Chapter 144: Convincing Sony

After learning that Polygram Films and Sony Columbia Pictures had been collaborating, Michael Davenport immediately contacted Chris at Sony Entertainment and arranged a meeting.

"Alan Albert and Danny Donald from Polygram Films?" Chris gave Michael a deep look and said, "I know them. They were the ones who established Polygram's film distribution channels. I was the assistant to Gustavson, who was responsible for negotiating 'The Usual Suspects' North American distribution with Sony back then."

Gustavson was one of the heads of Sony Columbia.

Michael needed someone who knew both sides to make an introduction. Since Chris knew them, it was perfect.

"Are you familiar with them?" Michael asked again.

Having worked with Michael twice before, Chris saw no need to lie about this small matter. He answered honestly, "You know my job involves finding films to distribute. Sony later distributed several of Polygram's films, and I negotiated with Alan Albert and Danny Donald for those deals. So, yes, I'm quite familiar with them, although we aren't exactly friends."

Chris added, "Have you heard of Guy Ritchie's 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels'?"

Michael nodded. "I know it, a classic example of multi-threaded storytelling."

"Polygram had a significant investment in that film," Chris continued. "Alan Albert and Danny Donald initially wanted Sony Columbia as the North American distributor, but their asking price was too high. After I saw the film, I rejected it."

Michael gave a small compliment, "You have a good eye."

The film was released in North America in May and received excellent reviews but had a mediocre market performance. Its $3 million box office revenue probably didn't even cover the promotional costs, and it would take a long time to recoup the investment from other avenues.

As one of the Big Six, it was normal for Sony Columbia to overlook such films.

Was "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" excellent? Undoubtedly, but there are many great films that don't make money.

However, the film did eventually get released in North America.

Michael grasped the key point and asked, "How did the film make it to North America?"

"Tom Cruise," Chris gave a surprising answer. "Tom Cruise is an old friend of Alan Albert. They seem to share the same beliefs or something. At a screening, Tom Cruise directly told the distributors: 'This is the best film I've seen in years. You'd be stupid not to buy it.'"

Michael took note of this, knowing that Tom Cruise had influence with those two.

Chris then asked, "Michael, why are you inquiring about these two?"

Michael thought for a moment and decided to be straightforward, "I want you to help introduce me to them."

Chris looked at Michael with an indecipherable expression.

Michael added, "I have a distribution company that urgently needs talent. These two are experts in distribution, and we want to recruit them."

Chris immediately thought of some rumors circulating in the industry and understood Michael's intention. "Are you planning to establish an overseas distribution channel for Embassy Films?"

Michael knew it wouldn't remain a secret for long and said, "It's part of our future plans."

Chris pondered for a moment and said, "Michael, we've been friends for a long time. On a personal level, I'm willing to help you. But from a company perspective..."

"DreamWorks is also eyeing them!" Michael didn't know DreamWorks' exact moves but understood the Big Six's attitude toward DreamWorks. "If DreamWorks establishes an overseas distribution channel, it would have the power to truly compete with the Big Six. There's an agreement among the Big Six to maintain Hollywood's top structure's stability. The Big Six can only decrease, not increase..."

Chris didn't fully grasp Michael's point and remained silent.

Michael continued, "Forgive me for being blunt. Since Sony acquired Columbia Pictures, Columbia's performance has been the lowest among the Big Six. If DreamWorks gains an independent overseas distribution channel, who will they surpass first? Would the other five companies reach an agreement, perhaps replacing Columbia in the MPAA with DreamWorks? Don't forget, your company is Japanese-owned, and there's a clear divide with the Western world, while DreamWorks' three founders are Jewish, and the largest force in this circle is the Jewish community."

Chris's face didn't look good. It wasn't hard to imagine such things, as business is inherently cutthroat.

Michael calmly said, "Chris, you can report this to Sony Entertainment. If you align with me, I believe Sony Entertainment will support you, and this might even be a significant achievement."

