America's Road to Wealth

Chapter 339 Los Angeles Daily Life

".The main task of Marvel movies next year is the promotion of "Spider-Man" and the shooting of new superhero movies."

Inside the MGM headquarters building.

The heads of other film companies in the group have reported to their bosses about their work for the next year.

In the end, it was the turn of the head of Marvel, currently under the direct supervision of Robert Iger for the time being.

Reporting on the work planned for next year's Marvel movies is naturally Mr. Smith Media Group's CEO.

Smith Media was just established this year.

All of its subsidiaries were basically acquired within a very short period of time.

It took almost half a year to integrate the internal resources of these companies, do internal business actuarial calculations, and authorize resources to each other.

In such a short period of time, these subsidiaries have not only completed the original plan.

Most of this year did not launch any big moves.

Like DreamWorks movies, this year's output is relatively small, and it will not be on the right track until next year.

The same is true for Marvel movies. This year, after Abel snatched back the copyright of Spider-Man from Sony for Marvel.

Marvel itself has also taken action one after another, getting back most of the copyrights except for the Fantastic Four and the X-Men.

Marvel has only made one movie this year, and that is Maguire as Parker and Annie as MJ's Spider-Man.

Spider-Man started shooting in April, and it is expected to shoot for four months, and it has been completely completed by the end of August.

Not long after the film was finished, the September [-]th incident occurred.

During that time, most jobs across the United States ground to a halt.

The same is true in the American literary and art circles. The post-production work of the "Spider-Man" movie had to be stalled for more than a week.

In mid-September, its post-production work began.

Before Abel's order came, Robert was keenly aware of the general emotional changes of American audiences after [-]/[-].

The CEO, who is mainly in charge of the group's internal film business, immediately ordered the post-production department to get "Spider-Man" out as soon as possible.

Robert believes that while the haze of [-]/[-] has not dissipated.

The presence of one of America's favorite superheroes, Spider-Man Parker, could clearly lure everyone into movie theaters.

Parker may allow everyone to feel the thrill of a superhero standing up to save the people from fire and danger when the crisis comes in the illusory world!
I have to say that Robert's judgment is correct.

In the parallel time and space, Spider-Man's box office boom is definitely related to the [-]/[-] incident.

It was [-]/[-] that crushed the self-confidence of Americans and let them know that it is actually very dangerous to be at home.

Even in a super urban center like Manhattan, disasters may fall from the sky.

The appearance of the "Spider-Man" movie just fits the personal heroism of American fantasy superheroes to save themselves.

This made "Spider-Man", which is essentially similar to the previous X-Men, a complete box office hit, creating the first box office of 8.25 million US dollars.

The success of many other superhero movies followed, in addition to the improvement of movie CG production technology.

The most important reason is actually [-]/[-].

It made Americans want superheroes like never before, which is why superhero movies have been popular with American audiences since then.

"How long is post-work on Spider-Man?"

Abel asks Robert, "I mean, roughly how long until it's released?"

Abel would have snatched Parker from Sonny in the first place.

It is because after knowing [-]/[-], it will become extremely valuable.

Of course, now is the time to take advantage of the [-]/[-] limelight and let Parker come out as soon as possible to comfort the wounded hearts of Americans.

This made it easier for Abel to take out dollar bills from their pockets.

Robert knew what the boss meant, and he was glad that his judgment was right this time.

"All the relevant personnel in the group are helping to catch up with the work."

Robert said confidently: "It will be on the market in January next year at the latest."

Abel made the decision directly: "Then make sure it will be released in January next year! Let Parker clear away the haze in the hearts of Americans!"

What he said was high-sounding, as if he was thinking about the Americans.

Robert nodded yes, and began to talk about Marvel's plans for next year.

Due to the special confidence in "Spider-Man", the first one has not yet been released.

The shooting of "Spider-Man II" has already been put on the agenda.

