Reborn America, this is my time

Chapter 160 Steve Ross

"Oh Michael—you misunderstood, I don't mean to look down on you Paramount, let alone Star Trek, this project is purely ad hoc. If you have asked about its specific situation, then you should know , Dan O'Bannon approached you a long, long time ago, and it was only because of some personal reasons that the project stalled. Now his partners have approached me, and George has convinced him, just So simple……"

"Hi Tang En, yes yes, I am in Los Angeles again... Oh, my trip this time was just a wonderful accident... No, No, No, I like you Disney very much, you know, I watched Mickey grow up Big kid, when I was young, the thing I looked forward to the most was to let my aunt and uncle take me to Disneyland in Anaheim... Ah——this project is still a live-action science fiction movie, and the script comes from Luca I would like to cooperate with you Disney, but if I remember correctly, we Disney does not seem to have a live-action movie business? Oh-this is really a pity-"

"Hello, Mr. Simberg~ I have heard your story from Steven a long time ago. Your training and care for him is really a good story in Hollywood... Yes, yes! I Now in Los Angeles, working on a movie project, Steven should have told you all about the situation? Okay, okay, when the project budget comes out, if we lack funds, we will definitely come to you Universal... what ?Distribution? Oh - I don't understand this stuff - Steven and George are the producers of this film, I entrusted them with carte blanche for the film project... oh! I see, when Steven comes back , I will definitely ask him carefully how the film industry works..."

"Roy? Oh my good friend, why are you-"

That's right!

The so-called 'put the six majors on the belt and move forward', 'crack the six majors' heads', that's just Ethan talking in front of Xiao Si's classmate, getting over his mouth, and pretending to be a little beep. ~
As for really ignoring the six tough Hollywood?
He, Ethan Jones, is indeed handsome, but his handsomeness is not traded for his IQ!

When Hollywood giants are notorious, Fox even said before that it was the six of them united to force North American theaters to ban the purchase of electronic arcade machines to prevent their box office revenue from being wiped out by emerging entertainment, no matter how confident he is Ethan Jones , and it is impossible to declare war on the six majors foolishly.

As it should be, when Xiao Lu persuaded Dan O'Bannon that he only needs to sell the "Star Monster" script in his hand, and when his director level improves in the future, Lucasfilm and Ethan's Destiny Game will support him to shoot After making his own movie, the first thing Ethan did was to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary called Destiny Films in Los Angeles under the name of Destiny Games. [-]/[-] of the income from the five items, videotapes, TV license fees, novel publishing license fees, and peripheral toys for movie characters, as well as the authorship rights for the sequel, the delivery of the "Alien" script was completed aboveboard.

While it may seem like a lot to give, it really isn't much.Because Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett can only draw $[-] when the five incomes reach [-] million.

And this price is actually the industry price in Hollywood.

no way……

No matter which circle you are in, a newcomer means being exploited.

If you want to make a lot of money, you either have to be lucky like George Lucas, give up the income of a single movie in exchange for the copyright of a super IP, or become a son of a plane like Steven Spielberg, One film became popular and another became popular for decades.

Following the release of the news, the executives of the film company who had visited before got the phone number of Ethan's new company by all means, and called without hesitation, followed by a round of complaints and courtship.

Michael Eisner, the president of Paramount, said bluntly on the other end of the phone that Ethan looked down on Paramount, otherwise why would he choose to shoot a movie alone?

Disney CEO Dunn Tatum said sadly that the children in Disneyland are actually looking forward to the characters on the screen jumping up and down on the screen.

Sidney Schinberg, CEO and president of MCA, was surprised by Ethan's choice, but because he had a good relationship with Steven Spielberg, when he called, he directly An invitation to co-produce was sent to Ethan, expressing his willingness to contribute funds to create a sci-fi thriller with Ethan, and at the same time willing to undertake the distribution work, so that Ethan can concentrate on making games.

Yes, even if Ethan has not made any announcements, the whole world knows that he will make a game for the new movie, there is no reason, just believe it.

