"Boss, Disney, Universal, Sony, Paramount, Fox, and Warner Bros. have jointly requested that we blacklist Mel Gibson!"
After Carol finished speaking, Eric's face instantly darkened. Damn these bastards.
"When did this happen?"
"Last night. It's said that people from the six companies held a meeting and discussed it for a long time. They had already left work, and then the official letter was delivered to us at 11 PM."
"Considering you might have been resting, I didn't call; I just sent a text message."
"Alright, I understand. Thank you for your hard work."
"Boss, what should we do? They are pushing very hard this time. It's rare in Hollywood history for The Big Six to jointly blacklist someone."
After a moment of thought, Eric said directly, "It's fine. Don't pay attention to them. Stall them and don't reply yet. Just say I'm filming abroad. This is not a small matter after all. Mel Gibson is not just Mel Gibson; he also owns a company. Anyway, everything will wait until I return to the country."
Understanding that Eric was using a delaying tactic, Carol became even more certain that his departure abroad on the day the movie was released was definitely premeditated.
Since the boss wasn't anxious, she, as his secretary, had even less reason to be. She just needed to follow instructions.
Hanging up the phone, Eric shook his head to clear it. He hadn't noticed the text message after fighting continuously last night.
He washed his face, walked to the window, and looked into the distance. It seemed that this time, the visitors were not friendly.
However, a large portion of the executives at Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. were Jewish People, so their desire to blacklist Mel Gibson was understandable.
Fox also had a reason. After all, American Idol was about to compete with The Voice, and they would be delighted if MGM ran into trouble.
What's more, the competition between Facebook and MySpace had reached a fever pitch. Murdoch would definitely support his son, and attacking MGM was equivalent to attacking Facebook.
Sony, needless to say, had already formed a deadly feud with MGM because of Michael's case. The Japanese had been looking for an opportunity for revenge.
The only one without much reason was Paramount. MGM had no conflict with them; it was probably dragged into it.
Eric walked out of Room towards the restaurant, considering his countermeasures as he went.
After careful thought, he realized that he indeed had had friction with Paramount.
Paramount had also been interested in transformers, but he had snatched the copyright.
If the movie had failed, it would have been fine. Paramount would have just laughed, grateful that MGM had tested the waters for them and gauged market reaction.
But with the movie becoming a box office hit, the other party would definitely harbor resentment and ideas.
"My dear, what's wrong?"
In the corridor, Theron's voice suddenly sounded behind him. Continuously nourished, her complexion was getting better and better, her face rosy.
"You seem a bit distracted. What are you thinking about?" Theron asked curiously.
Without hiding anything from her, Eric laid out the whole story.
Theron scoffed after listening: "I think these guys are jealous. They're jealous that MGM is getting better and better, and they're worried that one day MGM will regain its position as Hollywood's overlord, just like last century."
"My dear, think about it. Since you took the helm, MGM's movies haven't lost money. Movies are a high-risk, high-investment industry, and MGM's performance is truly astonishing."
"Uh, actually, some did lose money."
"What?"
"monster hasn't broken even yet."
"Naughty!" Theron playfully punched Eric's chest.
"In less than two years, it has repaid over $2 billion in debt, led MGM back to the stock market, and its market capitalization has already risen to third among The Big Six. If not for the recent drop in stock prices, it would have already surpassed Warner Bros. to reach second place."
"It controls a large number of popular IP cash cows, holds significant equity in Dual Star Entertainment and Marvel, and has also created Facebook and YouTube, two highly promising new websites."
"My boss, they're scared! Anyone would be scared! Especially Disney, it's definitely the most scared. It's possible Mickey Mouse initiated this."
Eric nodded. Theron's words had some merit. One should know that in the early part of the last century, there was no such thing as The Big Six in Hollywood.
At that time, there were only five stronger film companies: Paramount, Warner Bros., MGM, Fox, and RKO.
These five companies had a complete vertically integrated structure, including production studios, chain theaters, and international distribution networks.
Just imagine how terrifying it was that even the theater chains were controlled by the film companies.
