However, all the top executives at Legendary Pictures are thinking about one problem.
A less-than-stellar character in DC comics, one that DC doesn’t even pay attention to, is really worth such a big price?
Grodd looked at Mary calmly, both of them somewhat disapproving.
Abandoning one's own super IP and replacing it with an unattractive superhero is simply a bad move.
"OK, I will contact Warner Brothers as soon as possible."
Grod readily agreed, this was the first thing the big boss told him after he took over.
If he couldn't figure it out, he would probably be fired soon.
Chen Dongcheng, who had been silent all this time, was very aware of Grod and Mary's dissatisfaction and didn't pay much attention.
As long as the clown's results come out, the results will naturally prove everything.
By then, even Grodd and the others will have to look at Ning Shu with admiration, and will naturally pay more attention to Ning Shu's opinions.
"Okay, next I will inject a sum of funds into Legendary Pictures, the scale of which will be no less than US$500 million."
"The estimated cost of "Detective Pikachu" is US$150 million. You can seek cooperation from Sony Pictures."
"The investment share is up to them. I want their rights to film and adapt "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."
"The production cost of "Joker" is controlled within 70 million US dollars, and we invest in the production alone."
"Grod, you are responsible for finding me Todd Phillips and asking him to rewrite the script. I will give him the greatest autonomy. As for the starring role, I will find Joaquin Phoenix."
Chen Dongcheng knocked on the table and announced the next arrangements.
When they heard that 500 million US dollars had been injected, everyone's eyes couldn't help but reveal a hint of excitement.
Legendary Pictures has been having a tough time lately.
Wanda, which had previously acquired them, was supervised by the upper levels, making it difficult for funds to flow overseas.
Legendary Pictures, which was already heavily in debt, had no choice but to carry it on its own.
Now that there is finally an injection of funds, many projects that were originally stalled can be started.
Although Grodd didn't quite understand the big boss's instructions, he still nodded cooperatively.
"I understand that Sony would be interested. After all, movies adapted from Japanese comics have been very popular in Hollywood in recent years."
"In addition, Pikachu is a popular IP, so there should be many fans buying it."
"As a Golden Globe winner, Joaquin Phoenix is a great choice to play the Joker. His acting skills are still worthy of recognition."
As a well-known Hollywood producer, Mary said confidently: "I have some friendship with Jacques, and I am sure that Jacques will agree to star."
"Except for these two films, if there are any independent films seeking investment recently, please send me the information. From now on, Legendary Pictures will no longer produce monster IP films and will transition to R-rated films."
After Chen Dongcheng finished speaking, he gave Grod and others a few seconds to accept it.
Grodd and Mary looked at each other, this was no small matter.
Legendary Pictures, which has been pursuing the creation of Monster League, has actually switched to making R-rated films, which is really exciting.
R-rated movies can also be said to be horror movies.
Although there are occasional excellent films in North America, they are not favored by the six major film companies.
Generally, only small independent film companies are interested in this type of film.
Since its inception, Legendary Pictures has been working hard to compete with the six major film companies.
Although neither Godzilla nor King Kong make much money, at least they are considered good IPs.
Now I suddenly abandon the IP that I have accumulated so much and make a low-cost R-rated film.
This group of elites who have worked hard in Hollywood for several years really can't accept it.
"We expect to invest US$80 million in "Detective Pikachu" and "Joker" will be invested by us alone, but we must hold the distribution rights of these two movies."
After reading the information about Legendary Pictures, Chen Dongcheng realized that if it didn’t have a complete team and IP library, it really wouldn’t be worth the price.
But Hollywood is the most exclusive, and at least Legendary Pictures still has a certain reputation.
Starting from scratch is undoubtedly a nightmare level of difficulty.
"Grod, in addition to contacting Sony, I plan to ask you to acquire a high-quality company with overseas distribution capabilities other than the Big Six."
Grodd's heart skipped a beat and he quickly asked: "We do lack overseas distribution capabilities. I wonder what your budget is?"
"No more than 200 million U.S. dollars. In addition to the big six, I want a controlling stake in one of the top five companies with international distribution capabilities."
Chen Dongcheng looked serious and looked at Grod seriously.
"This acquisition is very critical for us, and China's issuance capabilities can be ignored."
R-rated movies generally cannot be shown on the big screen in China, so there is no need to consider them.
Even if it needs to be distributed, Cao Cao Pictures is still here.
"I will carefully screen and get back to you as soon as possible."
Grodd didn't dare to be careless. This was a task solemnly given by his boss, so he quickly nodded in response.
"That's it for now. I'll be staying in Los Angeles for a while, so you don't have to worry too much."
After Chen Dongcheng said casually, he announced that the meeting was adjourned.
Grodd and Mary took a deep breath, both thinking about how to complete their respective tasks as quickly as possible.
Ning Shu also began to enter Legendary Pictures to check the losses of some of Legendary Pictures' previous investment projects, as well as budget applications for some future projects.
…
Legendary Pictures' takeover was relatively smooth, and Wanda's withdrawal was also straightforward.
For such a cross-border acquisition, no bank would dare to provide funds despite the pressure from above.
Fortunately, Chen Dongcheng was well prepared, and it was easy for the previously established Summit Fund to complete the acquisition.
The fund's original size of US$5 billion suddenly dropped by US$3.5 billion, leaving even less available funds.
Chen Dongcheng is very open-minded. Money is just a string of numbers when placed in a bank.
Regardless of the 3.5 billion US dollars spent now, as long as Legendary Pictures can join the six major film companies, its market value of tens of billions of US dollars will be nothing.
Except for Legendary Pictures, who are constantly busy, others are not idle either.
Six major film companies.
Oh no, we should call the five major film companies immediately.
Disney is about to acquire major 20th Century Fox businesses.
In addition to raising prices, previous competitor Concas could not stop the wealthy Disney.
In fact, the name of the six major film companies is more suitable for previous years.
In today's North American film industry, apart from Warner Bros. and Sony, Universal can barely occupy 10% of the market share.
Paramount, which ranks last, has long existed in name only, and its market share is almost surpassed by Lionsgate, which ranks seventh.
As Disney's attitude becomes more and more tough, it actively raises funds, negotiates with various countries to pass regulations, and is determined to merge with 20th Century Fox.
Naturally, one of the six major film companies' seats is vacant.
Coupled with the existence of Paramount in name only, if Legendary Pictures can secure its throne as the king of R-rated films, why can't it become the new top six?