In this case, greetings from several other companies will naturally not be less. The most interesting one is Roy Disney. After learning that Ethan established his own film company at the speed of light, he rushed directly to Arriving at the office building just rented by Destiny Films in Century City, looking at the office area that has not yet been established, he said sadly, "Oh Ethan—why did you make a movie by yourself?"

"And it's still a sci-fi movie?"

"Although the current situation of science fiction is very good, fairy tales are eternal!"

"Because children's money is the best money in this world!"

"Those who like sci-fi are all adult males. Most of them have their own worldview. If you produce something they like, they will definitely pursue you crazily and enshrine you on the altar. But if one day in the future, you When your point of view cannot be accepted by them, they will definitely leave you without mercy! So, even if you want to make a movie, it should be an animation!"

When Roy Disney took Ethan's hand and advised him not to go astray, the sincere words almost made Ethan cry!Then...he called Gary Kurtz, the general manager of Destiny Films, and asked him to accompany Roy Disney, while he slipped away.

If he didn't know about the infighting in the Disney family, then Ethan Jones might still listen to Roy Disney's advice seriously, but now...

Want to use Lao Tzu as a weapon?
Ah--

There are no doors!

The windows are also blocked for you!
Speaking of the general manager of Destiny Films, Gary Kurtz, he was the first employee of the film company after its official establishment. He was born in 47 and is exactly [-] this year.

Entered the industry in [-], the first job was to work as an assistant director for Monte Hellman, and assisted him in filming the movie "The Frightened Goddess".Although the movie is not well-known, this movie brought him a lot of connections, because the starring role was a young Jack Nicholson.

Later, he made many films as a producer, and in the early 70s, he cooperated with Francis Coppola and became the producer of "American Style Painting". Because the cooperation was very comfortable, after that, George Lucas invited him to take charge of the "Star Wars" crew.

In the future, if there is "Star Wars 2", the two will definitely cooperate again.

When Ethan saw this resume, he knew that this guy must be a good housekeeper, because this guy not only has rich production experience, but also has a good teacher. Gary Kurtz studied under the Hollywood B-level film Roger Coleman, the king of the company, has worked for him a lot. When Roger Coleman can push him out, then this guy will definitely be able to control the budget of the company's projects.

no way……

Who made Roger Corman the most famous big boss in Hollywood?
And when the company has been established, the script has been obtained, the general manager has been in place, the lineup of producers is unprecedented, and later... probably only they can copy it, the film project will naturally advance, waiting for everyone The guys sit down, study whether the script needs to be revised by a script doctor, come up with a budget based on the script, and then evaluate the directors in the circle when they try to invite...

Ethan didn't say anything, and crossed out the name on the script first.

Then came Alien.

Such a situation attracted everyone's puzzled eyes. He shrugged and said, "I think the name Alien is enough, just like "Jaws", you can't let the audience see horror in the title. That just prepares them mentally."

Everyone was taken aback by this explanation, and then nodded.

Since the boss who paid the money couldn't understand the original title of the play, he changed it if he changed it.

After staring at the script for a while, Xiao Lu smiled and said, "Ethan, do you have any other ideas? For example, an actor? A director? And a plot?"

"Do you need us to design any plot for the game?"

At the same time, he also said bluntly: "Although Steven and I can accept your intervention in the project, we all hope that it is best to complete all your interventions now."

"Because when the project is officially in operation, if you interfere with the project, it may affect the production of the film. After all, in our line of work, it is more or less a bit of artistic pursuit. Steven doesn't like others Cut his movies, and I... At most, I will tolerate him cutting my movies, others... Even if I am more civilized, I will say Go out."

"Oh—no—" Ethan liked Lucas' seriousness.

"It's up to you what to do next." He smiled and clapped his hands.

Although Ethan could decide who to direct the film, he didn't want to.

The reason is also very simple, that is, there is Steven Spielberg in the producer column.

As the most successful director in the commercial field, the cumulative box office record that only James Cameron may break has proved his talent in movies. In this case, changing his name is enough, and the rest Yes, that is to make a game based on the prototype of the monster in the movie.

