Hollywood Hunter

Looking at the words on the fax paper, just thinking about it, Bill Gates said: "Wintel, Simon, you mean Microsoft and Intel?"

Simon nodded and said, "That's right."

Bill Gates suddenly showed disapproval and said: "Simon, since 1981, Microsoft and Intel have been very good partners. You don't need to remind you of this."

"Of course I know. But, just like IBM forced Intel to license X86 architecture patents to other manufacturers. Next, if IBM also feels that Microsoft threatens its own initiative and introduces other operating systems to divert Microsoft's market share, then you What are you going to do?"

In the late 1970s, Intel introduced a powerful X86 architecture processor. In order to avoid Intel's dominance, IBM forced Intel to license X86 patents to more than a dozen companies. As a result, although Intel has been able to produce the best-performing processors over the years, its market share in the field of processor chips does not have much advantage.

Thinking of IBM, a behemoth with a market value of more than $70 billion after the stock market crash, Gates was a little silent for a while. Even if Microsoft and Intel are added together, the current market value is less than 5 billion US dollars. If IBM really took measures to restrict Microsoft, it would not have much power to fight back in front of IBM.

Seeing Gates' silence, Simon continued: "So, simple partners are definitely not enough. Microsoft and Intel must be closely integrated into a technology alliance, so that as long as users choose one of them, they must choose the other at the same time. The graphical interface operating system is destined to be the future development trend of the PC, and Microsoft has already taken the lead. After all, the core patent of X86 is still in the hands of Intel. Compared with other chip manufacturers, it also has many advantages. If your two are strong Union, a few years later, even in front of IBM, should have a fight."

Bill Gates said: "This may be a good way, but Intel is not necessarily willing to tie itself to Microsoft."

Simon shrugged and said, "This is your business. I am not Microsoft's largest shareholder."

Bill Gates thought for a while, then said: "Even if your idea can be realized, everyone is not a fool. If Microsoft and Intel do this, IBM and other vendors are likely to kick us both out."

Simon said: "This is back to your two own products. Intel's processors are definitely the best on the market. This company has core patents and the possibility of being completely excluded from the market is very low. In comparison, Microsoft's foundation is indeed too shallow. The operating interface of the Windows system is still imitating Apple's Macintosh system. If Apple suddenly turns its face, there may not be Windows 3.0 next."

Hearing Simon’s words suggesting that Windows was copying Apple’s operating system, Bill Gates’s expression was a bit unsightly, but he still said: "Can you solve this problem?"

Simon smiled and said: "It just so happens that I also bought 4.9% of Apple's shares. Look, this is the benefit of having a lot of money. If there is friction between Apple and Microsoft next, I think I can still help mediate from it. ."

Although he is also a billionaire, Gates now has more than 95% of his wealth in Microsoft stocks, and he has only a few million dollars in his hands. In addition to the inevitable jealousy of Simon's huge wealth, Gates even felt a little absurd.

Young people under the age of twenty have earned a wealth that no one else can match in a few lifetimes.

What is going on in this world?

Is there a bug like an operating system?

After struggling for a while, Gates spoke again: "Simon, if you insist, I can agree to you personally join the Microsoft board, not an unknown lawyer in New York."

"I am very busy, and I don't have time to fly to Seattle often to participate in various Microsoft conferences." Simon shook his head decisively and said: "Bill, James is my spokesperson. I will use him to maintain an understanding of Microsoft's business conditions and propose myself. Suggestions."

"You must ensure that he will not wantonly interfere with Microsoft's corporate decision-making."

"Of course, not even me," Simon nodded and said: "Actually, I am happy to provide advice, but I don't really like to persuade someone to agree with my views. For Microsoft, I express my personal intentions most directly. The way is stocks, buy or sell, it’s that simple. Even, if you need it, I can transfer the voting rights of the stock held by Westeros to you."

Bill Gates is not at all polite: "Really?"

"Of course it is true, but in exchange, sell me some more stocks in your hand, 5%, 10% off the market price, how about it? Bill, you are already a billionaire, and you definitely need a little more cash. Right? The public sell-off will be subject to the SEC’s reduction of holdings, and private transfers will be fine. At that time, I will authorize you to vote for 10% of Westeros’ shares."

Bill Gates looked at someone looking like a wolf grandmother and shook his head almost subconsciously, and said: "Sorry, Simon, I have no plans to sell stocks for the time being. If you want more, you can absorb it from the open market."

