Once Upon a Time In Hollywood

Chapter 452 Disney (1)

Pixar is actually a very complex company.

Although at the beginning of its birth, that is, when the founder of the New York Institute of Technology, Alexander Schur, established the computer graphics laboratory, what they were pursuing was to use computers to make the world's first computer animation movie.

But the problem is, when they were founded, Steve Jobs who founded Apple was still selling Arkanoid! Bill Gates and Paul Allen haven't dropped out yet! When the microcomputer market is barren, the field of special-purpose computers is dominated by IBM, and there is no mature computer for making images on the market, what should computer animation films do?

Can't do it!

So, their skill tree is a bit off.

In order to make the world's first computer-animated film, they first had to develop a machine that can do graphics. When the purpose was clear, the founder of the computer graphics laboratory, Alexander Schur, found Ed, who graduated from the University of Utah. Win Catmull, for making Westworld, the world's first film to use computer-generated pixel art images.

Then, Alvy Smith was recruited from Carnegie Institute of Technology.

Because he wrote the world's first 'drawing' program that can edit images on a computer in 1965.

And these two were the mainstay of Pixar animation later.

Of course, this is not the point.

The real point is that when they decided to form a research and development team with the two of them as the core, they also recruited Jim Clark, a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Utah, as a team member, and he...

was later the founder of SGI and Netscape, the world's largest 3D graphics computer workstation seller.

At the beginning of the company's establishment, Alexander Shure provided it with 15 million start-up funds, but unfortunately, in that era of barren standards, they worked hard for five years without any results. Under the circumstances, the company fell into serious financial difficulties, and when Alexander Schur led them to review and found that it was not advisable to blindly develop machines without understanding film production, he contacted Francis Coppola, who has been in New York all year round, wants to learn from the great director who has already made "The Godfather".

However, when Francis Coppola discovered that this group of people was actually doing computer visual effects, and the research and development direction was exactly the same as that of Lucasfilm, he backhandedly pulled these people to Los Angeles, and asked them to work with the "Star Wars" that had already been worked out. "'s George Lucas shared his views on the future of movies, and after three days of exchanges, Edwin Catmull and Alvy Smith decided to join Lucasfilm because they found that, His own technology coincides with the ideas of Industrial Light and Magic.

As a result, in 1979, Pixar's predecessor, the Computer Graphics Laboratory, was disbanded.

Instead, it was the establishment of a graphic image studio under Lucasfilm.

At the same time, Jim Clark, who didn't want to continue to ponder in the field of animation, chose to quit and went to Stanford to teach.

But his research topic remains unchanged.

Manufacturing a graphics workstation, which uses geometric models to render computer images, is his goal.

The next thing is very simple.

Edwin Catmull and Alvy Smith, who were attracted by the technology of Industrial Light and Magic, began to participate in the visual effects production of Lucasfilm, "Star Wars", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Star Trek"...these They are all in the movies.

While staying at Stanford, Jim Clark used the scientific research funds provided by Stanford, and at the same time used the data from Industrial Light and Magic to create a computer dedicated to making images.

When SGI appeared, everyone was very excited!

Because Edwin Catmull and Alvy Smith felt that their original goal, the world's first computer animation film, had hope of being made! And Jim Clark believes that his life has gained corresponding value!

Unfortunately-

Haven't waited for him to cooperate yet.

The problem arises.

because…

George Lucas is divorced.

Many people know that George Lucas is the father of Star Wars, but the vast majority of people don't know that "Star Wars" was completed by him and his wife Maria Griffin.

Like the plot of Darth Vader killing Obi-Wan Kenobi, that was her handwriting, and the plot of Han Solo helping Luke Skywalker in the end was also added by her. Not only that, she also added It won the Academy Award for Best Editing for Star Wars.

After the second and third part, she is the screenwriter.

It is precisely because she is very important to the "Star Wars" series, so when she and George Lucas announced their divorce, almost everyone felt that the "Star Wars" series was over!

George Lucas himself has canceled a sequel trilogy!

When the revenue of the "Star Wars" series has plummeted to a degree that can be discerned by the naked eye, it is obviously impossible for George Lucas to invest money in Pixar.

Ever since, Edwin Catmull and Alvi Smith, who were supposed to try to make animated films, began to save themselves. They decided to turn Pixar into a hardware company like SGI, mainly for government agencies and the scientific community. Provide technical support, but unfortunately, with SGI in front, they can't sell hardware at all.

