[Chapter 591: Future Strategy and War Profiteering]
After a week of closed-door meetings, the strategic plans and priorities for two major media companies were roughly finalized.
At Universal Group, the focus was on aggressively strengthening the MCA Television Network. They planned to heavily invest in internal development, patching up weaknesses by creating more and higher-quality variety shows and dramas. Improvements to news programs would target better quality, timeliness, and broader coverage. Expanding channel offerings to increase national viewership was a key goal, aiming to become the sixth-largest network in the country.
Putnam Publishing was encouraged to expand its reach. Beyond bolstering its flagship magazines and newspapers, the plan was to acquire more regional publications nationwide, enlarging its influence and securing greater control over public opinion.
Universal Studios, as the primary platform for monetizing film IPs, would deepen integration with cultural tourism industries to attract consistent tourist traffic, merchandise sales, and ultimately, significantly boost long-term revenue streams while enhancing the studio's core competitiveness.
Both the Hollywood and Orlando Universal Studios parks had performed exceptionally well. Last year, introducing hot film IPs like Linton Films' Step Up and The Man from Nowhere to the parks had yielded impressive profits.
The decision was made to start expanding Universal Studios overseas this year. The initial targets were Japan and Europe, with delegations set to scout locations and negotiate with local governments. Depending on progress, there were plans to collaborate with China next year to open a Universal Studios in Beijing or Shanghai.
On the film front, Universal planned to fully release already completed projects: Jurassic Park II and Liar Liar. Co-productions with Linton Films -- Armageddon and National Treasure -- were scheduled as well, plus the overseas distribution for all Linton Films productions.
New in development were three big-budget productions: Air Force One, Patch Adams, and Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. While producers and directors would have creative control -- something Linton wouldn't interfere with -- the lead female roles were reserved exclusively for members of his private circle.
Air Force One, with an $80 million budget, starred Sherilyn Fenn. Though this was a male-led film with limited female screen time, it was a rare resource for Sherilyn.
Patch Adams was a $50 million production headlined by Sophie Marceau.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery had a $60 million budget, starring Monica Bellucci as the lead and Akina Nakamori as the second lead.
Additionally, a decision was made to establish a Universal Pictures Asia branch. Though local regulations currently barred foreign-owned studios in film production, collaboration via joint ventures with domestic film companies would allow investment and early participation in Chinese productions.
This would provide a platform to spotlight fresh Chinese rising stars. Once the branch was established, Linton planned to hand over a roster of ten young actresses with whom he had closer-than-friendship ties -- Li Bingbing, Xu Jinglei, Gao Yuanyuan, Zeng Li, Sophia Hu (Hu Jing), Yan Danchen, and others -- from connections made during the beauty pageant for maid selection.
Depending on opportunity and luck, if these rising stars matured smoothly and remained untainted by scandalous romantic entanglements, Linton's private circle might start growing there. In that case, subsequent resources would naturally favor these new members, potentially paving their way into Hollywood.
...
Turning to Linton Media Group, he intended to continue boosting UPN Network to contest the big four nationwide networks.
Fire Elf Games would deepen development of hit franchises Tomb Raider and Resident Evil. With the internet booming, online gaming was set as the next frontier, and the gaming company was encouraged to actively pursue multiplayer online game projects.
On the film side, Linton Media would focus on distributing completed titles Armageddon, National Treasure, Final Destination 2, and My Best Friend's Wedding.
Five new film projects were greenlit: Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Scream 2, There's Something About Mary, and Charlie's Angels.
Producers and directors for these were handed to Robert and his team, but female lead roles were all reserved for Linton's women.
Tomb Raider, a female-led adaptation with an $80 million budget, starred Nicole Kidman.
Resident Evil, also female-led and adapted from the game, had a $60 million budget, starring Charlize Theron.
Charlie's Angels, a female-driven action film with dazzling stunts, was budgeted at $70 million, starring Cristiana Reali, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Xu Qing.
There's Something About Mary, a mid-budget comedy, was allocated $30 million, headlined by Cameron Diaz.
Scream 2, the sequel, had a $30 million budget with Jennifer Connelly as the lead and Michelle Reis in the second lead role.
Notably, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, and Charlie's Angels were joint projects with Universal Pictures, who held 30% investment stakes.
The year's most important project, however, was Titanic -- a film Linton was set to join. Its budget had been repeatedly increased, surpassing $280 million in actual investment.
...
Denise devised a comprehensive new fan club operations management system as per Linton's instructions, earning his approval. An independent fan club operations department would be set up in Linton Films, with Denise appointed as manager.
