hollywood billionaire

Chapter 18 Malibu Night Talk

Nobuyuki Matsuhisa is undoubtedly one of the representatives of the Japanese-style upsurge in the world's catering industry in the past 40 years.

Born in Saitama Prefecture, he is a standard citizen of the world and a complete unlucky guy. In 1973, 24-year-old Nobuyuki Matsuhisa went to Peru, where there are many Japanese residents, to open his first restaurant, which closed down three years later due to poor management.Afterwards, he stayed in Argentina for a while without success, and finally decided to go to Anchorage, Alaska, where the cost of living is not high, to continue his dream of opening a Japanese restaurant.

Who would have thought that only two weeks after the opening of the new restaurant, it was destroyed by a fire caused by an electrical appliance.

Now, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa completely lost his confidence in starting a business. In 1977, he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked at the famous Mitsuwa and Oshou restaurants for ten years. In 1987, at the age of 38, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa had enough savings and confidence to start a new business.Opened Matsuhisa Japanese Restaurant on La Sinega Boulevard in Los Angeles.

In the 1980s, Japan was at the peak of the prosperity of the economic cycle, known as the "Far East Economic Miracle".In 1987, when Nobuyuki Matsuhisa opened the restaurant, the total GDP of Japan reached 2.53 trillion U.S. dollars, and the per capita GDP was 20749 U.S. dollars, which was 710 U.S. dollars more than that of the United States itself.

In terms of cultural industries, represented by Studio Ghibli, Japanese manga and animation quickly became popular all over the world. The Japanese game industry led by Nintendo began to export Super Mario and Donkey Kong to the world.And the new generation of Japanese chaebols headed by Sony are aggressively acquiring valuable assets in the United States. The Sony Entertainment Group, which is now all-powerful, is full of the essence accumulated by Hollywood for decades.

Against this background, Japanese food also began to gain more and more attention. Opening a Japanese restaurant and chaining it became a hot project that investors flocked to at that time.Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, who had been unlucky for half his life, took advantage of the last wind in the motherland and started his luck.During the operation of Songjiu Restaurant, he met Robert De Niro, who has firmly established himself as a top actor in Hollywood due to classic films such as "The Godfather 2", "Taxi Driver", "The Deer Hunter" and "Once Upon a Time in America".

Robert De Niro in the late 1980s had more film contracts than ten years ago, but the output of excellent works has been decreasing year by year.Deeply aware of the crisis in his career, he has been looking for opportunities for multi-industry development, which made him hit it off with Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.Robert De Nirola, producer Mel Tip, and restaurant tycoon Drew Nierpollan, who already worked with a restaurant, jointly funded the first restaurant in New York's Tribeca in 1994. Home Nobu.

Nobu is not a traditional Japanese restaurant. From the beginning of its establishment, its target customers were not Japanese, or Asians who understand Japanese food culture.Under the banner of Japanese fusion, Nobu sells the neon on the cloud that is described by the European and American society as exotic, but not too unfamiliar to scare diners.Just look at its menu of classics, Wagyu Tacos, Chipotle Yellowtail, and $[-] a plate of salted edamame that's currently on sale.

In essence, Nobu is no different from Chinese fusion restaurants such as Mr. Chow and Hakkasan, which are popular in the United States.

It's just a kind of racial novelty hunting and cultural appropriation that is rooted in the bones.

But this does not prevent Nobu from becoming the most successful Japanese high-end chain restaurant in the world in the past 40 years.Masa Takayama's Masa may be the only Japanese restaurant in North America that can get three Michelin stars, but Masa, which costs $1000 per person, will never bloom as everywhere as Nobu.

Hyde Park in London, Central Park in New York, Fontainebleau Beach in Miami... The site selection principle that Nobu has always adhered to is the absolute core area of ​​a city.No matter how high the rent is, Nobu must use this method to reiterate its ingenious positioning that it is high-end, but the price can be accepted by the middle class.

In Los Angeles, Nobu has only two stores. One is the brand's first store, which is located in West Hollywood and has now become a distribution center for high-end restaurants in Asia on La Sinega Boulevard.The other one is located in the core area of ​​Malibu Beach, the balcony of the restaurant is only tens of feet away from the first waves of the Pacific Ocean.

