American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 111 Fox is Ready to Go

Just as Fox Broadcasting Group President Gail Berman predicted.

After The Voice of America concluded its run with a resounding victory, NBC and CBS could no longer sit idly by.

They have successively announced their own radio station's talent show plans.

NBC was the first to make a move.

On December 29, 2003, NBC officially announced that it had reached a cooperation agreement with the British television production company FremantleMedia, acquiring the North American license for their creative talent show, "Got Talent".

To reiterate, the creative development in the television industry has long since reached a bottleneck. All the usable ideas have already been exhausted. Innovation in this era is either about upgrading stage design or borrowing from existing ideas. Take "China's Got Talent" for example; their concept comes from the British television program "Talent Contest" from the 1940s and 50s.

Therefore, "China's Got Talent" is actually something that can be produced as soon as the copyright is bought.

NBC's "America's Got Talent" will officially launch in 2004.

Once the New Year is over, preparations will begin in the first quarter.

The nationwide auditions will be held in the summer, and the full movie will be officially released in the fall.

And it calls on all people with special talents across the United States to sign up:
"Our 'Talent Show' stage has no age limit, no talent limit. Whether you sing, dance, or do magic or acrobatics, as long as you think you are good, you can participate in the competition."

"As long as you can win the judges' approval and gain the audience's support, you will have the opportunity to take home a million-dollar prize."

The news sent shockwaves across the United States!

Because singing is just one of many talents.

Therefore, "The Voice" is just a stage for musicians.

Honestly, if talent shows only have music as the category, the public won't feel much of a connection.

But when other types of talent shows emerged...

Who doesn't want to be famous?
"Oh—so can I train dogs on stage? My dog can do anything I command!"

"I can ride a unicycle! Is this a talent I can showcase on stage?"

"My God! I'm going to show you all what ventriloquism is! I can talk to myself! I can even argue with myself! The champion gets a million dollars, right? Oh—the delicious money—here I come—"

"..."

The reason NBC chose to announce "Got Talent" after "The Voice" ended was mainly because they felt that by doing so, they could capitalize on the traffic that "The Voice" couldn't make everyone's dreams come true.

The outcome was exactly as they had anticipated.

When "Got Talent" acquired the attribute of "universal love," it attracted the attention of people across the United States as soon as it emerged.

Since there are many intelligent people in this world, therefore...

cough.

CBS and NBC actually share the same idea.

That's why, after seeing the promotional video for "Got Talent" released by NBC, CBS Chairman Les Moonwiss immediately launched into a tirade of criticism. This was not only because they were a step behind, but also because CBS and NBC had the same creative ideas.

Yes.

Before The Voice of China appeared, the huge success of American Idol had already made industry insiders realize that the path of music variety shows might have been exhausted. That's why NBC was considering embracing the 'all-rounder' concept in June 2003.

So now that "The Voice" has completely crushed "American Idol," any company that wants to make variety shows is even less likely to squeeze into the dead end of music variety shows. Therefore, CBS also wants to embrace other options.

then……

Has NBC embraced 'miscellaneous'?
Has NBC embraced 'all'?
Muenvis: "This is really M-Fxxk!"

Muenvis: "You bastard, are you trying to block everyone's way?!"

However, even though CBS was furious, they still announced their own variety show project on December 30, 2003.

As for the reason?

Very simple -

“We have partnered with the BBC and acquired the variety show development rights to the well-known TV series ‘Step Up’.”

"The new program, 'Dancing Together,' will be officially launched in 2004."

"The broadcast is expected to take place in the summer."

"This is a celebrity crossover competition reality show. We will invite some well-known people who are interested in dance to participate in the program. Their professions include, but are not limited to, actors, singers, entrepreneurs, athletes..."

"Invited celebrities will be paired with professional dancers, and under their guidance and assistance, they will work together to compete for the championship."

That's right.

Although CBS's idea overlapped with NBC's, it wasn't a complete overlap; it was more of a 'simultaneous overlap'.

Because what they do is not 'miscellaneous', but 'dance'.

Furthermore, since CBS knew that it might be difficult to produce talent shows featuring ordinary people, they went straight for celebrity reality shows.

Invite celebrities who can't dance to participate in the competition!

