The press conference for Interview with the Vampire was relatively successful. Although Rice still had doubts about Cruise's role as Lester, she didn't show it. After all, she herself admitted that, in terms of appearance, Cruise was very suitable.
Jordan had no other opinions. In fact, he had long wanted to direct a movie related to vampires. What he was worried about was nothing more than Adriaan telling him what to do. However, Adriaan made it clear from the beginning that he would be in charge of the directing, so he naturally agreed without hesitation. Besides, the three leading actors were also very suitable for him, and the adapted script was also very much to his liking.
"I like this role more and more now. Eide, you're a good producer." Cruise also seemed to be in high spirits. This was not surprising. He was the only big name in the entire crew, and everyone else showed him the respect he deserved.
In contrast, Brad was much more modest. Although he was a few years older than Adriaan, he was not stingy with the word "thank you" at all, and he said it very sincerely. It was no wonder that he eventually became a superstar as a handyman. Unfortunately, now that he had met Adriaan, some things might no longer belong to him.
As for Kirsten, needless to say, everyone liked her. A cute and well-behaved girl was always likable, and a cute and well-behaved girl who was very good at acting was even more likable. However, after the press conference, she returned to New York with her mother. She still had a lot of scenes in the crew of Delicious.
If there was any regret at the press conference, it was that Cruise's beautiful wife could not attend.
After settling this matter, he left it to the film company, and Adriaan immediately devoted himself to more important matters. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Rice and Kirsten both had to rush back, this would have been the first thing he would have done.
It was not a complicated matter. It was just going out with a guy to play ball, exercise, go to the sauna, and so on, and then talk about some decision-making.
"The situation is not very good. Lei Shidong is obviously determined. I think he may raise more funds, no less than $11 billion — our company is still too young." In the steaming sauna room, Claude picked up the white towel hanging around his neck and wiped his sweaty face, then let out a long breath.
Adriaan was not so particular. Although he also had a white towel hanging around his neck, he directly wiped his face with his hand. It was dripping with sweat. "So what are you going to do?"
"If you agree to let me use more funds …"
"You know that's impossible, Krau. You promised me that you wouldn't affect the acquisition of TBS."
Before Claude finished speaking, he was interrupted by Adriaan, and his tone was non-negotiable. Faced with this, Claude shrugged and said, "Okay, I got it. It's just a pity, it's a good opportunity!"
Acquiring Paramount was the plan Claude mentioned to Adriaan at the Vanity Fair party. Long before the Oscars, he had already proposed this idea to Adriaan, and through a large amount of analysis, he gave a feasible strategy. After thinking for a long time, Adriaan agreed to his request. He only mentioned that it could not affect the acquisition of TBS.
"No problem." Claude replied confidently. According to his analysis, if everything went well, it would only take $9 billion to acquire Paramount. Then, through his connections, he could raise another sum of money to acquire TBS.
However, he did not expect Sam Redstone and Barry Diller to join in one after another, showing a strong interest in Paramount. These two guys were not easy to deal with. Because of this, Diller did not hesitate to launch a hostile takeover battle, and Redstone, who was facing the threat of divorce, tried to dissuade his wife and issued a statement to ensure the confidence of investors.
During the days when Adriaan was in New York filming, Claude fought with them many times. However, because of the inherent shortcomings of AC Media, coupled with Adriaan's "TBS first" principle, they did not have much of an advantage. If they could not increase the acquisition price, they might lose to these two guys.
"Okay, Krau, don't worry about it. Believe me, in another six or seven years, we will have a better and more suitable target. "Adriaan patted him on the shoulder and said in a comforting tone.
He knew that Claude proposed this plan for the development of the company. As long as they successfully acquired Paramount, the overseas distribution rights and the right to speak in the MPAA would not be a problem. Their status in Hollywood would rise, and AC Media would also become a first-tier media company. However, in Adriaan's view, this was not the best opportunity. The acquisition of TBS was much more important than the acquisition of one of the seven major film companies.
Because he had seen a lot of movie-related acquisitions in his previous life, he still remembered some of the more famous cases. Several major television networks were acquired in the 1990s. If they did not make a move now, it would be difficult to have another opportunity in the future. As for the film companies, there were better options in the first year of the 21st century, and at that time, they would have more funds.
