America's Road to Wealth

The figure is US$1.2 billion.

To be honest, even Spielberg was moved.

Yes, Spielberg is indeed one of the most profitable directors in Hollywood.

In 1993, Spielberg earned an unprecedented $250 million from the box office and other profit sharing for "Jurassic Park".

But Jurassic Park is a special case.

For example, Spielberg earned less than $20 million from 1998's "Saving Private."

Spielberg believes that opportunities to make money like "Jurassic Park" will probably be rare in the future.

Four hundred million dollars in six years is already very considerable for Spielberg.

Besides, the US$250 million for "Jurassic Park" was only reached almost ten years later.

In addition to box office profit sharing, director's remuneration, and profit sharing from the sale of peripherals, DV, etc. over the years, it is a number that is added up.

It all adds up to make this number so exaggerated.

Now that Spielberg heard Abel's offer of US$1.2 billion, he felt very excited.

The mentality that it was not for sale at the beginning was immediately shaken.

What's more, his other two partners were even more excited about the offer.

That's why David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

One of the reasons why I would want to sell DreamWorks.

The price is too generous.

Of course.

There is another reason why these two giants want to sell DreamWorks.

This reason is that since its establishment six years ago, DreamWorks has been infinitely squeezed out by Hollywood giants, both overtly and covertly.

Don’t think that if Hollywood is a big 6 or 8, there will be no internal harmony due to intrigues and intrigues all day long.

This is wrong.

Once you encounter a new challenger, or an outsider harms your collective interests.

The Hollywood giants who were originally at loggerheads.

When facing new challengers, they will join forces to deceive them together with a tacit understanding.

DreamWorks has been screwed over the past few years.

DreamWorks movie releases. The film schedule is blocked, publicity and distribution are more expensive than others, and behind-the-scenes work is also more expensive than others. Everything is more troublesome than others.

All kinds of troubles, big and small, come one after another.

The Big Three have long been exhausted.

Spielberg is fine, he just needs to be serious about making movies.

The same cannot be said for Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen.

The two partners who are responsible for running the company have taken on more pressure and work.

The dream I had when I started my business was crushed by the giants.

It can be said that there is not much left.

Even Spielberg himself does.

After founding DreamWorks.

Spielberg also felt that the Hollywood giants were hostile to him.

To be more realistic.

From an economic perspective.

Spielberg's income in the past six years is not even half of what he earned from "Jurassic Park".

When he became a freelance director, all of Hollywood welcomed Spielberg.

After becoming the Big Three of DreamWorks, in addition to actors who want to star in DreamWorks works.

Everyone else was hostile to Spielberg.

Parallel space and time.

In the end, the three giants finally started selling DreamWorks in 2002 after struggling for two years.

It's just that their prices are relatively expensive. After all, DreamWorks was the number one independent film company at the time.

It also has a very powerful DreamWorks Animation department.

It was sold until 2004 to the parent company of Paramount, one of the Hollywood giants.

Viacom Group finally acquired the entire DreamWorks for $1.6 billion.

Now two years ahead of time, when Abel met David Geffen.

He sent people to contact David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg, and even made an appointment with the two people to meet.

After dealing with these two people, I came over to contact Spielberg.

Doing this can be regarded as directly forcing Spielberg to marry him.

Another reason why it is US$1.2 billion, not US$1.6 billion.

It’s because at this time, DreamWorks Animation wasn’t that strong yet.

We have to wait until DreamWorks releases "Shrek" this year and achieves great success.

Only when the world realized the power of DreamWorks Animation did the value of the entire DreamWorks company rise a lot.

Now in 2001.

The quote of US$1.2 billion is already a very good figure for DreamWorks.

But money is something that no one can ever find too little.

After being silent for a long time, Spielberg set a new price.

"$1.4 billion," Spielberg said.

"DreamWorks will have a very high-quality animated film released in the near future. Its box office will definitely be very good. US$1.2 billion is not the real price of DreamWorks."

In fact, Abel can accept US$1.4 billion.

Even if you can buy it cheaper, why should you spend an extra $200 million?

Wouldn’t it be nice to use the two hundred million US dollars for New Starting Real Estate to buy a few pieces of land or luxury houses?

The bargaining continues.

"Come on, Steven. We all know the upper limit of animated movies. Do you think DreamWorks can rival Disney and Pixar in the area of ​​animated movies?"

"Besides, my initial offer was only US$1 billion. It was your two good friends who raised the price to US$1.2 billion."

"I've already regressed twice. You can't let me regress again, can you?"

After hearing what Abel said, Spielberg looked at David Geffen.

The latter shrugged and said nothing.

If only Spielberg could have bargained successfully.

If it sells for a little more money, then David Geffen can also share a little more, and of course he would be happy to do so.

Spielberg once again raised the price: "1.38 billion U.S. dollars. This is our six years of hard work, and it was not for sale."

