Reborn Capital Madman

The offices of Gao Xian's companies in the United States are scattered in Los Angeles and San Francisco on the West Coast, New York on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast.

Furthermore, Gao Xian's main activities in the United States are basically traveling to these four cities, plus a peanut stew in the capital of the United States.

Among them, the Houston office mainly handles energy investments, the New York office mainly handles financial investments, and the San Francisco office mainly handles high-tech investments. Because the Los Angeles office was the earliest place where Gao Xian’s business tentacles extended into the United States, the matters handled are also

At most, it includes investment in Hollywood, traditional industries and other fields, and the Gao Medical Research Institute is also placed here.

In this way, it was very convenient for Edward Cox and Tricia to attend the celebration party for "Jaws". They could just change into their clothes, get in the car and leave.

Although Nixon has fallen from power in disgrace, and Edward Cox and Tricia no longer have the halo of being members of the first family of the United States, the couple still has a reputation in upper-class social circles. After all, it is impossible to be knowledgeable.

leave.

Because of this, Edward Cox and Tricia quickly noticed what was different about this celebration party, that is, not only were stars gathered, but also big names gathered, in addition to Paramount CEO Barry Dee

In addition to Charles Bludorn, the boss of Gulf Western Industries, Paramount's parent company, attending as a matter of course, there were also Universal Pictures CEO Sid Sheinberg, MGM boss Cork?

Kerkorian and other heavyweights.

"Currently, these three companies have a close cooperative relationship in film distribution." Gao Xian explained smoothly when he separated from Edward Cox and Tricia.

At this stage, Hollywood film companies usually treat the area from Canada in the north to the Caribbean in the south as a domestic market, while the rest of the world is regarded as a market outside the United States.

On the other hand, the overall sluggish situation in Hollywood has not only caused cost pressure on Hollywood companies, but also reduced the supervision of Hollywood monopoly operations.

Under this circumstance, Paramount and Universal Pictures took the lead in integrating their film distribution businesses outside markets such as the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, and established Xinyi International Film Company.

As for MGM, it was because after it fell into the hands of Kirk Kerkorian, its business center turned to the real estate and casino business in Las Vegas, constantly neglecting the film industry, and thus the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean

Film distribution in these markets in Haiti is handed over to United Artists, and film distribution in other markets is handed over to Xinyi International Film Company.

By the way, Xinyi International Film Company's operations in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and other Asian markets will definitely rely on the resources of Shanghua Culture and Golden Harvest.

Of course, the main reason why Sid Sheinberg and Kirk Kerkorian appeared on this occasion coincidentally was that the project "Jaws" was so profitable that it shocked them so much that they were attracted to it.

I came here and wanted to find a way to make a fortune through contact with Gao Xian, the man behind the scenes.

As a thriller movie, "Jaws" did not invite any Hollywood stars to attract attention in the cast, which means that the production cost is relatively considerable for this era, reaching 10 million US dollars, and it was still paid to the previously famous actors.

The unknown Spielberg went to direct.

In this regard, the entertainment media believes that personal relationships play a crucial role. When Gao Xian was kidnapped by the symbiotic guerrillas, he was with a large number of Hollywood celebrities including George Lucas and Spielberg.

It’s no secret that when filmmakers work together, they have a friendship that emerges from adversity.

When the production of "Jaws" was completed, the subsequent marketing operations seemed to confirm the important role of personal relationships. "Jaws" received an exaggerated marketing promotion budget of two million US dollars.

What does this huge marketing and promotion budget mean?

In terms of national television advertising alone, from three days before the release of the movie "Jaws" to three days after the release, for a total of one week, television stations aired 25 to 30 seconds of prime-time spots in the evening.

"Jaws" movie commercial.

Furthermore, the irrational operation under loyalty allowed "Jaws" to create a new and successful method of film distribution.

You know, for a long time, the usual practice of large Hollywood studios to release films is to first open them in a few big city theaters and hold a series of premieres; then distributors will slowly follow up and

Prints of the film were gradually spread throughout the United States, taking advantage of any market opportunities created by positive professional reviews and audience reaction.

