Catherine looks like she is about 30 years old, and she has a temperament that even he can't help but it is no wonder that this little boss is so attentive .

Watching Katherine drive away. Eric asked, "Jeffrey, what happened?"

"Oh, it's like this," Katzenberg also retracted his mind and returned to his excited look: "I just received a call from Warren Buffett, Tom Murphy, and another Berkshire partner. Charlie Munger arrived in Los Angeles this afternoon, and the three are now at Buffett's Los Angeles vacation home."

Buffett and Tom Murphy actually came to Los Angeles. Eric was surprised for a while, and then he probably guessed Buffett's intention, and subconsciously wanted to contact Jeffrey and others for a meeting. Just as he took out the phone, Eric's mobile phone rang by itself.

"It must be about this," Jeffrey waved to Eric and said, "You answer the phone, I'll contact Jeffrey and the others."

Eric pressed the connect button, and Kapoor's mysterious voice came from the other end of the phone: "Eric, a friend just called and asked me for some invitations to warm up the party tonight. , guess who's coming over?"

Eric smiled and reported three names: "Warren Buffett, Tom Murphy, Charlie Munger."

"Uh..." Kapoor was obviously stunned, and then laughed: "I should have thought about such an important matter, someone will definitely notify you at the first time, then you can prepare, I have to contact Secure the company and strengthen the security of the party tonight. By the way, I originally invited some reporters tonight, do you want me to cancel this session?"

Eric said: "No, since the three of them have come to Los Angeles, the initiative this time will completely fall on Firefly's side. Moreover, it is basically impossible to keep this kind of thing secret."

The world's media has been focusing on Firefly's acquisition of the TV station. The three of Warren Buffett did not hide their whereabouts too much and appeared in Los Angeles, if reporters could not find the mystery. That seemed too incompetent. What's more, since Buffett and others came to the door in person, Eric not only didn't want to keep it secret, but even hoped that this matter would be as lively as possible.

...

The sky just ended, and a large number of reporters had gathered outside the Hollywood Sunset Tower Hotel. There are even two TV stations' live cars.

The guests who came to the Oscars warm-up party quickly realized the unusualness. There are hundreds of large-scale parties before and after the Oscars every year, but there will never be any one that can attract such a large-scale media. focus on.

With a few phone calls, most people can find out what's going on.

Although these reporters are directed at Eric Williams, Warren Buffett and other big-name meetings. However, during the waiting period, the reporters did not spare the film in the face of the stars who showed their faces. Whenever a Hollywood star appeared outside the hotel, it would bring a rapid flash of the spotlight. Therefore, most of the stars who came to the party appeared to be in high spirits, especially those second- and third-tier little stars who lacked exposure. They slowed down one by one and tried to get these reporters to take more pictures.

The time soon came to seven o'clock in the evening. It's completely dark in Los Angeles in March.

The packed banquet hall was already crowded with Hollywood superstars and celebrities, and everyone gathered in small circles in twos and threes to discuss what was going to happen this evening.

"I thought the negotiations really broke down. I threw away all the stocks in my hand a few days ago, and I may have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars this time." A companion said this in a relaxed tone, as if he didn't care about the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The girl who had been leaning against him in the first place heard Fatty's words and couldn't help but rolled her eyes and rubbed against him again.

Another middle-aged man in a white suit glanced at the petite girl leaning on his companion without a trace, and said proudly: "I bought 3,000 shares at a low price yesterday, if Eric Williams tonight Can negotiate with Warren Buffett. Maybe in the future for a firefly stock."

Another tall middle-aged man quickly said: "It's not that easy to want Firefly stocks. I heard that the main difference between Firefly and Firefly is the share of stock replacement. Eric Williams is only willing to sell Firefly. There are very few shares. Now there are not many shares in the circulating market. If the acquisition is completed. In order to achieve privatization, most of the circulating shares may be required to be converted into cash or bonds, otherwise it is impossible to achieve delisting from the exchange. minimum number of shareholders.”

The petite girl leaning against the fat man said in a curious tone, "What if these investors don't want to?"

