My teacher is Bruce Lee, who dominated Hollywood.

Chapter 163 The Little Mermaid

Seeing the undisguised anticipation in Calder Walker's eyes, Qin Han smiled slightly.

This president could not possibly realize that he was fully aware of the predicament Disney was currently facing.

The olive branch that Walker offered was extremely valuable.

This is tantamount to announcing to the entire Hollywood that the proud Disney animation empire is willing to open the door to its core business to an independent production company that has been established for less than six months.

He certainly understood what Walker was really craving:

The control over subject matter and the grasp of public sentiment demonstrated by Hans Films in films such as "Enter the Dragon," "Jaws," and "Rocky" are precisely what Disney, currently mired in "copycat mode," desperately lacks.

What Walker needs is not funding or distribution channels, but a "super brain" that can help him find a wider audience without shattering the fairytale image.

Now that the other party has put their sincerity on the table, Qin Han naturally wouldn't let go of the opportunity to board this super-giant ship.

Although Disney has hit a deadlock in content creation, its global distribution network, the monetization capabilities of its theme parks, and its unshakeable monopoly in the family entertainment market are a treasure that any studio would envy.

He was prepared to throw out a sufficiently substantial offer to test Walker's limits in the collaboration.

Lowering my eyes, the memory bank in my mind started working at high speed again:

In the "Renaissance" era that Disney will rely on for its future turnaround, there are two absolute masterpieces that cannot be ignored—"The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King".

These two films pulled Disney out of the mire of the 0s and propelled it back to the pinnacle of global box office success.

Qin Han immediately thought of The Lion King.

It is a grand story, with its core derived from Shakespeare's Hamlet, while also perfectly incorporating the epic tales of Moses' Exodus from Egypt and Joseph's story from the Bible.

Betrayal, revenge, responsibility, and the endless cycle of reincarnation —

This theme, set in the early 1990s when the economy was booming and society was filled with optimism, ignited the viewing enthusiasm across the United States!

But what is America like now?

In the bewildering and pessimistic 1970s, how about telling an epic story about the restoration of monarchy and the heavy cross of fate to an audience who were worried about their bills every day?

It's too heavy—

Even more critical is the technological barrier.

The most breathtaking scene in The Lion King: Simba is trapped in the middle of a canyon, and thousands of frightened wildebeests pour down from above the valley like a raging torrent, raising a cloud of dust that blots out the sky.

That two-and-a-half-minute shot took Disney's computer effects team three whole years in the early 1990s to write a completely new collision program to achieve.

If this were in 1973 —

Without computer assistance, relying entirely on manual drawing frame by frame? That would require hundreds of top-tier animators working for five years without eating or drinking!

The cost of burning the incinerator would be enough to give the shrewd and calculating Card Walker a heart attack on the spot.

Having ruled out The Lion King, the answer is obvious—The Little Mermaid!

A story about a red-haired girl who yearns for the unknown world and dares to break the rules in pursuit of love.

Sunshine, ocean, wondrous marine life, a lighthearted and humorous atmosphere, and a happy ending.

This is the "mental analgesic" that American society urgently needs right now.

Moreover, adapting Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tales perfectly aligns with Card Walker's conservative business strategy and will not cross Disney's "family entertainment" red line.

Technically, with Disney's existing hand-drawn animation team, presenting the crystal-clear light and shadow effects of the underwater world is entirely within their capabilities.

Having sorted out his thoughts, Qin Han raised his head and met Walker's still expectant gaze.

"Mr. Walker, I must admit, your offer is very tempting."

He gently placed the coffee cup on the coffee table, leaning forward slightly to close the distance between them: "In fact, I do have some ideas about animated films. Since you've shown such great interest, we can certainly have an in-depth discussion."

Kad Walker visibly relaxed a little, immediately made a "please" gesture, and his eyes became extremely focused, like a traveler searching for water in the desert.

"Before discussing specific topics, we must first clarify a core issue."

