Chapter 031: Statement
Chapter 031: Statement
Eric sat up slightly and said, “Mr. Eisner, please go ahead.”
Michael Eisner, who was about to speak, felt a barely perceptible moment of hesitation.
During their conversation just now, not only had Eric developed a very good impression of him, but Michael Eisner had also formed a good impression of Eric. He did not feel as though he were speaking with a young, inexperienced boy. Instead, it felt more like a conversation between peers.
Thinking of the astonishing achievements Eric had accomplished in such a short period, Michael Eisner began to wonder whether accepting Columbia’s terms and teaming up to trick Eric this time was really a good idea.
This young man was only eighteen, and his future was limitless. If this incident caused him to become enemies with Eric, the possibility of future cooperation between them would certainly become slim.
As someone in a high position, Michael Eisner was undoubtedly decisive.
After thinking about the terms Blount Cohen had offered, Michael Eisner made up his mind once again.
Home Alone’s success was entirely an anomaly. Whether the young man before him could achieve such dazzling success again in the future was still uncertain. Even if he remained outstanding, Michael Eisner believed that when sufficient profit was involved, cooperation between the two sides would still be very possible. Many former mortal enemies could reconcile again, let alone when the main one trying to trick Eric was Columbia.
“Eric, Disney is very interested in the overseas distribution rights for Home Alone. Disney’s main focus is films aimed at young audiences. In terms of distributing this type of film, we have more advantages than other film companies. If Home Alone is handed over to Disney for distribution, I believe it will definitely achieve even better results overseas than it did in North America.”
Eric asked without revealing anything on his face, “Mr. Eisner, may I know Disney’s offer?”
“Twelve percent of the overseas box office share. What do you think?”
Eric’s expression shifted slightly, and he asked in return, “Disney doesn’t want to buy it out?”
Michael Eisner shook his head and smiled. “Eric, you would rather sign a gambling agreement with Columbia than accept a buyout. So I won’t waste time on that.”
Eric nodded. “If that’s the case, then this price is quite reasonable. Columbia only offered me eight percent of the overseas share.”
“That’s why Disney is very sincere. I hope we can continue cooperating in the future.” Michael Eisner smiled and continued, “Then, Eric, if you agree, I’d like to sign the authorization agreement as soon as possible. Releasing a film overseas isn’t as easy as releasing one in North America. After signing the agreement, it will take at least a week before the film can gradually appear in foreign theaters. Given Home Alone’s current popularity, every day of delay may cost the total box office several million dollars.”
As Eric quietly listened to Michael Eisner’s persuasion, a series of clues rapidly connected in his mind.
Suddenly, a knowing smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
He was gradually understanding Columbia’s trick. Although it was not particularly brilliant, it was very effective. If he was even slightly careless, he might fall into the trap.
After figuring this out, Eric finally relaxed. He picked up the coffee cup in front of him, gently rubbed the delicate porcelain, then raised his head and asked Michael Eisner, “Mr. Eisner, if I agree, when would we sign the contract?”
Although Michael Eisner noticed that Eric’s expression seemed somewhat strange, he was still delighted to hear those words. “Of course, the sooner the better. I’ll have someone draft the agreement as quickly as possible. We can sign it this afternoon.”
Eric put down the coffee cup and stared closely at Michael Eisner. “Then, Mr. Eisner, do you think this is how things went?”
“Hm?” Michael Eisner was somewhat baffled.
Eric said, “Columbia was unwilling to accept the gambling agreement, so they came to you and offered certain terms you couldn’t refuse. Perhaps because of profit, or perhaps because you and Mr. Blount Cohen are good friends, you agreed.”
“Because Columbia didn’t know when you would be able to persuade me, they compressed Home Alone’s second-week screen count to 1,500 as insurance, even at the cost of giving up an extra 100 screens for the rest of the film’s run.”
Michael Eisner listened to Eric’s words. First, he was stunned. Then he revealed a bitter smile.
He had still underestimated the young man before him.
Eric was very satisfied with Michael Eisner’s reaction and continued, “The reason Columbia paid such a price was to delay the moment Home Alone’s box office reaches fifty million dollars and buy you more time to lobby me. Because according to our gambling agreement, if the final box office is under fifty million dollars, all rights to Home Alone belong to Columbia. Since the box office has not yet reached fifty million dollars, all other rights to Home Alone are still part of the gambling agreement.”