In other words, the "old script" in which Hollywood blockbusters will be fully launched in theaters decades later seems too radical at this stage. No one dares to play such a big game, even if it is so steady.

Box office poison cannot be completely avoided.

When "Jaws" was officially released in the United States, it was immediately spread to more than 900 movie theaters. Coupled with overwhelming marketing advertising and pervasive peripheral development, this whole set of combinations can be described as unheard of and unheard of.

However, the Hollywood elites who are shrewd to the core were dumbfounded.

After Gao Xian appeared at the celebration banquet, Sid Sheinberg, Kirk Kerkorian and others all sincerely complimented his investment strategy.

Gao Xian said in a good mood: "My idea is certainly important, but the specific execution process by Barry and Steven is even more important."

Seeing that Gao Xian was flawlessly vague about the secret of investment success, Sid Sheinberg asked in a roundabout way: "What kind of movies does David think will be favored by the market in the future?"

This time Gao Xian told the story frankly: "As mankind enters the space age, various aircraft continue to fly out of the earth, towards the moon, and even further to Mars and Jupiter, in order to search for aliens. Whether it is the audience or the producer,

We are all very interested in science fiction movies, and I think this direction should be worth trying. Doesn’t Steven intend to make a science fiction movie?”

Gao Xian turned his eyes to Spielberg, "Of course, it depends on whether Steven can be busy. After all, "Jaws" is so successful, you must have already made plans for a sequel or even a third one."

.”

Everyone present laughed tacitly. Of course, we must make good use of this Jaws fever and squeeze out every ounce of commercial value.

To be honest, the box office and peripheral income of "Jaws" has already made Gao Xian satisfied enough that he has little interest in how to divide the cake of the sequel of "Jaws". He might as well make it based on the IP of "Jaws"

Make video games attractive.

There is no doubt that Charles Bludorn did not want outsiders like Sid Sheinberg to find any successful way to make a fortune from Gao Xian. He concluded the topic by saying: "Speaking of which, as long as you dare to bet, "

The operating model of "Jaws" is not irreproducible."

Gao Xian nodded tirelessly and agreed: "That's true. I believe in Steven's directorial skills, and Charles and Barry believe in my judgment, so they made the right bet!"

"I think the success of "Jaws" should have opened up a blockbuster business model, and this type of operation will only become more and more common in the future."

Not to mention, Sid Sheinberg really understands these words. In the final analysis, the current situation in Hollywood is not good. If the commercial value of the film can be discovered in the most explosive and effective way, it will be safe.

, undoubtedly it couldn’t be better.

…

Charles Bludorn, Barry Diller, Sid Sheinberg, and Spielberg are all Jews. In the context of the celebration party, where the main goal is to win over Spielberg, the relationship between them

Natural topics are the most popular.

While Gao Xian was slightly alone, Kirk Kerkorian chatted with Gao Xian on a meaningful topic, "David, your investment in movies has been so successful, but it's a pity that you have to do it with Charles Bush."

Lu Donne shares the profits, have you ever thought about finding a platform that is entirely your own outside of Paramount?"

Gao Xian, who had not expected that Kirk Kerkorian could be so beguiling, was wary in his heart and asked calmly on the surface: "Do you have any better suggestions?"

Kirk Kerkorian smiled: "For example, buying my MGM movie business."

Gao Xian raised his eyebrows when he heard this, and thought to himself, is this old guy trying to trick him?

You know, after Kirk Kerkorian took over MGM in 1969 from Bronfman, the Canadian liquor tycoon, and Time Inc., which had not become a family with Warner at this stage, he began to extract the marrow.

The operations ranged from large-scale locations to small ones such as the pair of ruby-encrusted prop shoes in the movie "The Wizard of Oz". Everything that could be sold was sold. Shanghua Culture participated in the auction of its collections, which left a deep impression on Gao Xian.

As evidence, Kirk Kerkorian turned around and invested $120 million to build the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Now Kirk Kerkorian wants to plug in a loser like MGM. What else is it to dig a hole?

