During the Christmas period, while other European football leagues were on a winter break, the English Premier League entered its busiest season. Many teams had to play a match every two or three days. When Michael Davenport learned from Danny Donald that they were going to Manchester to watch a game, he mentioned that he was also a Manchester United fan and decided to join them.
In his previous life, Michael had been a half-hearted football fan, infatuated for a while during his school years, but he abandoned it as work got busier after graduation.
However, during his most intense period of watching football, around the year 2000, he had a good understanding of the 1999 treble-winning Manchester United team. He knew about the "Black Wind Duo," the "Golden Quartet" in midfield, and Peter Schmeichel, who created one of Denmark's fairy tales.
Oh, and the infamous "Ferguson Hairdryer."
Talking with Alan Albert, a die-hard Manchester United fan, Michael could discuss the team in detail.
Danny Donald, influenced by Alan Albert, was also a Manchester United fan, though not as fanatical as the latter.
This shared interest in Manchester United, along with the absence of someone like Albert Hoffman to disrupt things, allowed Michael to quickly bond with the two.
Besides football, they also talked about film distribution, providing Michael with useful information.
Polygram Pictures' distribution team was mostly based overseas, with specialists responsible for each region. Over the years, leveraging Polygram Records' channels, they had established deep connections with local media, TV stations, film companies, and videotape companies.
If these people followed Alan Albert and Danny Donald to Embassy Films, a few adjustments would be all it took to make the entire distribution channel operational.
At Old Trafford, Michael booked a nice box to watch Manchester United's Christmas match with Alan Albert and Danny Donald.
Cheers erupted in the stadium as a player in a red jersey ran towards the corner flag to celebrate a goal.
"Yorke is still amazing!" Alan Albert was exceptionally excited.
Football could be considered the most important entertainment for the British.
Michael remembered an old man from a rival team once said, "Football is not a matter of life and death; it's more important than that."
Danny Donald was also thrilled, "Yorke and Cole are guarantees of victory."
"That's true," Michael agreed but added, "but without the support of the Golden Quartet, their impact would be greatly reduced."
As the game resumed and the pace slowed, the three began to discuss.
Michael wasn't a professional fan but had his views, "I believe Manchester United's peak in recent years is due to the Golden Quartet reaching their career peak."
Alan Albert said, "But last season, when we won the treble, these four didn't always play together."
"As long as three of the four were on the pitch, they could change the game," Michael insisted. "Each of them has the ability to change the game's tempo. Giggs' sharp breakthroughs, Scholes' forward runs, Beckham's running and crosses, Keane's support and long-range shots—all can break the deadlock."
Alan Albert thought about it and found it quite true.
Michael continued, "The strength of Manchester United's midfield is undeniable, but if two are missing, it could affect their normal operations. It might be okay for the Premier League, but for the Champions League..."
Danny Donald interjected, "You think Manchester United can't defend their Champions League title this year?"
Michael smiled, "It's possible but very difficult."
Last season was the peak of this Manchester United team, a combination of strength and luck that led to the treble. Who could have predicted two injury-time goals to overturn a deficit in the Champions League final?
And then there was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who wasn't a prolific scorer but came off the bench to score vital goals.
How did Manchester United get knocked out of the Champions League this season? Michael thought for a while, vaguely remembering something about Redondo's backheel to pass Scholes and Raul scoring into an empty net?
He couldn't recall clearly.
Cheers erupted again in the stadium as Manchester United scored another goal.
A crescent moon again!
The scorer was David Beckham, with his trademark curling free-kick.
Michael stood up to applaud along with Alan Albert and Danny Donald, even spotting Victoria in the stands ahead.
Undoubtedly a very smart woman, Victoria had become the most successful member of the Spice Girls through her wits, despite being the least noticeable initially.
In his previous life, there were many jokes online about Victoria and Beckham. Supposedly, Victoria initially preferred a different football star but ended up with Beckham for a better future.
If Victoria had chosen the other football star, would the "Wayne Bridge" scandal have been even bigger?
