American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 138 The Two Elders of Xuanming are recruiting new users
Building a position takes time.

Because buying a company's stock in a short period of time and on a large scale will cause the company's stock price to rise.

Then, when Carl Icahn wanted to dismantle companies that were either giants with market capitalizations of tens of billions or behemoths with market capitalizations of hundreds of billions, in order to avoid revealing his presence when building his position, he needed to find several people acting in concert to buy up shares in a diversified manner.

This is why, even though Ted Turner and Steve Case had already replied to Carl Icahn in January of this year, indicating that the two sides could cooperate, Carl Icahn still dragged his feet and did not arrange for them to meet with Kevin Feige until mid-March.

…………

Suburbs of New York.

The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom is incredibly beautiful.

The bright sunshine is refreshing, and the lush trees rustle in the gentle breeze. This natural rhythm makes people want to embrace a soft bed and have a good night's sleep.

But in Ted Turner's manor, which was also enveloped in spring, Kevin Feige sat somewhat nervously opposite the two elders of Xuanming—no, I mean opposite the two elders of Warner—looking rather reserved... unsure of where to put his hands.

This situation made Ted Turner laugh.

"Oh, Kevin, didn't you sleep well last night?"

“Uh—Mr. Turner—I slept very well last night.”

“But why do I feel that your body is very stiff?” Steve Case asked with a smile.

“Mr. Case, it’s mainly because… I didn’t expect to meet you both today…”

Kevin Feige sat upright with his hands on his thighs and his fingers interlaced.

Although he really wanted to play the accordion, unfortunately, his hands wouldn't obey him.

So he could only awkwardly say, "Mr. Icahn told me that someone might be interested in my film project, but he didn't tell me that the interested people were you. Oh—I don't mean any disrespect to you gentlemen, I just want to say that your appearance is really...so unexpected, yeah! So unexpected!"

"Hahaha--"

The two burst out laughing at the remark, which sounded like a primary school student giving a report.

He gestured to Kevin Feige not to be nervous and to find a more comfortable position.

Kevin Feige did as instructed, but...

He failed.

This fact made the two laugh even louder, and they said, "Okay, let's get straight to the point? Maybe you'll be able to relax once we're in an area you're good at?"

“Okay.” Kevin Feige nodded decisively.

He took out several documents from his briefcase and handed two of them to the two men.

Then he spread out a document and began to explain, "Gentlemen, the project I've brought to you today is as follows..."

Just as the two elders of Xuanming had predicted, Kevin Feige's condition gradually improved after entering his comfort zone, and under his introduction, a magnificent idea appeared before the two of them.

"Kevin, I think I understand what you mean."

"Are you trying to make a movie like a TV series?"

"Or perhaps you want to bring TV movies to the big screen?"

About five minutes later, as Kevin Feige paused, Steve Case also closed the file in his hand.

Just now, Kevin Feige introduced them to Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

To someone who doesn't understand entertainment, this might seem like a crazy idea.

However, to industry insiders, this kind of idea is actually quite common, so common that it's readily available on the market.

For example, CBS produced a series of shows related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the last century.

It started with Spider-Man, and then introduced Captain America and other characters.

The only difference between what CBS did back then and what Kevin Feige is talking about now is that CBS was making television series, while Kevin Feige wanted to make movies.

Are there any movies of the same nature in the world?

The answer is yes.

The movie channel of a mysterious Eastern power explored this formula before; that was Lu Xiaofeng.

Gu Long actually wrote seven stories about Lu Xiaofeng: "The Golden Roc Dynasty", "The Embroidered Thief", "Before and After the Duel", "The Silver Hook Gambling House", "The Ghost Manor", "The Phoenix Dances in the Nine Heavens", and "The Sword God's Smile".

The series is actually quite complete, but in order to broaden the world of Gu Long's martial arts novels and to create derivative works, the movie channel also produced its own versions of "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng", "The Legend of Iron Shoes" and "The Mystery of the Blood-stained Clothes" based on the original novel.

Then, they didn't continue to expand on Gu Long's world, not because the ratings were bad, but simply because they didn't have the money.

So, the concept of a cinematic universe wasn't invented by Kevin Feige at all.

He simply took another step forward by standing on the shoulders of his predecessors.

He is very capable, but he is far from being able to establish his own school of thought.

It is precisely because his ideas are globally verifiable that...

Steve Case's words made Ted Turner nod.

"Kevin, your idea reminds me of the 70s movie 'Jaws'."

"At the time, Steven Spielberg told Universal that he wanted to make a B-movie with the production quality of an A-movie. He felt that his ideas could change the world. Before the release of Jaws, even Universal itself did not know if the idea was feasible."

