After the investment meeting began, Ronan kept his composure and didn't rush to talk about money. For the first two days, he focused on introducing the basics of Hollywood, the history of Sahara Entertainment, the films they produced, and the prevalent negative portrayal of Arabs in Hollywood movies.
Whether it was information about Sahara Entertainment or "The Human Purge Plan," it was distributed to everyone attending the meeting.
Abu Dhabi locals didn't take money lightly, and they couldn't be taken for fools. To persuade people to invest, trust had to be established first.
Ronan made a point of understanding that most attendees were genuine businessmen, not idle loafers.
Compared to other closed Middle Eastern countries, the UAE had relatively open policies. Many people had exposure to the Western world, and quite a few wealthy individuals were engaged in North American import-export businesses.
Allowing some time would let potential investors learn about Sahara Entertainment's situation in Los Angeles through their own channels.
Desperately pushing for investments right from the start of the investment meeting could backfire.
Arabians might have money, but they weren't fools.
To seek investments, the highest level of preparation was essential, and everything had to be authentic.
On this basis, painting a rosy picture appropriately was acceptable.
All the materials provided by Ronan were entirely authentic and reliable, except for the budget costs of "The Human Purge Plan."
In this era, the budget for Hollywood movies had a lot of leeway, something many insiders couldn't quite grasp, let alone outsiders.
Over the past two days, Ronan had been carefully observing, and among the more than one hundred people who had come, many showed interest.
Even some members of the Abu Dhabi royal family had attended the venue.
Although humans naturally had fear and aversion to things they didn't understand, under Ronan's careful calculation, there were still quite a few interested investors.
"Hasan, how did your friend in Los Angeles inquire?" Two Arabs in white robes entered the venue, the slightly younger one lowering his voice and asking the bearded man, "Is this project alright?"
The bearded man glared at him, cautioning, "Don't talk nonsense, Hussein! This is a project introduced by the Investment Bureau."
"I'm not doubting the Investment Bureau," Hussein said as they walked towards the area adorned with numerous posters, "but we can't compare with them. The money we have is hard-earned from doing business."
Hasan picked up a copy of the Los Angeles Times from the display case and handed it to Hussein. "This is one of the top three newspapers in the United States."
Hussein looked at the report on "The Human Purge Plan" in the newspaper and said, "I've read it." He put down the newspaper and picked up several posters and sketches, handing them to his entourage behind him. "They are beautifully made, and children will love them."
Hasan had his entourage take a few copies as well before saying, "My trading partner helped me check. This company is located in Burbank, Los Angeles, has been established for over ten years, and recently held a press conference at the Hilton Hotel for this film. Relevant reports can still be seen in American newspapers and magazines... Hmm, Ronan-Anderson's funding chain has encountered problems, otherwise, they wouldn't be seeking external financing."
Hussein lowered his voice, "Is the project alright?"
Hasan stroked his beard and said, "From the information we've received, this company is more reliable than the American export company I'm working with."
"That's true," Hussein said, putting down his luggage and picking up an introduction to Sahara Entertainment, "That young man with glasses looks honest. In the past two days, he specifically introduced the basics of Hollywood and the risks of investing in the film industry. Would someone trying to swindle money talk about the risks of the film industry? They would have made random promises long ago."
Hasan pointed to a place in the conference hall. "I want to go talk to him. Are you coming?"
"Have you decided to invest?" Hussein asked.
Hasan said as they walked, "Let's invest a small amount first, as he said. In the future, we want to establish a long-term cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau to avoid Sandsea Entertainment's films being influenced by those damn Jewish funds!"
Hussain followed up, "The American Jewish bastards have been smearing us all along!" He recalled the synopses he had read and continued, "But Hollywood isn't entirely full of jerks; there are good people there."
Ronen had just sent off an investor consultation when he saw two men in white robes and headscarves approaching.
"Good morning," Ronen greeted them in Arabic, a phrase he had just learned.
Both Hasan and Hussain spoke English, so they exchanged greetings and introductions.
Ronen adjusted his glasses and greeted them warmly, "Gentlemen, please have a seat."
"I'd like to ask about the investment," Hasan cut to the chase. "What's the minimum investment you'll accept?"
Ronen fetched several contract templates and placed them in front of Hasan and Hussain. "You can take a look at the contract templates. They have been approved by Ibrahim, the lawyer from the Abu Dhabi Royal Law Firm, and the contracts will also be filed with the Investment Bureau."