Show the public their 'shortcomings' and 'growth'!
By doing this, they would have a very high chance of surviving under the pressure from the variety show giants.
The turmoil between the giants is unknown to the general public in North America.

In the public eye, the official announcements of "China's Got Talent" and "Dance With Us" simply mean that there will be a bunch of shows to watch next year.

Furthermore, there may be a lot of drama and conflict waiting for them next year.

Because "Dance With Us" is a "show" that combines "celebrities" and "competition".

Celebrities are known for being troublesome to begin with, and competitions inevitably involve trouble, so when you add a show on top of that...

Isn't "Dance With Us" just a large-scale celebrity feud reality show that's obvious to the naked eye?
Sigh, there's nothing we can do; the television industry has run out of new tricks.

Industry insiders believe that next year may be a year of fierce competition among top players.

The Voice of China is definitely going to have a second season. The third season of American Idol was officially announced when the second season was already declining. Then there's the 'sudden' emergence of Got Talent and Dance With Me...

It would be strange if ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX didn't punch their brains out.

Because the market is limited, and the audience is limited.

In the eyes of Gail Berman, president of Fox Broadcasting Group...

"Bernard, you've lost."

2003 12 Month 31 Day.

California.

Los Angeles.

Gail Berman met Bernard Eisinger at a seaside club in Venice.

The warm sunshine spreads across the sea, adorning the azure ocean with golden hues.

Gazing at the twinkling blue Milky Way, Berman raised his glass and gestured simply to Isengard.

He then took a small sip and said, "NBC and CBS have both officially announced their variety show plans, so you... are you willing to accept the loss? If you decide to honor the bet, I'll call my assistant over now, because I've already brought the contract."

The direct question made Eisinger take a deep breath.

Looking at Berman with a complicated expression, he said, "Gail, I have indeed lost. I will sign the cooperation agreement because I have no right to renege on my promise now. But before I sign, I would like to ask you a question, is that alright?"

"Of course, what would you like to ask?"

"I want to know what exactly Fox's purpose is?"

Isengard said, "Are you trying to use me as a weapon to attack others?"

Berman smiled.

Although Eisinger is in a bad situation right now, he has served capital after all, and fools are not qualified to serve capital. So, how could Eisinger guess their true purpose? Berman was not surprised.

However, he was not prepared to answer Eisinger's question directly.

Can you tell me why you asked that?

"Because Fox has grudges against Disney and Warner."

Since we're speaking frankly, Eisinger will stop pretending: "The emergence of 'The Voice' has put your talent shows in a precarious situation. You wanted to shut down 'The Voice' before it even started, but you failed."

"So, you can only watch helplessly as 'The Voice' becomes a huge hit."

"If the final episode of 'The Voice of China' can reach 5800 million viewers, then it's almost impossible to produce 'American Idol' next year. Since the losses are already a foregone conclusion, then retaliation is inevitable, isn't it?"

At this point, Isengard stopped.

His gaze was fixed intently on Berman.

Berman's confident analysis prompted him to extend his arm and gently clink his glass against the one in front of Eisinger.

The crisp "ding—" sound seemed to be an agreement, but it was also more like—

"Bernard, you're German, so why don't you go home for the New Year?"

Berman looked at Isengard with a smile and said, "Is it because you don't want to?"

"Do not--"

"It's because you can't go home."

boom--

Berman’s words were light and casual, but they struck Eisinger like a thunderclap!

Isengard's eyes widened!
He stared intently at Berman!

That smiling face looked like Satan greeting him!

Yes, Isengard can no longer return to his homeland.

Because nobody wants to accept failure and watch their years of hard work vanish into nothingness, right?
Because nobody wants to accept failure, to embrace the fact that they have nothing when they are about to retire, right?

Okay, enough with the mystery.

In other words, before Eisinger's former boss was ousted, around the end of 2001 or the beginning of 2002, Eisinger, realizing the situation was not going well, decisively chose to abscond with the money.

Or, to put it another way, if he hadn't sold something back then, how could he be living peacefully in the United States now?

You should know that the ones who benefited the most from the operation to eliminate his former boss were the American capitalists!

His former boss is currently bankrupt, not dead.

Even if you have nothing left, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse.

and so……

"Am I a gun?"

