The Best Director

In the morning of the next day, Wang Yang received information from Jon on the Internet. He scanned it briefly and found that there were about 30 companies whose names he had hardly heard of. Some of them even No official website has been established.

However, this information is very detailed, including the basic information of these film companies, such as which films have been produced and which films have been released; there is also the current situation information and analysis of these companies, which company released a bad film, and the box office failed miserably , resulting in a large loss; what company made another deal, and it is estimated that it is currently in a debt crisis; what company's chairman has the willingness to sell the company.

Wang Yang held the mouse and scrolled the screen, looking at the information carefully, and couldn't help but sigh, no wonder Lionsgate will become the most successful independent production company in the future, no wonder Lionsgate always has such a good sense of smell, and can always succeed From small to big. It can be understood by looking at these materials. It turns out that Lionsgate always pays attention to these small film companies and low-cost films. They pay attention to and analyze the success and failure of low-cost films, and their understanding of the market is getting better and better. I bought a set of my own selection.

Of course, there is no analysis of Lionsgate in these materials, they are just declarative content, and Jon Feltimer will not give him the internal documents of Lionsgate.

"I don't want to be in debt..." Wang Yang murmured to the screen, and manually filtered out those companies that were either confirmed or guessed to have debts. These companies didn't know how much they owed to the bank. He doesn't need to take on this mess.

There are a dozen or so financially healthy companies left. Some companies only have a production system, but no distribution system; Can't compete with big companies, and theaters are unwilling to show their small-budget movies. They will only arrange some dilapidated movie theaters for trial screenings, and most of the time they will fail at the box office.

In fact, it is not difficult for a company to establish its own distribution system, but adding this system means that the company has many more departments and many more employees. Including the department in charge of the copy business, they have to do a good job of developing, storing, and transporting the copy of a movie; ), and various venues (schools, hospitals, etc.) and other non-cinema screenings; as well as administrative, system and sales operations and other departments.

Having more distribution systems also brings a lot of overhead, which is fatal to small film companies at any time. Therefore, many small companies only produce films, and when the film is finished, they find a distribution company to cooperate with when it is released. They do not need to pay promotional fees, copying, transportation and other distribution costs. If the film makes money, their profits will be less; but if the film loses money, their losses will be less.

However, Wang Yang hopes that he can acquire a company with the ability to distribute, because he is confident that "High School Musical" can make money, so why bother with those distribution companies in the future, and try to persuade them to help distribute it? Just do it yourself!

Wang Yang looked at it for a while, and a limited company called "A-Pix Entertainment" caught his attention. This company was established in 1993 and has no debts. It has produced several low-cost movies; it also has distribution business until At present, more than 30 low-cost films have been released. Of course, none of these films are influential. Some are launched in cooperation with video tape and DVD distribution companies. After a week of trial screenings, the drawing failed. These movies obviously did not bring much profit to A-Pix.

A-Pix's current profit method is mainly to buy some low-cost R-rated movies, such as "Sisters of Passion", "Secret Sex", "Erotic Games", etc., and then release video tapes, earning very meager profits to maintain expenses, so as of now there is no debt.

And this year, A-Pix launched a self-made R-rated movie "The Land of the Beacon", but this movie, which they placed high hopes on, was screened in 17 theaters in the first week, and only received 61,500 box office. In the end, only 147,700 were screened for two weeks, a heavy loss. Chris Lynch, the chairman of A-Pix, was suddenly disheartened, and he had the idea of ​​​​selling the company.

The company's finances are very healthy, and relying on the existing copyright income, it can barely maintain a balance of payments; it has experience in film production, and the ability to distribute DVDs and contact theaters for screenings... Wang Yang was a little moved, he I searched the video library in my mind, and of course I couldn’t find any movies like A-Pix’s "Sisters of Passion", but this movie was released as early as 1994, so he can watch it if he wants to. .

And A-Pix doesn't have any future movies, so he can't get any information about this company. But it seems that if he doesn't buy it, the movie won't last long. When the chairman starts to feel depressed, and there will be no good movies from them in the future, it means that they are not far from closing down.

Wang Yang preliminarily selected this A-Pix entertainment company, and planned to call to inquire. But let him make a movie, he will; let him buy a company, he doesn't understand many aspects, so he feels that he really needs an agent. At this time, the agent can act as his investment consultant. He can also negotiate with A-Pix on his behalf.

In fact, many agents have already contacted him, and I don’t know where they found the number. They all hope to be his agent. But Wang Yang has not made a decision. Now is the time. He took out his mobile phone, found the number of "Mark Slanter" from the address book, and called it.