Looking back at Disney's illustrious history, from Snow White to Sleeping Beauty, what exactly forms the foundation of this vast empire?

Walker instinctively replied, "Beautiful visuals, a story suitable for all ages, and—Walt's unparalleled imagination."

"Imagination is irreplaceable, Mr. Walker. It's the privilege of geniuses." Qin Han bluntly pointed out Disney's current weakness, and then gave his own answer.

"In my opinion, Disney animation's greatest competitive advantage lies in the perfect combination of its exceptional animation capabilities and exquisite musical scores."

"Think back carefully, when the audience leaves the theater, they may not remember how many small animals appeared in the forest, but they will definitely hum the melodies from the movie."

"It is the music that gives those two-dimensional lines a true soul, allowing the emotions to continue to linger after the film ends."

Walker nodded in deep agreement.

As a manager, he was well aware of the enormous contribution of soundtrack sales to Disney's revenue.

"But Qin," he frowned slightly, expressing his confusion, "music is indeed important. But what about the subject matter? We've always been adapting classic fairy tales; it's our tradition."

"But today's audience, especially young people who have entered adolescence, seems to think that stories of princesses and princes are too childish and are abandoning us in droves."

This is also Disney's biggest anxiety right now.

As the generation that watched "Snow White" grew up, they were no longer satisfied with simple good versus evil, and instead turned to movies like "The Godfather" that were full of the painful realities of life.

"The same ingredients, cooked in a different way, can create a completely new and delicious meal."

Qin Han began to patiently guide this CEO who was stuck in a fixed mindset.

"We don't need to abandon fairy tales as our core foundation; that's Disney's safety net. But we can change the way we present them. Let me think—that's it, The Little Mermaid!"

"The female protagonist, as a mermaid, is no longer a weak princess passively waiting for a prince to rescue her, but a modern girl with rebellious tendencies, full of curiosity, and daring to stand up to her elders!"

"Replace the music with a more infectious pop style, and stop using the old-fashioned, dull symphonic music!"

His voice was vividly evocative, sketching out the future in the quiet office.

"Imagine a crab singing Caribbean reggae, using the most passionate and unrestrained rhythm to set the stage for a romantic love story;"

"A sinister witch, exuding an air of oppression yet brimming with dark humor, sings a soul song—"

"We can completely break down age barriers, not only retaining children, but also bringing young people who think Disney is outdated back to the cinema."

Kad Walker's breathing began to quicken.

The idea described by Qin Han is like suddenly breaking open a window in a long-closed, dull room, letting in a breath of fresh air.

A rebellious teenager? Pop music style? Underwater fantasy?

This retains the essence of Disney's "family-friendly fairy tales" while perfectly catering to the psychological needs of contemporary young people who pursue individuality and yearn for self-expression!

"This is simply—absolutely wonderful." Walker couldn't help but exclaim, already imagining the scene of the soundtrack vinyl record selling like hotcakes.

But soon, he realized a real problem.

"Qin, your concept is impeccable. But you also mentioned that this subversive effect is extremely dependent on the quality of the music."

He humbly sought advice from the young man before him: "Disney's music department is accustomed to traditional orchestral scores. They want to create the kind of musical score you're describing—"

"Where should we look for a production team like this?"

The fish has taken the bait!

A glint of light flashed in Qin Han's eyes; he had been waiting for this moment when Walker would expose the lack of talent within the company.

To gain control over the core narrative of a project, it is essential to control the most critical production factors.

"Where is the true temple of American musical arts? Mr. Walker, who can tell stories with melodies and shape characters with lyrics, is a master that can only be born in one place in the world."

"New York. Broadway!"

Upon hearing the words "Broadway," Walker paused for a moment, then frowned slightly.

"Broadway creators are indeed top-notch. But as far as I know, those guys in the theater world are all incredibly arrogant; they consider themselves high art and have always looked down on the Hollywood film industry, let alone writing songs for an animated film 'for kids.'"

