Simon looked with interest at Barbara Broccoli, who was slightly tilting her chin up, staring directly at him, ready to argue her point. He didn't respond to her previous words, but suddenly smiled and said, "Barbara, has anyone ever told you that you actually look a lot like someone else?"
Barbara Broccoli was momentarily stunned.
The Broccoli Family had controlled the 007 series for thirty years. In recent years, her father, Albert Broccoli, had been in increasingly poor health and was handing over the reins of this ace spy series to his siblings, often cautioning them to hold the 007 franchise firmly and not allow anyone else to interfere.
Simon had been constantly interfering with the next 007 project and insisted on replacing the current male lead, Timothy Dalton. This made Barbara Broccoli, who had inherited her father's strong personality, instinctively feel threatened, leading to her recent near-challenging question.
Unexpectedly, the young man whom she regarded as a formidable opponent lightly steered the conversation elsewhere.
Before the stunned Barbara Broccoli could speak again, Simon said, "You must have seen 'E.T.', right? I have to say, you really resemble that little girl in the movie, Drew Barrymore. It seems she should be a young woman now".
Barbara Broccoli had naturally seen Steven Spielberg's 'E.T.' and certainly remembered the little girl in the film.
But...
What does this mean?
"Simon, 'E.T.', well, it is indeed a very good movie. However, we don't seem to be discussing that right now".
"I understand", Simon nodded. Seeing MGM CEO Sherry Lansing approaching quickly, he waited for her to draw near and said to Lansing, "Barbara said I shouldn't interfere with the 007 series. If that's the case, I won't interfere. You guys proceed according to your own ideas".
Sherry Lansing's expression was somewhat grim.
Simon had inquired about the 007 series several times recently, and she had always reported that the project was progressing smoothly. She hadn't expected the Broccoli siblings to suddenly bring the casting disagreement, which had never been truly settled, directly to Simon.
Now, Simon had lightly released his grip, but Sherry Lansing didn't believe for a second that the matter would end here.
Back when Meg Ryan had just become popular with when harry met sally and wanted to terminate her contract with Daenerys Entertainment, Westeros had agreed just as easily.
And what was the result?
Seeing Simon turn and walk toward Jon Peters, the President of Columbia Pictures, who was approaching, Sherry Lansing quickly followed, trying to offer an explanation. She didn't care how Westeros handled the 007 series afterward, even shelving it was fine, but she didn't want this incident to affect her own standing.
Seeing that Simon had already started chatting with Peters, Lansing could only stand patiently by the side.
During the casual conversation, Lansing clearly noticed that Simon was very interested in Peters' young girlfriend.
Jon Peters was already over forty this year, but his young girlfriend was very green, appearing to be in her early twenties. She likely had Latin heritage, as her skin wasn't very fair. Although she possessed a charming face that was very attractive to men, she didn't seem like the type Westeros would be interested in.
However, Sherry Lansing still remembered the woman's name.
Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Simon hadn't expected to encounter Hollywood's famous 'Old Man Killer' at the party tonight.
In his memory, Catherine Zeta-Jones's resume in Hollywood was brilliant. Not only did she connect with top Hollywood producer Jon Peters, but Catherine Zeta-Jones also associated with big names like Steven Spielberg and Sean Connery before finally marrying Michael Douglas, who was 25 years her senior.
It has never been easy to rise to the top in Hollywood. Even if you have the looks, the figure, the acting skill, and are willing to sleep around, none of that constitutes much of an advantage; too many people waste their time only to return to reality.
Therefore, Catherine Zeta-Jones's rise to fame, despite having no background, was considered a minor 'legend'.
While they were chatting, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore also came over.
Unconsciously, Jon Peters steered the conversation towards the film project he intended to invite the Willis couple to star in.
"This is a thriller/suspense film about a murder triggered by domestic violence, called 'Fatal Thoughts'. The plot is similar to 'Sleeping With The Enemy', but with the added element of murder. It tells the story of a woman helping her best friend kill her idle husband. We hope Bruce and Demi will join, with filming starting early next year. However, Demi said her schedule might conflict with MGM's 'A Few Good Men'".
Jon Peters said this, glancing at Sherry Lansing, and then turned back to Simon.
Simon, however, looked back at Lansing.
