The purpose of acquiring Netflix doesn't need much explanation.
Although Netflix's main business in recent years has been online DVD rentals, its website, unnoticed by the major giants, will become the site with the most registered members related to film and television in the next two years.
Once an online streaming platform is established, a significant portion of these registered members, who spend money renting DVDs online, will convert into paying users of the streaming platform.
This is key to why Netflix suddenly leaps to become America's largest online streaming platform.
The acquisition of Netflix was not for its DVD rental business, nor did it matter whether Netflix could make money from this business. The goal was purely to acquire these paying users.
As for acquiring ASML, the producer of lithography machines, and NVIDIA, the graphics card manufacturer, beyond making money and increasing influence, the main purpose is to actively promote technological upgrades.
After all, to build a global entertainment empire, you need the support of corresponding technology.
Only by mastering the relevant technologies can the foundation of his entertainment empire be more solid.
"According to the original historical trajectory, ASML should develop the most advanced TwinScan system this year, decisively defeating Nikon and Canon to become the most advanced lithography technology company. Acquiring it now would be a huge bargain."
"Also, Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) will be founded next June."
"By then, if I acquire his space exploration company and master rocket launch and satellite manufacturing technologies, I could create Starlink. This would allow me to bypass the traditional cable TV network, avoid the traditional media giants' blockades, and soar to new heights."
Wayne thought to himself.
After hanging up the phone, he opened the system panel.
Remaining Film Investment Funds: 186.4 million - 800 - 800 - 1000 - 2050 - 550 - 160 - 400.
Ongoing Film Projects:
Resident Evil 1 & 2: Production budget of 175 million; 157 million already invested. Taken: Production budget of 35 million; 26 million already invested. Ocean's Eleven (18%): Estimated investment of 15 million; already invested 15 million. Pirates of the Caribbean (16%): Estimated investment of 20 million; 0 invested. Spider-Man 1 (22%): Estimated investment of 30 million; 20 million already invested. Star Wars: Episode II (4%): Estimated investment of 15 million; 15 million already invested. Hotel for Dogs: Estimated investment of 20 million; 13 million invested. The Ring (American version): Estimated investment of 27 million; 20.5 million invested. Wedding Crashers: Estimated investment of 42 million; 5.5 million invested. Heidi: Estimated investment of 15 million; 4 million invested.
In the past few days, the remaining investments for "Ocean's Eleven" and "Star Wars: Episode II" have been fully allocated.
The costs incurred by "The Ring (American version)," "Wedding Crashers," and "Heidi" mainly include Wayne's script fees, the purchase of remake rights, and partial director fees.
Thus, the original system fund of 186.4 million was spent in just a few days, leaving only 128.8 million.
After reserving funds for the remaining costs of "Taken," "Hotel for Dogs," "Resident Evil 1 & 2," and the upcoming expenses for "The Ring (American version)," "Wedding Crashers," and "Heidi," he had about 50 million left to use.
After thinking for a moment, Wayne picked up the phone again and dialed Sera's number: "I'm planning to start two new projects, 'The Grudge (American version)' and 'Wanted.' Contact Li Ying as soon as possible to buy the remake rights for 'The Grudge' and the adaptation rights for 'Wanted' for 18 million and 25 million, respectively."
"Okay, I'll contact Li Ying as soon as possible."
Even though Sera was used to Wayne's bold moves, she was still surprised by his decision to start two new projects.
However, she didn't try to dissuade him, believing that Wayne's arrangements must have been well thought out.
"By the way," Sera continued, "Avi Arad seems to have caught wind of something. He came to me this afternoon, suggesting we produce our own Marvel superhero movie, and he even brought over a project proposal."
"Oh? Which superhero?" Wayne raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Three project proposals: Hulk, Fantastic Four, and Captain America. I planned to have Mia bring them to you when she gets off work."
"It seems Avi Arad is well-prepared. I'll take a look when Mia brings them over."
The fact that Avi Arad's three proposals did not include Iron Man didn't surprise Wayne.
Originally, Marvel chose Iron Man because mutant and superpowered superheroes were overdone at the time, and the market and audience wanted a new type of superhero.
Now, with mutant and superpowered superheroes just starting to gain popularity, and only "X-Men" currently released, following Hollywood's habit of jumping on successful trends, Avi Arad would certainly prefer those superheroes with mutations.
"It's a pity the Fantastic Four team is too strong, especially Reed, the leader, who not only gains superpowers through mutation but also possesses a mind as brilliant as Tony Stark's."
"A team like this would be hard to integrate into the original Marvel Cinematic Universe. So if we have to make a film, let's start with 'Captain America.'"
Of course, these are just Wayne's thoughts for now. He'll decide after reviewing the proposals.
Afterward, he called Anne Hearst.
The appearance of several actresses, including Masami Nagasawa, suddenly made him think of another place to cash in: the Korean entertainment industry.
As America's "other son," South Korea is practically at America's beck and call.
Although seemingly controlled by numerous chaebols, behind these fortunes are American financial groups, taking away more than 90% of the generated profits.
The Korean entertainment industry started late, and no one paid much attention to it before.
However, since the 2000s, with the explosive popularity of groups like HOT and TVXQ in Asia, the industry has developed rapidly.
But the Korean entertainment industry and its three major entertainment companies are all dependent on conglomerates like Samsung. With the current international influence of Hemera Pictures and the Wayne Group, they aren't enough to force these conglomerates to give up this rapidly expanding pie.
