Traveling Through the Tokyo Bubble Era

Chapter 560 "Working Girl" first week box office

Pixar Animation Studios, in the general manager's office.

Hideki Hanyu, accompanied by Edwin Catmull, watched all the recent works produced by Pixar Animation Studios.

In addition to 3D animated short films such as "Little Table Lamp", there are also 3D animated advertisements in cooperation with Genie Entertainment.

When the last cartoon on the screen ended, Hideki Hanyu had a very satisfied expression on his face.

He looked at Edwin Catmull.

"Edwin, I think Pixar's finished animations are now up to par with the standard for theaters, and we can definitely make 3D animated feature films."

When Edwin Catmull heard this, he smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Sir, I don't think it's time to make 3D animation yet."

Hideki Hanyu asked, "Why?"

"There are probably several reasons."

At this point, Edwin Catmull began to describe the reasons why he felt that he was not suitable for making 3D animated feature films.

"First of all, our technical accumulation is not enough. The short films you see now were made by us by squeezing all the technical power we have. But even so, it took an extremely long time to produce them.

If we use the current technology, it is estimated that it will take more than five years to produce a 3-minute D animated feature film, and the production cost alone will probably exceed million US dollars. "

After hearing about such a long time and production cost, Hideki Hanyu no longer mentioned any animated feature films.

It seems that as Edwin Catmull said, the time has not yet come to make a 3D animated feature film.

Of course, it wasn't just time and money that made him give up his idea.

For an investor, even if it takes five years and $200 million, as long as it can make money, it is worth it.

After all, in another time and space, the benefits brought by Pixar's first 3D animation "Toy Story" were far more than million US dollars.

The entire series has grossed over $2 billion at the box office alone.

The most profitable aspect of this series is not the box office of the movie at all, but the peripheral derivatives of the movie.

Take "Toy Story 3" as an example. Its global box office successfully exceeded one billion US dollars.

But what about his peripheral income? The statistics before Hideki Hanyu's time travel were over nine billion US dollars.

Therefore, if possible, he would definitely be happy to spend five years and two to three hundred million dollars to produce Toy Story in advance.

But Edwin Catmull's explanation didn't stop.

"Actually, production time and cost are secondary in my opinion. The important thing is that if a lot of time is invested in a feature film, both Pixar's technical staff and production staff will waste the most precious growth time.

Nowadays, technology is developing rapidly. For Pixar, the most important thing is to accumulate experience and technology and continue to improve our 3D animation production system. "

Once Edwin Catmull's explanation came out, Hanyu Hideki would not kill the goose to lay the eggs.

Sacrificing the future of Pixar animation for a feature-length movie.

As a time traveler, I definitely refuse.

Edwin Catmull explained at this time, "Of course, in addition to technical problems, Pixar also lacks mature animation feature film ideas. After all, in addition to the picture, the story is actually the most important thing in an animation."

"I very much agree with this." Hanyu Hideki deeply agreed.

When it comes to the technical level of 3D animation in China in later generations, it will definitely exceed the level of America in the 3s, but you have to say how many D animations have been produced in China that are beyond this era.

The benevolent sees benevolence and the wise see wisdom, and Hanyu Hideki is too lazy to complain.

Of course, if he wanted to, he could have produced a story for Pixar that would become a hit in the future.

But the problem is that there is a big risk in doing so.

That's what kills Pixar Animation Studios' creative juices.

Since he didn't want to kill the goose that laid the eggs, there was no need to do so now.

Even if it is to be done, it will have to wait until Pixar Animation Studio gets on the right track.

"Of course there is another reason, which was actually investigated by John Lasseter, and that is that in this period, movie audiences have no concept of 3D animated movies, and the market prospects are not clear."

Edwin Catmull voiced another concern.

Regarding this point, although Hanyu Hideki has similar views to Edwin Catmull, he has another idea.

In the 3s, D animation was indeed a concept that had not yet become popular.

After the previous life entered the 3s, with the efforts of game console manufacturers led by Sony, games entered the D era in one fell swoop.

With the help of games, the 3D concept is widely recognized.

Although no one has investigated it, 3D animation in the future can be quickly accepted by young movie fans, and 3D games definitely play an important role.

Edwin Catmull's earnest persuasion was obviously because he was afraid of Hanyu Hideki, an investor, who would force Pixar to produce an animated feature film.

After all, as the general manager, he is very clear that since the establishment of Pixar, Hanyu Hideki has spent millions of dollars, but the return has been very little.

