The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 216 Take down Netflix and establish an invincible record! Strategy 2.0 activated!

……

December 2012, 2.

The 84th Academy Awards ceremony was held at the same venue, the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

The film Pacific Rim has once again received multiple nominations.

Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects.

Although the nominees for the above four awards were different, everyone in the crew knew that the biggest contributor was Lu Zhiyuan.

He simply didn't care about these awards, so he submitted a bunch of other people's names.

He wanted everyone to achieve success and fame along with him.

Aside from these four largely ignored awards, Pacific Rim received a Best Supporting Actress nomination this time, thanks to James's special efforts.

It's not Hanikezi.

It wasn't Jing Tian either.

It's Liu Shishi!

……

Immediately, Liu Shishi's young fans across the country rushed to spread the good news.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! Our senior sister has broken out!"

"An Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, or even just a nomination, would be enough to bring honor to her family. My senior is amazing!"

"Among the actresses born in 85, she is the only one to receive this honor! I just want to ask, who else is there?"

"Following 'The Coffin in the Mountain,' our senior sister has once again shone brightly across the world. Thank you, Brother Yuan, for leading our senior sister to new heights once again!"

"I've said it before, my senior sister is Yuan Ge's lucky star. 'The Coffin in the Mountain' helped Yuan Ge win the Palme d'Or, and 'Pacific Rim' helped him break various box office records, achieving the fourth highest box office ranking in film history!"

"I have a suggestion: let the two of you get married right here and now!"

Liu Shishi's fans have been praising her to the skies.

Only Liu Shishi herself felt no excitement whatsoever; in fact, she felt a little ashamed and uneasy.

How could she not know what her acting skills are like?
Fans can hype up her Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but if she takes it seriously, she'll likely be ridiculed by everyone else in the industry.

Everyone's acting is equally cringeworthy, how can you expect to be nominated?

Can't I do that too?
The only difference is that you made a movie by a famous director, while we didn't!
Now everyone has seen the shortcut to success. The competition will likely intensify even further.

This was not the result she wanted to see.

……

Los Angeles.

Inside the YT Film Studio building.

Two hours later, the Oscars ceremony will begin, and the red carpet will start.

Before walking the red carpet, Liu Shishi was a little uneasy and found Lu Zhiyuan: "Zhiyuan, how much did you spend on this nomination? I can't let you spend money."

These kinds of awards are usually won through public relations efforts paid by talent agencies.

The production team would never engage in public relations efforts for something as minor as Best Supporting Actress.

Or just aim for the Oscar for Best Picture!

But in recent years, the Oscars have become increasingly politically correct.

Commercial films shouldn't even dream of winning major awards.

They might not even win Best Actor or Best Actress... A nomination for Best Supporting Actress would be the best they could hope for.

Winning an award is also impossible.

He was just accompanying the crown prince in his studies, going through the motions.

However, receiving a nomination was already an absolute surprise and delight for Liu Shishi.

Before coming here, she never even dared to dream about it.

Lu Zhiyuan smiled and told Liu Shishi not to stand on ceremony: "It didn't cost much. James does have some connections among the academic judges."

James was, after all, the former CEO of Focus Features.

Focus Features specializes in making art films.

These academic judges had previously had many business dealings with Focus Features.

Most importantly, they have many collaborations to come... Many of those students who graduate from the academy are going to work for Hollywood film and television companies.

With YT Pictures doing so well, helping a judge process a few students is just a piece of cake.

Social interactions are the same all over the world.

However, as an outsider, Liu Shishi might have a biased view of Hollywood.

She thought Lu Zhiyuan had spent a lot of money.

Actually not.

It was because of James's personal connections.

"Zhiyuan, thank you for helping me so much. I know that my acting with my eyes is a little lacking."

"However, there's nothing I can do about it."

“Other actors can wear contact lenses to make up for this deficiency, but I happen to have severe keratitis, and my eyes become red and swollen whenever I wear contact lenses.”

As someone who is nearsighted and also suffers from keratitis, Liu Shishi is also very distressed.

After Lu Zhiyuan discovered this, he didn't make things difficult for her. After she wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses, most of the flaws in her eye acting disappeared immediately.