In addition to "Spider-Man II", Marvel Movies also plans to shoot two more superhero films next year.

One was previously planned for "Thor", and the other was originally intended to shoot "Captain America".

Because in addition to Parker, there are X-Men and Fantastic Four whose copyrights have not been recovered.

As far as the popularity of these two superheroes is concerned, they are more popular in the United States.

But last year, Abel suggested that maybe he could shoot Iron Man first.

Marvel is a good company and dare not disobey the boss's opinion.

The filming of "Captain America" ​​has been postponed. This year, "Thor" and "Iron Man" are planned to be filmed first.

"Currently looking for actors for these two films."

Robert said.

"Thor's actor in "Thor", we have tentatively confirmed that it is Alexander Skarsgard."

Hearing the actor's name, Abel felt a little strange, but it was not surprising.

Because Abel remembered that the actor who played Thor in his memory seemed to be an Australian actor, and he was still very young. He didn't know if he had debuted at this time.

It is not surprising to him that someone else will be chosen to play the role.

Most of the audience thinks that the actors make the characters.

Most of the actors and executives of the film companies believe in the role of actors.

Those who believe that an actor has achieved a role, it is just that the actor who played the role performed better and was accepted by the audience.

After they have a certain mental impression, they will feel that such and such a role must be such and such an actor.

But if the actor hadn't gotten the role in the first place, then the audience would never have formed such an established impression.

Abel waved his hand, "I don't need to talk about these things. I just know it."

Stopping Robert who wanted to explain in detail, Abel ended today's work conversation.

"Your work plans are well done. I am very satisfied."

Abel looked at everyone with a smile, "This year, MGM movies are relatively quiet. Everyone knows the reason, but starting next year, I hope you can resound in Hollywood."

"I hope that everyone can let Hollywood and Americans know. Knowing my investment in you and my investment in movies is not because people are stupid and rich."

"I hope you can let everyone know that no matter which field I invest in, it is worthwhile and profitable."

"If you can do it. Believe me, you will get a lot of money! I am a person who has always been very generous to my own people."

"I think you all believe that."

In the afternoon, Abel was at the MGM Film Group and stayed until after three o'clock before leaving.

Because after three o'clock here, there will be no traffic jam at the intersection.

Sitting in the rear compartment, Abel suddenly asked nonchalantly—"What's the current situation?"

David in the passenger cab has been working for him for a full year.

David's understanding of his boss was familiar to all of Biaber's subordinates.

The general manager of the Smith family office replied almost without thinking:
"The share price of American Express has regained its position at $40. The other party made a decisive move and supported the downward momentum at the most critical moment. The upward trend is very obvious, and it has also created a lot of major good news."

Among the various talents under Abel, David was not the most proficient in every aspect.

But he basically knows a little bit about everything, which is more comprehensive than Allen of the Smith Intelligence Group.

With this kind of jack-of-all-trades talent, it might not be a good idea for him to be alone.

But as the big butler next to the big boss, that's very suitable.

"Hehe, it seems that they are trying to make me look good!"

Abel laughed at himself and said, "Just Soros? I believe that Old George is definitely not the only one who wants to cause trouble for me. Are there any other abnormal financial forces entering the market?"

Abel also knows his own family affairs.

It has been more than a year since he showed his cards to Wall Street and started his own business.

There are too many financial institutions, banks, private equity and enterprises that have been tricked by him.

Smith Capital's reputation as the sixth largest investment bank on Wall Street is not a speculation.

It is other Wall Street institutions who have suffered a lot, and they have added the title to Smith Capital internally.

Everyone has a temper, not to mention that the elites on Wall Street are basically the favored children of heaven.

Those who can reach the top level, one or two are all geniuses.These guys didn't study finance when they were young. If they had studied science, it is estimated that many of them would become scientists.

Abel felt that at least in terms of IQ, he probably couldn't compare with most of them.

He relied on his talent to overwhelm these people.