Mark Slanter, when casting for "Spiritual Ghost Story", he worked with Wang Yang as a representative of the Screen Actors Union. When Wang Yang became a supernova director in the United States overnight, Mark Srant contacted Wang Yang immediately and recommended himself. Wang Yang has seen his files and certificates. He graduated from the Business School of the University of Southern California. He said that they are still "alumni", and he is also an agent of CAA. Why is USC's business school also a prestigious school, and how did Mark Slanter get so mixed up that he had to earn commissions from young actors?

Wang Yang asked him that at the time, and Mark Slanter replied that he was hired by a film company as the distribution manager as soon as he graduated. A company went bankrupt due to debts, and he became a "manager of a bankrupt company" before he even released a movie; The manager of the brokerage firm, yes, soon went out of business again. Mark Slant, who couldn't find a job, thought that the listed brokers of the previous brokerage company made a lot of money, so he simply obtained a broker's license and became a broker.

When the phone was connected, Wang Yang smiled and said, "Hi, Mark? Are you interested in being my temporary manager?"

"Young director, are you serious? Oh, of course I'm interested." Mark laughed excitedly and said, "It's a wise choice for you to ask me to be your agent!" Without waiting for Wang Yang to speak, He then said to himself: "Tell me, do you want to be an idol director, with exposure, catwalks, and scandals all day long; or a working director with constant film appointments, horror films, comedies..."

"Stop!" Wang Yang yelled angrily, rolled his eyes and said, "Mark, if you do this again, I'm afraid I'll have to hire someone else." Mark Slante hurriedly yelled: "No! Well, you want to How do I work?" Wang Yang explained with a smile: "Hey, I'm not looking for an entertainment agent, I don't need to be packaged, understand? I'm going to buy a movie company, I need an investment consultant, I need someone who understands finances Professionals. Does the USC Business School teach these? How about it, are you interested?"

Hearing Wang Yang's words, Mark Slant immediately lifted his spirits and said, "OK, I'm very interested, and I'm a professional." Wang Yang said seriously: "If this acquisition satisfies me, I will officially hire you." Mark Slanter was silent for a while, then smiled: "So, this is my chance? Thank you, I just need such an opportunity."

After hiring Mark Slanter, Wang Yang's acquisition team gradually added several people, including Hebrew Karl who was in charge of legal aspects, a professional financial accountant, and an asset appraiser.

First, Mark Slanter contacted A-Pix, and the board of directors did have the intention to sell the company. The founder of the company, Chris Lynch, is over fifty years old. He started as a retailer and made some money. A few years ago, he established A-Pix with enthusiasm and began to devote himself to the film industry, but he suffered successive setbacks. , he was tired and wanted to retire recently after the box office failure of "The Land of Fire", which had an investment of millions.

So as long as the price is right, he will sell 85% of the company's equity in his hand; A-Pix still has 15% of the equity scattered among some small partners. If Wang Yang wants to buy it wholly, he can also help persuade those partner.

As a result, Wang Yang's acquisition team obtained the financial statements of A-Pix, which clearly stated the company's revenue and expenditure, all claims, debts, and assets. Wang Yang's professional accountant made an audit report on this statement, and there was no problem; then the asset appraiser began to conduct a comprehensive valuation of A-Pix.

Things that need to be valued include office chairs and tables in the company headquarters, TVs, etc., and some not-so-new camera equipment. There are no cameras in these equipment. When making movies, they rent out those valuables. , so there are only some cheap things like camera guide rails in the equipment library; of course, there are more important intangible assets, that is, the copyright of the movies "Sisters of Passion", some business relationships, etc.

The appraiser made the whole A-Pix jump up and down, and finally judged that the approximate value of A-Pix was around 2.5 million. This company is considered a high-quality company. Although it can only maintain a balance of payments every year, with a profit of only a few hundred thousand yuan, at least they have no debt. Of course, this year's "Beacon Land" caused the company to lose nearly 1 million yuan, and the profit of more than 100,000 yuan would not be worth it. If there is no new capital injection this year, the company will either go bankrupt or owe debts.

After reading the evaluation report, Wang Yang's acquisition team formally proposed the first offer to A-Pix after discussion, 1 million for a wholly-owned acquisition. The starting price is neither low nor high. A-Pix's valuation of 2.5 million after deducting its loss of about 700,000 this year, the market value should be around 1.5-1.8 million. But A-Pix company here, but responded with a 3 million. This is normal. There are negotiations when doing business. At this time, it is time to enter the stage where you come and go around the negotiating table.

