Chapter 627 Psychological Shadow Area

Eric glanced at the female assistant, and after receiving a reply, he continued: "The income forms around animation are mainly divided into toy production, image authorization, amusement park themes, soundtracks, stage plays, etc. The advantages of 3D stereoscopic, whether it is the types of toys that can be developed or the popularity, 3D animations are far more than 2D animations, which you can see from the table in your hand, such as "Toy Story", this 3D animation There are more than 100 kinds of toys and peripherals, and more than 300 items of image authorization. And there are only more than 60 kinds of toys in "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin", and the sales are far from 3D animation. In comparison, the number of peripheral licenses is also less than that of 3D animation. According to this data, the peripheral income of 3D animation basically surpasses that of 2D animation, and the only peripheral revenue of 2D animation ahead of 3D animation is the stage play adapted from animation. Box office revenue, this is mainly because the live-action story of 2D animation is easier to adapt. But this part of the revenue is insignificant among all the peripherals. Therefore, in the case of cost, box office and peripherals, there will be no advantages in all three aspects, I think There is no reason to continue to maintain the 2D animation department."

Noticing the expressions of the three old guys nodding at the same time, Eric smiled slightly, but did not intend to stop, turned a new page, and said, "Then, next, is the difference in the production cycle of the two animated films."

Ignoring the obvious wry smiles from the three of them, Eric said to himself: "In the Disney era, from Michael Eisner taking charge of Disney in 1984 and adjusting the animation department, to the first successful "Little Boy" It took 5 years for the release of Mermaid, and the subsequent animated films such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" were basically launched in the years when Michael Ace took office. I did a simple According to statistics, the average production cycle of hand-drawn animation films is 5 years, because hand-drawn animation has a very big disadvantage compared to computer animation. After the animation image of computer animation is 3D modeled by computer, many materials can be used repeatedly. This is Save a lot of labor and time costs, so Pixar has only made "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life" for more than two years. And every frame of hand-drawn animation must be drawn by the animator, in addition to that .In order to ensure that too much useless work is not done during the production process, before a hand-drawn animation project is launched, it is still necessary to go through a long period of project incubation period to determine every detail of the animated film, which will seriously delay a hand-drawn animation. production process.”

Noticed that the corners of David West's mouth moved. Eric smiled and said, "I think David, you must want to ask, why don't you hire more people?"

"Okay," David West spread his hands helplessly, imitating Eric's tone of 'cooperation': "Why don't you hire more people?"

A few other people laughed lightly in the box, and Eric explained with a smile: "This is back to the topic I just said, after the 3D animation is modeled by computer, the image of the animated character is fixed, so There can be many animators in charge of a project. Of course, this number is absolutely impossible to expand infinitely. But hand-drawn animation is different. Because different animators have their own drawing styles, the number of animators in a project is limited. Within a certain range,

It is also possible to keep the style of the entire animation uniform, but if there are too many projects, unless the producer and director have super co-ordination skills, the audience is likely to discover the style before and after the movie and even the image of the characters during the viewing process. There's a difference, and I think whoever is in that situation while watching the movie is going to be in a really bad mood, right? "

After the three of Buffett were "forced" to nod again. Eric said: "Actually, a long production cycle is nothing, as long as it can bring excellent works and huge profits, I don't think time is a problem. But the problem is here. Compared with 3D animation, The production cycle of 2D animation is not only long, but also has another very important disadvantage, do you know what it is?"

Buffett shook his head with a smile, but David West and Tom Murphy unceremoniously turned to another page of information.

Kelly Haynes, who was sitting beside Eric, certainly knew the answer, but he did not mean to answer Eric's question. He just looked at the young boss beside him with a smile, and unknowingly propped up his chin, with his unknowing admiration in his eyes.

Eric and the other three opened the following materials before continuing: "Everyone knows that Hollywood sequels are often the most stable and profitable, but whether it's "The Little Mermaid", "Aladdin" or "Beauty and the Beast", these hand-drawn animated films have not released sequels to the public, but plan to release video tapes directly. The main reason for this is because the production cycle of 2D hand-drawn animated films is too long. It may exceed the average five-year period, reaching six or seven years, or even longer.”

"—And I just said that the younger audience of 2D animated films will be replaced every seven years. Maybe after the sequels of these films are completed, the children who originally accounted for more than 40% of the audience have grown up to 2d. In the teenage years when animation is no longer interesting, sequels have little basis for popularity among new younger audiences."