"So, I personally think that might be why you can't turn your plans into reality, right?"

"Even if Spielberg wanted to gamble with Universal back then, he was only betting on the success or failure of one film. But you're launching six films right off the bat, with a total investment of nearly $10 billion. This kind of project..."

"Currently, only three people in the entire industry can secure such investment."

"Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Isabella Heywood."

"other people……"

"Don't even mention you, even if James Cameron came, it wouldn't work."

Kevin Feige was somewhat embarrassed by the blunt words.

He touched his nose and said, "Uh—gentlemen—since you asked to meet me, it proves that you must know about me, or rather, you know about Marvel. Yes, as you said, no one supports me so far."

"That's why I yearn to draw strength from all places..."

"What are your thoughts on this matter, gentlemen?"

Kevin Feige has been thinking about the Marvel Cinematic Universe for many years.

Or perhaps, after seeing Jurassic Park, he wanted to make this thing.

That's right, he's not an outsider either.

His maternal grandfather, Robert Short, was a very famous producer in the industry, known for works such as "Guiding Light," "As the World Turns," and "The World Turns."

The former is the longest-running TV series in the United States.

It started airing in 1937 and was canceled in 2009 due to low viewership ratings.

The entire process lasted a full 72 years.

The latter is the fourth longest-running TV series in the United States.

It premiered in 1956 and was canceled in 2010.

It lasted for 54 years.

Although Kevin Feige's grandfather wasn't involved in the entire project—well, nobody can follow a project that's longer than its lifespan—it doesn't matter. A show that runs for decades is a national hit, and its ratings are bound to be high. Long-running projects are highly sought-after resources, and his grandfather thus built up a lot of connections.

Therefore, as the descendant of such a big producer, Kevin Feige naturally had the capital to indulge in fantasies.

After discovering that special effects technology had become increasingly sophisticated, he, a deep lover of comics, wanted to bring those imaginative stories to the screen, and as Ted Turner said, he felt that his ideas could make him the next Spielberg.

In his initial plan, he wanted to make X-Man a large universe.

But unfortunately...

No success.

It's not that Fox didn't give him a chance.

When Rupert Murdoch learned of his identity, he even personally received him and listened to him talk about the mutant universe.

The old man thought the young people were too crazy.

I don't dare gamble with him.

This fact greatly disappointed Kevin Feige.

However, he did not give up, but instead went to Sony, which wanted to make "The Failed Man".

Then, he unveiled a new project: a cinematic universe centered around Spider-Man, and then...

At the time, Howard Stringer, head of Sony Pictures, was battling it out with Tommy Motura.

Anyone who has ever fought for power knows that there is only one rule of conduct during such a struggle: stability trumps everything.

Therefore, he did not accept Kevin Feige's plan.

If the Spider-Man universe fails, he'll be devastated!
After receiving two consecutive "no"s, Kevin Feige's current Marvel Cinematic Universe plan is actually the third version.

As for the current situation...

Kevin Feige sighed inwardly at the silent smiles of Ted Turner and Steve Case.

'Looks like...we're going to fail again...'

However, just as he composed himself and prepared to decline the hug once again...

It seems they've figured out Kevin Feige's true intention to leave?
But it also seems more like they don't want today's meeting to end here.

After exchanging a glance with Steve Case, Ted Turner changed the subject.

"Kevin? I heard you're Lauren Downer's student?"

Can you tell me your story?

"Was it pleasant to work with her?"

Ted Turner looked at Kevin Feige with a smile.

Kevin Feige narrowed his eyes.

He feels...

Are these two setting a trap for themselves?

Although he didn't want to talk about this, Ted Turner was far more capable than him, so he could only smile and say, "Lauren is a very good teacher. I respect her very much and it's a pleasure to work with her."

"Are you still in contact?" Steve Case interjected.

“Uh—of course—” Kevin Feige nodded, “I even visited her house last Christmas—”

Ted Turner and Steve Case chuckled softly at these words.

And Lauren Downer...

She is a very well-known producer in the industry.

His representative work is "The Househusband" —

An investment of 500 million yuan yielded a box office of 6480 million yuan.

There is "Pink Lady" -

An investment of 900 million yuan yielded a box office of 4050 million yuan.

There is "The Little Mermaid Fairy Tale" —

An investment of 2000 million yuan yielded a box office of 1.53 million yuan.

There is "You've Got Mail" —

An investment of 6500 million yuan yielded a box office of 2.5 million yuan.

Yes.