Since these people are all elites, they are all the favored children of heaven, and they have always been successful.

Then they naturally have greater self-confidence and temper than ordinary people.

And they all suffered from Abel before, more or less suffered.

It was not easy to catch a chance to snipe him, a chance to take revenge.

Even if the sniping fails, you can still earn a fortune.

Abel believed that he had wanted revenge for a long time, and the forces that took revenge on him would not miss it.

"At present, only Soros Fund Management Company has been tracked down, and George Soros didn't even try to cover it up."

David said it straight:
"There may be others, but we can't track them down. However, our fund-raising has become more and more difficult, and Amex's stock price has been pushed up by many parties. It will be easy to break through $40."

David's face was solemn, and he reported with concern.

If it breaks through 40 US dollars, then if the boss still wants to acquire American Express, he must continue to increase the purchase price in order to stabilize the shareholders of all parties.

"Hehe, let it go up!"

There was a relaxed smile on Abel's face.

He looked out the window, "Fire up! Let it keep rising!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Abel's voice suddenly paused, and he pointed out the window—"Look over there, Falk, it seems to be really on fire?!"

It turned out that on the left side of the convoy's advance, due north, a fire ignited on a distant hill.

David looked in the direction, shrugged and said, "You know, this is a feature of California every year, the famous California wildfires."

"Uh..." Abel was speechless for a while.

Well, wildfires are indeed one of the characteristics of California.

California is a place with open plains, rich products, fertile land, suitable precipitation, and even rich oil and gas resources. The sunshine and climate are just right, especially suitable for human beings.

It can be said that no matter which direction it is, it is a place especially suitable for human habitation.

The only problem is that the special climate and geographical conditions of this place make it too easy to form large-scale wildfires.

Since the founding of the United States, more than 10 wildfires have occurred in this ghost place almost every year, burning an area of ​​more than ten square kilometers.

"Won't it burn to Beverly Hills?" Abel couldn't help asking.

David smiled: "That's not true. First of all, the wind direction this time is not blowing this way. In addition, the California authorities can't let Beverly be burned."

That is true.

Beverly Hills, like Silicon Valley, is one of the symbols of California.

There are so many rich people living in Beverly Hills. For the sake of these people, it is impossible for the California authorities to let the fire burn to Beverly Hills.

"Then leave it alone."

Ordinary Californians worry about wildfires.

Rich people in California don't have to worry about wildfires.

Even if there is a wildfire burning towards their home, rich people can hire fire brigades to stop it.

The fire is too big to stop, and the rich man's villa also has corresponding insurance.

Even if the villa is burned down, you can still get the compensation and build a new one, or just buy a new villa.

David sees that the boss no longer cares about the "irrelevant" wildfires.

He couldn't help asking in a low voice—"Boss, the skyrocketing share price of American Express will add some variables to your plan?"

"There will definitely be variables. However, we don't need to worry. The skyrocketing stock price of American Express is not all bad."

Abel smiled and said: "Don't forget that our average cost of opening a position is only about US$20. The current stock price has already made me nearly US$90 billion."

Abel now owns more than 32% of Amex.

But this part of the shares is only a small part, which was acquired at a price of 25 and 35 US dollars during this stock price turmoil.

More of his stocks were acquired from Buffett at that time, and he bought them slowly in the stock market.

If it weren't for the time for a general takeover offer, he could even start selling Amex shares now, causing a wave of plummeting.

"In fact, the initiative has always been in our hands. Whether to accept or let go, we have the final say, and we can play with them slowly."

"Hehe, Old George and the others are seeing that I can't reduce my holdings during the offer period because of the comprehensive acquisition offer. Otherwise, see if they dare to end!"

"But 32.69% of the shares have ensured my position as the largest shareholder. Part of these guys want to earn a vote from me, and the other part wants to use me as a raft to lure leeks into the market and kill them."

In fact, Abel doesn't care, the big deal is to maintain this part of the shares for now.

