Chapter 120: Disney's Strategy of Taking by Force

[Chapter 120: Disney's Strategy of Taking by Force]

The hotel restaurant was warm with the heater on. After eating and drinking, the group looked satisfied, their faces flushed and warm.

Bob, feeling a bit awkward, loosened the collar of his white shirt and took off his glasses to wipe them a few times. He glanced at Jill Messick and then straightened into the posture of a sharp business professional, beaming with energy. "Charlie, you're absolutely right. Roy Disney and Stanley Gold's expert team have similar analysis reports. But, you've only got yourself to blame. You promoted Wrong Turn too well.

You know, the data compiled by the several research firms Disney works with year-round shows that Wrong Turn is as well-known as this year's hottest hit, Independence Day. Even more surprisingly, their audience research tells us this horror film isn't just popular with a small group of teens who love gore. Many middle-management white-collar men are also fans! The way the film tapped into social news attracted them."

Charlie stopped rubbing Rachel's waist, his expression unreadable. "So?"

Jill Messick, who always seemed to have a bad vibe towards Charlie, looked over with a slight sneer.

Charlie seemed to have a "spidey sense," suddenly catching her gaze.

Jill Messick quickly avoided eye contact, acting nonchalant and daydreaming.

Bob was initially pleased but grew suspicious seeing their subtle exchanges. He adjusted his stance but continued to act as if he had everything under control, smiling, "So, Roy believes Wrong Turn's chances of success are very high! Once it succeeds, with Disney operating the same resources and projects, the Wrong Turn brand will undoubtedly be established. Corleone Studios probably can't use the money-losing horror theme park to turn a profit, but for Disney, they can use that brand to generate revenue. Your immersive adventure puzzle games would be a great addition to Disney's overall theme park offerings!"

The smile vanished from Charlie's face, replaced by a cold, serious expression. He pushed Rachel away, who was secretly enjoying this moment, sat up straight, and looked sharply at Bob. "Looks like Harvey convinced some Disney executives to steal my Wrong Turn project?

Roy Disney's nephew probably wants to use this to solidify his position in internal power struggles.

I believe the decisions around Miramax and Corleone Entertainment won't give Roy a strong weapon against Eisner just because Wrong Turn appeared.

But I understand I can't sway Roy. So what do I do now? What's your offer?"

Bob had never seen Charlie, usually so full of fighting spirit, show signs of conceding. Proudly thinking of how his own brother had failed against this kid several times, he shifted his chair closer in a "brotherly" manner and laid a hand on Charlie's shoulder.

"Listen, man, this is Roy's call, and we really can't fight it. He can't yet use his full resources to pressure Corleone. But, it's easy for them to tank Wrong Turn's box office. For example, influencing the MPAA to rate our project NC-17, reducing screenings in theaters, timing the release of 101 Dalmatians, which is set for November 29th -- there are many tactics.

Also, the shareholders of Horror City, including the Trumm family, would warmly welcome Disney's involvement in the theme park plan. They'll pressure you as well."

Charlie pressed his lips, nodding constantly with a fake smile. "Yes, I get it. No need to go into the details of these threats; I think I'm better at this than Roy. I just want to know how much you want, and how much you'll give. By the way, what about that fat pig Harvey? Why isn't he the one talking to me?"

Charlie squinted his eyes into slits. "Don't worry, you don't need to be so cautious. What can Corleone Studios do against Disney's hardline stance? The Trumm family, Frank Giustra, even Kelly, and you Miramax folks are already on their side, aren't you?"

Bob smiled quickly to soothe him and patted his shoulder. "Don't say that, friend. We really want to help you. But Roy's stance is firm, he urgently needs all kinds of ways to resist Eisner. Harvey not coming personally is just because he feels guilty."

Charlie smiled, touching his prickly short hair, insincerely polite. "Yeah, I understand. One plays the good cop, the other the bad cop. Harvey sent you to avoid tearing things apart with me, to keep the competition from escalating! That's very unlike that overbearing fat guy. Should I be proud? Clearly, Harvey cares about me! Ha! He must have been scared off by my antics before. He's afraid I'll go crazy."

Bob let out a dry laugh, feeling a bit frustrated. Talking with Charlie -- this reckless, shameless bastard -- was genuinely tough.

Charlie constantly pushed buttons, making it hard to stay composed.

Fortunately, Bob was used to Harvey, who was even ruder and more domineering in the company.

With a well-practiced fake smile, Bob said, "Alright, no matter what you say, Charlie, we want you to know Miramax sees you as a real partner. Harvey put a lot of effort into convincing Roy.

Right now, the other party's terms are: they want to use 40% of the Wrong Turn's total global box office to purchase all copyrights of the subsequent series except theatrical movies, and to purchase all copyrights of the first work except theatrical, videotape and television. Disney's ABC network will sign a distribution deal with Mafia Distribution Company, with a fixed percentage of box office income.

These terms sound generous. The key point is, half of the expected purchase price will be paid in a lump sum at week eight after the movie's release!"

On the surface, the conditions did sound quite favorable.

But in reality, this was Shameless! Disney was forcefully seizing control!

They wanted to use 40% of the first film's box office revenue to buy out all future revenue streams except box office!

Charlie didn't need to guess; the contract certainly specified when and where Corleone Studios must shoot and release sequels.

How much would Independence Day's merchandise rights cost to buy out? Probably seventy or eighty million, maybe even a hundred million, and many would fight for that offer!

Wrong Turn is a horror film. Even if it did well, the buyout price for ancillary rights wouldn't reach hundreds of millions! But this wasn't just one film; it was a series. Plus, it was a full rights buyout!

Regarding the TV network deal, it was essentially a win-win.

If Wrong Turn succeeded, Corleone Studios wouldn't lack distribution channel contracts. Signing with ABC might even be less advantageous than going with smaller networks first.

The only highlight in their offer was the lump sum payment of 50% of the purchase price, which could quickly inject substantial funds and boost Corleone Studios' growth!

*****

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