And when George Lucas and Maria Griffin officially divorced, he lost a lot of property and suddenly fell into financial difficulties. In order to save himself, he decided to sell Pixar, which had no effect.

At this time, Steve Jobs, who happened to be kicked out of Apple by Sequoia Capital, saw the influence of SGI in the hardware field. Wanting to replicate the success of SGI, he made an offer to George Lucas, hoping to buy the company.

And then there is…

Steven Spielberg came forward and asked his old friend to sell Pixar to Steve Jobs for 10 million.

That's right!

Even though Steve Jobs had the idea of ​​entering Hollywood, his core purpose was to challenge Microsoft!

It's just...

SGI didn't give him this chance.

After repeated failures in a row, Steve Jobs also lost interest in the field of dedicated graphics computers, allowing the people under him to make animations and help other companies shoot advertisements.

Yet the decision landed them an Oscar.

When the trophy was in hand, Steve Jobs, who felt that he would not be able to kill Microsoft if he continued to make trouble in the animation field, was eyeing the declining Apple. He wanted to give birth to his son again after Sequoia Capital quit, so when When Disney was interested in their technology and wanted them to help him with animation, Steve Jobs agreed without thinking about it.

And when he was about to sell, he was stopped by his friends. After deciding to take another gamble, his personal net worth exceeded the market value of Apple in an instant, making his subsequent return more legendary.

But, this kind of mistake also brought serious consequences.

The slave contract signed to sell the company has always been an unbearable pain point for Steve Jobs.

Disney enjoys the copyright of all Pixar works, not to mention, even the distribution fee, they have to receive 15 points, and then Disney prohibits Pixar from fully contributing, so Pixar can only get 10% of a movie income.

This kind of humiliation was unacceptable to Steve Jobs, but as a mature entrepreneur, he was also responsible for his actions, but just when he wanted to endure all this, after the contract ended, he mentioned When mentioning his own treatment, his appeal was rejected by Disney. Michael Eisner did not want to improve Pixar's treatment.

In this way, Steve Jobs, who feels that Disney is still insulting people, believes that his negotiations with them will eventually go bankrupt, and before that, he must find a way out.

As for things like the back road...

There are so many!

"So, what do you want me to help you with?" Roland crossed his hands, resting on his stomach, with a headache.

Because this business is simply not easy to do!

Before, when he learned from Steven Spielberg that Pixar did not enjoy various copyrights of works under his name, Roland didn't want this worthless company.

You can eat "Toy Story" for 25 years...

Not theirs!

Finding Nemo that can be eaten for twenty years...

Not theirs either!

You can eat "The Incredibles" for fifteen years...

Not theirs yet!

After that, "Cars", "Ratatouille"...

Still not theirs!

How many IPs does Pixar have in total?

Six!

As a result, the five are not their own?

What's the use of this?

Eat ashes?

And if the value of these IPs is taken away and the company is just acquired, then Roland is still willing.

Because what you get in this way is technology.

But the problem is...

Will Steve Jobs sell it like this?

Obviously impossible!

When the value of these IPs has been brand-bound with Pixar, only a fool can sell them dehydrated!

In this way, the problem arises. Just like Goldman Sachs thinks that Warcraft Movie and TV is not worth 30 billion, Roland now also thinks that Pixar is not worth tens of billions at all, and if this is the case, Steve Jobs Hope he can buy it, then...

Then the fun begins.

Because as long as Roland nodded and agreed, he would be being taken advantage of.

If you refuse and drive down the price crazily, then you really have nothing to do with your friends.

But when Roland was praying that this guy must not even think about coming to him to cash out, Steve Jobs, who heard Roland was puzzled, also said, "The main reason I came to you is to ask, is Warcraft film and television released externally?" ?”

‘? '

As soon as the words came out, Roland breathed a sigh of relief, "Do you want me to help you publish?"

"Ask." Steve Jobs did not give a clear answer.

"Ask? Yes..." Roland liked this kind of development very much.

As long as Steve Jobs doesn't sell the company out of the blue, that means he wants to keep the fortune.

Since he wants to hold on to this wealth, Roland doesn't have to worry that his offer will arouse the other party's dissatisfaction.

So, he said directly: "Although we Warcraft Film and Television has never undertaken project distribution outside, if you really want to ask us to do it, we can still do it. As for the standard, just follow the industry's practice.

10% of the distribution fee, no publicity fee, as for whether the film is making a loss or making a profit...

has nothing to do with us. "

What Roland gave was a fair price. When Time Warner, Disney, Universal, and Paramount acted as distribution agents for those small film companies, they all charged 15% of the box office.

