[Chapter 209: You Can't Do Business Like This]
At Fox Studios in Hollywood, inside the CEO's office, Tom Jacobson greeted Ian with a broad smile -- he had just taken over from Tom Rothman. Britney, acting like his new girlfriend, linked arms with Ian and followed closely behind him.
Ian hadn't announced a breakup with Scarlett, but as a celebrity, he was no stranger to rumors. Especially after the scandal with Megan Fox, everyone assumed he and Scarlett had split. Both Anne Hathaway and Megan Fox had not pursued Ian after that, their relationships were more transactional than emotional.
Only Britney, like Scarlett, Kate, and Ivanka, was genuinely infatuated with Ian, always trying to be with him whenever possible -- after all, she had plenty of free time during her lull.
Sitting in Tom Jacobson's office, Ian got straight to the point: "I'm here to acquire Blue Sky Studios, along with the rights to X-Men and The Planet of the Apes."
Tom shook his head repeatedly. "You can't do that, Mr. Carr."
Blue Sky's Ice Age had already hit theaters, meaning Ian missed the cheapest buying window, but it was still a good deal even now. X-Men and The Planet of the Apes were established franchises and definitely not cheap.
Ian stated plainly, "My terms are simple. The copyrights belong to me; development rights remain with you. I promise not to hand development over to third parties unless you choose not to proceed yourselves. However, my other films may use characters from these properties."
Marvel's biggest past issue was selling off too many IPs, making it hard and costly to regain rights. Ian basically meant: copyright belongs to me, usage rights to you, with licensing to other projects as needed. This approach was well ahead of Fox's thinking -- no one yet fully grasped the concept of a shared superhero universe.
Tom smiled wryly. "You're a Fox Entertainment Group shareholder. Mr. Murdoch signed an agreement with you."
"That doesn't cover this," Ian replied seriously. "Besides, even if some parts are unsellable, that's negotiable. Non-sale usually just means price. I'm not acting on shareholder rights; it's a normal transaction."
Tom sighed, "I have to report to Barry Meyer and Roger Ailes."
Barry Meyer and Roger Ailes headed Fox Entertainment Group and Fox News. Selling off Blue Sky-level assets needed their approval but not necessarily Murdoch's, who focused on major mergers.
Ian shook his head slightly. "No. Talk to me first. If you don't agree, there's no point escalating."
He added with a smile, "I'm offering two hundred million."
Tom was stunned: "That's not a good price, Mr. Carr."
Even ignoring copyrights, Blue Sky had surpassed that value, especially after Ice Age boosted its worth. Two hundred million was too much.
Ian casually said, "Not including Ice Age's ongoing profits."
"That's not acceptable!" Tom said exasperatedly.
Obviously, Ice Age made far more than $200 million, even with the theatrical run over. The DVD and merchandise kept bringing in revenue.
"You'll agree," Ian smiled, handing Tom some documents.
Tom's face changed dramatically when he saw the papers. "Oh, no!"
Ian stood slowly. "I need you to tell Barry Meyer and Roger Ailes that Blue Sky is a dead-end animation studio. Chris Wedge is stubborn; one hit doesn't guarantee multiple successes. They spend years on a film, and even if it makes $300-400 million, so what? You're not Disney; your peripheral ventures don't make as much. Selling high now is smartest. Sell Blue Sky to me; Ice Age's DVD profits and merchandise sales remain with you. I just want 10% from licenses on other uses. Further development can be negotiated later. And for X-Men and The Planet of the Apes, you keep development rights. It's like giving you the content for free!"
Tom looked pale. "Mr. Carr, can you do business like this?"
Ian laughed, "Can you?"
Britney leaned in, whispering, "What did you give him?"
Ian relaxed on the couch, crossing his legs, kissing Britney lightly on the lips. "Our Mr. Jacobson has leveraged his power to gain at least $30 million from Fox Studios. Most professional managers have this tendency."
Being a Fox shareholder gave Ian insider access to the studio, improving his ability to collect intel. Some information required covert means; others relied on shareholder privileges and internal audits -- the kind of dirt that could send executives to jail.
Though Tom Jacobson was a new CEO, he was previously in senior management. Since Jim Gianopoulos had bowed out voluntarily, Ian couldn't pressure him, having no dirt on him yet. So he targeted the new guy.
"Wow," Britney whispered, "You know all that?"
"More than you think," Ian said, holding Britney close and kissing her sweetly.
Then he addressed Tom, "As a major Fox shareholder, I won't fault you for the past, but you can't do this anymore. After all, 40% of the money you stole was my money! As for the acquisition price, I'll add fifty million more. Your task is to convince Barry Meyer and Roger Ailes."
"Convince them?" Tom was shocked. What was this request?
Ian nodded. "Yes. Find any reason to make the plan seem viable. Leave the closing to me."
Just like when he got Ezriel to convince the Chandler family; the initial pretense came from people who could make it believable. When the preliminary reason was in place, he could push the deal through easily.
---
After leaving Fox, Ian and Britney wandered around. Film sets in Hollywood always had countless stories. Previously, he relied on Weinstein, Howard, and Dan for insider info; now, as part-owner of Fox Studios, Ian had free rein.
Everywhere he looked, there was gossip.
He often shared funny stories with Britney. Meanwhile, people were gossiping about Ian leaving Scarlett for Britney. Ian didn't care.
He held Britney close while walking, pointing things out: "See that room across the street? Three people... no, all guys."
"That car? Two inside, not taking the usual route."
"Over there too, a whole group. Damn Hollywood -- there is no other plot?" Ian sighed.
"You're someone else's news, and they're yours," Britney said silently.
Suddenly, Ian clutched his eye, yelling, "Oh, fuck! My eye!"
Britney was concerned, "What happened, Ian?"
He shook his head, pointing across the street. "Nothing, just that room... only one person. Damn, she poisoned my eyes."
"One person? What's wrong?"
Ian sighed. "And a dog. A male dog."
Britney first froze, then realized. She covered her mouth, whispering, "Oh my God, I thought that only happened in the San Fernando Valley."
Ian was amazed. "You watched that?"
Britney giggled, snuggling into Ian's arms. "Just for fun."
Then she looked at Ian, puzzled. "Why can't I see it?"
Ian kissed her, "Because I have eyes that notice these things."
Nearby, a soft hum came: "Well, did you notice me?"
Ian smiled, releasing Britney and turning his head.
Anne Hathaway stood there.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.