readease Chapter 11 isn't sexy enough.
Chapter 11 isn't sexy enough.
The revolving doors of the Beverly Hilton Hotel are like a gilded kaleidoscope, but Ernst has to face the "death stare" of the reporters who are staking out the hotel every time he goes in or out.
The new owner of MGM is so powerful that he doesn't even have a house in Los Angeles and has to stay in a hotel presidential suite.
This story was turned into a Hollywood version of "putting on a brave face," accompanied by a cartoon of him sleeping in a bathtub while hugging the MGM logo, with a really sarcastic headline.
"The Acquisition Maniac Who Can't Even Afford a Mattress".
Ernst didn't care what the outside world said; at that moment, the bathtub millionaire was curled up on the sofa, engrossed in reading J.K. Rowling's original manuscript of "Harry Potter".
For eight million dollars, Craig helped Ernst's Dolly Pictures company acquire the film and television rights to all four Harry Potter books.
Currently, only one Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, has been completed, but according to Rowling, the series could potentially have at least four books.
Craig signed a film and television rights purchase contract with the other party based on four films, and stated that Dolly Pictures had the right of first refusal to purchase the film and television rights of subsequent works.
"Well, you're something else," Ernst said, glancing at Craig, who was sprawled on the bed like a Michelin Man. "Why did you suddenly decide to ask for the original manuscript?"
On the large bed, Craig lay sprawled out like a lump of fat, looking utterly repulsive.
"Since you value it so much, I thought the book was fantastic after I saw it in England. It definitely has the potential to be a huge hit, so when I learned that the original manuscript existed, I asked for it on the condition that I get it. If Harry Potter becomes a huge hit, this manuscript will be extremely valuable."
Ernst praised him, saying, "Not bad, you have a good business sense, but you're terrible at naming things."
When Ernst first learned of Dolly Copyright, he was curious and asked what the name meant.
"What does it mean? When Dolly called me, I just used that name."
Ernst had almost forgotten that Craig's mother was named Dolly.
As they were chatting, Craig suddenly patted his stomach. "Speaking of which, it's about time. Shouldn't we be heading out now?"
"Depart?" Ernst slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot."
In Hollywood, parties are a perennial theme, even more so than film productions.
As a Hollywood mogul, Ernst has received many invitations recently, but he rarely goes.
This led to a rumor circulating within Hollywood that Ernst was possessed by a demon, or what is commonly known in China as being possessed by a ghost.
Ernst, who used to spend every day either attending parties or on his way to parties, has surprisingly become a "good family man".
Agents who approached MGM, subtly suggesting that their artists were still "virgins" and seeking guidance, were all rejected.
On the contrary, several actresses around 25 years old, including Connery, were photographed frequently dining with Ernst and going to public places.
He's fallen in love with mature women instead of young girls? How could someone change so drastically?
Some tabloids used this as an example to write, "MGM's new king doesn't like lolis but prefers mature women; his sudden change in taste is jaw-dropping."
"Then let's go."
He wasn't dressed up, just in casual clothes. As Ernst locked the manuscript in the safe in the suite, Craig muttered to himself beside him.
"At least wear a more flashy shirt!"
"Show-off?" Ernst raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid of blinding the CEO of Global and delaying the deal I'm negotiating."
This party was also held in Beverly Hills and was hosted by Universal Pictures.
Universal Pictures was absolutely phenomenal during the recent summer movie season, dominating the box office.
Directed by Michael Bay and starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris, "The Rock" has just finished its run in North America, grossing $1.34 million, like a money-printing machine.
The film is also making waves in overseas markets, where it has already performed strongly, reaching $1.4 million. Analysts predict that the film's final box office could reach $3.4 million.
With such success, achieving both critical acclaim and box office success, how could Universal Pictures not be smug?
The movie had barely finished its run in North America when a celebration party was quickly arranged, as if they were afraid people wouldn't know how outstanding Universal's success was.
Normally, Ernst wouldn't bother with such a spectacle, but this time was different.
A bombshell announcement recently rocked the industry: Universal Pictures is reportedly looking to sell the Iron Man rights as a package deal. 20th Century Fox is already eager to get involved, and Ernst's eyes lit up instantly upon hearing the news, sensing the scent of money.
In 1990, Universal acquired the rights to Iron Man, Hulk, and Namor from Marvel, which was facing financial difficulties.
The Hulk is the main character, while Iron Man and Namor are merely the top characters.
Iron Man comics have no market in North America, and in the previous life, they were handled by multiple film studios.
The copyrights were passed around between Universal Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and New Line Cinema, like a game of musical chairs.
The script was revised again and again, the producers changed more often than socks, and the lead actor went from rumored Nicolas Cage to Tom Cruise, but nothing came of it.
Why? The script lacks any exciting elements or originality, the investment is like a bottomless pit, and crucially, the comic book characters have a pitifully small fanbase. Which film and television company would dare to invest so easily?
But Ernst knew perfectly well that if he wanted MGM to return to its peak of the 1950s and 60s, then Marvel had to be acquired and become his trump card.
However, at present, he has neither enough funds nor the approval of Marvel.
Marvel dreams of bringing its superheroes to the big screen, but it looks down on MGM.
Ernst knew that he had to lead MGM out of the encirclement and accumulate enough capital before he could knock on Marvel's door.
But before that, Ernst needs to protect these superheroes as much as possible.
In 1990, Universal Pictures acquired Iron Man, Hulk, and Namor, while in 1993, 20th Century Fox acquired X-Men and Fantastic Four.
If the other party doesn't offer to sell, Ernst really doesn't have many options.
However, the release of Blade in 98 and Spider-Man in 99 was something Ernst would never allow to happen.
By that time, Ernst believed he had enough capital to completely take over Marvel.
Upon arriving in Beverly, Ernst immediately felt the gazes fixed on him as he got out of the car.
At the entrance, handsome men and beautiful women lined up, waiting to enter this Hollywood social event. They held invitations and eagerly awaited the security guards to check them one by one.
Ernst, obviously, didn't need to be like them. As an important figure, he didn't even bring an invitation and swaggered into the manor with Craig.
"That's Ernst? He's so young and handsome!" The crowd erupted in screams of infatuation.
Hollywood is a very realistic place, but there's never a shortage of infatuated men, especially those minor characters who spend their days socializing with old men and looking for opportunities. When they see Ernst's young and strong physique, their eyes go wide.
Since they've been impacted, who wouldn't want a young and strong one?
Film crew couples? Compared to the secrecy surrounding entertainment in other places, Hollywood is practically open about it.
"Don't even think about it, you don't fit his taste," someone next to them said, pouring cold water on him.
"Whether it suits your taste or not, you'll only know after you try it."
"Come on! You're too green! It's been all over the news lately that this new big shot has changed his taste and now only likes the mature charm of married women. Your naivety is nothing compared to that."
"So what if you're inexperienced? Isn't it good to be a blank slate?"
The other person rolled their eyes. "But it's not sexy enough, that kind of sexy that comes from the inside out."