Chapter 147: Can We Win?

"Compared to DreamWorks, Relativity Entertainment is indeed a smaller company," Michael Davenport said, smiling at Albert Hoffman. "But Relativity has a clear internal structure, unlike DreamWorks, which is divided into three distinct factions that constantly undermine each other."

He shook his head at this point.

The personnel relationships within DreamWorks were even more complicated than those in the Big Six companies.

Albert Hoffman's eyes turned sharp. To him, Michael was just a small fry. Just over a year ago, this small fry had come to DreamWorks, begging him to distribute a film.

With DreamWorks now involved, Michael knew today's discussion wouldn't progress further. He didn't push, saying, "Alan, Danny, let's leave it here for today. We can continue our discussion another day."

Alan Albert nodded, "Sure."

Danny Donald pointed to the documents, "These..."

Michael smiled, "If you don't mind, please take them with you. I hope we can get to know each other better."

Danny Donald put the documents away, and Alan Albert did the same.

Albert Hoffman, unaware of what those documents contained, didn't ask. He said to Alan, "DreamWorks' invitation is very sincere. I hope you won't miss this opportunity. DreamWorks is a platform second only to the Big Six in Hollywood."

A big company indeed has the confidence to make such statements, and it was true. DreamWorks, in terms of size, was definitely the leader of the second tier.

Alan Albert was well aware of DreamWorks' strength. The platform of a large company was indeed unmatched by smaller ones. He replied, "Mr. Hoffman, I will seriously consider it."

Michael didn't interrupt. The disparity in hard power between Relativity and DreamWorks was too great.

Even if Hoffman's attitude was somewhat arrogant, many would interpret it as the confidence of a big company.

Thinking of his past life, even mid-sized companies would only consider graduates from prestigious universities.

After Alan Albert and Danny Donald left, Hoffman stayed.

Michael was about to leave to consider his next steps.

"Mr. Davenport," Hoffman took the lead, pointing to a sofa chair, "Do you have time? Let's talk."

Michael thought for a moment and sat down, "What's up?"

Hoffman's smile carried a trace of smugness, "Go back to Los Angeles. DreamWorks will remember this favor."

With an additional competitor, Alan Albert might make excessive demands, forcing DreamWorks to pay more.

Michael was silent for a moment. A favor from DreamWorks? That would likely remain a mere promise. Even if DreamWorks remembered the favor, could it compare to the importance of an overseas distribution channel?

In business, one must weigh value, benefits, and losses.

After a brief thought, Michael concluded which was more important.

"I'll return in a few days," Michael said vaguely.

Once he secured Alan Albert and Danny Donald, he would indeed return to Los Angeles.

Hoffman frowned, "Are you planning to compete maliciously with DreamWorks? Young man, confidence and talent are good, but don't overestimate yourself."

Michael smiled, "Thanks for the reminder. That's very true. Those who are overly confident and think talent alone can conquer Hollywood often end up as stepping stones for others."

Hoffman nodded slightly, thinking Michael wasn't determined to confront DreamWorks.

He decided to add more weight, "Mr. Davenport, I represent Steven Spielberg, who values this matter highly! David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg are also watching closely!"

He mentioned all three DreamWorks founders.

Even someone as resolute as Michael felt a bit apprehensive facing these three.

Seeing Michael's expressionless face, Hoffman felt a bit disdainful but kept a serious demeanor, "DreamWorks won't mistreat any friends..."

He didn't need to finish the sentence; Michael understood.

In other matters, Relativity would avoid clashing with a powerful DreamWorks.

But the overseas distribution channel was too important.

DreamWorks' friendship?

Michael could only think, "Yeah, right."

"Mr. Hoffman," Michael quickly decided. He planned to let Hoffman believe he was backing off, hoping to create some confusion. "I also hope to gain DreamWorks' friendship. Director Spielberg has been my idol since childhood. 'E.T.' accompanied my growth. At the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, I even chatted with Director Spielberg. He's a charismatic elder."

Hoffman's smile grew wider, thinking this young man wasn't foolish. In today's Hollywood, outside the Big Six, who could compare to DreamWorks?