"Mr. Lynch, do you think we are country folks who just left the city? Haven't walked into a movie theater yesterday? Come on! 3 million?!" Mark Slant spread his hands angrily, looking at Chris Lynch said, "If it costs 3 million, why don't we set up a new company? Look at your copyrights, Mr. Lynch, please tell me, is it really worth 3 million?"

Chris Lynch in a black suit wiped his forehead helplessly, moved his lips, but was still speechless.

Mark Slant calmed down again, and said sincerely: "Mr. Lynch, you know, there are too many film companies in Los Angeles. We can even find a company that is about to go bankrupt, and then stand at the door of their company to recruit people." Mr. Lynch, we are sincere in proposing to acquire A-Pix, but with all due respect, we do not want to buy your film copyright, what we want to buy is the experience of this company.” He stared at Chris Lynch, Said: "Mr. Lynch, everyone be honest, 1.5 million."

"I... Let me think about it." Chris Lynch frowned tightly, struggling.

Mark Srant quietly gave Wang Yang next to him a look, "It's basically done." Wang Yang smiled slightly, and gave him a thumbs up under the conference table. This guy is indeed a top student in the business school. Slowly, the rhythm completely controlled Chris Lynch, and he undoubtedly had the upper hand.

The negotiation did not come to a conclusion this time, and after several days of tug-of-war, the two parties finally agreed on the purchase price. Chris Lynch and his partners got 1.7 million, while Wang Yang got 100% equity of A-Pix.

On this day, on the twelfth floor of a commercial building in Los Angeles, at the headquarters of A-Pix, the employees were lazily sitting on chairs. In the conference room at the main gate, they discussed in a low voice: "It's the director who filmed "Spiritual Ghost Story"..." "Hey, my God! An 18-year-old kid? God knows if he will mess around... ..." "God bless me, I don't want to lose this job ..."

In the meeting room, Wang Yang and his acquisition team, Chris Lynch and his partners were all present. Wang Yang looked at the contract spread out on the conference table, and then looked at Chris Lynch on the opposite side. Waiting, he suddenly remembered the scene of signing the contract in the Lionsgate conference room a few months ago, when he got a distribution opportunity appreciated by a film company; and now, he will get a film company soon.

Crazy! Wang Yang sighed again in his heart, smiled, and signed his name on the contract with a pen. Hebrew Carl took the contract to the other side of the conference table, handed a pen and said, "Mr. Lynch, it's your turn."

The partners of A-Pix quickly signed their names. Chris Lynch was the last one to sign. He took a deep breath and held the pen for a long time. He was fascinated by the contract. After a while, Hebrew Karl had to remind him aloud: "Mr. Lynch?" Chris Lynch said "Oh", frowned, and quickly signed his name. In an instant, He seemed to be ten years older, and put down the pen with a lonely expression.

Looking at Chris Lynch, Wang Yang felt his feelings. After years of painstaking efforts to sell, he has nothing to do with him since then. Can you not feel uncomfortable? Wang Yang stood up, walked to the conference table, stretched out his hand to Chris Lynch, and said sincerely: "Mr. Lynch, you will know later that it is a right thing to hand over A-Pix to me. things." He smiled and said, "Of course, it doesn't mean that it will go bankrupt, but that it will get better and better."

Chris Lynch also smiled. He put away his depressed mood and said with a smile: "You will, the future belongs to young people, right? I'm old, and I should retire." He shook hands with Wang Yang He shook hands, looked into Wang Yang's eyes, and said, "Mr. Wang, I hope you can realize what you said and make the company better and better; and please treat your employees well, they are all very good people."

Wang Yang nodded seriously, and said, "I will. Don't worry, Mr. Lynch."

"Mr. Wang, I have one more request." Chris Lynch took a deep breath and pleaded: "Can you keep the company's name and logo?"

"This..." Wang Yang hesitated for a moment. Although Chris Lynch's almost pleading eyes made it hard to refuse, he still set his heart and shook his head and said, "Mr. The company name and logo will be changed."

Changing the company's name and logo is not for fun, but to eliminate the previous company image. Although A-Pix is ​​not well-known, there are always some people who know it. They have released countless R-rated movies and bad movies. , which makes the company's image tend to be third-rate; and the next "High School Musical" he will produce is a 100% healthy and upward G-rated film, which will not even have a kissing scene. If it is launched under the name of A-Pix The market is bound to be affected.

So it is imperative to change the company name and logo, which is to draw a line from the past and represent a new beginning. As for A-Pix's original film library, he will register another shell company as a subsidiary company, silently continuing to earn the copyright fees for those R-rated films.