That is to say, whether it is a window seat or a sushi bar, every seat in Nobu restaurant in Malibu can enjoy an unparalleled wide-angle sea view.

Of course, in the restaurant, the most popular seats must be the terrace tables with no more than ten seats that can breathe the fresh sea breeze.To reserve these tables, ordinary people have to wait at least one and a half months, not necessarily during prime time.

08:30, or nine o'clock, if you are willing to wait hungry, then it may be your turn when the third turn is over.

However, none of this is a problem for Han Yi to worry about. The concierge department of Chase Private Bank in Los Angeles has established a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with Nobu in Malibu since its opening.The third sofa seat on the far right of the terrace is almost reserved for Chase Private Bank customers unless celebrities call to make a reservation.

The setting sun has already sunk half down from the sea, and what the diners see now is the most magnificent and magnificent music played by nature within 24 hours.The sky, the sea, and even everyone's faces are full of gorgeous rays of light.

Tasting delicious fusion sushi, accompanied by gentle music that hits like waves, Han Yi is having an important conversation.

"...to answer your last question, Ryan. In the music industry, there are four core resources, or raw materials, which are creation, mastering, artist and performance."

"Composers and lyricists create music and hand it over to music distribution companies for management. Music distribution companies authorize music to record companies to record records. , the organizer presents the wonderful performances of these artists to the fans. This is the most basic operation link in the music industry... Of course, the details and branches are definitely far more than these.”

"So, are music distribution companies and record labels different?"

More than half of Erica's energy was absorbed by Ben Affleck who was sitting behind her, whispering about the "Superman v Batman" publicity plan.Han Yi's extremely fast speech and the repeated nouns made her a little confused.

"I always thought that music distribution and music recording were different divisions of the same company... No, what's the difference between the two?"

"Let me explain it in a different way. There are two types of copyright related to music, music copyright and mastering copyright. Music copyright refers to the words, music, and arrangement created... In a song, you can hear All elements, as long as they are original and creative, are subject to copyright protection. Note that what is protected here is the 'idea' and 'creative expression' of music." Han Yi raised his hands up like a scale, "and On the other hand, if the created music is recorded into a recording version that can be heard by the public, then the copyright generated by this recording is called the master tape copyright.”

"That is to say, a song, no, a musical work, there is only one music copyright, and if there are different recording versions, different master tape copyrights will be produced?"

"Very correct." Han Yi nodded, "Music distribution companies are the people who manage music copyrights. They can authorize the music in their hands to anyone, record companies, film companies, advertising companies...anyone who wants to use music creation people."

"The record company is the person who obtains the authorization from the music distribution company and makes the music into a recording product that can be consumed, and then sells it to the audience. The relationship between the two is a supplier and a buyer. Universal, Sony , Warner, these multinational music groups will of course own music distribution companies and record companies at the same time, because they want to form a complete ecological chain internally, but this does not change the essence of the relationship between the two.”

"Music publishers want to charge more licensing fees and royalties, and record companies want to reduce licensing fees and royalties that need to be paid to increase gross profit margins. There will always be games and contradictions between the two."

Xu Yiru picked up a piece of tuna, put it in his mouth and chewed it slowly.With lowered eyes, she didn't seem to join the conversation, but she was actually listening with all her attention.

She really likes the spark of hope that dances in Han Yi's voice when he talks about his favorite industry.

"As for music distribution companies, they need to cooperate with creators to obtain music copyrights. As for record companies, they need to let singers record the collected music works. Creators and singers, both of which belong to the category of artists. Individuals in organizations There are always disadvantages in front of them, so artists need managers who can help them plan their careers and negotiate contracts. A few words are mentioned, and the key factors of the existence of artist managers are captured.

"If I understand correctly, Mr. Han."

"Excellent interpretation, Jamal." Han Yi cast an approving look at his business relationship consultant. It is a comforting thing to have a helper with both brains and abilities. "Many people regard managers and brokers as In most places in the world, including most states in the United States, their responsibilities do overlap. Show managers can provide career development guidance for artists, and individual managers can also approach shows themselves.”

"However, in New York State and California, there is an acting agency act that requires those who approach performances for artists to hold the license of the performing arts agency in the state. And we all know that New York and Los Angeles are the core areas of the world's entertainment industry, The conventions that originated in these cities have become fashions that have been emulated around the world.”