"That might have been the case in the past." Qin Han let out a cold laugh, as if mocking the ridiculous arrogance of those artists.

"But it's 1973 now. Mr. Walker, how long has it been since you last visited New York?"

Walker shook his head, somewhat bewildered.

Disney's business focus has always been on its parks on the West Coast and in Florida, and it certainly lacks an understanding of the current state of the steel jungle on the East Coast.

"If you were walking the streets of Manhattan right now, you would see that once glorious city is sliding into the abyss of bankruptcy."

"Due to a severe budget deficit, New York City Hall has laid off a large number of police officers and sanitation workers. Garbage is piling up on street corners, and the law and order are completely out of control."

Have you heard of Hell's Kitchen? That dangerous area is spreading like a malignant tumor, already approaching Broadway's theater district.

"Imagine a middle-class family dressed in elegant evening gowns walking out of the back door of a theater, only to find themselves surrounded by drug addicts wielding switchblades and gangs of street thugs."

"Do you think they'd still dare to go out at night to see those highbrow plays?"

Walker's face immediately lit up with excitement: "Without the middle class, the most important consumer group, Broadway's box office will definitely experience a precipitous drop."

"With theaters closed and shows suspended, countless talented composers and lyricists are facing unemployment."

Qin Han nodded: "That's right! In the face of hunger and bankruptcy, so-called artistic highbrows are worthless."

"If Disney were to appear in New York at this point with a project brimming with potential, do you think those once-arrogant Broadway geniuses would continue to starve themselves and uphold their highbrow culture?"

"Or will they grasp at this like a lifeline and pour all their talents into us?"

Walker's thinking was finally completely opened by Qin Han's words!

Brilliant! Buying at the bottom—that's the most exhilarating phrase in business!

Taking advantage of Broadway's dark period of decline, they acquired creators who represent the highest level of American musical theatre at a very low cost!

It not only solves the problem of outdated music styles, but it's also an incredibly cost-effective deal!

The way Kad Walker looked at Qin Han completely changed.

If before he only thought this young man was an excellent producer, now he was certain that the person sitting in front of him was a top strategist with a deep understanding of business operations and a keen eye for opportunity.

"Qin, it turns out that Hans Pictures is the ally Disney needs most right now." Walker made no attempt to hide his excitement.

"Disney is very, very interested in the story outline of that rebellious mermaid and the underwater world. I hope to see even just a preliminary script outline as soon as possible."

"As for recruiting Broadway music groups in New York, if you'd like, Disney will entrust Hans Pictures as its representative to make those contacts. Budget-wise, it will be absolutely expedited."

Qin Han nodded slightly, accepting Disney's offer.

He will definitely go to New York.

Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the future musical giants of "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast," were currently struggling in cheap theaters off Broadway.

We must find these two geniuses immediately!

However, today's perfect negotiations still need to be finalized with one decisive move.

"Hans Pictures is honored to be able to help Disney during this special time. Leave the Broadway stuff to me."

Qin Han straightened his suit collar, stood up from the large leather sofa, and prepared to end this fruitful meeting.

"By the way, Mr. Walker. Regarding the promotion of the soundtrack for this animated film, if everything goes smoothly, Han's Pictures might be able to offer a small favor."

"Oh? Qin, you always manage to surprise me!" Walker was now filled with anticipation for every word Qin Han said.

"I'm thinking that if a major animated film announcing Disney's return to its former glory could feature a sufficiently powerful voice in its title track, it would be a huge boost to both box office revenue and record sales."

"You should still remember our listing ceremony, right?"

"I think if Elvis Presley sang a romantic underwater love song for Disney, movie fans and music fans all over the United States would go crazy."

Kad Walker was at a loss for what expression to make!

By the way, Elvis Presley! His exclusive agency rights are held by Han's Film Company!

Disney animation + top Broadway music + Elvis Presley singing the theme song?

Walker suddenly felt that the moment when he would surpass his predecessors might be just around the corner!