บท 167: Chapter 167: The Acquisition of DreamWorks
While in New York, Charles Capet spent his nights dating two Brazilian supermodels, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, while also squeezing in time to review the screenplays sent to his company.
In a bar in Manhattan, Charles sat on a sofa with Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio in his arms.
"From what you're saying, there are many illegal immigrant models in the New York modeling scene who often don't get paid because they lack visas?" Charles, although aware of the darkness in the modeling industry, was taken aback by how brutal it was compared to Hollywood.
"Yeah, many young girls from Central America, South America, and Eastern Europe are controlled by agencies after signing contracts. They live in basements and are forced to do things they don't want to," Adriana Lima explained, leaning against Charles, revealing the dark secrets of the modeling world.
"Many underage models also endure highly intensive work schedules!"
"Agents, advertisers, designers, photographers - anyone can target models at will, and we can't fight back," Alessandra Ambrosio, who also came from a small town in Brazil, added with a resigned look.
Charles nodded. Such issues had always existed. The fashion industry was ruthless, and becoming a top model like Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio was a rarity.
"I've put in a word with LV. Whenever there are suitable endorsements or ads, you two will be the first they consider," Charles said. Although he wasn't a saint, he wasn't a bad guy either. He believed in giving back.
As a shareholder of LV, arranging some endorsements or ads was quite simple for Charles, and these two were top names in the modeling world now.
As for the rest, there wasn't much Charles could do. The modeling industry was a dark chain, sending young, beautiful girls from Russia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America endlessly to Europe and America.
Alessandra Ambrosio kissed Charles on the cheek and said, "I'll be right back, just heading to the bathroom!"
While Alessandra was away, Adriana Lima leaned close to Charles's ear and whispered, "Are we going to your place tonight?"
Charles looked at the stunning Adriana Lima in his arms, then leaned in and began kissing her.
As the rumored girlfriend of Ronaldo this year, Adriana Lima was smart about managing her career.
"Let's go back once Alessandra comes back," Charles said softly in her ear as they finished kissing.
"Sure, we're busy promoting products for Victoria's Secret until Christmas, so we might have to fly to London, Paris, and Milan," Lima explained, hugging Charles's waist.
"No worries, I'll find time to see you guys!"
Soon after, Alessandra Ambrosio returned from the bathroom, and Charles left the bar with both women, heading back to his riverside villa.
...
While Charles was enjoying his time in New York, a major event was happening in Hollywood.
DreamWorks' two major shareholders, David Griffith and Steven Spielberg, ended acquisition talks with NBC Universal due to their continuous hesitation and lowering of the offer price.
On the other hand, Tom Freston, the new CEO of Viacom, eager to enhance Paramount's production capacity, visited Steven Spielberg's beachfront villa in Santa Monica Palisades with Paramount's chairman Brad Grey.
Compared to NBC Universal's offer of less than $1 billion, Paramount showed sincerity with a proposal of around $1.4 to $1.6 billion, including the debts.
To remove the biggest obstacle to the acquisition, Sumner Redstone, the man behind the scenes, supported the idea and even sought investors to take over the live-action film rights from the DreamWorks library.
With investors' funding, Paramount would retain the distribution rights of DreamWorks' library, aiming to bring Steven Spielberg under their wing.
Tom Freston and Brad Grey's approach of seeking external funding earned Sumner Redstone's full support. Redstone even personally called Spielberg, praising him as Hollywood's greatest director.
Meanwhile, NBC Universal was not worried about Paramount's interference. Even with Spielberg, no one would pay more than $1.5 billion for DreamWorks, considering its over $800 million debt.
At Sumner Redstone's luxurious estate in Beverly Hills, Viacom's chairman Tom Freston and Paramount's chairman Brad Grey were seated opposite the over-eighty-year-old Redstone.
"Spielberg isn't agreeing to a $1.4 billion offer?" Redstone initially had little interest in acquiring DreamWorks.
However, Brad Grey saw great potential in Spielberg's production capabilities. Paramount had just exited its joint venture with Universal, and high-quality movies were crucial for enhancing its international distribution system.
Tom Freston shook his head, "Spielberg is adamant on a minimum of $1.6 billion, including over $800 million in DreamWorks' debt. We need at least $700 million in cash!"
"Investors are very interested in DreamWorks' 59 live-action movie rights. They are willing to provide the funds, and we at Paramount will have the distribution rights," Brad Grey eagerly explained.
"Additionally, if we acquire DreamWorks, we will own the distribution rights to DreamWorks Animation until 2012!"
Sumner Redstone nodded. In his eyes, DreamWorks' biggest value lay in the distribution contract with DreamWorks Animation and Steven Spielberg himself.
Without investors willing to take over DreamWorks' live-action movie rights, Redstone would never spend such a sum on acquiring DreamWorks.
Before Paramount's offer, Universal had always been the sole bidder, and NBC Universal's parent company, General Electric, had been frustrated with DreamWorks' high price.
"Go ahead and complete the deal. Paramount needs to perfect its international distribution system, and high-quality commercial movies are vital," Redstone agreed to the acquisition plan.
"I hope Spielberg and his DreamWorks won't disappoint me," Redstone said as he stood up, leaning on his cane and heading towards his room.
Tom Freston and Brad Grey exchanged a relieved look. Convincing Sumner Redstone meant that the DreamWorks acquisition now only hinged on price negotiations.
*****
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