Overall, Ms. Raven's performance was acceptable.

"Shishi, there's no need for formalities. We've been friends for years. I'll definitely help you if I can. However, you know..."

By giving Liu Shishi a Best Supporting Actress nomination, Lu Zhiyuan was subtly telling her that she would likely have very little screen time in her next project.

"I know."

Liu Shishi's face darkened slightly, and she forced a smile: "You're just like Monet. Most of the time, that great painter was a good person, but he was meticulous and obsessive about his work, to the point of being frightening."

Monet spent every day at home nagging the gardener in order to paint "Water Lilies".

Lu Zhiyuan not only tormented the actors, but also the staff.

However, Lu Zhiyuan was even more extreme when it came to messing with himself, almost to the point of killing himself... so everyone was speechless.

"Zhiyuan, I didn't see Jingtian. Tonight, shall I walk the red carpet with you?"

Although she had a general idea in her mind, Liu Shishi couldn't help but ask one more question.

I don't know why, but I'm suddenly very happy.

At least tonight, I am the leading lady, and no one can block my shot.

Neither Reba nor Hanikezi received a nomination.

"Tian Tian has other important things to do and won't be walking the red carpet tonight. I'd appreciate it if you could be my date and walk with me."

Lu Zhiyuan was joking.

"Then you'd better dress up nicely, don't hold me back."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi beamed with joy. After playfully leaving behind a remark, she lifted her skirt and happily retreated.

She needs the makeup artist to make her look prettier.

We can't let the great director down.

Hopefully, after fans see their photos together on the red carpet, they'll say, "Please get married right now," and then flood that comment with likes!

I love watching this.

……

Not long after Liu Shishi left.

James came over, bent down, and whispered in Lu Zhiyuan's ear, "Boss, the guests have arrived and are in the conference room next door."

"Please come over, Tian Tian, ​​Miss Zhao, and Mr. Jiao."

Lu Zhiyuan got up and headed towards the next conference room.

Today, they're going to talk about a big deal.

Besides Jing Tian and Zhao Shanshan, a powerful figure from their hometown's cultural tourism group came to Los Angeles.

……

The meeting room next door.

Netflix Vice President Ted Sarandos, accompanied by his two assistants, had been waiting for some time.

They drank their coffee silently, without saying a word.

At this moment, the door opened, and many people filed in. Lu Zhiyuan walked in last, making his grand entrance as the final figure.

Upon seeing Lu Zhiyuan, Ted Sarandos immediately went up to shake hands with great enthusiasm: "Lu, it's been a long time. You've become more and more elegant."

"Ted, I saw on the news that your company seems to have run into some trouble recently."

Lu Zhiyuan, Jing Tian, ​​Zhao Shanshan, and their private equity funds, along with some of their relatives and friends, have raised approximately $2 million.

It was used to buy up Netflix at its lowest price.

As a reborn individual, if Lu Zhiyuan simply wanted to make money, it would be incredibly easy.

However, to truly gain a voice in a particular industry, this investment opportunity depends on the right timing, location, and people.

This year, and this time period, presents the best opportunity.

"You know the road, our company is like a huge film and television warehouse. When users come to our company, it's like they're coming to a flea market to find bargains."

"Originally, our company's business could have attracted enough users as our film and television library grew larger and larger."

"But recently, Amazon has started to show great interest in our secondhand goods business."

"Amazon is a big company. I don't understand why they would be interested in a small business like ours?"

Ted Saran was somewhat troubled and began to complain to Lu Zhiyuan.

Just last week, Amazon reached a direct cooperation agreement with Epix, a major copyright subcontractor in the market, and obtained licenses for more than 2000 movies.

Epix is ​​a company jointly invested in by Lionsgate, MGM, and Paramount.

This action by the other party has posed a serious challenge to Netflix's business model.

Netflix has relied on scale to win, and now its suppliers are joining forces to try and defeat it using its own model.

For Netflix, this moment is a matter of life and death.

Netflix needs to do something different to make the market realize that they won't be relegated to the dustbin of history in the competition.

"Ted, you don't need to cry to me."

“Although I’m not in Hollywood, James has already told me that you’ve poached a lot of people.”