Ethan's letting go allowed the discussion of the project to continue, but while Stoudemire and Lu took over the power of producers, the calm outside world was undercurrents.

Burbank, Warner headquarters, Chairman and CEO Steve Ross is leaning on the boss chair with a high back, his eyes are slightly closed, his face is solemn, and he is listening carefully to the reports of the row of subordinates in front of him.

"According to our latest survey results, the cumulative sales of the video game "Star Wars" launched by Destiny Games this year has exceeded [-] units. Judging by the sensational effect "Star Wars" caused in our country, this game is popular in our country. The total sales volume may exceed [-] units, bringing at least [-] million cash income to Destiny Games."

"At the same time, the products of Destiny Games have also caused a sensation in this book. "Snake" has brought in at least 2000 million US dollars for Ethan Jones, and "Pac-Man" is expected to reach 5000 million. According to our According to the information from Fox, they have reached a consensus with Ethan Jones, and they are planning to launch the "Star Wars" movie in the book market next summer. With the cooperation between the two parties, the "Star Wars" game will be released in the book market. The guaranteed minimum income should exceed [-] million."

"Although these expected revenues cannot be realized immediately, the current value of Destiny Games should exceed one billion U.S. dollars, and their cash reserves should also be more than 3000 million U.S. dollars."

"Because they are unlisted companies, we can't get the share ratio, but..."

"This company should be fully controlled by Ethan Jones, because his sister has not had any financial disputes with him so far."

A white man with a straight face finished reading the document in his hand seriously.

His words made Warner's chairman, Steve Ross, nod slightly, "Yeah."

Steve Ross pronounces it nasally, indicating awareness.

Then he waved his hand and said, "Next."

As soon as the words fell, another white man in a suit immediately raised the document in his hand and reported: "Chairman, according to your request, we have seriously investigated Apple Computer."

"So far, Apple Computer's main product is the APPLE 2 personal computer developed by Steve Wozniak, and its market share is the second in the industry, about 30.00%."

"The performance of this computer is not the first in the industry, and there is no advantage in price. Their real selling points are all piled up in the color image display and supporting video game functions made by Steve Wozniak. So far, There are already more than 30 electronic game cards in circulation on the market. Users only need to enter the corresponding codes in the machine according to the instructions on the electronic game cards, and then they can play games on the computer. Public welcome."

"Moreover, as far as we know, the current CEO of Apple Computer, Steve Jobs, intends to discuss procurement cooperation with major schools in our country. The selling point is that their computers can teach programming."

"Although we did not analyze whether the cooperation they were looking for was feasible before coming here, we have already calculated their expected revenue this year. Based on their current shipments, their main business revenue this year should exceed One hundred million."

"The total value of the company should also exceed one billion dollars."

"And Ethan Jones holds 30.00% of the shares, and his estimated net worth exceeds... [-] million."

When the figure of [-] million was mentioned, the voice of the white man who reported it trembled.

Although it returned to normal soon, everyone present caught the slight change.

Such a situation made Warner Chairman Steve Rose chuckle with his eyes closed.

Waving again, said: "Next."

At his call, a third white man appeared.

"Chairman, according to your request, we have carefully investigated Chuck Pedro Chip Company. Chuck Pedro Chip Company is a subsidiary of MOS. It was established to avoid the legal problems of MOS 6502. So far, They've sold over 40 6502 chips."

"Although their chip shipments beat Intel and Motorola, but because of the low price, their operating income is not good, maybe because the products are selling well but they can't make money, so when MOS started to develop [-] When the [-]-bit chip was launched, some people in the chip team were dissatisfied with the pricing of the product and chose to leave, which led to the difficult production of the [-]-bit chip.”

"This situation made MOS very anxious, and according to the news we got, the shareholders of this company are also very dissatisfied with the dystocia, and among their shareholders, the most dissatisfied is Alan Brown. Radley, this is an automation equipment company based in Milwaukee."

When the name Alan Bradley appeared, Steve Ross suddenly opened his eyes.