As a capitalist, it is understandable that Hideki Hanyu wants to make Pixar Animation Studio profitable as soon as possible.

However, there is a saying that haste makes waste.

Although Edwin Catmull did not know this ancient Chinese saying, he hoped that Hideki Hanyu could understand the same truth.

At the same time, Hideki Hanyu looked at Edwin Catmull with some amusement, especially the cautious and worried look in his eyes.

He could easily guess what the other person was thinking.

He spread his hands helplessly and said.

"Edwin, don't look at me like this. If I were anxious to make Pixar make money, I wouldn't wait until now.

So, continue to develop at your own pace. If you need any help, just let me know. "

When Edwin Catmull heard this, he felt relieved. At the same time, because of Hanyu Hideki's last words, he immediately took out a document from his desk drawer.

He smiled and handed the document to Hanyu Hideki, "Sir, please take a look."

"What is it?" Hanyu Hideki asked curiously as he took the document.

Edwin Catmull explained, "Didn't Sir tell you that he needed help? Pixar recently needs to purchase a batch of equipment, and this is the purchase budget list."

"Edwin really knows how to choose his time."

Hanyu Hideki made a joke, but he still opened the document and read it.

I found that it was indeed a series of equipment lists, including computers, accessories, and some other equipment. The price was not very expensive, only more than 900,000 US dollars in total.

Hideki Hanyu, who has made a lot of money recently, faced this "little money" and just took out a pen and signed his name without any sloppiness.

"Okay, you can take it for audit."

When Hideki Hanyu returned the documents, he looked at his watch and found that the time was close to noon.

He immediately said to Edwin Catmull, "I'll treat everyone to dinner at noon. What do you think is more appropriate?"

Edwin Catmull said, "Then order pizza, that's their favorite thing to eat."

"Please help me count it, and then call to order. Today I will treat everyone to pizza. You can have as much pizza as you want. All you can eat."

While Hideki Hanyu expressed his attitude generously, he couldn't help but sigh that it is indeed an old tradition that Americans like to eat pizza.

"no problem."

Edwin Catmull agreed and walked out of the office.

After a while, Hanyu Hideki heard cheers coming from the office area outside.

Obviously everyone is cheering for the boss's treat.

After a while, Edwin Catmull pushed the door open a crack, stuck his head in and asked, "Sir, what flavor do you want."

"I want the ultra-thin classic model." Hanyu Hideki replied.

The so-called classic style is pepperoni pizza, which is Italian sausage pizza.

This is considered the favorite pizza flavor of Americans. It is said that out of every three pizzas sold in America, one is pepperoni pizza.

After the takeaway shop drove a pickup truck and delivered the pizzas needed by everyone in Pixar, a makeshift pizza party started in the office area.

Not only did the employees thank their boss for the treat, they also enjoyed chatting with Hanyu Hideki.

As for the reason, it's not because Hideki Hanyu is the boss.

It's another level of identity of Hideki Hanyu.

As a Pixar Animation Studio where “tech geeks” gather, most of its employees are loyal fans of video games.

Hideki Hanyu is the top producer in the gaming industry.

If it weren't for the identity of the second-level boss, these people would probably start to worship him.

But even so, everyone's enthusiasm in the end was still a bit overwhelming for Hanyu Hideki.

Some people even dragged Hideki Hanyu to actually experience Pixar's latest 3D animation production system to show their idols their technical achievements.

By the time Hanyu Hideki got out of the crowd of employees, it was already past three in the afternoon.

Return to the general manager's office.

Edwin Catmull couldn't help but say, "Sir, I feel like they like you as the boss more than me as the manager."

"Haha, maybe." Hanyu Hideki also found it very funny.

He hasn't experienced this kind of office atmosphere for a long time since he became rich.

The last time was when he led Elf Entertainment to start a business and engage in research and development.

But after the happiness, there is separation.

The trip to Pixar Animation Studios was his last stop in Los Angeles.

Today is already December 7th.

Work, from Yunshang Pictures to the current Pixar Studio, has been handled.

Women, during a week in Los Angeles, in addition to Brooke Shields and the "magical" Emmanuelle Béa, he even played two friendly matches with Xuelin Fen.

In other words, Naomi Watts is filming, and the Australian white girl is running promotions, otherwise the scumbag will not let any of them go.

So, it’s time to head to San Jose.

After all, the woman at Moon Lake Manor called him every day to ask about the time after she found out he came to America.

