Chapter 32: flame

On the morning of the next day, Wang Yang received information from Jon on the Internet. He scanned it slightly. There were about thirty companies. The names of these companies were hardly heard, and some of them even No official website has been established.
However, this information is very detailed, including the basic information of these film companies, such as which films have been produced and which films have been released; and the current status information and analysis of these companies, which companies launched a bad film, the box office failed , Resulting in a large loss; what company did another deal, it is estimated that it is currently in debt crisis; what company's chairman has the will to sell the company.
Wang Yang held the mouse to scroll the screen and carefully looked at this information. I could n’t help but sigh. No wonder Lion Gate can become the most successful independent production company in the future. No wonder Lion Gate ’s sense of smell is always so good and always successful. Take small broad. It can be understood by looking at these materials. It turns out that Lion Gate always pays attention to these small film companies and small-cost movies. They pay attention to and analyze the success and failure of small-cost movies. Their understanding of the market is getting higher and higher. I have selected a set of films.
Of course, there is no analysis of Lion Gate in these materials, but only declarative content, and Jon Filtim will not give him the internal documents of Lion Gate.
"I don't want to have debt ..." Wang Yang murmured to the screen, manually filtering out those companies that were determined or guessed to have debt. These companies did not know how much money they owed to the bank. He didn't need to pick up this mess.
There are a dozen remaining financially healthy companies. Some companies have only a production system and no distribution system; some companies have their own distribution systems and distribution channels, they can produce independently, and then contact the cinema for screening matters, but they often The competition is not big companies, and the theaters are reluctant to show their low-cost movies. They will only arrange some dilapidated movie theaters for trial screening. Most of the time they will end with box office failure.
In fact, it is not difficult for a company to build its own issuance system, but the addition of this system means that the company has more departments and more employees. Including the department in charge of the copy business, they must do a good job of copying, storing, and transporting the copy of a film; the screening business department, they must deal with the cinema company, and they must also do a variety of transportation (airplanes, ships, etc.) ) Shang, and various places (schools, hospitals, etc.) and other non-theater screenings; there are administrative, system, and sales operations.
More distribution system and a lot of overhead, this is always fatal for small film companies. Therefore, many small companies only produce films, and the films are made. When they are released, they seek cooperation from distribution companies. They do not need to pay for publicity fees, and do not need to pay for distribution costs such as copying and transportation. If the movie makes money, their profit will be less; but if the movie loses money, their loss will be less.
However, Wang Yang hopes that he can acquire a company with distribution ability, because he is confident that "High School Musical" can make money, so why is it necessary to talk to those distribution companies in the future, so as to persuade them to help the distribution? Come by yourself!
Wang Yang watched it for a while, and a company called "A-Pix Entertainment" caught his attention. This company was founded in 1993. It has no debts and has produced several small-cost movies. It also has a distribution business until More than 30 small-cost movies have been released so far. Of course, none of these movies is influential. Some of them have been launched in cooperation with video tape and DVD distribution companies. Several have been screened in movie theaters, but basically all The trial failed after a week of screening, and these films obviously did not bring much profit to A-Pix.
A-Pix's current profit-making methods are mainly to buy some low-cost R-rated movies, such as "Sister Passion", "Spirituality", "Erotic Games", etc., and then release video tapes to earn very small profits To maintain expenses, so there is no debt yet.
And this year, A-Pix launched a self-made R-class movie "Beacon Land", but this movie that gave them high hopes was previewed in 17 theaters in the first week, and only received 61,500 box office. The final screening was only 147,700 in two weeks, and the loss was heavy. Chris Lynch, the chairman of A-Pix, was immediately discouraged and had the idea of ​​selling the company.
This company's finances are very healthy. Relying on the existing copyright income, it can barely maintain the balance of income and expenditure; with experience in film production, as well as the ability to distribute DVDs and contact the theater show ... Wang Yang is a little moved, he I searched the movie library in my head. Of course, I couldn't find a movie like A-Pix's "Sister Passion", but this movie was launched as early as 1994, and he can see it if he wants to watch it. .
And A-Pix's future movie, there is no one, so he will not get information about this company. However, it seems that if he does not buy, the movie will not last long. When the chairman begins to be frustrated, and there is no good movie for them in the future, it means that they are not far away.
Wang Yang initially selected this A-Pix entertainment company, ready to call to ask. But let him make a movie, he will; let him buy the company, he does not understand many aspects, so he feels that he really needs a broker, at this time, the broker can act as his investment advisor, later You can also negotiate with A-Pix on his behalf.
