Beverly Hills, Nicole Kidman's birthday party.
Eric looked at the man in front of him, extended his hand, and shook his lightly. The two exchanged a smile.
"Eric Cooper, hello James!"
The other party's surname was Murdoch, and appearing at this event, it was no surprise that he must be the son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
There's no need to elaborate on the old man's name; few people in the world don't know his wealth and power, and his wife, Wendi Deng, is equally famous.
He controls News Corporation and 20th Century Fox, and News Corporation encompasses some of the most important media outlets in countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
20th Century Fox, on the other hand, includes Fox Film, Fox Searchlight, Fox Television Network, Fox Broadcasting Company, and more.
Rupert Murdoch not only wields great influence in the entertainment industry but also in political circles.
This influence will continue for at least another 20 years before gradually weakening, as the impact of the internet has severely affected News Corporation's newspaper business.
20th Century Fox, meanwhile, was acquired by Disney in 2019 for an astonishing $71.3 billion, becoming the largest film and television acquisition since the millennium. When this news was officially released, it shocked the global entertainment industry.
From then on, Hollywood officially entered the era of the "Big Five," with only Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, and Paramount remaining.
Although it is said that the general trend of the world is that what has been divided for a long time will unite, and what has been united for a long time will divide, before Disney announced its acquisition of 20th Century Fox, most people still believed that the weakest, Paramount, should be the first to be acquired. No one expected it to be Fox.
But that was still more than a decade away. Now, Mickey Mouse has not yet expanded to such an extent, and News Corporation and Fox can still call the shots, at least much stronger than MGM.
The two clinked glasses, and James Murdoch said, "Let me introduce myself first. Eric, you should be able to guess my identity, but you're not familiar with me."
"My father is Rupert Murdoch, whom you are thinking of, and I also work for News Corporation, currently serving as the chairman of Star TV Asia."
"Ah? Star TV is owned by your family?"
Eric was a bit surprised. As a post-90s generation, Star TV had accompanied his childhood. Anime that wasn't introduced in mainland China relied on Star TV for broadcast.
For example, "Inuyasha," "Naruto," "Fruits Basket," "Mirmo! Mirmo!," "Detective Conan," "Cardcaptor Sakura," and so on.
It held a significant childhood filter, but he never expected it to be part of News Corporation.
James Murdoch smiled slightly, "That's too absolute. Star TV is a subsidiary of News Corporation. It belongs to all shareholders; I'm just managing it."
"In comparison, MGM is better. You call all the shots, and this lion is entirely your personal property."
Eric waved his hand, "What's the use of it belonging to me alone? MGM is tens of billions in debt. Every day I wake up with a headache, not knowing when the bank will repossess it."
"You're too modest, Eric. MGM's development momentum is very good. In the ten months since you took over until now..."
"I've already calculated it; all investment projects are profitable. Although most are small-budget, the accuracy is simply terrifying."
"This proves that you have an incredible market sense, and you can accurately analyze what audiences want to see. This is a very rare and enviable ability."
If he were a traditionally raised American, he would certainly boast that it was indeed his own achievement.
But Eric felt that the guy in front of him was a bit ill-intentioned, so it was better to hide his strength and observe what he really wanted to do first.
He laughed, "This isn't my credit either; it's the result of MGM's collective decision-making. I'm just an executor."
"Regardless, MGM's development momentum is positive. Many people are waiting for it to re-list. Has the date been set? I plan to buy some shares then."
"The specific date is to be determined, but it will definitely be re-listed. The shares are public; anyone can buy them. If I weren't short on cash, I'd even want to buy shares in News Corporation and Fox."
Saying that, Eric looked at Wolf Uncle next to him, "Jack, you can buy some too when the time comes. Good investments are more profitable than good movies."
Hugh Jackman had listened for a while and could already sense that the conversation between the two was a bit off. He was a smart man; it was best not to get involved in matters between big shots.
"Eric, thank you for your suggestion. I'll consider it. A friend just arrived over there, I'll go say hello. You two chat."
After saying that, he decisively left.
James Murdoch gestured, "This spot isn't very convenient. How about we talk over there?"
The two walked to a corner of the living room, where there were few people and it was much quieter.
"James, what do you want to talk about? You're not trying to acquire MGM, are you?" Eric said jokingly.
"Of course not. Although career is important, you have to eat one bite at a time. My ambition hasn't inflated to that extent."
"But I heard a piece of news: Facebook, which has recently been popular in the United States, seems to have inextricable links with MGM, right?"
Eric didn't answer directly, saying faintly, "You continue!"
"Facebook is very good. The emergence of this social media is disruptive and will change the way people interact."
"I believe it has enormous development potential. Although it is currently mainly spreading in major universities across the United States, in the near future, Facebook will definitely cover the entire United States."
"Imagine, perhaps a year from now, half of all Americans will be using Facebook, and then it will gradually radiate to Canada, Mexico, and Europe."
"Utilize a year's time to gradually conquer these countries, followed by Asia and South America."
"Perhaps five years from now, maybe longer or shorter, Facebook's user coverage can encompass the entire world."
"By then, it will not only be the first social media platform in history but also the largest social media platform in the world."
"You and I both know what 'largest' means. It represents monopoly, and monopoly symbolizes profit, profit far exceeding everything else."
Seeing James Murdoch speak so eloquently, Eric was certain that the other party had already concluded that he was the actual controller behind Facebook, so there was no need to deny it.
"James, you speak very well, and I agree with your vision for the future. So, what exactly do you want to do?"
James Murdoch said seriously, "Cooperation for mutual benefit."