Tom Hanks's "You've Got Mail" was made by Lauren Donald.

But these are not the key points Ted Turner mentioned about her.

Ted Turner mentioned her because of her husband, Richard Donner.

Richard Donner is a well-known Hollywood director. He directed the 1978 version of "Superman," the "Lethal Weapon" series, and "The Goonies"...

Ok.

The Goonies written by Chris Columbus.

In the era of film, becoming a director was an extremely difficult thing.

Columbus studied for many years before officially taking the helm.

"The Goonies" was his last training session before he officially took the helm, and Richard Donner taught him a lot.

Yeah~
This is the real reason why Ted Turner and the others were so happy when they heard the name Kevin Feige.

When Harry Potter's success was unstoppable, if Ted Turner and Steve Case wanted to take over Time Warner unscathed, they would have to embrace everyone who made Harry Potter successful.

And among the entire HP team, the ones most likely to cause unpredictable changes in their embrace are Isabella and Columbus.

The former has its own IP.

If Isabella simply doesn't want to work with them, or if they mess up Time Warner because of their power struggles, then Isabella can just pack up and leave.

This isn't to say that Isabella would easily give up on HP, but rather that nobody likes to struggle in a cesspool, especially someone with a way out.

Furthermore, when Isabella can bring Warner a continuous stream of profits, all she has to do is say, "I just don't want to see Ted Turner and Steve Case," and those two will never rise to power.

Because most shareholders of a company prioritize profit, they will vote with their feet.

The latter also has no shortage of projects.

Not to mention that Columbus would have had investors wherever he went to make movies, even if no one had invested, Spielberg would have given him a hand.

Therefore, when Columbus's influence was already firmly tied to HP's success, if he insisted on supporting Barry Mayer, the shareholders would ignore Ted Turner and Steve Case's ambitions to take over; no one would risk their own interests.

To reiterate, the purpose of a listed company is to generate profits for its shareholders.

As for taking on social responsibility?
Ah--

Capitalism won't even provide disaster relief, yet you expect a listed company to shoulder social responsibility for you? Isn't that ridiculous?

Therefore, whoever can make a listed company continuously profitable will rise to the top!

Of course, you may disagree with this reasoning.

Michael Dell took Dell Inc., which he founded and took public, private.

Do you want to pursue your dreams?
sure.

You can simply pay to buy back everyone's shares.

what?
You say you have no money?
If you don't have money, what are you pretending for?

To know!
Even Steve Jobs, who earned money standing up, had to boost sales as his first goal after returning to Apple!

That's why Ted Turner came up with this roundabout solution—

First, Isabella seems interested in Marvel, and if they can embrace Marvel, there's a chance they'll meet the princess. Second, Kevin Feige's teacher, mentor, and Spielberg all have connections. In this situation, if Warner Bros. is truly torn apart by their rivalry, or if Isabella and her group have a genuinely good relationship with Barry Mayer, then having someone from Isabella's preferred project act as an intermediary is more likely to bring Isabella to their side.
Finally, Ted Turner believed that Kevin Feige would definitely choose him.

because……

“Kevin, your project is ambitious, so whether or not to invest... we need to think about it.”

“However, if you are willing to become our ally… I believe you are aware of Carl’s plans… If you are willing to join us, we can give you an answer now: we can at least help you with one phase of the project.”

"That means we can fund the production of the first six films you've planned."

These words made Kevin Feige frown slightly, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he wanted to speak.

However, before he could even speak, Ted Turner said, "Don't refuse, or even respond."

"Before you make a decision, we want to tell you something: if you want to move forward with your Marvel Cinematic Universe plan, then embracing us might be your best option."

“There are three reasons.”

"First, the copyright to Iron Man is in Isabella's hands."

"She doesn't lack money, she won't sell the copyright."

"So, unless you keep changing the plan, you can only work on projects with her."

"And the plan was changed..."

"When X-Man and The Failed Man had already sold, I personally felt that the Avengers members like Iron Man and the Fantastic Four were your last plan, and unfortunately, all of these things were in Isabella's hands."

"Secondly, it was when Isabella and Barry Mayer were allies that Isabella was not good at doing your projects."

"Because Warner has DC."

"Warner Bros. might not care much if Isabella makes one or two Marvel movies, and even if she makes three or four, as long as they're released by Warner Bros., there won't be much of a reaction within the company. But if you get her involved in your cosmic plan..."

"I guarantee DC will cause trouble."

"At that time, what do you think Barry Mayer will choose?"

"Should we tell DC to stop making noise, or should we suggest Isabella stay away from you?"

