I’m in Hollywood

Chapter 6

Eric plans to arrange the first Vimy show in New York, the fashion capital, but in keeping with his personally tight work schedule, the initial arrangement of the show is in Los Angeles. Oh,

After the initial selection of the catwalk list, these new Victorian angels will also participate in at least one month of custom body sculpting at the request of Eric, and will continue to the end of the catwalk. Because in Eric's view, compared to the hot angel supermodels in memory, most of the models at the moment are still used to maintaining a slim figure. Of course, this figure can better display those brand-name fashions on fashion shows. The design concept, but when you look inside, it doesn't look so eye-catching.

In addition to the five spokespersons in the plan to sign a special contract, the other models did not receive a high salary during the entire show, and most models paid around $50,000. Although the money is used to invite most top models to participate in a catwalk is very rich, but if the show works for four months, usually no one will accept.

This is also the main reason why Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell did not agree with the popular supermodel. Their daily salary has reached more than 10,000 US dollars, and they are not willing to waste four months in only It’s just that it’s not hard to understand on a catwalk. It is also impossible for Eric to take the time to personally tell the two about the benefits that will be obtained as a Victorian spokesperson. For other models, Eric’s attitude is the same, the contract is there, if anyone can’t see them. Will be the forty-nine of the thousands of model groups, but also choose to refuse, but the forty models selected finally accepted the contract wisely and started the next step according to the arrangement. plan.

At the same time, the Boston Yahoo headquarters on the West Coast, after a month of talks, Yahoo finally negotiated with Microsoft has finally come to fruition.

"In five years, any advanced technology achievements of Yahoo! browser must be prioritized on the Windos platform. The version updates of other operating system platforms must be in the windos three months later." On the phone, Chris Xiang in Boston Rick talked about the general content of the agreement: "In addition, Yahoo must open all browser patent licenses to Microsoft within five years. Unless Microsoft agrees, Yahoo cannot transfer any browser software technology patents to other third parties..."

Eric leaned against the leather chair in the office and listened to Chris's remarks. He smiled: "It seems that Microsoft has put most of its thoughts on the browser, which is exactly the result of our deliberation."

The opposite Chris also nodded: "Yeah. Microsoft originally wanted to get some power on Yahoo's mailbox, but when we made concessions in the browser negotiations, Microsoft also gave up on these ideas."

In Eric's view, emails that attract a large number of users with high stickiness are definitely more important than browser software: "They definitely think that Yahoo is Microsoft anyway, five years later, as long as they can use Yahoo! The bundle makes the next-generation Windows system more advantageous than other operating systems, which are trivial. In addition, what about the other?"

Chris continued: "In addition to browser software cooperation, the most important thing is 30% of the share options. Microsoft will provide Yahoo with $100 million in debt financing to obtain 30% of Yahoo's five-year share options. The effective date of the agreement is July 1999, and then Microsoft will have three months to consider whether to initiate a 30% stake in Yahoo! Networks. After three months, if Microsoft does not come up with a viable acquisition. The plan is that Microsoft automatically abandons the share option. Hey, that's probably it. The detailed contract has more than 100 pages. I have faxed it to your assistant's office. If you are interested, you can read it."

Chris said that there was a little smile in the final tone. Of course, he knew that Eric couldn’t find any time to read such a highly professional contract.

Eric also smiled and shook his head. Dao: "I just attended the audition work of "Resident Evil" in the morning. Now I have a pile of materials to deal with. I have to participate in the premiere of "The Lion King" at night. Do you think I have time to read it?"

"Then let the lawyer review the agreement as soon as possible. If there is no problem, I will formally sign the document with Microsoft next Monday." Chris said on the other side of the phone professionally: "In addition, Ian can't wait to wait." After the signing of the agreement, the launch of the scripting language and instant messaging software gave Microsoft a big surprise."

"Of course, I will reply you as soon as possible."

Eric nodded, and the two talked a few words on the phone. Eric hung up the phone and also dropped a big stone in his heart. This agreement will also indicate that Microsoft will not be in the browser software. The technical standards jumped out of trouble, which will greatly promote the promotion of the Internet. Of course, this contract neither does nor restricts Microsoft's involvement in Internet services. Although the response in many areas is very slow, Eric believes that with the outbreak of the Internet industry in the next few years, Microsoft will be in control of Yahoo's purchase. Equity will definitely enter the market in advance to compete for the 'site'. However, as long as there is no technical standard dispute for the interconnection of the "entry", other aspects of competition, Eric believes that with its forward-looking vision, Microsoft is absolutely impossible to take advantage of Yahoo.

Busy work always makes time fly fast. In the twinkling of an eye, Eric has changed clothes directly in the lounge and drove to the Chinese Grand Theatre in Hollywood.

Although the decision to cancel the Disney hand-drawn animation project has been made, Eric will certainly not ignore the pinnacle of the original 2D animation in the air, so he specifically requested to participate in the premiere.

"Lion King" has been on a small scale since the first two weeks. At present, only a dozen of theaters in North America have more than $3 million at the box office. At the same time, the fireflies have also invested huge amounts of money. The funds for advertising promotion, the premiere is even more powerful.