“If I rashly signed an authorization agreement with Disney, then I would be the first party to breach the contract. Columbia could then rightfully tear up the gambling agreement on the grounds that I violated its terms. Am I correct?”
If the entire matter had nothing to do with him, then with Michael Eisner’s personality, he would definitely have applauded Eric’s brilliant analysis directly.
Now, however, Michael Eisner could only reveal a slightly awkward smile.
Eric stood up. “I believe there’s no need for us to continue this conversation, Mr. Eisner.”
Michael Eisner also stood and said, “Indeed, there’s no need. Eric, I still have to say, chatting with you earlier was very pleasant. I hope we’ll have a chance to cooperate in the future.”
“Perhaps.”
Eric nodded. Since the other party had failed to trick him, Eric would not openly fall out with a film giant.
“Mr. Eisner, can you tell me what conditions Columbia offered you?”
Michael Eisner shook his head. “Eric, that’s a business secret.”
Eric neither agreed nor disagreed. “Then, Mr. Eisner, can you have the driver take me back?”
“Of course.” Michael Eisner waved at his assistant not far away and gave a few instructions.
As soon as Eric walked out of the Hilton Hotel, more than a dozen reporters waiting outside quickly surrounded him.
Through various channels, they had already learned that Eric had just met with Disney president Michael Eisner, so they were eagerly hoping to interview him about the contents of their meeting.
Seeing the reporters rushing over, Hilton security quickly protected Eric.
Michael Eisner’s driver was about to escort Eric toward the parking lot, but Eric stopped.
The reporters had been blocked by security and had thought in disappointment that Eric would once again leave without saying anything. Unexpectedly, Eric stopped. The reporters hurriedly raised their cameras and recording devices.
“Eric, what did you and Mr. Michael Eisner discuss?”
“Was it related to Home Alone?”
“Eric, both of your current film works target young audiences and fit Disney’s business philosophy very well. Are you going to join Disney?”
“Eric...”
“...”
Eric did not answer the reporters’ questions. He pressed both hands downward, signaling for everyone to quiet down, then said, “Everyone, please listen to me for a moment, alright?”
Since Eric was willing to speak voluntarily, the reporters quickly quieted down.
“Mr. Eisner treated me to lunch just now, and we did discuss some matters. As for the specific content, it isn’t convenient to reveal it here. However, our conversation was pleasant. Perhaps there may be a possibility of cooperation in the future.”
Seeing the reporters grow restless again because they had not gotten what they wanted, Eric quickly continued, “Everyone, don’t rush. Actually, I want to ask you all to help me publish a statement.”
The reporters were somewhat puzzled.
However, several clever reporters keenly sensed that Eric’s next words would be major news. They immediately focused and moved the recording devices in their hands closer.
“First, I am very grateful to Columbia Pictures for helping distribute my film Home Alone. But...”
Eric’s expression became serious.
“I have to say that because of the gambling agreement we previously signed, the profit share I am expected to receive will far exceed Columbia’s. But that is what I deserve. My conscience is clear.”
“Moreover, if the agreement continues to be carried out properly, Columbia will still receive nearly fifty million dollars in North American box office profit share. This result, which accounts for half of Columbia’s annual box office profits, is enough to make many people envious.”
“So I solemnly warn certain people: please restrain your greed. Stop using low-grade tricks in an attempt to tear up the gambling agreement, and continue distributing Home Alone strictly according to the agreement.”
“If Columbia violates the gambling agreement again, I don’t mind seeing you in court. Although I may still seem very weak in your eyes, I believe that before federal law, we are equal.”
“If you think the success of Home Alone and Back to 17 still isn’t enough to prove anything, then we’ll see each other with my next film.”
“That is all I have to say. Conduct yourselves accordingly.”
As soon as Eric finished speaking, the surrounding reporters erupted.
“Eric, can you be more specific?”
“Eric, do you already have plans for your next film? Can you tell us the genre?”
“Eric, is your meeting with Mr. Michael Eisner related to Columbia’s attempt to tear up the agreement?”
“Eric...”
“...”
After speaking, Eric remained silent amid the uproar. Under the protection of security, he went straight to the parking lot and got into the car.