Chapter 125: Happy to Step In

[Chapter 125: Happy to Step In]

Sony Pictures.

Ian sat in Howard Stringer's office, smiling at the middle-aged man in front of him. Howard Stringer was an iconic figure in Sony's history. He had been a reporter, producer, and CEO at CBS, spending thirty years there, winning nine Emmy Awards, and working alongside Dan Rather on the CBS Evening News, which was once the highest-rated news program in the U.S.

In 1997, he became chairman of Sony Corporation in America, overseeing American operations and the global film and music entertainment sectors, successfully transforming Sony's struggling music and movie divisions into its current pillar industries.

Early in his tenure, he improved the underperforming Columbia Pictures and led the release of Spider-Man in 2001, making the film division a significant profit source for Sony.

By the end of 2004, he facilitated the merger with MGM and combined Sony Music with Bertelsmann to form Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

In March 2005, the Japanese Sony board appointed Howard Stringer as chairman and CEO of the Sony Group, marking him as the first non-Japanese leader in Sony's history -- an indication of his remarkable capabilities.

Now, Howard Stringer was the top executive at Sony Pictures, and Spider-Man was the foundation of his ascent.

Ian had come today, still holding onto his hopes for Spider-Man. After acquiring Lockbridge Productions, he had requested Sony Pictures to sell him the rights to Spider-Man. According to Ian's plan, securing rights to established franchises like The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter would be incredibly difficult, making them suitable only for co-promotion. However, with projects still in development, there was an opportunity.

The first Spider-Man film had not yet been released, so its value was undoubtedly underestimated, especially considering its ties to the expanding Marvel Universe. Unfortunately, even this wasn't enough to convince Howard Stringer to sell. This was his baby, and he was counting on Spider-Man to launch his success.

At this moment, Howard said, "You know, when my secretary told me you wanted to meet, my first thought was to warn everyone to clean up their act and not let Ian Carr see us!"

Ian laughed heartily, "Journalists have their principles, too. Using a guest's name for undercover work crosses my line."

Ian had indeed never spied on others during a visit; such actions would ensure no one invited him back.

Howard pointed at Ian, "Well said, but don't expect me to sell Spider-Man just because of that."

"That's okay; I just wanted to discuss a few other things," Ian smiled, putting on a look that signaled indifference toward Spider-Man. The most taboo thing in business negotiations was to reveal your true purpose.

Howard asked, "What do you want to talk about?"

"For instance, the advertising accident involving Sony Electronics the day before yesterday."

Howard shook his head, "I don't think there's much to discuss; it was just an accident."

Ian replied with a smile, "It indeed was just an accident. But what do you think the public's reaction would be if they found out a person died while filming an ad for Sony?"

Howard's expression darkened. No brand wanted to be tied to death unless they were in the funeral business. And knowing Ian's knack for spinning good stories, he sensed that there might be more to this than met the eye.

"Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve besides threats?" Howard sneered, eyes narrowing.

Ian shook his head lightly, "I'm not threatening you, sir; it's someone else who's after me."

As he spoke, Ian turned to gaze out the window, admiring the distant view with a slight smile, "I understand Spielberg's influence in Hollywood is significant, but I didn't think it could even reach Sony. What did he offer you to abandon all cooperation with Carr Media?"

Howard was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

Ian chuckled softly, "I know what he did. Mr. Stringer, that's not right! Carr Media is one of the most promising companies out there, and we've been expanding rapidly! Yet here you are, turning down a valuable partnership! Even if you're not considering selling Spider-Man, that's not the way to go about things!"

Howard Stringer sighed gently, "Your information is always on point. Okay, I admit it: yes, I promised Spielberg that I wouldn't collaborate with Carr Media. This industry puts immense weight on relationships. Ian Carr, I concede you're impressive, but breaking into the entertainment industry isn't as simple as money or threats."

Ian smirked, "It's not just threats that don't work. This is America -- a land of opportunity. A little scandal here or there won't cut it, and serious dirt isn't easily acquired."

Howard Stringer chuckled, "You're not wrong. I can admit to sleeping with at least a dozen beautiful women, but so what? That can't even affect my wife. Ian Carr, you can't get all the dirt you want; your leverage isn't that threatening. You need a better way to handle these situations!"