"- Therefore, after a popular hand-drawn animation, Disney's consistent strategy is to directly produce sequels for videotape distribution. This kind of work faces the small screen and does not have high requirements for plot or picture quality. , which also has the advantages of rapid production and low cost. The cost of the film version of "Aladdin" is more than 20 million US dollars, and the production cycle is four and a half years, while the production cost of the sequel for direct release video tape is only 5 million US dollars, and The production process took only two years. Although it made huge profits, this kind of shoddy videotape works only for the pursuit of profit maximization is actually an over-consumption of the Disney brand. In this regard, 3D animation films no matter what It has an absolute advantage in terms of the age distribution of the audience and the production cycle. As long as the 3D animation works are popular enough, not only can a sequel be produced in two to three years, but even after seven years or more , Because of the popularity of all age groups, the sequel can still be launched."

Having said that, the three old men have no intention of continuing to open the next information. Buffett took the lead: "Eric, if you want, I can publicly support your decision in the paper tomorrow, I think Tom and David don't mind doing that. However. I have one last doubt, you You can also choose not to answer, and I will not change my decision."

Eric nodded.

Buffett asked: "With the current strength of Firefly, it is not a big problem to continue to maintain Disney's hand-drawn animation department for a few years to make a more gentle transformation. And I think in the short term, this department will still bring enough profits to Disney. Why do you insist on such a drastic measure when the box office of "The Lion King" is so impressive?"

Eric replied: "This reminds me of a little story in an article about your life experience."

Buffett smiled and signaled Eric to continue, and Tom Murphy also showed curious expressions.

Eric said: "I remember that the article was about the Berkshire Hathaway textile factory. In 1985, the Hathaway textile factory was completely closed, and all the equipment in the factory was auctioned at almost the price of scrap iron. It was only $160,000. The article specifically proposed to mention that in 1981, the Hathaway Textile Mill replaced 200 pieces of textile equipment with a unit price of $5,000. Just four years later, the average processing price of this batch of equipment was With only $16 left, if you chose to shut down the profitable textile business in 1981, not only would you avoid the millions of dollars in lost equipment expenditures, but you could also bring in millions more for Hathaway by selling the textile business. $160,000 in extra income, but just four years later, it's all down to $160,000."

Buffett didn't refute, he nodded frankly, and said, "This is indeed a personal business mistake of mine. At that time, Ken Zeiss, the manager of Hathaway Textile Mills, kept persuading me to sell the textile business in a package. But I didn't do it. "

Eric brought the topic back to Buffett's question and said, "Actually, the measures I took were not drastic. Two years ago, I had already revealed my intention to turn the animation department to 3D production. It's just that most people seem to They may think that hand-drawn animation is indispensable to Disney. Half a year ago, I officially announced the detailed reform plan to the Disney animation department, but it still did not attract enough attention, and now..." Ai Rick spreads his hands: "Perhaps even the members of Disney's animation department who originally supported digital reform must have changed their minds. Disney's hand-drawn animation department has more than 700 animators, and the staff of other supporting departments add up. More than 1,000 people, whether they are out of Due to social impact or labor law constraints, I never thought about making these people unemployed directly. I gave them enough time to make a change, but they didn't cherish it. This time happened to be a good opportunity to lead the way with "The Lion King". Influence, even if they leave Disney, I think there is absolutely no risk of unemployment, so this is the best time to get rid of the burden, maybe Firefly can also get an extra income from it. In the future, 2D animation movies will decline, Then the people who need to worry about the livelihood of these people will no longer be the fireflies."

Buffett listened carefully to Eric's words and asked, "You mean, you plan to sell Disney's hand-drawn animation department as a whole?"

"The first choice in my heart is still to digitally transform the hand-drawn animation department. Disney's hand-drawn animation department has very good producers and directors. If it can successfully transform into 3D animation production, Disney will not need to re-train it," Arie said. Ke said, shaking his head regretfully, and said: "But, it seems that the possibility of this is very low. If the two parties cannot reach an agreement in the end, I will package and sell the entire hand-painted animation department."

"This solution doesn't seem to work," Tom Murphy said. "The most important thing in the animation department is those hand-drawn animators, not valuable assets such as real estate, patents or copyrights. If the final agreement is not reached, I think they are even less likely to let themselves be sold as bargaining chips."

"It's nothing more than profit," Eric said. "As long as they agree, Firefly can return a part of the funds from the sale of the animation department to them as compensation. Moreover, I think the buyer must also want to get a complete animation production department. , Firefly can also sell part of the 2D animation film copyright to increase the success rate of the transaction. At the same time, the whole sale, the animation department employees can also get a higher salary from the buyer. Then, the interests of the three aspects are exactly the same, I can't think of any reason for them to refuse."

David West couldn't help saying: "Eric. I really want to know, what else you haven't considered."