Even though Berman had stopped pretending, Eisinger still wanted to hear a positive answer.

If I had to describe it, it would be like saying, "He won't give up until he sees the Yellow River."

Berman pointed to the sea below and said with a smile, "If you want freedom, then jump off here."

"I know you can't swim, so I wish you freedom in your next life."

"Of course, you can leave, but Avi Arad's methods are crueler than drowning."

"Besides, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your child, would you?"

"hahahaha——"

The blatant threat made Isengard burst into laughter!
But his face looked worse than if he were crying!
"So you'll protect me?"

"It depends on your sincerity."

"I brought the contract for Fantastic Four with me, although it's just a photocopy."

"Okay, I can feel your sincerity."

Berman chuckled and snapped his fingers. "Don't worry, I'll report everything to the boss truthfully."

The moment Berman finished speaking, Eisinger also took a deep breath.

He gave the other person a deep look, then stood up and left the seaside private room.

About five minutes later, he reappeared carrying a black briefcase.

He unlocked the combination lock in front of Berman and took out a document as thick as his fingertip.

That was the development agreement for Fantastic Four that Constantine signed with Chris Columbus.

The specific details are as follows:

1. Starting December 1, 2003, Constantine officially hired Columbus as the producer and screenwriter of the Fantastic Four movie, and the two parties would develop the Fantastic Four IP on an equal footing.

2. During the development of the project, Columbus must be dedicated to serving the film. During the actual filming, Columbus may not be stationed on set, but he must appoint an executive producer to supervise the project to ensure its smooth progress.

3. Constantine has certain requirements regarding the film's cost and box office performance.

In terms of cost, Constantine hopes that the production cost will not exceed one hundred million.

Regarding box office revenue, Constantine hopes for a minimum of $400 million in global box office revenue.
If all goes well, Columbus will receive 10% of the film's total revenue as compensation. If things don't go well, and the production costs exceed budget or the global box office falls short of expectations, then as long as the project can recoup its costs from the box office—the simplest calculation being that the production costs are one-third of the global box office—Columbus will still receive 8% of the film's total revenue as compensation. But what if the production costs exceed one-third of the global box office?

His compensation will then shrink dramatically to 5% of the film's total revenue.

Then, all of the above only refers to the producer's profit sharing.

As for the screenwriting, Columbus will still receive $500 million.

4. The theoretical development time for "Fantastic Four" must not exceed three years, meaning the film must be released before November 30, 2006. If production problems prevent the film from being released on schedule, then as the project's production supervisor, Columbus must pay Constantine $40 million as compensation for Constantine's losses. If other problems prevent the film from being released on schedule, such as Constantine's inability to handle censorship, then Constantine will pay Columbus $40 million as compensation for Columbus's losses.

5. Once the Fantastic Four project is officially approved, it cannot be easily canceled. If Constantine's support for the project is normal, such as timely funding and granting Columbus all production rights, then Columbus must pay Constantine $2000 million if he wants to leave the project. If Constantine fails to provide funding within the effective timeframe or obstructs production, then Columbus will have the right to leave the project freely, and Constantine will need to pay Columbus $2000 million.

6. When producing "Fantastic Four", Constantine could seek cooperation with other studios, but the power distribution in the cooperation agreement could not exceed the agreement between Constantine and Columbus. Constantine could entrust other studios to distribute the film, but any delays in distribution caused by this would be Constantine's responsibility. If the film was not released as scheduled, Constantine would also have to pay Columbus the breach of contract damages, which is the $4000 million agreed above.

7. Penalties for other unforeseen circumstances will be agreed upon separately.

'...'

This is a very standard contract.

This is basically how collaborative development agreements are signed in the industry.

There are no pitfalls.

Well… Isengard’s choice was actually quite simple. Even if he already knew he might be being targeted by Murdoch, he wouldn’t try to outsmart Columbus to save himself. The reason was simple:
Firstly, Columbus was an old hand in the field; he wasn't stupid. Would he not see through a trap you set for him?

If he sees problems in the contract and decides not to cooperate, then Isengard will be in trouble.

Because if he does that, his value to Murdoch will instantly drop to zero.

This is not a good thing.

Once you're targeted by capital, any struggle you make will be seen as a provocation.