You can buy it now.

but

Need more money!

"$1.3 billion, fixed price. Steven, you know this price is very sincere."

Abel makes the final offer.

Spielberg seemed to be able to see that this was Abel's bottom line.

The great director was silent for a moment, and finally said softly:

"That's $1.3 billion. We hope it's cash."

"Of course~" Abel said with a smile: "I always buy things with cash."

Spielberg also smiled for the first time. He stood up and shook hands with Abel:

"I hope you will treat DreamWorks well. It will definitely make a lot of money for you."

Abel stood up and shook hands with Spielberg and David Geffen.

"DreamWorks will become one of MGM's independent companies and enjoy the same treatment as Marvel movies."

But what Abel actually values ​​​​more is the animation department of DreamWorks.

DreamWorks Animation is almost in the American media industry now.

The cheapest and high-quality animation company you can buy.

Even at least half of the purchase price of 1.3 billion was for DreamWorks Animation.

As for DreamWorks itself, its production team, distribution channels, copyrights, etc., MGM actually doesn't need it much.

But there is also some value. And because DreamWorks has David Geffen, a famous musician, it also has a music DreamWorks company, which also has some value.

More importantly, the contract stipulates that DreamWorks has priority investment and contract rights for Spielberg and other three giants.

In other words, if DreamWorks wants to make movies in the future, Spielberg and other Big Three must give priority to signing with DreamWorks.

Or if Spielberg wants to make a movie, DreamWorks has priority in investing.

Of course, prices and remuneration must be determined according to market rules.

Spielberg's directorial ability, and the other two giants' work ability.

This is also part of the value of DreamWorks.

All combined, it is now worth $1.3 billion.

If these channels, animation companies and music companies are excluded.

If there is still the ability of the Big Three.

Then DreamWorks is basically worthless to the Hollywood giants.

Once this important matter is settled, the atmosphere of the subsequent chat will become much more relaxed.

Abel also waved Derek Wright and Scarlett Johansson over.

Let Scarlett pass the file to Spielberg and David Geffen.

"This is the transaction contract. Take a rough look at it. If there are no problems, hand it over to your lawyer. I hope to complete the transaction within a week." Abel said with a smile.

By this time.

Derek Wright and Scarlett.

Only then did I realize that the documents sent over were documents regarding MGM’s acquisition of DreamWorks.

Derek Wright was okay, but Scarlett felt a bit dreamy.

DreamWorks changed hands and was acquired by MGM.

This kind of super earthquake in the entertainment industry, the source of its shock was actually in my hands just now.

This gave Scarlett a great sense of participation, as if she had become a big shot in Hollywood.

Spielberg looked at the contract and found nothing wrong with it.

The great director planned to take it away and show it to his lawyer.

Besides, Spielberg is still a little uncomfortable with the "betrayal" of David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

The great director doesn't want to continue to face Abel and David Geffen here.

Spielberg said:

"I want to take it back and let my lawyer look at it for me. Try to sign the contract as soon as possible. Is that okay, Mr. Smith?"

Abel raised his hand, "Please."

Spielberg stood up, nodded to Abel and David Geffen with the contract in hand, and nodded to Scarlett and Derek Wright as a greeting before leaving.

This made Scarlett a little excited again.

Spielberg, the super director, said hello to her!

A complete newbie in the industry, he is so helpless when facing big bosses.

David Geffen has not left, he and Abel have long been friends.

During the last yacht trip organized by Ovitz, the two of them got in pretty good contact.

David Geffen looked at Derek Wright and Scarlett, and then said to Abel:

"It won't disturb you, will it?"

Abel shook his head. It was not like he didn't know why Derek Wright and Scarlett were here.

Scarlett was so young at this time, her face hadn't even fully grown yet.

In addition to being very tall for his age and very large in size.

There is no parallel time and space that looks like the widowed sister with a height of 1.6 meters and an aura of 1.8 meters.

If it's not suitable, he plans to raise it first and then eat it.

At this time, it is more important to win over David Geffen.

"David." Abel said softly:

"Jeffrey will continue to run DreamWorks Animation. Spielberg will also be able to continue making his movies. What are your plans?"

David Geffen's abilities and character are very good.

This is a dare to be LGBT and not ZZZQ at all.

There are even oily people who announced their sexual orientation in the wrong era.

He is one of the most profitable people in Hollywood with investment vision.

More importantly, David Geffen is very good at music.

And Abel’s current media layout.

There is even a TV station, but there is no reliable music or record company yet.

He originally wanted to acquire a ready-made company, but he never found a suitable target.

This time I happened to buy DreamWorks, which has its own music company.

I have a good relationship with David Geffen.

Abel's idea was to fool David Geffen.

Ask him to help him support and develop the DreamWorks music company or record company first.

In fact, according to the contract just now, David Geffen is the same as Spielberg.

