Chapter 143： Eating

Many Hollywood film companies have North American distribution capabilities, but they are unable to distribute films overseas. The situation with Polygram Pictures is just the opposite.

This film company registered in the United Kingdom was established in the early 1990s. It initially focused on producing films. It was not until 1993 that it really had the ability to distribute films. The scope of the original film distribution was limited to the United Kingdom.

Thanks to Polygram’s mature record distribution system, Polygram Pictures has established film distribution channels very quickly. Before Polygram was acquired by Seagram Group, Polygram Films already had a presence in Europe, Australia, The ability to distribute films in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

But Polygram Pictures has no distribution channels in North America. The North American film market is the most exclusive film market in the world. It is too difficult for foreign companies to enter the North American film market, even for British companies.

In the past few years, Polaroid Pictures has mainly relied on Sony Columbia Pictures and Gramercy Pictures to distribute films in North America.

In the conference room, Garcia asked, "Those people in the distribution department of Polygram are very familiar with Sony Columbia Pictures?"

Ronan found a piece of information, handed it over, and said: "Sony Columbia has released seven films for Polygram in total."

After reading the information, Garcia gave it to Robert and said, "We don’t know people from Polygram. This will become a big obstacle."

Ronan agreed with what he said: “It’s much easier if someone you know is introduced from it.”

Robert immediately answered: "Sony Columbia Pictures?"

Ronan nodded and continued: "From the information collected, the distribution department of Polaroid Pictures is headed by Alan Albert and Danny Donald. Alan Albert is the director and Danny Donald is his deputy. The two have extremely high prestige in the distribution department. If they are dealt with, they can basically attract their distribution team. With this distribution team, it means that they can get distribution channels other than North America, the Middle East and Africa."

"We have distribution channels in North America." Robert said: "In the Middle East...and Africa. These two places have smaller markets and can be built on the original basis."

Garcia reminded: "The premise is that we can get it."

Ronan looked serious: "That's right. If Universal Pictures really dismisses the personnel of Polaroid Pictures, this group of people will probably attract some people's attention."

Companies like DreamWorks and Lions Gate Pictures all dream of having overseas distribution channels.

Especially DreamWorks, as long as it establishes overseas issuance capabilities, it will really have some capital to fight the big six companies.

Ronan asked Garcia: "How did you inquire about Universal Pictures?"

"Internal news from Universal Pictures." Garcia replied: "Like the news you got, what Universal Pictures really wants is Polygram's film library. It is not interested in employees who need a lot of human capital, and Universal Pictures’ overseas distribution system is much more complete than Polygram, and there is no need for Polygram’s newly established channels."

Ronan asked again: "Have you heard that other companies are interested in Polygram?"

Robert and Garcia glanced at each other, and the latter said, "Not yet."

Ronan knew the appeal of distribution channels for film companies that want to grow bigger, and said: "Inquire more about this, especially DreamWorks and Lionsgate."

Most of Hollywood production companies are engaged in production in peace. There are actually many companies that want to grow bigger, but very few really put them into practice.

The problems of capital and risk alone will stump 99% of small companies.

Relativity Entertainment is now relatively well-funded, and even with the release of Embassy Pictures, Blair the Witch has a large revenue.

North American box office revenue was 79.5 million US dollars, sequel rights sold for 12 million US dollars, video tapes and discs were sold for 7 million US dollars in the first week plus revenue for the following months, and there are currently 9 million US dollars. Overseas copyrights are 50 million US dollars. US$3 million, and US$1 million for the next two rounds.

Total film revenue is currently US$161.5 million, and TV broadcasts and video tapes and discs will continue to generate revenue.

Of course, the net profit is not so much.

As for the people in the tax bureau, Ronan never wanted to provoke him. Tax avoidance is also a legal method, and investment tax credit is the best way.

At present, Reaper is still in theaters in North America. The North American box office has accumulated a total of 65.5 million US dollars. It will not be long before this film can also bring a lot of income.

With funds in his hands, Ronan has the confidence, otherwise he won’t be able to satisfy others even with his salary.

Ronan called and contacted the lawyer Dinah and the investigators in London, asking them to help collect more and more detailed information. If Universal Pictures really does what he understands, he is fully prepared. , Can make a targeted plan, more easily attract people.

Even Ronan got news from Polygram Pictures. Of course, these situations were also placed on the desks of some big guys in the circle.

