Chapter 703: Discontent and Disbandment
In the conference room at the headquarters of MPAA on Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, the attendees included:
Christopher Dodd, Chairman of MPAA;
Jeff Bewkes, Chairman and CEO of Time Warner Group;
Sumner Redstone, Chairman of Viacom and CBS;
Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corporation;
Charles Capet, Chairman and CEO of Capet Group;
Brian Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast;
Robert Iger, CEO of Disney, who would also assume the role of Disney Chairman the following year;
Kazuo Hirai, CEO of Sony Group, who would replace Howard Stringer as Chairman of Sony the following year!
All the top leaders of the parent companies of Hollywood's seven major film groups were present, including the aging Sumner Redstone and the recently troubled Rupert Murdoch.
Charles glanced at Robert Iger and Sumner Redstone, "What you want to do with your own companies or what movies you plan to make is none of our business. But if anyone dares to damage the reputation of Hollywood again, be prepared for the consequences!"
Sumner Redstone and Robert Iger were essentially the best representatives of Jewish capital. This meeting was convened in response to their push for Hollywood to support LGBT causes.
"That's right, I agree with Charles. Hollywood shouldn't be too involved in politics," Brian Roberts echoed. He wouldn't pamper the Jewish capital; they had controlled Hollywood for too long!
Now, there were clearly three factions: one led by Charles Capet and Brian Roberts representing Anglo-Saxon interests; another represented by Sumner Redstone and Robert Iger representing Jewish capital; the other factions like Sony and Time Warner, had deep Japanese interests, though leaning toward Jewish capital, were busy with their own issues.
Rupert Murdoch just looked on like he was watching a show, as News Corporation was considering a split and had no time for this.
"Charles," Disney's Robert Iger had to speak.
Robert Iger, aside from Sony and Time Warner, held the lowest position here, merely a professional manager; the others were major shareholders of their groups, especially Charles Capet, who directly owned 39% of Capet Group's shares. For instance, the Murdoch family owns less than 20% of News Corporation, and Sumner Redstone's family holds about 15% of Viacom's shares, yet they are the major shareholders!
"You're aware that Hollywood has always been a stronghold of the Democratic Party, and pursuing freedom and diversity..."
"Clap, clap," Charles clapped, "Are you sure you can speak for Disney's shareholders? Won't you go back and hold a board meeting first? Even though we at Capet Universal have always been competitors with Disney, I've considered the other six as rivals too. If you act like this, I'll make it my mission to go after Disney wholeheartedly to prove I'm right. Of course, if you don't mind, this meeting can end now, and we can each go our way!"
Jeff Bewkes of Time Warner interjected, "Charles, we're just discussing things now; nothing is decided yet."
Charles shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Disney could cast an African American as Snow White or a woman as George Washington, or a transgender person as Jesus, after all, it's not our money being wasted!"
"Pfft, an African American playing Snow White," Rupert Murdoch couldn't hold back his laughter, then glanced at Robert Iger, "I bet it's quite possible!"
Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm had directly annoyed 20th Century Fox, which held the distribution rights to the Star Wars series; Throwing some shade at Robert Iger felt good.
As Chairman, Christopher Dodd glanced at the people present, "Everyone, today we are here to find solutions to the problem at hand!"
"Charles, this decision came after long discussions and is for everyone's benefit?" Sumner Redstone tried to explain.
"Who, who discussed it? At least Charles and I don't agree with this method," Brian Roberts immediately countered.
Charles glanced at Sumner Redstone without any pause; Paramount was no longer in Charles' view.
"What's your stance, Time Warner and Sony?" Charles looked at Jeff Bewkes and Kazuo Hirai, as News Corporation had no time to care about these matters.
Jeff Bewkes and Kazuo Hirai exchanged glances, "We believe the stability of Hollywood is fundamental, and Hollywood has a responsibility to maintain stability!"
Charles looked at Christopher Dodd, "Is there still a need to discuss this?"
"Charles, what do you mean?" Christopher Dodd was a bit confused.
"I mean, someone is ignoring the overall reputation of Hollywood to pursue some other interests. Since that's the case, perhaps Hollywood should make some changes," Charles shrugged as he said,
"Stock prices don't lie. Once they face the consequences, they'll stop!"
The MPAA meeting ended without joy, signifying a division within Hollywood.
Sumner Redstone and Robert Iger left together, "Capet's current stock price has reached $104 per share, with a market value close to $90 billion. With such remarkable performance, he absolutely won't allow any disturbances. Hollywood is no longer in our control!"
Robert Iger felt helpless hearing Sumner Redstone's words. Given Paramount's lag, Disney's live-action movies were quite worrisome.
"We still have an advantage on TV," Robert Iger reminded, as CBS, ABC, and CNN were all controlled by Jewish interests!
"Humph, don't forget, now Comcast is backing Charles, and NBC's ratings are not low, while FNC is fiercely competitive outside. Do you really think all of them are Jews? Don't other shareholders exist?" Sumner Redstone had a different mindset from these managers; they could pander to other capital without considering their own interests. However, Sumner Redstone wouldn't allow his interests to be sacrificed!
"Just be cautious. When Disney fully surpasses Capet, you can take charge. If Disney's stock price drops too much, you bear the responsibility for that. Some things should be done within your means!"
Sumner Redstone, being Jewish, was always more focused on the returns on his capital than any patriotic sentiment!
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