"I'm leaving first. Help me take care of everyone and have fun."
"Are you kidding? This is a big party, and you're the main character. We're all waiting for you to lead the way."
"I won't be leading today. Maybe next time. I'll arrange some minor celebrities for everyone then."
"Besides, I'm not used to takeout. My own at home are already more than I can handle."
"So you're afraid of germs. You can rest assured about that. They don't take just anyone, and their health is guaranteed, so nothing will go wrong."
"Let's just forget it. You might not be able to relax if I'm here. That's how it is. I still have someone to visit."
"Visit? You actually use that word. It seems the other party has a very prominent background."
"Heh heh. His surname is Adams."
"Adams, which Adams?"
"The Adams who drafted the Declaration of Independence."
"Gulp! Alright, I won't delay your important business. On behalf of everyone, I express my gratitude to you."
"Mm, have fun."
After bidding farewell to Sergei, Eric continued on to John Adams's home.
His purpose for coming to New York this time was to attend Hasbro's shareholder meeting.
The popularity of "Iron Man" and "captain america" directly made Marvel merchandise a hot commodity.
Following Eric's instructions, a large batch of goods produced in advance was almost cleared out. Sales performance was excellent, earning more money than the previous year.
Coupled with various authorizations from MGM some time ago, Hasbro has been doing quite well these past few months, with its stock price rising every day.
As long as there's money to be made, everyone is naturally willing to follow you.
Those who were outwardly submissive but inwardly defiant gradually lost their objections.
With these people settled, communication and interaction between Hasbro and Dual Star Entertainment also became much smoother.
A talent mobility mechanism has already been established between the mid-to-low levels of both sides, and this mechanism will eventually be extended to the high levels.
Since the positioning of the two companies is similar, integrating resources is the best way forward.
Once Dual Star Entertainment goes public, it will be time for a deeper level of integration.
Having been notified in advance, John Adams specifically waited at home for Eric.
When he saw him, the middle-aged man immediately walked over with a smile and embraced Eric, his attitude indescribably warm.
You ask why?
Of course, it's because Lionheart Network gave him a substantial dividend.
John Adams had helped Eric solve network and other related issues, in exchange for a 5% stake.
As Lionheart Network expanded, this 5% stake brought him tens of millions of dollars in revenue every month.
What would your attitude be towards someone who sends you tens of millions every month?
After the servant left, John Adams asked, "What matter requires you to come in person? It certainly isn't something trivial like filming."
"It's related, but it's indeed not. However, if it's successful, it will be very beneficial for future filming."
"Tell me."
"Hmm, do you know about the Paramount Decree?"
John Adams shook his head: "I only know Paramount Pictures."
"This decree was born in the last century, almost 60 years ago now."
"At that time in Hollywood, big companies held almost absolute power over life and death, not only over directors, screenwriters, and actors, but even over audiences."
"Wait, what about the unions?"
"Unions existed, but their influence was far from as strong as it is today. Ultimately, it's because big companies could control both production and exhibition."
"You mean movie theaters."
"Exactly. At that time, cinema chains and film companies were integrated, until the Department of Justice introduced a new decree, forcing the separation of film companies and cinema chains. That's how the film industry landscape you see today was born, and that new decree was the Paramount Decree."
John Adams nodded: "Okay, what do you want to do?"
"I hope to abolish the Paramount Decree. To be precise, it's not just me who hopes for it; several of our big companies do."
"Times have changed. In the 90s, Hollywood was invincible and unrivaled worldwide, but now it's different."
"The whole world is developing, and governments in various countries are paying increasing attention to the film and television industry."
"Although the film and television industry is insignificant in terms of box office revenue, its output of ideology and culture is more powerful than missiles and cannons."
"With increasingly strong competitors, Hollywood's business is getting harder and harder to do."
"Especially now that production costs are constantly rising, with a single movie often costing tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars, which was unimaginable in the past."
"However, compared to the rising production costs, the revenue obtained by film companies is decreasing year by year."