In a small meeting room on the top floor of DreamWorks Pictures, the Big Three gathered together, and there were several core executives of the company.

"I have worked with Universal Pictures for many years, and I just contacted Ron Mayer." Spielberg's relationship with Universal Pictures is quite complicated. "Ron Mayer confirmed that Universal Pictures only needs Polygram's film library. interest."

David Geffen, with a bald head, asked: "Steven, can't Universal Pictures acquire Polygram Pictures first and then transfer the distribution department to us?"

Spielberg reveals a trace

Silk smiled bitterly: "David, there is no possibility, my relationship with Universal Pictures..."

After all, David Geffen is in the recording industry, and he doesn’t know much about Hollywood. Spielberg knows this, but doesn’t want to explain. His love-hate relationship with Universal Pictures is really unclear. .

In the early 1990s, in order to raise funds for Schindler’s list, he had to accept the directorship of Jurassic Park under the pressure of Universal Pictures. Since then, his relationship with Universal has taken a sharp turn. It was also one of the reasons why he was determined to create DreamWorks.

Jeff Katzenberg said: "The rise of DreamWorks will touch the interests of inherent forces. The Big Six companies are the people who are the least willing to see DreamWorks establish perfect channels. Will Universal Pictures sell us overseas distribution channels? "

This was a bit questioning, and David Geffen glanced at Jeff Kasenberg, his expression unhappy.

Jeff Katzenberg snorted softly in his throat, and he didn't seem to like David Geffin either.

DreamWorks has been established for five years. The Big Three, which were still in one mind at the beginning, have long been cracked by various interests and power disputes.

But in the general direction that is beneficial to the company, the three people are still consistent.

Spielberg interjected in time: "Overseas distribution channels are very important to DreamWorks! It's not just the film and television production department." He first looked at Jeff Katzenberg: "Animations in the animation department can also pass through DreamWorks. Channels to enter the global market.” Another look at David Geffen: “We can also learn from PolyGram and build a global record channel based on film channels.”

David Geffen and Jeff Katzenberg both nodded and expressed their support for Spielberg.

After secret struggles and compromises, these three giants have now formed a situation in which Spielberg is in charge of live-action film and television and related industries, Jeff Katzenberg is in charge of animation production, and David Geffen is in charge of recording and music businesses.

In a way, the Big Three stand together.

This may stabilize the top-level power structure, but a three-pronged situation is actually not good for a start-up company.

Spielberg said again: "Ron Mayken revealed this news because it was in a personal relationship with me. It is impossible for Universal Pictures to help DreamWorks."

Jeff Katzenberg asked: "Steven, this news will not be spread soon. Overseas distribution channels are too important to us and we must get it down as soon as possible."

David Geffin did not speak, but he looked at Spielberg with concern.

He is the one who is most familiar with the film industry here.

Spielberg said: "I have not had any contact with the people of Polygram Pictures, nor are I familiar with their management. At present, the people of Polygram Pictures are in London, England. We need to send people to London as soon as possible. They approached and strived to get the entire team of Polygram's distribution department to join DreamWorks."

He looked at a deep-haired big nose: "I have asked my acquaintances in London to learn about Polaroid Pictures, and news will come soon. Albert, if you go to London, you must win the Polaroid. Release team."

Facing the Big Three Albert said confidently: "You are waiting for my good news."

David Geffen urged: "The news has not been fully disseminated, so please keep it confidential to avoid attracting more competitors."

Spielberg also said: "Yes, pay attention to confidentiality."

"Hmm." Albert nodded cautiously.

Spielberg is also more at ease with him. This is his confidant. His ability may not be strong, but his loyalty is praiseworthy and he will never sell out the benefits of DreamWorks.

Limited to ability, Alberg's position is not too high. If this can be done, he can just mention his position.

Some details were discussed later. After the meeting, Albert left DreamWorks, ready to go home to pack his luggage, so that he could leave for London early tomorrow morning.

As soon as he arrived in the front hall, a well-known entertainment agent approached him.

"Mr. Hoffman." The agent approached Albert and whispered, "The character we said last time..."

Albert left the office building before he said, "Let them all go to the Marina Hotel at night. I will discuss the roles with them personally."

The meaning of these words could not be clearer, and the agent immediately said: "No problem, it will be delivered on time at seven in the evening."

Watching Albert Hoffman leave, the smile on the agent's face disappeared, and he spit out: This man is a pervert, and his appearance is too ugly!