Hollywood (我就是好莱坞) Part I

CHAPTER 31 - STATEMENT

Eric straightened up slightly and said: "Mr. Eisner, please speak."

When Michael Eisner was about to say something, his mouth froze in a slight gap as he hesitated. They had chatted for awhile, and Michael had a really good impression of Eric. He didn't feel like he was talking to a kid, but more to a peer.

Thinking about how the young man was able to achieve so many amazing things in such a short period of time, Michael Eisner started doubting the agreement he had reached with Columbia. This young talent who was only eighteen, would definitely thrive, if Eric and him became enemies because of this, the probability of a future cooperation would be slim.

As a CEO, Michael Eisner was undoubtedly a decisive person. Thinking about Blount Cohen's conditions again, he firmed his resolve.

Home Alone was a matter of its own, this young man could probably no longer achieve such dazzling success. And even if he did, as long as there were enough interests, the two sides were still likely to cooperate, those who were once enemies could always make peace again. Besides, in the end, wouldn't Columbia be the one to become Eric's main opponent ?

"Eric, Disney is really interested in Home Alone's overseas distribution rights, our studio's very brand is child and teen oriented, so we would be best suited to take care of your movie. If you let Disney handle Home Alone, I believe we can achieve better overseas than in North America."

Eric calmly asked: "Mr. Eisner, can I know Disney's offer ?"

"12% of the overseas' box office profits, what do you think ?"

Eric looked slightly moved as he asked: "Doesn't Disney wish to purchase the copyrights ?"

Michael Eisner shook his head, smiled and said: "Eric, you even signed a gambling agreement with Columbia because you wouldn't accept the buyout, so I won't waste time in this regard."

Eric nodded his head: "If that's the case, the price is very reasonable, Columbia only offered me 8% of the overseas share..."

"Disney is very sincere, we also hope we can cooperate in the future." Michael Eisner smiled and then said: "So, Eric, if you agree, I want to sign a licensing agreement as soon as possible. Releasing the movie overseas might not be so easy, after signing the agreement, it would at least take a week for the movie to appear in the theater of a foreign country. With Home Alone's level of popularity, releasing just a day later could make us lose out on millions of dollars."

Opposite Michael Eisner, Eric listened quietly while his mind was rapidly putting the pieces together. Suddenly, his mouth stretched into a meaningful smile as he began to understand Columbia's trick. Although it wasn't really clever, it was very effective, and with a little carelessness he might have fallen into the trap.

Once he had seen through their trick, Eric's heart finally relaxed, he pick up the cup of coffee in front of him, and gently rubbed the fine ceramic before looking up to Michael Eisner and asking: "Mr. Eisner, if I were to agree, when would we sign it ?"

Michael Eisner, had noted Eric's somewhat strange expression, but when he heard the youth's words, his joy took over as he said: "Of course, the sooner the better, I'll have someone draft the agreement quickly and we can sign this afternoon."

Putting down his cup of coffee, Eric stared at Michael Eisner and said: "I'm afraid that's not gonna happen, Mr. Eisner."

"Huh ?" Michael Eisner was puzzled.

Eric said: "Columbia couldn't accept my gambling agreement, so they fished you out. Perhaps they gave you conditions that you couldn't refuse or perhaps it was just because you and Mr. Cohen are friends, either way, you agreed. Because they didn't know when you could persuade me, to be safe, Columbia only added 500 more screens instead of the agreed 1000, and also didn't hesitate to write a compensation agreement stating that they would add 100 screens more than the initial number from the third week on."