In fact, many agents have contacted him long ago, and they do n’t know where they found the number. They all hope to be his agent. However, Wang Yang has not made a decision. Now is the time. He took out his mobile phone, found the "Mark-Srante" number in the address book, and called it.
Mark-Slante, when casting a role for "Smart and Ghost Record", worked with Wang Yang as a representative of the actor union. When Wang Yang became a national supernova director overnight, Mark Srant contacted Wang Yang for the first time and recommended himself. Wang Yang has seen his files and certificates. He graduated from the University of Southern California Business School. They said that they are still "alumni", and then he is also a CAA agent. Why is the business school of the University of Southern Canada also a famous school, and how can Mark-Slanter get mixed up to earn the commission of small actors?
Wang Yang asked him that way at the time, and Mark-Slante replied that he was hired as a distribution manager by a film company as soon as he graduated. The company went bankrupt because of debt. He did n’t even publish a movie and became a "manager of the bankrupt company." The manager of the brokerage company, yes, quickly went bankrupt again. Mark Srant, who couldn't find a job, thought that the former broker of the brokerage company was quite profitable, so he simply obtained the broker's license and started as a broker.
The phone was connected, and Wang Yang smiled and said, "Hey, Mark? Are you interested in being my temporary agent."
"Young director, are you serious? Oh, of course I am interested." Mark laughed excitedly and said: "You asked me to be your agent, it is a wise choice!" Wang Yang said, He said to himself: "Tell me, do you want to be an idol director, all day exposure, catwalk, gossip; or a working director, horror movie, comedy movie ..."
"Stop!" Wang Yang shouted angrily, rolling his eyes: "Mark, you are like this, I'm afraid I'll ask another smart." Mark-Srant quickly yelled: "No! Well, you think How do I work?
Wang Yang explained with a smile:
Hey, I ’m not going to be an entertainment agent. I do n’t need to be packaged. Do you understand? I ’m going to buy a film company. I need an investment consultant. Professionals. Does the University of South Carolina Business School teach these? How are you interested? "
Hearing Wang Yang ’s words, Mark-Srant immediately rejuvenated and said:
OK, I am very interested, I am a professional.
Wang Yang said seriously:
If this acquisition, you are satisfied with what you have done, I will hire you formally. "Mark-Slante was silent for a while, then smiled:" So, this is an opportunity for me? Thank you, I just need this opportunity. "
After hiring Mark Srant, Wang Yang ’s acquisition team added several people one after another, including Hebrew Karl, who is in charge of law, a professional financial accountant, and an asset appraiser.
First of all, Mark Srant contacted A-Pix, and the board did have an intention to sell the company. The founder of the company, Chris Lynch, is over fifty years old. He started as a retailer and made some fortunes. A few years ago, he enthusiastically established A-Pix company and began to join the film industry. The result was continuous setbacks. Recently, he was tired after the box office defeat of "Beacon Land", which has invested millions of dollars, and he wanted to retire.
So as long as the price is right, he will sell 85% of the company's equity in his hand; A-Pix still has 15% of the equity scattered among some small partners. If Wang Yang wants a wholly-owned acquisition, he can also help convince those partner.
So, Wang Yang's acquisition team got the financial statements of A-Pix Company, and wrote clearly the company's income and expenditure, all claims, debts and assets. Wang Yang's professional accountant made an audit report on this report, no problem; then the asset appraiser began to conduct a comprehensive valuation of A-Pix.
Things to be evaluated include office chairs and tables at the company headquarters, TVs, etc., and some camera equipment that are not new. There is no camera or the like in these equipment. When making movies, those valuables are rented back. Therefore, there are only some cheap things like camera guides in the equipment library; of course, there are more important intangible assets, that is, the copyright of the films of "Sister Passion", and some business relationships.
The appraiser made the whole A-Pix jump, and finally assessed that the value of A-Pix was about 2.5 million. This company is considered to be a high-quality company. Although it can only maintain a balance of payments and earn only a few hundred thousand yuan a year, they have no debt at least. Of course, this year's "Beacon Land" caused the company to lose nearly 1 million, and the hundreds of thousands of profits cannot be counted. If no new capital is injected this year, the company will either go bankrupt or owe debt.
After reading the evaluation report, Wang Yang ’s acquisition team formally made the first offer to A-Pix after the negotiation. This starting price is neither very low nor too high. A-Pix's 2.5 million valuation deducts its loss of about 700,000 this year, and the market value should be about 1.5-1.8 million. But the A-Pix company responded with a 3 million. This is normal. There is negotiation in business. At this time, we have to enter the stage where you come and go around the negotiation table.