Eric was about to answer, but Buffett had already said: "There are also long-term bonds being issued, Eric. I checked the bond issuance before I came, and Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank have sold a total of 4.9 billion US dollars of bonds. Firefly's long-term bond has a remaining share of $3.1 billion. If you insist on closing the hand-drawn animation department, it will definitely affect Firefly's current bond issuance, have you considered it?"

"Of course." Eric nodded: "At present, Firefly has divested its paper media assets for sale and the hand-drawn animation department that is likely to be sold, which can bring at least $2 billion in free cash flow to Firefly. This money It is enough to make up for any possible impact of the unfavorable bond issuance. Moreover, I believe that after Firefly releases its first half financial report in July, the possibility of bond sales being blocked is almost zero. As long as investors are not stupid, they can see a hand-painted The animation department does not have much impact on the profitability of Firefly Group."

"Then, I don't have any problems here," Buffett said finally. "Eric. If you need our help on this matter, you can speak up?"

Eric knocked on a few documents on the table and said, "I hope everyone can keep the contents of this document confidential. Once it is leaked, those potential buyers will definitely change their minds."

Buffett has recorded the entire document in his mind by virtue of his extraordinary memory. He originally hoped to leave this document for a good taste, but Eric said so, Buffett picked up the document and handed it over in order to show his sincerity. . He smiled and said, "In this case, perhaps it is safest for you to bring this document back."

Tom Murphy and David West followed suit and handed the documents back to Eric.

Eric did not refuse, put away several documents, and said, "In addition, as long as everyone can cooperate with this matter, and help convince other shareholders to keep silent, and then wait for the final result."

"No problem, I'll make a few calls after dinner," Buffett said.

Tom Murphy and David West made the same promise, and all three represent the interests of some of the original shareholders. As long as they come forward to lobby, there will never be any more trouble inside Firefly.

After the differences were resolved, the next dinner seemed very pleasant. The three Buffetts were all elites who had been in the business world for decades. Although Eric seemed too young in the eyes of several people, the complete memory bank of his previous life also allowed him to face the three. Any topic of the old man is not lost, which also makes the three of Buffett stand out again.

The dinner ended at eleven o'clock at midnight, and because it was a civilian-level restaurant, the total consumption of five people was only $220. This invitation was sent by Buffett, but there was no scene of scrambling to pay the bills that Eric remembered.

It's just that when Buffett seriously calculated that there was a full $33 tip to the waiter who was looking forward to the whole night, all but Tom Murphy, an old friend who had been with Buffett for many years, turned a blind eye. In addition, Eric, David West and even Kelly Haynes have an urge to pretend to be passersby.

Until the three of Buffett left in the car, Eric could still feel the sullen face of the female assistant beside him forcibly suppressing some impulsive emotions.

Eric no longer concealed the smile he had just endured, and said to Kelly, "Are you calculating the psychological shadow area of ​​the waiter?"

Kelly Haynes was stunned when she heard the completely unfamiliar phrase 'psychological shadow area', but soon realized the humor and ridicule in it, and her suppressed smile bloomed instantly, saying: "I think this time After that, the waiter will never expect anything from a billionaire again."

Chatting casually, the two walked towards the parking lot next to them, where the driver was already waiting for the car.

The Italian restaurant for dining happened to share the parking lot with a movie theater next to it. It happened to be the end of a movie, and the audience crowded out of the movie theater and rushed towards Eric and Kelly. Because it was late at night, there were very few adults and children, and most of the people who came out were teenagers with rich nightlife. Of course, couples were indispensable among them.

In order to avoid being recognized, Eric took out his sunglasses and put them on. He noticed that the female assistant next to him happened to look at a couple who were almost glued together, and joked, "I also have spare arms for rent here. ,free."

Kelly Haynes felt her heart skip a beat. But forced a calm glance at Eric: "Boss, you are really harassing."

Eric thought that Kelly Haynes was angry, and was about to apologize when the two met the crowd. During the collision, Kelly Haines subconsciously stretched out her hand to wrap the arm of the man beside her, and then the two of them stopped involuntarily.

Eric looked suspiciously at the lowered-eyed female assistant, although the sunglasses affected his eyesight. But he still found that the woman's original white face was stained with a blush.

After the flow of people and Eric met, they quickly turned to the parking lot next to them. Eric saw that the woman did not want to let go of him, so he tentatively stretched out his arms and put his arms around the other's waist, and walked towards the parking lot along the flow of people.

When Carter Moen saw the two approaching, he quietly opened the car door, with a look of ignorance, and he really took it for granted.

But Kelly Haynes was already embarrassed and almost wanted to flee, and a series of thoughts quickly floated in her mind: What happened to me, I definitely didn't mean it just now... I'm ten years older than him. What will he think... It seems that he has always liked mature neodymium people... Bah, what am I thinking, I'm too shameless... This is his own boss... Will he think I'm very casual... No , I have to let him go... But, he is holding me, how can I let go... I'm done, this job will definitely be lost...