“Jonathan Flander of Disney, Kelly Merryman of Warner Bros. They are both big names in Hollywood.”

"Now, everyone knows that Netflix is ​​planning something big."

"And from what I understand, you've recently launched several projects, including 'House of Cards' and 'Orange Is the New Black,' in addition to several others..."

In fact, Netflix has prepared $2 million and planned several projects, aiming to transform into a film studio and create a complete vertically integrated supply chain.

However, the company was at its weakest during the transformation process.

The six major Hollywood media companies are not to be underestimated.

They don't want to have another competitor, so of course they will launch a fierce attack on Netflix during this period.

It has to be said that this strike was both accurate and ruthless.

In hindsight, the immense success of "House of Cards" enabled Netflix to successfully transform itself, and its growth was unstoppable, with its stock price increasing 100 times in just over 10 years.

But for Ted Sarandos, this is a matter of life and death for his company.

One wrong move and the company is gone.

We must be extremely cautious.

"Lu, tell me your thoughts. You didn't call me here just to make fun of me, did you?"

Ted Sarandos looked at Lu Zhiyuan with some anticipation.

Lu Zhiyuan asked James to deliver a message, inviting him to come and discuss a big business deal... This gave Ted Sarandos a fantastic sense of anticipation.

Could it be that a renowned director like Lu Zhiyuan wants to join Netflix?
If that's the case, it would be an absolute windfall!
Netflix's current market valuation is approximately $40 billion.

The combined box office revenue of Lu Zhiyuan's several films is approaching 30 billion US dollars.

Having such a renowned director join their company will undoubtedly boost Netflix's global brand awareness significantly.

Users will have more confidence in the company when they renew their memberships.

Under Ted Sarandos' expectant gaze, Lu Zhiyuan didn't bring up joining Netflix, but instead turned to introduce a new partner.

"Ted, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Jiao. He owns the copyright to an excellent TV series from our country called 'The Qin Empire'."

"I strongly recommend that Netflix buy the rights to this TV series and then promote it to users worldwide on its homepage."

After Lu Zhiyuan finished speaking, he asked Mr. Jiao and his translator to talk to Ted Sarandos about the matter.

“Lu, let’s have a private chat.”

Ted Sarandos had some doubts about Lu Zhiyuan's request.

He pulled Lu Zhiyuan aside and chatted for a few minutes outside: "Lu, I know that this TV series is an excellent historical drama from your country."

"However, North American audiences may not be as interested in this TV series."

"Of course. I'm not saying the TV series isn't good enough, but there's a cultural gap. You know, North American audiences, their minds... well, compared to audiences in your country, they don't have as much of a thirst for exploration."

"They only like to watch lighthearted entertainment."

“I’m not that interested in historical dramas with such depth, especially those from other countries.”

Lu Zhiyuan certainly knew this.

However, he had no choice but to do it.

“Ted, when you’re doing things in our country, you need some influential people to support you behind the scenes. I believe it’s the same in the United States.”

"You must buy the rights to this TV series and then promote it extensively. Only then can we discuss subsequent cooperation plans."

“You are a smart person, and I believe you can figure out the logic behind this.”

Under normal circumstances, Ted Sarandos would not need to give Lu Zhiyuan any face.

However, Netflix's future is currently uncertain.

The company is besieged by the six major Hollywood production companies and could be slapped into the mud at any time in the face of competition.

At this moment, Lu Zhiyuan, a powerful external aid, is extremely important.

"Lu, I understand what you mean."

Ted Sarandos had previously heard that Lu Zhiyuan and the people behind him were very influential in China.

Clearly, this TV series involves some of their strategic plans.

This is not something that can be simply measured in money.

"Lu, I can agree to that. Consider it a gift to you, a favor to you."

After thinking it through, Ted Sarandos's thoughts became much clearer, and he said, "$2 per episode, 5-year license. What do you think?"

At first glance, this price seems very cheap.

However, considering that the copyright for "Empresses in the Palace" in North America is only a few thousand US dollars per episode.

Ted Sarandos has already given Lu Zhiyuan a lot of face.