If you run into a black-hearted ghost like Fox, it's over...

Because they will hand over the publicity work to their own News Corporation and Media Center.

In this way, the publicity fee that needs to be deducted from the box office is also in your own pocket.

What you sell is just a little media window.

However, this is also impossible.

Who makes the channel dealers most profitable?

Apple tax has been implemented for many years, and Amazon’s commission has never been less, and the forty thieves are all in charge of coffee standards. This kind of cross-industry law enforcement is the charm brought by monopoly. .

"Ten percent? This is quite fair." After listening to Roland's answer, Steve Jobs nodded and said, "In the new agreement I negotiated with Disney, I just want to keep the work. Copyright, retains the right to contribute to the work, and only gives Disney the distribution rights and a distribution fee of 10% to 15%, but they just don't agree.

For this, I hope to put some pressure on them.

Let them know that Pixar can function without them. "

The slightly complaining words made Roland nod his head in his heart.

Because of this kind of thinking, it is in line with Steve Jobs' style.

As a guy who wants to fight Microsoft to the end, he can't bow to Disney who is weaker than Microsoft.

Dead knock!

That's him!

However, while thinking through this experience, Roland also had some doubts in his heart, "That's not right!

If your goal is to put pressure on Disney, then you don’t need to find me at all!

Why don't you just ask Steven? DreamWorks can also take over your project!

Moreover, their experience is much richer than that of a leather bag company like mine! "

That's right! Roland is a little strange!

If Steve Jobs wanted to put pressure on Disney to agree to Pixar's request, then he should go to DreamWorks, which has more experience in distribution! Although DreamWorks and Warcraft Movies and Television share a distribution channel, it is only an overseas distribution. The North American distribution that belongs to the country is actually done by DreamWorks itself!

And Warcraft Movies and TVs?

As a leather bag company, everyone really can't ask too much of it!

When all movies are co-produced with other companies, Warcraft Movies doesn’t even have a distribution channel in North America!

"X-Men", that's what Universal did.

"Lord of the Rings," that's what Disney did.

"Harry Potter", that was done by Warner.

As for itself?

Besides copyright, the only thing that is poor is money.

"So, if you say to Disney, I am willing to take on your distribution work, then Disney will not be afraid.

Because if I really do it for you guys, I have to throw it to DreamWorks for the North American release.

That is to say, the 10% commission has nothing to do with me. After I accept your order, I will transfer the mainland part to DreamWorks and the global part to Sony...

Of course, after Sony Pictures Entertainment is swallowed by DreamWorks, it will become fully taken over by DreamWorks. "

Speaking of this, Roland shrugged.

Because he felt that it was a mistake for this guy to find him.

But before his voice fell, Steve Jobs had already laughed.

"Yes, that's true..."

"Then you still looking for me?" Roland rolled his eyes.

"Otherwise? Should I go to William?" Steve Jobs said, "Even if everyone knows that I'm going to you for distribution, it's like going to DreamWorks for distribution, but it's not the same as going to DreamWorks for myself Issue, but two concepts.

The former is you who came forward, and the latter is directly connected with the company in which Microsoft has a stake.

I don't want anything to do with William, so...

I can only trouble you. "

"Wow..." This explanation made Roland sigh speechlessly.

Because he really didn't expect that this guy would still be so resistant to Microsoft after the two parties had cooperated.

but…

If you resist, just resist.

Has nothing to do with him.

As long as these guys feel that what they do can make them happy, then he...

It doesn't matter!

Anyway, he doesn't have to do the work himself!

Compared with oil and financial transactions, this kind of matchmaking is really too simple!

But when Roland clapped his hands, he felt that this was the end of the matter. When the two of them could go in and chat with everyone, the old guy who saw Roland's thoughts said again: "Hey, don't worry, I haven't finished talking yet..."

"What? Do you have any questions? Isn't the matter resolved?" Roland blinked.

"Yes, the matter was indeed resolved, but this is not the result I wanted."

Steve Jobs cleared his throat and said: "We all know that Pixar without the copyright of the original works is worthless at all, because no one knows whether our next work will be a hit, and The sequel of the original work is the fundamental measure of the value of the entire company, so, my core appeal is to let Disney continue to accept Pixar.

Or, let Pixar take back the copyright of all projects from Disney. "

"Then you are dreaming."

Roland said bluntly: "It is possible for Disney to accept Pixar.

But it is impossible for Pixar to get back all the copyrights from Disney.

Even if it is bought, it is impossible for Disney to sell it.