Chris Lynch sighed and said: "I see." He asked again: "Can you tell me what the company's name will be changed to?" Wang Yang shrugged and smiled: "I haven't figured it out yet. "Chris Lynch said: "Okay, young man, come with me, I will take you to see your employees." Wang Yang nodded and said: "OK."

Wang Yang and his group came outside the meeting room, and there was no sound in the big office, and all the administrative staff were silently looking at the door of the meeting room.

"Hi everyone, maybe you have known me for a long time, yes, I am Wang Yang." Wang Yang walked to the middle of the office, looked around at the employees, feeling a little nervous, and said with a smile: "I am your new boss now, okay , don’t look at me like that, I’m a little scared.” Everyone laughed, and Wang Yang also smiled and announced: “I won’t make any changes to the company’s interior, and everyone will operate as usual. .”

Before he finished speaking, the employees clapped vigorously, whistled, and everyone was smiling. For the past few days, what they fear most is hearing the new boss say "layoffs"; but now, they can temporarily let go of their worries.

"Hey, guys!" Wang Yang yelled loudly, calmed everyone down, and said with a smile, "But what I have to say is that the company will shoot the next movie soon, with an investment of 5 million, soon Everyone will be busy!"

All the employees cheered, they applauded excitedly, shouting "Great!" The production company is afraid that there is no production plan, which means that the work is free and does not need so many employees; and now they invest 5 million at once. , the risk of layoffs is much lower.

Chris Lynch looked at the jubilant office, as if he had let go of a big stone in his heart, the stuffy feeling in his chest was gone, and he became very comfortable. He looked at Wang Yang who was not far away, and smiled in relief, come on, young man!

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After a busy day, Wang Yang, who became the new boss of A-Pix, returned to the apartment. He took a hot shower, put on clean clothes, sat down at the desk, and thought that he actually owned a film company. He couldn't help but smile happily, unbelievable. In fact, good friends like Jessica, Rachel, and Zachary didn't know about it. The acquisition has been going on quietly for more than a week.

But Wang Yang is not in a hurry to share the joy with them, because he still has things to do, what name and logo will the company change to?

Taking out a piece of A4 paper, Wang Yang took a pencil and scribbled on it. Suddenly, circles of pencil marks appeared on the blank paper. He let himself immerse himself in memories, thinking about the scenes he had walked along the way, He made up his mind in the coffee shop: "Jessica, I want to be a director, I want to make a movie!" In the bar, Rachel smiled and said to him: "And what's more, like a flying bird rushing towards a flame, Moth, very romantic!"

He remembered that alley that night again, the blond girl nestled on the ground, hugged her purse tightly, and said blankly: "I just, just can't let him take my bag away..." He can't forget The girl looked confused and sad, and she couldn't forget her words: "Director, do you think I should go home?

"I don't want to regret it when I'm old!" Thinking of his own words, Wang Yang's hand stopped. He looked at the A4 paper on the table, and slowly drew a flying bird in the blank space with the pencil in his hand. moth.

"Congratulations, young man!" Jon, Tom, and Michael applauded him with smiles on their faces. He got the distribution contract from Lionsgate. The movie came out, and he sat in the theater, enjoying the success, spreading his hands like dancing butterflies: "Yes, I found it!"

His hands trembled a little, and on the right side of the moth, he drew another butterfly. He looked at the moths and butterflies on the paper, they seemed to come alive suddenly, and flew out of the paper, flapping their wings, entangled together, and flew to the sky.

At this moment, Wang Yang suddenly had a lot of enlightenment. That night, he had a question, is the moth to the flame stupid or brave? He seems to have an answer now.

He is a moth, Anne-Darren is a moth, are they stupid to rush to the flame without hesitation? No, the light from the flames was what they were after, what they dreamed of, and they rushed to the flames, and sometimes they were burned to death, leaving no ashes; but, sometimes they survived and found themselves. pursuit.

It's not stupidity, or courage, it's just obsession. But it is this kind of persistence that makes moths bloom their beauty, even for a short moment, and let the world know that they are more beautiful than those butterflies dancing in the daytime.

With a circle of the pencil, Wang Yang drew a flame between the moth and the butterfly, and wrote the name "Fire Movie" next to it.

Whether it is moths or butterflies, they are all beautiful because of this flame, without the light of this flame, they will only sink in darkness forever.

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PS: Thank you everyone for your support, which made Wahli rush to the weekly recommendation list, but we must not relax, continue to vote, and keep this position!