Hollywood (我就是好莱坞) Part I

CHAPTER 198- Countermeasures

Jeffrey was sitting on a couch in Eric's office, eating lunch while discussing some issues with him.

"Eric, except for Running Out of Time, the cost of none of our other films exceeds $25 million. Is it too much to promise Bob Shaye a $50 million budget for the two films?"

Hearing this question, Eric's face contorted. After taking a bite of his lunch, he pushed it aside, took out a tissue, wiped his mouth, and said, "I don't want to do this either, but if I want him to do his best with distribution, I have to give him some benefits first. At the end of the day, it's only $50 million, and although I said I'll give him full responsibility if his film doesn't have any selling points, I definitely won't be signing off on the project plan."

Jeffrey didn't have the slightest doubt regarding Eric's vision of films and felt relieved when he heard his words, but he still said, "Still, giving Bob too much power would certainly not be a good thing."

"There is nothing to worry about," Eric signed a document, quickly pulled another one, and said while perusing it, "Once we have gained control of New Line, we will completely integrate it with Firefly. The rest will be much simpler."

Jeffrey's heart secretly skipped a beat as he realized that Eric was already thinking about driving Robert Shaye away. In fact, Eric does have the ability to do this. After all, Robert Shaye only owns a 15% stake in the company while Eric holds a controlling stake. If he wants to remove Robert Shaye, he doesn't even need to go through the board; just issuing a single document would be enough.

"Do you think that I'm throwing him away after making use of him?" Eric looked up at Jeffrey and asked with a smile.

Jeffrey smiled awkwardly, but he still answered truthfully, "It does feel like that."

"You know, Jeffrey, I'm not such a person. I would normally never do such a thing as throwing someone away after they've outlived their usefulness. If Bob can perform his duty effectively without reaching beyond his post, I would have no problem keeping him around. Unfortunately, his ambition is too large; you must have noticed. He brought so many people here today as if to tell us that he is very important to Firefly."

"I'm suddenly feeling worried," Jeffrey heard Eric's words and said, "All those people today are Bob's direct subordinates. If you drive him away in the future, won't they leave with him?"

Eric shook his head and said in a relaxed tone, "Do you think that those people under him will give up millions of dollars in salary and dividends yearly and follow him to start a new business together? Or, are there so many other big film companies that have so many empty positions which they can jointly fill? Both of those scenarios are unlikely. If Bob leaves, I can easily find a new CEO to take over the distribution network."

"But..."

Eric interrupted Jeffrey and said, "Jeffrey, you don't have to worry so much. I said I might drive Bob away, but it's not set in stone. Maybe after a year or two, he may realize that his strengths lie in distribution and no longer intervene in production. In that case, I won't have to drive him away. After all, his talent in film distribution is beyond doubt."

"I see," Jeffrey nodded helplessly and lowered his head to continue eating.

After a few minutes, there were several quick knocks on the office door which was pushed open without permission. Drew, wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt and hot pants, rushed in and threw herself on Eric, laughing. She even asked Eric about what happened last night.

Standing at the door, Alan patiently waited and watched the little lass bickering with Eric. Finally, Eric looked at him and he promptly said, "Eric, the luggage and the car are both ready. Considering traffic, I think it would be best for us to leave now."