Chapter 516: Universal's Issues

The charity appreciation banquet, organized by Hasbro, was held at the Hilton Universal City hotel in Los Angeles.

To celebrate the success of the live-action movie Transformers based on Hasbro's toys, Universal Studios also announced the new Transformers zone in the park!

"Have you been super busy recently?" Charles Capet held Megan Fox by the waist, who truly lived up to her title as the Transformers goddess.

Megan Fox smiled sweetly, "Besides participating in the movie promotion, I also need to coordinate with Hasbro's toy promotion activities. Add to that the photo shoots for ads and magazines, and Warner Bros. new movie Jonah Hex just started filming. Of course, I'm busy."

Charles grinned, "In the promotional photos for Jonah Hex, your outfit is really sexy and beautiful!"

The Transformers series really turned the previously unknown Megan Fox into a global sex symbol.

"Alright, let's leave early. I'm going to go over there and talk to the company's people," said Charles, giving the lady's backside a light slap.

"Okay, I'll wait for you!"

Quickly, Charles met with Donna Langley, who had just finished chatting with the director of Transformers, J.J. Abrams.

Transformers not only catapulted the main stars Zac Efron and Megan Fox to fame, but it also significantly raised J.J. Abrams' profile.

Moreover, J.J. Abrams had another blockbuster sequel, Star Trek XI, released this year alongside the surprisingly successful District 9.

As the hottest director of the year, if J.J. Abrams claimed second place, no one would dare to claim first!

Zac Efron, with his role in the High School Musical series and Transformers, also became one of Hollywood's most sought-after young stars.

Compared to Megan Fox, who was famed globally for her sex appeal, Zac Efron's influence among North American teens was also substantial.

"Who came up with the idea of making a Battleship movie from Hasbro's toys?" Charles wasn't very familiar with the executives at Universal because of their frequent changes.

"It was Ronald's idea, but it's just a thought for now," Donna Langley knew that Charles was dissatisfied with Universal's leadership.

Capet Pictures' merger with NBC Universal was imminent, with most major issues resolved, leaving only some details.

Charles wanted Universal to pause some major film projects, so what was Ronald Meyer's thinking?

"Back in the day, the five founding members of CAA went different ways: Michael Ovitz went to Disney to become president, and in the same year, Ronald Meyer joined Universal as president and COO. Unfortunately, a year later, Disney's chairman Michael Eisner fired Michael Ovitz, yet Ronald Meyer has become the CEO of Universal Pictures!"

"That's really rare for big shots from talent agencies to succeed in movie companies. They are used to focusing on star actors and always chase big directors and big stars. Just look at Universal's achievements over the years. They always use big stars, regardless of whether they fit the movie!"

When The Departed was made, Charles was already dissatisfied with Universal's approach. It seemed it was a common flaw among talent agency executives.

This summer's Public Enemies, with a $100 million investment, brought in $200 million globally, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.

Funny People, with a $75 million investment, only brought in $71 million globally, starring Adam Sandler.

Land of the Lost, with a $100 million investment, only fetched $68 million globally!

"Charles, calm down, it's just an idea Universal has," Donna Langley, who was once the manager of Universal's production department, was also unhappy with Universal's old-fashioned thinking.

At that time, she had put a lot of effort into the subsidiary, Focus Features!

Charles shook his head again, "Next year, Universal is planning to release the epic war film Robin Hood, paying Russell Crowe $20 million. Universal has big problems. Spending $200 million to shoot Robin Hood, I really don't know how this project got approved!

Inform Jeff Zucker that Universal Pictures' CEO Ronald Meyer and co-presidents Marc Shmuger and David Linde are not in the future plans!"

Donna Langley was surprised, "Removing all of Universal's top executives at once? Won't Universal be paralyzed?"

Charles smiled, "When the time comes, Capet Pictures will be merged into Universal Pictures, and you'll be in charge. Adam Ferguson will continue to manage the marketing department as president. If Jeff Zucker can't handle this, there's no need for him either. I'll split NBC Universal Entertainment, with Jeff Zucker managing NBC Television Group, and you'll oversee the merged Universal Entertainment Group!"

Donna Langley understood Charles' plan. All these changes would fall under Capet Entertainment. Capet Pictures would close and merge into Universal Studios Group.

"You also want to replace Jeff Zucker?" Donna Langley hadn't expected this since Jeff Zucker was the chairman and CEO of NBC Universal.

Of course, once Capet merged with NBC Universal, there would only be one chairman, Charles Capet.

There'd be no NBC Universal Group, so no chairman either!

"When the time comes, he can be chairman of NBC Broadcasting Network. With the help of Capet Television, if NBC is still lagging, then he's really unnecessary," Charles wasn't a charity; those without ability would be replaced.

Subsequently, Charles left the hotel, taking Megan Fox back to the beachfront villa in Santa Monica, leaving Donna Langley in deep thought.

Universal Pictures' dismal performance deeply dissatisfied Charles, or General Electric wouldn't be selling NBC Universal.

For Donna Langley, who came from Universal, this acquisition by her new company was a great honor, proving her decision to leave Universal and follow Charles Capet was incredibly wise!

"Seems like Charles won't go easy on NBC Universal's internal reshuffle." Donna Langley had no soft-hearted thoughts, knowing that with Capet's current strength, Universal's turmoil wouldn't have much impact.

Moreover, apart from the distribution department needing major layoffs, Universal's production department was also a key area for cuts!

*****

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