hollywood billionaire

Chapter 104 The Media Wheel

Author: TrojanRW

Chapter 104 The Media Wheel

Han Yi, who was attending the board meeting for the first time, was listening intently to the financial status of his first investment company.

Key data that may seem boring to outsiders are poured into his mind, forming one conclusion after another that helps him make decisions.

The operating income of US$167.4 million means that the United Artists Agency, as a unit of Shiren, has created total revenue for clients that is 10 times this number in the first quarter. Considering that this data is in the off-season for performances and film and television projects,

Completed in the first quarter, UTA’s performance at the start of the year is indeed pretty good.

Even if this number is multiplied by four quarters, UTA can achieve its revenue target of US$670 million this year. The most important thing is that in the entertainment industry, most business activities will not start to become active until April.

The summer season, Thanksgiving season, Christmas season and New Year's Eve season in the film field, the purchase of new autumn dramas in the television field, and the summer tour, Halloween tour, and New Year's Eve tour in the music field are all in the second to fourth quarters.

will generate income.

If Q1’s revenue is US$167.4 million, then the other three quarters, especially the fourth quarter, will never be less than US$300 million. The full-year gross profit should be more than US$400 million, including interest and taxes.

, the net profit after depreciation and amortization should also increase compared with last year, and it should be achievable around US$70 million.

Han Yi was writing and drawing in his notebook and doing calculations.

Unfortunately, what is being reviewed by the board of directors today is the Q1 financial report, and the investment in UTA by Hanyi and Parkway Capital was only completed in April. This means that if you want to obtain [investment value return] from this acquisition,

, he has to wait another three months.

Having said that, although the EBITDA profit margin is indeed very low, in fact the entire industry is about the same average. WME-IMG's EBITDA profit margin is slightly higher, but due to large-scale debt borrowing in the past few years, the actual net profit margin may

It is not as good as UTA.CAA's EBITDA profit margin of 27%. However, in recent years, due to various acquisitions and debt factors, the final profit ratio is not far from that of UTA.

This is why the four major entertainment agencies are actively raising funds and launching an arms race. Business development alone cannot fundamentally widen the gap with competitors. This year you make more, next year I will make more. In essence

All of them are in the range of tens of millions of dollars. Capital Management Group has hundreds of millions of dollars in cash as soon as it is released. This is the hot money that can change the game.

With 140 million in immediately available acquisition funds, coupled with the profits coming in one after another, UTA now truly has the confidence to compete with the top two players.

Of course, whether compared with WME-IMG or CAA, UTA's amount of funds is still slightly insufficient. The latter, which is on the defensive overall, needs to find high-quality acquisition targets as accurately as possible in the hope that its asset growth rate can outperform the top two and achieve

Overtaking on a curve.

"The next item on the agenda is that after receiving development funds from Parkway Capital and Han Capital, we will continue to advance our original cooperation and acquisition plans. We have reached some merger and acquisition agreements and are also preparing some new projects. Andrew, please tell me

Let me introduce you."

At this time, Jim Berkus, chairman of the board of directors, had temporarily put aside Han Yi's abnormal performance. When he was listening to Jeff Dara Beta's introduction to the company's financial situation, Berkus had been distracted thinking about this.

thing.

The final conclusion?

It should be that he deliberately expressed his dissatisfaction with the little help he provided.

The child is having a tantrum.

Just introduce him to some resources another day to stabilize this impetuous investor.

"No problem, Chairman." In formal meetings, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Tuo always addressed each colleague by title, "First of all, UTA continues to adhere to the development concept of expanding new fields, new businesses, and new ecology, and cooperates with the two

Brokerage companies in the e-sports industry have reached an agreement to acquire Press X Agency and Everyday Influencers. Please read the introductions in front of you for their detailed introductions."

Just as Han Yi opened the copper plate color page, Andrew Tuo continued to introduce.

"As we identify and begin to learn from early trends in the digital ecosystem, we recognized that acquiring Press X and Everyday Influencers would be a forward-thinking opportunity for UTA."