The tall middle-aged man said with a smile: "If you insist on not selling, then the stock in your hand may be put into a package holding company by Firefly, but this is not cost-effective, because it is difficult to determine the market value of the company after privatization. Stocks tend to lose a lot of value, plus those shares don’t give you any say, so any smart person will choose to cash out.”

The guests were chatting in whispers, and there was a small commotion in the banquet hall. Capulsheed, who was the host of the party tonight, hurried through the crowd and walked out, people realized that today. The most important guest of the night is coming soon.

Although there are many outsiders in the banquet hall tonight, most of them are still stars, agents and other film and television practitioners in the Hollywood circle. Although they have also heard of Buffett's deeds, they are still more concerned about Eric. A young Hollywood tycoon with the halo of the richest man on his head, many people cheered up, and some actresses even went to the corner to check their makeup, hoping to leave a good one in front of Eric Williams. impression.

At the same time, because so many reporters would gather outside the party, the driver drove the car directly to the door of the hotel, so the two cars that Eric and Katzenberg were in were surrounded by reporters. .

It was not until Kapoor showed up with a team of security guards and tried to clear the crowd that Eric had to get out of the car.

Outside the wall of security guards, Eric, Katzenberg and other Firefly executives got out of the car, and the reporters went crazy, taking pictures and asking Eric the questioner aloud.

All the way to the door of the hotel, just when the reporters thought these big men would disappear without a word. Eric stopped on the steps, pressed his hands to signal everyone to be quiet, and then said, "About tonight's matter, I will hold a press conference after the party. But it is not convenient to reveal anything now, everyone. Just be patient."

"Is it really going to be a showdown tonight?" A reporter asked in a hurried tone as soon as Eric finished speaking, before he even had time to add any title. When the reporters who were about to speak up heard this crucial question, they all fell silent again.

Eric had a small smile on his lips. He nodded without a trace, but did not answer directly, and said, "I don't think Mr. Buffett came here because he admired a certain Hollywood star."

After saying this, Eric didn't give the reporters a chance to ask questions, turned around and walked towards the hotel lobby.

Eric walked into the elevator with Kasenberg and others chatting and laughing with Kapoor. He just appeared at the banquet scene. The crowd in the hall seemed to feel the iron nails attracted by the magnetic force, and they gathered towards the door. Such greetings floated around Eric and Katzenberg, among others.

Although most of the women's brokerage contracts are in, except for Penelope tonight. Eric didn't see other women in the crowd, and even the little girl who likes to party didn't come to join in the fun. And Penelope just greeted Eric with his eyes, and continued to stay with the other two girls in "Charlie's Angels". Although the thoughtful Spanish girl still doesn't know the specific situation, she It is also obvious that Eric has important things to do tonight.

At present, it can be said that the army is strong and strong. A large number of first-line directors and actors such as James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino, Tom Hanks, Al Pacino, Julia Roberts are gathered under the banner at this time, and the overall strength is not comparable at all. How much is the caa, which has been in the limelight in the past few years. Since the founder Marvin Joseph gradually withdrew, Kapoor has successfully become the head of the company with the company's equity and personal relationship with Eric.

Eric spent more than ten minutes, greeted the acquaintances one by one, and came to a reception room with Kapoor and others.

Buffett is not too late today. Eric had just chatted a few words with everyone, and Kapoor was notified that the three of Buffett had arrived.

Kapoor took the security guards to rescue the three old men who were also trapped in the car. Eric and Katzenberg, who were standing in the hotel lobby, greeted them.

After Buffett shook hands with everyone else. Only then did he say to Eric: "Eric, we meet again."

"Yeah, I've been looking forward to meeting again," Eric said with a smile.

Buffett and Eric shook hands before introducing, "These two are Tom Murphy and Charlie Munger."

"Hello." Eric stepped forward with the same smile, another compliment. Then the group did not go to the banquet hall, but went directly to a small conference room prepared by the hotel.

After the waiter served coffee and exited the conference room, Kapoor also nodded to Eric, turned and pushed the door to leave.

Only Firefly and the top executives of the two sides were left in the conference room. Katzenberg, Jeffrey, Michael Lynn, and Frank Wells were sitting on either side of Eric, and the Buffett trio were on the opposite side.

