When the investment conference began, Michael Davenport kept his cool and didn't rush to discuss money. For the first two days, he focused on introducing the basics of Hollywood, the history of Seagull Entertainment, the films they had produced, and the generally negative portrayal of Arabs in Hollywood films.
All attendees received comprehensive information about Seagull Entertainment and "The Purge."
While the people of Abu Dhabi had plenty of money, they weren't fools. To secure investment, it was essential to build trust.
Michael had researched extensively. Most attendees were genuine businessmen, not clueless heirs. Compared to other closed-off Middle Eastern countries, the UAE was relatively progressive. Many people were familiar with the Western world, and many wealthy individuals were involved in import-export businesses with North America.
Allowing potential investors time to verify Seagull Entertainment's credentials through their own channels was crucial.
Rushing to secure investments from the start might have backfired. Arabs might have a lot of money, but they weren't easy to fool.
To successfully secure investment, everything had to be verifiable and genuine.
All the materials Michael provided were real and credible, except for the budget for "The Purge."
At this time, Hollywood film budgets had considerable flexibility. Many insiders didn't fully understand them, let alone outsiders.
During those two days, Michael carefully observed the over one hundred attendees. Many showed interest.
Even some members of the Abu Dhabi royal family visited the conference.
Despite humanity's inherent fear and rejection of the unfamiliar, Michael's meticulous planning drew significant interest from potential investors.
"Hassan, what did your friend in Los Angeles find out?" A younger man in a white robe asked a bearded man as they walked into the venue. "Is this project legitimate?"
Hassan glared at him and cautioned, "Don't speak carelessly, Hussein! This is a project brought in by the Investment Authority."
"It's not that I don't trust the Investment Authority," Hussein said, looking at the posters. "But our money is hard-earned from business."
Hassan handed him a copy of the Los Angeles Times. "This is one of the top three newspapers in America."
Hussein looked at the article about "The Purge" and said, "I've read it." He put down the newspaper and picked up some posters and drawings to give to his assistant. "These are very well-made; the kids will love them."
Hassan also took a few copies, then said, "My trade partner in Los Angeles checked. This company is based in Burbank and has been around for over ten years. They recently held a press conference at the Hilton Hotel, and there are still related reports in American newspapers and magazines. Michael Davenport's company is having cash flow issues; otherwise, they wouldn't be seeking external investment."
Hussein lowered his voice, "Is the project legitimate?"
Hassan stroked his beard. "From the information we've gathered, this company is more reliable than the American export company I work with."
"True." Hussein put down his luggage, picked up a brochure about Seagull Entertainment, and began flipping through it. "That young man with glasses looks honest. He spent the first two days explaining Hollywood basics and the risks of investing in the film industry. Would a scammer talk about risks? They'd be making wild promises."
Hassan pointed to a spot in the conference hall. "I'm going to talk to him. Are you coming?"
"Have you decided to invest?" Hussein asked.
"Just a small amount to start with," Hassan said as he walked. "He mentioned wanting a long-term partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to keep Jewish funds from influencing Seagull Entertainment's films."
Hussein followed. "Those American Jews have always defamed us!" He recalled the synopsis of the script. "Not all of Hollywood is bad; there are good people."
Michael had just finished speaking with a potential investor when he saw two men in white robes and headscarves approaching.
"Good morning," Michael greeted them in Arabic, which he had recently learned.
Hassan and Hussein spoke fluent English. After the greetings and introductions, Michael invited them to sit.
"I'd like to ask about investment," Hassan got straight to the point. "What is the minimum investment amount?"
Michael handed each of them a sample contract. "You can review these contract templates. They have been vetted by Ibrahim, a lawyer from the Royal Law Firm in Abu Dhabi, and will be filed with the Investment Authority."
Salih had been an excellent guide, helping significantly.
Hassan and Hussein reviewed the contracts, which were in both English and Arabic.
"Seagull Entertainment is being rejected by Jewish funds because of the script," Michael said, not hiding the company's difficulties. "We urgently need investment. We offer three investment levels: $100,000, $300,000, and $500,000. Higher investments are also welcome, but I must emphasize that regardless of the investment amount, no one can interfere with the production of 'The Purge.' Professionals should handle professional tasks."
Hussein nodded. "That makes sense."
Hassan agreed. This young man's honesty, a rarity among Americans, was refreshing.
"Is there a fixed return?" Hassan asked, eyes sharp.
Michael smiled. "In addition to the principal, investors will receive a share of the film's box office revenue proportional to their investment."
"No fixed returns?" Hussein interjected.
Michael explained, "The higher the film's box office, the higher the returns. Regardless of the box office, the principal will be returned in full after three years."
Hassan stroked his beard silently.
Michael pointed to the contract templates. "These terms are all in the contract. In case of disputes, the contract will be enforced in Abu Dhabi."
Hassan raised an eyebrow. This showed significant goodwill. In case of issues, they could directly file a lawsuit in Abu Dhabi.
Before coming to Abu Dhabi, Michael had studied North American social conditions. With sufficient funds, three years was plenty of time to achieve many things.
Especially the stock market. He remembered the NASDAQ crash at the turn of the millennium, so the earlier they entered, the better.
"The returns aren't very high," Hassan finally said.
Michael smiled. "The impact of a film cannot be measured by financial returns alone. The investors' names and photos will appear prominently in the end credits, as specified in the contract. Once the film is released, the investors' names will be known throughout America and beyond, which should benefit your business."
"Really?" Hussein was excited. "My children could see my name in the film?"
"Absolutely," Michael confirmed.
Hussein looked at Hassan, who nodded slowly.
"I'll invest $300,000!" Hussein decided.
Hassan thought for a moment. "I'll invest $300,000 as well." He picked up the contract. "We need our lawyer to review this."
"Of course," Michael said, smiling. "You can take the contracts. Please leave your contact details."
Hassan and Hussein took the $300,000 contract templates, left their contact information, and discussed some details with Michael before leaving.
Watching them walk away, Michael let out a breath. Hassan and Hussein were cautious, but the likelihood of their investment was high.
Salih suddenly approached with a wide smile. "Good news, Michael."
"What's the good news?" Michael asked.
Salih leaned in, speaking quietly. "My cousin, Mansour Zayed, wants to talk to you privately."
Mansour Zayed? The name sounded familiar.
"Who is he?" Michael asked.
"He's a key figure in the Investment Authority and currently serves as the Deputy Director of the President's Office," Salih explained. "He has the authority to make large investments."
Salih urged Michael to go quickly. Securing this investment would not only open Abu Dhabi's cultural and entertainment investments in the US but also be a significant achievement for Salih.
He didn't want to be just another idle royal family member.
Before leaving, Michael spoke with Mary and Robert, giving them a few instructions. "How are things going?"
"Very smoothly!" Robert said, looking at Michael with admiration. "I've signed three investment intents: two for $100,000 and one for $300,000."
Mary added, "About the same here, with nearly $500,000 in intended investments."
"Good!" Michael advised, "Stay calm. These are just intentions. If half convert to actual investments, that's great."
He glanced at Salih waiting nearby. "You continue; I'm off to meet the big shot at the Investment Authority."