Chris Meledandri was the founder of Fox Filmed Entertainment's animation department. Although the animated works produced in recent years caused Fox Filmed Entertainment to suffer massive losses, it cannot be denied that the animation department once made significant contributions.
In 1989, the animated series "The Simpsons" originated from Fox Filmed Entertainment's animation department. Upon its debut, it was beloved by countless children and became the top animated series in America in the late 80s and early 90s.
Sony Columbia Pictures.
Amy Pascal, who had just been appointed president of Sony Columbia Pictures, immediately called a meeting of company executives after learning that Meledandri had been ousted by Fox Filmed Entertainment.
"There's no doubt, Meledandri is an animation genius!"
Amy Pascal stated solemnly, "Pixar Animation, DreamWorks Animation, Waterworld Animation have all risen one after another, and even Blue Sky Studios has achieved great success in the Academy Awards for animation. But what about us, Sony Columbia?"
"We have made almost no progress in the theatrical animation market!"
"Therefore, I believe this is an opportunity. To recruit Meledandri and his team, and on this basis, establish our Columbia animation team, allowing us to get a slice of the pie in the animated film market."
Recruit?
As soon as she finished speaking, several executives burst into disdainful laughter.
Vice President James Jackson sneered, "President Pascal, are you joking? You say Meledandri is a genius in animation, so I ask you, why did Fox Filmed Entertainment fire him? Why did they dismantle the entire animation department and team?"
(Note: Vice President James Jackson was sued in 2004 for a "mistreatment of domestic helper" scandal and paid $829,000 in compensation.)
"I agree with Vice President Jackson's point of view. Meledandri and his team caused Fox Filmed Entertainment to lose over $150 million in just four years. The box office market was a disaster, and there were no achievements in the Academy Awards. I ask, what do we need him for?" scoffed Loyall, President of the Home Entertainment Department.
"Seconded!"
"Agreed."
"We're not a junkyard, what do we need so much discarded trash for?"
Hollywood chases success; this is a consistent tradition.
When you achieve success and fame, directors and production companies will flock to you and lavish you with praise. But when you fall into a slump, a quagmire, or failure, the people who want to stomp you to death are simply too many.
At this moment, most of the Sony Columbia executives present opposed President Amy Pascal's proposal.
"Do you really think this proposal is completely unnecessary?"
Amy Pascal's face was extremely grim as she pressed the question again.
"Pascal, although you are the president of Sony Columbia Pictures, are you going to disregard everyone's opinions? I believe the group's board of directors will not support you either!" Vice President James Jackson said in a deep voice.
Disrespectful!
That's right, as Vice President, Jackson completely disregarded the newly appointed President Pascal!
Why?
Because President Amy Pascal is a woman!
In Hollywood's major film companies, where male executives account for 95% of the proportion, the situation for female executives can be fully imagined.
At the same time, when Pascal was appointed president of Columbia Pictures in 1999, it seemed to outsiders that she still lacked certain qualities as a film company leader. There was even speculation about when she would be fired by Sony bosses, which at one point became a hot topic in Hollywood.
Currently, Amy Pascal is nominally the head of Sony Columbia Pictures, but in reality, she has no real power, and many people oppose her.
"Hmph!"
Pascal snorted, "Remember! You must remember this meeting today. Because of your foolishness, our Columbia company missed out on a talented individual, an opportunity that could have allowed us to re-enter the animated film market. You… one day, you will be ashamed of your foolishness today~"
After speaking, disregarding everyone's reactions, she shouted "Meeting adjourned" and stormed out… As the saying goes: where there are those who step on you, there are also those who lift you up!
Fox Filmed Entertainment discarded Meledandri and his team like old shoes, treating them as worthless; Columbia Pictures, due to internal conflicts, missed out on Meledandri.
But… across Hollywood, there were still a few film companies pursuing them.
"Haha!"
Meledandri scoffed, "Among the film companies pursuing us, there isn't even a single second-tier company. If they recruit me and my team, what room do I have to maneuver?"
I'm sorry!
Although Meledandri was a complete failure at the moment, he still had his pride; he looked down on those third and fourth-tier film companies.
The companies he wanted to join were, from beginning to end, only the Big Six.
"I will learn from Jeffrey Katzenberg and one day take revenge on Fox Filmed Entertainment!"
Therefore, his options were not many.
The Disney Group was immediately ruled out; they had Pixar Animation, so why would they need Meledandri?
Paramount Group was the second choice, but they were deeply involved and very close with DreamWorks. Recruiting Meledandri wouldn't that just create problems for DreamWorks Animation?
It's like you're pursuing one girl, but then you flirt with another, exchanging glances with her. How do you think both parties would feel?
...After eliminating multiple options, only one most suitable candidate remained—Universal Pictures.
However, Universal Pictures was currently in negotiations with the French Vivendi Group for an acquisition, so they had no time to entertain Meledandri.
"Is there really no other way?" Meledandri was getting anxious.
Of course, the hundreds of team members who were also ousted from Fox with Meledandri were even more anxious.
Even in America, a desired job is not easy to find, and in highly competitive industries, it's like the college entrance exam, where thousands of people cross a single log bridge.
Just at this moment.
Kyle's Page Pictures came knocking!
Meledandri himself and his team were somewhat moved.
Waterworld Animation was already well-known for its two series, "Peppa Pig" and "SpongeBob SquarePants," and with the recent success of "Finding Nemo," its reputation had grown even further.
"Boss, let's go!"
"Yeah, I heard Waterworld Animation will be listed on the US stock market soon. If we join, we definitely won't be short on funds."
Everyone urged Meledandri.
At the same time, Kyle was also looking forward to it.
"Minions," "Despicable Me," "The Secret Life of Pets"… these were all globally renowned animated films. How could a shrewd person like Kyle not be tempted?