That Saleh was definitely a competent guide and had been quite helpful.
Both Hasan and Hussain examined the contracts. They were available in both English and Arabic.
"Due to the script's nature, Sandsea Entertainment has been excluded from Jewish funding, so we're in urgent need of investment," Ronen said frankly, increasing the credibility of his words. "Sandsea Entertainment is offering three investment amounts: $100,000, $300,000, and $500,000. Of course, we can also accept higher investments, but I need to make it clear that regardless of the amount invested, there should be no interference in the production of 'The Human Purge.' We need professionals to handle professional matters."
Hussain nodded, "That makes sense."
Hasan agreed as well. He assumed this young man was unusually honest for an American. It seemed he always put the hard truths out first.
Wouldn't a project run by someone like this be more reliable?
"What about the return on investment?" Hasan asked, showing a hint of shrewdness.
Ronen didn't resort to wild exaggerations. Facing savvy businessmen, he painted a realistic picture, "In addition to the principal, there will be a profit-sharing from the movie box office proportional to the investment."
"Not a fixed return?" Hussain interjected.
Ronen explained, "The higher the box office revenue of the film in the future, the higher the profit-sharing. Regardless of the box office performance, the initial investment will be fully returned after three years."
Hasan remained silent, stroking his beard.
Ronen pointed to the contract template, "All of this is reflected in the contract. If there are any disputes, Abu Dhabi will be the place of contract fulfillment."
Hasan raised an eyebrow, impressed by Ronen's sincerity. It was reassuring to know they could file a lawsuit in Abu Dhabi if necessary.
Before coming to Abu Dhabi, Ronen had been studying the North American social situation. With enough capital, three years was enough time to do a lot. Especially in the stock market, he vaguely remembered the Nasdaq crashing at the turn of the millennium. Naturally, the earlier he entered, the more profit he could make.
"The return on investment isn't particularly high," Hasan suddenly spoke up.
Ronen smiled and said, "The impact of a movie can't be measured solely by monetary returns. The names and faces of the film's investors will appear prominently in the end credits, as stipulated in the contract. When the movie is released, the names of the investors will be known throughout the United States and even wider areas. I believe this will also benefit your business."
"Really?" Hussain was a little excited. "Will my children be able to see me in the movie?"
Ronen assured, "Without a doubt."
Hussain looked at Hasan, who nodded slowly.
"I'll invest $300,000!" Hussain didn't hesitate anymore.
Hasan thought for a moment and said, "I'll also invest $300,000." He picked up the contract, "We need to have a lawyer review it."
"Of course!" Ronen had specifically asked Saleh to find a senior lawyer from the Royal Law Firm, so there would be no legal issues. The project itself was genuine. He smiled and said, "You can take the contract with you. Please leave your contact information."
Hasan and Hussain took the respective contract templates for $300,000 and left their contact information before discussing some details with Ronen and then leaving.
Watching the two men leave, Ronen breathed a sigh of relief. Hasan and Hussain were cautious, but the potential for investment was significant.
Only those genuinely interested in investing would inquire so thoroughly.
"Ronen!" Saleh suddenly hurried over, his face beaming. "I have some good news for you."
"What good news?" Ronen asked.
Saleh came up to him and whispered, "My cousin, Mansour Zayed, wants to have a private conversation with you."
"Mansour Zayed? Why does that name sound familiar?" Ronen hurriedly asked.
"The real heavyweight within the Investment Bureau, currently also serving as the Deputy Director of the President's Office," Saleh emphasized. "He holds the decision-making power for substantial investments!"
Saleh urged Ronan to hurry, as if this investment could be secured, it would not only open up Abu Dhabi's investment landscape in the American cultural and entertainment industry but also earn him a significant political achievement.
He didn't want to remain a royal who merely lived off inherited wealth.
Before leaving, Ronan found Mary and Robert, gave them a few instructions, then asked, "Is everything going smoothly?"
"Extremely smoothly!" Robert looked at Ronan with admiration in his eyes, his voice deliberately low but filled with restrained excitement. "I've signed three letters of intent for investment on my end, two for $100,000 each, and one for $300,000."
Mary chimed in, "It's about the same on my end, with intended investments totaling close to $500,000."
"Great!" Ronan advised, "Stay calm; these are just intentions. If half of them convert into actual investments, that would be excellent."
He glanced at Saleh waiting not far away and said, "You guys continue; I'm off to meet the big shot at the Investment Bureau."