Hollywood Hunter

After staying in Melbourne for one night, Simon and his party returned to Los Angeles, and brought back the heroes and heroines of "Batman" Adam Baldwin and Valerie Galino who had been here for a while. Filming of "Batman" will start early next year. In the remaining few months of this year, various supporting roles will be selected for the film, and auditions and rehearsals will also need to be conducted in Los Angeles. All these require the cooperation of the two main characters.

Simon and others boarded the return flight on the morning of September 14, Melbourne time.

One day in advance, in North America, NBC's "Survivor" was also broadcast at 8 o'clock on Monday evening local time, September 12, and preliminary ratings data were obtained on the afternoon of September 13th, Melbourne time.

new York.

Although he was also very concerned about the ratings data of "Survivor", Robert Iger felt very surprised when the phone rang at more than one in the morning.

Robert White, the CEO of NBC Television Network, personally called him, with all kinds of complicated emotions such as surprise and excitement in his tone. After introducing the preliminary statistics of "Survivor", he also hoped that the two would have a meeting during breakfast. Meet to discuss the production of the second season of the series.

At the same time, Amy Pascal of the West Coast also received the premiere ratings of "Survivor" at midnight, and Simon, who was far away in Australia, was also quickly notified.

Early in the morning on September 13, North American time, NBC couldn’t wait to publish the ratings data of "Survivor" in mainstream media such as the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, and major newspapers generally used'another phenomenon.' Headings like'level'.

Why do you say "again"?

Obviously, "Who Will Become a Millionaire" has created a phenomenal ratings. The ratings performance of "Survivor" seems to be stronger than "Who Will Be a Millionaire".

After more detailed statistics, only the first issue, the number of viewers of "Survivor" has soared from the initial 17.8 million to 22.65 million, and the final average number of viewers reached 20.95 million, far exceeding NBC's expectations before the launch. The number of viewers is around 15 million.

Anyone in the industry knows very well that there is a big difference between a TV program with a viewership of 10 million and a TV program with a TV program of 20 million. The two are completely different from quantitative to qualitative.

Moreover, although the first issue of "Survivor" failed to surpass the previous day's "Who Will Be a Millionaire" in total viewership, among the core audience of 18 to 49 years old, "Survivor" unexpectedly Did it.

On Sunday’s "Who Will Be a Millionaire", the viewership was 23.7 million, and the audience rating for the core group of 18 to 49 years old was 11.1. In comparison, although the total viewership of "Survivor" is only 20.95 million, the core audience ratings of 18 to 49 years old unexpectedly reach 11.5, which means that among the 18 to 49 year old audiences, "Who Will Be The first issue of "Millionaire" had an audience of 13.3 million, while "Survivor" had an audience of 13.8 million.

Although it is only a gap of about 500,000, no one can ignore that "Who Will Be a Millionaire" has tried its best to accumulate popularity during the summer for several months, but "Survivor" is only the premiere, even in publicity. , NBC has not spared no effort in ABC, which has already paid a huge sum of money for this reality show.

Therefore, the first episode of the premiere surpassed the obvious advantage of "Who Will Be a Millionaire", and the overall ratings of "Survivor" are destined to only be even better.

Now, the only thing NBC TV network regrets is that there are only 13 issues in one season of "Survivor" instead of the 69 issues of "Who Will Be a Millionaire".

Moreover, in order to reduce the risk as much as possible, NBC only signed a contract for the first season with Daenerys Entertainment. ‘

According to the current broadcast frequency, before the winter break, the first season will be broadcast. NBC wants to ensure the smooth start of the second season of the spring file next year after the winter break. Obviously, it will also face the ABC TV network having to report to Dany. Lisi Entertainment's dilemma in paying sky-high prices.

NBC was very eager, but Robert Iger appeared to be more cautious. He has never encountered the situation of producing two consecutive phenomenal TV shows in his career. In the morning, I had breakfast with Robert White, the CEO of NBC Television Network, and he hurriedly boarded the plane to the west coast.

