Resource Tycoon Reborn

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, is the third most populous city in Tennessee. However, it only covers an area of ​​254 square kilometers and has a population of just over 180,000 people. If you put it in China, it has a larger population.

town, but it is the headquarters of Monarch Entertainment Group, the largest movie theater chain in the United States. As of January this year, Monarch Entertainment Group has nearly 560 movie theaters and more than 6,000 screens in North America.

, covering most states in the United States. Last year, the Emperor Entertainment Group had a total revenue of more than 2.63 billion U.S. dollars, which can be said to be outstanding among the others.

Chairman John Stockton is already fifty-four this year, which can be said to be in his prime. In the year 2000, he raised funds to acquire three bankrupt and liquidated movie theater companies in one fell swoop, and established the Emperor Entertainment Group Company.

Nowadays, Emperor Entertainment Group has become the largest cinema chain company in the United States and even North America, with an annual turnover of more than 2 billion US dollars. It can be said that it has a sufficient place in the American film industry. But for this achievement,

Stockton is still not satisfied. He hopes that his company's profits will be more generous and his cinema line territory will be larger!

He couldn't help but think of the Kagak Cinema Company, which sold 61% of its shares not long ago. If only he had been more resolute in his attitude towards the acquisition at that time, so as not to let others take the lead. The phone on the table rang.

, Stockton picked up the call smoothly. Anyone who can make this call directly is not an ordinary person.

"You said...'Fang' went to Los Angeles? He also wanted to attend the premiere of "The Cove"? Director Cameron also said he would attend the premiere?" Stockton exclaimed in surprise. "The Cove"

Of course he knew that it was produced by DreamWorks Film Company, but because it was a documentary, and because it contained scenes of animal slaughter, it was rated pg-13, and there were protests and secret operations from the Japanese, so Emperor Entertainment Group

The company only agreed to show the film in a small number of cinemas with less than a hundred screens, which is less than one-sixtieth of the total screens. As far as he knows, most of his peers in the industry have adopted the same attitude.

, only Kagak Cinema Line Co., Ltd. has 400 screens, accounting for nearly one-fifth of its total screens. It is the most among all cinema chain companies.

Stockton put down the phone and couldn't help but fell into deep thought. Although he knew that "Fang" was now the chairman and major shareholder of DreamWorks Pictures, the filming of "The Cove" received strong support from DreamWorks Pictures.

, and also announced that all the box office revenue received by DreamWorks Film Company would be donated. But he did not expect that "Fang" would actually attend its premiere in person!

Nowadays, Fang Mingyuan's status in the industry can be said to be rising rather than falling compared to before. Previously, it could be said that Hong Kong Kumho Film Group was shooting Western Hollywood-style films, mostly using Western backgrounds and Hollywood actors.

"Hero" and "The Crucible" have made people in the film industry know that Hong Kong Kumho Film Group can also produce oriental-style movies.

Especially "The Crucible", although in terms of global box office, it is a scum for Hong Kong Kumho Film Group. It is still far from the average box office of Hong Kong Kumho Film Group, but from the impact

In terms of power and profit margins, the results of "The Crucible" can be said to be incredible! A movie has affected a country, a government with a population of 50 million and an economic level that can be considered a developed country.

This changed the law! Such an achievement can leave a mark in the history of global movies! Moreover, the total investment of "The Crucible" was only 8 million US dollars, and the box office results were almost ten times the investment, considering its subject matter.

This yield is also very high!

As the largest movie theater chain in North America, Emperor Entertainment Group has a lot of dealings with Hong Kong Kumho Film Group. The films of Hong Kong Kumho Film Group are also its important profit points every year. Last year, Hong Kong Kumho Film Group

There are fewer major productions produced, and the revenue of Emperor Entertainment Group has declined compared with previous years.

Stockton pondered for a moment, then informed his female secretary to prepare for his trip to Los Angeles.

Fang Mingyuan is very busy. Even with the help of Zheng Jiayi, Uda Mitsuri and Guo Qing'er, he is still very busy. After learning that he came to Los Angeles, both people in the film industry and non-industry people came to compete from all over the United States.

Beverly Hills gathered together.

Fang Mingyuan had just sent Arnold off, and they had a pleasant conversation after not seeing each other for a long time. Fang Mingyuan once again reminded him to be careful about California's deficit problem and the possible economic crisis. Schwarzenegger said he would consider this carefully.