Michael said earnestly, "Relativity Entertainment will be DreamWorks' friend."

Hoffman nodded, "Mr. Davenport, you've made a wise choice. I'll report today's events to Director Spielberg."

Michael smiled, "Thank you."

Hoffman stood up, "That's it for now. See you in Los Angeles."

Michael shook hands with him, watching Hoffman leave. The smile on his face gradually faded as he walked towards the elevator, with Robert quickly following.

Inside the elevator, Robert asked in surprise, "Are you really giving up?"

Michael didn't answer directly, "Which is more important: an overseas distribution channel or DreamWorks' friendship?"

"Friendship is intangible and unreliable," Robert said bluntly. "The overseas distribution channel offers tangible benefits."

Michael said, "I want the distribution channel."

Entering the room, Michael kept thinking about how to win against DreamWorks.

Judging by Alan Albert's attitude, he seemed to favor DreamWorks, given its scale.

However, Danny Donald didn't seem to like Hoffman.

From what Hoffman said, he seemed to be Spielberg's confidant.

In his past life, DreamWorks never established an overseas distribution channel, but Polygram was indeed acquired by Universal...

How did DreamWorks miss this opportunity? Michael's mind suddenly pictured Danny Donald.

Alan Albert and Danny Donald could influence each other, but relying on Danny alone wasn't enough given the Western societal context.

Damn DreamWorks, why aren't you bankrupt now? Michael cursed.

The gap in company strength was too great.

"Robert, if you were Alan Albert or Danny Donald, which would you choose?" Michael asked.

Robert thought for a moment, "DreamWorks."

Michael sighed, called Chris, and asked him to gauge the two men's thoughts.

Soon, Chris called back, saying Alan Albert hadn't decided yet but had asked about DreamWorks several times.

Michael put down the phone, reviewed the prepared documents, and thought while reading. He reviewed the information on the two men and the report Keen had provided on Hoffman's activities in London...

Simply relying on one approach might not be enough to outcompete DreamWorks. Was it time for a risky move?

Michael looked up, asking Robert, "In normal competition, can we beat DreamWorks?"

Robert showed a faint smile, not wanting to influence Michael's judgment, but said honestly, "Possible, but unlikely."

Hearing this, Michael walked a few steps and finally made up his mind.

"I have a plan, not sure if it will work," Michael said slowly. "If we do nothing, we're likely to lose to DreamWorks, with over a 90% chance of missing this opportunity to establish an overseas distribution channel. But if it works, we'll at least have a fair chance to compete with DreamWorks."

Since the first trip to Abu Dhabi, Robert had trusted Michael implicitly, "Let's do it!"

Michael said seriously, "I'll talk to Chris, asking him to contact Sony Columbia. Hopefully, Sony will lead the Big Six in covertly pressuring DreamWorks. Sony's willingness to let Chris come to London shows their clear stance. I need DreamWorks to be too preoccupied to focus on London."

Robert nodded, "The Big Six don't want DreamWorks to rise and threaten their position."

Michael continued, "I'll call Tom Cruise. He's friends with Alan Albert and can subtly persuade him. And as for Danny Donald..."

"I'll go?" Robert volunteered.

Michael shook his head, "No, I'll go. You have something more important to do. You need to find Keen..."

Robert listened intently, surprised at Michael's plan, "Isn't that a bit much?"

"Without unconventional methods, can we win?" Michael asked.

Robert remained silent. The gap with DreamWorks was too wide.

Michael added, "Keen, operating in the gray area, must have a way. Negotiate the price with him, but keep it discreet and stay away from his place."

"I understand." Robert immediately went to find Keen.

Michael called Chris, explaining the situation and emphasizing DreamWorks' imminent acquisition of an overseas distribution channel. Without further prompting, Chris contacted Sony Columbia.

The current president of Sony Columbia was Gustavson, whom Chris had served as an assistant.

By noon, Chris was on his way back to Los Angeles to report to Gustavson.

Michael also reached out to Tom Cruise.