"So, you see, these are the five most critical types of organizations: distribution companies, record companies, artist management companies, performance management companies, and performance hosting companies."

"And you want to be in them all," Erica added.

"With all due respect, Yi, ah... Mr. Han." Ryan O'Connor frowned, "I don't see any problem, you should be able to do this easily."

Is $1.85 million not enough to start five companies?
"Actually, there are big problems."

Han Yi looked at the setting sun that was about to set with a ray of light floating on the sea, and sighed.

"I know what you're thinking. Yes, I have a huge bank account, by any standard. I can buy just about anything. Clothes, watches, cars, houses Everything." Han Yi paused, and said word by word, "But in the music industry, it's just a grain of sand on the beach."

"To give a very simple example, Sony ATV, the world's largest music copyright distribution company, manages the copyright of 500 million music works. In 2011, Citigroup split EMI Music Group into two parts, Records The company part was sold to Universal Music for $19 billion, while the music distribution part was sold to an investment group led by Sony ATV for $22 billion."

"In our era, the curse of so-called pirated music and online downloads has gone with Napster. There are more and more subscribers on the music platform, the income from streaming media royalties is getting higher and higher, and the channels for monetizing music copyrights are becoming more and more diversified. .While there are certainly issues of this and that, the music industry is experiencing another boom."

Han Yi looked at Ryan and asked softly.

"How much cake do I get when I storm the party with $1.85 million in a situation like this where all boats are going up?"

"Most importantly, will I get tickets to the party? Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, The Police...will they sell the rights to a new, unknown publisher?"

"But you don't need to become the most influential music group in the world right away, and you don't need to cooperate with the top musicians at the beginning." Jamal Miller spread his hands, "Running a company is a long-termist Even if it is a little slower at the beginning, as long as the business direction is correct, income and fame will definitely follow, our consultants..."

"Jamal, my personality is that if I want to do it, I will do it to the best." Han Yi interrupted Jamal, "If there is a lack of knowledge and insight in a certain field, I am willing to spend three or five years, Even if you spend ten years studying with great concentration, you will never advance recklessly."

"But in this regard, I have [-] percent, irrefutable confidence. I can see the future development trend, and I know how to make the trend into reality...I need to hurry up, otherwise my insights will soon be lost. becomes an observation."

What Han Yi said was very vague. No one except him knew the real meaning behind these words.

To live again, Han Yi's start is not the most ideal time.If from 1996 or 2006, he had enough patience to cultivate, sign one or two potential newcomers, cultivate them into superstars, gradually open up the relationship network in the industry, and attract more talents to pay attention and join through brilliant success stories , and eventually grew into an unshakable industry giant.

In essence, Han Yi is also a long-termist.

But now, it was 2016, and there were only seven years left before the time he was familiar with passed away.Soon, all his advanced information will be overtaken by the torrent of the times, and will be ruthlessly submerged in an instant.

He must lay out, move, sit big, and come back within a very limited time.

There is no chance to fight big with small things. From the very beginning, he has to be a giant crocodile.

If there is no gift from the sky, no mechanism to encourage him to follow his heart, even if the opportunity is in front of him, Han Yi will not be tempted.He is a very self-aware person, as can be seen from his attitude towards Xu Yiru before.Make a decision before moving, without full assurance, it is absolutely impossible to act rashly.

People who have been hurt by upheavals will engrave caution in their bones.

But Han Yi has 1.85 million US dollars, and if he spends it properly, he can even own assets that are several times that.Even if he fails to break through the barrier, Han Yi can still leave enough wealth for himself, so that he and his future family can live a life without worrying about food and clothing.

The second life that has already found a way out, what reason is there not to let go and fight once?

Han Yi remembered the words in the memo very clearly. This period of life begins with gain and satisfaction.

Men, only by standing at the pinnacle of the industry they love can they truly gain and be satisfied.

"A performance agency."

Xu Yiru, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, of course, in English so that everyone present could understand.

"You once told me that when it comes to music, acting agencies don't have as much power as in the film industry. In Hollywood, acting agents can control the casting and success of a film, but in the music industry, they can only choose Musicians are touring venues in the city." Xu Yiru looked at Han Yi, "However, I remember that you also said that for successful musicians, the royalties generated by music usually only account for 20-30% of their income structure. %, and the other 70-80% is tied to all kinds of gigs and commercials handled by managers, right? Concerts, nightclub gigs, music festivals, even social media ads and commercial endorsements.”

