Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Paramount CEO, got Fox job!"

Today's New York Times, on the front page of the business news, is the news that former Paramount chairman and CEO, Barry Diller, resigned and went to work at 20th Century Fox.

The report enumerates the many critically acclaimed films that Diller filmed during his time at Paramount, such as "Ordinary People", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Flashdance" and so on.

This time he resigned, not only from his position at Paramount, but also as president of Paramount's parent company, Gulf Western, and a series of part-time positions at Simon \u0026 Schuster Publishing.

The compensation for giving up all this is his transcendent status at 20th Century Fox. Fox's boss, oil tycoon Marvin Davis, would give Barry Diller a junior partner position, at least 10 percent of the stock, and no less than his annual salary of no less than $2.5 million at Paramount. .

Barry Diller will take up his new role on September 30th.

Forty-two-year-old Paramount president Michael Eisner, and thirty-three-year-old production executive Jeff Katzenberg, flew to New York this afternoon to meet Martin Day, president of Paramount parent company Overseas West. Weiss interview.

The two of them are rumored to be the most popular candidates to take over Barry Diller's position. Paramount is also looking to reshuffle executive positions, although Gulf Western has said that Barry Diller's position and responsibility will likely be taken over by multiple different people.

Martin Davis said that new management will be announced in the near future. And he said he had not heard of Barry Diller's intention to resign before Monday night.

"Mr. Eisner is currently busy trying to gain more power in the high-level reshuffle. He will discuss your new movie with you as soon as possible after successfully taking over as CEO."

Agent Niceta relayed Eisner's idea. Barry Diller resigned suddenly, he and Katzenberg were caught off guard. The most important thing now was to get the approval of Gulf West President Martin Davis.

There were also rumors that Katzenberg wanted to serve as president of the newly formed Tri-Star Corporation, and Eisner was convincing him to stay with him at Paramount.

"I didn't expect the salaries of their executives to be so high." Ronald was very interested in the annual salary of former Paramount President Diller disclosed by the newspaper. The annual salary plus bonuses was actually US$2.5 million. Fox will still get 10% of the shares in the future. They, the executives, do nothing but sit and take money. They are the people in this industry who make the easiest money.

"Hey, your income is considered very good among directors." Niceta said happily,

He drove Ronald himself to the Cannon Company. Today was the day Minahan announced the first "Break Dance" dividend.

"Our movie, Break Dance, has already exceeded 75 million at the box office in the American market alone. Facts have proven that our Cannon can make a lot of money in the film business!" Minahan suddenly said Wave!

"Ouch!" The employees shouted happily.

When I entered Cannon's office, I heard Minahan holding a staff meeting. Minahan was on the stage in the screening room, holding a microphone and loudly announcing the good news to his employees.

"We will give everyone a special bonus soon. In the days to come, we will shoot more and better movies. We will also strive for Oscar and Golden Globe nominations."

"Bah bang bang!" The employees heard the bonus and clapped quickly.

"Next, we will go forward in two directions. On the one hand, we will shoot more commercial blockbusters. We have already found Bruce Lee's partner, Chuck Norris, to continue shooting commercial movies. On the other hand, we have also found Andre Lieutenant Goncharovsky, making art films..."

Minahan chattered to the staff for twenty minutes before he finally saw Ronald arrive. He handed the microphone to his subordinate and happily pulled Ronald to the conference room.

"Your accountant has arrived, Lawrence, Lawrence," Minahan called the name of Ronald's accountant who had arrived earlier.

"Have you finished reconciling the accounts?"

"It's done," Lawrence said with a smile on his face. This time the dividend was more than he expected.

As of now, America's box office total is just over $75 million, and is expected to exceed $80 million.

Excluding the 37 million box office released by MGM, Cannon itself released close to 40 million.

The total gross profit attributed to the producers and distributors is about 30 million. Excluding the distribution costs shared by MGM, the copy production costs of Cannon Pictures, and the costs of on-site marketing materials. The final profit available for distribution was 15 million.

According to the director's contract, Ronald can get a bonus of 10%, which is 1.5 million US dollars.

This money is just a profit on the books, and all the box office revenue will be recovered until next year. Minahan certainly won't let this long debt period prevent him from investing in other films.

He used this income as a guarantee to receive a low-interest loan of US$10 million from a Belgian bank. Today is the first dividend, and Ronald can get half of the entire dividend amount, which is US$750,000.