"Mr. Lynch, do you think we are the countrymen just out of town? Haven't you walked into the cinema yesterday? Please! 3 million?" Chris Lynch, said: "If you want 3 million, why don't we set up a new company? Look at your copyrights, Mr. Lynch, please tell me, is it really worth three million?"
Chris Lynch in a black suit wiped his forehead helplessly, his lips moved, and he was still speechless.
Mark Srant calmed down again and said sincerely: "Mr. Lynch, you know, there are too many film companies in Los Angeles. We can even find a company that is going to fail, and then stand at the door of their company to recruit people. Mr. Lynch, we are very sincere in proposing to buy A-Pix, but IMHO, we are not going to buy the copyright of your movie, we are going to buy the experience of this company. "He stared at Chris Lynch, Tao: "Mr. Lynch, everyone is honest, 1.5 million."
"I ... I think about it." Chris Lynch frowned tightly, struggling.
Mark-Srant quietly gave Wang Yang, who was next to him, a look "basically done". Wang Yang smiled slightly, and gave him a thumbs down under the conference table. This guy is worthy of being a talented student at the business school. Although he usually has a bad mouth, but when negotiating, he is anxious and he is slow. Slowly, Chris Lynch was completely controlled in rhythm, undoubtedly prevailing.
This negotiation did not end there, and after a few days of tug-of-war, the two sides finally agreed on the purchase price. Chris Lynch and the partners received 1.7 million, and Wang Yang received 100% equity in A-Pix.
On this day, on the 12th floor of a commercial building in Los Angeles, the headquarters of A-Pix, in the office, the employees were sitting lazily on the chairs. Everyone ’s eyes were a little worried, and they looked at the closed side from time to time. In the conference room at the gate, they discussed in a voice: "It was the director who filmed" Smart and Ghost Record "..." "Hey, my God! An 18-year-old kid? God knows if he will mess up ... … "" God bless me, I don't want to lose this job ... "
In the conference room, Wang Yang and his acquisition team, Chris Lynch and his partners were all present. Wang Yang looked at the contract spread out at the conference table, and then looked at the opposite Chris Lynch Waiting for someone, he suddenly remembered a few months ago, when he signed a contract in the meeting room of Lions Gate Company, when he got a distribution opportunity appreciated by the film company; now, he will get a film company immediately.
It's crazy! Wang Yang sighed again in his heart, smiled, and took a pen to sign his name on the contract. Hebrew Karl took the contract to the other side of the conference table and handed a pen: "Mr. Lynch, it's your turn."
Partners of A-Pix quickly signed their names. Chris Lynch took the last sign. He took a deep breath, holding the pen, and moved slowly, watching the contract fascinate. After a while, Hebrew-Karl had to say aloud: "Mr. Lynch?" Chris Lynch "Oh", frowning, quickly signed his name, for a moment, He seemed to be ten years old and put down his pen in a lonely expression.
Looking at Chris Lynch, Wang Yang felt his mood and sold it for many years. Since then, he has nothing to do with himself, can it be uncomfortable? Wang Yang stood up, walked over to the conference table, held out his hand to Chris Lynch, and said sincerely: "Mr. Lynch, you will know in the future that it is correct to put A-Pix in my hands. Thing. "He smiled and said," Of course, not that it will fail, but that it will get better and better. "
Chris Lynch also smiled. He put away the depressed mood and smiled: "You will, the future is young, isn't it? I'm old and I should retire." He and Wang Yang grip After shaking hands, looking at Wang Yang's eyes, he said: "Mr. Wang, I hope you can realize your own words and make the company better and better; and please treat your employees kindly, they are all very good people."
Wang Yang nodded seriously and said, "I will. Mr. Lin Qi, you can rest assured."
"Mr. Wang, I have another request." Chris Lynch took a deep breath and pleaded in his tone: "Can you keep the company's name and logo?"
"This ..." Wang Yang hesitated for a moment. Although Chris Lynch's almost begging look made it difficult to refuse, he still stubbornly shook his head and said: "Mr. Berg, forgive me not to promise you, I Will change the company's name and logo. "
Changing the company ’s name and logo is not a fun for him, but to eliminate the previous company image. Although A-Pix is ​​not well-known, there are always some people who know that they have launched countless R-rated films and bad films. , Which makes the company's image tend to be third-rate; and the next he will produce "High School Musical", but 100% healthy and upward G-level film, there will not even be a kissing lens, if it is launched under the name of A-Pix The market is bound to be affected.
Therefore, it is imperative to change the company name and logo. This is to draw a clear line with the past and represents a new beginning. As for the original movie library of A-Pix, he will register another shell company, as a subsidiary, silently continue to earn the royalties of those R-rated films.