“The first company, Press

, Fnatic's...top lane, uh...Paul-'sOAZ'-Boyer, Echo Fox's support Adrian-'Adrian'-Ma, are some of the more shining names on the list."

For Andrew To, this unfamiliar game vocabulary is indeed too difficult for him.

“As for Everyday Influencers, they are more focused on developing gaming stars and managing the business activities of former professional esports players after they retire, with clients including Michael ‘Imaqtpie’ Santana and Iman ‘pokimane’ An.”

"In addition to us, other organizations have also made a lot of moves in this field in the past few years." Jeremy Zimmer spread his hands and added to the directors, "WME-IMG acquired the company in January last year.

Global Esports Management Company announced a few days ago that it will launch an esports league with TBS at the end of this month...Which game, Andrew?"

"Ah, let me see... Counter-Strike: Global Offensive."

"Thanks, Andrew." Jeremy Zimmer handed Andrew To a smile and continued, "Our old rival CAA also acquired Barrett Sports Group and launched an in-depth cooperation with Riot Games.

The application process for the "League of Legends" North American League franchise last fall was followed up and completed by CAA."

"So, it's just the right time for us to enter this field, it can even be said to be a little late. Next, we will contact different game manufacturers and strive to obtain their business support."

Having said this, Jeremy Zimmer turned his attention to Han Yi, his smile still kind. Jeremy knew very well that UTA's actions in the trend industry will most likely win the support of Han Yi, who belongs to the Z era.

Of course, focusing on promoting business in the digital field is first and foremost for the further development of the company, but if investors can be satisfied on this basis, that is not a bad thing.

And his guess was not wrong. After noticing Jeremy Zimmer's gaze, Han Yi nodded, showed an encouraging smile, and even raised his thumb slightly to gesture towards Zimmer.

The e-sports industry is indeed a brokerage service field with great potential, but Han Yi is actually not that interested in it.

His slightly exaggerated compliment was intended to be seen by the other two people.

"I agree, Mr. Zimmer, that we need to move boldly forward in unexplored business areas."

Glancing at Han Yi, Jim Burkus forced out a smile and said softly to Jeremy Zimmer.

"In another area, it seems that our team has also expanded, right?"

Berkus made the word team very clear.

"Follow High Times."

After dragging out the final sound of s slightly longer than normal pronunciation, Jim Berkus folded his hands on the long marble table and looked at Zimmer leisurely.

Do you think the forward-thinking Generation Z likes e-sports?

What about High Times?

Will that Chinese kid who doesn’t even smoke cigarettes support UTA’s testing of waters in this field?

"Yes, this is our next topic...Chris, you are responsible for the public relations of this matter. Do you want to chat?"

Jeremy Zimmer calmly dropped the bomb to corporate communications director Chris Day.

"Okay, Mr. Zimmer."

The specific business is not promoted by Chris Day. He is only responsible for doing some positive public relations work for this matter of different nature in the eyes of different people. Therefore, Chris Day does not have any baggage when talking about this topic.

"We have entered into an unprecedented, wide-ranging media, content, licensing and consumer product endorsement agreement with one of the world's leading green media and events companies."

Oh, no wonder.

After taking a look at Jeremy Zimmer, who had his head lowered and seemed to be carefully reviewing the meeting agenda, Han Yi became convinced.

Green plants are indeed not something I can accept.

In the four years since I came to the United States, I can certainly smell it everywhere on campus, but I have never tried it once.

The concept remains the same: by not letting your senses become dulled by extreme stimulation, you can make clearer and more rational decisions and judgments, and your path to happiness will be broader.

Isn’t it more fun than traveling around the world with our Xiaoru and Youzhen to look for food?

However, Han Yi doesn't care too much whether UTA is involved in these aspects. After all, this is an entertainment activity that is gradually becoming legalized in North America.

As a Chinese, Han Yi has no motive, let alone need, to take on the important task of purifying the social atmosphere of other countries.