"We have to negotiate with cinema chains, with various national censorship agencies, and with tax authorities, constrained by too many departments and clauses."
"John, do you know what system China implements?"
John Adams shook his head slightly.
"The year before last, MGM established a branch there. It turns out that China allows cinema chains to participate in production, just like Hollywood in the last century."
"Everyone else is progressing while we are regressing. I predict that within ten years, Hollywood's advantage will gradually be caught up. We need reform."
"Reintegrating the resources of film companies and cinema chains, reducing costs and increasing efficiency, this is the best way out in the future."
After Eric finished speaking, John Adams nodded while looking troubled: "Abolishing a decree is not that simple; it will affect many people's interests."
"Most directly, the current three major cinema chains will definitely jump out to oppose it; you're essentially taking away their livelihood."
"Besides that, let me ask you a question, Eric."
"Go ahead."
"Who is the current president?"
"Bush, he was just re-elected last month. What's wrong?"
"Whose interests does Bush represent?"
"The Republican Party… Wait, okay, I understand what you mean."
"Exactly, most people in Hollywood have always been loyal supporters of the Democratic Party. Not everyone, like you, only thinks about making money."
"Just imagine, a few months ago, those stars representing Hollywood were still cheering for our President's opponent. Now you want him to abolish a decree? Is that possible?"
"If it were me, I wouldn't agree either," Eric sighed.
Unexpectedly, John Adams suddenly changed the subject: "That's right, but it's not entirely impossible. It just depends on how much sincerity you're willing to show."
"How much money is needed? As long as it's a problem that money can solve, it's not a problem."
John Adams laughed heartily: "Money is only one aspect. More importantly, you need to pick a side."
"Hmm? You're not trying to get me to join the Republican Party, are you?"
"That's not the main point. The main point is the midterm elections two years from now."
"Although Bush won re-election, Congress is currently controlled by the Democratic Party with a majority of seats."
"If you can help the Republican Party in the midterm elections two years from now, as long as they win."
"After taking control of Congress, whether it's amending or abolishing, a Paramount Decree is not an issue."
Upon hearing this, Eric frowned deeply.
He had always wanted to avoid getting involved in American partisan politics.
Had no one approached him?
Of course they had. His father, Harry Cooper, was a Democrat, but Eric had always stayed out of these matters.
Although he knew deep down that he couldn't avoid it forever, he didn't expect it to happen this way, and with the Republican Party at that.
"Eric, actually, someone contacted me a long time ago. They knew about my relationship with you and hoped I would persuade you, but I didn't agree."
"Why?"
"Some people want to use Facebook's influence to achieve their goals. Before, everyone's attention was on TV and newspapers, but the emergence of Facebook gave many people new ways of thinking."
"And Lionheart Network, through multiple live broadcasts, can attract tens of millions of people online simultaneously during hot events. Do you understand how many political resources are contained within that?"
"Although I am also a shareholder of Lionheart Network, I am only responsible for dividends and never interfere in other matters."
"However, if you are willing to show sincerity, many things can be resolved easily, do you understand?"
Eric nodded, he wasn't a fool.
Moreover, looking at the situation in later generations, especially during Donald Trump's era, governing through Twitter was evident to all, and social media, elections, and politics had long become inseparable.
But theoretically, supporting the Democratic Party would actually be more in line with his interests.
However, for the Democratic Party to take power, it would be at least four years later, during the Obama era.
But then another problem arises: even if he were to board the Democratic Party's train now, he would still be considered a newcomer.
The three major cinema chains are all old customers with many years of good relations with the Democratic Party. If he wanted to amend the decree then, whether it would pass would be another matter.
"John, I've never been clear, what party are you affiliated with?"
"Sorry, that's not accurate. The military cannot take sides, but I want to know which side you inwardly support?"
John Adams showed a playful smile: "I don't support any side, nor do I need to. But if you're asking about the Adams family…"
"We are spread across all industries; we have long been integrated into every important sector of the country."
