Heads Up Hollywood

Redstone rejected the "package" service of MTV TV network and USA TV network, which is equivalent to increasing the subscription fee of USA TV network channels in disguise.

With the support of the lack of sufficiently unique programs, the decrease in the number of subscribers of the USA TV network is also reasonable.

In order to recover the adverse effects of being rejected by the MTV TV network, it is necessary to find a backer for the USA TV network that can compete with the MTV TV network.

There are only two such cable TV stations in the United States -- CNN and the ESPN cable sports network.

"I need the ESPN bundle!"

So when making an appointment to meet Michael Eisner, Tang En made a request without hesitation.

ESPN covers more than 80 million home users in North America. Although the penetration rate is still not as good as MTV, its influence and ratings are much higher than the latter!

ESPN has the most copyrights of sports events in the United States, including the American Football League (NFL), the National Major League Baseball (MLB), the American Professional Basketball League (NBA), the National College Football Game, the Four Grand Slam Tennis Games, American Football MLS, Nascar as well as the U.S. Open, British Open and a series of Masters tournaments.

Among all live sports events in the United States, ESPN broadcasts more than 75% of the games!

It can be said that any home user who loves sports programs cannot do without ESPN.

This also provides Disney with a prerequisite for "bundling sales".

In other words, if users want to subscribe to ESPN, they must subscribe to other cable TV stations owned by Disney.

ESPN has become Disney's trump card industry, the core of the core.

"It's impossible!" Michael Eisner immediately rejected Twain's proposal, "Twain, you have to understand that ESPN has more subscribers than USA!"

There are only 45 million home users of the USA TV network, and ESPN has more than 82 million.

If USA and ESPN are forcibly bundled, doesn't that mean that USA can have more than 82 million users in a short period of time?

Even if New Universal and Disney are partners again, it is impossible for Michael Eisner to accept such a proposal.

Bundled sales are overlord meals.

To make Michael Eisner willing to offend users, but also to prescribe overlord meals, it must be an asset belonging to Disney.

Disney has no obligation to work for New Universal.

Tang En also knew that this request was too difficult for others, so he smiled, "Even if it is not bundled, we can offer several package services."

MTV refused to open a package with USA. Twain's idea was very simple. He could cooperate with ESPN to provide users with more affordable package services.

Raise the original price in disguise, and then lower the price in disguise.

The USA TV network and ESPN have a discount package, and then they have a discount package with the STA TV network under New Universal.

The combination of the two can basically make up for the losses caused by the MTV television network's rejection of the package.

Michael Eisner pondered a little, and the cooperation in opening a set meal... is acceptable.

He glanced at Tang En, and said meaningfully: "Tang En, we have already agreed."

Tang En said: "I know, I exchanged the second season of "American Idol" with you for Robert Iger, and this condition will not change."

For transactions, there must be back and forth.

Michael Eisner nodded, "Then this package service?"

Tang En said: "ESPN and USA will jointly offer a package for three years. During this period, the broadcast rights of "American Idol" will all belong to ABC."

"really?"

Michael Eisner's eyes lit up immediately.

"American Idol" can be said to be the most popular reality show in the history of American TV programs, and it has also become the most important negotiating weight in Tang En's hands.

Prior to this, Twain agreed to hand over the second season of "American Idol" to ABC in exchange for Michael Eisner suppressing Robert Iger and pushing him to quit New Universal.

However, where the third and fourth seasons of "American Idol" will be broadcast is always a mystery.

As for New Universal, it insists on the annual negotiation model and is unwilling to accept long-term contracts.

The appeal and influence of "American Idol" are too great, and New Universal is qualified to insist on me as the main negotiating method.

Now, Tang En finally spit out.

He agreed to hand over the next three years of "American Idol" to Disney!

It is conceivable that once this news spreads, Disney's stock price will inevitably soar!

The "Save Disney" campaign launched by Roy Disney may also end in disgrace.

Michael Eisner is excited!

Tang En said with a smile: "Not only that, if the USA TV Network, with the help of ESPN, can exceed 50 million, 60 million, or even 70 million subscribers, I will extend the contract of "Smart and Brave" accordingly."

Michael Eisner remained calm and didn't immediately agree. He said with a smile: "If that old guy Redstone knows how we cooperate, he will be so mad!"

Tang En asked: "How about Robert Iger?"

