Amy said, "Yes, but it definitely won't happen this year or next. If all goes well, the company could probably go public as early as '92".
As his business horizons broadened, Simon gradually stopped resisting the idea of an IPO for the company. He also understood that if Daenerys Entertainment wanted to continue to grow and expand in the future, going public would be essential, considering all aspects.
The reason Simon brought up this topic with Amy was because of her compensation contract.
When Amy first joined, the contract she signed with Simon included a corresponding cash dividend and an equal amount of equity awards. Although there were various valuations of Daenerys Entertainment from the outside world, the company was not yet listed, making it difficult to quantify Amy's equity awards.
Amy's contract was set to expire early next year, and Simon hoped to defer the realization of her equity awards until the company went public, which Amy agreed to.
Hearing Amy's words, Nancy keenly caught another layer of meaning in what she said and tentatively repeated, "If all goes well?"
"Don't guess", Amy interrupted with a smile, saying, "Speaking of which, the main buildings of the Daenerys Film City in Malibu have been completed. Do you want to come see them tomorrow and choose an office building to design and decorate yourself?"
"Of course, I wouldn't save money for our boss".
As Nancy spoke, she couldn't help but ponder the previous matter.
Cersei Capital had accumulated a large sum of funds overseas, and anyone not too foolish would understand that this money would only realize its value if spent quickly; hoarding it would only lead to depreciation amidst continuous inflation.
Among the companies in the Westeros system, Daenerys Entertainment was the most suitable and most in need of using this fund for large-scale expansion, and the expansion target would obviously only be the Hollywood Big Seven.
Nancy had even identified the merger target in a flash.
Of the current Hollywood Big Seven, Columbia and MGM had just changed hands and would not be sold again in the short term, and Simon probably wouldn't be interested in those two companies anyway.
Rupert Murdoch was ambitiously building his global media empire and would not sell Fox.
Although Paramount had just experienced the failure of 'The Rocketeer', the company's film business had been excellent in the past two years, and its stock price was high. Paramount chairman Martin Davis had rejected several merger offers in recent years and was not a very good acquisition target.
Time Warner was too large for Daenerys Entertainment to swallow.
Disney had been in a state of rapid recovery in recent years, with rapidly growing stock prices, and the Bass family and Disney family, who held large stakes in the company, would not easily sell.
Finally, only MCA, the parent company of Universal Pictures, remained.
If it were Nancy herself, she would also unhesitatingly choose MCA.
Beyond film, MCA's businesses in television, music, and theme parks could all strongly complement Daenerys Entertainment. Moreover, the aging MCA chairman, Lew Wasserman, was not as resistant to outside acquisitions as Martin Davis.
The next afternoon.
Because it was Saturday, and there was a celebration party for 'Batman Begins' that evening, a host of executives, big and small, from Daenerys Entertainment all rushed to Malibu to inspect the film city campus they would be moving into by mid-year.
This hillside plot five kilometres into the Malibu area from California State Route 1 was no longer the barren slope it once was.
After a year of construction, the main buildings in the three areas of the film city, from top to bottom, had all been completed.
The uppermost administrative area had five office buildings of varying sizes, from three to five stories. Unlike the old-fashioned small buildings and bungalows of traditional film studios, these five well-arranged office buildings all adopted a high-ceilinged glass curtain wall design style, each unique, exuding a minimalist yet fashionable and modern design aesthetic.
In addition to offices, the five buildings also included employee activity and leisure areas such as restaurants, cafes, and gyms.
The most conspicuous on the second level were three two-story factory-style office loft buildings, each 150 meters long and 30 meters wide. The loft exteriors combined red brick walls, tempered glass, and black steel beams, with a gabled roof design, giving them a strong artistic flair.
At this time, loft-style office buildings had not yet become popular.
Therefore, when Simon personally drew the initial sketches, many people were amazed, and the effect after the buildings were completed was also excellent.
The three office lofts will house creative departments such as Pixar Animation, Daenerys Special Effects, Blizzard Studios, and Marvel Entertainment's West Coast team.
Currently, the Pixar teams are still relatively small, but even considering future expansion, the theoretical double-story internal space of 9,000 square meters for each office loft is sufficient to accommodate 500 to 1,000 people.
Beyond the three office lofts, a large circular glass-steel style activity centre, covering 2,500 square meters, was also built on the second level. It includes a hall capable of accommodating 1,200 people and several smaller halls for hundreds, usable for multiple purposes such as film screenings, hosting parties, and holding meetings.
