Across America, Starting with the Boxing Champion - Chapter 407

Chapter 407 The Domineering Female CEO

Link also didn’t expect that he would meet several star actors one after another once in a while.

The first is Megan Fox, the actress who became popular with “Transformers” and “Jennifer’s Body”. This woman is one of the more famous and beautiful faces in Hollywood in recent years.

Meghan is also an artist of the WMA agency, as is Michael Bay, the director of the “Transformers” series.

 When filming “Transformers”, the crew first selected people within WMA.

 Daddario also auditioned, but failed because she was too tall and had a large frame, which would make the leading actor Shia LaBeouf appear petite.

  The second star I met was an actor named Rami Malek.

At first seeing the other person’s nervousness and looking around, Daddario joked that it was a robber who wanted to rob him, a billionaire?

When the other person came up to say hello and introduce himself, Link was not familiar with his name, but his appearance was obviously of Middle Eastern origin, and his face was very recognizable.

 He ​​stared at the other person and remembered a relatively famous movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”, in which Rami Malek played Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen.

He also won the Oscar for Best Actor for this role, and is also the second Oscar winner born in the 1980s.

 Because of his appearance, Lamy was still acting in various major drama groups in his thirties.

A few young actors came over to say hello with Rami Malek.

 Rachel Bilson, a popular actress in “O.C.”, and her boyfriend Hayden Christensen, who plays Anakin Skywalker in the “Star Wars” series of movies.

There is also Rami Malek’s friend Greta Gerwig, who plays a supporting actress in the recently released comedy movie “Arthur”.

These people have served as protagonists in movies and TV series, and are more famous than Rami Malek.

Link chatted with them for a few words, asked them about their new play, and then left with Daddario.

When he went out, he met five or six stars, and he had to sigh that there were so many actors living in West Hollywood.

It is said that many actors lived in the West Hollywood community before becoming famous. After becoming famous, most of them moved to wealthy areas such as Beverly Hills, Malibu, and the Santa Monica Bay. Therefore, the West Hollywood community is also known as the cradle of stars.’ The aircraft carrier’s flight deck’.

 “Want to go shopping again?”

Link looked at the girl beside him. The sky had darkened, and the neon lights reflected on her fair and delicate cheeks.

 Long eyelashes, big bright blue eyes, and red and pink lips make her look even more beautiful.

There are also **** that are wrapped in the long skirt but are still full of curves.

Link’s desire, which was interrupted by Ms. Susan Worster, rose again.

 “Let’s walk again, you are too busy, and you don’t know when we will go shopping next time.”

D’Addario held his arm and looked at the neon-lit streets, with a nostalgic look on his beautiful face.

“I have been in Los Angeles during this period. If you want to go shopping, just call me. As long as there is no urgent matter, I will come out and walk with you. In fact, I also like to go shopping like this.”

Link said with a shrug.

 The darkness is a good cover. At night, the Hollywood paparazzi are off work, and he walks on the street without wearing a hat and sunglasses, looking very free.

 He likes it too.

Daddario looked at his handsome side face, smiled slightly, put his arms on the plump part of his chest, and hugged him tighter. She knew what parts of her body Link was most fascinated by, and she was glad that he liked it. .

“Don’t you need to go shopping with Jennifer Lawrence? If she and I ask you out at the same time next time, you don’t have to worry about me, just promise her, I won’t mind.”

D’Addario said softly, looking very generous and free.

“Really? Then I’ll go shopping with her now.”

Link said with a smile.

D’Addario blinked at him with his big eyes and tightened his grip on his hands.

Link smiled softly and pinched the tip of her nose.

“My relationship with Jennifer is not as close as you think. We are more like lovers and partners. The content of our chats on every date is also related to movies. We don’t chat casually like we do.

  Jennifer and I have never gone shopping in the United States except for a few times in Paris, and she would not ask me to go shopping. “

“real?”

“I don’t know what Jennifer thinks. She seems a little afraid of me. She always treats me as a big shot, a superior to be precise, rather than a friend. When we get along, we only talk about work. She rarely talks about love and intimacy like us. “No time.”

Link put his arm around Daddario’s shoulders and said.

 He was not deceiving Daddario by saying this, it was the truth.

Since the two met last year during the filming of “Midnight in Paris”, Jennifer Lawrence has kept a distance from him.