“Ted, this matter isn’t up to me. You can discuss the purchase price with Mr. Jiao.”

"I'd like to add that the most popular Jaeger in the Real Steel series, the Qin Palace Guard, was inspired by The Qin Empire."

In order to help his hometown's cultural tourism group expand its influence, Lu Zhiyuan is giving it his all at this moment.

"Oh? I didn't expect there to be this connection."

Upon hearing this, Ted Sarandos was somewhat surprised, then his eyes flashed with a sharp light: "In that case, $3 per episode."

Lu Zhiyuan smiled but didn't say anything.

This is not within his authority; he only helps with recommendations.

……

Back in the meeting room.

Because of Lu Zhiyuan's constant hints.

Furthermore, Ted Sarandos, facing Lu Zhiyuan at this moment, was like a simp meeting a goddess he had been licking for a long time, who suddenly threw him a flirtatious glance.

He was overjoyed and certainly wouldn't want to embarrass Lu Zhiyuan.

“$30,000 per episode, with a five-year license. Mr. Jiao, if there are no problems, we can sign the contract today.”

"After signing the contract, we will find someone to translate it and strive to have this historical epic promoted globally on the homepage of our Netflix website within a month."

"Do you have any other requirements?"

Ted Sarandos not only offered money readily, but also unconditionally helped with the global simultaneous promotion... Faced with such a request, what could Mr. Jiao do?
Of course, you should sign and agree immediately!
"Pleasant to work with."

Ted Sarandos shook hands with Mr. Jiao, but his gaze was fixed on Lu Zhiyuan.

Who is Mr. Jiao that he knows?
What is the relationship between the head of the film and television department of a local cultural tourism group in China and an American?
It's all because of Lu Zhiyuan, a famous director!
"Tian Tian, ​​Xiao Zhao, the contract is signed, I need to hurry and bring this good news back. You two, it's this one!"

After Mr. Jiao signed the contract, he gave Jing Tian and Zhao Shanshan two thumbs up.

He couldn't hide his joy and prepared to fly back to China that very night.

You've done a great job!

Moreover, it brought both fame and fortune.

$3 per episode. The first season of "The Qin Empire" had 48 episodes, so it earned about $150 million... It's not a lot of money, but it depends on who you compare it to.

So far, domestically produced historical dramas have only sold well in Southeast Asia.

In this day and age, who can sell domestically produced historical dramas to the capitalist heartland of Europe and America?

Moreover, it can sell for $3 per episode!
This is an unprecedented moment, one that will go down in history!
As it turned out, he did an excellent job.

Steady!

Jing Tian, ​​that girl, somehow managed to find a great boyfriend... who can not only help her personally, but also help her family.

This is amazing!

……

After seeing Mr. Jiao off.

Turning around, Jing Tian looked at Zhao Shanshan with some dissatisfaction: "Sister Shanshan, why did you keep such a big thing from me?"

Zhao Shanshan looked completely wronged: "I really didn't hide it from you. Because, I didn't know either."

She never expected that Lu Zhiyuan would get James to make such a big move.

That was quite unexpected.

Neither of them had even considered that possibility.

It has to be said that Zhao Shanshan initially found Lu Zhiyuan's actions baffling, but upon closer examination, she realized that they were quite ingenious.

Especially now, at this particular point in time.

Just imagine it and you'll understand.

Before long, once "The Qin Empire" appears on Netflix's official homepage, domestic media outlets will have a lot of room to maneuver with this material.

Furthermore, considering that the copyright fee for "The Qin Empire" is $3 per episode, compared to the several thousand dollars per episode fee for "Empresses in the Palace" next door, it is not guaranteed that it will be sold.

The difference is obvious when compared to each other.

What does this mean?
This shows that Uncle Jingtian did a great job!

Besides Jing Tian's family, Zhao Shanshan's family can also directly benefit.

It has to be said that Lu Zhiyuan's move was a perfect win-win-win situation.

The key is that Ted Sarandos was so cooperative.

Of course, this is also because Lu Zhiyuan's movies have been consistently box office hits, which has made him a very high figure in the film and television industry, only slightly inferior to veteran directors like Spielberg.

Among the new generation, he is on par with Nolan.