Not knowing DreamWorks' exact moves, Michael didn't say more. For now, he only needed Chris to make an introduction.

If DreamWorks did make a move, Sony Entertainment would surely be cautious.

"Wait here for a moment."

Chris left the meeting room with a serious face and went directly to Gustavson's office.

He had spoken the truth. If this were just a personal matter, considering his frequent cooperation with Michael, he could help.

But this wasn't merely a personal matter.

Michael waited for over half an hour before Chris returned to the lounge.

Chris asked directly, "What's your plan?"

Michael said, "I'm going to London to meet them."

"Alright." Chris didn't hesitate. "I'll go with you."

Sony Columbia wouldn't just watch DreamWorks grow. Hollywood's top structure was already crowded with six positions. If another climbed up, the one to fall would undoubtedly be Columbia Pictures, whose position was the most unstable.

Michael didn't waste words. "I'll confirm the itinerary and call you."

After leaving Sony Columbia, Michael returned to his car, preparing to contact Tom Cruise.

He had exchanged business cards with Tom Cruise at a party, storing the contact in his phone like other private contacts.

Dialing Tom Cruise's number, he was surprised when Cruise himself answered. Cruise had time and invited Michael to his Beverly Hills home after hearing he needed something.

Chris had mentioned that Cruise and Alan Albert shared a long-standing friendship with common beliefs. Michael wanted to prepare as much as possible.

Typically, such recruitment tasks could be entrusted to headhunting companies, but the overseas distribution channel was too crucial for Michael, even more so than the North American distribution.

Building the overseas distribution channel solely through Embassy Films would be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Michael didn't trust headhunting companies.

Arriving in Beverly Hills, Michael easily found Tom Cruise's home.

Cruise and Nicole Kidman's mansion was near the famous Hearst Castle.

Entering the luxurious mansion, Michael had no interest in admiring the artistic decorations, focusing instead on how to persuade Cruise to help.

However, he decided not to mention asking Cruise for help immediately, considering their lack of deep friendship. Requesting such a favor might incur a significant personal debt, or Cruise might ask for something in return if he had any business sense.

Michael still remembered Cruise offering to help last time.

In the living room, Cruise greeted Michael at the door. After some pleasantries, Michael noticed Nicole Kidman in loungewear on the sofa, flipping through a magazine, seemingly uninterested in greeting guests.

The hostess didn't engage, and Michael didn't greet her either, following Cruise into the meeting room.

He glanced at Kidman again, who seemed oblivious to the guest, absorbed in her magazine.

Michael speculated that Cruise and Kidman might have started living separate lives.

"What's the matter?" Cruise asked with a smile.

As a very promising producer, he didn't put on the airs of a superstar.

Michael appeared sincere, smiling, "Tom, I need your help with something."

Cruise casually said, "Just say it. If I can do it, I will."

What he couldn't do was another matter.

Michael understood the underlying message and didn't mention lobbying, hoping to resolve it with money and Sony Entertainment if possible.

Based on Cruise's previous party remarks, Michael felt that asking Cruise for help would likely require paying a price.

This could be a backup plan.

Michael said directly, "I want to hire Alan Albert from Polygram Films for my company, but I don't know him..."

"Alan?" Cruise frowned.

Michael nodded. "I heard you're friends with Mr. Albert. Could you introduce us?"

Cruise initially frowned in thought, then smiled, "I can only make a call for you." Contrary to some past rumors, Cruise was very generous in small matters. "I can introduce you to Alan, but the rest is up to you. I won't get involved."

"Thank you, Tom." Michael expressed genuine gratitude, "This is already a huge help. I appreciate it."

To Cruise, this was a small favor, not worth much. His sunny smile exuded goodwill, "You're welcome."

After chatting about industry matters, Cruise, true to his word, called Alan Albert in London in front of Michael.

Tom Cruise was very considerate.

Leaving Cruise's mansion, Michael booked a flight to London for the next day, informed Chris, and notified Robert Lee to prepare for an early departure to the UK.