Heads Up Hollywood

Once upon a time, when Michael Ovitz stomped, Hollywood would tremble three times!

He led his friends to create the CAA brokerage company, broke the monopoly of WMA, and promoted big stars such as Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Julia Roberts.

Not only that, he also challenged the giants, broke the balance of interests of the six major companies, and won more remuneration for the actors. It was his promotion that the "$20 million club" appeared in Hollywood.

At its peak, he successfully managed Sony to acquire Columbia Pictures, and Panasonic to acquire Universal Pictures, so he was elected as the most influential person in Hollywood for three consecutive years.

In 1995, Michael Ovitz accepted Michael Eisner's invitation, left his CAA, sought new challenges, and served as the president of Disney, and worked again, helping Disney to acquire the ABC Group.

However, Michael Ovitz, who has always been used to maneuvering, couldn't stand Michael Eisner's bossy orders at all, and fierce conflicts broke out between the two soon.

In the end, just one year later, Michael Eisner spent $120 million in liquidated damages to drive Michael Ovitz out of Disney.

After leaving Disney, Michael Ovitz was not discouraged. After returning to CAA to no avail, he re-started his business and created a new economic company-AMG Artist Management Company.

AMG Economic Company is just a new company, and its strength is still very weak.

But compared to the five giants in the industry, CAA, WMA, ICM, UTA, and Endeavor, AMG is the brokerage company that really dares to fight Disney!

Because Michael Ovitz has a lot of resentment and hatred towards Michael Eisner!

If it wasn't for Michael Eisner, then Michael Ovitz would still be the head of CAA, standing on the top of Hollywood and overlooking the world, instead of the current entrepreneur of a small company.

An enemy of an enemy is a friend.

Dunn is looking forward to working with Michael Ovitz.

Not only because of his extensive connections and feud with Disney, but also because of his outstanding ability, he successfully managed Sony's acquisition of Columbia Pictures, Panasonic's acquisition of Universal Pictures, and Disney's acquisition of ABC.

Twain has always been obsessed with Universal Pictures, but to manage such a large acquisition, it is necessary to have professionals with outstanding capabilities.

There is no doubt that Michael Ovitz is the best candidate!

Brian Lord...

When Tang En acquired Marvel Entertainment, it was Brian Lord who operated it and succeeded, but Tang En was not satisfied. The process was long and the cost was high, and Tang En also found Endeavor and Warner to help, which was equivalent to three insurances.

Brian Lord was Michael Ovitz's assistant back then, and in terms of ability, he was indeed lacking.

Tang En made a special trip to CAA.

In the past few years, the relationship between Tang En Pictures and CAA has been good. Brian Lord's warm hospitality to Tang En has not changed at all because of Disney's banning order.

Of course, Tang En would not say something clearly, and sighed, "Bryan, I want to apologize to you about the banning order."

Brian Lord waved his hand disapprovingly, "There's no need! Disney... Heh, in my opinion, Michael Eisner will definitely be dismissed by the shareholders' meeting if he continues to struggle like this for a few more years!"

Tang En raised his eyebrows. The course of history seems to be true.

"Bryan, we are old friends. It is impossible for me to affect the work of CAA because of this matter." Tang En looked upright and acted righteously, "I know that Disney has issued a final notice to CAA. I'll just watch you get caught between me and Disney, in a dilemma."

Brian Lord said seriously: "Twain, you don't have to worry about these! In fact, our cooperation with Disney has been very limited in the past few years, and their ultimatum has little impact on us."

"No matter how small the influence is, it's still an influence, right?" Tang En shook his head frequently, "Although my directing contract is with CAA, in fact, you also know that in the next few years, I can only make films of my own company. In terms of salary It must be a symbolic charge, which is not of much benefit to CAA."

Brian Lord laughed and said, "Twain, you are too self-deprecating! Do you think CAA really cares about your director's commission? You are Twain Walker, the world's highest-grossing director, whom we value It's your influence."

"Influence? That was in the past. Once Disney's ban came out, I'm afraid my existence is not attractive, but avoidable?"

"Since we are partners, of course we have to face difficulties together! Tang En, you don't have to worry about CAA's affairs, just concentrate on dealing with Disney's affairs."

Tang En shook his head and said: "No, this incident happened because of me, how could I sit idly by? After the personnel changes that year, CAA has only recovered in recent years, and it cannot repeat the same mistakes because of me. .Brian, you are accountable to the shareholders of CAA."

