“Everyone outside is saying that Genius Writer Ernst has gone crazy, but I think you look pretty good right now.” While teasing, Wenger even whistled at the hot girl eating breakfast in the kitchen, looking like an old pervert.
1.48 billion US dollars.
Ernst still remembered Kerkorian’s gnashing expression when he left in a huff.
The other party hadn’t expected him to actually want to acquire MGM.
Both sides secretly competed, and after the price was raised to 1.48 billion US dollars, the casino tycoon gritted his teeth and gave up.
“I’ll wait for you to run MGM into the ground.
If you’re interested in selling it then, remember to contact me.” “I will contact you, but not to sell MGM, but to discuss brand infringement issues.” Taking over MGM was just the first step in Ernst’s revenge.
Next was the issue of MGM brand licensing.
Although the other party had already made full preparations to separate their hotel and casino businesses, if he couldn’t sanction him, couldn’t he at least disgust him?
With new grudges added to old ones, the other party would only pursue him relentlessly from now on.
The Italians, on the other hand, were very happy, not expecting the agreed-upon price to increase by another 180 million US dollars.
It was still to be paid off in three years, with 500 million US dollars in each of the first two years, and the remaining 480 million paid off in the last year.
The later payments were easy to manage; Ernst had plenty of time to operate.
The top priority now was to raise the first installment of 100 million US dollars.
“I guess all the media in North America are mercilessly mocking me right now, aren’t they?” This news couldn’t be kept secret.
It was estimated that the media had received the news even before Ernst had brought the beautiful girl home last night.
And it was indeed as Ernst had expected.
All the media, like sharks smelling blood, focused all their attention on Ernst’s acquisition of MGM, and a wave of ridicule and sarcasm surged in.
Picking up the Los Angeles Times from the table, the front page headline featured an exaggerated title.
“Ernst Attempts to Swallow MGM, a Farce of a Snake Swallowing an Elephant?” In the article, financial experts mercilessly analyzed Ernst’s financial situation, pointing out that although he was wealthy, he was not on the same level as Kerkorian.
Attempting to get involved with Hollywood giant MGM was simply overestimating his own abilities.
“Ernst’s move to acquire MGM is like a child with a toy water gun standing in front of a fully armed tank, declaring he will conquer it.
This is not only ridiculous but also a disregard for market rules…” “The words are quite sharp,” Ernst smiled, as if the newspaper wasn’t talking about him at all.
He picked up another entertainment-focused newspaper.
The cover prominently featured MGM’s iconic lion logo, next to a disheveled photo of Ernst from when he came out of the police station recently.
The two formed a stark contrast.
“MGM, this brilliant palace of Hollywood, carrying countless classics and glories, is now to be taken into the pocket of Ernst, a notorious nobody?
This is simply a desecration of cinematic art.
Ernst, what makes you think you can tame the beast that is MGM?” The article even interviewed a veteran director who had previously collaborated with MGM.
The director, during the interview, expressed disdainfully: “MGM has a top-notch creative team, rich film and television resources, and a profound cultural heritage.
And Ernst?
His only involvement with Hollywood is probably with those Hollywood actresses he has deceived.
This acquisition is like letting an amateur conduct a world-class symphony orchestra; the result will only be a mess.” No matter how the outside world mocked him, at least in the hearts of celebrities, Ernst’s status was infinitely elevated.
For example, Jennifer Connelly, the goddess with a certain global reputation, who was enjoying breakfast in the kitchen, didn’t she obediently climb into Ernst’s big bed?
Connelly was glamorous to the outside world, but in Hollywood, she really didn’t have much status.
This actress, who was twice named one of the most beautiful faces in the world, appeared for only a few minutes in Once Upon a Time in America at the age of 14, and became the world’s first love.
At 18, she enrolled at Yale, then transferred to Stanford to study acting.
But what was the result?
Although her acting was recognized, because of her angelic face, she had long been defined as a sex enlightenment goddess.
Her image being typecast meant that no major Hollywood directors or big productions were willing to consider her, so her current situation was very awkward.