The sports and entertainment worlds had much in common. No matter how flawed someone's private life was, as long as they performed well in their career, they would have countless supporters.
Like that other football star and the one with the "iron arm," they were typical examples.
Hollywood had even more examples.
Michael continued chatting and discussing the game with the two. At this time, Manchester United was the undisputed king of the Premier League, ending with a four-goal victory.
After the game, the three had dinner together, and Michael brought up the matter of joining Embassy Films again.
Universal Pictures had already issued internal notices that most Polygram Pictures employees, who were of no use to Universal, would start to be laid off after the New Year, including the distribution department led by Alan Albert and Danny Donald.
Michael's long-term efforts had finally paid off. Compared to their time in London, the two now seriously discussed the possibility of joining Embassy Films, asking detailed questions about the future plans of Embassy Films and Relativity Entertainment.
To attract them, Michael needed to show sincerity, demonstrating the potential future development of Relativity Entertainment, providing stable and comfortable jobs, and offering appropriate benefits.
"If you join Embassy Films, your salaries at Polygram Pictures will double," Michael was straightforward about the compensation. Having been an employee himself, he understood the importance of salary. "Alan's annual salary will be $800,000, and Danny's will be $500,000, with future adjustments based on company salary increases."
Alan Albert and Danny Donald exchanged glances. At least in terms of salary, Michael Davenport showed more sincerity than Albert Hoffman from DreamWorks.
"What else?" Alan Albert asked directly.
Seeing them take the initiative, Michael knew success was nearing. As a recruiter, you always worry when the other party doesn't talk about compensation.
If they're not interested, they won't discuss it.
Michael said, "You'll also receive annual bonuses based on the performance of our overseas distribution."
This didn't seem very attractive, just part of the normal compensation package.
Michael was prepared, "Additionally, I've set up an option reward fund for you." This wasn't a stock award but a bonus, "I've established a $3 million reward fund. If you work at Embassy Films for five years, you can share this fund based on your position and performance."
Hearing this, both Alan Albert and Danny Donald were moved. For them, this was a substantial reward.
This wasn't a baseless offer. As Relativity Entertainment and its two subsidiaries were getting on track, Michael was also planning incentive measures for the management. Besides a small amount of stock options for Mary, George, and Robert, others would have similar reward fund terms, to be implemented after the New Year.
To motivate people, you have to feed them well.
Of course, the new employment contracts would include non-compete clauses to prevent poaching by other companies.
In the future, with a well-established system and channels, losing someone wouldn't be a big deal, but at this stage, losing key personnel would hinder the entire company's operations.
Michael discussed with Alan Albert and Danny Donald until midnight before they wrapped up.
"Michael Davenport is indeed sincere," Danny said as he entered Alan's room to discuss, "Universal's notice will come soon. We must decide quickly. If our distribution team members leave to find their own paths, it will affect us too."
Without their distribution team, their value would drop significantly.
Alan wasn't ready to give up on DreamWorks, "Is there still no word from Albert Hoffman?"
"No," Danny shook his head, "It's been almost a week with no contact."
He raised his voice slightly, "Alan, DreamWorks lacks sincerity! It's evident! DreamWorks is big, but from Albert Hoffman's attitude towards us, can't you see? Even if we join DreamWorks, once they control the overseas distribution channel, we might be marginalized!"
Alan sighed, "DreamWorks has a bigger platform."
Danny reminded him, "If Hoffman isn't contacting us, should we contact him? It would lower our status! Besides, a bigger platform might not be suitable for us."
Someone came to recruit them, met twice, offered some mediocre terms, and then went silent. It didn't feel sincere.
Alan thought for a while, "Let's wait one more day. Call our team members to stabilize them. If there's no news by the day after tomorrow, we'll choose Embassy Films!"
Tom Cruise and the church members had been persuading Alan to join Embassy Films. If DreamWorks couldn't offer much better terms, he'd go with Michael Davenport's company.