"Personally, I think neither of these is possible."

"As for the reason?"

"That brings us to the third reason."

"DC also wants to make movies."

"The DC-funded 'Batman Begins' will be released this June."

"If this movie is successful, whenever you want to collaborate with Isabella on a space project, DC or Barry Mayer can use their own characters to win her over and make her ignore you, and they can give her a lot of power."

"DC owns all the copyrights."

"At that time, all they have to do is say to Isabella... 'Isabella, as long as you don't go to Marvel, you can play with all the DC characters. We'll do whatever you want to film, and we'll film however you want to film it...'"

"Given this level of authority, what do you think the chances are that Isabella will continue to embrace Marvel?"

"Or rather, Barry Mayer even gives Isabella a share of the merchandise revenue."

"Because right now, Isabella is bringing Warner profits every single second."

"Because at present, a large part of the power in Barry Mayer's hands was really given to him by Isabella."

At this point, Ted Turner paused.

Together with Steve Case, they stared at Kevin Feige with smiles on their faces.

Yes! In Ted Turner's eyes, Kevin Feige, or rather Marvel, simply cannot work with Isabella! Because Isabella is too close to Warner Bros., and Warner Bros. has DC!
If Isabella really embraces Marvel, the first company to explode will definitely be Warner Bros. right now!

Warner Music will definitely try to stop it!
If Marvel succeeds, wouldn't DC look like a complete idiot?
At that time, Warner Bros. will be the idiot!
Because the alliance between Isabella and Warner Bros. is well-known, did Isabella team up with Marvel?
Wow~
Then isn't Warner Bros. just like the Joker who got an ID card in Gotham?

That's why Ted Turner firmly believes that Kevin Feige can only embrace his dreams by embracing himself!
Of course, there is never just one way to complete any game.

There is actually another solution to the game.

That was Kevin Feige persuading Marvel's shareholders to sell the company to Disney.

'You, Barry Mayer, and Isabella, are allies, but I, Robert Iger, am not?'

'Does the authority that Barry Mayer can grant me, why can't I, Robert Iger, grant it too?'

Only magic can defeat magic!

Cough cough cough...

Anyway...

Miss Beaver will not lose.

hee hee~
Kevin Feige isn't stupid, or rather, as an insider—someone who can speak with Spielberg—he knows exactly what Isabella's situation is, so…

When Ted Turner revealed his hand, a wry smile immediately appeared on his face.

“Okay, Mr. Turner, so this is the real reason you came to see me today, is that right?”

"Call me Ted."

“Okay, Ted.”

"We are indeed looking for your support, and this support will not have a significant impact on you."

"really?"

Now that things were out in the open, Kevin Feige decided to drop the pretense. He smiled and spread his hands, saying, "Am I really not going to disappear from this industry like Michael Arndt, Eminem, and Bernard Eisinger?"

"..."

The appearance of these three names left Ted Turner and his team speechless.

Steve Case shook his head and said, "Oh Kevin, your example is really..."

"Hmm~" Kevin Feige chuckled and shrugged.

"Okay, let's not talk about this. Because we don't need you to do anything special."

Ted Turner interrupted the potential argument, saying, "Kevin, you just need to stick to your original plan and talk to Isabella about cooperation, because according to Barry Mayer, Marvel and DC are simply incompatible."

“Oh, Ted, if you think we can’t coexist, then why did you ask to meet me?” Kevin Feige asked curiously. “Shouldn’t my situation be the same as Tim Story’s?”

His point was simple—when he could satisfy the needs of Ted Turner and others simply by following the established procedures, it was better to use him as a pawn than to pull him off the board to observe the game.

"That's because we hope the Iron Man project can start as soon as possible."

Steve Case explained it.

“Our time is very tight, and Carl’s time is also limited. If we follow Isabella’s plan to make Iron Man within three years after finishing Goblet of Fire, then… the world will be destroyed…”

Kevin Feige laughed.

He finally understood why Ted Turner and the others had come to see him today.

Because opportunities are fleeting.

Today, a company's shareholders may be very dissatisfied with management because of the company's poor performance;
Tomorrow, once management boosts the performance, they will likely be satisfied with management again.

Therefore, Carl Icahn's dismantling of any company must be swift, accurate, and ruthless.

Otherwise, it might be a case of someone running around in the street trying to get their money back.

Then, if Isabella were to follow the current work schedule...

If they waited for Isabella to slowly push things forward, it would be like everyone soiling themselves at the same time.

And these...

“Okay.” Kevin Feige took a deep breath. “What would I get in return if I helped you?”

