Having Arabs as the main characters?
Michael instantly sharpened his focus. Was Mansour probing, or did he genuinely have this idea?
Regardless, Michael needed to provide a reasonable explanation.
Michael cautiously asked, "You want to improve the image of Arabs through Hollywood films?"
"Hollywood films have a vast reach and significant influence, but they are very unfriendly to Arabs," Mansour said slowly. "Last year, when I visited Paris and New York, there were many public protests labeling us as terrorists. Even the media was mocking us."
Michael sighed and said, "They have been misled by certain interests."
Mansour continued, "His Excellency the President is very upset. The UAE is an enlightened country and has a responsibility to improve the image of the Arab world."
Michael nodded slowly, "So you want Arabs to be the protagonists in Hollywood films, depicted positively?"
Mansour countered, "If Jews can, why can't Arabs?"
With this statement, Michael immediately understood that Mansour was not probing; he truly had this idea.
In Hollywood films, Jews could indeed be protagonists, while Arabs were typically villains.
If it was simply about securing funds, Michael could readily agree. However, he genuinely wanted to complete the "Purge" project as a starting point for his career.
Thus, Arabs absolutely could not be the main characters.
Facing someone of Mansour's stature, he couldn't make empty promises.
Michael thought for a moment and said, "At this stage, it's not very suitable."
He further explained, "The distribution channels for Hollywood films are controlled by Jews. Such a film could not enter the market. The audience wouldn't see it, and it would have no impact."
Mansour frowned slightly, seemingly considering Michael's words.
Michael's mind was racing. From his conversation with Mansour, he deduced that this Emirati bigwig was urgently seeking recognition.
This was essentially a negotiation. How could he manage Mansour's excessive demands while leveraging his desire for recognition?
Negotiation is like a game of chess. Skilled negotiators plan every offer and counteroffer meticulously, moving only after careful consideration.
Don't negotiate against your own interests. Make the other party feel their proposal is absurd and embarrassing, and try to have them accept suggestions without making a counteroffer.
Thus, Michael said, "Hollywood's deep influence from Jewish forces cannot be changed overnight. Being too aggressive will only provoke backlash. Such a film would be pointless if it can't reach the audience. I believe we should start by opening a small breach, then gradually expand, and establish a long-term plan."
Mansour was no fool and said, "It seems... reasonable."
At this moment, Michael transformed into an advocate for the Arab cause, "How many years did it take for Jews to change their image? They started during World War II, using the sympathy from the Holocaust and their financial resources to make a big deal, working persistently for decades to achieve their current position."
Mansour slowly said, "Abu Dhabi doesn't lack money."
Michael immediately said, "But you lack support, fame, and influence, and most importantly, a feasible plan."
Mansour couldn't help but think of the fragmented Arab world and the idle royal family members. For the first time, he genuinely agreed with Michael's words and asked, "Do you have any good suggestions?"
"I'm not well-versed in political matters," Michael remained humble and honest. "But I do have some ideas in the cultural and sports fields."
Mansour promptly said, "Please go ahead."
Michael's mind was racing, drawing on information about Mansour from his previous life. He said, "Film and television are the most influential global entertainment industries. They not only bring joy but can also subtly change the values of the audience. You could foster your own forces in Hollywood, establish a long-term effective plan to change the portrayal of Arabs in films, and even create a new industry model to break the Jewish monopoly on traditional models."
Michael himself believed his own words, which is the highest level of persuasion.
"Anything else?" Mansour asked.
"In addition to the film industry, the influence of professional sports cannot be ignored in today's world," Michael mentioned the path Mansour had taken in his previous life. "To expand your influence in the US, you could acquire NFL or MLB teams and build a championship team to enter the American mainstream."
He paused and added, "To expand your influence in Europe, you could acquire top clubs in the major leagues. Football is the world's largest sport, with billions of fans. When you win a league or Champions League title, countless people will look up to you with admiration."
Hearing this, Mansour's eyes lit up. He was a sports enthusiast who loved football and excelled in equestrian but had never thought about running a football club.
The most crucial element for a championship team is money! Having money doesn't guarantee winning championships, but winning championships definitely requires money.
Abu Dhabi had plenty of money.
The two followers exchanged glances, both seeing the excitement in each other's eyes.
This seemed tailor-made for Mansour. Why hadn't they thought of it before? Mansour nodded repeatedly, thinking and saying, "This suggestion is good and worth considering."
Michael modestly smiled, "I was just making a suggestion. I'm glad it could help."
Mansour finally said something approving, "This is very beneficial. Your suggestion has opened a door for me."
Michael timely said, "About my movie..."
"You are the professional," Mansour immediately responded and then asked, "How much is the funding gap?"
Michael directly stated, "The project budget is 10 million dollars. Many people have expressed interest in investing at the fundraising meeting, but it's hard to say how much we can secure. I estimate the funding gap to be around 8 million dollars."
Mansour pondered briefly, "I will seriously consider your project and hope we can cooperate."
"I hope for the honor," Michael said.
Michael knew Mansour would need to assess the project further. Oil tycoons don't just throw money around carelessly. However, from Mansour's words, it seemed likely that he could secure a significant investment.
Mansour showed great importance by personally seeing Michael out of the meeting room.
Just as Michael was about to leave, an Arab man hurriedly arrived and spoke to Mansour's thin follower in Arabic.
Michael vaguely heard something that sounded like "Los Angeles" but didn't linger, instead walking down the corridor and entering the elevator. He glanced back once before the doors closed, seeing Mansour's group returning to the meeting room.
Los Angeles? Michael wondered. Could Mansour have sent someone to investigate Seashore Entertainment in Los Angeles? Based on Mansour's words, he had attended the first day of the fundraising meeting, possibly reviewing the information and then having someone gather more details in Los Angeles.
No matter how you looked at it, ten million dollars was a substantial investment.
It was no wonder the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority hadn't discussed specific investments yet.
Reflecting on it now, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority had done a thorough job. On one hand, they assisted Seashore Entertainment, showcasing the hospitality and warmth of the Arabs to the Hollywood guests. On the other, they conducted actual investigations before deciding on any investments.
Even if Seashore Entertainment secured funds from other sources, as long as they hadn't left Abu Dhabi, the situation was under the Authority's control.
With these speculations, it was hard to say he wasn't worried at all, but Michael was confident. From the beginning, he hadn't underestimated the Arabs, and everything he had set up was real.
Aside from very subjective views on Jews, all the information was genuine and reliable.
When the elevator arrived, Michael rode it downstairs and returned to the venue with renewed determination to continue engaging with potential investors.
Compared to Mansour, these people were just minor players.
But even minor players added up.
In the meeting room, Mansour opened a file and asked his two followers, "What do you think?"