In addition, the sales situation of "break dancing" overseas is gratifying, because break dancing appeared in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, and more than 200 million viewers around the world were fascinated by this dance. Various countries have purchased many additional copies of the film.

According to the pre-agreed share ratio, Ronald can get 1% of the income from the sale of all overseas copies, which is 400,000 US dollars.

Ronald was overjoyed with the total income of US$1.15 million. It was the first time he ever made more than $1 million from a movie in one go.

"Your friend Miss Jodie Foster has called. I asked her to come for the audition. We still follow the old rules and let Goncharowski make his own decision. In addition, the filming of the sequel to Breakdancing has been completed. Do you want it? Want to take a look?" Minahan had just enjoyed Ronald's happiness of counting money, so he didn't ask him to talk more. After explaining a few words, he ordered the driver to send Ronald and his group back.

He quickly wrote checks to his agent, accountant, lawyer and others. He still had more than 900,000 US dollars left, and Ronald felt that he could indulge himself a little.

"I want to buy a house in Los Angeles so that I don't have to rent a house when I have social gatherings."

"Haha, it's easy to buy a house in Los Angeles, but it's not so easy to buy a house where you can invite people in your circle to a party." Niceta explained to Ronald with a smile.

In Hollywood, luxury homes are mainly distributed in three areas. One is the traditional Beverly Hills, where since the 1920s, the most powerful people have gathered in mansions. The richer the people, the closer they live to the top of the mountain.

The second area is Malibu. In addition to the typical sunny beaches of Southern California, there are also many strange rocks. It is an ideal choice for celebrities' vacation homes. Many people go there for vacation in the summer, but it is not suitable for year-round living.

The third area is mainly a gathering place for singles on Mulholland Drive. It's also famous for its wild parties. But since golden bachelors like Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, and Marlon Brando set the trend, housing prices here have also been driven up.

The cheapest small building in the three areas, suitable for parties, costs more than one million US dollars.

It's not that Ronald can't afford it, but he is unwilling to invest all his money in such a luxury house, nor is he willing to take out a mortgage. Instead, I want to use it to invest in film production, or simply buy some stocks and earn dividends.

"Well, I'll continue to rent. Find me a big house that is convenient for parties, with at least three living rooms, a three-car garage and a driver's house. The lawn, swimming pool, and tennis court must also be sound."

Niceta made an OK gesture to show that she understood, "Three garages? Are you planning to buy a new car?"

"Yes, Bud, my driver in New York, will be here soon. I want a good and suitable car with a car phone in the back and one where you can read and write in it. Driving by yourself is a waste of time."

"Then Mercedes-Benz is best for you. It has all the facilities you mentioned, the price is not very expensive, and the quality of German products is guaranteed," Niceta said. "With three garages, you still need to buy one." A sports car?"

Hollywood star actors and directors often buy a sports car as the first thing they do.

"Yeah, I want to see a Ferrari." Ronald remembered Jane Morgan's teachings. He couldn't let others look down on him, and he had to have a sports car worthy of his status.

"Welcome to Ferrari", a silver-haired salesman stopped Ronald and Niceta. He saw the two people's handmade suits and the Armani boat shoes on their feet, and he had a rough idea of ​​what model this customer could afford.

"Please let me recommend this 308 to you," he said, leading Ronald to an open-top Ferrari.

"This 308 was once used as the protagonist's car in the TV series Magnum. So Ferrari enthusiasts also call her Magnum. The lead actor Tom Selleck also drives this 308."

Ronald opened the door and got in. The driver's seat was slightly smaller.

The silver-haired salesperson helped him adjust the seat, "This is a compact Ferrari and the most suitable one for entry-level people. It is equipped with a 2.9-displacement V8 engine."

The salesperson turned on the headlights. The 308 has hidden headlights. The headlights popped out from the front of the car. He got into the passenger seat and said to Ronald, "Try?"

Ronald followed suit and drove out.

The engine screamed loudly, and Ronald drove around on the road, turned off the engine, and got out of the car.

"Do you have a bigger one?" Ronald felt that the driver's seat was not very comfortable. The price of this car was more than 35,000 US dollars. It was indeed very entry-level and well-known. It is of high quality and low price. Unfortunately, the space in the driver's seat was too small, making it uncomfortable for him to drive.

"Of course, look at this car"

The silver-haired salesman thought that Ronald disliked the car's small displacement, and immediately introduced him to the latest Ferrari testarossa.