Netflix is ​​like a lapdog, waiting for its goddess to marry it.

There was no hope at first, but now, the goddess has offered a glimmer of hope... Wouldn't they be desperately trying to win her over?

Jing Tian and Zhao Shanshan returned to the meeting room.

The smile on her face was like a flower blooming on a summer evening, impossible to hide.

"Tian Tian, ​​I forgot to give you a gift for Valentine's Day. This is my return gift. Are you satisfied?"

Lu Zhiyuan originally didn't want to get involved in these matters.

However, he is not a pretentious person.

Having received benefits from Jing Tian, ​​she couldn't pretend to be innocent and know nothing.

Once you're caught up in the situation, all you can do is try to climb higher.

We can't always take the benefits from Jing Tian without giving back.

Content capital is also capital.

Content power is also power.

As he continues to produce outstanding works, his global influence will grow, making him the de facto number one figure in his hometown's propaganda apparatus.

If he wanted, he could easily portray his hometown as the most beautiful holy land in the world.

How much money can this save for national propaganda?

How high will his value in the united front work become?

"I spent $150 million just to help him win over his sweetheart? I never expected that Director Lu would be such a womanizer."

Seeing the smiles on Jing Tian and Zhao Shanshan's faces, Ted Sarandos couldn't help but overthink things.

But $150 million is just a small amount of money for Netflix.

If we could get director Lu Zhiyuan, a big name in the industry, to form a deep partnership with Netflix... even if the price were increased tenfold, it would be worth it.

"James, go and call Inspector Zhuang here."

Now it's time to talk about real business.

Lu Zhiyuan is now collaborating with Universal Pictures, opening a film studio called YT Pictures, and the collaboration is going very well.

His focus is entirely on film, and he has no intention of changing jobs anytime soon.

Netflix is ​​amazing, and streaming media is the future trend.

However, for at least the next 10 years, Netflix's streaming service will be no match for major Hollywood studios in the realm of movies.

Therefore, he had an alternative answer.

Zhuang Wenqiang.

"Brother Yuan, you were looking for me."

Zhuang Wenqiang also came to Hollywood with Lu Zhiyuan.

After the Oscars ceremony, Lu Zhiyuan will have James invite some A-list and B-list celebrities to audition for the movie "Project Gutenberg".

Let Zhuang Wenqiang enjoy it.

“Ted, this is my good friend, Chong Man-keung. He is also the screenwriter of the movie Infernal Affairs.”

"Next, the two of us will be collaborating on a crime film about counterfeit money, called 'Project Gutenberg.' I'm nominally the director, but actually, I'm the male lead. Inspector Chong is the real director."

"If this movie is a box office success, I hope that Mr. Chong can have a deep collaboration with Netflix to start filming 'Days of the Jackal'."

"I've already had James buy the TV adaptation rights to this movie from Universal Pictures."

The film and television rights to "Days of the Jackal" were acquired by Universal Pictures as early as 1973.

Universal Pictures even made a movie about it.

Ted Sarandos frowned slightly, seemingly filled with doubt about Zhuang Wenqiang's abilities.

Lu Zhiyuan continued, "Don't worry, Ted. I won't make empty promises or recommend people to you casually."

"Because of my deep connection with Universal Pictures, I can't directly help Netflix produce works, but I can join the project as a producer."

Upon hearing this, Ted Sarandos's brow relaxed.

He doesn't care about being a director or anything like that.

For Hollywood studios, producers are the most crucial element.

Because the producer holds the money.

If the producer doesn't agree to what the director wants to film, nothing will be filmed.

The reason why Lu Zhiyuan can do whatever he wants and shoot whatever he wants is because of this.

That's because the Chinese producer for his film was Zhao Shanshan, the American producer was James, and the executive producer was Xin Yukun.

In a sense, all three of them were his henchmen.

On set, Lu Zhiyuan could be as supreme as an emperor.

But other directors don't have that kind of power.

"In addition, I can give the remake rights of the 'Real Steel' series to Netflix as a token of my sincerity."

The remake rights to the "Real Steel" series are quite expensive.

Universal Pictures inquired several times and offered a high price, but Lu Zhiyuan didn't sell.

