Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 303 Selfishness
In the morning, at Villa Belair.

In the bedroom, Aaron, who was sleeping with Jennifer Aniston in his arms, received a phone call from Jack Wells.

"Hmm, what's wrong, Jack?"

"Aaron, I've got some news. CAA's president, Ronald Meyer, owes $1200 million in gambling debts at a Las Vegas casino!"

"Ronald Meyer, this guy does have a gambling addiction, but that shouldn't be a big problem, right?"

As Aaron was speaking, Jennifer Aniston, who was in his arms, suddenly woke up and kissed the man on the cheek.

Then, the other person gave a sly smile and crawled directly into the blankets!
"Yes, Ronald Meyer has quite a few complaints about Michael Ovitz."

“Phew,” Aaron took a deep breath, “Jack, where are you now?”

It seems that even within the CAA, Michael Ovitz and Ronald Meyer are not entirely harmonious.

“Angels base in Texas, I’ll be back in Los Angeles tonight to find you.”

"Ok!"

After saying that, Aaron put down his phone, pulled back the covers, and reached out to stroke Jennifer Aniston's hair...

In the evening, Jack Wells arrived at Dawn headquarters in Los Angeles from Angels base in Texas.

In the office, Aaron handed Jack Wells a glass of whiskey. "How could Ronald Meyer not even have 1000 million?"

Jack Wells chuckled. "This guy has always had a habit of gambling in Las Vegas, and he's lost quite a bit over the years."

“His income from CAA couldn’t support such expenses. A few years ago, Michael Ovitz helped him settle a $500 million gambling debt.”

Aaron nodded. "After the CAA reforms, Michael Ovitz became a major shareholder, and his income increased dramatically."

"Ronald Mayer, as one of the founding members who remained, seems to be losing influence."

Jack Wells took a sip of his drink. "That old bastard's been unhappy with Michael Ovitz for a long time. When they helped Panasonic acquire MCA, CAA received tens of millions of dollars in consulting fees."

Michael Ovitz alone took the lion's share of the expense, while the rest of CAA, including Ronald Meyer, shared the remaining smaller portion.

"Later, Michael Ovitz took over as CEO of CAA and instructed Ronald Meyer in a superior-to-subordinate manner."

As he spoke, Jack Wells glanced at Aaron and shrugged. "We've all been in the CAA, and the CAA's principles don't allow for class consciousness."

"Michael Ovitz's actions, of course, made Ronald Meyer even more dissatisfied."

"Moreover, when Michael Ovitz helped Ronald Meyer settle his $500 million gambling debt, he did so by mortgaging his future income!"

Aaron took a sip of his drink, his expression remaining largely unchanged. "The Jewish people's emphasis on money is unparalleled. Do you think Michael Ovitz would use his own money to help him?"

Jack Wells continued, "This time, Ronald Meyer hopes Michael Ovitz can help him settle his $1000 million gambling debt, just like last time."

"But Michael Ovitz seems to want him to use his shares in CAA as collateral!"

Aaron's eyes lit up. "Michael Ovitz wants his shares?" "How did you know that?"

Jack Wells shrugged. "I have a private investigator who wiretapped a female celebrity's phone—who happens to be one of Ronald Meyer's mistresses!"

“Oh, I see,” Aaron realized. It must have been Ronald Meyer talking to his mistress on the phone, complaining about Michael Ovitz.

"Do you have any information regarding Panasonic's potential sale of MCA?"

Aaron's concern was still the MCA.

Jack Wells shook his head. "I've had people continuing to monitor, but Ronald Meyer hasn't really been involved in these acquisitions."

"Michael Ovitz personally oversaw Sony's earlier acquisitions of Columbia Samsung and MCA, respectively, and the same applies this time."

"Although CAA provided assistance, it was mostly auxiliary work!"

Aaron thought for a moment. In his previous life, Ronald Meyer joined Universal after Seagram acquired MCA, while Michael Ovitz was abandoned by Universal and joined Disney.
Ronald Meyer, who joined Universal, is thriving, while Michael Ovitz's story is more complicated. After being humiliated by Michael Eisner at Disney, he was kicked out, and Ronald Meyer has never stopped targeting Michael Ovitz since then!

"Michael Ovitz is not only selfish and self-serving, but also domineering, arrogant, and utterly despicable."

"How can someone like that have friends?"

Aaron stretched. "If Ronald Meyer has any important information to reveal, Dawn can give him a promise."

Jack Wells narrowed his eyes. "Shall I go and make contact with him?"

Aaron nodded. "Michael Ovitz acted as a go-between between Panasonic and Seagram; that guy's too arrogant."

"News from Blackstone suggests that Panasonic is waiting for Dawn and Seagram to make a bid. It's still unclear just how strong Seagram's desire to acquire MCA really is."

Aaron was worried that Edgar Bronfman Jr. might get carried away and decide to bid any price to acquire MCA!
If Edgar Bronfman Jr. decides to acquire MCA, it will be just like the bidding war between Sumner Redstone and Barry Diller for Paramount last year.
Barry Diller is famous enough, but that can't compare to Sumner Redstone's real money.

Aaron doesn't believe he can compete with Edgar Bronfman Jr. in terms of wealth!

“Aaron, don’t worry too much. The Bronfman family doesn’t really approve of Edgar Bronfman Jr.’s acquisition of the Hollywood film company.”

Aaron shook his head. "It's different. Right now, the one in charge in Seagram is indeed Edgar Bronfman Jr.; he's the CEO."

"Although Edgar Bronfman Sr. still serves as chairman, he has a deep affection for his second son and has always been very supportive of him."

Edgar Bronfman Jr. had previously announced his intention to sell his DuPont stock and lead Seagram into new territory;

Back then, no one from within Seagram's organization came out to object!

Perhaps, obstacles would only arise if Edgar Bronfman Jr.'s budget for bidding for MCA exceeded the financial capacity of other members of the Bronfman family within Seagram.

“Alright, let’s go grab a drink. I’m leaving for New York tomorrow,” Aaron said, patting Jack Wells on the shoulder.

"Let's talk about the Houston Rockets."

(End of this chapter)