"this……"

Brian Lord had a troubled expression on his face.

Tang En secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and said very easily: "Well, Brian, since my existence can only bring side effects to CAA, then there is no need for me to stay here, let's terminate the contract."

"Huh?" Brian Lord looked surprised.

Tang En waved his hand, "Bryan, I've already thought about this matter. It's good for you and me. You don't have to face Disney's boycott, and I can also win over more backup forces."

"You mean..." Brian Lord was very smart, and he quickly guessed a bit, "Michael Ovitz?"

Looking at the five major brokerage companies in Hollywood, they must have all received notices of Disney's banning order. At this time, in order to maintain a good cooperative relationship with Disney, Twain will definitely decline.

Indeed, the movies produced by Tang En Pictures are all very good, but so what? How many movies does Tang En Pictures produce in a year? Disney produces at least 20 movies a year, not including various talk shows, TV series, cartoons and other programs.

Brokerage firms make money on commissions.

It's not that the better the quality of the movie, the higher their income. Their income must be linked to the quantity.

The only surprise was the newly established brokerage company AMG. The founder, Michael Ovitz, was an old enemy of Disney, and he would definitely greet Twain with his arms raised.

Tang En didn't hide anything, "That's right, it's Mr. Michael Ovitz. Disney's energy is too strong. I must win over all the colleagues I can win over to accumulate more strength."

Brian Lord sighed. At this time, he and Dunn terminated the contract, feeling a little guilty in his heart, "Okay, I can introduce you to Ovitz. Even if we terminate the contract, but Dunn, you want Remember, CAA is always your friend, if you have trouble, just ask. Disney... I really don't care!"

Tang En laughed loudly and said, "Don't worry, Brian, I won't be polite when it's time to ask you for help. Don't forget, Nat's actor appointment is still at CAA."

Mentioning this, Brian Lord felt even more guilty.

Natalie Portman was originally an actor under WMA, but because of Twain, she changed her contract to CAA.

Don't look at Natalie is just a second-tier star now, and the roles she plays are all supporting roles. But don't forget, there is Twain behind her. Do you need to think about her future development?

...

After walking out of CAA, I saw several reporters blocking the door.

The bodyguards quickly surrounded Tang En and wanted to rush over.

At this moment, Tang En heard a reporter shouting, "Tang En! Tang En! Director Walker, I heard that Disney issued a ban order for you. Is this true?"

Tang En's heart skipped a beat and he was very alarmed.

But he quickly reacted and breathed a sigh of relief.

Disney issued more than a hundred ban notices in one go. Although they were all important figures in the circle, it was hard to guarantee that one or two would not make a slip of the tongue and leak the wind.

It doesn't matter if news gets out, as long as everyone can unanimously tell the outside world, twist into a rope, and keep tight-lipped and deny it for the benefit of the community.

At this time, whoever dares to admit it publicly is standing on the opposite side of Hollywood!

Tang En stopped in his tracks and asked the reporter to come over. He said with a smile, "You are a reporter from The New Yorker. I like this magazine very much. Let me give you a chance to ask a question."

The young reporter was so excited that he almost knelt down, and quickly asked, "Mr. Walker, it is rumored that Disney issued a banning order on you and prohibited you from participating in any Disney programs. Is this true?"

It seems that the leaked news is somewhat deformed, and it is very far from the truth.

"Banning order? What kind of banning order, I haven't heard of it."

Tang En showed a confused expression, and then smiled, "Now it's a free market economy, how could such nonsense appear. It is true that Disney and I had a little conflict in the past, but this is normal business Competition. As for the ban order you mentioned, I don’t know, nor have I heard of it.”

"But I heard that the CEO of Disney, Mr. Michael Eisner, is very dissatisfied with you. Is this true?"

"Hehe, can I ask, where did you hear about this?"

"I... I also heard it from hearsay, so I came here to verify it."

Tang En said lightly: "I can't answer the second question because I don't know. I have no contact with Mr. Eisner, nor have I met him. I don't know where your dissatisfaction comes from. But I believe that Mr. Eisner must be an excellent manager with a big heart to manage a company as big as Disney, and it would be too embarrassing for him not to haggle over every detail with a small person like me."

After finishing speaking, Tang En shook his hand and walked away.

Suspicion suddenly arose in my heart.

The reporter's question was directed at Michael Eisner. Could it be that...he disclosed the news on purpose?

Things are getting more and more complicated.