When Eric arrived at the front of the Chinese Grand Theatre, the admission ceremony of the premiere had already begun. Eric did not step on the red carpet in the order of other guests, but after getting off the bus, under the guidance of the staff, directly Embarked on the red carpet, and coincidentally with the "Lion King" director Roger Eiles.

Enthusiastic fans everywhere, the two went to the interview area and answered several questions selectively. Eric is about to leave. A slightly fat reporter suddenly tried to extend the recorder to Eric and shouted: "Mr. Williams, I heard that you intend to shut down the hand-drawn animation department of Disney Animation Studio after "The Lion King." Is the thing true?"

Eric squatted and looked at Roger Eiles next to his eyes. The original Roger Ayers face is also somewhat different. Eric didn't know if this was a caring arrangement. However, it was impossible to hide it for too long, so he nodded: "Yes."

This answer made all the other reporters boil. The reporter who just asked again loudly said: "So, does this mean that Firefly is trying to suppress the influence of the Disney brand?"

Eric did not immediately answer this somewhat savvy question. Instead, he visited: "I don't know why you ask such ignorant questions. Do you think that the Disney brand is equivalent to Disney hand-drawn animation?"

The reporter replied: "Disney's brand image represents Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. These are traditional 2d hand-drawn animated images. If Disney's hand-drawn animation department is cancelled, does it mean that Disney's core values ​​have disappeared? ?"

“I don’t think so,” Eric shook his head. “Technology growth is inevitable. So, replacing 2d animation with more advanced 3D animation technology, just like replacing black and white movies with color movies, in my opinion. This is a doomed trend. Fireflies will never try to suppress any of their brands. Disney will always maintain the core values ​​of using the best works to bring joy to the audience."

The reporter did not expect Eric to be able to answer such a sharp and unpredictable situation. He was taken away by other reporters and asked questions: "Mr. Williams, according to the performance of "The Lion King" And excellent word of mouth. If the box office of "The Lion King" is very good, will you still insist on this decision?"

Eric nodded: "I will continue to insist."

After saying this, Eric will no longer pay attention to the questions of other reporters and go straight to the theater.

At the beginning, Eric personally picked the "Lion King" from the Disney Animation Studio's alternative project. Therefore, Kasenberg has always been personally responsible for this project, so today he also attended the premiere. When the staff heard some commotion from outside, Kasenberg immediately greeted the theater.

"Eric, what happened?" Kasenberg greeted Roger Ailes and asked Eric.

Eric waved Roger Ailes into advance. Then came to a corner with Kasenberg, said the thing just now, shaking his head and laughing: "It seems that some people are still not willing."

Kasenberger was silent for a moment, then said: "Eric, according to our data survey at the dot-shooting stage and the current "Lion King" premiere scale, most people think that the first week of the "Lion King" box office is very It may be more than $40 million, which will break the box office record of all Disney animated films in the past. If you still insist on canceling the hand-drawn animation department, there will be many people dissatisfied."

"I have already done a detailed analysis for you, will you not object to me?"

Kasenberger shook his head with a smile, and Eric made the decision. Most of the fireflies are recognized by the top, but people are often affected by the sudden benefits of the moment, like this time. If the first week of the "Lion King" box office really reached 40 million US dollars, it will create a new 2d hand-drawn animation record, in this case, Eric will continue to do so, will certainly bring a series of effects.

"Eric, if you feel it is necessary, I will have a meeting with Michael to discuss this matter. "The Lion King" is the project that you personally decided, that is, even if the project is a big success at the box office. The biggest credit is also on you. To rationalize the cause and effect of this incident, there will definitely be no more problems."

Eric nodded and added: "In addition, the media also noticed that Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank have issued more than half of the bond issuance work. I don't want to see any changes at this time."

"I know that if it doesn't work, we can stop the hand-drawn animation department after the bond issuance."

After talking about this, Eric walked into the theater hall with Kasenberg.

However, the media apparently did not intend to let go of this explosive topic, especially because some things were greatly out of Eric's expectations.

Although Eric remembered that the first screening of "The Lion King" made a US$300 million box office in North America, but the specific box office curve, he still follows the trajectory of the hand-drawn animations of Disney's original Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Analysis, it is expected that "Lion King" will be the same as other 2d hand-drawn animations, out of a long-term box office curve for half a year.

However, the fact is that on the second day after many newspapers reported that Eric was about to cancel the Disney hand-painted animation department, a message on Saturday once again detonated the media in North America and around the world.

Because the first day of the "Lion King" box office is far from everyone's expectations, $ 15.6 million.

This data is not too conspicuous for movies such as "Mummy" and "Saving Private Ryan" released some time ago. However, if you compare it with the same type of movie, you will definitely be surprised by the chin of many people. The 2d cartoon produced by Disney, the highest box office was Aladdin two years ago, and the North American box office was $220 million. However, Aladdin’s first weekend box office was only 19 million. Note that it was 19 million in the first three days of the first weekend, while Aladdin’s first-day box office in the 1992 Thanksgiving Day was only over 600. Million. This means that the first day of the "Lion King" box office, not only almost caught up with the first week of "Aladdin", and reached more than twice the first day of the "Aladdin" box office. Everyone realizes that Lion King is likely to be the first animated film in the history of box office in North America with more than $300 million.

In this case, Eric will shut down Disney's hand-drawn animation department! (To be continued.)