The two also talked about some economic cooperation issues between California, the Fang family, and Qinxi Province. Fang Mingyuan stood on the steps and watched Schwarzenegger's motorcade drive away, but the worry in his eyes did not diminish much. He only hoped that Shi

Wasinger really listened to his own reminder. Although to be honest, the front line of the subprime mortgage crisis has appeared and it is too late to do anything, but it is better to be prepared than unprepared. However, California

Many problems have been accumulated for a long time. The governor of California is not a position that can make final decisions on regional affairs. Schwarzenegger's governance is also subject to many constraints, so it is better not to have too high hopes for the effect.

But this is not completely useless. First of all, it can consolidate the relationship between the two parties. No matter how much Schwarzenegger believed just now, when the subprime mortgage crisis officially started, he owed Fang Mingyuan a huge favor.

Moreover, if Schwarzenegger can seize the opportunity, although the losses from the subprime mortgage crisis are inevitable, his status in California does not necessarily decline. Fang Mingyuan also needs him to become a strong

Governor, not lame governor.

"Jiayi, help me make arrangements to see when it is more appropriate to visit the University of Southern California and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles." Fang Mingyuan said to Zheng Jiayi, "By the way, the premiere of "The Cove" has already been held so far.

How many guests accepted the invitation?"

"Oh, I know." Zheng Jiayi thought for a moment and then continued, "If I remember correctly, more than 110 guests have already expressed their intention to attend the premiere of "Dolphin Cove". Among them, like Ke

Ruth, Hanks, Leonardo and others have all publicly expressed their opinions to the media."

"More than one hundred and ten guests? Well, that's not too few." Fang Mingyuan smiled and said, "Show me the list later." "The Cove" is a documentary after all, and DreamWorks' movie is destined to be on it.

You can't make money, so it's not necessary to make the premiere too grand. Moreover, if the premiere is very grand but the box office is pitifully small, it will be a slap in the face.

"Mingyuan, many Japanese are protesting against the release of "The Cove". They believe that dolphins are only one of human food, just like tuna and salmon, and killing dolphins does not violate Japanese law. Some of the Japanese government

Officials also claimed that there are different food traditions in Japan and around the world. These traditions have a long history. Although people in other places may feel uncomfortable, it is very important to respect and understand the food culture of each place.

"Zheng Jiayi said, "In the invited guest list, almost all Japanese and Japanese people in the industry have not agreed to attend. You said Guangli..."

Although Uda Mitsuri has been in the United States all year round, her nationality is still Japanese. Zheng Jiayi is a little worried. If no Japanese and Japanese people in the industry attend the premiere, if Uda Mitsuri appears, what will happen to her?

, will it cause strong dissatisfaction in Japan? Japanese society is now less and less tolerant of similar things.

"It is very important to respect and understand the food culture traditions of various places. I agree with this. But I want to ask, although food culture is very important, are the customs and cultures of various countries important? Moreover, those cultural traditions that are obviously harmful must also be

And respect and understand it? For example, female circumcision? For example, the inequality of social status between men and women? For example, Japan’s Bushido tradition before World War II? Should we all respect and understand it without distinction?" Fang Mingyuan said disdainfully, "And

I admit that there is nothing wrong with fishing, but is there nothing wrong with catching a spiritual animal like dolphins regardless of size? Ignore them. As for Guangli... I will think about it later."

"By the way, I just received a call. Mr. John Stockton, the chairman of Emperor Entertainment Group, has come to Hollywood. I hope to have a chance to interview you in the next two days." Zheng Jiayi clapped her hands and said, "I almost made this happen.

Forgot."

"John Stockton, what does he want from me?" Fang Mingyuan murmured somewhat strangely.

Stockton's vehicle drove into the courtyard of Uda Mitsuri's house in Beverly Hills. It stopped in front of the house. The vehicle of the entourage who came with him consciously did not follow him in, but parked in front of the house.

Outside the courtyard gate, Fang Mingyuan and Uda Mitsuri stood at the door to greet his arrival. Stockton had met them both a few times, so they were not strangers.

"Fang, I made a hasty decision to come. I hope it didn't bring you any inconvenience, right?" Stockton gave Fang Mingyuan a hug warmly, and then said hello to Uda Mitsuri. Although he didn't know that Fang Mingyuan and

The real relationship between Uda Mitsuri and Uda Mitsuri, but we know that the relationship between the two is very close. For Uda Mitsuri to have today's status, Fang Mingyuan and Hong Kong Kumho Film Group Company played a very important, even decisive role in it. Good.