Even though the two slept together in a Paris hotel and lived together for more than ten days, Jennifer did not dare to get too close to him.

 Normally, unless he calls, she rarely bothers him. She seems to be a little afraid of him, and treats him cautiously and with a sense of propriety.

However, every time they went on a date, Jennifer was very enthusiastic, doing whatever he wanted, being obedient, and trying her best to meet all his requests.

If he hadn’t been sure that Jennifer liked him too, he would have thought that the other party was trying to compromise.

This is also where Jennifer and Daddario differ.

 “Sounds like Jennifer is a little pitiful?”

 D’Addario smiled.

“Pitiful?”

“Yes, Jennifer is a small actor, and you are the big boss of the film company. When we are together, it feels like you, the big boss, are unspoken rules for her.”

Dadario covered his red lips and smiled.

Link smiled softly and thought for a moment, it seemed that it was indeed similar.

The two of them walked for a long time on the neon-lit streets until the sky was filled with stars and they were covered in hot sweat before returning to Daddario’s small apartment.

 Bath, kiss, ML.

 Do all the things you love to do.

In the morning, they went for a morning jog together on the streets of West Hollywood. It was around nine o’clock when he drove Daddario to the company, then ended the date and returned to work at Lionsgate Pictures.

  —

After returning to the office, he continued to read the information he had not finished yesterday, mainly Lionsgate’s film plans for the second half of the year.

 Originally, Lions Gate had 180 million in foreign debt. After delisting, it lost a financing platform and became even more short of funds.

He plans to cut off several projects with higher investment and focus on shooting low-cost horror films, low-cost literary films, and developing more valuable series of films such as “The Hunger Games”.

ˆ Limit the company’s film projects to around ten per year to save money.

To this end, he invited Vice Chairman Jon Feremey and Executive Chairman Steven Bix to interview and seek their opinions.

  After all, before March, the company’s development plan was formulated by Jon and several senior executives. Listening to their opinions on this matter can also implement it more smoothly.

Jon Feremey agrees with his proposal to ax several film projects to maintain a smooth transition for the company.

 Because the company has been delisted now, it no longer raises money through the stock market as it did before, earning everyone dividends and losing risks at a flat rate.

  With no extra funds, it is necessary to cut down a few projects and keep other projects stable.

 But the specific number of projects to be cut, how many to retain, and which film projects to retain still need to be carefully discussed.

Link nodded in agreement. He planned to go to the production department in person when he had time and find a few movies that he had heard about that were good at the box office to make.

Try to avoid big movies like “Waterworld”, “Cutthroat Island” and “Windtalkers”.

However, on the issue of developing a new series of movies, Flemé put forward different opinions.

This type of film requires high investment, a long payback cycle, and relatively high risks. The current “Hunger Games” film will keep the company’s production department busy for several years, and other series of films will be discussed after the company’s financial situation improves.

Link thought for a while and agreed with his proposal.

 The company has no money now and is barely able to maintain the several existing film projects. Developing another one will affect other projects.

But just because there is no money for development now, it does not mean that there will not be money in the future.

 He plans to continue reading best-sellers, try to find a few novels with transformative value, and buy the copyright first.

 If you have money to develop it in the future, even if you don’t have the money, it is better to keep it in your hands than to be photographed by competitors to make money.

The total box office revenue of North American movies is around 10 billion every year. If its competitors earn 100 million more, Lionsgate will earn 100 million less, and the pressure on it will be greater.

 This is the law of the jungle in Hollywood. When you have the opportunity to create difficulties for your opponent, you must take action immediately. There is no room for any kindness.

While Link was chatting with Jon Feremei, the secretary came over to report that Ryan Cavanaugh, the president of Relativity Media Pictures, had come to visit him.

The headquarters of Relativity Pictures is also in Santa Monica, on 102nd Street next door, not far away.

 This company was founded in 2004. Its president is Ryan Kavanaugh, who came from Wall Street. In 2004, he raised nearly $1 billion from the hedge fund management company Elliott Management and came to Hollywood to invest in movies.

 At first, he participated in several film projects controlled by Universal and Sony, and made a lot of money. He became an upstart in the film industry and a relatively successful film company in the field of independent production in recent years.