Secondly, if Eisinger couldn't afford to offend Murdoch, how could he possibly afford to offend Spielberg?
Ten years ago, he dared to mess with Marvel, so why wouldn't he dare to mess with Columbus?

That's because Columbus's teacher was awesome!

Or maybe his teacher's father is powerful!
Spielberg's father was a senior researcher at RCA.

RCA was the birthplace of innovation in the American electronics industry. Patents for televisions, picture tubes, VCRs, audio equipment, and communication products basically originated there. At its peak, it was the patent supplier for General Electric, Westinghouse Electric, AT&T, and Union Fruit Company. Of course, because it was so powerful, it was dismantled.

And what was Spielberg's father doing there?

Research on radio guidance.

Yes, it's the wireless guidance system in missiles.

His dad's project team was working with Lockheed!
His father worked there for seven years before being poached by General Electric.

Then, his father helped General Electric develop the GE-200.

It was a mainframe computer that was commercially successful, but even more successful was the machine language written by the research team, which was so concise that Dartmouth College professors went to their institute in 1963 to learn how to program the device.

Then, in 1964, BASIC was introduced on the GE-225, an upgraded version of the GE-200.

That's right, Microsoft.

Why was Spielberg able to easily secure investment from Paul Allen after establishing DreamWorks?

Dear!
Bill Gates and Paul Allen had already done their research before copying BASIC!

Why is the relationship between Spielberg and Jobs so ambiguous?

The two of them said they met through video games. Steve Jobs came from Atari, and Spielberg was Atari's biggest customer. However, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak's father was also a Lockheed researcher.

Spielberg's father studied guidance systems, while Wozniak's father studied propulsion systems!

hee hee~
Unless Isengard has a death wish!

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to set a trap for Spielberg's students!
Because this kind of person farts!

That could kill Isengard!
Even so, Berman still felt that this standard clause was sufficient.

"Okay, very good, we can sign the contract now."

Berman called his assistant.

Show Eisinger the contract that Fox had prepared in advance.

There are two contracts in total.

One document is a development agreement related to the Resident Evil TV series, and the content is exactly the same as what they discussed last time.

The other one is a collaboration agreement related to "Fantastic Four".

The latter can be summarized as follows:

1. Constantine invited Fox Studios to co-develop "Fantastic Four" to ensure the project received sufficient funding. The two parties agreed on a 50:50 investment ratio, with Fox Studios providing 50% of the funding for the film.

After doing so, Fox will share the power of the project's investors with Constantine.

2. Constantine invited Fox to handle the global distribution of "Fantastic Four". As the distributor, Fox was obligated to develop a complete publicity plan and distribution strategy for "Fantastic Four".

Fox will receive 30% of the global revenue from "Fantastic Four".

'...'

Honestly, whether from a theoretical or practical perspective, this contract is perfectly fine.

Because this is basically how contracts for joint development within the industry are drafted.

but--

The fewer problems a contract seems to have, the more problems it actually has.

After putting down the collaboration offer regarding "Fantastic Four", Isengard slowly raised his head.

At this moment, he seemed to be shrouded in the aura of Hela, the goddess of Norse mythology, his whole body exuding deathly energy.

"Aren't you trying to kill me?!"

Eisinger's face was contorted with rage as he glared fiercely at Berman.

Because he dared not shout, his voice sounded very strange at that moment, like the scraping of a dull knife grinding the ground.

Berman smiled and said, "Isn't this just a normal cooperation agreement?"

"You fart!"

Before Berman could finish speaking, Isengard roared.

He finally couldn't hold back any longer, his eyes bloodshot as he said, "You guys are trying to mess with Harry Potter, aren't you?"

"You lost American Idol? So you want Warner Bros. to pay the price?"

"Oh my god! Your ideas are absolutely insane!"

"The Harry Potter project involves far too many interests!! If something really goes wrong, people will die!!"

"I'll be the first one affected!!! If I sign this contract!!!"

When used properly, even a normal contract can often have a surprising impact.

For example, did Fox and Constantine share funding rights in Fantastic Four?

Okay, so when we were making Fantastic Four, could Fox openly contact Columbus through a contract? I personally think there are problems with the script, and I hope you can revise it. That's reasonable, isn't it?

