I’m in Hollywood

Early on Saturday morning, Michael Eisner drove to Universal Studios in Burbank.

After more than three months of preparations, the "Titanic" theme exhibition hall in Firefly Studios officially opened today.

Although in the middle of some interviews, the Firefly Group executives repeatedly said that this is only a test of the theme park project of Firefly Studios, and even more like an image project of the company. But the world does not dare to take it lightly.

Universal Studios, operated by Universal Studios, did not have a strong competitive relationship with Disneyland, which is now a firefly. One of the two is mainly for adult tourists, and the other is a fantasy paradise for children.

But now, the opening of the theme pavilion of "Titanic" indicates that the Firefly Group has officially begun to develop a theme park project for adult visitors over the age of 18.

Although Universal Studios has a deep history of more than 30 years, but the theme park operation, the Disneyland as its own Firefly Group is clearly not lost to the world. What's more, the large number of popular movies that fireflies have continuously developed in recent years will also provide a rich theme for their development of the cinema park project. In this respect, Universal Pictures is completely incomparable to each other.

According to the information that was discovered in advance, as early as a week ago, the 20,000 tickets that were limited on the opening day of the theme exhibition hall of the Titanic had been sold out, and the tickets for the following week were basically sold out.

Obviously, before the opening of the business, this project has already shown a hot phenomenon.

Although the Titanic is gradually released worldwide, the film's popularity will slowly cool down. A few months later, if you only rely on the "Titanic" theme exhibition hall, Firefly Studios can have two or three thousand visitors per day. However, as long as the fireflies group executives are not stupid, they will definitely take advantage of the success of the "Titanic" theme exhibition, and expand the other movie theme projects to maintain the fire of the Firefly Studios. At that time, the Firefly Studios will gradually Developed into a competitor that directly captures customers from Universal Studios.

Michael Eisner walked around the park with the group vice president in charge of the operation of the theme park. He also inquired about the bookings for the next few days. After 8:30, he officially opened the park and looked into the studio. The tourists, he only relaxed a little. However, it was later convened by the management of the theme park to temporarily hold a meeting on the development of new projects in the studio and the competition of Firefly Studios.

So until noon, the parent company Seagram's ceo Edgar Bronfman called, and it was convenient to have lunch directly at the restaurants in the studio.

Edgar Bronfman came over half an hour later and embraced Michael Esner with enthusiasm. The two walked into a restaurant in the studio.

I also talked a few words about the opening of the Titanic exhibition hall. Edgar Bronfman turned the topic to the movie: "So, how about the first day of the Air Force One box office, I am this morning. Have been busy with other things, haven't seen the data report yet?"

"Air Force One" is the main film of Universal Studios this summer, starring Harrison Ford. This project originally belonged to Sony Pictures, but Sony put all its resources on "Godzilla", and the world took the opportunity to grab it.

For this film, Michael Eisner is both excited and somewhat worried, because he almost released the film on the day of the day with "Jesus 2" and "Ice Age", in that case, it was only a week before the release. "Royal Casino", "Air Force One" is likely to be crushed by "Royal Casino" like "Jesus 2".

"The first day is close to 12 million, and the first week should be able to reach more than $55 million," Michael Eisner said, smiling and adding: "There will be no more popular movies in the next few weeks, according to the Air Force. On the 1st, the film should go out of a long line, and North America should at least get a $150 million box office."

Edgar Bronfman also nodded with satisfaction. The production cost of Air Force One was $85 million. If North America can get 150 million, the production cost will be almost recovered. The film will be profitable at the box office. .

However, instead of thinking about it in the newspaper yesterday, the third week of the release of "Royal Casino", the box office is still more than 52 million US dollars, Edgar Bronfman's just rising satisfaction suddenly disappeared. Although he just came to Los Angeles from Canada yesterday, Edgar Bronfman is still clear about what happened to MGM Studios in the past week.

I think of Eric Williams’s powerful influence in the whole incident, which has already been shown in front of the stage. Edgar Bronfman’s heart is full of envy. In fact, he was finally determined to come to Los Angeles.

Noticing Edgar Bronfman's expression changes, Michael Eisner immediately realized his mind, and the original good mood suddenly fell a lot.

There is really nothing to be thankful about.

Perhaps, compared to the situation of Sony and Warner this year, the situation in the world is definitely much better, but Michael Eisner has never been the kind of person who likes to compare with the guy who is not as good as himself.

As a very orthodox American theme film, Air Force One will not be too good for overseas box office even if it can succeed in North America. Even if it can get 300 million in the world, it is not even as good as the Royal Casino's North American box office, let alone compared with the Royal Casino's global box office.

Think again about "Royal Casino", just three weeks of release, the film's North American box office has reached 247 million US dollars.

At the same time, the film's overseas box office performance is even stronger. In the first week of 36 countries simultaneously opened the painting, "Royal Casino" won a $136 million overseas box office in one fell swoop. With the gradual increase in the number of ticket booths, the overseas box office fell only 27% in the next week, and received another 99.28 million US dollars. The overseas box office in the most recent week also reached $68.5 million.

In three weeks, Royal Casino has plunged $303 million in overseas markets. It is expected that the first phase of overseas and North America will be synchronized, and the Royal Box Casino's overseas box office can easily reach more than $450 million.

Although there has been a general synchronization in many ticket warehouses, there are many countries overseas, and in order to protect their own movie market and other various considerations, the Royal Casino is deliberately placed behind the summer file.