He looked at his subordinates and said, "If I remember correctly, this is a military company?"

"Yes." The white subordinate said quickly.

"Why would they hold a majority stake in MOS?"

"Because they provided chips for Texas Instruments during the calculator war, they took a stake in MOS, but overnight, those calculator manufacturers were blown away by HP."

This reason made Steve Ross look clear.

Then he closed his eyes again and said, "Next."

When the fourth white man stood up, he reported the situation of Jones and Johnson Agricultural Production Company, "According to the latest information we have received, Ethan Jones and his family currently own more than [-] acres of land in Santa Clara County." Agricultural land is a major local farmer.”

"Ethan Jones' uncle, that is, Thomas Johnson, the father of his sister Evelyn Johnson, has been invited by the local agricultural cooperative organization. If there is no accident, he will get a position when the next organization changes. .”

With the end of the report, Warner Chairman Steve Ross, who was leaning there, moved his index finger slightly and knocked on the armrest. When there was a rattling sound, everyone present felt that their hearts were hurting.

The inexplicable pressure made them want to escape here.

And as soon as this idea came up, Steve Ross laughed——

"Ethan Jones was born in [-], right?"

"22 years old this year?"

"A 22-year-old child has already mastered such a huge wealth?"

"Wow - that's faster than digging for oil -"

Although he sighed, there was no smile on his face.

Opening his eyes again, the turbid pupils were full of sharpness.

"It's an accident that such a guy came to Hollywood? Do you believe it?"

His eyes swept over several subordinates one by one.

And those guys drooped their heads, and no one answered.

Because, just two months ago!They, Warner, are still fighting the game of fate!

So far, their honorary lawsuit between Warner and Destiny Games has stalled!
This result made Steve Ross raise his eyebrows and said, "You don't believe it, do you?"

"very good--"

"Then tell me, what should we do in the face of Ethan Jones' active punching?"

"Ok?"

That's right!

While the other companies were openly asking Ethan about the situation, the Warner headquarters was freezing cold!
If for the others, Ethan Jones' behavior is not easy to figure out, then for Warner, this bare-bones start-up company starts a project, which is a demonstration!
He, Ethan Jones, just blew up their subsidiary Atari in the video game industry, and then went straight into their Warner Bros. best film field?
This fucking fist is hitting their faces!

Other film and television companies may be able to wait and see, but they can't!
The silence of the subordinates also made Steve Ross turn away.

He folded his arms and laughed.

"what happened?"

"Afraid?"

"If something like this happens and you are afraid, then you should leave Warner as soon as possible!"

"You are not welcome in this company with a history of more than 50 years!"

Such words made the faces of Warner executives standing in a row shudder.

After looking at the chairman of the company for a while, the white man in charge of collecting the specific situation of the game of fate said, "Boss, after two months of rest, Atari's current situation is far beyond expectations. The current CEO Reid Mon Casa has officially established a project for "Superman", and if nothing else happens, the "Superman" arcade game will be released together with the movie."

"When we promote Superman, a character with market influence, to the public, it will definitely gain more public attention. The time, we tentatively set it for Christmas next year, because of the popularity of "Star Wars" at that time." It will definitely decline, and Ethan Jones actually likes to squeeze out the market value of a product, so according to our estimation..."

"His next game, the fastest is 1979."

"We can regain some of the lost market before then."

"Very good." This report made Warner chief Steve Ross very satisfied.

He nodded with a smile and moved his gaze to the second person.

In such a situation, the guy who reported to Apple stepped forward and said: "Chairman, although our company may not be able to snipe them from the computer business, but when I was collecting information on Apple, I found another news. Commodore International, the company with the third largest market share, once cooperated with Alan Bradley, the parent company of MOS, in the field of calculators, and they also supplied Texas Instruments."

"Although they have not shown any cooperation matters so far,...For Commodore International, the acquisition of MOS may be the best way to regain market position, and we feel that they may be waiting for sixteen The advent of the chip."

