Chapter 49 Press Conference (Part 2)

Author: TrojanRW

Chapter 49 Press Conference (Part 2)

"ladies and gentlemen,

Today marks an important milestone in the history of United Artist Brokerage. As CEO, I am pleased to announce that we have sold our minority stake in the company to Berke Capital, a leading global investment product provider and management company, as well as its close and powerful partner, HAN Capital. This move will provide us with additional resources to accelerate the company's growth and innovation programs, while also enabling us to maintain independence and control as a private company.

A brief introduction to those here who are not very familiar with United Artist Agency, we are one of the world's leading talent and entertainment companies, representing a wide range of actors, directors, musicians, athletes, writers and other creative industry figures. Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Anthony Hopkins, we work with some of the most talented and influential people in the entertainment industry to help them build successful careers and achieve their business goals.

We have been fortunate to have achieved significant growth in recent years. UTA’s talented team has expanded our scope of expertise and developed new business models. However, we realized that innovation within the company alone is far from enough and that we must continue to develop and innovate with the help of external forces in order to stay ahead and meet the changing needs of our customers.

By working with Han Capital and Berhu Capital, we will gain additional resources and expertise that enables us to accelerate growth and expand the company’s current size. The two capital institutions have achieved remarkable results in supporting leading companies in various industries, and we are pleased to be able to refer to them as investors, and future career partners.

Han Capital and Baihui Capital fully respect our independent decision-making power, which is also a right that UTA cherishes very much. Making correct decisions in the best interests of our customers is the foundation for our long-term development and the mission we are committed to continuing to fulfill.

We are excited about the future of United Artist Agency and thank our customers, partners and employees for their support as we embark on a new chapter in our journey. In the future, we will continue to provide our customers with the highest level of service and professional guidance and continue to push the limits of the entertainment world.

Thank you for taking the time and we look forward to sharing more good news with you in the coming months and years.”

The speech, which is stable and without loopholes, is clearly from the internal public relations department of the United Artist Agency. The gorgeous words full of positive emotions and the nonsense literature that keeps circling around core issues are not only exclusive to Capitol Hill politicians, but also the conventional vocabulary of Hollywood companies.

Videographers from various media took photos sporadically, and the notebooks placed between the reporters were empty, and no one would record such speeches because the manuscripts had been placed in media bags for their later reports to quote.

"Thanks to Mr. Zimmer."

After Jeremy Zimmer sat down in front of the famous brand, Andrew Toll stood on the podium again.

"Next, let's invite Mr. Han and Mr. Le Pen to the stage."

Douglas Le Pen leads the way, and Han Yi follows closely. Seeing the two investors on stage, Jeremy Zimmer stood up enthusiastically and hugged and greeted them respectively.

Then, according to the position arrangement during the rehearsal, Zimmer stood on the far left, Le Pen was on the right, Han Yi was in the middle, and the three of them stood in front of the background wall to accept the media's shooting.

The photo of the three was a photo of the press release that had been communicated with various media in advance by UTA's public relations department. Therefore, Han Yi had just stood there with X-shaped tape, and the long spear and short cannons in front of him began to bombard the intensively.

Han Yi is not good at taking photos. In fact, as long as the flash appears, he will inevitably close his eyes subconsciously. However, this experience is different. The flash has become so dense that it has become a dazzling light belt, even the spring afternoon sun in Los Angeles pales in comparison.

At this moment, Han Yi finally understood why the stars on the red carpet can always open their eyes perfectly.

This intensity of light cannot be closed even if you want to. Han Yi can only maintain the normal curve of his eyes as much as possible, revealing a formulaic smile that he thinks is impeccable. Wherever he makes a sound of "looking here", his head will turn toward him.

"He has to take more photos, his face is stiff."

Standing behind the crowd, Xu Yiru, who observed Han Yi from the gap, sighed softly, but there was no trace of complaint in her eyes, full of pride and pride, and even a little bit of pampering as if there were or not.

The helpless Han Yi always reminds Xiaoru of his close friend before $185 million.

That was her unique memory.

"Um."

Zhao Youzhen next to her doesn't need to look at people through the gaps. She can see the whole picture by raising her neck a little.

In front of the Korean girl, Han Yi always looked confident and old-fashioned. Whether it was talking about music or history, he had never seen his cheeks twitch unconsciously and even his hands were swaying where they were.

Very cute.

Yuzhen's smile is more relaxed and sweeter than ever today.

"Please take the seat."

Leaving enough three minutes for the media to shoot, Andrew Tofang spoke at the reminder of his assistant.

"As we mentioned before, each media has a chance to ask questions, ah... Let's start from the far right." Andrew Tou looked down at the media seating area in front of him, "Variety Magazine is the first, Angeli."

Andrew nodded to the black female reporter Angeli Jackson, who was sitting at the farthest end of the first row. This is an old friend of United Artist Agency. When she was working for Entertainment Tonight, she won two Daytime Emmy Awards and was a close media partner of UTA. When she came to Variety Shows, she was also responsible for most of the UTA-related reports.