The two chatted like this, and lunch was quickly served.

After some communication, although it still felt a little weird, Bill Gates unknowingly let go of his vigilance against Simon, and the atmosphere of the subsequent conversation became relaxed. Now that his goal has been achieved, Simon also appropriately revealed more ideas about the Wintel Alliance.

After lunch, Simon and Gates parted and returned to the company headquarters. It was already more than two o'clock.

Just walking into the company office building, Amy appeared in front of him with a script. Simon saw the script that Amy handed over, and his face suddenly showed a strange expression.

"rain Man".

Could it be.

It's your own, can't you escape?

Originally going directly to the editing room and seeing the script of "Rain Man", Simon took Amy to his office. Sitting down behind the desk, Simon has reduced the surprise he had just given, and opened the script with great interest and read it, while waiting for Amy to take the initiative to explain.

Amy sat down across the desk and said, "Simon, this was just sent by Michael Ovitz, a story about the brotherhood of autistic patients. He is still calling, but you are not here."

Simon asked: "He wants us to invest?"

Last Friday, Simon asked Amy to release the news that Westeros plans to invest in film projects abroad. This is obviously how "Rain Man" came to the door.

Amy nodded and said, "Actually, I've heard of this project a long time ago. Since last year, Ovitz has been promoting the project of "Rain Man". It is said that Ovitz was studying psychology at university. , Participated in charity activities to help autistic patients, and was very touched about it, so he liked the script very much, and also brought Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise into the lead roles."

Simon opened the script in his hand and asked, "Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise's project, shouldn't there be a lack of investment?"

Amy said: "The story lacks commercial selling points. Hoffman and Cruise did not agree to lower the pay. The budget cost requires 25 million US dollars. No one in Hollywood is optimistic about this project. Warner, Universal, Paramount and other companies all rejected it. Several first-line directors also chose to withdraw after taking over the script. In the second half of the year, Spielberg had originally agreed to direct and helped raise funds. However, he also announced his withdrawal recently. The public reason was that he wanted to direct "Treasure Treasure". Striking Soldiers 3, but I think Steven should also not be optimistic about this project."

Simon smiled and said, "Then why did you bring it to me? You really treat me like a fat sheep?"

Amy also smiled and said: "Now Lianmei has taken over this project, but they hope to find other investors to share the risk. Ovitz has heard that we are interested in the copyright of The Hobbit in the hands of Lianmei. He He said on the phone that if Daenerys Films is willing to take on the US$10 million investment, he can help persuade United States to transfer the copyright of The Hobbit to us.

Simon glanced at Amy and said, "What do you mean?"

Amy shook her head and said, "The risk is too great, and I don't approve of investment. However, because it is related to The Hobbit, I will show it to you. Since Ovitz has said something, he must be sure to help us with it. To the copyright of The Hobbit. Moreover, there should be room for bargaining for the investment share of US$10 million.

Fearing that he was too strong in Hollywood, Simon originally planned to let go of "Rain Man", the original 1988 North American box office champion. but. Over the past year, Simon's actions in Hollywood and Wall Street can no longer be described by simply being too sharp, and now there is no need to be too restrained.

After making up his mind, Simon closed the script and said to Amy: "I will read the script tonight, and I will reply to Ovitz tomorrow."

Amy nodded, talking about another thing, and said: "The actresses you have fancy all rejected the invitation of Instinct, Simon, then we can only choose the heroine from the second and third line actresses. Up."

Due to the scheduled summer vacation next year, "Instinct" has been in full swing during this period.

In addition to its own controversy and the gimmicks of **** films, can the actress who acted as the heroine spark with the hero Michael Douglas and show the image of a strong, calm, and fierce female writer? Is it possible for "Instinct" Getting box office success is crucial.

Simon took the selection of the heroine in his hands from the very beginning. The first one he fancyed was Michelle Pfeiffer. After passing the script, he was rejected because of too many **** scenes, and then he carefully selected a few hot spots. The actress sent an invitation, but was still rejected unexpectedly.

Reluctantly rubbing the "Rain Man" script in his hand, Simon said: "In this case, choose from the second and third line actresses, and let the agency send a list of candidates as soon as possible. The film will start shooting in February next year. We don’t have much time."

Amy agreed, and the two talked about something more, and then each began to busy with their afternoon work.