Chapter 1004 Good Intentions Are Rewarded

Warner is New Universal's competitor, but not its enemy.

From Hollywood's point of view, the two sides can even become comrades-in-arms.

It is of great significance that Warner wants to use the sale of ultra-low-priced genuine DVDs to win a piece of living space for genuine discs in China. If it works, all of Hollywood will benefit from it.

If it fails, Warner will only suffer the loss.

Warner in his previous life, of course, failed.

However, Tang En was not aware of Warner's previous actions in this regard, and had never heard of it. However, based on his understanding of China, Warner's trip does not have any possibility of success.

From the perspective of Hollywood colleagues, Tang En is willing to give them some advice.

Going there to promote genuine DVDs is really a waste of money.

Speaking of which, Warner can be regarded as a Hollywood giant that entered the mainland very early and started business cooperation.

Hengdian Film and Television Base has made great contributions to the future Chinese film and television market.

However, there are some things Tang En knows, Warner has indeed been tricked by the Chinese side!

The matter of genuine DVD is only negligible.

There are bigger losses.

Because it is a socialist country, China requires foreign investors not to have a controlling stake in mainland movie theaters, with a maximum of 49% of the shares. It is necessary to maintain the characteristics of "China-led" in name. This is the same requirement as the project of the Shanghai theme park.

However, in September 2003, the State Administration issued a "Provisional Regulations on Foreign Investment in Cinemas", which pointed out that foreign investors are not allowed to have a controlling stake in mainland cinemas, but in seven pilot cities including the capital and Shanghai, The foreign shareholding ratio can be relaxed to 75%!

This is exciting news for foreign businessmen.

After Warner heard about it, it immediately took action and formally planned to enter the Chinese theater market. They have already reached a cooperation agreement with Wanda earlier, and the two parties will cooperate to build six 5-star movie theaters, called "Warner Wanda Cinemas".

However, after hearing the news, Warner's appetite grew and it increased investment. In addition to the 6 theaters that have been built, it will also build more than 30 multiplex theaters with other investors in 30 cities across the country. .

It's a pity that the problem with the General Administration is that it changes day and night. This not only caused pain to domestic filmmakers, but also caused huge losses to international investors.

At the end of 2005, the General Administration issued "Several Opinions on Introducing Foreign Investment in the Cultural Field" again, changing the previous policy, "pilot cities" were cancelled, and all new theaters were required to "hold more than 51% of the Chinese party or the Chinese party occupies a dominant position."

The angry Warner couldn't bear to be humiliated like a teaser, and he simply didn't even want 49% of the shares, and completely divested. Warner Wanda Cinemas transformed into the later famous Wanda Cinemas.

This incident has had a very bad impact on the cooperation between the Chinese and American film industries.

With Tang En's opinion as a reference, it would be unrealistic for Warner to promote the original DVD plan.

Barry Meyer couldn't help but sigh a long time, brooding over the huge intellectual property economic losses he suffered.

Tang En kindly reminded: "Barry, if your strategy toward China continues to make mistakes, the losses will only increase."

"Um?"

Barry Meyer's complexion changed slightly.

Tang En didn't hide anything, and said: "New Universal is talking to the Chinese side about the Mordo Real Estate project. You must have heard that our competitor is Disney. Fortunately, I made many friends there. You You know, my Chinese is good, and I get along well with them. Some of them have friends with a lot of authority. So I have heard a little about the policy changes there."

Barry Meyer's eyes were burning, and he seemed to realize something, and said eagerly, "What's going on?"

Tang En said that in the future, China will strengthen its control over the film market and strengthen the idea of ​​China's dominance.

Barry Meyer was stunned immediately, "Twain, you...are you serious?"

Tang En shrugged, "Many of China's policy opinions are put forward from bottom to top, and then implemented from top to bottom. Recently, China will hold two sessions. I heard some news that Chinese filmmakers are co-signing Write a letter to oppose foreign capital grabbing more market share in the film market."

"If this is the case……"

Barry Meyer felt like he was breaking out in a cold sweat.

Isn't their biggest investment in China - Warner Wanda Studios, about to become a bubble?

Coupled with the policy influence of China's non-market economy, there are still many uncomfortable tricks in the operation of movie theaters.

If the opportunity to make a lot of money is lost, why should Warner go to the muddy water again?

Tang En smiled, "Of course, that's what I said. I'm not sure about the specifics. It's just a reminder to you, and you should be mentally prepared in advance. If the Chinese side really turns their backs, you don't have to suffer too much." huge economic loss."

Barry Meyer stood up and shook hands with Tang En, and said gratefully: "Tang En, this news is too important to us! We will investigate later and start a new round of investment environment over there. round of evaluation."

Tang En said lightly: "From a long-term perspective, the Chinese market is of great significance to Hollywood. Barry, this matter... Even if the talks with the Chinese side really collapse, I hope you can stop it , there is really no need to get into trouble with them, especially not to implicate Hollywood as a whole."

Barry Mayer immediately said: "Of course! We have cooperated with the Chinese side a long time ago, and our expectations for the future of the Chinese market are higher than anyone else."

"That's good."

Tang En showed a sunny smile.

In business, there is never a free lunch.

Barry Meyer took a deep look at Tang En, and seemed to be keenly aware of something, and said with a smile: "In order to strengthen the attraction of foreign capital and create a better investment environment, even if there are policy changes, the Warner If the middle theater market is squeezed out, we will definitely adopt a more gentle approach. If Warner has not suffered too much loss, then... I will help you raise it."

"Oh? What?"

Tang En's heart skipped a beat.

There is a feeling of carelessness.

Barry Meyer said: "Warner also has its own theme park, but compared with Disneyland and Universal Studios, there is still a big gap, and there is no opportunity to become bigger and stronger. Compared with Disneyland, we prefer to see Go to Universal Studios to become bigger and stronger. If possible, I will take advantage of the opportunity to help you promote the project of Shanghai Real Estate."

Time Warner and Disney are bitter rivals.

Relationships are cold.

Especially in recent years, Time Warner has been deflated in front of Michael Eisner one after another. First, the failure of AOL's merger and acquisition, and then the differences between TV operators, led Warner to openly apologize to Disney and users in front of the media...

Very shameful!

The project of helping New Universal to acquire the Shanghai Real Estate was to fight back against Disney on the one hand, and to repay the favor suggested by Twain on the other hand.

Tang En was overjoyed, "If that project is really achieved, I will personally host a banquet for you and Mrs. Meyer later!"

It seems that good intentions are really rewarded.