"My question is for Mr. Zimmer." The imperial reporter of course left a chance to speak out for the CEO of UTA. "Mr. Zimmer, first of all, I would like to congratulate UTA on receiving US$190 million in financing. After the institution receives such a large amount of capital injection, what specific plans do you have for the next development?"

"Thank you, Angelie, this is indeed a great news for UTA. Wait, let me get this done." Jeremy Zimmer leaned forward and kept adjusting the microphone, as if he wanted to find the perfect position to speak.

"OK, I've got this bad guy...$190 million is a rocket booster for any company and any organization that can help them make great progress. For UTA, this funding will be mainly used in the following aspects. The first is talent acquisition, talent is the core of the entertainment industry. Whether it is producers, singer-songwriters, screenwriters or directors, this investment will enable us to acquire and attract more talents, and to obtain more business opportunities for them through our stronger resource library and realize their career planning, just like I mentioned in my speech just now."

Jeremy Zimmer is a gesture-type orator. He has to constantly change various gestures to communicate effectively. It was not obvious when he was reading the manuscript just now. Now when he was answering without writing, Han Yi, who was sitting next to Zimmer, felt that the other party was making seals.

"The second is that we will invest our funds in technological innovation. Technology is changing the entertainment industry, and we need to be at the forefront of this change. Through this investment, we plan to develop and implement new technologies to enhance user experience at both ends and streamline our operations."

Whether it was Jim Berkus standing on one side with his head down or Douglas Le Pen and Han Yi sitting on the stage, they all keenly captured the keywords of Jeremy Zimmer's words, "Simplify the operation system". Whose sphere of influence will be used to simplify technology?

"The third is international expansion. We already have a strong influence in the United States, but there are still very broad untapped markets overseas. Through this investment, UTA will further enhance our international influence, especially in Europe and Asia where entertainment demand is growing."

"Is this meant that UTA will start to seek to acquire performing arts agency companies in both regions?" Angeli asked.

"We can see what will happen next." Jeremy Zimmer did not give a clear answer. He could talk about the direction at the press conference, but the specific decisions would eventually be held at the board of directors, especially after the approval of the two new shareholders around him. The acquisition target has been found, and Zimmer is also confident that he will turn overseas assets into another legion of his, but all this needs to be slowly planned.

"The fourth is content creation, and the packaging and support of film and television content is UTA's always strong point. We plan to increase our efforts to develop and produce our own content, including movies, TV shows and digital media... Finally, we will seek to establish strategic partnerships with other companies in the entertainment industry, especially leading companies in other fields. These partnerships can help us expand our business scope, increase market share, and provide more opportunities for our customers."

"Thanks to Mr. Zimmer...the next media, the Los Angeles Times."

"David Wu, Los Angeles Times." This is a Chinese face with typical ABC characteristics. "This question is given to two investors, Mr. Douglas Le Pen and Mr. Han Yi. United Artist Brokerage Company is known for its diversified business. For both of you, which business segment is the growth point that you are most concerned about? In your opinion, which areas can become the cash bulls that will lead UTA's rapid growth in the future?"

"Good question, David. Let me talk about my opinion first." Douglas Le Pen's eyes first met Han Yi. After receiving the latter's 'please ask', he replied with a smile, "As an investor in the United Artist Brokerage Company, I am very concerned about the growth potential of various business segments of UTA. However, if I have to choose the most potential sector, I will choose digital media and online content creation."

"In the view of Baihui Capital, digital media and online user-made content creation are the core of the future entertainment industry. With the development of digitalization and Internet technology, the demand and market size in this field will expand exponentially. UTA can use its experience and resources in the traditional entertainment business field to actively explore emerging digital platforms and social media, and further expand the territory of the digital media business."

"Of course, international business is also one of the important growth points for UTA in the future. At the same time, as Mr. Zimmer said, technological innovation and digital transformation are imperative internal changes. As for how to accomplish this, I think we will maintain close communication with UTA in the future. Mr. Han and I will use our experience in capital management and enterprise operations to help this institution move smoothly to the next development cycle."

In Douglas Le Pen's answer, the first two-thirds of the content is irrelevant. Digital media and user-made content are of course the trend. This is something that everyone present knows and there is no need to mention. The last paragraph is the key to the stakeholders, which is equivalent to Douglas Le Pen giving all parties a reassurance first. This acquisition is not an executioner introduced by Jeremy Zimmer. The company structure can be changed, but how it changes, we will wait for everyone to sit down and play the cards clearly.

"Mr. Han, it's your place."

"If I say that every business segment is very important, it sounds like a cliché." Han Yi pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "But it is true that United Artist Brokerage Company needs not to split a certain segment as the leader in the next development. Mr. Le Pen and I know that we are investing in one of the four major Hollywood performing arts brokers called 'The Big Four'. What we want is to see it develop balancedly and have significant growth in every business line involved. To do this, it must be effective cross-departmental collaboration."

Collaboration across departments.