"Okay!" The news made the head of Warner Steve Ross's eyes brighten.

"I see what you mean." He nodded.

Then, he turned his gaze to No.3 subordinate.

Although his colleagues have already stated their own business, the Warner executive who investigated Chuck Pedro Chip Company did not show timidity, but smiled and said: "Boss, the acquisition of MOS can be implemented, because as far as we know , Another company is also eyeing them, and that company is called Rockwell."

"Because according to their announcement, they will launch a personal computer based on 6502 to the market next year. If this product is good, they will definitely acquire MOS company, or in other words, they will definitely acquire and hold MOS company Alan Bradley's most of the stock, because just by buying them, they can become the largest defense contractor in our country, and at the same time, they can also get the full power of 6502."

"Hmm—" The message got Steve Ross to give him a thumbs up.

But when he cast his eyes on the fourth person, the guy who investigated the land issue chatted about others, "Boss, they are too clean on the land issue."

"There's probably nothing we can do."

"But we have sent people to monitor their factories. So far, they have no intention of expanding production. That is to say, as of yesterday, they have not made home consoles."

"The reason why I say they didn't do it is because we firmly believe that they must be doing it, because according to the news we got, they seem to want to cooperate with Stanford's scientific research team to do research on optical storage. If nothing else, this thing may It will be used on home consoles.”

"So, my suggestion is to send the message—"

"To Philips."

The fourth person looked at his boss seriously.

"Papapa--" His behavior caused Steve Ross to applaud, and said happily: "Brothers! You are great!"

"Although Ethan is very powerful now, if it is a sniper in a single industry, he may not pose much threat to him, but we Warner never do those boring things, don't we?"

"And while you were working hard, I also prepared a surprise for you!"

"Now--"

"You'll hear better news!"

Before he finished speaking, Steve Rose picked up the phone on the desk and dialed the short number within the company.

A moment later, someone knocked on the door of the office from outside.

He tilted his head slightly, motioning his subordinates to open the door, and as the visitors appeared, everyone present widened their eyes!

"Nolan?" they exclaimed.

"Why are you here?" they wondered.

The bearded Nolan Bushnell came to Steve Ross with a smile, and saluted him respectfully. After the other party nodded, he turned around with a smile and looked at the previous colleagues.

"Guys—" he said, "Steve is a great leader, and he knows that the failure of the new Atari generation has nothing to do with me."

"The reason why he fired me in a hurry was that he hoped that I could get more news, more news about Ethan Jones."

"And now, I have results, and I can share it with everyone."

"Number one, there was a falling out between Ethan Jones and his book partner, Nintendo."

"I don't want to say more about the specifics, but I have already reported it to Steve."

"This news is absolutely true."

"Second, a strong ally of Ethan Jones is in trouble, and his sister's teacher, Professor Vinton Cerf, who went to the DoD, is being harassed by a private company."

"This information comes from my former partner, Don Valentine, who is now paying attention to this company. If there is a chance, I think everyone can also find out, because it will be our ally if there is no accident, and It’s also in California, it’s called Software Development Labs, and it’s founded by Larry Ellison—”

Warner executives frowned upon hearing the overwhelming amount of information!

The grizzled Steve Ross laughed heartily as they cast their puzzled glances at the boss.

"Hahaha--"

"Ethan Jones may think that the battle between businesses is product vs. product."

"But in fact, the quality of the product is only the most basic and least important point, isn't it?"

"Even if he doesn't come to Hollywood, we at Warner will not let him go!"

"And since he's here—"

"Then everyone have fun!"

"Our video game project will be launched next year, right?"

"Then we will fight a protracted war with him!"

"And the horn..."

Steve Ross grinned and said to the leading subordinate: "Go, make an announcement in the name of our Warner. From today, all studios under Warner will not accept all rentals for projects related to Destiny Films." , all current employees of Warner are not allowed to participate in the project invitation of Destiny Films, and Warner's audio reserves are not open to Destiny Films."

"Didn't he, Ethan Jones, want to make a movie?"

"I let him do it!"

(End of this chapter)