Just like that, he took a helicopter to San Jose that afternoon.

Of course, others arrived in San Jose.

But it’s not like she has completely lived a leisurely life accompanying pregnant women.

Here in Silicon Valley, whether it is Spirit Vision, Elf Entertainment Division, or the newly moved Cisco, he will take time to take a look.

He also has to worry about the integration of LVMH Group and Dior in Europe from time to time.

In terms of neon, he will pay attention to the acquisition of his shares in LVMH Group by Aiyi International, as well as the listing of Northeast Energy and Storm Advertising.

Of course, although his people are in America, he can't cut off his contact with beauties from all over the world, and he still has to talk on the phone from time to time.

In a word.

Being a successful man is difficult.

It's even harder to be a successful scumbag.

In this rhythm, two weeks passed in a blink of an eye.

December 21st.

In the living room on the first floor of the Moon Lake Manor mansion, just after lunch, Kuroki Hitomi returned to the bedroom to rest.

At this time, according to Hanyu Hideki's previous rhythm, he should be in his study, creating a picture book he just started recently.

But now, he is still in the living room.

Either walking around doing nothing, or sitting on the sofa staring at the phone.

There was a rare hint of impatience and eagerness in his expression.

After settling down Kuroki Hitomi, Daichi Mao came down from upstairs and asked curiously when seeing Hanyu Hideki looking like this.

"Hanyu-san, are you waiting for an important call?"

Hideki Hanyu sat back on the sofa, nodded and said, "Yes."

He was waiting for a call from Fred Weber of Cloud Pictures in Century City, Los Angeles.

In fact, he had just spoken with Fred Weber on the phone the night before.

But the previous call was from Fred Weber telling him that Peter Jackson, a young director from New Zealand, had passed his application and officially became the director of "Night of the Dead 2".

It has to be said that Peter Jackson, as a world-famous director in later generations, does have two skills in terms of business capabilities.

And receiving an invitation from Hollywood in advance also made Peter Jackson show great sincerity, just to get the opportunity to direct "The Night of the Dead 2".

A week ago, Peter Jackson arrived in Hollywood. After reading the script, he immediately wrote a more than 20,000-word directing plan and his experience reading the script.

This guy not only analyzed the story content in the script thoroughly, but also showed Fred Weber how he would shoot it.

He even wrote an outline of the script for the third film "Night of the Blood Corpse", further expanding the story margins and world background of the film.

After receiving the initial approval from Fred Webber, Peter Jackson also applied to use the resources of Yunshang Pictures to shoot a five-minute short film for "Blood Corpse Night 2" to further prove his ability to Fred Webber. . It was with such sincerity that Peter Jackson finally impressed Fred Webber and successfully won the director's position of "The Night of the Dead 2".

Of course, Hideki Hanyu, who was well aware of Peter Jackson's future achievements, suggested to Fred Weber that he sign a few more film contracts with Peter Jackson.

This kind of operation is actually very common in Hollywood today.

Both the production company and the director are very happy.

Production companies want to ensure that directors continue to work with them after they become famous.

Directors who are not yet famous feel that this is a guarantee for their work.

After talking about Peter Jackson, let’s focus on the present.

The call Hideki Hanyu was waiting for today had nothing to do with the crew of "Blood Corpse Night 2".

Three days ago on Friday, after more than a year of preparation and promotion, Yunshang Pictures' first $20 million major production, "Working Girl" was released.

Now, three days of the opening weekend have passed.

No matter how successful "Working Girl" was at the box office in another time and space.

In this time and space, Yunshang Pictures has faced its first real major test.

In the past, whether it was the low-cost "Night of the Blood Corpse" or "Angels in the World" which he knew would lose money, Hanyu Hideki didn't take it to heart when it was released.

But this time it was different.

Hanyu Hideki's heart became uncontrollably nervous.

Even after the movie was released, reviews from film critics were generally good, and fan feedback from survey companies was also very good.

But Hanyu Hideki was still unbearably nervous.

Because this movie is the first movie he arranged for Yunshang Pictures using his foresight as a time traveler.

What he was nervous about was not the loss of 20 million in production costs after the movie failed.

With his current worth, $20 million is a lot, but it is not something he cannot afford to lose.

What worries him is the uneasy feeling of losing control of the original history once the movie fails.

After all, whether Yunshang Pictures can gain a foothold in America and achieve success depends most on his foresight as a time traveler.