"Cooperation? James, cooperation requires sincerity. I need to see your sincerity," Eric said.
"Of course I have sincerity. First is financial support. As you said, MGM's development momentum is indeed very good now, but it is also a fact that it is heavily in debt."
"As Facebook develops, the operating capital required will only increase, and you must admit this."
"And at least until the user base stabilizes, it will be difficult for Facebook to start generating profit. It will be in a long-term state of loss and will require continuous transfusions."
"So the first condition I offer is financial support. Based on Facebook's registered users, for every 1 million registered users, News Corporation is willing to invest $5 million per year in operating funds."
"And this figure is floating; with market price fluctuations, it will rise to $6 million, $7 million, $8 million in the future."
Eric smiled slightly. This price was indeed quite good. If he didn't consider extended businesses, in terms of operations alone, it would actually be profitable.
"Hmm, not bad. Please continue with the second condition."
"The second is, of course, resource support, including connections and public opinion, which are News Corporation's specialties."
"I've noticed that although Facebook hasn't been online for long, some media are already speaking ill of it. Did you see that CBS interview program? It was full of worries and accusations about Facebook."
"And once Facebook has the support of News Corporation, it won't have to worry about public opinion. We are the most authoritative news media."
"In the future, when expanding into Europe, Australia, and even Asia, News Corporation can also provide strong support, at least minimizing the resistance Facebook encounters."
"Eric, what I'm saying is general, but you should be able to feel the role of News Corporation. Think about it."
Eric nodded, "James, I want to ask a question. Is your approach to me this time a personal act, or does it represent your father?"
Perhaps feeling that Eric couldn't refuse him, or perhaps believing that he surpassed Eric in both status and power, James Murdoch didn't hide anything.
He openly stated, "For now, it's my personal act, but I'm very confident I can persuade my father to agree to this."
"I started working for Star TV Asia in 2000, and it has been three years now. In the early stages of my tenure, the television station had accumulated losses of $500 million."
"And I used three years to bring it back to life, successfully entering the Chinese and Indian markets, helping the company turn losses into profits."
"Now I am about to leave Star TV, and my father has promised that almost all positions at News Corporation or Fox are open for me to choose."
"I originally planned to be the CEO of British Sky Broadcasting, but then Facebook appeared, and I discovered this pearl."
"Judging by its popularity, the market potential for social media is enormous, so this field will be my new goal."
"I'm not afraid to tell you, if we cooperate, it will be a win-win situation, or News Corporation will launch its own social network, and we will become competitors."
Eric's eyes narrowed, "Are you threatening me?"
"Eric, this is not a threat, but a constructive persuasion. Going it alone doesn't work in this world."
"Heh, do you know how much time MGM invested behind the scenes to develop Facebook? When News Corporation develops its own software, how much time will the market leave for you?"
"Eric, your premise is re-development, but what if I already have a finished product?"
"What? How could you have one?"
Eric was a bit surprised, and instantly thought of terms like code leakage and internal moles.
"Don't be so surprised. I didn't do anything illegal. Someone sold it to me. Its name is MySpace."
"If you agree to cooperate, we will jointly build the world's strongest social network. If you refuse, then MySpace will immediately compete with Facebook."
"MGM can mobilize celebrity promotions, and Fox can too. We have the resources MGM has, and we also have resources MGM doesn't."
"I don't want it to end up being a lose-lose situation, Eric. I hope you understand this principle too."
After James Murdoch finished speaking, he stared intently, and only then did Eric understand where the other party's true confidence came from.
If I can't have you, I'll use something similar to destroy you. This tactic isn't just something Tencent is good at; capital groups all over the world are very adept at it.
Eric narrowed his eyes, "James, tell me what you want."
James Murdoch spread his five fingers, "50% of Facebook's shares. Of course, the operating rights still belong to you. I have advisory rights, and you are still the actual controller of Facebook."
Hearing the other party's demand, Eric almost laughed out of anger.
He really had the nerve to ask for so much, demanding half of the equity right off the bat. Why don't you just fly to the heavens?
If he had asked for 10% or no more than 20%, Eric would have seriously considered it, but 50% was completely ridiculous.
And not participating in operations? Who would believe that?
At most, he would be honest for a while at the beginning, but once he gained a foothold, he would definitely try every means to seize the dominant position. At that time, Facebook would inevitably face a brutal internal struggle.
Draining his glass in one gulp, Eric said coldly, "It seems you have no sincerity at all."
Seeing Eric about to leave, James Murdoch quickly said, "Wait, Eric, this is just my initial thought. We can discuss the specific cooperation methods further."
"I don't think that's necessary. You can't lower that number to 10%, just as I can't take half of News Corporation and Fox's shares from you."
"You want to exchange shares?"
"Exactly. That's the best way to cooperate. I don't need your money. Your resources might be useful, but what if I don't have them?"
"Eric Cooper, a share swap is impossible, especially since Facebook is just a new company. It seems you're choosing the path of competition." James Murdoch's voice also grew cold.
Eric's body didn't move, but he glanced back at him, with a rather hawk-like, wolf-like gaze.
For some reason, being looked at like that, James Murdoch suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable, uneasy all over.
Just then, Nicole walked over. She didn't notice any problem.
"What are you two doing here? Eric, let me introduce you, this is..."
"No need. Mr. Murdoch and I have already spoken."
"Oh? You two already know each other? That's wonderful! James, I've always..."
"Sorry, Nicole, there's an urgent matter at the company. I need to go back and deal with it. Happy birthday, and let's get in touch when I'm free."
Watching James Murdoch's retreating back, Nicole looked at Eric in bewilderment.