For example, “The King of Kung Fu”, “Fast and Furious 3”, “The Pursuit of Happiness”, “The Mummy 3”, “Public Enemies”, “Season of the Witch”, “The Social Network”, etc.

There are also the upcoming “Never Ending” starring Bradley Cooper, “Bad Guys” starring Henry Cavill and Mickey Rourke, and “One Shot” directed by Steven Soderbergh. , are relatively famous film projects.

 The current market value is between 180 million and 200 million, nearly double that of 2009, and it is called the ninth largest in Hollywood.

Also because of his good work last year, President Ryan Kavanaugh was called the “Billion Dollar Producer” and “Movie Personality of the Year” by “Movie Variety” magazine at the beginning of the year.

However, Link remembers that Relativity Pictures was not very proud for a few years.

Since this company is backed by a Wall Street hedge fund company, Wall Street capital is highly profit-seeking and eager for quick success, while film is an art that emphasizes slow work and meticulous work.

Since 2009, Relativity Pictures has raised hundreds of millions of dollars every year and invested in film production, launching more film projects than established independent film companies such as Lionsgate, New Line, and Weinstein Pictures.

By 2015, because there were too many investment projects, too much financing, and the funds were withdrawn too slowly, the capital chain broke and the company went bankrupt. This is also a classic case of Wall Street capital’s failure in Hollywood.

“Haha, Mr. Link Baker, I finally see you in person, I am your fan.”

Lian Kavanaugh is a fat man in his thirties, with short copper-colored hair and stubble, wearing a gray suit, and stretched out his hand from a distance.

 “Mr. Kavanaugh, welcome to Lions Gate.”

Link shook hands with the other person in the aisle in front of the door. Since last year, Lionsgate Pictures has been responsible for distributing movies produced by Relativity Pictures. The two parties are considered a partnership.

 “Lian, what are you doing here?”

 Jon Felleme greeted from the side.

“Haha, Jon, this sentence should be me asking you, you have sold the company, why are you still here?”

Lyan Kavanaugh laughed.

 “I’m going back to Lions Gate to retire.”

Felleme shrugged his shoulders and said.

“Haha, Mr. Baker, it’s definitely a wise choice for you to invite Jon back. Originally, I wanted to ask him to be the president of Relativity Pictures, but unfortunately I didn’t have this opportunity.”

Lian Kavanaugh pointed at Jon and smiled.

“Yeah, my job will be a lot easier with Jon here.”

Link smiled lightly and invited Kavanaugh to sit in the living room. President Ryan Kavanaugh came here mainly to strengthen ties with him, the new head of Lionsgate Pictures.

 Hope the two companies will collaborate more on films and work together to increase the share of independent films in the North American film market.

Kavanaugh also complained about Harvey Weinstein in person, saying that Harvey is a Hollywood bully who likes to use the resources at his disposal to exclude outsiders.

Link smiled lightly. He didn’t know if the other party really had a grudge against Harvey, but he had heard about the conflict between Ryan Kavanaugh and Harvey.

At the Academy Awards at the beginning of the year, “The Social Network” produced by Relativity Pictures and “The King’s Speech” produced by Weinstein Pictures became rivals.

 The former received 9 nominations, and the latter received 12 nominations. Both have a high chance of winning the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director and other awards.

At the beginning of the awards ceremony, mainstream media were more optimistic about “The Social Network” and believed that the film was more innovative and creative than “The King’s Speech”.

 In the voting of major movie websites, “The Social Network” has far higher reputation and popularity than “The King’s Speech” and is considered the best movie of 2010.

　　But during the award selection period, a lot of negative information about “The Social Network” was revealed in the media, and minor flaws in the movie were used to hype it up.

The public relations department of “The King’s Speech” stepped up its public relations and invited many British history experts to praise the film.

During the judges’ voting period, Weinstein Films also sent out many DVDs, small gifts, viewing parties and other means to win a lot of votes from more than 5,000 Oscar judges.

 At the Oscars, “The King’s Speech” won four awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.

“The Social Network” only won three insignificant awards: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Editing.

 When the two films were released late last year, their box office results were similar.

 But after the Oscars, the global box office of “The King’s Speech” approached US$300 million, and “The Social Network” just exceeded US$180 million.

If the Academy Awards were a boxing match.