He still knows the etiquette of meeting women in the East and the West.

"Chairman Stockton is very polite. It's not easy to invite a distinguished guest like you." Fang Mingyuan said with a smile, "The weather is nice today. How about we talk in the garden?"

"Then I will be honored to visit Ms. Uda's garden." Stockton smiled and said, "Fang, just call me John." Not to mention that Americans don't value superiority and inferiority as much as the East.

, even affecting all aspects of social life, even in terms of Fang Mingyuan's identity and status, he is only above him and not below him.

"John, I can allow you to come to Hollywood from Tennessee and cross half of the United States in your busy schedule, I'm afraid it's not just to meet me, right?" The two parties sat down on the leisure chairs in the garden, Uda Mitsuri and

Stockton chatted for a while and then made an excuse to leave. Only then did Fang Mingyuan ask.

"Of course." Stockton said, "I came here this time because I planned to attend the premiere of "The Cove". You won't blame me for coming uninvited, right? By the way, do you need Emperor Entertainment Group?"

The company's theaters will arrange for more screens to be released. To be honest, the importance you attach to "The Cove" is somewhat beyond my expectation."

"Thank you for your support of "Dolphin Cove", I welcome your arrival. Well... As for your last question, I personally hope that Emperor Entertainment Group will do this, but at present, I can't guarantee it.

The box office performance of "The Bay of Dolphins" is because it is a documentary after all, not a commercial movie that I am familiar with." Fang Mingyuan spread his hands and said with a wry smile. In fact, he knew very well that in terms of the screen, this life

The theaters and screens promised to be released in "The Cove" should have far exceeded those in previous generations, but he is not sure whether "The Cove" can break the tradition that most documentaries are either well-received or not a hit. He can only say that he is doing his best.

to promote.

"Hehehe..." Stockton laughed and said, "Fang, you are very honest and trustworthy. It can be seen from this point that it is in line with the image you have always had in everyone's mind."

"Thank you. In order for me to leave such a good impression on you, John, let's take coffee instead of wine and take a sip!" Fang Mingyuan said with a smile, picking up the coffee next to him, "This is a tradition of our country. If we say that in

At the wine table, if everyone can reach a consensus, they usually drink a glass of wine together to celebrate. Later, this tradition was extended to other drinks."

"Haha, I like this tradition!" Stockton also picked up the coffee cup. Fang Mingyuan reached out and touched the two cups lightly, then motioned for both parties to take a sip together.

"Fang, you are a genius, and you are a genius with your own rules." Stockton put down his coffee and said with a smile, "I have seen the script you chose, "The Crucible" filmed in South Korea. It is indeed a movie

It's a very good movie, although it may not be in line with American movie-watching tastes in some aspects... Cultures are different, and everyone may not agree on some details. But overall, it is still a good movie.

A masterpiece!”

"Thank you, John, the crew of "The Crucible" will definitely be very happy with your evaluation." Fang Mingyuan bowed slightly to express his gratitude.

"You don't need to thank me. In fact, I want to thank you. Do you know what our employees in charge of film arrangement at Emperor Entertainment Group like most? What they like most is the ones you like, the ones you participated in, and the ones produced by Hong Kong Kumho Film Group. movies, because they don’t have to rack their brains to predict the box office prospects of these movies, how long they will be released, how many screens will be arranged, and how to deal with a series of problems such as how to deal with poor box office performance. They just You just need to think about how to deal with the influx of audiences. Although it is tiring, at the end of the screening period, their wallets will be a lot bigger. I even heard someone say, if you Hong Kong It would be great if Kumho Film Group produced ten or eight movies a year." Stockton said with a smile, "To be honest, I think he also expressed my feelings."

Fang Mingyuan burst into laughter, and said after a long while: "If I could produce ten or eight movies a year, I would shorten my lifespan. Moreover, the audience's movie-watching level is also getting higher and higher. If we people don't improve our own level, , there will come a day when the works of Hong Kong Kumho Film Group will not be able to satisfy them." Stockton nodded, it is indeed the case. Thousands of movies are produced around the world every year, and the United States alone makes more movies every year. There are six to seven hundred films produced. Why the works of Hong Kong Kumho Film Group have always been able to guarantee box office returns? The hard work that goes into this is something that outsiders cannot see.