The next specific cooperation plan obviously needs to be personally approved by Simon who is about to return from Australia.

After discussions in an internal emergency meeting, NBC Television Network CEO Robert White also set off for Los Angeles.

Due to the 18-hour time difference, Simon and his team took off at 10 am on September 14th, Melbourne time, and experienced a 16-hour flight. When they arrived in Los Angeles, it was only 8 am on September 14th.

Although he didn't want to be too impatient, Robert White, together with several senior executives of Daenerys Entertainment, felt that the airport was picked up in person at Los Angeles International Airport.

Simon originally planned to take a rest in Malibu for the morning. Seeing the crowd gathered, he had to temporarily change his plan and send Janet back first. He rushed to Daenerys Entertainment in Saint Petersburg with Amy, Iger, and White. Monica's headquarters.

The conference room at Daenerys Entertainment Headquarters.

Everyone seated themselves, and Robert White went straight to the point: "Simon, I communicated with the parent company yesterday. NBC hopes to sign the "Survivor" contract for the next three seasons at one time. As for the cooperation price, we can give "Who Will Be" "Millionaire" is also quoted at $2 million per issue."

Simon took a cup of hot coffee that Jennifer handed over from behind, took a sip, and cheered up: "Bob, the ratings of "Survivor" are stronger than "Who Will Be a Millionaire", you Do you think the same offer is appropriate?"

"This is only the first season, Simon," Robert White shook his head: "No one can guarantee that this reality show will be so popular in the following seasons. According to the usual TV show ratings, it will be popular in the following seasons. The ratings data must have dropped. In this way, we made an offer of $2 million and took a certain risk."

Simon noticed how Robert Iger was hesitant to speak after Robert White's voice fell, and gestured to him with a smile.

Robert Iger directly rebutted Robert White: "Bob, the usual hit series, the long-term ratings should be a parabola, not the downward curve you said. With the further increase in popularity, the next few seasons, "Survivor" has even higher ratings."

Robert White forgot the origin of Robert Iger for a while, but he was exposed on the spot, and his face did not show much embarrassment. He said again: "Simon, compared to the cost Daenerys Entertainment paid for "Survivor" That said, $2 million is already a very high price tag."

"In Hollywood, the investment cost and rate of return of film and television works are not directly proportional in most cases," Simon shook his head and said: "So, a $2 million phase is definitely not good."

"If it is higher, NBC TV network can no longer take the risk," Robert White said: "Simon, we are different from ABC. In recent years, NBC's business situation is very good, even if it loses the "survival "NBC will not be affected too much."

Simon smiled and said, "Bob, if you continue to treat me as a layman, there is no need to continue today's meeting."

The competition among the four major television networks has always been fierce. If you stand still and stop moving, it actually means a step backward.

NBC’s current operating status may surpass the other three top rankings, but if you lose "Survivor", CBS and FOX aside, with the popularity of "Who Will Be a Millionaire", ABC will definitely be able to quickly surpass NBC Won the first share of TV network ratings.

Therefore, NBC dare not give up "Survivor" at all.

"Well, Simon," Robert White patted his hands helplessly, and said, "So, how much do you think is appropriate for each issue?"

"In the next few seasons, Daenerys Entertainment can take the initiative to increase the length of some episodes. Each season will be about 15 issues. If NBC wants to win the next three seasons at once, I can give you a package price of 5000 per season. Million dollars, 150 million dollars in three quarters."

Robert White was taken aback and blurted out: "This is impossible."

Just kidding.

According to NBC, Daenerys Entertainment’s production budget for the first season of "Survivor" is only about US$5 million, and a season of US$50 million, including Daenerys Entertainment’s reserved internal advertising placement rights and syndicate distribution. Daenerys Entertainment will be able to obtain at least 10 times more than the net profit, which is simply huge profits.