Chris Lynch sighed and said, "I know." He asked again: "Can you tell me, what name will the company change to?" Wang Yang shrugged and said, "I haven't thought about it yet. "Chris Lynch said:" Well, young man, come with me, I will take you to see your employees. "Wang Yang nodded and said:" OK. "
Wang Yang's group came outside the meeting room, and the large office was suddenly silent. All the administrative staff of these were quietly looking at the entrance of the meeting room.
"Hello everyone, maybe you have known me long ago, yes, I am Wang Yang." Wang Yang walked to the middle of the office and looked around the employees. He was a little nervous and laughed: "I am your new boss now, okay Do n’t look at me with that kind of look, I ’m a little scared.
Everyone laughed suddenly, and Wang Yang smiled and announced:
Inside the company, I wo n’t make any changes for the time being, and everyone will operate as usual . "
His voice did not fall, the employees clapped hard, whistling, and everyone smiled. For the past few days, what they fear most is hearing the new boss say "layoffs"; but now, they can temporarily let go of their hanging hearts.
"Hey guys!" Wang Yang shouted loudly and made everyone quiet down, laughing: "But what I have to say is that the company will make the next movie right away, with a 5 million investment, soon Everyone will be busy! "
All the employees cheered. They applauded excitedly and shouted "Great!" The production company is afraid that there is no production plan, which means that the work is idle and does not need so many employees; and now invest 5 million at once The risk of layoffs is much lower.
Chris Lynch looked at the jubilant office as if he had put down a big rock in his heart, and he felt comfortable in the chest without the dull feeling. He looked at Wang Yang not far away and smiled with relief. Come on, young man!
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After a busy day, Wang Yang, who became the new owner of A-Pix, returned to the apartment. He took a hot bath, came to the desk in clean clothes and sat down, thinking that he actually owned a film company. He couldn't help but smile happily, it was unbelievable. In fact, Jessica, Rachel and Zachary, these good friends, did not know about this matter. The acquisitions over the past week have been quietly proceeding.
But Wang Yang is not in a hurry to share his joy with them, because he still has something to do, what name does the company change, and what logo does it change?
Taking out a piece of A4 paper, Wang Yang was scribbling on it with a pencil. On the blank paper, a circle of pencil marks suddenly appeared. He let himself immerse himself in the memories, thinking about the scene he walked along, He made up his mind in the coffee shop: "Jessica, I want to be a director, I want to make a movie!" In the bar, Rachel said to him with a smile: "And there is, like a flying to the flames Moth, very romantic! "
He remembered the alley that night. The blonde girl was lying on the ground, holding her leather bag tightly, and said blankly: "I just, I just can't let him take my bag ..." He can't forget The girl was so confused and sad that she couldn't forget her words: "Director, do you say I should go home?"
"I don't want to be old until I regret it!" Thinking of himself, Wang Yang's hand paused. He looked at the A4 paper on the desktop ~ EbookFREE.me ~ The pencil in his hand was slowly in the blank space Drew a moth.
"Congratulations, young man!" Jon, Tom, and Michael smiled at him with a smile on his face, and he was awarded the Lions Gate's release contract. The movie was released. He sat in the cinema, enjoying success, spreading his hands like a dancing butterfly: "Yes, I found it!"
His hands were shaking a little, and a butterfly was painted on the right side of the moth. He looked at the moths and butterflies on the paper. They seemed to come to life suddenly and flew out of the paper. They danced their wings, entangled together, and flew to the sky.
At this moment, Wang Yang suddenly had a lot of enlightenment. That night, he had a question, is the moth that puts out the fire stupid or courageous? He now seems to have the answer.
He is a moth, and Anne Darren is a moth. Are they stupid to rush towards the flames? No, the light emitted by the flames is what they are after and what their dreams are. They rushed to the flames and sometimes they were burned to death without even ashes; but sometimes they survived and got themselves Pursuit.
This is not stupid, or courage, this is just a kind of attachment. But it is this kind of perseverance that allows moths to bloom their own beauty, even for a short moment, and let the world know that they are more beautiful than those butterflies dancing in the daytime.
In a circle of pencils, Wang Yang painted a flame in the middle of moths and butterflies, and wrote a name "Flame Movie" next to it.
Whether it is a moth or a butterfly, they are beautiful because of this flame, without the light of this flame, they will only sink into darkness forever.
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PS: Thank you for your support, so that Wow Li rushed to the weekly recommendation list, but we should not be slack, continue to smash the ticket, and maintain this position!