I'm afraid that if the remake is a disaster, it will affect his ability to make a sequel.

After filming Interstellar, he won't be making any more films in the series anytime soon. This way, the copyright can be traded.

He has no chance of getting shares in Universal Pictures.

However, Netflix can buy at rock-bottom prices on the secondary market and gradually place some of its own people into the company.

After all, compared to a behemoth like Universal Pictures, the internal factions within this company are not so obvious.

He could easily establish his own faction within the company, adapt some TV series, and cultivate a large number of actors who are on good terms with him.

Don’t say anything else.

Let domestic actors compete with Hollywood actors; those with even a little shame will surely improve their acting skills.

If he goes back to acting in domestic dramas, it probably won't be so cringeworthy.

It's also quite audience-friendly.

At least before Trump took office, his approach worked.

As for what Trump will say after taking office?
Cash out all the shares, make a hefty 30-fold profit, return home with countless US dollars, go back as an internationally renowned director to make patriotic films, become a model for the government, and make another hefty profit.

Win twice!
"Ted, consider my opinion."

"It's almost time. I have to go to the Oscars ceremony next, so I can't keep you company any longer."

Lu Zhiyuan felt he had said enough and left the stage to Zhao Shanshan.

Zhao Shanshan coughed lightly, her smile fading, revealing a shrewd look in her eyes.

She began to speak fluently.

“Mr. Sarandos, that was a business discussion. Now, I want to talk to you about some things in the capital markets.”

"In the past month, our private equity fund has spent $2 million on the secondary market to acquire approximately 5% of Netflix's shares."

"If necessary, we can continue to make acquisitions until we become the major shareholder of the company."

"Of course, I know that you can implement a poison pill plan to raise funds and dilute our shares."

"I just want to tell you that we spent $2 million to acquire Netflix stock, and I'm not kidding. It's to show that our strategic focus going forward will be on streaming."

"And Netflix is ​​a partner we are optimistic about."

“You have channels and platforms, while we have content production companies and world-class commercial directors.”

"If our two sides cooperate, the benefits will definitely outweigh the drawbacks."

"What do you think?"

Without Zhao Shanshan's financial support, even if Lu Zhiyuan were to engage in a deep collaboration with Netflix, they would most likely treat him like a top-tier lackey.

If Zhao Shanshan's side doesn't have a renowned director like Lu Zhiyuan to endorse the content, even if they temporarily acquire Netflix's shares, the other party can still implement a poison pill plan to dilute their shares and kick them out.

However, when the two sides are closely united.

Simply invincible.

Netflix, at this stage, cannot find a more suitable partner than them.

Ted Sarandos was also an extremely intelligent man, and his mind was racing. He felt that he couldn't refuse this offer of cooperation.

The other party is rich and has a famous director.

Moreover, they seem to be quite powerful.

James, the former CEO of Focus Features, was treated like a lackey by this group of people, exuding a fawning aura.

However, he didn't know much about Zhao Shanshan.

At this moment, Ted Sarandos looked at Zhao Shanshan and couldn't help but ask, "Excuse my intrusion, but what is your relationship with Lu...?"

“I am his cousin.”

Zhao Shanshan said something without batting an eye.

In private, Jing Tian, ​​standing next to her, couldn't help but blush and gently pinch her.

"Is it my cousin? Or family?"

Ted Sarandos suddenly realized, and a smile appeared on his face: "So, it was Lu's family private equity fund that bought our company's stock?"

If it's a family-owned private equity fund that bought a large number of Netflix shares, and they get trapped, wouldn't Lu Zhiyuan intervene?
This is great.

They then released negative news, trapping the entire private equity fund in their own company's stock, leaving director Lu Zhiyuan as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

We have to step in and save Netflix!

"Ted, are you trying to release negative news to trap us? If so, we will keep buying until we become the major shareholder."

"When the time comes, I will convene a general meeting of shareholders, and my first proposal will be to kick you out of the board of directors!"

Zhao Shanshan gave a cold laugh.

I want to play with them like this.

How much money do you have? I'm ready to fight you to the bitter end!

"Hehe. How could that be?"