After chatting about some topics at random, after a while, Buffett finally said: "Eric, I don't think it's any good for everyone to continue to delay this matter, so I think it's better for us to be open and honest, what do you think?"

Eric smiled and nodded without refuting, but he believed that everyone present knew very well that Firefly had completely gained the upper hand at this time, and even a large part of the internal shareholders publicly stood on Firefly's side a few days ago. If not to avoid internal turmoil, Eric can even cooperate with the shareholders who are inclined to Firefly, and quickly take control.

"Mr. Buffett, I don't want to waste too much time on this kind of thing. Everyone knows that Firefly is not the only choice."

Before Buffett spoke, Tom Murphy, who was sitting next to him, couldn't help but say: "Everyone also knows why you chose to choose. Among the three major TV stations, only the one with the best operating conditions, our TV network is now the largest in the United States. The perfect one has the most affiliated TV stations in the U.S. If you choose any of the other two, it will take at least three years to catch up. Of course, I even think that because of complex internal issues, you may not even have a chance to catch up. I can't stand it anymore."

Although the Fox network has been on the rise for several years, Tom Murphy is still used to being called the "Big Three".

Eric shook his head and smiled: "Mr. Murphy, what you said is just your personal assumption. I think a few years ago, many people assumed that Firefly Pictures would not have any possibility to join the Seventh Group, but now this matter It's become a reality. And, judging by the ratings of Fox's 'Friends', 'The X-Files' and 'Who Will Be a Millionaire', I think your assumption is no longer valid."

Tom Murphy has been in a very bad mood for the past week because of the defections of the internal shareholders and the stalemate in the negotiations with Firefly Pictures. Hearing Eric's words, Tom Murphy's face suddenly became a little embarrassed. Charlie Munger on the other side asked with great interest: "So, Mr. Williams, why do you insist on the acquisition instead of choosing the other two TV networks, I think the choice can be with any one of the cbs. Save you a lot of money?"

Eric smiled and said: "As Mr. Murphy said, the three major... oh, it should be the one with the best conditions among the four major TV networks."

Charlie Munger continued to ask: "That doesn't seem to be a reason, does it?"

"That's the reason, of course, mainly because I don't want to focus too much on tinkering with the two networks after the acquisition or cbs, I have more things to do."

"Oh," Charlie Munger became more curious: "After completing the acquisition of the TV network, Firefly will be the largest comprehensive media group in the United States and even in the world. According to the federal anti-monopoly law, it is almost impossible for Firefly to continue to expand at that time. Now, what are you going to do?"

Eric said: "I don't think this should be the topic we are going to discuss today, right?"

Charlie Munger also suddenly realized that he was about to distort the topic, noticed the eyes of his old friend beside him, and coughed dryly, but still said a little: "I'm really curious about the minds of young people today. , if possible, why don't you take some time to chat casually?"

Eric nodded and smiled: "Of course no problem, Mr. Munger, if you have time, you can call me at any time."

Buffett is not good at refuting his old friend's face. After the two finished talking, he took out a notepad from his pocket and handed it to Eric: "Eric, this is the last concession I can make, you can Take a look first."

Eric took the small notepad, gestured left and right, and spread it out on the table. Katzenberg and Michael Lynn leaned over to look at the paper, while Jeffrey and Frank Wells didn't. Nice to come over.

The offer given by Buffett is not much different from the conditions he received recently, but he has made concessions in terms of the shares already held by Firefly Pictures, and Firefly can add the shares it holds to a 30% share exchange. in the ratio.

After the last quotation, in order to suppress the stock price, Firefly sold 3 million shares, and the shareholding ratio was also reduced to 55%. Simply converting, Buffett is equivalent to reducing the share exchange ratio to 284%, according to the three after the merger. Calculated from the market value of tens of billions of dollars, every percentage point is equivalent to a difference of 300 million US dollars. The amount involved in the future will be even greater. Of course, Eric cannot easily give in.

After quickly writing a series of negotiated numbers, Eric handed the notepad to Buffett and said, "Mr. Buffett, this is our plan." (To be continued.)

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