Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 320 A Desperate Gamble

"Jim Carrey, Dumb and Dumber," Aaron drove along Sunset Boulevard and saw a large movie poster for the comedy film Dumb and Dumber, starring Jim Carrey, at a nearby theater.

Sophie Marceau, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced at the scene and couldn't help but exclaim, "This actor is really amazing this year!"

She appeared in two films produced by Dawn Films: *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective* and *The Mask*.

"Another comedy film will be released at the end of the year, and three blockbuster films will be released in the same year."

Aaron smiled. "Starting this year, Jim Carrey's name will be known throughout Hollywood!"

Dumb and Dumber grossed $1600 million in its opening weekend and $4000 million in North America in just 10 days.

The cost of New Line Cinema's production of "Dumb and Dumber" was only $1700 million.

"How about it, interested in participating in this kind of American slapstick comedy?"

As he spoke, Aaron reached out and stroked Sophie Marceau's thigh.

Sophie Marceau shook her head immediately. "French comedy might be worth considering, but this American style of comedy isn't for me!"

"Isn't that fat Frenchman Gérard Depardieu also starred in several Hollywood movies?"

Aaron cautioned, "Actually, you don't need to insist on French-style artistic sentiments; Hollywood's commercial nature is also a driving force for the development of the film industry."

"France, as the birthplace of cinema and the film center of Europe, certainly has its own pride and principles."

"But now, the market will make the choice, and Luc Besson has seen it clearly!"

Sophie Marceau shrugged. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. With you here, I can definitely be a little more willful, right?"

"of course……"

With the year-end approaching, the two most important events in Hollywood right now are Jeffrey Katzenberg joining forces with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen to create DreamWorks SKG Entertainment.

Another event is the bidding war between American Dawn Entertainment and Canadian Seagram Group for Panasonic's MCA Universal Entertainment Group.

Dawn Group sought help from Blackstone Group on Wall Street, while Seagram relied on CAA, managed by Michael Ovitz!

However, besides Dawning and Seagram, other investors have also expressed interest in MCA:
German publishing giant Bertelsmann and MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, an investment firm led by American acquisition king Ronald Perelman, also appear to be interested in MCA.

"Has PolyGram said anything?"

Burbank, Dawn headquarters, Aaron leaned back in his chair and asked PolyGram if they had any ideas.

Jessica Parker shook her head. "We don't know whether PolyGram has had any private contact with Panasonic."

"Currently, it's mainly the four of us who have designs on MCA Global."

"As for Ronald Perelman?"

Aaron smiled and said, "Never mind him. MCA is worth over six billion dollars. He doesn't have that kind of capital."

Amazing Holdings is currently owned by Ronald Perelman's investment firm, which is heavily indebted and in a mess; large entertainment groups like MCA are beyond the reach of investment firms like theirs!
“Bertelsmann does indeed have ideas about entering the media industry,” Aaron tapped the table.

Bertelsmann acquired RCA Music in the 1980s and founded BMG (Bertelsmann Music Group), so it's not surprising that they are interested in MCA.
In addition to publishing, Bertelsmann Group also owns UFA film company and RTL television station in Germany.

"Just wait, we'll know the price when it comes!"

MCA is not in a good position right now, and not everyone has the courage to take it over. Even with Universal Pictures, very few people dare to say they can run it well.

Meanwhile, at the CAA headquarters in Beverly Hills.

Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Michael Ovitz were also discussing the MCA Group in the office!

Michael Ovitz looked grave, his tone tinged with worry, "Aaron Anderson has met with the heads of several banks and investment firms on Wall Street;"

"Given Dawn's current momentum, its acquisition of Global will certainly gain the support of investors."

Michael Ovitz was worried about these things, of course, because they were closely related to his future. If Seagram acquired MCA, he would become the manager of MCA!

Edgar Bronfman Jr. frowned. "Washington won't get involved in our struggle."

"Everything depends on strength. Now, we not only have to be wary of Aaron Anderson, but also of Ronald Perelman."

Michael Ovitz certainly knew Ronald Perelman; the two were even acquainted, and both had considerable experience on Wall Street.

He glanced at Edgar Bronfman Jr., shook his head, and said, "Our biggest competitor is still Aaron Anderson's Dawn Group."

"Neither Bertelsmann nor Ronald Perelman would have the financial resources to acquire MCA all at once."

"Because they can't solve MCA's current slump, but Dawn is different. Aaron Anderson has the ability, and he also has the capital to make the acquisition!"

Michael Ovitz stated seriously, "Siglen's biggest advantage in acquiring MCA is the provision of more cash flow, which is exactly what Panasonic needs."

"Siglen, when do you plan to sell your DuPont stock?"

Edgar Bronfman Jr. glanced at Michael Ovitz. "Anytime is fine, but if the price is too high, others will definitely object."

Michael Ovitz was taken aback. How could Sgrand win the dawn if he didn't make up his mind?
"Edgar, you need to understand, Aaron Anderson went from being a CAA agent to a Hollywood mogul in just five or six years."

"It's quite remarkable, not to mention his God-stirred mind, and his absolutely desperate determination;"

"Back when Dawn was founded, he dared to bet his entire fortune on a single film. This time, with the opportunity to acquire MCA Universal, he must have made thorough preparations!"

Why was Sumner Redstone able to beat Hollywood's son Barry Diller and bring Paramount under his wing?
It was all because Sumner Redstone was so determined to acquire Paramount that he forced Barry Diller to give up with a high price.

The current bidding war between Segram and Sugon for MCA is strikingly similar to what happened back then!

As long as Scramble is willing to offer a high price, Dawn will certainly not keep up with the price.

Edgar Bronfman Jr. was somewhat displeased, as few family members supported Seagram's acquisition of MCA to begin with;
If the price continues to rise during the bidding process with Dawn, what will the other members of the Seagram Group think?
He then waved his hand, "Let's wait for the quote..."

(End of this chapter)