Chapter 580: Disney and Netflix

As the legendary Barbra Streisand, a multi-talented icon in Hollywood spanning the realms of singing, acting, directing, and producing, took the stage as a guest presenter, anticipation coursed through the audience. They knew that a significant moment in the world of directing was about to unfold.

Danny Boyle, the previous year's Best Director, was notably absent from the stage. In his place stood a distinguished female figure, making it clear that a changing of the guard was underway.

Martin turned to David Fincher, detecting a flicker of reluctance on his face.

David Fincher was no longer the director who had faced criticism from film critics after collaborating with Netflix. He still harbored dreams of winning an Oscar. However, this Oscars night was destined to make history.

As expected, Barbra Streisand announced the name everyone had been waiting for: Kathryn Bigelow.

"The Hurt Locker" not only clinched the Best Director award but also claimed the coveted title of Best Picture.

Summit Entertainment, along with film investors David Ellison and Megan Ellison, emerged as the evening's biggest winners.

Conversely, the "Benjamin" crew, despite receiving thirteen Oscar nominations, only managed to secure two consolation awards for Best Makeup and Best Art Direction, marking one of the night's greatest disappointments.

Martin tried to console David Fincher, saying, "Let's work even more efficiently this time and aim for the next one!"

David Fincher, his competitive spirit undeterred, responded, "I'm determined to boost efficiency this time and strive for a 'Gone Girl' release right after filming."

Martin's intention was clear: to ignite David Fincher's competitive fire and enhance the efficiency of the filmmaking and production process. After all, David had a reputation for taking a more relaxed approach to his work.

Following the awards ceremony, Elizabeth headed straight home, while Martin attended the "Oscar Night" party.

Over the years, Oscar night had transformed, with Vanity Fair co-hosting numerous parties. Even Oscar nominees who didn't win made appearances at these events.

Upon entering the banquet hall, Taylor Swift, who was also attending the party, promptly pulled Martin aside.

She guided him to the adjacent photo area, saying, "I have two friends here, fellow fans of yours, and they've been dying to take a picture with you."

Martin asked playfully, "Are you talking about yourself, Taylor?"

Taylor chuckled as they walked, saying, "Just like you advised, I've been working on forming a celebrity friend group. Remember when I sang for you? You suggested we find a way to create a famous friend circle."

Martin reminisced, "Indeed, and you're the leader of that group. Plus, the members should be well-known, capable of capturing the media's attention, and engage in playful interactions during your work's promotional windows."

Taylor had certainly evolved her strategy, going beyond that. "Not only have I executed your plan, but I've also taken it a step further. I'm considering collaborating with a singer of similar status and engaging in some online competition as a publicity stunt. Do you think it could work?"

Martin complimented her, "Taylor, you're becoming quite adept at this." Then he advised, "Just be mindful of the frequency of these publicity stunts."

Taylor nodded in agreement, then waved to two approaching figures. "Carly, Selena, look who's here."

Two girls approached, one tall and the other shorter. The former sported long, blonde hair and had legs for days, towering over Taylor. The latter was a Latino with natural baby fat on her round face.

Taylor introduced her friends, saying, "This is Karlie Kloss, and this is Selena Gomez – they're both dear friends of mine."

She then extended a hand to Martin, saying, "You already know me, and these are my close friends, Martin."

Karlie Kloss shook hands with Martin and positioned herself beside him, suggesting, "Let's take a photo together."

Martin gestured to an official Oscar photographer, saying, "Bill, please come over and assist."

Bill promptly approached with his camera, capturing images of Karlie Kloss and Selena Gomez alongside Martin. Finally, he took a group photo featuring all four of them.

Once the photos were taken, Martin noticed Alan Horn waving to him and turned to Taylor, explaining, "I've got something else to attend to; you all enjoy your conversation."

Taylor gently grabbed his arm and inquired, "Are you free tonight?"

Martin replied, "Not tonight, I'm afraid."

Taylor expressed her regret, "I have an early departure tomorrow morning." After pondering for a moment, she added, "The next time I organize a gathering for the ladies, you should join us." Martin nodded in agreement, saying, "No problem."

In truth, he only wanted to settle the score with Leonardo. That guy lacked the work ethic and was the typical "talk the talk but can't walk the walk" type. He had promised to organize a grand gathering of Russian and Ukrainian supermodels and actresses, but there had been no updates.

Martin regretted that Leonardo wasn't present that night. Otherwise, he would have gladly sent his best wishes, perhaps even hoping ten pregnant women would force him into marriage the next day.

Observing Martin walking away, Karlie Kloss nudged Taylor with her elbow, teasing, "Have you tried it? How does it taste?"

The entertainment and modeling circles' first-generation born in the 1990s had matured and developed a wilder, carefree streak compared to their predecessors. Selena Gomez chimed in, asking, "Is it as strong and delicious as they say?"

Taylor, more composed than the others, leaned in closer to the pair and whispered, "Not only is it delicious, but it also hydrates my vocal cords, making my singing voice even more beautiful. Haven't you noticed? My singing has improved, right?"

