Chapter 232: Encounter on the Golf Course

[Chapter 232: Encounter on the Golf Course]

After the first weekend's box office results were announced, many media outlets jumped in to cover the news. They reported how Speed outperformed several major films released at the same time, claiming the weekend box office crown.

The promotional department at Guess Pictures seized the opportunity, having critics lavish praise on the movie, highlighting its quality production, thrilling gunfights, car chases, explosions, and attractive cast. The buzz emphasized that the film was the must-see action movie of the summer, fun and engaging from start to finish.

Due to disappointing box office numbers, the marketing budgets for several other films competing at the same time were significantly slashed to avoid further losses.

Compared to other movies released on the same weekend, only The Lion King, which premiered on Friday, could stand in comparison to Speed. Influenced by the promotion, Speed's box office numbers climbed rather than fell in its second week, bringing in $29.23 million, accumulating a total of $49.98 million over two weeks. Yet, it only secured the second spot this week.

The champion was The Lion King, which earned $44.65 million across 2,552 theaters, with an impressive average of $16,000 per day per theater, making it the highest-grossing wide-release commercial film in terms of daily averages.

In third place was the newly released Wolf, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Jack Nicholson, which earned $17.91 million in its first weekend -- a respectable performance.

As these three films dominated at the box office, several others saw their numbers shrink rapidly, with Beverly Hills Cop 3 topping out at just $7.36 million, destined to bring Paramount Pictures a significant loss.

...

"Link, now that things are going well, have you thought about cashing in and selling off some shares? I believe you could find investors willing to finance at a valuation of $600 million right now."

On the lush, green Pelican Hill Golf Course, under a sky of blue and scattered clouds, three men donned white golf shirts and light-colored slacks, carrying their clubs as they chatted and strolled.

"It's too early for that -- the first round was just this year. The second round of financing won't be before the latter half of next year at the earliest."

Link, wearing a baseball cap, walked between Jerome Preston and Jay Moloney, who were both slightly shorter and slender in build.

"You should at least release a timeline for the next funding round. Show you're open to further investment; otherwise, you risk becoming a target for entertainment capital's competitive antics. Hollywood involves more than just publicity and box office showdowns," Jerome commented, his thick eyebrows arching.

"I understand. But it's not as dire as you think. Yes, Guess Pictures is disrupting the seven major studios by taking market share, but it's also heightening competition in Hollywood. It forces the big players to improve their competitiveness. And from a capitalist perspective, our presence aids healthy market dynamics," Link countered.

"The catfish effect?" Jay shook his head. "Guess Pictures isn't a catfish; it's a great white shark. You were sixth in total box office revenue last year, and this year may go even higher. That means less profit for the major studios' backers; they won't tolerate that for long."

Link replied calmly, "You said it yourself -- 'tolerate.' We're not at the point of intolerance yet."

...

Link had plans. He had talked things over with Vanguard Capital and J.P. Morgan, proposing any future financing be over $1 billion, with preference given to allies willing to stand by Guess Pictures in their times of trial.

Both Vanguard and J.P. Morgan had taken favorably to Guess Pictures' successes so far this year -- the first film had a modest loss, the second grossed $125 million domestically and $220 million globally, and the third hit $100 million in North America after five weeks. These achievements overshadowed those of the big studios.

As shareholders, the two firms had benefited and expressed interest in further gains. When Link mentioned prioritizing ally investment in an upcoming round, they voiced their support, offering aid if needed. Link's response was straightforward: "All that's required is fair competition. As long as the stakes are undecided, the backing capital should refrain from intervention."

Considering the sway these two powerhouses held as Hollywood's prime investors, they promised to support Link's condition in their board discussions. However, there was a catch: if he lost, he would have to relinquish controlling stakes but could remain chairman for at least five years. Link agreed.

Since he had plenty of capital as a Microsoft shareholder, he didn't need films to get richer -- making movies was about creativity and honing his craft for him.

Losing wouldn't change his role much. Yet, he made a request: if he won, Vanguard and J.P. Morgan should assist in acquiring one of the major seven studios. This ambitious declaration left their chief investment officer Greg Davis and senior partner Paul Zummo astonished. Aim to beat and buy out the competition? They hardly expected that audacious outlook.

Agreeing, they nodded to the strategic benefits -- even though success seemed improbable, a victory would place Link as a more capable ally at the helm. With this safety net, Link felt confident taking on the big studios while casually squeezing in rounds of golf to relax. Not as some imagined, trembling under the pressure of industry titans, burning the midnight oil to stave off the competition.

...

"Link, the major studios are closing in. Are you confident about enduring till next year's financing?" Jerome asked, genuine concern in his tone.

"I think so. The company's running well so far."

Link set up with a five-iron, lining up his shot from a suitable distance. Swirling his club, he struck with precise strength, sending the ball sailing towards flat ground, halting just a little under five feet from the hole.

"Nice shot!"

"Another birdie."

Both Jay and Jerome applauded. In golf terms, a birdie meant getting the ball in one under par, with "eagle" for two under, and "albatross" for three. The fewer strokes, the better. For a four-par hole, a birdie was commendable, suggestive of a possible third-round entry in professional meets.

...

After finishing their game, the trio hit the clubhouse bar, mulling over drinks and conversation. A topic of interest was CAA, with Link probing Jay Moloney about the talent agency's stance on Guess Pictures. Was CAA considering a boycott, barring their clients from collaboration?

"There are differing opinions within CAA," Jay noted. "Michael Ovitz suggested a ban, restricting our talents from appearing in your flicks. But truth is, most of our clients prefer acting freedom. They desire roles that are meaty and well-paid, without embroiling themselves in corporate spats."

Concerned about talent defection, Ovitz hadn't imposed a decisive ban, simply prompting key prospects to think it over, leaving final decisions with them.

Likewise, Link reassured no plans to exclude CAA's talents. Auditions would remain open and fair.

Their conversation paused as Link spotted Michelle Pfeiffer entering the bar, Winona Ryder in tow -- they'd met on The Age of Innocence. Link waved them over to join in, taking the chance to chit-chat a bit.

*****

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