Hollywood New Century

After the hilarious Halloween, Hollywood is still Hollywood, and the arrival of the end of the year has added to the drunken dreams of celebrities.

After all, the Oscars Gala at the beginning of next year needs various film companies, producers and other filmmakers to market and lobby the Oscar judges.

At the same time, there seems to be a lot less news about the NBC Universal acquisition, after all, the current acquisition competitors are still in the pipeline.

However, Hollywood never lacks materials. Without this, there will be another one. The century-old MGM has had a debt crisis since the beginning of the year.

Until now, the films released by MGM this year have also been unsuccessful at the box office, and the debt interest repayment date has arrived. It is difficult for the empty MGM Group.

Aurora Pictures, as a subsidiary of Xinghai Entertainment, just released "Ghost Records" in theaters last month. Because it has been released in the DVD market for a long time before, it is not a big deal to release it in theaters.

However, "Ghost Story" is also a horror film in the pseudo-documentary mode, and its reputation is of course good, and the second sequel is of course a matter of course.

Aurora Pictures has also released two low-budget horror films "Orphans" and this "Ghost Records".

At the moment, in the office, Jason Brun, president of Aurora Pictures, is discussing the new script with the creators of "Chainsaw" James Wing and Ray Warner.

"This is Ray's script again?" Jason Bren asked with a smile after reading it.

"Yes, it was conceived during the filming of "The Saw", and I heard James talk about Mr. Bren, and came to talk about this script idea," Ray Warner is basically James Wing's ace screenwriter.

"The idea is very good. After perfecting it, I think it can be shot." Jason Bren originally liked James Wing's horror films, but now he has a good idea, and of course he has to cooperate.

"This script doesn't have some large-scale scenes, nor does it require the participation of big-name stars, and the cost budget will not be high," James Wen said at this time.

After all, since the success of "Chainsaw", James Wen has indeed risen, but the results of two consecutive horror movies have not met investors' expectations.

James Wing is going to shoot a low-cost, high-box horror film again with a small and big approach.

Jason Bren nodded. The current name of the script is "Supernatural". However, many times the name will change when the script is filmed, and only the name that is finally decided when it is released is true.

Of course, what they don't know at the moment is this "Supernatural". After the filming is completed and it participates in the Toronto Film Festival, there will be another release name, "Hidden"!

At the dinner held by the Hollywood Producers Association in Los Angeles, executives of various film companies and independent producers were present. Many producers are also directors, screenwriters, etc. Of course, many actors are also producers.

"In any party, the star must be the star," Simon sat on the sofa, chatting with Amy Pascal, one of Sony Columbia's affiliates.

"Without a star, how can the media come to interview?" Amy Pascal smiled, this young man, it's really not easy.

The strength of Xinghai Entertainment this year has made the entire Hollywood feel a little uneasy. How many blockbuster movies have been released since the beginning of the year?

"By the way, Xinghai Pictures will release a Nicole Kidman movie soon, is Simon also confident?" Amy Pascal asked, after all, Nicole Kidman is a big box office poison.

"Hey, sports inspirational film, the cost is not very high, I think it's not bad, the plot is also very touching, Nicole's performance is very good, there should be no big problem," Simon said although he was a little worried about Nicole Kidman , but not to the movie's protagonist being that fat black man.

Amy Pascal nodded, there was no way, Simon's eyes really made God jealous.

"Next month, "2012" will be released globally, and Colombia's overseas promotion has already started?" Simon asked. After all, this "2012" is a special effects disaster blockbuster between the two companies. Xinghai is responsible for North America and overseas markets. is Colombian.

"It started a long time ago. Anyway, it was the premiere on December 1st. It was just that the distribution negotiations with China were delayed for a while, but they were all resolved." Amy Pascal was still very worried about not being able to enter China at that time. , after all, there are many plots about Chinese plots in the movie, all for the Chinese box office market.

"On December 1st, "Avatar" will be released globally on December 16th, half a month ahead of schedule, so it should be fine. "What is Simon worried about? It's not just James Cameron's blockbuster "Avatar" grabbing the market.

"You are also worried about "Avatar". It really needs to be taken seriously. Cameron's ten-year preparation for a sci-fi blockbuster is a huge production. It was released to the public, but it was also considered to avoid "2012".

""Avatar" is 3D technology, and it is estimated that all IMAX theater screens will play it." Most of the theaters in the United Theater currently held by Simon are also IMAX theaters.

"By the way, MGM Trust Executive Stephen Cooper was opposed by creditors because of MGM's debt and expected asset restructuring. Now he has announced to seek cooperation, Simon, aren't you interested?" Amy Pascal said Staring at Simon's face.

"Seeking cooperation," Simon smiled. Isn't seeking external cooperation to sell assets and sell MGM?

"Of course I will bid. Isn't Stephen Cooper accepting bids from all parties? $2 billion If they sell it, I will take it," Simon said with a smile.

Amy Pascal shook her head and explained: "Last year, the debt of Anchorage Fund and Carl Ika's joint acquisition of MGM was 50 to 60 cents per dollar, and last year MGM May's debt is no less than $4 billion, so it is difficult for MGM to sell for less than $2 billion!"

Simon looked at Amy Pascal, smiled, and took a sip of wine. Sony used Wall Street to control MGM with leverage, but it was abandoned when it ran out.

"MGM has several short-term debts due last year and this year, with no interest paid at all, plus the movies made in the past two years are a mess, how much can a 007 make? Now they have even the 23rd 007 and "The Hobbit" "The production funds are not available. MGM's debt has already exceeded 5 billion US dollars so far, and MGM's total assets. At present, I estimate that it is only about 2.5 billion US dollars, and the price of 2 billion US dollars is basically enough. the highest price ever,” Simon said.

"Also, you should know who Carl Icahn is. He holds more than 20% of MGM's debt and is one of the major shareholders of Lionsgate. What he wants to do is clear, Warner Bros., Disney , Twentieth Century Fox will bid, and I bet no one will bid more than $2 billion!”

"Amy, I know what you mean. Xinghai Entertainment is a strong independent film group in your eyes. The six Hollywood models have existed for a long time. It's time to make a move." Simon narrowed his eyes.

"I bought NBC Universal and you were scared, didn't you?"

Amy Pascal smiled helplessly. The six of them did discuss that if Simon could acquire MGM, the huge debt crisis would definitely hold back Xinghai Entertainment.

Meanwhile, Carl Icahn, his longtime hedge fund rival on Wall Street, is sure to hold him back.

"Simon, MGM was also a member of MPAA before. If Xinghai Entertainment acquired MGM, the association would immediately let you become a member again. After all, you don't lack the annual membership fee of 20 to 30 million US dollars! "Amy Pascal named six conditions.

"Well, MPAA member?" Simon was indeed interested in this, and laughed,

"You don't seem to have confidence in me buying NBC Universal?"

"Forget it, if you can let me buy MGM for $2 billion, I can take $5 billion in debt, I'd love to!"

007 in the hands of MGM, overseas distribution rights for The Hobbit, and more than 4,000 movie rights in the film library.

Although it is a bit uncomfortable to acquire MGM at this price, Simon knows that the future will definitely be a big profit!

Regardless of Amy Pascal's helpless and frowning face, Simon just smiled and walked away.