Other executives also began to express their opinions on the matter.
The implication of their words was a direct accusation towards Robinov for relinquishing a portion of the copyright benefits.
Robinov, as the president, also became angry and straightforwardly said, "Do you think Steve Kevin is still a small director?"
"If we didn't invest, do you think he wouldn't find other investors? Do you really believe he lacks this $30 million investment?"
"Wake up! It's because Steve Kevin's influence in Hollywood is limited that he decided to share these profits to reduce troubles within the industry."
"Let me make it clear: if we didn't invest in Pirates of the Caribbean, he could easily find Universal, 20th Century Fox, or other Hollywood studios to collaborate with."
"What we can offer him, others can offer as well. Do you really think Warner Bros. is indispensable to him?"
Robinov's words finally made these executives realize the truth. Reaching such high positions, none of them were fools; they had temporarily been blinded by the immense benefits.
However, the white man with a face full of arrogance and meat still wore an unwilling expression and asked, "Are we just going to let him take all the profits from Pirates of the Caribbean?"
Robinov sighed and said, "I underestimated Steve Kevin."
"While I anticipated that Pirates of the Caribbean would be a big hit, I never expected the copyright to be so valuable."
"However, we still have a chance."
The white man with a face full of arrogance pressed, "What chance?"
Robinov glanced at the people present and said, "The copyright of Pirates of the Caribbean doesn't belong to Steve Kevin; it belongs to Dawn Entertainment."
"We can invest in his Dawn Entertainment and, once we have shares, with Warner's influence, the creator of this Dawn Entertainment will eventually be driven out by us."
"As for when we'll drive him out, it depends on how long Steve Kevin can continue to bring us benefits."
Upon hearing this, the Warner executives showed a look of sudden realization.
In terms of filmmaking ability, they didn't even deserve to shine Steve Kevin's shoes. However, when it came to company operations and financial management, they saw Steve Kevin as a complete outsider.
As long as they acquired shares, Dawn Entertainment would be at their mercy, like a lamb on their chopping board.
They all burst into laughter, and the covetousness towards Steve Kevin's copyright disappeared, or perhaps it simply became more concealed.
...
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it had been two months since the release of Pirates of the Caribbean.
By now, the North American box office earnings for Pirates of the Caribbean were out. With a total of $350 million, it thoroughly plundered the audience's wallets and set the record for the highest-grossing film of the year.
To some extent, Pirates of the Caribbean had already secured the top spot on the 1994 North American box office chart in advance.
Of course, this achievement couldn't have been accomplished without Kevin's creative input, which strengthened the position of Captain Jack Sparrow from the first Pirates of the Caribbean film.
Also, the extensive $20 million marketing and promotion resources played a significant role in surpassing the original Pirates of the Caribbean's $300 million box office in North America, with an additional $50 million in earnings.
In comparison, the original Forrest Gump's box office earnings of $330 million fell short by a staggering $30 million in the face of Kevin's Pirates of the Caribbean.
Although achieving a $300 million box office in North America was still impressive, it ultimately fell significantly short of Kevin's Pirates of the Caribbean, which achieved a remarkable $500 million. Kevin's mainstream blockbuster had triumphed over the American spirit portrayed in Forrest Gump.
With a joyful mood, Kevin arrived at Warner Bros.
He had some ideas for his new film and wanted to discuss them with Warner Bros.
...
"Kevin, you're here!"
Robinov still had his familiar smile, but Kevin, with his sharp perception, noticed that there was a hint of insincerity missing from Robinov's smile compared to before.
However, Kevin remained calm on the surface; he was simply prepared for it in advance.
"I was just about to talk to you about something."
Before Kevin could state his intentions, Robinov directly pulled him into the meeting room.
Robinov's newly appointed beautiful secretary stood by, bending over to pour iced coffee for the two of them. Her low-cut outfit almost fully revealed the scenery in front of Kevin.
Kevin couldn't help but want to give a thumbs-up; indeed, she knew how to play the game.
After the secretary finished pouring the coffee and left, Robinov leisurely spoke, "Kevin, you came to Warner Bros. for your new film, right?"
"Yes, I have a new film project, and I came here to ask if Warner Bros. would continue to invest?"
Although it was a question, Kevin's face was filled with confidence.
Indeed, Kevin couldn't fathom the possibility of someone rejecting his investment. Investing in his films meant making money. Only a fool would pass up such an opportunity.
"Of course, how could we refuse to invest in the new film of the Oscar-winning director, Steve Kevin?"
After answering Kevin's question, Robinov suddenly asked, "Kevin, do you have any plans for financing your Dawn Entertainment?"
This sudden remark immediately triggered Kevin's alertness.
However, on the surface, Kevin didn't show any unusual reaction. He casually shook his head and said, "I'm not short of money. Disney just gave me $300 million. Why would I need financing?"
Robinov immediately refuted Kevin's words, saying, "Financing is not just about money; it's more about better resource integration for everyone."
"For example, if Warner Bros. were to handle the operation of Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney would have to pay far more than $300 million and a 10% profit share."
Kevin sneered inwardly.
In the business world, it seemed that there were only eternal interests and no eternal friends.
He had been cooperating with Warner Bros. for so long, helping them earn hundreds of millions of dollars in profits.
But now, it turned out that as soon as he made money from selling the rights to Pirates of the Caribbean, Warner Bros. immediately set their sights on him.
Kevin was well aware of the tactics of capital.
Once Warner Bros. became shareholders, Dawn Entertainment would no longer be under his sole control.
Kevin had already made up his mind. His company, even if it went public in the future, would only accept retail investors and absolutely reject investment from these giants.
Otherwise, both Marvel and Dawn Entertainment, his lifeblood, would eventually fall into someone else's hands.