Chapter 80 Lionsgate

Mark Lachese leaned on the other side of the couch, sat opposite to Yang Cheng, patted his face stiffened by exhaustion, and sighed heavily, "I did encounter some troubles, mainly in terms of funds The problem, as you know, in the past few years, Lionsgate Films has made no achievements except for one Hunger Games, and in addition, it has lost money on several major production investments..."

Speaking of this, Mark himself can’t go on talking. In fact, these issues are not considered commercial secrets. As a listed company, there are no secrets that can be hidden, unless global giants like Apple and Microsoft have huge amounts of cash overseas. reserve.

However, Lionsgate Films is just a company that emerged in Canada. It has gained a place in Hollywood by relying on its special label of horror production. In the early days of its establishment, it did release a lot of good films, and it has a super high status in the independent film circle. Lionsgate is a group of film lovers from Wall Street investment banks.

Why did they specifically name the origins of the founders, because they knew from the very beginning what kind of route Lionsgate should take. All operations, such as releasing horror films and getting close to the independent film circle, were all for the sake of gaining fame. They merged shortly after the establishment A Toronto-listed company, Beringer Gold Corp, successfully listed Lions Gate Entertainment.

After going public, avoiding its own monotonous structure, and constantly initiating mergers and acquisitions. In 2010, it even made an idea of ​​MGM, but they ignored it.

In 2011, he pointed his gun at another independent production company, Summit Entertainment, and successfully acquired it, owning "The Hunger Games" and "Twilight Saga", which seem to be movies that only the six major Hollywood companies will make. IP.

From the very beginning, the intention of these so-called film lovers to establish Lionsgate was not to make movies, but to make money. Therefore, looking at the history of the rise of Lionsgate Films, it is not difficult to find that luck is the main factor for their success. When luck runs out, Naturally, it went downhill.

Successive investment failures have led to Lionsgate Films running out of funds, and the stock price has fallen. The directors have no financing channels and are unable to support large-scale production investment. If this vicious circle continues, the only way to go is bankruptcy. This is how Markla The scene where Chase frowns on the phone.

It is said that Lionsgate is expected to rank among the top six in Hollywood, and even once surpassed 20th Century Fox in the box office rankings, ranking fifth in Hollywood.

But anyone with a discerning eye knows that the six major film companies, not to mention companies with a market value of 150 billion US dollars like Disney, and 20th Century Fox affiliated to News Corporation; Warner Bros. affiliated to Time Warner; affiliated to Comcast Universal Pictures; Paramount, which is affiliated to Viacom, does not have a media giant as a backer, and only Lionsgate is playing stand-alone.

In today's era of resource integration, investing in the arms of giants and forming economies of scale seems to be the only way out for Lionsgate.

"So, Lionsgate is looking for a big crocodile to invest in?" Yang Cheng asked, shaking his wine glass.

Mark Lachesis did not answer as acquiescence.

"Why not sell it directly? I think your shareholders have no intention of supporting it." Yang Cheng asked again.

A look of resignation appeared on Mark's face, "I am not reconciled. Lionsgate's success today is due to my working more than 14 hours a day. Those bloody vampires only know how to make money, they don't like movies at all. , Lionsgate is like my child, who would sell their child?"

"CNM, I hate you the most, a guy who takes all the credit for himself and takes credit for himself. What he said is so fresh and refined. Without those directors from the investment bank, where did you get the money to make a movie? Kidney!" Yang Cheng didn't listen to Mark's words at all, and the way he looked at Mark changed, and he cursed in his heart.

He is not complaining for those directors. The fact is that a great company can never be achieved by one person.

Was Jobs great? great! But can Jobs do all the design and even manufacturing of the iPhone by himself? cannot! So what makes a great company are great teams, not great individuals.

Otherwise, why did Jack Ma carry the partnership system to death in Ari? It's all the same.

No matter how fierce the scolding was in his heart, he still echoed, "That's the truth, how about this, help me contact the directors of your company, I intend to pay for the shares in their hands, and then I will re-invest in Lionsgate Films, You continue to be the chairman, after all, I don't know how to make movies."

Not noticing Yang Cheng's unkind eyes, Mark sat up straight eagerly, "Really? Are you willing to invest in Lionsgate?"

Yang Cheng spread his hands, "Of course, the premise is that I want the position of major shareholder."

Mark's face changed. This was the last condition he wanted to hear. In fact, there are not a few large companies interested in Lionsgate. There are two large companies on the other side of the Pacific Ocean intending to acquire them, and one of them controls nearly 20% of the world's shares. line giant.

"Sorry I can't agree, this condition is no different from others."

Yang Cheng shook his index finger, put the wine glass on the side table, and said sternly, "There's a big difference. What they're after is holding shares. They want to acquire a wholly-owned subsidiary, delist Lionsgate, and drive you out of the company. I just want big The position of the shareholder, the company is still controlled by you, this is an essential difference.”

After a pause, he adjusted his sitting posture and said, "And I also have Forum Publishing Company in my hand, which is an important channel to improve Lionsgate's publicity and distribution capabilities. Lastly, I'm an American, so you don't have to worry about government interference."