When Zhao Shanshan saw through his plan, Ted Sarandos smiled awkwardly and offered a friendly reminder.

"If it's a family private equity fund, I suggest waiting until the end of the year to buy our company's stock."

"By then, our self-produced drama should be ready for release."

The release of original series signifies Netflix's successful transformation and a significant improvement in its financial statements, which will likely lead to a rise in its stock price.

This is the best time to buy.

“Ted, thank you for your opinion. However, we are not speculating, but making a long-term strategic investment. Do you understand the difference between speculation and investment?”

According to Lu Zhiyuan, Netflix has a high probability of becoming a streaming media company with global influence.

When that day comes, this company will be of great value if they have any publicity needs.

They don't need to control the company; as long as they have enough influence over it, they can significantly enhance their value in the domestic united front effort.

Especially the Jing Tian family.

If one only relies on the power in their hands and has influence domestically, that is far from enough for the big shots above.

If they could control an overseas propaganda platform with hundreds of millions of paying users abroad, and speak out for themselves at any time, the situation would completely change.

Who possesses value for united front work?
Simply having destructive power makes one an enemy.

Simply having value makes you a sheep waiting to be slaughtered.

A person who is both destructive and valuable is someone worth courting by various forces.

Zhao Shanshan was actually very touched when she realized this.

If it weren't for Jing Tian, ​​why would Lu Zhiyuan have gone through all this trouble?
After all, Lu Zhiyuan was an invincible man with no weaknesses.

Now, Jing Tian has become his Achilles' heel.

"Ms. Zhao, it's a pleasure doing business with you."

"At the next shareholders' meeting, you can privately slip me a name, and I will propose that person to join the board of directors."

Ted Sarandos, this is also a reciprocal gesture.

The renowned director Lu Zhiyuan is extremely important to their company's strategic positioning.

The number of great directors in Hollywood is limited.

While some individuals may have produced excellent films with good box office results, the greater credit should go to the film studios.

Directors like Lu Zhiyuan, who single-handedly created a series of great directors, are all historical figures in the history of Hollywood.

This kind of strategic nuclear weapon can be acquired at rock-bottom prices right now. Who wouldn't be tempted?

“Ted, we have no intention of changing Netflix’s management structure. As long as we maintain communication and mutual respect, I believe our cooperation can last a long time.”

Ted Sarandos was clearly testing him.

How could Zhao Shanshan be fooled?
Privately slip in a name; this name can't be an outsider, it can only be a former high-ranking executive at Netflix.

Zhao Shanshan herself couldn't possibly become a high-level executive at Netflix, and if they were to find someone else, they wouldn't be able to find a trustworthy partner in the United States.

Rather than doing that, it's better to leave things as they are.

At least until their usefulness disappears, smart people like Ted Sarandos will cooperate with them happily.

Just like James, that Jewish guy.

The reason the other party is so subservient is simply because they get more benefits by following them.
"Miss Zhao, your intelligence is as amazing as your beauty."

Zhao Shanshan actually rejected the bait he had offered, which impressed Ted Sarandos.

He likes to work with smart people.

"Mr. Zhuang, we also look forward to your arrival."

Before leaving, Ted Sarandos shook hands with Zhuang Wenqiang again.

Although he didn't know Zhuang Wenqiang at all, he was a lackey brought by Lu Zhiyuan, and also a pawn that Lu Zhiyuan had planted in Netflix.

From a certain perspective, it represents Lu Zhiyuan.

He deserves respect.

Although Zhuang Wenqiang is worthless now, what about the future?
Perhaps, he will become a great director.

"Thank you, Mr. Sarandos."

Zhuang Wenqiang was somewhat flattered.

However, upon closer reflection, he has an older brother protecting him.

We can't let Brother Yuan down.

Thinking of this, he straightened his back considerably.

……

After Ted Sarandos left.

Zhao Shanshan and Jing Tian burst into laughter in the conference room.

"Tian Tian, ​​we've successfully bought at rock-bottom prices. From now on, we'll not only have Hollywood studios to make movies, but also an online streaming company to distribute TV series."

They spent $2 million to acquire a 5% stake in Netflix.