Gao Xian didn't answer and asked instead: "As far as I know, isn't MGM discussing a merger with 20th Century Fox?"

“It’s true that we have been talking for quite some time, but the conditions have never been reached.” Kirk Kerkorian shrugged, “David, I know, you must have heard some negative news about MGM.

"

"However, I must tell you a fact. When I accepted MGM, the company's losses exceeded US$60 million. Now, it has become a profit. However, my interest in the business is still lacking.

Casino in Vegas.”

Although Gao Xian did not doubt Kirk Kerkorian's revelations about his merits, he still could not arouse real interest because his current investment in Paramount was nothing more than wanting a complete Hollywood.

Resource platform, but MGM is now in such a state that it has produced a pitiful number of movies in the past few years, none with a budget of more than one million US dollars, and it seems that it has lost the value of the platform.

While Gao Xian was thinking, his eyes happened to meet those of Charles Bludorn, Barry Diller, Sid Sheinberg and others who had noticed Kirk Kerkorian whispering to him.

"Even partners who seem to have a good relationship at the moment are indispensable for the checks and balances of pressure." After this thought flashed through his mind, even though Gao Xian actually had little interest in MGM, he did not reject it without leaving any room.

"Please allow me to think it over carefully."

"It should, it should." Kirk Kerkorian nodded repeatedly with a smile on his face, "We can let the subordinates have a preliminary discussion first."

Gao Xian nodded and smiled calmly towards Charles Bludorn, who was walking towards him.

…

When Gao Xian arrived at Lucasfilm Studios in San Francisco, Northern California, to inspect the progress of the "Star Wars" project, the media broke the news that MGM, which had been involved in a merger scandal with 20th Century Fox, was currently in the process of

David Gaomeimu, who successfully invested in "Jaws".

"This old fox, Kirk Kerkorian, really knows how to use his strength to gain popularity." Gao Xian laughed and shook his head, "I guess he wants to raise funds again."

Zhou Wenyao said with some annoyance: "Kirko Kerkorian, isn't this creating a barrier between us and Paramount?"

"It doesn't matter, I have already mentioned this matter to Charles Bludorn." Gao Xian said leisurely: "Actually, it is not a bad thing to let our partners understand that we have many choices."

Zhou Wenyao asked again: "The San Francisco Observer wants to inquire about our attitude on this matter. Do we need to give them a formal reply?"

"Then take care of the Hearst Group's business." Gao Xian nodded, "Just say that we and Kirk Kerkorian can't come to an agreement on the MGM brand."

Zhou Wenyao immediately understood that his boss was taking advantage of Kirk Kerkorian, because he had been busy with the Las Vegas casino business for several years, and it was currently impossible to completely separate from the MGM brand and then acquire it.

MGM's film business has also been unable to make substantial progress.

…

After telling Zhou Wenyao how to deal with it, Gao Xian stopped paying attention to the media's shouting and took a serious look at the work progress of George Lucas.

When it comes to wooing Hollywood filmmakers like George Lucas and Spielberg, Gao Xian plays the trick of congeniality and bundling interests.

Needless to say, George Lucas is shrewd. He has not even ignored the peripheral development value of "Star Wars". However, Gao Xian, the big financier, behaves very generously and makes everything easy to discuss. Anyway, one thing is that "Star Wars"

IP, whether it is a trilogy or more series, cannot escape his grasp.

The progress of the "Star Wars" project is quite satisfactory to Gao Xian, and he further joked: "By then, the scale of theaters showing "Star Wars" should exceed that of "Jaws" this year."

George Lucas said yearningly: "As long as I don't disappoint David."

While they were chatting happily, Zhou Wenyao hurriedly came to report the news in person, "The news just came from Xiangjiang. Hutchison's financial crisis broke out. Shareholders, creditors, and banks are preparing to hold a meeting. Boss, do you want to go back?"

One trip?”

PS: The third volume "The Rise of Hong Kong" is over, and the next volume is "Chasing the Deer in Hong Kong".