It's just that he is very unhappy with Soros and others, using him as a raft.

"Let the "New York Observer" publish a report in my name." Abel said to David:
"The report directly tells everyone that investing in American Express is risky, and you need to be cautious when investing in shares."

"Understood. I'll inform Mr. Dylan right away."

This is Abel's warning to the leeks, and it is also Abel's warning to George Soros and others.

Back at 812 North Bedford Road, Annie is out of work again today.

This chick is actually very lazy. In parallel time and space, she got married and semi-retired when she was relatively famous and still young.

In contrast, Jessica is really much more diligent.

After filming "007", she is now looking for two new films to shoot, one invested by MGM and the other by Disney.

With the relationship between Smith Media and Abel, she is not afraid that she will fall into a trap outside.

After all, caa is not a vegetarian, and Jessica still has more than a dozen attendants, assistants, and bodyguards around her at any time.

Annie and Lulana were putting on face masks when Abel arrived home.

Anne seemed to have a crush on the Korshunovas.

Jinna was her bodyguard, Lulana was her maid, and Lulana's mother was her personal cook.

Seeing Abel's appearance, Lulana's face under the mask was a little red and hot, but she couldn't see it because of the mask.

Looking at Anne who was lying on the sofa with a standard Ge You lying down and applying a mask, Abel said speechlessly:

"After 'Spider-Man' was done, it seemed like you didn't have any work. You stopped making movies, honey."

"Who said that?" Annie said softly, "I've made two movies since I came back from Europe!"

She did make two movies, but they were only supporting roles, and one of them only showed her face for more than ten seconds.

Fortunately, Abel didn't force her, and it didn't matter if she liked it or not.

Abel could afford it anyway, and even a few more.

"Then you just stay in a daze in the villa all day?"

Abel sat beside her with a smile, and Lulana quickly moved his position so that he could sit between them.

Smelling his scent, Lulana felt her face getting hotter.

"That's not true. I also have a social life. I'm going to a salon tonight! Don't worry, it's all women, and Jinna will follow me."

"Whose salon?"

"Wendy Deng Murdoch! Murdoch's Chinese wife, she has invited me many times. It is always bad to keep refusing, so I promised her once."

Wendy Deng's invitation?
Abel had already heard of this cunning and scheming woman.

Of course, the main reason is that I heard more in my previous life.

At this time in this life, Wendi Deng has not yet started to be active, and she is not well-known. The outside world only knows that she is Murdoch's wife.

Abel thought about it for a while, and found that Wendy Deng was more realistic and powerful, and there were no bad rumors.

Even if it's a baby face, it's after the divorce with Murdoch.

In the parallel time and space, this woman has become Ikana's "good girlfriend".

He didn't stop Anne from interacting with the other party, anyway, if it was Wendy Deng, he could suppress it through Murdoch.

Instead of making Annie's social interaction uncontrollable, it is better to control it in the areas that you can control.

After all, you can't really lock her up as a canary, that would be too boring.

What's more, even if Wendi Deng has bad intentions, so many people around Annie are not vegetarians.

An ex-renegade swallow Jinna is enough to counter any plot tricks from Wendy Deng.

In this regard, Jinna is the professional.

He just warned Annie - "This woman is very scheming. When you are in contact with her, be careful and don't fall into her trap."

"I understand. If I hadn't known that, I wouldn't have kept rejecting her before."

Annie said confidently: "I am a top student at New York University! Can you trust my IQ?"

Abel shook his head amusedly, turned and went to the outdoor swimming pool.

Today's Los Angeles is as hot as ever, and it's already mid-November.

Abel was going to play in the water.

Seeing him go out, he found that he went to the outdoor swimming pool.

Annie stood up, and she said to Lulana Korshunova: "Lulana, let's go swimming!"

Lulana, who didn't dare to speak the whole time, hesitated for a while, then nodded timidly.

(End of this chapter)