The lowest level of the film city housed six studios of varying specifications and a large post-production centre.
Of course, these were just the main buildings within the film city.
Aside from the uppermost level, which only had five office buildings, the second and third levels also had other buildings such as restaurants, shops, warehouses, and dormitories.
However, in a film city campus with a total area of 50 hectares, the footprint of all these buildings was actually not that large.
Due to the widespread use of cars in the US and the lack of public transportation in Los Angeles, excluding land used for greenery and reserves, the largest area within the film city was actually parking lots. The three-tiered campus, from top to bottom, had a total of six parking lots of various sizes, sufficient to accommodate 3,000 cars when full.
After walking through the film city, while others were still touring various places, Amy, Nancy, and Jennifer came to the parking lot railing on the second level near the cliff edge.
Leaning on the railing, with a cliff of more than ten meters below and the azure expanse of sea and sky in the distance, Nancy took a deep, enjoyable breath, then curiously pointed at the gradually forming shell-shaped building of the Point Dume Estate in the distance and asked Jennifer, "When will that be finished? It looks really beautiful".
When Simon was not in Los Angeles, his female assistant had to juggle the multiple roles of assistant and housekeeper.
Following Nancy's gaze, Jennifer said, "It'll be next year at the earliest. The interior decoration is very complicated, and many things need to be custom-made".
Nancy leaned forward enviously, and said sourly, "Building such a prominent villa, people will definitely say the boss is extravagant again. Hearst was criticized for many years".
William Randolph Hearst, the founder of the Hearst Corporation, spent most of his life building Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, and to this day, many years later, it is still criticized by many as extravagant.
Jennifer defended, "Simon is just building a house he likes, not as extravagant as Hearst".
Nancy nodded seriously, but with a teasing tone, said, "Yes, yes, everything Simon does is right."
Jennifer's face flushed slightly, and she decided to ignore Nancy.
Nancy withdrew her gaze, turned to look at the office lofts on the second-level campus, and said to Amy, "I'd rather work in these loft-like buildings; they're much better than the office buildings above. I think this can better inspire employees' creativity".
"So these three buildings are for Pixar and their teams", Amy said. "However, if you really want to bring your department to work here, you can. These lofts currently have a lot of vacant space. You can use the second floor of Loft No. 3".
"Then it's settled. I'll make time to discuss the renovation plan with the designer".
Nancy immediately nodded. She didn't care about the potential status difference between the administrative area on the first floor and the office area on the second. Her own comfort was paramount, and besides, with the consumer products department moving to the second floor, no one would dare to slight them.
As she spoke, Nancy looked around the empty surroundings, then remembered what happened yesterday, and tentatively asked Amy, "Our offices in Santa Monica and Burbank are all rented, so we can just cancel them after moving here. But Amy, it's already quite empty here. What if we have a second film city campus?"
The three people by the railing were all extremely clever. Hearing Nancy's words, Jennifer immediately looked over suspiciously.
Nancy noticed Jennifer's gaze and couldn't help but tease, "Seriously, even Jenny knows, and I'm still being kept in the dark".
As the person closest to Simon within the company, and with James's connection, Jennifer naturally knew about Daenerys Entertainment's plan to acquire MCA. Although Simon had been in Australia recently, he had continuously discussed this matter with James and Amy, sometimes even needing his female assistant to help relay messages.
Amy laughed, "Then just pretend you don't know. You're just the president of the consumer products department; are you really trying to steal my position?"
"Maybe", Nancy bared her small white teeth in a threatening manner and pressed, "So, two large campuses, what's the plan?"
Amy said, "We have quite a few high-quality IPs in hand right now. If the employees from the other campus move here, this place will be full. The space freed up there can be used to expand some superhero attractions, add a horror film community, and so on, which can strengthen the theme park's appeal to tourists".
Speaking of which, Simon and Amy had discussed this matter after proposing the plan to acquire MCA.
Universal Studios in Burbank covers 212 hectares, and Daenerys Film City in Malibu also has 50 hectares. If MCA were acquired, Daenerys Entertainment would own a film city much larger than the combined area of all other Hollywood studios' existing film cities.
However, this issue did not trouble Simon.
A large part of the reason Simon wanted to acquire MCA was for the company's theme park business.
Film theme parks have great potential in the next two to three decades.