This kind of tension made him feel like he had nowhere to vent his emotions.

So when Mao Daichi didn't know why he was nervous, he sat on the sofa and tried to comfort him.

The scumbag held Mao Daichi on his back with his backhand, immediately released the restraints, and began to release his psychological tension on the sofa.

But while he was busy, the phone suddenly rang.

Hideki Hanyu immediately reached out, grabbed the phone and put it to his ear.

Immediately afterwards, Fred Weber's voice came from over there.

It sounded exciting and exciting.

For a moment, Hanyu Hideki felt that it should be good news.

Sure enough, next, Fred Weber said the answer he wanted to hear most.

"Boss! We have obtained the box office statistics from 20th Century Fox. In the three days of the first weekend, the box office was US$4.96 million!
This is the highest opening weekend box office I have ever had as a producer!
boss! Our movie is going to be a success! "

The three-day box office of the first weekend was US$4.96 million.

If this number were placed a few decades later, for a large-budget production, it would definitely be sold to grandma's house.

But this is the eighties.

This first weekend opening result, according to Fred Weber's previous calculations, means that the total North American box office figure is very likely to exceed 65 million US dollars.

It also means that the global box office is very likely to exceed 100 million.

And this is similar to the box office success achieved by "Working Girl" in another time and space.

So when Hideki Hanyu heard the box office figures, the tension he had felt for the past few days was instantly gone.

The turbulent emotions were instantly vented through the good news.

The most important thing is that the feeling of mastery of history has returned.

In fact, Hanyu Hideki does not feel that he can always control the development of history.

But at least in the beginning, before his industry grew, he still hoped that everything could develop according to a familiar rhythm.

Thinking of this, he hurriedly warned Fred Weber.

"Fred, you have done a good job, but now is just the beginning. Next, we will communicate more with 20th Century Fox to ensure the popularity of the movie promotion, pay attention to the media and public opinion, and there must be no problems before the movie is released."

"Boss, don't worry about these things. This is not my first day working in Hollywood."

After Fred Weber finished speaking, he asked about another matter, "Twentieth Century Fox contacted us and wanted to buy out the overseas distribution of Working Girl. They offered eight million US dollars. Do I agree?"

Hearing Fred Weber's question, Hanyu Hideki suddenly fell into thinking.

After a moment, he replied, "Sell it, but you'll have to figure out the price."

Fred Weber was a little surprised, "Boss, the group has channels overseas, why should we hand them over to 20th Century Fox?"

"Because the Crescent Cinemas Group's acquisition negotiations with AMC will soon be announced, I don't want Hollywood's attention to focus on the group at this time."

Hideki Hanyu gives Fred Weber an explanation.

In fact, what he also wants to say is that in this era, the development of overseas markets for Hollywood movies is not as powerful as it will be in the future.

The bulk of the box office of Hollywood movies is mainly concentrated in North America.

According to the box office results of the movie "Working Girl" in its previous life, even if they managed overseas distribution themselves, the box office would only be around US$50 million.

Calculating the profits, it might not be as much as the buyout fee given by 20th Century Fox.

For this little money, the group certainly chose to keep a low profile.

Hollywood’s eyes can just be focused on Yunshang Pictures.

"alright, I got it."

In order to cooperate with the group's grand strategy, Fred Weber had nothing to say.

"If you have any situation, report it to me immediately. I'll hang up first."

Hideki Hanyu ended the call after saying this.

The moment he put down the phone, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

The happy smile on his face was not concealed at all.

When Daichi Mao on her legs saw this, she finally asked, "Hanyu-san, have you received the good news?"

"Of course it's good news. A movie I invested in America was a hit at the box office."

Hanyu Hideki explained and found that Daichi Mao was still looking at him, so he reached out and patted the opponent's cock.

"Stop looking, move and let me have a good time."

Hearing this, Mao Daichi rolled her eyes at the scumbag a little shyly, but she still acted according to the scumbag's instructions.

After a long time, with the help of Mao Daichi, Hanyu Hideki, who had completely relaxed physically and mentally, suddenly remembered that it seemed necessary to inform Asako Hirohashi about the release of "Working Girl"'s first week box office.

After all, in order to pass the budget of Yunshang Pictures, Hirohashi Asako withstood the pressure of the entire middle and upper management of Yunshang on his behalf.

Now that the box office results for "Working Girl" are out, it's time to shut up those guys at Neon Headquarters.