Of course, if they could successfully acquire Paramount while ensuring that TBS was the best, it would not be a bad thing. If they had an established film company under them, many things would be more convenient and easier. That was why Adriaan did not object to the acquisition.
"There will be a better target in six or seven years? Are you starting to prophesy again? "Claude asked with a smile.
"You can think of it that way." Adriaan shrugged.
"Okay, okay. One word from you, and I have to give away what I originally could have." Claude let out a long sigh, but anyone could tell that he was joking.
"With your personality, would you give it to someone else so easily?" Adriaan snorted.
"Of course not. I'm ready." Claude wiped his face with a towel again.
"I knew it. Let's hear it." Adriaan listened attentively.
"Let Dille and Lei Shidong fight for it. We will watch from the side. Sooner or later, they will notice the weight of the stock in our hands and try to rope us in." Claude gestured.
Adriaan's heart skipped a beat. "Which side do you think is more suitable?"
"Lei Shidong," Claude answered without even thinking about it.
"Why?" Adriaan raised his eyebrows. "Dille is not bad too."
"According to your plan and concept, there are obviously more benefits in cooperating with Viacom." Claude also raised his eyebrows.
"You plan to take this opportunity to buy shares in Viacom?" Adriaan looked surprised.
"If possible, I also want to enter the board of directors." Claude smiled.
"Lei Shidong will not allow anyone to share his rights." Adriaan reminded.
"It doesn't matter. We won't have a conflict with him, right?" Claude looked at Adriaan. "Anyway, cross-shareholdings are common. Besides, don't we still have you, the miracle director?"
Adriaan suddenly smiled. "Okay, I agree."
Viacom's MTV alone was enough for them to do this. Not to mention, they could further cooperate in some aspects. At least for a long time, they would not be the main competitors.
"Okay, let's go out. We've been steaming for long enough. It's time to go out." Adriaan said and stood up.
"By the way, Eide." Claude suddenly thought of something and stopped him. "There's a cocktail party at the Beverly Hills Hotel tomorrow night. I think you should go with us."
"Cocktail party? Oh, give me a break, Krau. " Adriaan suddenly had a bitter look on his face. "When I was in New York, I attended a lot of Uncle's cocktail parties. Now that I'm back in Los Angeles, let me have some peace."
"You attended a lot of Uncle's cocktail parties?" Claude said with a sneer. He obviously did not believe Zhang Heng.
"Of course, if you don't believe me, you can call Uncle Anderson for confirmation." Adriaan said with a straight face. He then changed the topic. "By the way, about the Clinton administration, I have …"
"Yes, I know. After you called, I confirmed it and sent someone in. The Clinton administration is obviously planning to make a fortune from the Japanese. In that case, we don't have to be too polite." Claude waved his hand, then looked at Adriaan and said in a serious tone, "Eide, just go and deal with it."
Adriaan looked back at Claude. After a long while, he sighed and said, "You know, Krau, when I was directing a new movie in New York, although I only attended two of Uncle's cocktail parties, sometimes I'd rather not attend one."
He made a gesture and continued, "He invited almost all the executives on Wall Street, as well as several city councilors, state legislators, and a member of Congress. If Greenspan wasn't in Washington, he would've invited him. "
"That's a good thing!" Claude immediately exclaimed.
"Of course it's a good thing for you, but me? Do you know how awkward it is for me to face these guys? I have no idea what they're talking about! If they're talking about movies, computers, or the Internet, I can still say a few words, but finance … "Adriaan made a gesture." I can only smile like a fool! I often think how good it would be if you were here. "
Claude laughed and waved his hand at Adriaan, who looked helpless and annoyed. Then he thought of something and asked, "I remember you said that Godfather and your uncle don't seem to get along well?"
"Yes, in fact, Uncle Anderson always wanted to reconcile, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. As a result … he never had a chance. This is what my aunt told me. My uncle would never say these things. He was also dissatisfied and ashamed that I didn't mention him in my Oscar acceptance speech. This is what my aunt told me. My uncle would never admit these things. So, he wants to express his apology to me and my father in this way. "
"Ha, that's really awkward."
"Who said it wasn't? But more importantly, this is also a message to my cousin, who is my uncle's son, Victor. If you can do as good as Eide, I can do the same for you! "