As long as the acquisition of MCA can be successfully completed, Simon will increase investment in theme parks, build more attractions at Universal Studios to attract tourists, and the film and television production business there can then be transferred to Malibu.
What's more, MGM at its peak had as many as six filming bases in Los Angeles. Even if it couldn't reach the heights of MGM during the golden age of big studios, Simon was confident that Danerys Entertainment's future development would be sufficient to absorb these two studio parks.
Upon hearing Amy's words, Nancy immediately understood and, after a moment of thought, said, "That's indeed a very good idea".
Amy cautioned, "Remember to keep it a secret. If the news gets out, let alone someone taking my position, Simon will fire you".
"Of course, I understand".
While the three women chatted, Robert Rehme, Ira Deutchman, and Robert Iger, who had flown in from the East Coast that morning, walked over together.
It was already evening.
The celebration party for 'Batman Begins' was scheduled for 7 PM at Simon's mansion in the Palisades foothills. After a few greetings, Amy and Jennifer rushed to the Palisades to check on the party preparations, while the others temporarily dispersed.
Danerys Entertainment's parties were undoubtedly the most sought-after gatherings in Hollywood in the past two years, especially so in recent months.
The 10-film plan from the latter half of last year was still ongoing, and with the box office success of 'Batman Begins', the upcoming DC Cinematic Universe plan undoubtedly represented more opportunities for Hollywood filmmakers to achieve overnight fame.
With the first domestic film in North America expected to break $400 million at the box office, Adam Baldwin, the lead actor of 'Batman Begins', who was originally not even a third-tier actor, instantly rose to the ranks of A-list stars. Valeria Golino, who played Catwoman, also firmly established herself in Hollywood.
The film's supporting cast, including Willem Dafoe, Tommy Lee Jones, and Anthony Hopkins, all saw significant increases in their fame.
It is conceivable that even if other films in the DC Cinematic Universe in the coming years only achieve half the commercial success of 'Batman Begins', this plan will be a powerful star-making machine. For countless Hollywood filmmakers eager to make a name for themselves, this is a coveted opportunity to rise to prominence.
Therefore, many people went to great lengths to obtain an invitation to tonight's celebration party.
The party, originally planned for 200 guests, eventually expanded to over 500 due to irresistible personal requests from various parties.
The party was scheduled to start at 7 PM, but shortly after 6 PM, the mansion in Palisades was already bustling with celebrities. A large number of paparazzi, who had heard the news, almost blocked the mountain road, forcing Amy to dispatch security personnel to manage traffic outside the mansion.
As dusk fell, the mansion quickly became a scene of glittering extravagance, with elegantly dressed men and women moving through every part of the mansion, seeking every possible opportunity to elevate themselves.
The most dazzling young man, whom many had eagerly anticipated, did not appear. Consequently, the executives from Danerys Entertainment and Time Warner, as well as other Hollywood bigwigs attending the party, became the focus of intense networking.
However, the nature of a 'circle' is that some people feel within reach, yet can never truly break in.
The main villa on the ground floor of the mansion was not fully open this time.
At the entrance to the stairs leading to the second floor of the villa, two bodyguards stood with crossed arms, occasionally blocking guests who, under various pretexts, tried to go upstairs to curry favour with the important figures.
In the study on the second floor, only Amy and Jonathan Friedman were present at this moment.
Amy leaned against the edge of the desk, arms crossed, looking at Jonathan Friedman by the bookshelf with a somewhat serious expression, and said, "Jon, we must discuss this thoroughly today. The contracts for Adam and Valeria, and everyone else's contracts, absolutely cannot be changed. The DC Cinematic Universe is a very ambitious project. If every film becomes a hit and the actors all feel they aren't getting enough, demanding contract revisions, then this project cannot continue".
Perhaps it's a case of 'like boss, like employee,' Jonathan Friedman felt that Amy clearly exuded Simon's aura when she spoke. "Amy, even if the salaries can't be changed, other aspects, such as the character merchandise for 'Batman Begins,' involve the actors' likeness rights. I believe Adam and Valeria should have the right to a reasonable share from the toys that use their images. Also, the restrictions in their contracts on participating in other films during the contract period are too harsh".
"Jon, I remember very clearly that the contract stipulated corresponding derivative product licensing terms. Furthermore, we are not producing merchandise of the actors themselves, but of the movie characters they portray. Ultimately, they are just a vessel. As for the restrictions on their participation in other films, this is to ensure they can fulfil their contracts smoothly".
