Chapter 65: A Deadlock with MGM

The next day, when Kevin woke up, both Depp and Cage had already left the villa.

Depp was in a hurry to go home and study the script as it was undoubtedly a great opportunity for him to turn the tide with such a major leading role. He had to seize it.

As for Cage, he had something to attend to at his uncle's house.

After causing some trouble and having lunch alone at Cage's house, Kevin finally left.

He called his driver and headed towards Dawn Films Studio.

Early in the morning, Dawson called him. The assistant director he needed, Zack Snyder, had arrived at their company.

Curious about Zack Snyder, the future renowned director, Kevin hurriedly made his way to the company.

...

Zack Snyder sat nervously on a chair, holding his luggage with caution. At twenty-seven years old this year, he had been lingering in the music video industry since graduating. He was very nervous about this opportunity.

If he could successfully become Steve Kevin's assistant director, it would pave the way for him in Hollywood.

Kevin was his benefactor in life; it all depended on whether he could seize this opportunity.

...

As soon as Kevin entered the company, this was the scene he saw.

The future great director was sitting cautiously on the chair, waiting for his arrival.

After greeting the receptionist, Kevin walked directly to Zack Snyder, smiling as he introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Steve Kevin."

"I'm Zack Snyder!"

Seeing Kevin approach him and initiate the conversation, Zack Snyder immediately stood up from his seat and nervously introduced himself.

Kevin waved his hand and, with a pensive expression, furrowed his brows. "Don't be nervous. I saw the music videos you shot before, and they were impressive. They had a kind of painterly heaviness and seemed to carry your unique aesthetic. That's why Dawson contacted you."

"I think your style is very suitable for the movie I'm about to start filming. Are you willing to be my assistant director?"

Kevin extended his hand, extending a warm invitation.

"I'm willing!"

Zack Snyder replied immediately.

From Kevin's words, he could feel that Kevin truly understood him.

Using the Eastern culture he was familiar with, Kevin was like his patron.

Therefore, he responded immediately.

Of course, he had no reason to refuse. Becoming an assistant director for a big-budget production was undoubtedly a leap for him in Hollywood.

"Great. The project is still in the preparation stage. I'll give you the contact information of my assistant. You and she can start preparing for the casting of supporting roles and finding a special effects company. Also, prepare a production plan in advance and see how much budget we'll need."

"Okay, Director Kevin."

Zack Snyder nodded.

After Kevin arranged these matters, he headed to MGM Studios.

It was time to discuss the issue of shares.

Most of the North American box office for Mission: Impossible had already been released, and what was left was the overseas box office. However, unlike Get Out, which faced restrictions due to race and cultural differences, commercial blockbusters like Mission: Impossible always performed better overseas than in North America. According to experts' analysis, the overseas performance of Mission: Impossible could surpass North America's by four to five times.

This was an exceptionally significant figure, and MGM had taken a huge portion of the profit from the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Of course, for a giant like MGM, a single movie was just one source of income, not enough to restore its former glory.

But at the very least, they saw hope.

And that was what Kevin wanted to see.

It was time to lay it all out on the table.

….

Inside the MGM boardroom, Kevin, along with the executives and CEO Reed, were seated for the meeting. The atmosphere in the room was relaxed.

Reed spoke up, taking the initiative: "Kevin, after unanimous agreement from all our executives, we have decided to gift you 0.5% of MGM shares. Based on the current stock price, this amounts to a value of approximately $9 million."

The executives who held shares applauded, as they had contributed to make these shares available. Each of them had invested a significant amount of money.

In their eyes, Kevin should be extremely happy with these shares. After all, they were MGM shares. MGM shares were not widely traded externally, with the majority controlled by major financial groups, and individual ownership rarely exceeding 10%. The combined holdings of private individuals did not exceed 25%. The financial groups were mainly concerned with having control over MGM, while they did not interfere in day-to-day management. However, if the financial reports were not favorable, changing the CEO was inevitable.

This was the reason Reed had taken such a gamble, and fortunately, he had made the right bet.

Everyone looked at Kevin, expecting him to be elated. However, to their surprise, he wore a serious expression in response to this significant surprise.

At that moment, Kevin spoke up.

"I want more than 5% of MGM shares, and I am willing to buy them. In the future, I can bring more blockbuster movies to MGM and help it regain its former glory."

"This is my condition. If you don't agree..."

Kevin's voice was firm.

"My films in the future won't require a single penny of investment from MGM!"

...

"Damn guy, who do you think you are?"

"MGM has had its glory in Hollywood for so many years. You're just a young upstart trying to take advantage of the situation."

"Kevin, you've gone too far."

"..."

Kevin's move to take advantage of the situation immediately sparked dissatisfaction among all the MGM executives, who expressed their disapproval with harsh words.

Kevin calmly took a sip of his coffee, completely ignoring their remarks, and looked at Reed, who had remained silent in the crowd.

Reed frowned, seemingly deep in thought.

After more than ten minutes of arguing in the boardroom, Reed finally spoke up.

"Everyone, quiet down."

As the facilitator of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Reed had gained great prestige within MGM, and his words still held weight.

Taking a deep breath, Reed continued:

"Kevin's target is not us. He wants to have a conversation with the conglomerate behind MGM. We don't have 5% of the shares to offer him."

It finally dawned on everyone what Kevin's true objective was.

Reed then turned to Kevin and said, "I will try to arrange a meeting for you with them. Whether you can convince them or not will depend on your abilities. But I believe that if you join MGM, you can lead it to glory."

There was no triumphant laughter on Kevin's face; instead, he wore a calm smile, as if everything had gone according to his plan...