In other words, "Royal Casino" will open the second stage of the larger scale after September, when the "Royal Casino" will continue to get two to 300 million US dollars overseas box office is not a problem. This means that before the end of the year, "Royal Casino" is destined to break through the global $1 billion box office mark, becoming the second consecutive global box office in the career of Eric Williams to break through $1 billion.

One billion dollars.

In comparison, Air Force One is completely worth mentioning.

Taking a sip of the soda from the waiter, Michael Eisner puts aside these frustrating thoughts on Edgar Bronfman: "Ed, you remember what we are making." "Scorpion King", the special effects film derived from the "Mummy" series?"

"Of course," Edgar Bronfman nodded and said, "Why, what's the problem?"

“No,” Michael Eisner shook his head and said, “I have been thinking about this issue for a few weeks. Since MGM can make a special movie universe, maybe we can make a mummy universe around Egyptian mythology. ?"

Edgar Bronfmanton, and nodded immediately, said: "This is a good idea, why not? Right, do you have a detailed plan now?"

"I haven't figured it out yet, but, um, it's almost the same."

Speaking of this, Michael Eisner is somewhat vague.

In fact, the plan in his heart is relatively mature, but it is not so simple to implement.

The main problem is still a few stars.

Two consecutive "Mummy" series have been successful, all the main characters of the film require a substantial increase in pay, the two main male and female protagonists are completely negotiating, and at the same time reported a high price of 20 million US dollars plus profit sharing, global is certainly difficult As a result, the third part of the film remuneration negotiations has been in a stalemate.

The "Mummy" series is the only project in the world that has brought stable and rich profits in recent years. Michael Eisner thinks that there is absolutely no Eric's temperament with Pierce Brosnan. Therefore, This incident has not been solved until now. If several starring roles cannot be settled, the so-called mummy universe will certainly not be implemented smoothly.

Edgar Bronfman didn't realize the problem that Michael Eisner had encountered. The more he felt that his plan was feasible, he said: "This way, I happen to stay in Los Angeles for a while, everyone. I can take time to discuss it together."

Michael Eisner nodded and curiously said: "What important thing is you going to stay in Los Angeles recently?

"Yeah, I just met Doug Morris in the morning. Speaking of it, you may also give me some advice on this matter."

Doug Morris is the ceo of Universal Music, and Michael Eisner usually does not write less than the other person, asking: "About the record company?"

"It is like this..."

Edgar Bronfman was about to talk, the waiter brought the lunch of the two up, he paused a little, waited until the waiter left, and continued: "I intend to continue to increase the media of Sigram. The proportion of business, just happened, recently came from the European side, Philips intends to sell Polaroid records, I think this may be a good opportunity to further expand the Seagram record business."

Michael Eisner, who had already picked up the tableware and prepared to eat, said Edgar Bronfman said, slightly frowning, and put the tableware down, seriously: "Ed, I don't think this is a good idea. You are sure Know the firefly player of Firefly Electronics? Now everyone is discussing the topic that online digital music may seriously impact the physical record. If this trend comes true, now buy PolyGold, it is equal to the high position to take over a big burden."

"I don't think so," Edgar Bronfman shook his head and smiled. "Michael, in this respect, I should be more than you know. For decades, from vinyl to cassette. Players, and cd records that appeared in previous years, although every time someone said that the new broadcast carrier may affect the sales of records, in fact, this situation has never happened, the recording industry as a whole is still thriving. The reason why there are so many rumors this time is actually very simple, but Japanese electronics manufacturers are worried that the firelyer player will affect their market position in the traditional portable player field, and will create so many alarmist remarks. ”

Michael Eisner didn't know much about the record industry. He heard Edgar Bronfman say that he was the leader. He realized that he had already made up his mind in mind. He didn't intend to persuade him again. After thinking about it, he still said: "I think that if PolyGold wants to find a buyer, the Firefly Group should be more suitable. They want to promote the firelyer player. There is not enough music copyright. It is definitely not good. So, Ed, maybe you can wait, If the Firefly Group is not enthusiastic about this matter, Seagram is better to be cautious."

"Speaking of this," Edgar Bronfman looked at it deliberately and looked at it. He whispered his voice and said: "I just heard some news. Williams went to England last time and already had Polaroid. Kim has been in contact, although there is still no wind to reveal it, but you should also know that if there is any news in the media, then the fireflies must have been talked about with Philips, and there will be no chance for us to shoot. ”

Michael Eisner groaned and asked in a prudent tone: "Ed, where did you get the news from, don't you be afraid that this is specially disclosed to you by PolyGram?"

"Haha, don't worry, this is what I managed to find out. The source is definitely not related to PolyGram. What I have to do now is to reach an agreement with Philips before the Firefly officially launches." Edgar Bronf When Man finished, he smiled smugly.

Michael Eisner smiled and agreed, "Well, how much does it cost to buy PolyGram?"

"About $10 billion," Edgar Bronfman said: "I plan to sell off the rest of the company's beverage business. Yes, you must also cooperate with this, and then Seagram will issue another 5 billion. A bond of around US dollars is roughly enough."

The total size of the Seagram Group is about $30 billion. Due to the continued expansion in recent years, the media industry, including Universal Pictures and Universal Music, has accounted for more than 70% of the total market value of Seagram. If you buy PolyGram, Seagram will probably be completely transformed into a media group.

However, Michael Eisner suddenly realized that after buying PolyGram, half of the entire Sigram Group industry will be the record business, and now it is going to issue $5 billion in bonds to further improve the Seagram Group. The debt ratio, once the record industry really declines with the rise of digital music as the media analyzes, the situation that the Seagram Group will face in the future is very bad. (To be continued.)