It has been an operation that has suffered repeated defeats since the 1970s in Miami, but don't have anything to do with it.

What's more, how could Han Yi not know the meaning of Jim Burkus's initiative to ask Jeremy Zimmer about this cooperation case? Although it involves a wide range of business, the cooperation with High Times is just an ordinary brand.

It’s just agency business, is it worth mentioning on the board of directors?

Berkus knew very well that Han Yi, who was Chinese and did not smoke or drink, was definitely on the side of the cultural spectrum that hated green plants or even opposed green plants. He wanted to use this method to plant a relationship with Jerry in Han Yi's heart.

M-Zimmer's Seeds of Alienation.

Don’t underestimate the power of cultural differences. This power has been infinitely amplified in American society in the 2010s, which is perhaps the most politically correct place in the world. In 2016, the so-called “Cancel Culture”, the ban culture, was

It is in its infancy. From this point on, every behavior of every public figure is carefully scrutinized under a magnifying glass and spotlight.

Accidentally said a homophobic word at the dinner table? "The Bourne Supremacy" is a classic, but Matt Damon, you are banned.

The MV hints that Britney is cheating? Cry me a river, Justin Timberlake, you are banned.

Opposing gender pluralism? Even if you are the author of "Harry Potter", you will be banned.

In terms of banning culture, the two major countries facing each other across the ocean have many similarities, but there are also some subtle differences. In the United States, banning is usually not an official action, but a spontaneous behavior of a certain ethnic group or community. Each person

Races, cities, and individuals all have very different definitions of who should be banned. Whether you can gain widespread support depends on whether your "banning spectrum" can be extended to both ends.

Jim Burkus, who saw Jackie Robinson play with his own eyes, may have come from a few generations ago, but his years of immersion in the entertainment and media circles have given him a good understanding of how to use culture to manipulate people's minds.

But unfortunately, he met Han Yi.

A person from 2023.

Burkus's strategy may be very effective in Los Angeles in 2016.

But in Chengdu in 2023, these politically correct clichés have long been scoffed at.

Faced with Jim Berkus' eyes that glanced at him inadvertently, Han Yi remained silent. He just sat forward slightly and glanced at Karen Guo, who was sitting on his right.

"High Times, right."

This seemingly carefree Korean woman has been carefully observing the situation on the field. Her similar cultural background also means that she can completely understand Han Yi's situation and thoughts at this time.

She laughed heartily twice and deftly resolved the awkwardness for everyone in the conference room in a way that only her personality could explain.

“As directors, will they give freebies?”

As soon as he said this, the whole room burst into laughter.

The ones who laughed the loudest were naturally Jeremy Zimmer, Peter Benedek and David Kramer.

He only twitched the corner of his mouth, and it was Jim Berkus who sat calmly.

"Ms. Guo, they only do marketing and media activities related to green plants, and are not responsible for sales." Chris Day, the smooth communications director, helped Karen smooth things over with a smile, "But I think I can get you a few 420s.

sweatshirt."

"I have a wardrobe of clothes with this theme at home."

Karen Guo waved her hands nonchalantly, then smiled apologetically at Jim Berkus and said softly.

"Sorry, Mr. Chairman, you shouldn't joke on such an occasion... Please move on to the next topic."

"Ah, yes." Jim Berkus licked his lower lip, looking a little uncontrollably irritable, "Let's ask Andrew to continue to discuss the next topic."

"Okay, Mr. Chairman."

With his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, Andrew To quickly pulled himself back from space.

"Let me continue to report to the directors on the company's latest quarter."

“We are preparing a gallery called UTA Artist Space at 403 Fort Hill Road. The company’s advanced art department will display a series of paintings by UTA’s agency clients here. It will not only provide a more customized exhibition hall for our artists, but also

It also allows us to break away from the shackles of traditional galleries and talk directly to consumers.”