"Yes." Han Yi nodded slightly, and said softly, "Please continue, Grace."

"This is your best entry point, Yi. I'm sure." Xu Yiru smiled confidently at him, "As an acting agent, no one is your enemy, everyone is your ally. The distribution company needs You increase the value of music works through touring, record companies need you to use music festival exposure to stimulate the growth of streaming media, and artists need you to help them make money."

"When you can be that friend that everyone needs, you get the ticket to the party."

"I couldn't agree more, Grace."

That's why Han Yi insisted on bringing Xu Yiru to this conversation, not because he was stage fright, let alone because he had no idea.Han Yi knew that Xu Yiru, who was smarter than himself, could deduce the same answer even without professional knowledge and advanced information, and became his most staunch and loyal supporter.

Moreover, some surprises can be added to the original plan.

"This is also my idea. I want to acquire a well-known performing arts agency in the industry, or at least own part of the equity in order to carry out the next plan."

Han Yi's inquiring eyes lingered on the faces of Ryan and Jamal.

"But how should I start the first step?"

"Who would want to sell the company to a 22-year-old Asian college student?"

"Who would want to continue working for such a person after the acquisition?"

"Private Equity!"

Almost simultaneously, Ryan and Jamal called out the solution.

"Private equity fund?" Han Yi's pupils shrank, he had already deliberated and formulated all the plans, only one red thread connecting the whole situation was missing.

And now, the red line seems to be in sight.

"Yes, private equity. The entertainment industry is no stranger to them."

It was Jamal's turn to speak for Han Yi.

"In fact, any business that wants to grow fast, regardless of industry, will need the help of private equity. I'm talking about Blackstone, Carlyle, KKR, CVC, TPG, Apollo, all these Wall Street players."

"The simple explanation is that private equity funds are a collective investment scheme in which capital companies that manage private equity funds absorb funds from wealthy individuals and institutions, and use these funds to invest in various companies through their growth, restructuring, or asset sales. To obtain income...Of course, investing in other private equity funds is also a common way."

"Different from hedge funds, hedge funds focus on short-term returns in the secondary market, while private equity funds want stable cash in the primary market. Whether it is a performing arts agency or a music distribution company, private equity funds like any investment that makes them investors who see returns... If memory serves me, Mr. Han, you just mentioned that Blackstone was also among the investors who bought EMI's music distribution business. Hell, I remember even the sovereign wealth of Abu Dhabi The fund is all involved, what's it called, Ryan?"

"Mubadala," Ryan replied. "Complicated name."

"That's right, Mubadala." Jamal nodded and looked at Han Yi, "This is my suggestion, Mr. Han, you should investigate various private equity investment groups, choose the one you like the most, and communicate with them Cooperate. Every capital group has private equity funds related to entertainment. If your investment share is large enough, they will be happy to listen to investors' opinions."

"They can tailor a private equity fund for you if you invest enough shares," adds Ryan. "A true, 'private' equity fund."

"So, if I understand correctly..."

Han Yi pondered and said.

"Choosing to invest money in private equity funds means that I can contribute all of it myself, or I can raise more investors through capital groups like Blackstone to acquire more shares."

"During the whole process, the acquired party will not see a 22-year-old young man, but only a huge Wall Street consortium."

"That's right, brother." Ryan also became excited, and he clapped his hands, his voice raised half a point.

"For private companies that need financing for development, private equity funds are their most eager investors. In fact, as long as there is news in the market that these companies are favored by Blackstone or Carlyle, their valuations will soar."

"Why only choose to become a giant, Mr. Han."

Jamal leaned back, stretched his waist, smiled and winked at Han Yi, and drew the most perfect footnote to the whole conversation.

"You can obviously be their god."

"Be their god..."

The words flashed through his mind like lightning, and Han Yi's eyes suddenly lit up in the night.

"Guys, I should book my flight to New York by now, right?"

　Today's [-]D update is achieved!Ask for a monthly ticket, ask for a recommendation, ask for a follow-up, ask for a collection, rush duck! !

　　
　
(End of this chapter)