People are not stupid. "

"Yeah, they're not stupid." Steve Jobs agreed with Roland's words, but at the same time, he also looked at Roland with a half-smile and said, "It's because they're not stupid that they understand that Pixar is important to them. Say how important it is.

The reason why I dare to use your strength to put pressure on Disney is because Disney cannot do without Pixar.

Although it is said that creativity is king in animated films, it is useless to have creativity without production.

How to turn ideas into reality is the key factor to measure whether a film and television company can make money.

But when all the technical copyrights are in the hands of Pixar, as long as they kick us away, they will not be able to replicate the previous success. Therefore, the reason why they continue to oppress Pixar and make me angry is that they hope to buy Pixar ?

When all technology and copyrights belong to them, they can achieve future success.

Similarly, I contacted you at this time to put pressure on Disney, just to make Pixar sell at a good price! "

Steve Jobs winked at Roland.

Roland, who instinctively frowned, was shocked!

Cursed in my heart, 'Hold the grass! ’ After that, the surprise that surged up at that moment made him look at the other party with a very absurd look, because he really didn’t expect that Steve Jobs was looking for him to raise the price for Pixar?

He wanted to sell Pixar to Disney from the very beginning?

this…

It's just...

It’s so weird!

While Roland was eating the whale, Steve Jobs, who seemed very satisfied with Roland's current state, continued: "Of course, it is not easy to sell Pixar at a good price.

Just now you asked me why I didn't find DreamWorks.

DreamWorks' Jeffrey Katzenberg and Michael Eisner have a feud, how can I find it?

So, it is inevitable to find you.

Of course, the core purpose of my looking for you, besides hoping that you can cooperate with me to raise the price, the most important point is still related to Michael Eisner. I don’t like this guy, I hope he can get out...

And this matter, only you can help me. "

‘? ? ? '

Countless question marks suddenly appeared on Roland's face.

Because he really didn't know what Steve Jobs was talking about.

"No, can you speak clearly?" Roland shook his legs. He felt that the old man's constant charades were meaningless. "Let's just talk about something? You want me to start with live-action movies and put pressure on Disney. Do you want them to kick Michael Eisner? Or do you want me to contact Warren and ask him to kick Michael Eisner from the perspective of the shareholders of the company?

If it is the former, I think it is unlikely.

And if it's the latter, I think it's not very likely.

Although projects such as "Lord of the Rings" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" have had an impact on Disney, they are not enough to be fatal until they are fully sold, and Berkshire Hathaway only holds a small share of Disney, so …

It is not fatal if other shareholders cannot be contacted. "

What Roland said was the truth.

For Disney, the current Warcraft film and television has not yet reached the point where Pixar can’t give up, and when Michael Eisner has done more than his deeds, the profit-seeking shareholders will actually not be kicked because of their few words. go him.

So, even if he knew that Disney would change coaches, Roland couldn't immediately advance the matter.

After all, it was Michael Eisner who kicked out all the members of the Disney family from Disney, which really angered the shareholders of Disney. This kind of wage earners took away the shareholders, which made them feel fear.

And when Roland felt that it was more useful for Steve Jobs to beg himself than to turn his head and beg Roy Disney, the guy sitting opposite him raised the corners of his mouth and told what Roland had said in the past twelve years. Here, the words I most want to hear.

"What if... I want you to kick him out as a boss?

Disney boss angle. "

'! '

Roland narrowed his eyes, he could feel his heart beating crazily.

But even so, he lowered his voice and asked, "What are you talking about? I don't understand..."

"Don't understand?" Steve Jobs felt that Roland was playing stupid, "Don't you like Disney?"

Before Roland could answer, the old man laughed, "I think you like it very much..."

Note: ①Maria's contribution to "Star Wars" is indelible, and before that, she helped Coppola cut "Rain Man" and Scorsese cut "Taxi Driver", just cut "Jaws" for Spielberg. ②Although numerous reports said that Lucas sold Pixar to Jobs for 10 million, in fact, Lucas only received 5 million with a discount. Because Jobs was also very poor at the time, in order to overthrow Microsoft, he founded NeXT after leaving Apple, invested a lot of money, and didn't have much money on hand. So when others raised the price, he couldn't compete at all, and Lucas looked at Spielberg's face, and in the end he charged a technology transfer fee of 5 million, and he let Jobs pay the remaining 5 million. Inject Pixar because he feels sorry for the guys who have been following him. In many cases, you really can't use money to measure the relationship between them, and their purchase contract back then is available on Pixar's official website, uploaded on April 27, 2005.