"The news came back from the London office that they have reached an agreement with Michael Osindeyan, an executive of Facebook's UK office, and Jamie Leeming of Capitol Records' London branch. The two will join UTA's London office at the end of the year and be responsible for the company's international clients.

Digital marketing work in the UK and Europe. At our headquarters, we will continue to support the strategic decisions of our British colleagues."

"An important music client that we represent in all aspects, Kanye West, recently signed a management contract with Scooter Braun. It is said to be a management contract, but it is actually a relatively loose consulting agreement. However, after

The work needs to be promoted by us together with the team of SB Projects. The preparations for the Saint Pablo Tour are in progress in an orderly manner. This will be one of our biggest tour concerts of the year, especially at the Inglewood Forum Arena.

Three shows are expected to become the benchmark for live entertainment in LA this year."

"In February, our senior partner Lisa Jacobson left the company to start her own business. We will always remember and be grateful for Ms. Jacobson's 21 years of dedication. UTA's brand department will not be affected in any way.

, on the contrary, we will continue to cooperate with Ms. Jacobson in various fields to strive for better exposure and publicity opportunities for our customers..."

"Sonam Kapoor, one of the most famous actresses in Bollywood, has just signed an international agency agreement with us, which is our first step in the Indian film industry..."

In the following forty minutes, Andrew Tow fully and clearly recited the important actions of the United Artist Management Company in various sectors to the directors present.

Taking notes carefully, Han Yi listened extremely carefully. When he made up his mind to acquire UTA, he mainly valued the company's strong influence in Hollywood, especially in the music field, and its reputation as one of the "four major entertainment agencies in the world".

A golden sign will bring you status and reputation blessing.

Only now does he have a broader understanding of the brokerage institution in which he holds 41% of the shares.

United Artists Agency is by no means just an entertainment agency that helps artists find performances and film appointments.

Up to now, UTA, firmly ranked among the top three in the brokerage industry, has become a full ecological chain media giant ship loaded with various customers and various businesses.

From music to comedy, from movies to news, from high-end art to e-sports, it can be said that the active presence of United Artists Agency behind the scenes can be seen in various cultural activities in modern human society.

This company should never be just a springboard for me to join the music industry.

It itself is a majestic and magnificent Roman city.

All roads extending from it lead to the entire Roman Republic.

If you want to turn a republic into an empire, the first thing you have to do is turn this eternal city into your own territory.

"Mr. Seuss, please present the business progress of the television, radio, news, and cultural sectors to the board of directors."

"Okay, thank you Andrew, first of all, in the field of television literature, we will welcome a heavyweight, Lina Brannen, who will leave Gersh Agency and is expected to join us at the beginning of next month..."

"Mr. Kramer, please report the business in the film, comedy, distribution and exhibition sectors."

"Of course, Andrew, first of all, in the field of film and television agencies, Sofia Vigra has confirmed that she will leave CAA and sign an agency contract with us. The entire agency case is expected to be completed by the end of July. In addition, colleagues in the film and television department are working with Rob from WME -

Carlson Contact…”

"Mr. Warnock, it's your turn."

"Thank you, Andrew. Ladies and gentlemen, the music sector had a great season last quarter, with Chris Brown, DJ Khaled, and two managers from Nashville, Curt Motley and Toby Keith.

People have joined us one after another, and the music department has never been like this..."

The reports from the business leaders of each core segment were still ringing in his ears, but Han Yi's eyes had gradually lost focus.

Such a complex business line, such a huge department structure...

How can we make this company truly obey our orders?

Can my plan proceed smoothly according to the expected route?

Han Yi bit the holder of the black rollerball pen, his eyes passing over the faces of Jeremy Zimmer, Peter Benedek and Jim Burkus one by one.

None of them looked back, but Han Yi knew that they must have felt his gaze.

In the next few years, it will all depend on how these three giants who have just made their first bet will decide whether it will be a joint vertical or horizontal horizontal alliance, a great victory at Alesia, or a meeting of Pompeii Guria.

(End of chapter)