Douglas Le Pen nodded slightly, opened the mineral water in front of him and drank it. Jim Berkus narrowed his eyes, and a hint of wrinkles appeared on the corners of his eyes. Jeremy Zimmer turned his head and folded his hands in front of him, looking extremely serious. Andrew To, the chief operating officer of the press conference host, even pressed the microphone in front of him with his hands, as if he didn't want the noise to disturb Han Yi's next speech.

"A company has developed to such a scale, and there are often problems of information barriers and mismatch between business segments, which will seriously delay internal work progress and effective development of external cooperation. Different departments have different professional knowledge and skills, and of course there are unique personal resources in each circle. Cross-departmental collaboration can promote the exchange and integration of these knowledge, skills and personal connections, thereby creating more innovative and competitive products and services."

"So, when you mention Cash Bull, my opinion is that the future trend is unpredictable. If UTA can accurately determine which business line is the trend for the next five or ten years, then I believe that even if they use their existing financial resources, it will be enough to support the development of a single sector."

"It is precisely because of the uncertainty of the future that capital is needed to bear the unknown risks that come with it. The best way to resist the blizzard is to collect as much firewood as possible, and it is to join us to keep warm together. Therefore, in my opinion, the next goal of UTA must be cross-departmental cooperation, and it is best to form a unified and integrated mechanism to open up all entertainment sectors, so as to gain the upper hand in the future market competition."

Han Yi's speech can be said to be extremely high-level, and everyone heard the stories they wanted to hear from his words. For external media, Han Yi emphasized the unity and integration of UTA, which highlighted his consistent support for each business segment. For the senior management within the company, what they heard was a completely different meaning.

Combining various sections undoubtedly means breaking the current three-legged system and bringing power into a corner. And who can really make a profit in this process?

From Douglas Le Pen's perspective, Han Yi is preparing to increase investment, from holding minority shares to obtaining absolute controlling stake. As a partner, Baihui Capital naturally enjoys its success. In Jim Berkus's view, Han Yi is not satisfied with the current company's operation and management system and tries to subvert Jeremy Zimmer's rule. In Jeremy Zimmer's eyes, Han Yi is instead expressing his support for the CEO, hoping to help him clear the obstacles to long-term power.

As for Chief Operating Officer Andrew Tot, his idea is, if the company wants to cause drastic personnel changes and sector integration, as the COO, who is responsible for corporate structure and overall collaboration, how much can he make profits from it?

These are exactly what Han Yi wants to achieve in this answer. Even if everyone's ideas are exactly the opposite of his presets, it doesn't matter, or even better. If Jim Berkus and Jeremy Zimmer both feel that Han Yi is intending to be bad for him, they will cooperate more in the next plan in order to regain Han Yi's support.

This is the pure power brought by powerful capital. No matter how Han Yi expresses his opinion or how others digest it, he still needs to achieve his goals in the end.

As for Xu Yiru, as an outsider, she naturally doesn't understand the internal conflicts of UTA, and Han Yi has not told her in detail about the specific plans of this performing arts agency.

Xiaoru only knew that Han Yi's free and calm manner was really charming.

There is no need to pay attention, Xu Yiru also knows that Zhao Youzhen, who is standing beside her, also has the same idea.

A billionaire who can talk about the management of top brokers at the age of twenty-two is extremely rare even in the Platinum Triangle. Not to mention that today is a mixture of Ryan Gosling, Hugh Grant, and Timothy Chalamet.

Xu Yiru will know how lethal this kind of man is to women, just by feeling his increasingly violent heartbeat.

I also said that I would support each other on the way down the mountain. Before I could even reach the mountainside, I was almost kidnapped away.

Xiaoru's sense of crisis is getting stronger and stronger.

"Okay, the next media." Andrew Tol was immersed in his thoughts, and when the third urge came from his headphones, he woke up as if he was dreaming, "The Hollywood Reporter."

"Polis Kitt, The Hollywood Reporter."

Polis Kitt's original question was to give Jeremy Zimmer, and he wanted to ask some sharp questions about Johnny Depp's recent status. But after Han Yi's answer, he keenly realized that this young Chinese rich man was the key point worth exploring.

Who is he? Where did he come from? What should he do?

No one in Hollywood knows.

"Mr. Han, you look very young, which is obvious. Many of us are curious about how you raised such a huge amount of funds, obtained the support of Bohui Capital, and successfully acquired UTA minority equity? Mr. Han, let me ask more specifically, where is your funds coming from?"

Hearing the straightforward questions that Polis Kitt stabbed straight like a sharp knife, the originally noisy press conference scene suddenly became quiet.

Everyone has plenty of curiosity for a young and handsome mysterious rich man.

"I prepared a few reasons in advance for this issue, but..."

However, the interviewee Han Yi was not surprised at all. He had long expected that someone would raise such a question at the press conference.

Han Yi leaned forward, pressed his lips against the microphone, and raised a cramped smile, making the voice appear as deep as possible.

“Endowment.”

(End of this chapter)
Chapter completed!