At that time, film and television companies were absolute overlords; neither stars nor audiences had any choice.
"You must film whatever I tell you to, and audiences must watch whatever I want them to watch." There were no negotiations for these Unfair Terms (overlord clauses).
Besides The Big Five, there were Universal, Columbia, and United Artists, but these three were very small, at most equivalent to Dimension Films now.
Among The Big Five, Paramount was the earliest established. MGM was founded in 1924, 12 years later than Paramount, but it quickly rose to prominence.
How powerful was MGM at that time?
It was hailed as the greatest miracle in world film history, claiming to have more stars than there were in the sky.
The average budget for each film reached $500,000, which was $500,000 in the 1930s and 40s, far exceeding the costs of other companies.
It created countless classic screen images, and even the initiator of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was MGM.
That's right, Oscar was first initiated and created by MGM.
Due to the immense influence of its films, MGM's lion logo once became a symbol of America.
This lion king was, in that era, the undisputed, largest, most influential, and most profitable super film giant, integrating production, distribution, and exhibition.
To draw a parallel, it was equivalent to the United States today, the sole superpower. The Hollywood landscape at that time was one superpower with many strong contenders.
Did Eric want MGM to relive its former glory?
Of course he did. He dreamed of it and was actively working towards it.
Once he had truly grown big, his first target would be Warner Bros. Why? Because that Kid (rascal) was holding onto his ancestral assets and also controlled DC Comics.
You have a death wish!
Eric was also non-Jewish. Releasing the passion of the christ might have even hinted at anti-Jewish sentiments in his heart. It was likely that the other party was truly afraid of him, and it wouldn't be surprising if this led to targeting him.
"Theron, do you have any good suggestions for the current situation?"
Theron frowned deeply: "My dear, I don't know your trump cards, but if it were me, facing the combined pressure of The Big Six, I might concede."
"Concede? Are you sure they won't push for more after you concede?"
"That... that depends on their true intentions. You must already have a decision in your heart, don't you?"
Eric grunted. Retreating was definitely not an option.
First, it would affect his prestige.
It would also affect MGM's integrity. If they sell out teammates under pressure, people will surely have reservations about doing business with them in the future.
Furthermore, smaller second and third-tier companies like DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and New Line Cinema are all watching. They all want to see if MGM has the ability to withstand this.
If you can't withstand it, these guys, who are potential allies today, will become potential enemies tomorrow.
Most importantly, Lionheart Network is about to launch anyway.
This is a life-and-death struggle; it only ends when one side falls and admits defeat. What's the point of retreating? Just go for it!
Having made up his mind, Eric pulled out his phone and called Robert Millen.
"Robert, how are the preparations coming along?"
Upon receiving the call, Robert Millen was clearly excited.
"Boss, it's already done. We're just waiting for your command. Seeing how well Facebook and YouTube are developing, everyone has been impatient for a long time."
"Very good. The launch date is set for next Saturday. I'll give you a few days to prepare. It will go live at 9 AM sharp."
"In these next few days, you need to immediately contact all major websites, as well as shopping malls, big screens, subways, public restrooms—in short, use everything except TV stations. Hit them with advertisements until they drop."
"We need to blanket the entire country with ads, to the point where no one in America is unaware of it."
"Also, make sure to connect with Facebook and YouTube; they will both help with promotion. I want to launch an information bombardment both online and offline simultaneously. As long as you are a person who interacts with society, whether actively or passively, you must know the name of Lionheart Network."
"Don't worry, boss, I guarantee the mission will be completed. May I ask what works we will launch in the first wave?"
"house of cards, supernatural, The Voice of America, and also peppa pig."
In the following days, the controversy surrounding the passion of the christ continued to ferment, and a death incident occurred, pushing the film to the forefront of public discussion.
A radio station in Kansas provided free movie tickets to its employees. When the film reached the brutal scene of Jesus being crucified, Ms. Scarlett, a 56-year-old marketing manager at the station, suffered a sudden heart attack. Although the cinema immediately paused the screening and rushed her to the hospital, she ultimately died.