 Harvey Weinstein used old-fashioned but very practical punches in the ring to beat Ryan Kavanaugh until he was bruised and bruised, leaving him unable to fight back.

Lian Kavanaugh criticized Harvey in person, probably because he heard that he and Harvey were not getting along, and wanted to use this to work more closely with him.

Link has no objection to this either.

Lian Kavanaugh is backed by Elliott Fund Company and has no shortage of money.

It is also rumored that when making movies, Relativity Pictures’ production department likes to use Wall Street’s purely mathematical methods to study film investment, that is, using “big data” to study whether movies are profitable to reduce investment risks.

 Judging from the past few movies, this algorithm is somewhat useful.

 If there are suitable projects, we can also cooperate on one or two.

But considering that this company ended up bankrupt due to too much financing, too many creditors, and ultimately insolvency, you should pay attention to the scale when cooperating to prevent yourself from being covered in ashes when the other party collapses.

“Link, do you think it’s more important to win awards or make money when making a movie?”

 Lian Kavanaugh suddenly asked with a smile.

 “Make money! Without funds, the company cannot survive.”

Link said with certainty.

“It’s true. I care more about whether a movie is profitable than the art of the movie. The big data method used by our company to estimate whether a project is profitable is also the most scientific and accurate film production method in the current film industry. It has been proven many times in the past few years.

Link, if you are interested, we can study and invest together. “

Cavanaugh said.

 “Sounds good. I’ll go to Relativity Pictures to study when I have time.”

Link said with a nod.

“Haha, welcome, Link. Compared with Harvey and the old guys at Seven Films, we are all younger generations and have more common topics and hobbies. I hope the same is true in movies.”

Lian Kavanaugh raised the corners of his mouth and said with an affectionate expression.

After chatting for a while, Kavanaugh said goodbye. Before leaving, he invited him to attend the company’s new movie project party. He hinted that there were many actresses at the party and asked him to help select a heroine. He also praised him for his good vision.

Link did not refuse directly. After asking about the time, he said he would go and participate when he was free.

After Kavanaugh left, film companies with cooperative relationships such as Warner Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Blue Sky Film Studio, Focus Features, Summit Entertainment, and Anchor Bay Entertainment all sent people to contact him.

The Ellison brothers and sisters also visited Lionsgate Studios in person to discuss the possibility of cooperation.

Link was busy for a week before and after to deal with these things. Every day there were greetings and intrigues, which felt more difficult than playing the game against Aragon in 2008.

 Fortunately, when he was almost unable to bear it anymore, Miss Ivaca finished handling the work of Link Music, flew from New York to Los Angeles, and began to take over Lionsgate Pictures.

 “I can take over Lionsgate, but with one requirement.”

Evaka strode down the aisle at Lionsgate Studios in women’s business attire and high heels.

Not far behind the two men followed four incoming executives and four assistant secretaries in suits, menacing and full of style.

“What?”

Link asked.

“First of all, we must make it clear that Lionsgate is a career, not a place for you to hunt for sex. From now on, you are not allowed to randomly add actresses to the crew, nor are you allowed to have **** with actresses who have cooperated with Lionsgate. Improper relationship.”

Ivaca said without stopping.

“Are you talking about Jennifer and Alexandra? I knew them before joining Lions Gate, and the company happened to have roles suitable for them, so it’s not an unspoken rule.”

Link explained.

“Except for the two of them, if the company has roles suitable for them, I will arrange them without your intervention.

  I refer to other actresses. Our work must be mainly based on movies, finding suitable actors to participate in our movies, not beautiful actresses, let alone making anyone famous. “

Ivaca suddenly stopped, stared at him with blue eyes and said.

“I understand what you mean, and I will never make this mistake, because the purpose of buying Lionsgate Pictures is to make money with this company, not to pick up girls. In this kind of thing, I will not lose the big because of the small. ”

 “I hope you will do what you say.”

Ivaca glanced at him and strode into the conference room, leaving a charming fragrance behind.

Link looked at her back and shook his head. This woman’s aura was getting stronger and stronger. When talking to her, he would often fall into a disadvantage unconsciously and become cautious.

At this rate, it is very likely that she will not be able to suppress her after marriage.

 This is definitely not a good thing.

Link said with emotion.