According to the current momentum, once the global box office of "Working Girl" exceeds 100 million US dollars, the exchange rate converted into yen will exceed 13 billion.

As far as Neon's sluggish live-action movie market is concerned, none of the box office champions in recent years can reach this figure.

What is going overseas to explore America?

This is what it means to go to sea and explore beauty!
Compared with those neon entertainment companies that send one or two celebrities to release records and use the media and overseas singers to stir up news, they can't make a penny in the end, but only gain some fame.

The box office results of Yunshang Entertainment are real.

No one can question or deny it.

If he puts his name as a producer in the movie and hypes it up first, he will definitely be able to create a neon light or something.

It's a pity that Hideki Hanyu is not an actor in the entertainment industry.

With his current worth and popularity, he doesn't need to be famous like this.

Thinking in his mind, Hanyu Hideki had already called Hirohashi Asako's home phone number.

At this time, he couldn't care less that it was five o'clock in the morning in Tokyo.

But even though it was early in the morning, the call was quickly connected.

The somewhat vague voice of Hirohashi Asako came from the receiver.

"Moxi Moxi, this is the Guangqiao family."

"Asako-san, I am Hanyu Hideki."

"Isn't Hanyu-san in America? Why are you calling me so early? Oh, by the way, it should be noon over there."

"Asako-san, don't worry about the time. I'm calling you right now. Of course I have something important to tell you."

"What's important?"

Hirohashi Asako sounded confused, but she actually knew about the release of "Working Girl".

It's just that it was early in the morning, and no one was awake yet, so I couldn't think of it for a while.

On the other end of the phone, Hideki Hanyu didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly to Asako Hirohashi.

“Working Girl’s opening weekend is out.”

"How much?" The moment he asked, Asako Hirohashi woke up.

"The three-day opening weekend grossed 4.96 million U.S. dollars. The North American box office is expected to exceed 65 million. If nothing else happens, the global box office should be no problem exceeding 100 million!"

"Ouch!"

After Hanyu Hideki finished speaking, he immediately heard a cry of pain from the other end of the phone, and there seemed to be a faint crashing sound.

"What's wrong? Asako-san!"

Hideki Hanyu hurriedly asked.

After a while, Hirohashi Asako's voice came from the other side of the phone, "Sorry, I was so happy that I got a little excited and my body hit the table."

"Haha, Asako-san seems to be as nervous as me."

"How can I not be nervous? The cost of this movie is 20 million US dollars, more than 2 billion yen, and six or seven movies can be made in Neon."

"A big investment will lead to a big harvest. Now the pain is finally over."

"It would be better if it were later. When our acquisition of AMC is announced, this result may help us increase our stock price."

"Asako-san is overthinking. It's impossible for us to take advantage of all the good things in this world."

"That's right. I was too greedy. However, America has been a success at the box office. Should the overseas distribution of this movie be left to the group?"

Hanyu Hideki categorically rejected Hirohashi Asako's proposal.

"No, I have decided to sell out overseas distribution to 20th Century Fox. I don't plan to let the group intervene in the film distribution of Yunshang Pictures in the short term."

Hearing this, Asako Hirohashi said with some hesitation, "But if we give up this part of the benefits, some senior members of the club will definitely make irresponsible remarks."

Hanyu Hideki immediately sneered, "Haha, they say if you don't make money, and they say if you make money, do you really think I don't know what they are thinking?

The group's long-term strategic arrangements cannot be compromised for their benefit.

I can allow them to be stupid once, but I can't tolerate them being stupid all the time. If they can't keep up with my rhythm, get out of here as soon as possible.

I accept the announcement of the group's decision and normal discussion, but if anyone wants to talk nonsense, Asako-san must not be polite and please deal with it decisively. "

"Please rest assured Hanyu-san, I know what to do."

Hirohashi Asako's tone also became serious.

After another explanation, Hanyu Hideki ended the phone call with Hirohashi Asako.

At this time, Mao Daichi had already entered the bathroom to take a shower after finishing the activity.

Just when the scumbag was thinking about whether to go in and take a mandarin duck bath.

The phone rang again.

Hideki Hanyu answered the phone with curiosity as to who was calling, but he finally remembered after hearing the voice on the other end of the phone.

He has more than one movie to release just before Christmas.

in Europe.

He also has a children's fantasy novel called "Brigit", which will soon be available in major bookstores in Europe.

　Thanks to Count of Monte Cristo 1980 for the tip.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)