“We’ll help you make the movie. We’ll get the Hulk. The Marvel rights that Lionsgate holds are now in Carl Icahn’s hands, and he’ll hand them over to us this year. Apart from Fox and Sony… nothing else has been lost.”

"Uh... I need to think about it."

"can."

"Then... shall we talk again?"

"Let's talk later."

Kevin Feige's departure left Steve Case pursing his lips as he stared at the empty seat.

"Ted, do you think... he'll choose us?"

"I think so."

"reason?"

"Because he wanted to accomplish something, he craved success."

Ted Turner said, "He wants to be the next Spielberg."

"When he holds firm to his beliefs, he will never give up the opportunities we give him."

"Because now, only we can make him do what he wants to do."

Ted Turner's words made Steve Case nod, and brought peace back to the vast manor.

But the world will not stop turning just because some people stop.

In late March 2005, Disney held its annual shareholders meeting in Philadelphia once again.

At this conference, they elected a new chairman.

Although Roy Disney declined the nomination for chairman, citing his advanced age and lack of energy to participate in management, he returned to Disney as an honorary director and group advisor.

Then, the new chairman was named John Pepper Jr.

This person is the former chairman of Procter & Gamble, the executive vice president of Yale University, and a board member of Boston Scientific and Motorola... This kind of person doesn't have time to manage Disney; his greatest significance is actually just occupying a position.

Reserved for Roy Disney.

I understand everything I understand.

Following the conclusion of the shareholders' meeting, the Disney board of directors also announced new personnel appointments and dismissals within the group.

Robert Iger has been promoted to CEO.

This fact means that Robert Iger was outdone by Roy Disney.

However, neither of them cared.

Roy Disney didn't care because he felt he could keep Robert Iger in check.

Robert Iger's apparent indifference stemmed from the fact that on the very night he became Disney's CEO, he went to Cupertino to meet with Steve Jobs. The two discussed many things, but in essence, it boiled down to one sentence: Disney wanted to acquire Pixar.

Uh……

Don't ask Isabella, who is in the UK, how she heard the news.

The answer is that both Iger and Columbus told her about it.

The former refers to information exchange between close allies.

The latter refers to Jobs discussing something with Spielberg and his team, and Spielberg simply sent the message over.

Robert Iger's drawing of his knife signifies his unwillingness to submit to others.

And this matter...

Isabella hopes he will succeed.

Then, in May 2005...

Nothing major has happened in the world.

And the entertainment industry...

The movie "Revenge of the Sith" has been released.

On May 19, 2005, the third installment of the Star Wars prequel series was officially released.

"Revenge of the Sith" raked in $5001 million at the box office on its opening day, setting a new record in North American film history.

Yes, although "Revenge of the Sith" grossed $5001 million on its opening day, it didn't earn as much as "Azkaban" which grossed $5149 million on its opening day, but they were released on Thursday, while "Azkaban" was released on Friday.

So, the new historical record refers to the fact that "Revenge of the Sith" grossed $5001 million on Thursday, making it the highest-grossing film in North American history. Well... that's a bit of a nitpicking statement, but...

Thursday's 5001 million and Friday's 5149 million are two completely different things!

Because the day after Thursday is a workday, and the day after Friday is the weekend.

The data for SW is indeed more impressive than that for HP.

Then, the wildness of Star Wars once again demonstrated the influence of North America's number one IP.

The fact that Star Wars grossed over $200 million in North America in just eight days has led many to declare that the franchise is still as good as ever.

The Star Wars craze was the biggest topic of May this year, and now we're waiting for June to arrive...

The world is always quieter when the tax collector is away.

And the entertainment industry?

2005 6 Month 3 Day.

"Cinderella Man," directed by Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger, has been released.

As a biographical film, its box office of 1832 million in its first three days is already quite good.

However, considering that the total investment for this film is a whopping 8800 million, therefore...

Pull the switch.

2005 6 Month 10 Day.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" has also been released.

It grossed $5034 million at the box office over its opening weekend.

From the perspective of a drama film, the opening weekend gross of 5000 million is quite good.

But a film with two big names can't be cheap; the investment reached 1.1 million, so...

The grades were so-so.

Since there weren't many big-budget films released in early June 2005, the fact that several of them flopped was quite glaring.

After the world sensed the ominous atmosphere in the air...

On June 15, 2005, a new blockbuster was released in North America.

That's Batman Begins.

The day before, Kevin Feige shunned everyone and secretly bought a midnight ticket, sneaking into the movie theater alone.

Ok.

He wanted to see "The Mystery of the Swordsman" as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)