Karlie Kloss and Selena Gomez were left flabbergasted, exchanging glances and wondering if Taylor was just teasing them.

Taylor blinked innocently and stated, "You're still young and don't understand the benefits of it."

Carly chimed in, a tad disgruntled, "We're turning eighteen soon."

...

In a secluded corner of the banquet hall, Alan Horn broached a topic with Martin, inquiring, "I've heard that Warner Bros. was interested in acquiring your studio?"

"They were indeed interested, and I was open to selling, but negotiations fell through," Martin responded candidly. "Warner didn't want to meet the $450 million asking price."

Alan Horn was surprised by the hefty figure. "I can't blame them; I wouldn't have agreed to that either."

Martin grinned, saying, "That's where we differ. I believe the studio's current assets are worth at least that amount, but not everyone shares that view."

With the disagreement over, Alan Horn shifted gears, stating, "Warner Brothers has increased their distribution commission, which is quite unfavorable to our partners, especially someone like you – an actor, investor, and producer known for consistent box office success. For filmmakers, even a 1% increase in the commission means millions in losses."

Martin acknowledged, "Warner Bros. has long held the top spot in Hollywood, boasting robust distribution channels."

"That's the past, not necessarily the future," Alan Horn cautioned. "Since Kevin Tsujihara took the helm, he's favored a significant number of Japanese and shown nepotism. You're aware of this. Do you consider it a sound management model for a company? Can they sustain the glory Warner Bros. has cultivated over the past decade?"

Considering projects like "Pharaohs and Gods" and "Green Lantern," Martin had already discerned the direction. Coupled with the pitfalls he had laid, the future appeared uncertain.

He inquired directly, "Alan, are you implying you'd like to entice me over to Disney? If I recall correctly, you're the president of Disney Pictures, and distribution doesn't concern you, correct?"

Alan Horn remarked, "I'm here on your behalf as well. For the sake of an old friend, both Disney and Buena Vista International are formidable brands. Walt Disney's offline channels are on par with Warner's. Plus, there's Robert Iger. You might not be familiar with Martin, but I can assure you, in terms of leadership ability and personal charisma, he far surpasses Kevin Tsujihara."

Martin nodded thoughtfully, saying, "I've heard a lot about Robert Iger. Rumor has it that he's behind Disney's major investments in recent years, including the acquisition of Pixar, the expansion of the studio, and the entire Marvel takeover..."

He paused briefly and continued, "Alan, I'm genuinely concerned about encountering another Kevin Tsujihara. If you can oversee Disney's distribution label, I'll have someone get in touch with you right away regarding the release of 'John Wick 2'."

Alan Horn chuckled, "Disney Pictures not only merged Hollywood Productions and Touchstone Pictures but also consolidated Disney, the distribution label, and the future company for producing and distributing live-action films."

Martin mused, "It seems like you've had your sights set on me for a while."

Alan Horn admitted, "I couldn't meet you today, and my plan was to reach out before you began filming 'Gone Girl'. Unfortunately, you've already signed a distribution contract with Warner Bros. for that film."

Martin raised his glass and clinked it with Alan Horn's, saying, "I'll arrange for someone to discuss matters with Disney Pictures shortly."

Alan Horn took a sip of his wine and added, "I'll have my deputy reach out to your team."

With their intentions clarified, the meeting concluded.

After Martin departed, his initial plan was to head home. However, before leaving, Elizabeth mentioned that she would be waiting for him in her dress – an enticing prospect.

Nevertheless, David Fincher intercepted him and introduced a middle-aged man standing nearby. "This is an old friend of mine, Greg Peters. He used to be a producer, but now he's with Netflix, overseeing content production."

Greg promptly extended his hand to shake Martin's, saying, "I've wanted to introduce myself to David for a long time. Martin, it's truly an honor to meet you."

Martin responded with a friendly smile, "I'm quite familiar with Netflix."

Greg, curious, inquired further.

Martin, with no need for secrecy, shared, "I'm a Netflix shareholder, though only a minor one. My shares are publicly traded, acquired through primary market purchases."

Greg asked, "Do you have high hopes for Netflix's future?"

Martin, well-informed about Netflix, provided insights, "You started as a DVD rental business and have now evolved into an online on-demand service with tens of millions of paying users in North America. This could be the future of family movie-watching."

David Fincher chimed in, "I've been monitoring social networks. With the prevalence of smartphones, many people are even watching feature films on their mobile devices."

Greg noted, "Netflix has recognized this trend and is continually refining its data-driven approach to offer users an enhanced content experience."

Changing his tone, Greg added, "Currently, what poses the greatest challenge to Netflix is content, particularly high-quality content. Today's Hollywood views Netflix as a rival. Acquiring licenses for top-tier content comes at a hefty price. Without premium content, attracting new paying users is difficult, and even existing users may be lost."

Martin, holding a substantial number of Netflix shares, naturally desired the growth of its stock price. He suggested, "If you have the necessary resources, you could hire producers and directors to create high-quality content independently."