When it came to acquiring MGM's shares, Steve Kevin had almost depleted his cash reserves. Even with the three hundred million in cash he obtained from the Pirates of the Caribbean copyright authorization, along with his previous earnings, it would add up to only around five hundred million.
Considering the Batman series, Steve Kevin could probably afford a maximum of seven to eight hundred million dollars. Compared to MGM's current market valuation of nearly two billion six hundred million, it was still far from enough.
The executives silently calculated Steve Kevin's financial resources in their minds.
In fact, Kevin was even poorer than they had imagined. Acquiring Marvel had almost emptied his pockets. Taking into account taxes and other expenses, he had barely around 100 million dollars left in his overall accounts.
Although he only needed to acquire the remaining 50% of shares from the behind-the-scenes boss, it still amounted to several billion dollars. To fully secure the acquisition, he would have to wait until the revenue shares from the second Pirates of the Caribbean and the Batman franchise were in place.
However, there was still one major issue: whether the casino tycoon was willing to let go. Before Kevin's involvement, the tycoon probably wished for someone to take over. But with Kevin's arrival and the investment from Warner Bros., MGM's value skyrocketed.
Although this value had a considerable amount of speculation and reliance on Steve Kevin, it was the current price. If Kevin wanted to acquire it, this was the minimum price.
It's important to note that people who can run a casino are not ordinary individuals. It's better for Kevin, being part of the film industry, to avoid offending others if possible. At the very least, he had to provide enough money.
"President Reed, are you joking? To acquire the remaining MGM shares, it would cost around 1.3 billion dollars."
"I don't have that much money right now."
"Unless we wait for the revenue shares from Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and the money from Batman to come in, then it might be feasible."
Kevin followed Reed's lead, concealing his intentions behind banter. He then chuckled and said, "Let's discuss the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel for now."
The other MGM executives laughed along, hiding their thoughts and joining Kevin to discuss the upcoming investment plans.
...
With the clear intention of making money for MGM, the negotiations went smoothly. In just a few days, the details were sorted out.
MGM would be responsible for marketing and distribution channels in theaters and post-production communication.
Kevin, on the other hand, would have complete control over the film's production, with no involvement from MGM.
If this news were to spread, it would undoubtedly attract the envy of many directors. In Hollywood, there are no more than ten directors who have absolute editing rights.
Although Kevin also had an investor role, it fully demonstrated his current status in Hollywood.
And so, Kevin and MGM began summoning the original crew for the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel.
….
On the other side, thanks to the fame of Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp's wealth had increased significantly.
He directly purchased a mansion worth millions of dollars.
Johnny Depp was living comfortably in his newly acquired luxury home. When someone succeeds, the bad elements around them often disappear, and that was his current situation.
Out of the blue, his agent, Ms. Caitlin, hurriedly arrived at his mansion.
"Depp, Dawn Films has invited you to star in Pirates of the Caribbean 2. This is a great opportunity to further elevate your reputation."
Caitlin's face was filled with excitement.
The benefits that Pirates of the Caribbean had brought to Johnny Depp were countless. In just six months, the income he earned from various commercial appearances surpassed his salary.
It could only be said that a superstar with representative works had an incredibly strong ability to make money.
Wherever he went, the name Jack Sparrow attracted a multitude of audiences, allowing the organizers to experience Johnny Depp's popularity.
A superstar's status is gradually recognized both within and outside the industry through such commercial appearances.
Undoubtedly, a sequel film would greatly help enhance his reputation.
Johnny Depp took a bottle of wine from the cabinet, poured himself a glass, and took a sip before looking up and calmly saying, "Caitlin, do you think our salary for the second film is a bit low?"
Caitlin, a mature woman in her thirties, had a change in her expression.
"Depp, are you suggesting asking for more money? But we have already signed the contract with them."
"I can just claim to be unwell. If the doctor says I need to rest, must I go into battle with injuries?"
Depp said calmly.
In a capitalist society, money is the priority.
After becoming a sensation, Johnny Depp's ambitions had also grown.
In his opinion, the contract they had signed, with its increment of five million dollars, no longer suited his status.
As for relationships, if he had to mention one, it would be his friendship with Nicolas Cage. As for Steve Kevin, they were more like acquaintances.
Considering the massive earnings they had made, what harm was there in asking for a little more?
"But, by doing so, we might offend Steve Kevin, considering his current position in the industry..."
Caitlin expressed her concerns.
But at the same time, she was also very tempted.
After all, her income was based on a percentage of Depp's earnings.
The more Depp earned, the more she earned.
With a superstar like Depp in her hands, she couldn't help but feel envious and jealous of others when she mentioned it.
It was all thanks to his good luck and being noticed by Steve Kevin that Caitlin ended up with such a superstar.
She didn't dare to oppose Depp's opinion.
"It's alright. Even if we offend him, can Pirates of the Caribbean do without me?"
Depp expressed great confidence.
"Well then, should I reply to Dawn Films?" Caitlin asked.
Depp nodded.
"You can say that I'm currently feeling unwell and may need to take some time off. At the same time, suggest subtly that they should increase the salary a bit, and it will help speed up my recovery."
Caitlin nodded. Since Depp had a plan, she would execute it.
…..
Another year of summer sunshine woke Steve Kevin from his slumber.
He uncovered the sheets and felt the coolness of the air conditioning.
Kevin touched his flat belly, feeling a bit regretful.
Although he exercised regularly, he couldn't easily achieve the coveted eight-pack abs that the protagonists effortlessly obtained in any rebirth novel he read.
He simply didn't have them.
There was a faint outline of abs on his abdomen, but he still had a long way to go to fully develop them.
As for drugs or protein powder, Kevin had never considered them.
Physical health was the most important thing.
His exercise routine was based on the most scientific methods combined with a proper diet.
After stretching lazily, Kevin called a nearby upscale Chinese restaurant and placed an order for a meal worth thousands of dollars. Then he finally opened his computer.
He browsed through the recently popular film forum.