Chapter 209: Each with Their Own Thoughts

[Chapter 209: Each with Their Own Thoughts]

As the car sped down the road, Eric reflected on the recent events and remarked, "I never imagined that besides a few major networks, even cable channels like HBO would be involved. But what's the deal with Michael Eisner sending someone over?"

Having achieved impressive results, and riding the high from having recently escaped a crowd, Allen, Eric's assistant, felt a rush of excitement. He thought for a moment and replied, "I think Mr. Eisner must be representing ABC."

Eric immediately recalled Disney's acquisition of ABC from his past life. While he couldn't remember exactly when that had happened, it was clear that it happened many years after this moment. Why would Michael Eisner be representing ABC now?

Noticing Eric's puzzled expression in the rearview mirror, Allen offered an explanation. "Disney and ABC have always had a close relationship. I grew up watching Disney cartoons on ABC."

Eric's confusion cleared a bit, and he said, "Allen, over the next couple of days, please compile some information on the relationship between Disney and ABC." After a brief pause, he added, "Also, get me a rundown on how the other major networks relate to the Big Six of Hollywood."

"Sure thing, but that could take about a week," Allen replied, turning his head.

"Take your time. The most important thing is for it to be accurate," Eric reassured him.

"I understand, Eric. Where are we headed now?" Allen asked. When in public, he referred to Eric as Mr. Williams, but privately, he was instructed to call him by his first name. Despite being nearly ten years older than Eric's current form, he felt it would be awkward to maintain an overly formal address.

Without hesitation, Eric said, "Home. It's evening now, and there's no rush; we don't need to disturb anyone at this hour. I'll just call Jeffrey and the others when I get back."

...

Upon arriving at the Beverly Hills mansion, Allen and the driver helped Eric bring in his luggage. A young girl, who had eagerly awaited Eric's return, rushed toward the pile of bags to search for gifts. Eric fondly tapped her on the forehead a few times before sending Allen and the driver on their way.

"Regarding the arrangements for the next few days, if it's an invitation from Fox, find an excuse to turn it down. If other networks reach out, schedule some time to meet," Eric instructed Allen by the car at the mansion's entrance.

Allen understood well; Eric was playing hard to get among the major networks. However, he couldn't help but ask, "What if Murdoch personally comes knocking?"

"He won't," Eric replied confidently. "Those little stunts he pulled -- sending a private jet to Venice to pick me up -- were just Fox trying to express their sincerity for the negotiations. It really came off a bit desperate. If old Murdoch can't contain himself and shows up in person, I won't hold back from giving him a slice of reality."

"Eric, are you considering switching networks?" Allen asked with a smile, immediately regretting the sensitive nature of the question.

Eric certainly wouldn't reveal his intentions to Allen. Although Allen was diligent, there was always the chance he might leak information, tempted by potential benefits. To keep someone loyal, the key was not to give them enough leverage to betray you. If the competition learned about Eric's plans through Allen, it would be difficult for him to maximize his gains.

Still, he sensed that Allen hadn't meant to pry. With a smile, he replied, "That all depends on the offers. We will definitely choose the highest one."

Allen nodded, choosing not to press further, and soon took his leave.

...

Back at the mansion, Eric found the phone already ringing, and Drew had picked it up. So, he had to make a round of calls for the next couple of hours, just like that morning when the viewership numbers had come out. This time, Rupert Murdoch himself called, inviting Eric to lunch the next day. Eric casually found a few excuses to decline.

He wanted to schmooze with the other networks first to create a sense of urgency for Fox before discussing any deals to maximize profits. Despite the eagerness shown by the other networks, Eric hadn't planned on switching at all.

Compared to the "young" Fox, the other major networks felt like elderly men with graying hair. Even though they might drop their pretenses to collaborate with Eric, they would still likely flaunt their age. Fox, on the other hand, had grown into a North American media giant alongside the big three in just over a decade. But besides Eric, there was no way even Murdoch could understand that trajectory or have confidence in Fox's prospects. This made Eric's position with Fox uniquely significant.

...

The following day, Eric's first order of business was to visit the film set. At noon, facilitated by Michael Eisner, he had lunch with an ABC vice president who had come specially to Los Angeles. That evening, he met with a senior executive from NBC, thanks to Robert Shea. On the morning of September 7, he was taken by the CBS Los Angeles branch manager for a round of golf.

It was worth noting that the offers from the big three networks were quite generous. They didn't even suggest outright buying out the series; rather, they proposed a split of advertising revenue. From what Eric gathered, the split percentages they offered were considerably high. Each of the networks also hinted at wanting to outmaneuver Fox to secure the upcoming series.

Through these meetings, Eric realized that the three major networks had likely formed some sort of consensus, perhaps even a loose alliance. However, this "alliance" was as fragile as a puff of wind passing through. The networks had fierce competing interests, and while they might cooperate, they weren't inclined to let each other touch their crown jewels.

Thus, even though the big three had superficially aligned, their distinct approaches allowed Eric to pursue his plans with minimal pressure. If all three networks had simultaneously put the heat on him, he would certainly have to consider the ramifications of upsetting all of them at once.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.