The preparation for 'A Few Good Men' was much smoother than for '007: Goldeneye'. The three main creators, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, and Demi Moore, have all confirmed their participation. The original script has also been revised, and filming is expected to start in November, with a preliminary release date set for early August next year.
The late summer release date allows 'A Few Good Men' to avoid the impact of blockbusters like 'Terminator 2' and 'The Dark Knight'.
Demi Moore handled the option contract with Daenerys Entertainment much better than Meg Ryan, directly accepting the $2 million salary offer from Daenerys Entertainment, so Simon was happy to extend her some convenience.
Sherry Lansing noticed
Simon looking over and nodded, saying, "If necessary, we can try our best to schedule Demi's scenes before the end of the year".
Demi Moore suddenly spoke up, "Simon, why don't you take some time to look at the 'Fatal Thoughts' script? If it works out, I think Peters and Jon definitely wouldn't mind making it a cooperative film between Daenerys Entertainment and Columbia Pictures".
Having finally made a name for herself after so many years, Demi Moore cherished the popularity ghost brought her, but she understood even more clearly that maintaining contact with Westeros would only benefit her.
Hearing Demi Moore say this, Jon Peters also showed anticipation in his eyes.
Judging by the box office performance of 'Sleeping With The Enemy' and 'The Hand That Rocks The Cradle', which have already been released this summer, if 'Fatal Thoughts' could be included in Daenerys Entertainment's 10-film project slate, even if they had to split half the profits, the outcome would definitely be much better than if Columbia Pictures produced it alone.
Simon, however, had no interest in participating in a film he had never heard of and simply refused casually.
After chatting for a few more minutes, Jon Peters and the others excused themselves and left.
However, Catherine Zeta-Jones, who had been respectfully quiet after introducing herself, clearly flashed a look at Simon as she finally left.
Simon noticed the young woman's small gesture, merely smiled, and then looked at Sherry Lansing, who was still beside him.
Knowing what Sherry Lansing was worried about, Simon said, "Sherry, I really have been too busy lately, and I don't have the energy to manage the 007 matter anymore. Since the Broccoli Family wants to maintain control, let them make one more film. In any case, the 007 series has never actually lost money. MGM has been tormented by Kirk Kerkorian for so many years; your next task is to restore MGM's normal operation as a major studio. Wait patiently for a year, and I will make other arrangements".
Sherry Lansing felt relieved and nodded seriously, saying, "Simon, I understand".
Recently, the news that Daenerys Entertainment was about to intervene in the MCA acquisition made Sherry Lansing realize why Simon hadn't been willing to formally involve himself with MGM earlier, even though he had the opportunity.
In recent years, the rapidly rising Daenerys Entertainment has already reached parity with traditional major studios, and Daenerys Entertainment has now formally become a member of the Motion Picture Association of America. If the Westeros System were to control MGM prematurely and then attempt to acquire MCA, it would be equivalent to trying to control three major Hollywood studios, which would inevitably face antitrust hurdles.
Conversely, intervening in the much weaker MGM after merging with MCA would be more easily accepted by all parties, and the matter would be much simpler.
After sending Sherry Lansing away, before Simon could move, someone else immediately came forward... "Terry, tonight is a celebration party, let's not talk about acquisitions... Regardless, the cooperation between Daenerys and Warner Bros. will not change".
... "Good evening, Bob. Is the post-production for Havana finished?... Of course, no problem. I happen to have time next week. Arrange it and give me a call".
... "You look truly beautiful tonight, Julia... Yes, I know about 'Hook'. Steven specifically called me. Daenerys Entertainment doesn't happen to have a suitable project for you right now, so there's no problem with you playing Tinkerbell".
... "Pierce, I didn't expect you to know Joanna... Northern Lights? Maybe I should take some time to look at it".
... "No need to worry too much, Joe. 'Terminator 2' is much better than 'The Abyss', and I am personally keeping an eye on it to ensure Cameron completes this project within $70 million... Alright, you can tell Barry that I actually thought $50 million was unlikely from the start".
... "I apologize, sir, but you can submit the script to Daenerys Entertainment's screenwriting department. This is not my working time".