"Let’s calculate," Simon relaxed a little, and said: "According to the ratings data of the first issue, in the next few seasons, "Survivor" may reach the peak of an average of 30 million viewers per issue. This is already some second-line awards ceremony. As far as I know, the Grammy’s ratings at the beginning of the year were about 30 million, and their 30-second advertising fee reached 300,000 US dollars. In this way, the 15-minute interstitial advertising time for each issue of "Survivor", You can get back 9 million US dollars. In comparison, Daenerys Entertainment only received about 3 million US dollars."

"But have you calculated the cost?" Robert White retorted: "Simon, the operating cost of the TV network is very high."

Simon simply interrupted Robert White’s nonsense and said, “Bob, if you talk about the cost, Hollywood’s cost is actually higher. In the past few decades, the movies produced by major studios have basically lost money. Profitable."

Hearing Simon's words, Amy and Iger couldn't help laughing.

Studio movies have never been profitable. This is naturally a joke, but it is also a well-known joke of established facts.

In order to avoid taxes and fees and the trade union’s payable share, most of the film projects of the major Hollywood studios are indeed loss-making. Even if they barely make a profit, the amount is often insignificant.

In comparison, the operation of the four major television networks is even more opaque in order to avoid similar expenditures.

Therefore, Robert White said that the operating costs of television networks are very high, which is indeed true. But Simon knows that in the previous fiscal year, NBC's net profit reached more than 380 million U.S. dollars, which far exceeded several competitors such as ABC, CBS and FOX.

Now, if it can be ensured that "Survivor" will pay a high fee, the benefits NBC will get are obvious. He can keep his TV network's first share of ratings and is completely unafraid of ABC's hot pursuit. On the contrary, if there is no "Survivor", perhaps just after this autumn file, ABC will be able to overtake it.

TV networks also have the Matthew effect that the stronger the stronger, and when they are unable to spread the advertisements on the four major TV networks at the same time, advertisers usually prefer the one with the highest market share.

Therefore, once it is overtaken by ABC, it will be even more difficult for NBC to catch up. Although it will not fall into a loss all at once, but being left behind by ABC, NBC's profitability will definitely decline rapidly. In comparison, ABC, which was still at a loss last year, was able to quickly realize profits with the audience market share brought by "Who Will Be a Millionaire".

Robert White continued to fight for a few more words. Simon insisted not to give in, so he had to temporarily stop the meeting and indicated that he would go out and make a phone call.

Simon knew that Robert White was going to report to Jack Welch, chairman of the parent company, General Electric, and readily asked Jennifer to personally lead him to an office next door.

General Electric's size is far from reaching the US$500 billion level at the peak of the Internet bubble ten years later. Although it has gradually recovered from the stock market crash last year, its market value is now less than US$50 billion. Two years ago, General Electric acquired MCA, the parent company of NBC Television Network, but it cost $6.5 billion, which is more than one-tenth of GE’s current size. Therefore, the media business is currently directly reported to GE Chairman Jack Welch. A real stimulus to report.

Simon, Amy, and Iger talked in a low voice for a while about the company's recent affairs. After ten minutes, Robert White returned again.

"Simon, I just talked to Jack," Robert White said without concealing it: "We can accept Daenerys Entertainment’s quarterly offer of $50 million, but Daenerys Entertainment must also promise us several items. precondition."

Simon made a gesture of please.

Robert White said: "First of all, Daenerys Entertainment must increase investment in the production of "Survivor". We can all see that many details in the first season are still very rough. This is obviously to save costs, but Since we are offering high prices, Daenerys Entertainment is also obliged to do better. In the next three seasons, the production cost of this reality show must not be less than US$10 million per season."

Simon nodded: "This request is very reasonable, I agree."

"Secondly, in the next three seasons, each season must be at least 16 episodes, not the 15 episodes you just mentioned. At the same time, Daenerys Entertainment must agree to NBC's dispatch of staff to participate in the production of the show.

Simon made simple mental calculations. The 15th and 16th periods seem to have little difference, but this happens to be able to reduce the cost of NBC for this reality show to about 3 million US dollars. After staring at each other with Amy and Iger, seeing that neither of them raised any objections, Simon nodded again: "No problem."