Yang Cheng remembered that Ahri and Wanda's intention to acquire Lionsgate was rumored at this time, and he didn't know why it didn't happen in the end, but he understood the style of overseas acquisitions of Z-funded companies, which were not short of money but had no idea. It is impossible for a person like Mark who has a perverted possessive desire for the company to accept a master who opens his mouth to buy out the entire capital.

I snapped my fingers to call the waiter, and ordered a glass of juice, my mouth was a little dry after talking for so long.

"Jason, I admit that your conditions are very attractive. I am willing to connect you with the directors. As for the shares in my hand, you can dilute them through capital injection to help you obtain the position of major shareholder. I hope that after you enter the company Promises can be fulfilled.”

Mark really wanted to wait until The Expendables 3 was released before making a decision, but he couldn’t afford to wait. This big production, which brought together the best action actors in the world and was placed high hopes by the company, received unsatisfactory feedback from the internal preview , not to mention what kind of evaluation professional film critics will give.

He worried that after the official release, he would negotiate with Yang Cheng, and the unsatisfactory box office would lower Lionsgate's bargaining chip.

Yang Cheng nodded with a smile, but sneered in her heart, "Promises are nothing, I will be the first to kick you out after entering the arena."

And he is not going to organize manpower negotiations right away, he is also waiting. In his previous life, he specially went to the cinema to watch The Expendables 3. Except for Stallone's usual cannon subwoofer, which made him complain, there is no bright spot in the whole movie.

To be honest, the production level of the movie is on the level of Hollywood, and it can be regarded as a good popcorn movie. Unfortunately, movie fans did not buy this punch-to-flesh style that was popular 10 years ago.

In my impression, the global box office of this film is only a little over 200 million. This is the result of the film crew using Li Lianjie's reputation to earn votes in country Z. You must know that the production cost of this film is 100 million US dollars, plus the announcement and distribution Costs, theaters' cuts, as the producer and distributor, Lionsgate Pictures does not need to consider the issue of making money, but should consider how much to lose.

When the news of the loss is reflected in the stock price, Yang Cheng is ready to buy the bottom of the funds, and then buy the shares of some directors. Lionsgate will get it at his fingertips.

With a film company, you can do things. Talking about such an interesting thing as the red sofa in Hollywood, Yang Cheng thinks that it is necessary to sacrifice himself to prove it for others. Unspoken rules can always arouse a man's desire to destroy.

After confirming the acquisition of Lionsgate Films, Yang Cheng is considering whether to set up a head office to control the industry under his name, so as to facilitate centralized management, and as he gets involved in various fields, he also needs a professional team to share the burden. Work, otherwise I have to borrow people from Yuanshan every time, worrying that someone will gossip behind my back, so don't make trouble for Dad at this time.

It seems that some professional talents must be recruited as soon as possible, and the establishment of a new company should be left to a special person for preparation.

Keeping this matter in mind, retracting his thoughts, he saw Mark Laches staring at him eagerly, as if he was waiting for an affirmative answer?

"I'm sorry, I thought of some things and lost my mind. Believe me, as long as you don't make principled mistakes, the position of chairman will never change." Yang Cheng gave an ambiguous answer, but added in his heart, "If you don't make principled mistakes, you will never change." It's not up to me."

"Jason, so you're here? I've been looking for you for a long time." Jerry Kushler came quickly from behind Yang Cheng, heaved a sigh of relief and sat down on the coffee table only to find someone else was there, looking at Yang Cheng, "Are you there?" Talking about things? Didn't bother you?"

"Oh, no, Mr. Kushler, we're done talking, so let's take our leave first." Mark answered for Yang Cheng tactfully, shook hands with Yang Cheng and left the sofa area with a glass of wine. Yang Cheng exchanged contact information.

Watching Mark leave, Yang Cheng crossed his legs and asked curiously, "Jerry, why are you in such a hurry?"

Jerry Kushler changed to the sofa, "It's okay, didn't you say you want to have a good chat yesterday, just a few of my friends are here, let me introduce you to see if there are any projects that we can cooperate to make a fortune together."

"Okay, I just like to make friends, where is it?" Yang Cheng has no choice but to be idle, and 80% of Jewish friends are Jews. It is every American businessman's wish to have a good relationship with the Jewish gang. compulsory course.

"follow me."

Jerry led Yang Cheng out of the bar, crossed the dance floor, and returned to the restaurant. Paris and Amanda, the group of ladies, probably couldn't bear the turmoil, and went hunting on the dance floor. Only a few people in the restaurant could be hungry Yes, I am replenishing my strength here.

Jerry, as the master, said hello all the way, telling this one to eat more and that one to have fun, just walk around like this, it’s no wonder that hundreds of millions of brain cells don’t die, the English vocabulary itself is monotonous, and we have to change the way of saying it .

I finally came to the end of the restaurant, which is also facing the window. The lower part should be 56th Street. I don’t know which company is located on the opposite side. The lights are still on so late, and many employees in uniforms are walking around in the office.

"Miha, Eliza, Georgina, have you been waiting for a long time?"