From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

A chain of events, each linked to the last.

Matt was one hundred percent certain that none of what was happening before him had been pre-planned.

The reason was simple: even he himself had only finalized the decision to visit Anson today at the very end of an all-night meeting, aiming to intercept him before he went to the film set; the Wood brothers would naturally have been even less aware.

This meant that everything happening before them was entirely impromptu.

However, this precisely proved the Wood brothers' capabilities – not only were they quick-witted and intelligent, but also decisive and courageous; this kind of boldness was truly impressive.

What was Forest Pictures' first Hollywood production again?

"Walk the Line."

Yes, that was the one.

In an instant, Matt's brain began to work at high speed.

Lucas wasn't anxious, but maintained a steady pace.

"We should have prepared a portfolio, oh, I forgot, we don't have any works yet. The only thing we have, and the only thing we can rely on, is Anson Wood."

"By the way, do you know Anson Wood's work?"

"'Catch Me If You Can,' 'The Butterfly Effect,' 'Elephant' – the marketing plans for these three films. Currently, the global box office for all three has exceeded one hundred million dollars."

He was serious, more serious than ever, but his words also revealed a hint of jest.

Entering work mode, Lucas easily took control of the conversation's rhythm.

Matt hadn't initially cared, but he still revealed a slight look of surprise, "'Elephant'? That Palme d'Or winner?"

Lucas nodded, "I know, that achievement is incredible; but Anson just has that kind of ability. Hollywood calls him the Midas touch."

Beside him, Anson looked completely focused, as if Lucas was discussing someone else entirely, wearing a look of listening to a story.

The Wood brothers' back-and-forth made Matt unable to hold back a laugh.

"Impressive, impressive." Matt politely applauded, "Although very excellent, it's a pity that our company is most confident in its creative department, so we don't need support for the time being."

Polite, but decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.

Matt flatly rejected the proposal.

Lucas was slightly surprised. Matt's attitude meant there was no room for discussion, even though he was currently negotiating with Anson; one matter was separate from another.

A small detail was enough to see this company's corporate culture.

Lucas wasn't discouraged; instead, he became interested in this company's creative department.

Anson wasn't surprised. Looking at Apple's later development trajectory, at least when Steve Jobs was alive, creativity and innovation were this company's core competitiveness.

Until Steve Jobs passed away due to illness, after that was another story.

Anson revealed a smile, seamlessly taking over the topic from Lucas.

"Yes, I believe your words."

"In fact, perhaps it is Forest Pictures that needs creative support instead."

Matt was puzzled, and he looked at Anson with a curious expression.

Anson, "We can insert Apple products into all of Forest Pictures' contemporary works, your entire product line, infiltrating the characters and scenes, subtly creating a brand effect, allowing Apple products to continuously enter the minds of the general public, deeply rooted."

"Apple is not just a computer; it is a brand, an image, even a lifestyle. We can shape this image through Forest Pictures' film works as part of brand promotion."

His words sounded high-sounding.

But breaking them down and examining them carefully, the essence was hoping that Apple would provide sponsorship.

This request seemed much more practical.

In essence, this was soft advertising.

Imagine, in "The Matrix," Keanu Reeves uses an Apple computer to save the world. Countless movie fans, after watching the movie, will naturally make associations, and then form a brand effect.

In the long river of film history, the most successful brand placement belongs to the 007 series—

Aston Martin.

This car has been deeply tied to James Bond's image, making people yearn for it. Even Anson's first luxury car was an Aston Martin.

However, what truly interested Matt was the underlying essence:

Matt invited Anson to cooperate with iTunes, the two completing image bonding.

Anson invited Apple to cooperate with Forest Pictures, completing product placement.

"Perhaps, we can try a trial cooperation to see how it goes, try it once or twice."

"Subsequently, we can develop long-term cooperation, not only product placement, but we can also jointly develop TV series or film projects, and Apple can choose projects it is interested in to invest in."

One step further!

Recently, Lucas has been trying to introduce more funds, maintaining Forest Pictures' independence while striving for more operating funds.

Now that he had someone offering themselves, Lucas would naturally not easily miss it.

Matt was dumbfounded—

Movies? TV series?

God!

They were just joking that Apple wasn't a record company at all, just a music player, providing an online playback platform.

And now, they were actually directly entering the field of original entertainment content for film and television?

No, no, no, impossible.

Matt couldn't imagine that Apple would one day start making movies and TV series.

This whole thing was really too absurd, even just imagining it in his mind, it was still unbelievable—

They were a computer company, okay?

For a moment, Matt was shocked. He thought he was crazy enough, but in front of the Wood brothers, he still had to admit defeat.

However, Matt was smart and didn't get caught up in the Wood brothers' conversational rhythm, but broke away from the topic and regained his composure.

"This is completely another matter, a completely different matter."

"One thing at a time. We are currently discussing music cooperation."

Without affirming or denying, or even making any jokes or complaints, Matt pulled the topic back in the midst of the storm.

However, Anson had a smile on his face.

"Before today, I also didn't expect that Apple would come to me to cooperate on music matters. I think, maybe we should open up the possibilities."

"Everything is possible, after all."

Matt was once again outmaneuvered, and his eyes showed a little more appreciation when he looked at Anson—

Today's gains were truly considerable.

But this time, Anson didn't wait for Matt to respond, but changed the subject and continued.

"However, I agree with your statement that we don't need to rush for quick results. Things should come step by step, so let's talk about music cooperation."

"You should know that between our cooperation, there is also Warner Records, right?"

Matt smiled, the smile in his eyes particularly bright, "If you say that, does it mean you have agreed to cooperate?"

Matt didn't respond to Anson, but cut into the topic from another angle.

Anson directly chuckled, "No." The straightforward denial stunned Matt, "As I said, you need to convince Warner Records first."

Obviously, Anson was also a tough nut to crack.