[Chapter 286: The Information Age]
Currently, DreamWorks had partnered with companies like Universal to produce several films, including Saving Private Ryan and Deep Impact. They quickly established a firm footing in the film production industry.
Next, they planned to improve their domestic distribution channels and secure international distribution deals.
Everyone in the industry's top six companies knew very well that director Steven Spielberg was essentially a symbol of Hollywood's post-war revival. He also played a crucial strategic role in launching blockbuster films with special effects, acting as a key weapon for Hollywood's global conquest.
Backing his efforts was support from Microsoft, financial institutions, and others, as he aimed to claim a share of the Hollywood pie.
Because of that, the industry's big six companies were seriously chasing him down.
However, unexpectedly, the upstart Lion Corleone managed to sneak under the radar.
---
Spielberg warmly embraced Charlie with a smile, his face full of gratitude. "Thank you, my friend," he said, and then he asked with concern if Charlie wanted some equipment or tactical support to better relieve the pressure from the big six companies.
"Charlie, congratulations on your company's film progress this year. I can't wait to see Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings really explode at the box office under your management. By the way, I heard you're discussing international distribution deals with Disney, MGM, and Fox. If you're interested, DreamWorks Animation is also looking for international distribution partners. Would you like to get involved as a business consultant?"
That was an amazing offer!
Charlie felt excited inside but remained calm on the surface.
He wasn't about to hand over DreamWorks Animation's international distribution to himself, especially since Lion Corleone didn't yet have a perfect international network.
This old guy was throwing a hot potato to him, which could make Lion Corleone even more detested by the big six.
But it could also drag Fox into the mess, inevitably causing friction among Paramount, Universal, and Fox.
Perhaps Spielberg had similar thoughts!
"No problem, I'm more than happy to help a friend," Charlie smiled. "I'll get Michael involved in this. I believe he can give you excellent advice. The awards ceremony is about to start. Let's head in together, Steven."
"Of course, please," Spielberg said like a nice old man, smiling and reaching out his hand.
---
This year's Oscars had changed venue because the rental prices at the Shrine Theater went up.
But from the enthusiasm of the event, the Los Angeles Music Center was grander. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, built in the 1960s, had four floors and over 3,000 seats. At the top, massive chandeliers sparkled brightly.
Charlie and his group walked through a winding staircase corridor to their assigned linen-covered seats.
Soon the auditorium grew lively as actors, directors, and all film industry personnel entered.
"Hey, buddy!" Will Smith fist-bumped Charlie as they passed and chatted briefly.
Will looked very happy, and his Oscar nomination was a great encouragement for his first shot at the award.
More and more people greeted Charlie for over half an hour until everyone was seated.
---
Charlie smiled warmly as he clapped a smooth, rounded shoulder and whispered jokes to Annabelle. Then he leaned close to Michael, discussing company matters.
The lively stage performances and award proceedings no longer commanded the big shots' attention.
Regarding the occasional live shots sweeping across the scene, the cameramen were busy trying to spot stars like Will Smith and Tom Cruise to boost TV ratings.
"The CA Online Mall Show officially launched with great results. According to Amazon's data, it attracted 140,000 users, with over 80,000 confirmed orders. Last month, our sales revenue shared with Amazon on Channel 7 was about $1.24 million. Considering this was during the least popular daytime slots, it's quite a good income.
The next phase is to promote the show across all of North America. We believe as Amazon's user base grows, sales will be even more impressive. This is truly a great merchandise sales channel. Charlie, your vision is amazing," Michael Ovitz said with a quiet smile.
"Haha, many people are optimistic about the internet. To make it work and become a massive merchandise sales channel depends heavily on Amazon's Jeff," Charlie humbly replied.
"That's exactly what I want to say. Our long-term cooperation will benefit both sides greatly," Michael said.
---
Indeed, internet companies like Amazon had developed astonishingly fast. Jeff had effectively invested tens of millions already.
Globally, there were about 200 million internet users, half of whom were in North America!
The number of internet users in the U.S. continued to soar, driven by the internet bubble enthusiasts.
Just this March, America Online acquired Netscape browser in a $4.6 billion deal, boosting AOL's market value to $10 billion!
The madness was incredible but illusionary.
Market value and real assets or revenues didn't match at all.
The bubble was getting too big and would eventually burst, causing casualties.
Amazon, which had only been started a year or two ago, rapidly expanded its product variety with Lion Corleone's help. Now it had about 14 million users!
Amazon's market value had unbelievably hit about $9.8 billion.
A few days ago, Jeff called Charlie proudly, saying their accounting partners predicted the market would exceed $30 billion by year-end!
Charlie was stunned, wishing he could rush to Seattle, take Jeff Bezos's place, and become Amazon's head manager himself.
Unfortunately, Corleone Consumer Products Company's shares in Amazon could not be sold due to contract terms, and had been diluted to single digits.
This also limited Amazon executives like Jeff, who could only be considered multi-millionaires rather than enjoying billionaire lifestyles.
But the trust company had acquired some Amazon shares and planned to liquidate them.
At the same time, Charlie ordered Joe Bell's team to complete selling all internet company shares they had purchased before June.
The bubble was too big. Charlie couldn't remember exactly when it might burst, but he feared ending up with a hot potato no one wanted to hold.
Riding on Amazon's rise, Corleone Consumer Products Company's quarterly sales reached $60 million, with a net profit of about $42 million.
Charlie never expected he would unexpectedly become the first to take the leap as an "online store" seller.
He thought at least by 2003, the Amazon market would become truly effective.
Also riding on Amazon's stock boom, Lion Corleone became friends with Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and some other financial institutions.
Charlie had long planned to ride the massive waves of the information age.
But he never imagined that a still-in-its-infancy Amazon could make him ride so high.
So Charlie had to adjust his company's strategic plan, meet with an Irishman in Massachusetts, cooperate with the Joseph family, and -- date Annabelle Joseph!
Charlie Corleone ultimately marched forward boldly toward his goal teased by Rachel Weisz.
But now, his methods and means were much easier than when he had nothing and was driven almost to the edge of madness and mental torment.
*****
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