Ian laughed softly, "Then how about acquiring Sony Pictures?"

Howard Stringer was taken aback. "What did you just say?"

Ian shrugged, "I want to buy Sony Pictures."

Howard shook his head emphatically. "Don't joke around."

Ian looked at him earnestly. "I'm serious, Mr. Stringer. Sony's biggest issue is its lack of media support. Disney has ABC News, Fox has Fox News and News Corp backing, Universal has NBC News, Warner has HBO, Paramount has Viacom. What does Sony have? An electronics company? Or a Japanese enterprise?"

He chuckled, "I know your relationship with CBS is solid. Sony has been closely working with CBS for the last few years. Oh, and by the way, did you know I'm already discussing acquiring over 30% voting rights internally at CBS with James Perry?"

Howard Stringer was silent.

He obviously knew; this was no secret.

Ian quietly laughed, "Would you be interested in taking a bet with me? I plan to secure over 30% of CBS's voting rights by the end of this year, and if I succeed, I'll propose a co-control partnership with Sony Pictures and offer you better promotional support. Don't worry, I'm not trying to buy Sony, just looking for a stake. Sony needs local media support! If I don't succeed, I'd sell Carr Media Group's shares to you at a discount. This isn't so much a bet as a win-win collaboration with a pre-agreed price. If I win, I get it cheaper... no one loses here."

Howard Stringer stared at him, speechless.

After a long moment, he said, "If I don't agree, you'll blow the story about the death during the ad shoot up, right?"

Ian sipped his coffee lightly. "Not just that... have you considered this might not be an accident? Do you know what that implies?"

Howard Stringer's expression soured. "Ian Carr, you can't do this!"

"I can!" Ian countered firmly. "I'm good friends with Director Beaton, and I'm a journalist; I have the right to report whatever I want."

Then he laughed heartily. "But I'll try not to. Like you said, business shouldn't be conducted via threats. I suggest you give a heads-up to Sony's parent company. If they're willing to accept the bet, I can also hand over the distribution rights to My Big Fat Greek Wedding to you."

My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a blockbuster hit in 2002 with a budget of only five million, and Tom Hanks was one of its backers.

Ian secured 80% of the shares from Tom Hanks with an investment of eight million and promised free promotion, but for Tom Hanks, the most important thing was likely to maintain a good relationship with Ian Carr.

Hollywood wasn't all hard-headed; Tom Hanks was a smart man. So Ian had no plans to expose Hanks's secrets.

At this moment, Ian added, "Think about it, this bet is a low risk; I just need you to give me a few good words."

Currently, Sony Pictures was in a state of loss, so Ian's proposition to gain controlling interest was appealing to Sony, especially during such challenging times.

The best part was that this bet was small; regardless of the outcome, it was a joint effort -- minimal loss, with only winnings varying; thus, the likelihood of agreement would be significantly higher.

A well-structured deal ensures that even the losing party feels they didn't lose!

Considering Ian's influence, even Howard Stringer thought this was a conversation worth having.

...

As expected, after Howard Stringer conveyed the message, Sony's parent company quickly responded.

They were interested in the deal, of course, with their own conditions. For instance, the support of Sony Pictures for the parent company, particularly regarding Blu-ray, was something they valued greatly.

In response, Ian agreed, as long as Sony accepted the priority rights to invest. Most film projects need external investments, and it doesn't matter when; shares can be pre-sold even after the film is completed.

Ian couldn't buy Spider-Man right now, so the plan was to buy the company, and then use his power and insider information to acquire Sony's undisclosed high-value assets to sell the shares later -- he had never intended to run the film company properly.

Once he took control, the kid would take on his surname. He was happy to step in!

Sony wouldn't have expected this to be Ian's real purpose, and even Howard Stringer was surprised by Ian's strong interest in Spider-Man.

...

By the end of July, the agreement between Sony and Carr Media was finally reached.

With the agreement in place, Ian headed to New York. With sufficient capital backing, he was finally ready to negotiate with CBS formally.

*****

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