Michael Eisner said confidently: "He still has illusions about the 'Save Disney' movement, thinking that Roy Disney can drive me away so that he can take over. As long as we disclose the cooperation details, Disney's stock price will definitely Big rise, when he loses confidence, he will be willing to accept your invitation."

Tang En nodded, "What about Bob Chapek?"

Michael Eisner's face changed slightly.

Although Bob Chapek is only the vice president of Disney's travel and vacation department, he is not a decision-making executive, but he is young, energetic, sharp-eyed, strong in leadership, and full of creativity.

In another decade, he's sure to be at the top of Disney.

More importantly, it is true that Disneyland is currently the number one in the industry, but the threat of Universal Studios is too great.

The combination of "Dawn Walker + Barry Diller" cannot create any miracles.

The international influence of Universal Studios, surpassing Disneyland, is not empty talk.

At this time, Michael Eisner must be wary of New Universal, especially to prevent Universal Studios from becoming bigger.

Michael Eisner said lightly: "Bob Chapek...is not in our negotiation."

The corner of Tang En's mouth curled up, he remained calm, paused, and said again: "I'm also very optimistic about Andrew Mooney, the president of the Consumer Products Department."

"Andrew Mooney?"

Michael Eisner raised his eyebrows.

This is the direct descendant he poached from Nike!

It is precisely because of Andrew Mooney that the "Disney Princess" trademark was registered, making the brand "Disney Princess" not only popular in Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Resorts, but also making a lot of money in the doll market .

In the past year, the "Disney Princess" dolls have created $500 million in profits for Disney.

In the doll market, it is second only to "Barbie dolls" and stronger than "Bez dolls" of MGA toy company.

He doesn't want to let go of such a talent.

It's just that Roy Disney is too conservative. He thinks that Andrew Mooney has made the sacred "Disney Princess" a commodity that everyone can own, and he is quite angry.

It was like this in the previous life.

In the "Save Disney" campaign, Roy Disney drove away Michael Eisner and Andrew Mooney, the hero of the Consumer Products Department.

Tang En smiled, "I heard... Roy Disney hates him? Michael, if you want to end the 'Save Disney' campaign and make Roy stop, you must use both kindness and power. It is 'power' to drive Disney's stock price up." ;Fire Andrew Mooney, that's 'huh'. If you compromise a little, maybe the old guy will figure it out?"

Michael Eisner was silent for a long time, then shook his head, "Let me think about it again."

...

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" successfully took in US$94 million at the North American box office in its second week. What's even more frightening is that it was also released in overseas markets this week. In 16 countries, it earned US$180 million at the box office. !

Among them, the United Kingdom alone received 34 million US dollars!

So far, the global box office of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" has exceeded 360 million US dollars... It seems that it is heading for another 1 billion US dollars at the box office.

A global box office of US$1 billion is an unattainable figure for Hollywood.

But for Dunn Walker, everything seemed to be a matter of course and a matter of course.

Barry Diller, CEO of New Universal Group, accepted an exclusive interview with Time magazine. He said: "New Universal will continue to strengthen its dominance in the commercial film market. With the "Spider-Man" series, "Harry Bo "Special" series, "Pirate Alliance" series, and "Mad Max" series continue to explore, and then we will promote the big production tendency of "Fast and Furious" and "Bourne Shadow."

When talking about the development of the TV industry, Barry Diller said very seriously: "The TV business department is an inevitable choice for the media group. In the next few years, New Universal Group will increase its investment and emphasis on TV media. We are not afraid of suppression and competition from any opponent. New Universal will definitely have a new structure, this is the new mission entrusted to us by the new era, and it is also the only way for New Hollywood!"

The outside world has different interpretations of this statement.

But the industry has already understood that Barry Diller...has officially issued a challenge to Redstone!

The battle between New Universal and Viacom is imminent!

On November 27, Disney and New Universal Group jointly held a press conference.

At the press conference, they first introduced the preparation process of the animated live-action film "Dumbo" co-produced by the two companies. The total investment of the film reached 120 million US dollars. The main character is Anne Hathaway, and Scarlett Johansson will have a supporting role.

The movie will start shooting in mid-December, and the estimated shooting cycle will reach 15 weeks.

The specific release date will be in February 2004.

Next, an earthquake-like blockbuster news was announced——

The second season of "American Idol" will premiere exclusively on ABC on February 22!