This car has air intakes on both sides, and there is a shark fin-shaped air intake behind the door.

"The 4.9-displacement V12 engine can accelerate from 100 kilometers to 100 kilometers in just six seconds. It is also the car of Don Simpson, the protagonist of another TV series "Miami Vice."

Ronald looked around the testarossa. This car was larger than the 308 just now. The engine was a classic mid-mounted configuration. The whole car was square and full of power.

After sitting on it, the driver's seat was very spacious. Ronald turned the key and started the ignition and took a test drive. The power of this car is much better than before, and the sound is very wild. Ronald was a little unsure at first, but he quickly adapted and drove very well.

"This car is a bit too big and too muscular." Ronald drove the car back to the original spot. The engine of this car was very noisy when it was driven. If you open the window, you can't hear it clearly even if you are sitting in the passenger seat.

In addition, the straight lines at the front and rear were completely inconsistent with the streamlined design of traditional Ferrari cars like a female body, and Ronald was a little hesitant.

"Are there any models in between?"

The silver-haired salesman shook his head slowly. Although this person was personable, he was obviously an outsider in sports cars. For him, a 308 might be the most cost-effective option for him to go out with dignity. This testarossa sells for 67,000, which is a waste in the hands of people who don’t know how to appreciate it.

Any good engine or good design will be wasted in the hands of celebrities who don't understand cars.

"Vince, let this gentleman take a look at that parallel-imported car." The owner of the dealership came out from behind. He recognized Niceta, a customer who could be accompanied by this CAA gold medal agent. It must be something serious. Since he doesn't like these two cars, why not show him the car that was put aside after the customer went bankrupt after it was introduced.

"Okay, please follow me," the silver-haired salesman said with a look of pain on his face. It was specially designed and manufactured by Ferrari to participate in road GT events.

When we reached the corner behind, there was a red Ferrari parked quietly.

"Isn't this the same as the 308?" Ronald looked at the front face, which also had hidden headlights. Behind the door are two air intakes, where the body narrows like a woman's waist.

"No, he is unique." The silver-haired salesman stepped forward, opened the car door, and inserted the key. Then asked Ronald to go in and test the car.

Turning the key gently, Ronald heard a soft engine sound, as if a girl was speaking softly.

Extraordinary indeed. Ronald started the car and turned on the headlights. Opened slowly. The appearance of the front air intake of this car is somewhat similar to that of the 308, but the air intakes on both sides are much larger. Moreover, the sound of the engine is very soft, which is different from the sharp 308 and the violent testarossa.

As soon as he stepped on the accelerator, Ronald felt a difference. The car's accelerator response was very quick, and the engine sound was very soft, as if it didn't bother to reveal its power at this speed. Ronald continued to step on the accelerator.

"Woo..." The low engine is like a lady, humming softly with ease.

"I'm very satisfied. How much does this car cost?" Ronald drove the car back and asked the silver-haired salesman.

"This is the Ferrari GTO 288. Only more than 200 were built in the world."

The silver-haired salesperson stroked her gently, "Equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. There is also an air-to-air intercooler, which uses fuel injection. It is a longitudinal installation mode configured in a racing car, leaving space for the transmission rearward, so Wider tires can be installed for faster speeds.

Let me tell you, this is America’s fastest street-legal vehicle. Because only two hundred were built, they did not meet America's standards for imported cars and had to be imported in parallel by the company in the name of one car exclusively as a European property.

It happened that the owner's company that made the reservation went bankrupt and he had only been here for a few days. It was expected that it would be snapped up soon. "

"Okay, how much?" Ronald was inexplicably attracted to this GTO 288. Perhaps it was the gentle yet powerful feeling that resonated with him.

"The original price is 85,000 US dollars. After all the import procedures have been completed, the total is 95,000 US dollars. If you have a company, you can go through the transfer procedures immediately." The store owner came over and said.

"Is it too expensive?" Niceta knew that Ronald didn't spend much money on toys, so she wanted to bargain.

"It's her." Ronald liked it more and more. He took out his checkbook, signed it and handed it over.

"Please wait a moment, let me confirm." The store owner took the check and went to the backstage to call the bank to confirm.

"This is a beauty that needs a strong man to appreciate and a man with control to control her well." The silver-haired salesman came over to shake hands with Ronald and congratulate him on his vision.

"I will treat her well," Ronald nodded in agreement.

－－－－－－Digression－－－－－

Something delayed me today

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