"In other words, we support both sides. Whichever side is stronger, we help them."
"Sitting on the fence?"
"No, if you are weak and indecisive, that behavior is called sitting on the fence."
"But if you are strong enough, that's called going with the flow."
"Then do you think I should take the train two years from now, or the one four years from now?"
"Hahahaha, why agonize over it? You wouldn't think that if you help the Republican Party win the midterm elections, the Democratic Party won't tolerate you, that they'll retaliate against you or attack you, would you?"
"If you have that thought, you've already put yourself in the position of the weak."
"Eric, you are a businessman. Essentially, helping anyone is doing business, as long as you seize the opportunity to strengthen yourself."
"When you are strong, others will only be eager to do business with you. Who would actively try to offend you?"
The meaning was already very clear.
"Alright then, you help me smooth things over first. Just name the price."
"My first move is to acquire Warner Bros., and I'll definitely face an antitrust investigation then. Let's consider this our first collaboration."
John Adams stretched: "Wait for my news. Oh, by the way, when do you plan to list Lionheart Network?"
"The exact time hasn't been set, but it's estimated to be at least a year from now. I prefer to solidify the foundation before moving up."
"OK, anyway, I'm not in charge of operations."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Time flew by, and a week had passed since that meeting in Santa Monica.
Eric didn't know what the six companies did or discussed after he left.
But the good news was that Paramount and Universal had already contacted him privately.
Brad Grey cursed Michael Eisner and Barry Meyer over the phone.
The reason was their proposed cooperation plan: Lionheart Network would concede 40% of its shares, with Disney taking 15%, Warner Bros. 10%, and the remaining four companies sharing 15%.
Paramount also knew its strength was the weakest. If this were the only plan presented, it would have no objections.
But Eric's plan offered 7.5% to each company, a two-fold difference.
This wasn't just a difference; it was a generational gap!
Was there even a choice? Anyone with a brain would know what to do.
So Brad Grey made a request: as long as Eric loaned him an interest-free loan to pay off his debt to Disney, Paramount would immediately cut ties with the other party.
Anything that money could solve was not a problem. A few hundred million was nothing to Eric now.
He could simply lend Paramount a sum from Lionheart Network's accounts.
As February drew to a close, the Grammy Awards ceremony was just a few days away, followed by the Oscar Awards.
These two ceremonies, part of the four major awards in the American entertainment industry, would mark the complete conclusion of the summary for the entire year of 2004.
And at the very last moment, Paramount suddenly released an announcement.
"Looking back at the past year, Hollywood experienced one of its most chaotic periods ever."
"We were caught in endless malicious competition, which not only brought a bad experience to audiences but also severely affected the livelihoods of practitioners such as directors, screenwriters, and actors."
"This competition is clearly unhealthy, unsustainable, and has hindered the development of the entire film and television industry."
"Therefore, Paramount has decided to withdraw from this unfair competitive relationship and re-engage in cooperation with MGM, especially in strengthening communication regarding the construction of streaming media platforms."
As soon as Paramount's announcement was released, MGM and Lionheart Network responded positively, expressing a warm welcome.
Less than an hour later, Universal also followed up with an announcement.
Not only would it strengthen communication in streaming media, but it was also willing to sell the copyrights of hulk and Namor back to Marvel.
Marvel naturally agreed wholeheartedly, shouting "Long live, Dad!" in its heart.
At the same time, it announced that it would explore the live-action adaptation of hulk and launch relevant solo films as soon as possible.
It's unclear whether the resolute actions of Paramount and Universal stimulated Sony and Fox.
After the announcements were made, Eric quickly received calls from both companies.
That same evening, Sony and Fox also successively released similar announcements.
Following Eric's advice, both parties decided to jointly develop the copyrights of superheroes such as Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool.
Although fans didn't quite understand what "joint development" meant, they knew it was great news.
At this point, Operation Leo was declared bankrupt, and The Big Six alliance crumbled!