Lin BaoCheng did not deliberate for long. He made his decision that very day, and the next morning he called Isabella.
"Bella, I'm preparing to enter Hollywood and establish a film company."
Lin had already intended to set up a film company in Hollywood. He felt that rather than venturing into other industries, it was better to move into Hollywood now. With Starshine Films in Hong Kong, the two companies might even complement each other.
Although he didn't know if he could one day control one of Hollywood's Big Eight studios, filmmaking was profitable. So he would start by founding a company.
"Boss, do you mean to acquire an existing film company?" Isabella asked. She knew her boss had already founded a film company in Hong Kong and owned a television station there. Clearly, he had a strong interest in media.
"Something like that," Lin replied. "Since I've decided to enter Hollywood, I won't do it half‑heartedly. A film company must be acquired — acquisition is the fastest way to grow. But I don't want you to start acquiring yet. First, find me an excellent executive."
"You should contact a headhunting firm. Have them find a suitable candidate to lead the company. The acquisition itself will be handled by this future leader — as a test of their ability."
"I'll contact a headhunter right away," Isabella said, understanding her boss's thinking.
Hollywood studios required oversight. Lin would review large investments to avoid disastrous flops, but a capable manager familiar with Hollywood was essential. Lin couldn't personally manage the company at all times.
Thus, finding the right executive was more important than the acquisition itself. It would determine the company's future.
Within two days, Isabella delivered a list from the headhunters. It contained several candidates suitable to serve as president of a new film company. Whether they could be recruited depended on negotiations.
"Hmm?"
Scanning the list, Lin quickly spotted a familiar name. He studied the résumé carefully.
Having written about Hong Kong's entertainment industry of the 1980s, Lin was also familiar with Hollywood in the 1980s and 1990s. He knew the names of films, actors, directors, and screenwriters — and also recognized some of the powerful executives behind major studios.
Michael Eisner — the "Disney Emperor" of the 1980s and 1990s. He transformed Disney from a US$2 billion company into a US$40 billion entertainment empire. His ability was undeniable.
Of course, Eisner was controversial. He was a strong individualist, making many business decisions based on personal preference. Hence his reputation as a "tyrant."
He also sought to push the Disney family out of Walt Disney Company, aiming to become the true master of the empire.
At present, Eisner was working at Paramount under Barry Diller, assisting him in managing the studio.
"Barry Diller, huh," Lin muttered, shaking his head. Diller was also highly capable, but he was already Paramount's chairman. There was no chance of recruiting him. He would never leave Paramount to run a new company.
"Another one?"
Soon Lin spotted another familiar name — this time a woman.
The American workplace was rife with sexism, and Hollywood even more so. That was why Lin remembered this future female head of a major studio so clearly.
The résumé confirmed it: a high‑ranking Hollywood executive, female, with the same name. Such a coincidence was impossible.
Sherry Lansing. She had entered Hollywood in 1970 as an actress, but only in minor roles. In 1974 she left acting and joined a Columbia Pictures subsidiary, moving into producing.
Her films had been profitable, showing her talent. She quickly became head of the company's business development division, and last year was appointed vice president, responsible for film production and distribution.
For a woman to rise so quickly in Hollywood was extraordinary. Lansing had only been producing for a few years, yet was already a vice president. That proved her ability.
Lin read further, but found no other familiar names.
"Bella, have the headhunters contact these two immediately. I want to meet them personally."
He handed the list to Isabella, marking Michael Eisner and Sherry Lansing. Since both would one day lead major Hollywood studios, their future ability was proven. Even now, they held high positions and were fully qualified to lead a new company.
Lin's concern was whether they would leave their current posts to join a new studio. Both had promising futures where they were. Staying the course was natural.
Of the two, Eisner posed more risk. But Lin was still willing to recruit him. He wasn't afraid of Eisner trying to seize control. Lin held all the shares in the new company. If Eisner displeased him, he could dismiss him at any time, paying only severance.
Money could recruit them — they were professional managers. The issue was cost. Excessive salaries could disrupt the company's pay structure and create problems.
Moreover, while Eisner and Lansing's future success was proven, that didn't mean others lacked ability. Lin still had options.
"Yes, Boss," Isabella said, noting their names. Perhaps one day they would be her colleagues.