"Yes, that's exactly why it failed. Only people your age like such stories. A mature audience wouldn't go to see a film like that."
"But don't worry, Elizabeth. We already have a new project, and it's going to be a great film, maybe even an award-winner."
"Is there a role for me?"
Hearing about a potential award-winning film, Elizabeth looked up, hope shining in her eyes.
"I'm not sure, but Mary and I read the script, and it doesn't seem like there are any roles for teenagers."
"I see."
Seeing the disappointment on their younger sister's face, the sisters felt a pang of guilt. They knew how much she had been looking forward to a role.
"Elizabeth, this film is funded by MGM, and we can't make the decisions."
"You know what? We'll talk to Eric and suggest he consider a role for you in another film."
"Eric? Eric Cooper? The Vice President of MGM?" Elizabeth pushed her sister aside and exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, that's him. Do you know Eric Cooper?"
Elizabeth's eyes lit up.
"Of course I do. He's been appearing in the media a lot lately. Oh my God, he's so handsome, even more so than many actors."
"Have you met him? Is he really as handsome as they say in the papers?"
Although Eric had left the Olsen sisters with the impression of being a greedy man, they couldn't deny that he was indeed handsome. His looks were comparable to Leonardo DiCaprio's in Titanic. If he starred in romantic TV dramas, he would become the dream of every girl in America.
"Yes, Eric Cooper is very handsome."
"Can I meet him?" Elizabeth beamed like a true fangirl.
"Of course, I think we'll be seeing him again soon. We'll take you with us then."
"Yay!"
"Boom"
Suddenly, the door to the room flew open, and a middle-aged man wearing glasses burst in.
"Ashley, Mary, what do you think you're doing? The advertiser complained about your unprofessional behavior at the morning event."
Seeing the man before them, the sisters immediately wiped the smiles off their faces. Elizabeth hid behind her sisters, slightly intimidated by him.
"Robert, we arrived early, interacted with fans, and presented the product. I don't consider that unprofessional."
"And besides, I've told you before: this is our private space. You can't enter here without permission from Mary and me!"
The Olsen sisters always openly expressed their dissatisfaction with this man, who had once helped them become stars but was now trying to control them.
Obviously, Robert Solni understood the tense relationship between them. Their connection was based solely on mutual benefit.
In recent years, DualStar Entertainment had been struggling, and the Olsen sisters had become increasingly rebellious.
Collecting his thoughts, Robert Solni asked, "Ashley, I heard that you turned down New York Minute. Why didn't you discuss it with me? You missed a good opportunity."
Mary-Kate Olsen snorted, "We don't need it anymore because we'll soon have a new movie."
"What? Why don't I know anything about this? What movie?"
"That's a secret!"
"You!"
Seeing the determined looks on the sisters' faces, Robert Solni realized that continuing the conversation was pointless. He let out a cold smirk and left.
After the hated man left, the youngest sister, Elizabeth, asked, "Wasn't that a bit too harsh? Solni was clearly very angry."
"Don't worry, someone will deal with him."
In the corridor, Robert Solni felt disheartened. The Olsen sisters were becoming more and more defiant, no longer respecting him. It was frustrating that he only held 45% of the shares in DualStar Entertainment, leaving him powerless.
Returning to his office, he rubbed his forehead, recalling the events of the past few days.
A few days ago, a private investment company from Wall Street contacted him through an acquaintance. They informed him of a promising investment opportunity.
This project was related to MGM, which was in need of funding. Robert Solni met with representatives from this company through his contact.
"Mr. Solni, as someone who works in Hollywood, you must be well aware of MGM. Right now, this lion is seeking private investments to expand production. This is an excellent opportunity."
"It sounds good, but I don't understand why MGM suddenly needs money. They're on the rise; all their recent films have been profitable," Solni inquired.
"Haha... successful growth doesn't mean there's no need for money. The Coopers mortgaged everything they could to take out massive loans and buy MGM from Kirk Kerkorian."
"After paying off Kerkorian, they were left with little working capital, and now they have to manage the company, pay off the loans, and invest in new projects."
"Especially considering the collaboration with Hasbro, the cost of the rights and production for the film exceeded $200 million. Add to that the expenses for creating other films and TV series—MGM is facing serious financial difficulties."
"Moreover, the film industry doesn't generate quick returns. That's why the Coopers are in trouble. I believe you've already heard that MGM is planning a re-listing."
"But that process takes time, and MGM can't afford to wait that long. So, they turned to us for private investments."
Robert Solni recalled the news from recent weeks. Both Charlie Cooper and Eric Cooper had hinted in interviews about plans to re-list the company.
But what's the purpose of listing a company? Of course, it's for better financing and development.
"How many MGM shares are they willing to give up?"
"Twenty percent for $1 billion. That's our estimate. If MGM continues its successful growth, its value will only increase after re-listing."
"But why choose me? There are plenty of more suitable investors on the market," Solni said in surprise.
"Hahaha, Robert, you're just one of our targets. MGM has set a condition that private investors must not be large Hollywood studios to avoid the intrusion of competitors."
"Additionally, the investor must have experience in the entertainment industry to avoid disputes with shareholders who don't understand the specifics of the business. So, our choices are limited."
These conditions seemed reasonable, but Solni still had his doubts.
He decided to conduct his own investigation and contacted friends who were former MGM executives, whom the Coopers had fired. They confirmed the company's high level of debt—$2.8 billion, which shocked Solni.
He then reached out to his contacts in banks, and after paying for information, he learned that the Coopers were burdened with $2 billion in loans.
After verifying the investment company and ensuring its legitimacy, Solni felt more at ease. His doubts were almost dispelled.
------
You can read up to 10+ advanced chapters and support me at patreon.com/raaaaven