News reports attributed Ms. Scarlett's death to the film, arguing that the visuals were excessively cruel and caused strong discomfort among viewers.
Judaism and some social organizations clamored even more fiercely, demanding that Mel Gibson be held responsible for this.
Under immense public pressure, the veteran of the entertainment industry finally couldn't hold on and chose to accept an interview with NBC.
He repeatedly emphasized that he had no anti-Jewish tendencies and merely wanted to make a movie.
"I didn't expect things to escalate to this point. This was not my intention. I am not against Jewish People or Judaism. In fact, I have many Jewish friends."
"Truly, I just wanted to make a profound film. This is every director's pursuit."
"If the film's plot has hurt anyone, I am willing to apologize to you."
"I hope everyone can view the passion of the christ with an open mind. Neither I nor the film has any satirical stance. I apologize again to those who have been hurt."
Mel Gibson's public apology finally appeased some people, and the dissenting voices weakened somewhat.
But the Jewish People were strong, and the influence of denominations like Catholicism and Protestantism was also not weak. They publicly supported the film, and the two sides tore into each other with a war of words.
Finally, the topic was led to an ultimate question: who was ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus?
Everyone understood that Mel Gibson's apology alone would not suffice; this was a contest between two factions.
And in these few days, Eric received calls from Carol every day.
The Big Six knew he was playing a delaying game, trying to drag it out until the two factions' contest ended, so they pushed even harder.
On the first day, they hoped he would return to the country quickly to discuss the blacklisting. Eric replied that he couldn't leave as filming was at a critical stage.
On the second day, The Big Six hoped he would return to the country immediately, stating that this matter needed a swift resolution to appease public anger. Eric's response was that he was considering it and would give an answer soon.
On the third day, The Big Six demanded that he must blacklist Mel Gibson and also pull the passion of the christ from theaters early. They weren't even pretending anymore.
In response, Eric's reply was, "If you're not pretending, then I'm not either. Your demands are two words: No way!"
On the fourth day, The Big Six hoped he would reconsider, seemingly softening their stance.
Eric thought the other party was a paper tiger, just bluffing.
Unexpectedly, on the fifth day, The Big Six suddenly issued a joint statement.
"Given the immense controversy surrounding the passion of the christ, which has caused extremely negative social impact, Mel Gibson himself has exhibited strong racist and anti-Jewish tendencies."
"Therefore, after our discussion, we have decided not to establish or maintain any working interactions with Mel Gibson in the future. This is a special declaration!"
The statement was signed by the six presidents of Disney, Warner Bros., Fox, Paramount, Sony, and Universal.
The release of this statement immediately caused industry shock and widespread discussion.
So-called blacklisting can be achieved in a country like China, which has the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and administrative control.
But in America, there is no true blacklisting. Many stars who suddenly disappear from the big screen do so because of their own actions.
For example, Ingrid Bergman in the last century. Hollywood was very conservative then, and she was universally boycotted for her affair. She was blacklisted by the audience, but a few years later, when the fuss died down, she continued acting.
There's also the familiar Megan Fox, who angered Michael Bay and Spielberg, but she only stopped getting big productions; she still received small-budget film roles.
In Hollywood, a society where money reigns supreme, as long as a star has value that can be exploited, it doesn't really matter if they anger a few big shots; they won't truly lose their livelihood.
But this time was clearly different. The Big Six companies jointly blacklisting one person was an unprecedented and unheard-of display.
Facing such an exaggerated force, Mel Gibson's company would definitely be ruined, and other independent small companies would not dare to cooperate with him either.
Because these small companies have a fatal flaw: distribution capabilities, which they can only rely on large companies for.
But at the same time, many people noticed, "Wait, isn't there one major Hollywood company missing? Where's MGM?"
Just as everyone was wondering what had happened, MGM also released a statement.
"Mel Gibson is an excellent director, and the passion of the christ is also an excellent film. We are very confident that he is an upright person, and the film does not contain any personal biases."
"MGM is willing to continue and long-term cooperate with Director Gibson to bring more excellent works to everyone."
Signed: Eric Cooper!