The key point is that Lu Zhiyuan helped them earn back that $2 million.

In a sense, they essentially owned 5% of Netflix without spending a penny.

Of course, Lu Zhiyuan took the lion's share of that $2 million. They were simply following Lu Zhiyuan's lead in investing.

Apart from that, all the strategic plans were set by Lu Zhiyuan.

Even the rhetoric they used to persuade Ted Salados was something they had rehearsed multiple times on their way here.

At this moment, Zhao Shanshan even had the mood to tease Jing Tian: "Tian Tian, ​​why don't you sell your historical masterpiece 'The Great Biography of Sun Tzu' to Netflix and broadcast it to the whole world?"

"Don't don't!"

Jing Tian laughed and shook her head hurriedly.

She still has some self-awareness.

This is a terrible show.

Since it's not being broadcast in China, she'd love to have it banned.

Zhao Shanshan actually wants to broadcast it to the whole world?

Do you think you're not embarrassed enough?
Zhao Shanshan smiled and asked, "The second season of 'The Qin Empire' is about to start filming. Should we ask President Jiao to reserve a role for you?"

In the past, Mr. Jiao might not have been willing to do so.

In Mr. Jiao's eyes, he and Jing Tian were just two spoiled brats. How could he let them mess around with such an important project as "The Qin Empire"?

But now, Mr. Jiao is definitely willing.

Who can blame us when we have a big director behind us?
This great director is not only incredibly skilled at making movies, but also has a very strategic vision. He only spent a little effort planning an escape route for himself and Jing Tian.

Now, this escape route, in turn, can help his family establish an invincible reputation domestically.

That's really amazing!

……

the other side.

Ted Sarandos walked out of the YT Studios building, got into his car, and prepared to go back to the company to give a report.

Soon, he received a phone call.

It was the big boss of Netflix calling: "Ted, how's the negotiation going?"

Ted Sarandos smiled and said, "Boss, the negotiations were a great success. Although we didn't completely tie the famous director Lu Zhiyuan to Netflix, we did tie him to his family's private equity fund."

"His cousin and his girlfriend both boarded our company's ship."

"If our company encounters a major crisis, such as a 30% drop in stock price, he might be even more anxious than we are."

"Therefore, we have essentially completed a very successful strategic positioning!"

Netflix is ​​also very ambitious.

Although they are currently unable to enter the film market, they can only rely on producing TV series to build a loyal fanbase.

However, the film market is the real big market.

They will definitely enter the film market within the next 10 years.

After all, they have a cost advantage.

Most Hollywood movies, if released in theaters, only recoup about 40% of their global box office revenue.

There are also a lot of marketing and promotion expenses.

If the film were shown on Netflix, not only would they save a huge amount of marketing and distribution costs, but the box office revenue alone would recoup 100% of the investment.

Their return on capital is naturally higher than that of traditional cinemas.

As Netflix's user base continues to grow, once they have over 1 million subscribers, they will be able to produce and distribute movies.

With 1 million users, the monthly renewal fee is approximately $10.

They'll make a fortune if every user watches this movie at least once.

The biggest problem here is that Hollywood's big directors are basically tied to major film studios.

In a short period of time, they were unable to find a major director for in-depth collaboration.

Now that they've won over Lu Zhiyuan, they've essentially won over the future!
From now on, Lu Zhiyuan will be a key protected figure for Netflix, and a nuclear weapon for Netflix's future foray into the film industry.

"Ted, our family's great director, why wasn't he nominated for Best Picture or Best Director this time?"

"Those Oscar judges are all idiots! They're blind!"

Upon realizing that Lu Zhiyuan, whether actively or passively, had become deeply intertwined with Netflix, Reed Hastings, the big boss of Netflix, immediately began to defend Lu Zhiyuan.

In addition to being the founder of Netflix, Reed Hastings is also a member of the Microsoft board of directors.

"Hey Ted, what do you think? Should I send our great director a gift?"

"For example, could I suggest that Microsoft's Xbox purchase the rights to develop spin-off games based on Pacific Rim?"

Having secured a deep collaboration offer from a renowned director, Reed Hastings, the head of Netflix, was in a very good mood.

(End of this chapter)