Chapter 66: Kevin: I Want 10% of MGM Shares

After reaching an understanding with Reed, he took the initiative to help Kevin contact the real power behind MGM. The message Kevin received was an invitation to meet the hidden boss of MGM in Las Vegas.

Kevin gladly accepted and, accompanied by his bodyguard, traveled to Las Vegas with Reed.

...

In a lavishly decorated and glamorous casino in Las Vegas, Kirk Kerkorian, a casino tycoon, couldn't help but feel intrigued when he heard that Reed, the president of an industry he considered least promising, had brought a director to meet him.

As someone solely focused on the gambling business, Kerkorian had never entertained the idea of acquiring MGM. Now, he couldn't help but regret it.

For him, MGM was undoubtedly a losing investment. Fortunately, MGM managed to sustain itself to some extent through the development of its intellectual properties, but benefiting from it was out of the question.

However, this year, it seemed that Reed had made some moves that improved MGM's financial reports, albeit slightly. This brought a slight sense of relief to Kerkorian.

...

After a half-day journey by plane, Kirk Kerkorian's men picked them up as soon as they landed, and the three of them sat in the car, heading towards the legendary city of gambling.

Kevin, equally curious, took a look at the surroundings.

On the roadside, as far as the eye could see, it resembled the bustling areas of New York, second to none.

Luxury goods, high-end restaurants, gold jewelry, and other high-end stores lined both sides of the street.

Clearly, it was catered to the gamblers who won big, those who had an extravagant disregard for money.

Those were the ones being taken advantage of.

Kevin didn't have the habit of indulging in such high-end consumption. People who suddenly come into wealth often display the characteristics of nouveau riche, but Kevin managed to maintain his original mindset.

Although he would occasionally spend money on good food, he wouldn't splurge on luxury items.

After all, he was a director and didn't need to package himself like a celebrity.

What people wanted to see were his works.

There was no need to spend money on unnecessary things.

After a half-hour drive, the three of them arrived outside a grand and opulent building.

The driver walked up to the entrance and exchanged a few words with the guards before returning and leading them through a side entrance into the administrative area of the casino.

After navigating through several complex corridors and passing multiple security checkpoints, they finally entered the heart of the casino.

Once their two bodyguards confirmed that they were not carrying any metal weapons, they were allowed to enter Kirk Kerkorian's room together.

As a gambling tycoon, someone who had earned the enmity of countless people, he was always cautious about his security.

In the Las Vegas area, with such complex procedures in place, he maximized his own safety.

Upon entering the room, Kevin surveyed the decor. It was a 100-square-meter office space with a sofa and various other office supplies arranged in the center.

A middle-aged man in his forties or fifties, exuding a somewhat godfather-like aura in his well-tailored suit, sat upright on the sofa in the middle, gesturing for the three of them to sit down.

Following his invitation, they took their seats.

It was at this moment that Kirk Kerkorian spoke up:

"So, you're the one who thinks he can lead MGM to regain its former glory?"

MGM meant nothing to Kirk Kerkorian. He had acquired MGM more out of nostalgia than anything else. But when nostalgia became a burden, Kirk Kerkorian no longer placed much importance on MGM.

He was actively seeking an opportunity to sell off MGM.

And Kevin was the person who could fetch him a better price for his MGM holdings.

Faced with someone of value, Kirk Kerkorian put aside his demeanor as a member of the underworld and presented himself as a legitimate businessman to deal with them.

Despite Kirk Kerkorian's appearance resembling that of a mafia boss, Kevin showed no fear.

In the world, actions are driven by self-interest.

As long as he could bring benefits to others, even mafia members would not harm him.

Kevin calmly and nonchalantly responded, "That's right, it's me. Steve Kevin."

Intervening, Reed added, "He is the most famous up-and-coming director in Hollywood recently. His last three movies have all surpassed $100 million in global box office, and his latest installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise is expected to reach $600-700 million worldwide. MGM occupies a 30% investment share."

Kirk Kerkorian looked at Kevin with a hint of surprise. Such immense profits were comparable to the revenue of his own casino.

Kevin alone could rival an entire casino. He was truly a rare talent.

After a moment of contemplation, Kirk Kerkorian looked at Kevin with a scrutinizing gaze and said, "How do you plan to lead MGM to glory? Tell me your plan. If you can convince me, I'll agree to give you a 5% stake in MGM..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Kevin suddenly interjected, "I want 10% of the stake."

Greed destabilizes a person's stance. After meeting Kirk Kerkorian and going through a series of contemplations, Kevin decided to double his original target.

Upon hearing Kevin's words, Kirk Kerkorian didn't get angry. He lit a cigar, took a puff, and then leisurely said, "Young man, being too greedy will only lead you down a path of self-destruction."

"However, since you dare to open your mouth so wide in front of me, I'll give you a chance. Persuade me."

"What can you bring to MGM?"

Kevin smiled and began to speak, "Do you know the biggest reason for MGM's decline until now?"

Kirk Kerkorian remained silent and gestured for Reed to speak up.

Reed quickly responded, "The lack of highly profitable films and the subsequent distribution power. It's widely known that distribution earns more than the movies themselves. The box office revenue of a film is only 30% to 40% of its profit."

"And our current distribution power at MGM is far from unleashing the true potential of our film library."

Kevin interjected, "Most importantly, we lack the investment from a media giant."

"Without the support of a media giant, MGM will never become one of the top five studios in Hollywood!"

"In addition to my stake, I suggest selling a certain percentage to Warner Bros. to gain the support of Warner Media behind them."

"This way, I am confident that in ten years, MGM's stock price will increase at least five to tenfold."

Kevin's words clearly outlined the future plans for MGM. Using his directing abilities as a bridge, he proposed bringing in the capital of Warner Bros. and the backing of Warner Media to rejuvenate MGM.

Whether or not all of this could succeed depended on whether Kirk Kerkorian was willing to sell a portion of his shares to Kevin and Warner Media.