Chapter 123: Resentment of MGM Executives

"Vic, the payment for your film reviews has increased again."

"Now, we can offer you $1,000 for each review."

"Okay, I understand. Thank you."

When the editor sent another salary increase notice, Vic seemed much calmer.

"It has increased again?"

Vic's wife, with her 300-pound frame, rushed over and excitedly kissed Vic.

Her husband's career was flourishing, making their recent days much better.

With $10,000, their household now had more green food, and they no longer had to rely solely on various fried foods.

They could afford to upgrade their household appliances.

Everything was going in the right direction.

Their family became harmonious as a result.

Watching her husband, who seemed more and more pleasing, Vic's wife reminded him:

"Since the audience enjoys reading your reviews of Steve Kevin's films, write more of them. Don't change easily, and especially don't write about what they don't like."

Vic waved his hand and said generously:

"That's for sure. I've realized that my previous ideas were completely wrong."

"Now, as long as I praise Director Kevin's films, I can easily get a price of $1,000 per review. Why would I be foolish enough to do something that offends people?"

"But it seems that even when I criticize other directors in my reviews, they seem to like it. They just don't like it when I criticize Director Kevin."

Looking at her husband, Vic's wife suddenly said:

"Our family hasn't been out for a meal in a long time. Let's go out to eat today."

Their son and daughter immediately jumped up in excitement. Seeing this, Vic, whose wallet had also fattened, agreed.

Excitedly, his daughter said:

"Thank you, Director Kevin!"

Vic chuckled and repeated the words.

"Thank you, Director Vic!"

The whole family burst into laughter together...

...

Inside Warner Bros.

Robinov, as the CEO of Warner Bros., should have been in a very pleasant mood.

However, some internal rumors within the company made him very uncomfortable.

What do they mean by "relying entirely on Steve Kevin" and "anyone can achieve the same level as him by being a lapdog to the Warner CEO"?

These bastards.

Wasn't he the one who facilitated the collaboration with Steve Kevin?

If you have the ability, why don't you bring in Steve Kevin?

Just thinking about these things infuriated Robinov.

But these kinds of murmurs are normal in a big company. Noise is inevitable.

But as long as the financial reports are fine, his position is as stable as a rock. Thinking about this, Robinov became even more focused on promoting Batman.

Warner Bros. doesn't have many big productions this year.

And those small-budget films, after internal scrutiny by Warner, were deemed to have no potential.

This meant that Warner wouldn't provide much support.

This year, Warner's hopes are all on Batman.

Oh, and there's also the sequel to Ace Detective.

But just thinking about it, Robinov had a bit of a headache.

Jim Carrey's agent insisted that Jim Carrey was too busy lately and would only be available to shoot the sequel to Ace Detective in September.

Robinov knew exactly what his agent was planning.

He wanted to wait until after the release of the two Batman films to demand an astronomical salary for Jim Carrey.

It could be foreseen that $20 million was definitely not a number that could be easily negotiated. Just thinking about it gave Robinov a headache.

But in reality, these were happy troubles.

Summoning the head of the publicity department, Robinov's face was full of solemnity as he said:

"Doane, the upcoming task is crucial."

"I need you to guarantee that we spend $10 million on publicity within the next three months to make Batman's reputation reach its peak. Can you do it?"

Doane, the head of the publicity department, was a man in his thirties.

To be able to hold such a position at Warner Bros., a company of this level, at such a young age, clearly indicated that he was an industry elite.

Looking at Robinov's expression and listening to his words, Doane knew that this was a task that must be accomplished.

He quickly straightened up and said seriously:

"I guarantee that the task will be completed."

Robinov nodded.

At the same time, he pondered about new projects in his mind.

Although these rumors couldn't shake his position, they still made him very uncomfortable.

Moreover, the performance of the company depends entirely on Kevin, which is a significant hidden risk.

After all, Steve Kevin is a shareholder of MGM, not Warner.

Thinking about this, he regretted even more.

If he had recognized Steve Kevin's potential earlier, he would have persuaded Time Warner to sell a portion of Warner Bros. shares to Kevin at a discount.

What a pity.

....

Inside MGM.

President Reed was facing questions from other executives.

"President Reed, you need to provide an explanation regarding Steve Kevin's decision to leave MGM and collaborate solely with Warner Bros."

"Yes, give us an explanation."

Several executives challenged him.

Reed's position at MGM was already unstable, but by enticing Kevin, his position temporarily stabilized. However, they had just tasted success with Kevin.

Now, Kevin had turned around and partnered with Warner Bros., leaving the MGM executives feeling resentful. This resentment finally erupted with the massive success of Batman at the box office.

Faced with the executives' challenges, Reed helplessly replied, "The contract we signed with Steve Kevin stipulated two films within three years and five films over ten years. He has fully complied with the contract. What can we do?"

The executives fell silent, exchanging helpless glances with each other.

MGM had finally made money thanks to Pirates of the Caribbean and the previous Mission: Impossible film. Last year, these executives had received substantial bonuses. However, this year was proving to be challenging. It was already approaching June, and apart from a few small productions, MGM had no major projects in the pipeline. The profitability for this year was worrisome.

Inside the conference room, a cloud of gloom descended as everyone racked their brains for solutions. One executive raised their head tentatively and suggested, "President Reed, why don't you represent us and try to persuade Director Kevin? Batman has just concluded, and his new project may not be finalized yet. After all, he is a major shareholder of MGM, and we should at least consider our interests in his new project."

The other executives looked at Reed hopefully, their eyes filled with anticipation. All the pressure suddenly focused on Reed.

Reed was about to respond when a knock on the door interrupted them. "Come in," he said.

A black-suited, blonde-haired secretary entered with a respectful tone. "President, Director Steve Kevin is here and wishes to see you."

Reed stood up abruptly, his face beaming with joy. Finally, some luck had come his way. "Adjourn the meeting. I'll go talk to Kevin."

With that, guided by his secretary, Reed headed towards Kevin's exclusive office.