Not to mention that screenplays in the film industry are not static, Columbus was paid five million US dollars for his screenwriting job! With such a price, how could you not participate in the discussion when the investors had doubts?

Right?

So, I discovered there were problems with the script when you were filming "The Goblet of Fire"...

Is this okay?

I wanted to talk to you about the script when you were filming "The Goblet of Fire"...

This makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

I personally find phone communication cumbersome, so I'd like to invite you back to California from London...

You'd find it hard to refuse, wouldn't you?

Hehe ~
For example, does Fox hold the global distribution rights to "Fantastic Four"?
Okay, so when we were making Fantastic Four, could I openly discuss distribution with you, Columbus?
You are, after all, the producer!

They receive a 10% dividend!

Then, when I felt that communicating by phone was unsafe and hoped that you could come to California for an in-person meeting...

Can you not come?
what?
You said you're filming "The Goblet of Fire"?
Whether you make a film or not is none of my business!

Or rather——

What I want is for you not to be able to make "The Goblet of Fire"!

Hahahahaha——

Yes ~
Fox's goal is actually very clear.
You fucking ruined my American Idol?
Then I'll fucking kill all of you Harry Potter fans!
It's a couplet!
Let's see who suffers the biggest loss!

Of course, all of the above are standard moves within the rules, and there are standard solutions for each of them.

For example, after realizing he had been tricked, Columbus could have simply abandoned the Fantastic Four project.

Anyway, the contract stipulates a penalty for breach of contract, so I'll just have to pay the money.

However, while contracts are easy to sign, getting out of trouble is not.

You, Columbus, can dump the contract, and I, Fox, can refuse to accept it!

Even if you're willing to admit defeat and settle things with money, I'll still take you to court!

At that time...

I'll fucking drag you to your grave with lawsuits!
Then, in such a civil lawsuit, Columbus could hire a lawyer to appear in court.

In practice, he could have set aside the lawsuit and stayed in London to film HP.

Furthermore, Warner Bros. has a legal team, and Barry Mayer will immediately step in to resolve the issue once he senses something amiss.

However, taking the matter to court is just one part of Fox's scheming tactics.

This attack is aimed at the Goblet of Fire.

As for the other link?
That's a war of words!
The standard operating procedure always culminates in launching a media campaign.

For example--

When Fox uses the established rules to mess with Columbus, regardless of whether Columbus feels wronged or not, he is the one who breaches the contract. In this situation, Fox can completely portray himself as innocent and say that Columbus's abandonment of "Fantastic Four" is because he looks down on Marvel.

then--

It directly guides "The Failed Man" to compete with "Harry Potter".

and--

This kind of drive is bound to succeed.

Because Azkaban will be released next summer.

Films released around the same time included Spider-Man 2...

That's right!

How could someone like Rupert Murdoch, who loves subversion, possibly go it alone!

He'll even try to trick an ally out of him!
Not to mention that right now he wants Harry Potter to die!
So, while hindering the filming of "Goblet of Fire", he also wanted to destroy "Azkaban"!
When "Azkaban" and "The Failed Man" were released in the same period, handing the knife to Sony was his plan to stir up trouble! And he believed that after discovering that he could target "Azkaban," Sony would not give up the opportunity!
There are even two reasons—

1. If we crush Azkaban, Spider-Man will reach the top!
2. Sony is also annoyed by Isabella right now!
After Edgar Bronfman Jr. suffered a setback in his acquisition attempt of Warner Music, he retaliated by offering BMG a price that was double that of Sony's! This completely stunned Sony's chairman!

hee hee~
Isengard was not stupid.

Therefore, after reviewing the contents of the contract, he understood that the conflict between Fox and Warner was now irreconcilable.

Once the two sides start fighting, the person caught in the middle will definitely disappear, and he...

I don't want to get involved in this kind of mess!
Unfortunately……

Berman didn't care that Eisinger had sprayed him with tartar.

He smiled, raised his hand, pointed to the sea beneath his feet, and said, "Bernard, I'll say it again, you have no choice."

"Either jump now, or trust that we will save you."

"As for the third path..."

“Let’s go back to the past, back to twenty years ago, and refuse Kirch’s invitation.”

"Only in this way can you gain the freedom you desire."

‘Shua——’

The blunt threat made Isengard's pupils shrink sharply!