"However, if you can devote all your energy to the film career, I believe that Hong Kong Kumho Film Group can achieve even more brilliant results than it is now." Stockton leaned forward slightly.

"Well... there is a possibility, but I think in that case, many people may hate me so much that they may even want to shoot me." Fang Mingyuan nodded and said, "And maybe I will too. Crazy.”

"Hehehe..." Stockton laughed and said, "Fang, I didn't expect you to be such a funny person!"

"By the way, John, do you have other reasons for coming to Hollywood?" Fang Mingyuan asked casually.

"Well, another reason is also related to you. I heard that part of the shares of Kagake Cinema Line were acquired by Hong Kong Kumho Film Group Company. I would like to ask if Hong Kong Kumho Film Group Company wants to enter the cinema line field. Development?" Stockton asked with a smile.

"Well, this question... I think you have the answer in your own mind, John?" Fang Mingyuan asked, "I remember that the U.S. government no longer restricts film companies from investing in cinema-level companies, right? It seems that Sony has a stake in Emperor Entertainment Group Do you have some shares in it?" A considerable part of the total box office of a movie, up to almost 50%, is shared by cinemas. Although Hong Kong Kumho Film Group Co., Ltd. can cooperate with various countries Negotiate with theater chains to get the best share ratio, but in the end it is not as good as controlling part of the theater chain yourself. On the one hand, you can retain more box office revenue, on the other hand, you can also ensure that your own movies enjoy some freedom in the scheduling .

"Yes, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation is indeed a shareholder in Emperor Entertainment Group Company." Stockton admitted frankly, "Don't get me wrong, what I mean is that if Hong Kong Kumho Film Group Company intends to invest in this If we want to develop in the field, we can cooperate rather than confront each other. Whether it is in the United States or globally. I hope that we can be in the same camp instead of in the opposite camp."

"What do you mean, do you already have a target? For example, AMC Cinema Company?" Fang Mingyuan said with a half-smile. AMC Theater Company is the second largest cinema chain in the United States, with more than 300 cinemas and nearly five movies in North America.

Thousands of screens, and the theaters it owns are concentrated in the centers of large cities in North America. It owns 18 of the top 50 theaters with the highest box office in North America. It can be said to be the biggest competitor of Emperor Entertainment Group, and it also owns

Dozens of cinemas in the UK, France, Japan, Hong Kong, Spain and other countries and regions.

"Hehehehe... If it is possible, of course I hope it." Stockton smiled. Of course Stockton didn't know that Fang Mingyuan said this because he knew that in the future, AMC Theater Company would have 100% equity.

It will be acquired by a Chinese company, which means that the shareholders of AMC Theaters may already have the idea of ​​​​selling the company at this time.

"Everything is possible." Fang Mingyuan said with a smile.

"I heard that you are the major shareholder of Shenzhou Cinema Line, the largest cinema chain company in your country?" Stockton asked.

"Well, John, you are very well-informed." Fang Mingyuan smiled, but felt a shiver in his heart. Could it be that Stockton's real purpose is to enter the Chinese movie theater market? It's not surprising when you think about it. North American movie theaters

With the development of the market today, it can be said that it has reached its peak, and there is not much room for development. If a company like Emperor Entertainment Group wants to grow further, there is no better way except to annex other competitors.

However, China's movie theater market is still in its early stages. With a huge potential movie-going population, there is an average of more than 100,000 people nationwide with one screen. Compared with the United States, where less than 10,000 people have one screen, the gap is huge.

It’s heaven and earth. This is the result of the Shenzhou Cinema Line Company’s massive expansion since its establishment and the introduction of a number of capital into this field. At present, in addition to the nearly 200 cinemas owned by the Shenzhou Cinema Line Company in China, the top five

Cinema chain companies almost all own less than 100 cinemas, with more single or double-hall theaters and fewer multi-hall theaters. The number of screens is far less than that of similar theater chain companies in the United States.

Many of the other cinema chains in the country were restructured from former provincial and municipal film companies. They only exist in areas with higher economic levels. In areas where the economic level has been weak for a long time, cinema chain companies have heavy historical burdens and poor economic returns.

These are realities that are difficult to change in a short period of time! (To be continued.)

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