But if the Hearst family gets involved, that's a different story.
While the Hearst family doesn't yet match the top-tier powerhouses like Morgan or Rockefeller, it is still among America's elite.
Its influence spans the globe, far surpassing the current reach of Hemera Pictures and the Wayne Group.
With the Hearst family stepping in, unless the American financial group behind them speaks out, even Korea's largest chaebol, Samsung, wouldn't dare to refuse them over such a small profit.
"Oh? Acquiring a Korean entertainment agency?" Anne Hearst asked with a surprised expression after hearing Wayne's suggestion.
"That's right."
"Why not acquire a film company?" Anne Hearst asked.
"Though the Korean film industry is still small in scale and lacks international competitiveness, it still brings in considerable profits domestically, so the top chaebols in Korea have long acquired them," Wayne explained.
"With your influence, they may not dare refuse, but there's no need for them to do so. In my opinion, the core competitiveness of the Korean entertainment industry lies with their actors and singers, unlike Hollywood."
"And unlike Hollywood, agencies there have almost no restrictions on signed artists. They can exploit them to the bone, practically like selling themselves into slavery."
"So, the profits from controlling an agency are actually much higher than those from a film company."
"But this only works if their artists are popular," Anne Hearst said with a smile. "You seem quite optimistic about their artists' prospects?"
"Indeed. Although their stars may never reach the influence of Hollywood celebrities, they are still quite competitive in East and Southeast Asia."
"East and Southeast Asia have nearly 3 billion people. With such a large population base, once the market is developed, the profits will not be small."
Due to her white privilege, Anne Hearst never paid much attention to Asia.
However, she trusted Wayne, and since the so-called "Big Three" Korean entertainment companies were still quite cheap in terms of market value, she readily agreed after a brief consideration.
"So, which agency do you want me to acquire?" Anne Hearst asked.
"SM Entertainment," Wayne gave the answer he had already prepared. "The CEO of this company used to be a popular singer himself, so he's very good at training and managing idols. As for actors, after the acquisition, you can recruit more new talents by promising them 'future opportunities in Hollywood.' Cast a wide net, and you'll eventually find some promising stars. Of course, I'll provide you with some of my picks."
"All beauties, I presume?" Anne Hearst asked with a sly smile.
"That's right," Wayne admitted without hesitation. Although his main aim was to cash in on Korean resources, he didn't mind enjoying some Korean actresses in the process.
"Okay, once the acquisition and contracts are done, I'll send them over to you. But don't neglect Amanda!" Anne Hearst reminded him, then quickly changed the topic before Wayne could respond. "How do you think the shareholding should be arranged?"
"Full acquisition, then leave some incentive shares for that Lee Soo-man guy. Also, once SM shows some success, you can invite Korea's top chaebols to invest, but the absolute control of the company must remain with us."
Annie Hurst put away her smile, nodded, and said, "No problem, I'll do as you said, arrange it as soon as possible, and personally oversee it."
"I'll be waiting for your good news then~"
Currently, SM Entertainment's market value is only a few million dollars. As long as the relationships above are settled, the acquisition should be quick.
"Remember to send me the list you mentioned."
"OK~!"
After hanging up the phone, Wayne immediately sent an email to Annie Hurst, containing a list of over a dozen names, including Ha Ji-won, Choo Ja-hyun, Kim Tae-hee, Son Ye-jin, Jang Na-ra, and others.
Unfortunately, Jo Mi and Jun Ji-hyun are already famous now, making it difficult to poach them. Otherwise, there could have been two more names on the list.
"Come on, baby, let's go swimming~"
After finishing the call, Wayne picked up Masami Nagasawa and jumped straight into the pool.
By May, the heat in California had already started to show. Even though it was already past four in the afternoon, the sunlight was still quite strong. This weather was undoubtedly perfect for swimming.
Since the rights to "The Notebook" had already been successfully sold and there weren't any new projects in hand at the moment, Mia finally didn't have to work overtime for a while.
"These are the three project proposals submitted by Avi Arad. Also, the filming of 'Taken' was completed last night, and the crew will fly back today to start post-production tomorrow."
Back home, Mia brought Wayne some good news.
However,
"I don't think this is the time to talk about this. We haven't seen each other for more than ten days, don't you miss me, baby?"
Mia rolled her eyes at him. With such a perfect boyfriend, how could she not miss him after more than ten days apart?
Just looking at Wayne's perfect body, sculpted like an ancient Roman statue, she couldn't help but tighten up a bit! But since Charlize Theron and Masami Nagasawa were also there, she had to show some restraint.
However, Wayne didn't care about any of that and directly picked her up, heading straight to the bedroom.
As a result, dinner was unsurprisingly postponed by an hour. And unlike before, now that Charlize Theron and Masami Nagasawa had moved in, even an ordinary dinner required the use of the large dining table.
After dinner, Wayne took the project proposals to the second-floor balcony, holding Mia while reading the script outlines attached to the project proposals.
On the other side was Hannah, who finally remembered her role as an assistant and felt she should follow along.
"Dear, are none of them acceptable?"
Half an hour later, Mia, seeing Wayne toss the last project proposal onto the coffee table with a frown, couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
As the Vice President and Head of Production at Hemera Pictures, she had, of course, reviewed these three project proposals in advance.
In her opinion, these three project proposals, at the very least, had decent scripts. She didn't expect Wayne to be so dissatisfied.
"Well, not exactly terrible," Wayne explained casually.