Eric gently let the woman into the carriage and sat in with him. Carter Moen got into the car and waited quietly for the boss's orders, based on experience. It should not be returning to the Sharphorn Manor.

After a few minutes of silence, Eric glanced at the female assistant who was a little lost, thinking of the movie theater just now, and tentatively said: "How about. Let's go to a midnight movie together?"

Kelly Haynes finally woke up, shook her head quickly, and said, "It's very late, and I have to go to work tomorrow."

Eric tried to make a joke to ease the atmosphere, and said, "Don't forget, your boss is by your side."

"But Mr. Katzenberg isn't that easy to talk about. If I'm late for tomorrow morning's regular meeting, he...he'll be absolutely furious."

Eric will not interfere with the authority of the management because of these trivial matters, saying: "Then, I will send you back, where is your home?"

When Kelly Haynes heard this question, she panicked again, but she still gave her address.

Eric gestured to Carter Moen, and the car started quickly.

Forty minutes later, the limousine pulled up outside a villa in a wealthy area north of Santa Monica.

Because of the awkward contact just now, the two of them didn't exchange a few words along the way. After Kelly Haynes got out of the car, Eric also got out of the car out of courtesy.

"Then, see you tomorrow," Eric said, feeling the atmosphere was still a little strange, and subconsciously wanted to put his hands in his pockets, but he was wearing a suit instead of casual clothes, which would look very weird and also There is no action.

Kelly Haynes hummed lowly, still not daring to look at Eric: "Good night, old... Boss."

Eric could feel the woman carefully using this more formal title to draw a line with herself, and said in agreement, "Good night, Miss Haines."

The female assistant just subconsciously wanted to use the title 'boss' to remind herself and Eric, but when she heard Eric's equally alienating title, she became uneasy, and said after a while, "Or, yes Don't come in for a coffee."

Eric has always felt that he is a person who loves fragrant and cherishes jade. He feels the woman in front of him worrying about gains and losses. A burst of irritability hits him, and he suddenly loses his patience. He turned around and knocked on the car window next to him, and when Carter Moen lowered the glass window, he said, "I'll have a cup of coffee at Kelly's house, you can pick me up tomorrow morning.

Mr. Bodyguard was also straightforward, nodded in response, and then started the car and drove away.

Kelly Haynes stared dumbfounded at what happened in front of her, her face turned red again, and said, "I, I have no other intentions, I really just want, I want to invite you to a cup of coffee..."

At the end of the speech, the voice of the female assistant was barely audible, and she also realized that it was almost twelve o'clock, what the hell was drinking coffee.

Eric arrogantly hugged the charming body in front of him into his arms, and under the weak resistance of the woman, he said, "I don't mean anything else, I haven't run a marathon for a long time, I just had a cup of coffee to refresh myself and ran back. Malibu, I'll be home before dawn."

Kelly Haynes burst out laughing, and the last trace of entanglement disappeared inexplicably, and said softly: "You are really a rogue."

Having said that, the woman did not resist any more. They walked into the villa together, and before they could turn on the lights, the two figures in the dimness were already close to each other. The female assistant was about to say something, but a somewhat puzzled voice rang in advance: "Ms. Haines, is that you?"

Kelly Haynes bounced off Eric like an electric shock, and replied with a trembling voice, "Jenny, it's me, you... you go to sleep."

The voice paused, but replied quickly: "Okay, Ms. Haynes."

After listening for a while and making sure that the other party didn't mean to leave the room, Kelly was relieved and felt that Eric was entangled again. She quickly pushed the man away and whispered, "I'll go see Nina."

Eric snorted and felt the woman walking towards a room next to him in the dim light, and followed him subconsciously.

When she came to the door, Kelly Haines realized that Eric was behind her. Thinking of what was going to happen next, the woman couldn't help but feel shy and said angrily, "You, you are not allowed to follow."

Eric thought that Kelly was going to his daughter's bedroom, and stopped wisely.

After a few minutes, the female assistant came out wriggling again. Eric stopped holding back, picked up the woman rudely, and asked in a hoarse voice, "Where is the bedroom?"

The woman's body trembled slightly and pointed in one direction, and the two figures quickly disappeared into a house.

What they didn't know was that in the nanny's room, another girl named Jennifer stood behind the door with a gap open, widened her eyes, covered her mouth with one hand, and stood there for a few minutes, and then Keep her awake all night.

Thinking of the big Hollywood man I recognized because of curious prying eyes, all the messy thoughts swirled in my mind all night. (To be continued.)

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