... "It seems you two have met, Jane, and Holly... I think the female lead role in 'The Piano' was tailor-made for you... How about this, Ira, arrange a formal meeting next week. Also call Harvey, so everyone can discuss it properly... As for me, I'll drop by if I have time".
... "I watched the finished cut of 'Misery' immediately last week, and I must say, both of your performances were better than I expected... By the way, Meg, how is Dakota doing lately?"
... "M, didn't Warren come tonight?... Oh, happy breakup... Haha, stop, I don't want rumours about us... Speaking of which, the last tour grossed $70 million, don't you think you should give me a cut?... Alright, let's move on to the next topic".
... "Sorry, Courteney, that the female lead for 'The Flash' has essentially been confirmed. Furthermore, 'Scream 3' and 'The Flash' have relatively close release dates, so you aren't suitable for starring in this film... If there's a suitable project, I will definitely consider you first... 'Wayne's World', Courteney, I can agree right now if you want to act in it, but you're already close to being typecast in horror films. Do you want to be labelled as a comedy film vase as well?... Spend two or three years trying different types of roles. Don't worry about whether you're the female lead or focus too much on the salary. The most important thing is honing your acting skills and broadening your career path. In two or three years, you should be able to complete your transition".
... "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Michaela... Yes, 'The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills' has not been cancelled, it's just this quarter it's paused. I believe Iger must have spoken with you... Well, now you have Westeros's personal confirmation... Dinner? Tomorrow night, I won't be in Los Angeles tomorrow... The night after tomorrow? Unfortunately, that won't work either... How about this: you can speak with my assistant later. She arranges my schedule".
... Weaving through the crowd in the hall, Simon spent more than an hour socializing amidst continuous flattery, seduction, praise, probing, lobbying, and introductions, finally managing to gather with company executives like Amy Pascal.
Robert Iger was also in Los Angeles these past two days. During their conversation, a matter Iger mentioned casually quickly piqued Simon's interest.
The matter concerned ESPN, a television station under the Metropolitan ABC Group, the parent company of ABC Television Network. Although Iger had left ABC, his relevant connections had not been severed.
ESPN, North America's largest sports television network, famous alongside cable channels like CNN, HBO, and MTV in the original timeline, was founded in 1979. It was initially funded by the famous American Getty Family, the same Getty Family whose descendant was kidnapped and had an ear cut off, yet they still refused to pay the ransom.
The Getty Family had long since lost its glory due to continuous inheritance battles. ESPN's shares were sold during the family infighting in the 1980s: 80% of the shares were acquired by ABC, and the remaining 20% fell into the hands of Nabisco Company. As ESPN's prospects continued to improve, this ownership structure has remained constant since 1984.
During this process, ABC Television Network was acquired by Metropolitan Communications and integrated into the Metropolitan ABC Group. Nabisco was acquired by Reynolds Tobacco Company for a massive $25 billion, becoming the largest leveraged buyout in American business history. ESPN's shares also quietly changed parent companies.
Now, Reynolds Nabisco, deeply mired after a disastrous merger a year ago, is forced to repay massive debts by selling off large amounts of assets. As a tobacco and food company, the ESPN shares held by Reynolds Nabisco naturally became 'non-core assets' that needed to be sold to pay down debt.
Although he knew Simon always hoped to expand into the television industry, Robert Iger hadn't expected him to be interested in this equity stake. He explained, "Simon, this is only 20% of ESPN's shares. If we buy it, we won't gain any control. The asking price is also very high, likely requiring $200 million, and we would also need the Metropolitan ABC Group's approval".
At its peak, ESPN was valued at $50 billion. In the original timeline, some media even commented that Michael Eisner's greatest gain from brokering Disney's $19 billion merger with Metropolitan ABC was ESPN. In memory, ESPN cemented its position as America's largest sports television network precisely in the 90s.
Investing $200 million now, Simon believed that in ten years, the annual dividends from this stake alone would exceed that amount.
Although Simon had greater ambitions for ESPN and the entire Metropolitan ABC Group, securing this 20% stake now was, regardless, a very worthwhile investment.
Instructing Iger to quickly gather more detailed information for him, Simon checked the time. It was past nine in the evening, so he left early with his Female Assistant. Flying from Los Angeles to Seattle only takes a little over an hour, but leaving now meant they would be settling down close to midnight.