As long as the DreamWorks label remains, David will continue to work for DreamWorks.

In other words, when Abel buys DreamWorks, he is not just buying DreamWorks itself.

There are also the souls that make up DreamWorks, three very capable Hollywood bosses.

Including David Geffen, according to the market price, DreamWorks has priority signing and investment rights for all three of them.

Unless the DreamWorks label ceases to exist one day, this right will continue.

The limit is twenty years.

This is one of the reasons why DreamWorks is worth as much as $1.3 billion.

"If you need me. Or DreamWorks needs me, then I will continue to be my producer." David Geffen said.

This is his strength.

"If you or DreamWorks don't need me, then I might buy a newspaper and try to be a newspaper tycoon."

David Geffen in parallel time and space.

After DreamWorks was sold.

He really went to be his newspaper tycoon.

David Geffen originally offered $2 billion to buy the Los Angeles Times.

The latter has been slow to accept the offer and is in talks with other sellers about the acquisition. The acquisition plan came to nothing.

Later, David Geffen bought a large amount of New York Times stock, but this acquisition also encountered setbacks.

The Sulzberger family was reluctant to let go, and eager buyers lined up.

David Geffen has no hope of success.

"How about you help me?" Abel said with a smile:

"How about becoming the head of the music section of my media group? I know you are an excellent record producer and a true music emperor."

David Geffen looked hesitant.

It is true that David Geffen achieved great success in the music and recording industry in his early years.

But now he has no interest in music.

It’s just that David Geffen paid more attention to Abel as a friend, and Abel was the highest-status among his friends.

Plus David Geffen still has a contract with DreamWorks there.

After thinking for a while, David Geffen replied softly:

"Okay, but I hope there is a time limit. Three years. No, five years."

"I will only work for your music company for five years, and during this time, I can also have my own career."

"Of course."

David Geffen promised emphatically: "I will never delay the development of your music company. How about that?"

"No problem, deal." Abel smiled and shook hands with him.

In this way, Abel felt that he could start to expand his musical territory.

David Geffen said:

"DreamWorks Music Company is just a small label. Before that, it mainly did movie soundtracks, as well as dubbing and music for cartoons."

"If you want to expand and enter the recording industry, you still need to continue to recruit staff and add new equipment and new office space."

"You are a professional in this area." Abel said directly:

"I will make DreamWorks Music independent and invest another $100 million."

"Then I'm fine," David Geffen said with a smile.

"David, do you have any ideas for developing a music company?" Abel said softly.

"Discover new singers and open up new channels." David Geffen replied:

"Of course. You are so rich, if you want, we can also dig up Jackson, Madonna or Britney."

Abel nodded, he also understood this.

In fact, to put it bluntly, the emergence of a new music label.

It is nothing more than discovering newcomers or discovering big names.

Even for these two, it is not that easy to dig out.

Finding new people requires a certain amount of luck and vision.

To dig out big names, you need a lot of small money.

Few people can do the former, and few can do the latter.

But in comparison, the latter is easier to do.

At least as long as you have money, any big shot can poach you.

But if you have money, you may not be able to find good new singers.

But Abel is different from others.

Abel said to David Geffen, "David, have you ever heard of Arista Records in New York?"

David Geffen thought for a while and said uncertainly: "It seems that there is such a company, it is a small record company."

Abel nodded and said:

"I was in New York before, and by chance I heard the demo of a young and undebuted singer from Arista Records. I thought it sounded very good, and maybe I could buy it and recruit this potential newcomer. "

David Geffen didn't think Abel had much talent as a music scout or the ability to appreciate music.

But Arista Records was just a good, small record company.

According to David Geffen’s plan, Music DreamWorks itself also needs to acquire and annex several small and medium-sized record companies in order to expand its scale and channels as soon as possible.

The acquisition of Arista Records is also within the acceptable range.

At the same time, David Geffen thought it was very simple to satisfy Abel's small request.

David Geffen nodded and said: "I will have someone contact Arista Records as soon as possible."

Abel smiled and nodded with satisfaction.

As a reborn person.

As for American singers, Abel only remembered two people.

One is Taylor Swift, Swift.

The other one is Avril Lavigne.

Taylor Swift, Abel only vaguely remembers that she was born in 1989.

He's only eleven or twelve years old at most, and it's impossible to debut at such a young age.

This made him look for it, but he couldn't find it in a short time.

But Avril seems to be in New York.

The name of Avril Lavigne Records was also mentioned in the encyclopedia he read before his rebirth.

He glanced at it briefly at that time, but later forgot about it.

After his rebirth, his memories of his previous life became particularly clear.

Just like files stored on a computer hard drive.

As long as he can remember things before rebirth.

In this life, he could recall it very clearly.

Taylor is too young, but Avril is already sixteen or seventeen years old.

You should be able to find it.