Domination in America, Starting from being a Boxing Champion

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"Harvey, don't laugh yet, with Link's net worth, purchasing Lionsgate Films wouldn't be difficult, and if he succeeds, we'll have another formidable rival in Hollywood in the future."

Bob Weinstein persuaded.

Although it seemed impulsive for Link to announce a full acquisition of Lionsgate Films—like a young man getting hot-blooded over pride rather than behaving like a superstar billionaire—it was true that with a net worth of over two billion, if Link was determined to buy Lionsgate, the likelihood of success was very high.

If Link took over Lionsgate, Weinstein Company would have another formidable rival in Hollywood.

"Ha ha, Link? A formidable rival? Bob, you're giving him too much credit. He's a boxer, a singer, he doesn't understand movies. What's to fear from Lionsgate led by someone clueless about the film industry? I bet within three years Lionsgate would go bankrupt. He wishes to be our rival?"

Harvey laughed scornfully.

Bob stroked his chin, thinking Harvey might have a point.

People like them, who've been deeply rooted in the film industry for over forty years and called modern movie leaders, are extremely cautious and strategic when it comes to managing their company.

Even so, the Weinstein Company had been losing money year after year. It was easy to predict that someone ignorant about movies taking the reins of Lionsgate—a bigger company than Weinstein Company—would be a disaster.

Lionsgate would likely follow MGM's footsteps to become the next publicly traded film company to go bankrupt.

"Bob, I remember we still hold some stocks in Lionsgate, right?"

Harvey asked as he lit a cigar.

"Yes, not much, over 200,000 shares. Lionsgate's stock price is at $8.20 per share, should we sell?"

"No, Link wants to gain complete control of Lionsgate, right? Then let's help him. Let's use our channels to buy more Lionsgate stocks, as much as we can, and see how much Link is willing to pay us for these shares."

Harvey laughed heartily.

"If Link fails in the acquisition and announces giving up on Lionsgate, its stock price will definitely fall, and wouldn't our investment be wasted?"

"Ha ha, no worries. Hollywood is a battlefield. As long as we can defeat Link, and embarrass him, losing a few hundred thousand is no big deal."

Harvey said nonchalantly.

Bob frowned; unlike Harvey, who valued the abstract idea of saving face over defeating Link, he cared more about whether they could make money. He was not willing to engage in a losing business.

After some thought, Bob said to Harvey,

If we want to trap Link in the big pit that is Lionsgate, we should find a way to help him take control of it successfully.

Let him lose a few billion, rather than preventing him from acquiring Lionsgate, which would inadvertently assist him.

Hearing Bob's words, Harvey paused, his cigar freezing in his hand, realizing the sense in them.

If they wanted Link to suffer a small loss, now was the time to stop him. But to make Link incur a massive loss, they should find a way to lure him into the pit.

Harvey rubbed the cigar between his fingers, falling silent for a moment before saying, "Bob, go meet John Malone in person, see what he thinks. If he plans on selling his Lionsgate shares, tell him to ask for a higher price now, to make a fortune off Link. We can enjoy the drama of Link failing at Lionsgate in a few years. If he has no such plans, Link's acquisition is doomed to fail, and we'll step in at this juncture, give Link some embarrassment."

Bob nodded; as long as it didn't cost Weinstein Company any money, he was indifferent.

"Also, find out who's spreading this news, and make them shut up."

Harvey suddenly said, frowning and pointing at the "Los Angeles Times" entertainment news section.

The article reported that, according to insiders, the conflict between Link and him erupted over the casting of Jennifer Lawrence as the lead actress in "Silver Linings Playbook."

Although the paper didn't explicitly mention his failed attempt to impose unwritten rules on Jennifer Lawrence, which resulted in Link's harsh scolding and his subsequent appeasement by voluntarily transferring 50% of the movie rights to Palm Beach Films, the news, combined with online rumors and real-life events, made it appear factual.

Such issues could affect his reputation, and he would never just stand by and ignore them.

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Bob hesitated upon hearing his words.

The reason this rumor is so marketable now is because it holds a lot of truth.

Harvey's bad reputation in Hollywood is well-known; everyone is aware of his numerous scandals with women, and the suggestion that he might intend to take advantage of Jennifer Lawrence is within the realm of his capabilities.

Although Link is a ladies' man, he has a good reputation among female stars, and scolding Harvey to protect Jennifer is something he might do.

Moreover, Weinstein Company, despite having full movie rights to "Silver Linings Playbook," voluntarily gave half of the rights to Link—a fact that cannot be denied.

Given these circumstances, it's nearly impossible to wash away such rumors that are seventy percent true and thirty percent false.

Arranging for media PR is also a waste of money.

Considering Harvey's hot temper and tendency to smash things, Bob did not say much and took on the task.

Thump, thump, thump!

Just as he was about to stand up and leave, Mickey Lox, head of the production department at Weinstein Company, came to the office to report to Harvey, mainly to press for funds.

Mickey Lox brought news that "Silver Linings Playbook" had finished shooting its main scenes and was moving into post-production. David O. Russell's team was pushing for the follow-up production funds.

Mickey asked Harvey for his opinion—whether to give the money or not.

"Just stall them; this movie isn't important to us, but it's even more crucial for the development of Palm Beach Films. They've invested money they can't recoup, so they're more anxious than us right now," Harvey said with a cold laugh.

"Mr. Weinstein, our company has also invested 5 million US dollars in this movie. Continuing to delay could impact our company as well," Mickey said diplomatically.

Bob glanced at Harvey and said, "I think we should give them the money. I've heard that Link's investment involves not just Palm Beach Films but also Skydance Productions."

"Skydance? David Ellison's movie company?"

Harvey frowned.

"Yes, I've heard Link has a good relationship with him. If we keep dragging this out and it goes to court, our chances of winning against both of them are very slim," Bob advised.

When it came to producing and distributing films, he did not consider himself to be on par with Harvey, but he disliked Harvey's tendency to let emotions dictate business decisions, often delaying profits for the sake of pride,

He believed nothing was more important than making money.

"Sigh!"

Harvey exhaled in resignation hearing Bob's words.

Realistically, the Ellison family is also Jewish, and theoretically, they should be allies.

Yet, American Jews are not all of one mind; some support the Democratic Party, some the Republican, frequently becoming rivals in the business world.

If American Jews could unite, in the financial sphere, there would be the likes of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Larry Ellison, George Soros, Zuckerberg, Epstein, and others.

In the entertainment industry, there would be George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen, Woody Allen, and many more. By then, not only Hollywood but the whole world would tremble before them.

After thinking it through, Harvey instructed Lox to allocate the funds but emphasized that they must keep a tight grip on the editing and distribution rights of the movie.

He also asked Bob to invite David Ellison to the next film screening and discuss the cooperation between the two companies.

"Okay!"

Watching Bob and Lox leave, Harvey, clutching his cigar, let out a cold laugh. Link, this time let's see how you can win.