Ernst was willing to give her a chance, at least in terms of facial expressions.
Last night, the other party had already received his approval.
The way she controlled her expressions, whether real or fake, gave the man unprecedented satisfaction.
“Tell me, I don’t think you called me over to show off your dating skills.” Connelly finished eating, picked up her coat, and prepared to leave, greeting the two as she went.
Wenger, however, did not avoid her, and his words were a bit impolite, but this was Hollywood.
The goddesses who were aloof to the outside world were just beautiful dolls in front of true power.
“I need a loan, mortgage on property, mortgage on copyrights, mortgage on stocks.
I need to raise 100 million US dollars.” Ernst currently only had six million US dollars in cash, plus the first dividend from The Hunger Games was coming soon, which would be around ten million US dollars.
He didn’t want to touch this money; it was the start-up capital for his internet company.
“It’s difficult.
This is not a small sum.
Your house and stocks can at most lend out about 15 million US dollars.
The most valuable are your novel copyrights, but although The Hunger Games is popular, to want to borrow 85 million US dollars…” Looking at Ernst, Wenger frankly said, “To be honest, it’s simply impossible.” Ernst also knew this would be the result.
He took out two printed documents.
“What about with these?” Wenger took the documents in confusion, then exclaimed in surprise after opening them, “Wow, I didn’t expect you to have already finished the second and third books of The Hunger Games.
Ernst, I have to say you are very talented in writing.
Leo is a loyal fan of yours, and I also enjoy reading it.” Leo is Wenger’s son, 17 years old this year.
Besides Leo, Wenger also has an 11-year-old daughter, Lilia.
“You have to give me a signed book of yours.
Leo’s birthday is coming soon, and I want to give it to him as a birthday present.” Ernst rolled his eyes.
“Shouldn’t we talk about business first?” “Alright, with these, the success rate will increase a lot.
I will check the loan rates of various banks, then contact your accounting firm, and finally evaluate these copyrights of yours.” Ernst suddenly remembered something and smiled, “The evaluation can wait a few days.” “Why?” “Tomorrow is the official overseas release date of The Hunger Games.” The popularity of The Hunger Games in North America immediately attracted attention in Europe.
Currently, The Hunger Games has reached cooperation agreements with publishers in 17 countries worldwide and will be translated into 11 languages for distribution.
If this also meets expectations, more and more foreign publishers will come to negotiate in the future, and the value of the copyright will naturally rise.
“I see you’re very confident about The Hunger Games.
I understand.” Wenger left, while Ernst considered how to help MGM fire its first shot after he took over.
At this time, MGM was already at the bottom among the seven major Hollywood studios, with disorganized personnel and low morale.
Coupled with such an unreliable boss now, if handled poorly, it could easily fall apart and become a mess.
Ernst needed to instill confidence in MGM.
What was the most effective way?
Of course, it was to lead and supervise a high-grossing film.
“Big-budget films are out of the question.
MGM currently doesn’t have the funds to shoot big-budget films, unless it’s the 007 series.” Hollywood giants don’t entirely use their own money to make movies; loans and external investments are more common.
Especially for money laundering, film and television investment is one of the best investments.
Hollywood itself is the largest money laundering hub in the world, which is also one of the important reasons why Kerkorian wanted to take over MGM.
Ernst currently had no ability to attract investors, as everyone was watching him fail, so he could only make low-budget productions.
Once he made a name for himself, MGM’s film productions would no longer lack funds in the future.
But before that, he still had to secure the long-desired Harry Potter and stake his claim.
He pulled out his phone, and after answering, Craig’s voice was clearly off.
“Help me register a copyright company, then go to the UK and negotiate the film and television rights for a novel.” “Damn capitalist, can’t you let me enjoy a few days?” Craig’s voice carried a hint of a roar, and Ernst even heard a woman’s murmuring and gasping.
Craig got his share of perks as Ernst’s agent — some third- and fourth-tier Hollywood actresses were more than happy to warm his bed now.
Working so early in the morning, I wonder if your old body can handle it.