  —

On the day Evaka took office at Lionsgate Pictures, she announced an expanded meeting of Lionsgate management.

 The executives from nine departments, including the film production department, TV series production department, distribution department, brand marketing department, legal department, finance department, public relations department, and international film department, must participate.

 There are 38 people in total.

At the meeting, Ivaca criticized six executives above the supervisory level, including Executive President Steven Bix, Vice President Michael Burns, and the Director of the Original Production Department.

The reason for the criticism is simple. The project “The Hunger Games” was independently produced by Lionsgate Pictures, but during the production process, outsiders were allowed to intervene in the casting and appointment of actors for the film.

 The lack of responsibility and courage of the executives of major film companies is what caused Lionsgate to encounter the current changes.

 It also directly affected the work of the crew, with losses reaching millions of dollars or even more.

  This is because the losses caused by the negligence of several senior executives cannot be fully borne by the company.

 Ivaca announced on the spot that 50% of President Steven Bix’s year-end performance award would be deducted, and the other five executives would be deducted 30% to 10%.

 For managers who are unwilling to accept punishment, they can propose resignation, and she will sign on the spot and receive 18 months of back pay.

 President Steven Bewkes and others listened and secretly wiped their sweat below.

After Link took over Lions Gate, they thought that the incident was over, but no one expected that Miss Ivaca would come out midway and criticize several of them by name at the conference, which put a sudden increase in pressure on them. .

  As for resigning, they will naturally not do it.

Although there are many Hollywood film companies, it is very difficult to become a senior executive of the company. After resigning, unless you are lucky enough to work in one of the six major film companies, the treatment at other small production companies will definitely not be as good as that at Lionsgate Pictures.

Ivaca sat in the chair of the conference table and glanced at the dozens of managers present without expression, her beautiful face becoming cold and serious.

Seeing that no one said goodbye, she continued to announce that in view of the current financial situation of the company, the company will eliminate some employees with poor performance and low work efficiency before the end of the year, the rate is about 20%.

　　Wow!

 Hearing what she said, there was a commotion in the conference room.

 Lionsgate Pictures is in poor operating condition. It has more than 180 million in debt. In the first three months of this year, the company suffered a loss of 37.36 million U.S. dollars. It does have some financial pressure.

  But in 2009, the company experienced a layoff. Originally, the total number of people in various departments of the company was 425, but now there are only 312 people left. If we lay off another 20%, I am afraid that many positions will be unavailable.

They had to shut up again when they saw the four new executives across the conference table, two of whom Steven Bewkes knew.

One is Geoff Jones, 51 years old this year. He was once a senior director of the content development department of Warner Pictures. He has participated in the development of dozens of film projects such as “Suicide Squad” and “Batman”. He has experience in the film industry. Very rich.

 Stacey Snyder served as head of distribution at New Line Cinema from 1999 to 2007.

 After New Line was merged by Warner Pictures in 2007, she joined the marketing department of DreamWorks as the main person in charge, and participated in the production and distribution of films such as “Sperm Donor” and “WikiLeaks”. She is a very capable woman.

The remaining two seem to be very smart and capable professional elites.

With these experienced people, even if all the people at Lionsgate Pictures leave now, they will be able to recruit the employees they need in a very short period of time.

Thinking of this, Steven Bix and others are even more stressed.

By doing this, Ivaca clearly wants to rectify Lions Gate’s internal workplace, put some pressure on the original executives, and force everyone to work hard in an open and honest manner. If they don’t work hard, they will lose their jobs.

President Bix sighed secretly, and couldn’t help but miss the days when Link was the chairman. There was no pressure and the work was easy. Unfortunately, after Link leaves office, those days may be gone forever.

 “Is anyone going to resign?”

 No one responded.

 Ivaca then announced several new appointments, placing Jeff Jones and Stacey Snyder into key departments of Lionsgate Pictures.

“Any questions?”

“No!”

“President Bix, please take the four new executives to familiarize themselves with the working environment of Lionsgate Pictures.”

 “Okay, Chairman!”

 President Steven Bix stood up and said.

 “The meeting is dismissed!”

Ivaca glanced at it, picked up the laptop on the table, stood up and left.

 After she left, the others looked at each other and hurriedly left the meeting room, much faster than Link left when the meeting ended.

 (End of this chapter)