Initially, the new system would govern Linton's own fan base, and if effective, it would be extended to his other women's fan clubs to support their fan management.
Bella headed an online publicity department (effectively a propaganda unit), which had demonstrated remarkable promotional power during the releases of Mission: Impossible, Chicago, and Run Lola Run, significantly boosting box office returns.
Universal Pictures also requested to set up a similar unit but was denied by Linton. Instead, Bella's online publicity team would unify these efforts and offer paid services to Universal.
Furthermore, Linton announced an open recruitment drive for 15 staff positions across advisory offices in the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives. Interested parties could apply for vetting and selection in due course.
---
During this same week, a multinational coalition led by the U.S. and NATO launched a fierce military assault on Iraq, severely damaging infrastructure and completely blocking the country's oil exports.
The U.S. military debuted a barrage of advanced weaponry: C-17 strategic transports, F-22 Raptors, B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, F-16 fighters, Tomahawk cruise missiles, M1A2 Abrams tanks, alongside digitally enhanced infantry gear. These spectacular performances stunned the world.
Though Iraqi forces fought valiantly, their arsenal was decades behind. From the conflict's outset, communication and transport networks collapsed, followed by overwhelming bombardment.
As the war erupted, global orders for American arms flooded the Pentagon like snowflakes. Military factories instantly depleted their inventories; production lines went into full overtime, working relentlessly.
Correspondingly, American stock markets saw defense stocks soar again. Lockheed Martin's shares climbed more than 70% compared to a month prior; Raytheon's shares rose over 65%.
Meanwhile, futures prices rocketed: crude oil surged over 20% in the week alone, cumulatively more than 45% this year. Gold futures jumped over 15%, accumulating 40%. Agricultural commodities like soybeans and wheat saw over 20% gains.
...
After discussing, Winnie and Hillary wisely cashed out, closing all their stock and futures contracts, reaping massive profits.
Winnie alone, starting from a $2 billion investment, netted more than $5.6 billion, thanks to insider information and precise planning -- a windfall fortune seemingly dropped from the heavens overnight.
Hillary's gains were likely on a similar scale.
Flushed with success, Winnie gleefully reviewed her bloated account balance around 3:30 p.m., barely able to contain her excitement.
She insisted on dragging Linton out of a meeting. Together they ascended to his ultra-luxurious penthouse office where emotions ran wild in unrestrained celebration.
Afterward, draped casually over Linton, Winnie whispered the dizzying stock and futures gains.
Even Linton was stunned -- $2 billion turning into $5.6 billion in just a month was an astonishing return.
He admitted with genuine awe, "Now I understand why the top politicians put aside partisanship and unanimously backed this war."
Winnie realized the truth too. "Honey, you mean it's not just us and Hillary profiting. Other high-ranking officials in the U.S. government are involved too."
Linton ran his fingers through her golden hair, explaining, "Of course. Different ranks, different timings receiving insider info -- different entry points. But whether government leaders or Congress members, they all got in before the media even hinted, each reaping juicy rewards."
"I finally get it," Winnie said, "why everyone is desperate to become senior politicians -- the stakes are just too enormous."
"This," Linton said with a sly smile, "is only the appetizer. The real prize lies ahead."
"Even bigger gains?"
"Absolutely. You wonder why America led this invasion and why so many countries joined?"
"Why?"
"To secure their oil reserves. Iraq holds vast petroleum wealth. After the war, America will control a huge portion of those oil fields. The allies will get some slice, but the lion's share belongs to the U.S. That's when the elite really cash in."
"Darling, can we get a piece of that?"
"You little money-grubber. If I wanted in on that, nobody would dare say no. But do you really think that's a good idea?"
"You're right, I'm just greedy. We already have enough wealth."
"We'll see how it goes," he said thoughtfully. "I'm not decided yet."
"There is no rush. Honestly, with our talents and insight, what we've made so far from financial investments is more than enough -- especially since we just scored this massive windfall. We should be thankful."
"True. Last year, my Linton Media Group did well, ranking second industry-wide with over $3.65 billion in profits from more than 2,000 hardworking people. Yet even that pales compared to this insider investing bonanza. Who'd want to just run a business now?"
Winnie couldn't hold back the grin. She kissed him eagerly. "Darling, forget everyone else. Thanks to you, we're now the White House's own stock market champions."
"Yeah, you're the trading guru at the White House -- that's why you're so amazing today."
"Honey, I'll have to beat you at your own game as the White House's stock guru..."
*****
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