Amy paused here and continued, "Jon, if you need it, I can find the list of the last few candidates shortlisted for the Batman role. You can see what their status is now, and what Adam's standing is. Without this role, Adam would still be a nobody, not even a third-tier actor, and perhaps he would remain such a nobody his entire life. Batman gave him everything. Simon and I have discussed this; he never expects the actors he makes famous to be grateful.
He is someone who doesn't trust human nature; he only hopes those people will honour the agreements they once signed. Moreover, if Adam completes all five of his contracts, the total salary he will receive is $30.3 million, averaging over $6 million per film, which is already A-list star level. Danerys Entertainment has not shortchanged him. With the popularity brought by Batman, Adam can also participate in other films and shoot various commercials, all of which are enough to bring him very generous income, and the same goes for everyone else. So, Jon, I hope this is the last time we discuss such topics".
After a brief silence, Jonathan Friedman quickly nodded, revealing a gentle smile and saying, "Alright, Amy, you know, we agents always have to follow our clients' wishes".
Amy still showed displeasure on her face, saying, "You can let them know how much Christopher Reeve got paid when he played Superman. The first Superman grossed $300 million globally, and Reeve's salary for the second Superman was only $500,000. It barely rose to $1 million for the third film. Jon, if we hadn't signed a contract in advance, with the current box office performance of 'Batman Begins', they could demand any high salary for the sequels, $20 million, $30 million, or even direct participation in box office sharing. Whether we would accept it or not, that would be their right. But since a contract has been signed, it must be honoured".
Since Amy's attitude was so firm, Jonathan knew that this matter could not yield any results, and talking directly to Simon might be even worse. So he said, "Amy, I will convey this to them".
Amy saw Jonathan about to leave, called him back, and asked, "Jon, I need a name. Who proposed to revise the contract?"
Jonathan gave a wry smile and said, "Amy, can we just let this matter rest? Consider it a favour I owe you".
Amy and Jonathan looked at each other for a moment, then she nodded slightly and said, "Jon, I hope you remind them to honour their contracts, and everyone will have more opportunities for cooperation in the future. Otherwise, you know Simon's temperament. If anyone obstructs the progress of the DC Cinematic Universe project, they will have no foothold in Hollywood".
In the living room downstairs of the villa, Adam Baldwin, surrounded by stars and chatting cheerfully with some guests, saw Jonathan appear and immediately walked over, his eyes full of inquiry.
Adam Baldwin's agent, Matthew Steele, also came closer.
Jonathan subconsciously glanced up the stairs, and not seeing Amy, he led Baldwin and his agent to a corner in the backyard and began to communicate with them in a low voice.
Among the main actors of 'Batman', Adam Baldwin, who played Bruce Wayne, was undoubtedly the most confident in attempting to renegotiate his contract with Daenerys Entertainment. Amy's words just now clearly indicated she had already guessed this, and asking for a name at the end was merely to get confirmation from Jonathan.
The favour Jonathan owed was to shield Adam Baldwin from a lot of trouble.
However, upstairs in the villa, Amy had no intention of forgetting about the matter.
Leaving the study, Amy went to another living room on the second floor, where Nancy, Jennifer, along with Valeriy Golino, Sandra Bullock, and a host of other ladies were gathered. The sofas in the room and on the terrace were completely occupied by the women.
Greeting everyone, Amy called out her assistant, Vanessa Lind, and standing in the outer corridor, instructed, "Tomorrow, I want you to investigate which scripts Meg Ryan has recently reviewed, which production teams she's in contact with, and who she plans to collaborate with. I want to see the results by next Monday".
Vanessa didn't ask further, nodding and saying, "Okay".
"Also", Amy added, "tomorrow, tell the finance department to cancel the 'Batman Begins' creative team bonus plan that is currently being drafted. No need to compile it".
Vanessa was a bit surprised this time and asked uncertainly, "Cancel?"
"Yes", Amy said, "And, in the next few days, try to spread the word that because someone wants to break their contract and renegotiate, all planned additional bonuses are cancelled".
Vanessa understood, nodded, and then cautiously asked, "Amy, are they really going to cancel it?"
$20 million. If it's all cancelled because of some people's petty actions, the creative team of 'Batman Begins' would probably hate those people to death.
It's just unknown who wants to renegotiate the agreement.
Amy glared at her assistant: "Why are you asking so many questions? Just do your job".
Vanessa shrunk her neck and said, "Alright, I understand".