Chapter 631

Soon, Charles left San Luis Obispo for Los Angeles.

At the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, a business cocktail party was taking place. As the year was drawing to a close and with the domestic economic recovery, more capital was flowing into Hollywood.

Representatives from Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of America were all present!

"Charles, Steve Burke wants to strengthen the cooperation between MGM and Universal. I think it's worth considering," said Donna Langley, clinking her glass with Charles as she spoke about her meeting with MGM chairman Steve Burke.

Charles took a sip of his drink and smiled, "Comcast's advantage in cable TV operations is still very important."

"MGM now needs to perfect its own film distribution channels. Cooperation is definitely possible. After all, we are working together on Skyfall, aren't we?"

Especially since Charles had discussed this matter with Comcast chairman Brian Roberts before, it was feasible!

"Understood. What do you think about Relativity Media then? It seems they have started collaborating with Paramount," Donna Langley inquired.

"Relativity Media?" Charles glanced at Relativity Media chairman Ryan Kavanaugh chatting nearby.

"It's okay. Relativity Media is currently pursuing self-development. Their recent release The Social Network has already grossed over $200 million worldwide. Their biggest collaborator is still Sony Columbia, while Paramount and other independent film companies aren't involved much in mixed investments!"

Ryan Kavanaugh was steering Relativity Media towards becoming an independent film company, with Sony Columbia as a long-term collaborator.

Additionally, they were independently developing some other selected films.

"The Social Network was indeed pretty good! For an independent film company, such success is remarkable," Donna Langley smiled.

The screenplay for The Social Network was adapted by top Hollywood screenwriter Aaron Sorkin from Ben Mezrich's book The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal.

Aaron Sorkin's adapted script was based merely on an outline of Ben Mezrich's novel, which was only 80% complete when the screenplay was finished!

Relativity Media was indeed lucky to pick The Social Network. David Fincher was not an unknown director in Hollywood.

"That guy, he's a broker, a smart financial broker," Charles explained.

Donna Langley knew Charles was talking about Ryan Kavanaugh, and he wasn't wrong. But Ryan Kavanaugh's biggest advantage was securing funding from Wall Street to develop films.

Moreover, Relativity Media now possessed the ability to distribute films independently, definitely not wanting to be dependent on other film companies!

"With the film market rising, both Relativity Media and Legendary Entertainment are looking to transform from film investors to film producers," Charles shook his head. "Haha, I hope they remember that I want more than just 20% of the whole Hollywood share."

"So, has MGM decided about rejoining the MPAA?" Charles asked.

Donna Langley shook her head, "Steve Burke seems to still be thinking about it, probably won't happen quickly!"

"Considering the number of films MGM produces annually, it might not be worthwhile. But if MGM wants to return to its peak, rejoining MPAA is a necessary step," Charles couldn't understand MGM's hesitation, as it was just an annual membership fee of few million dollars.

Donna Langley laughed and reminded him, "Charles, don't forget MGM just discussed a distribution partnership with us! When the time comes, we will surely handle everything with MPAA!"

Charles rubbed his forehead, "Is that all the ambition they have?"

Donna Langley shrugged, "There aren't many people who can replicate your success, producing one blockbuster after another. And also daring enough to invest huge amounts to build their own distribution channels!"

"True, it wouldn't be bad for MGM to follow DreamWorks' path back in the day, at least they have Comcast behind them," Charles nodded. "When the time comes, we can take over their international distribution operations. After all, Comcast's focus is still on cable TV."

Soon after Donna Langley left, Charles ran into Roger Ailes, chairman of FNC (Fox News)!

"Charles, congratulations. Jerry Brown has become the governor of California," Roger Ailes supported the Republican Party.

"Given California's current situation, how can someone with no political experience like Meg Whitman really change things?" Charles shook his head.

"Running eBay successfully doesn't mean she can manage a state. Just like Arnold Schwarzenegger, who could plow through Hollywood but isn't fit to be a governor!"

*****

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