Chapter 1836 1836 Historical turning point
1997 was one of the most important turning points before the end of the century. Not only did the "Titanic" set off a box office frenzy at the end of the century and officially opened the era of blockbusters; but also the strong rise of H waves completely changed the pattern of the TV drama market.
In this year, HBo changed their slogan for the ninth time, "This is not TV, this is hBo (it’s.not.tv, it’s.hBo)", announcing the real reform of the TV station, and they began to independently produce well-made TV series works. Since HBo is a cable network, they do not need to consider the ratings or worry about the review system, which means that they can completely let go of their hands and feet to produce TV series and only need to satisfy subscribers. This has enabled a large number of excellent works to emerge.
In fact, since the early 1980s, in order to keep up with the pace of the times, H Bo began to independently produce TV movies, trying to attract a fixed user group with these classic works. However, after entering the 1990s, works on the theme of TV movies gradually declined, so H Bo once again made drastic reforms.
In 1997, H Bo launched the large-scale and heavy-tasting "Prison Storm (Oz)", which ushered in a lot of praise from film critics. Then, the "Sweet City" launched in 1998 truly ushered in the glorious era of cable TV networks. The subsequent "**** Family" pushed H Bo's outstanding reputation to the peak, which also made H Bo open a glorious decade of overlords.
Hugo did not expect that the project of the "**** Family" was in the hands of the Engaging Elite Agency. This classic drama that dominated the Emmy Awards for eight years from 1999 to 2007, received 90 nominations and won 21 trophies was undoubtedly a diamond, quietly waiting for the moment when it shines brightly.
The "**** Family" is not feasible on wireless networks. Whether it is the subject matter or scale, or the core idea of the series, it is not suitable for broadcasting on wireless networks. Only wired networks like H wave can allow the crew to perform happily and show all the essence.
So, Hugo almost subconsciously said the name of H Bo.
However, Hugo didn't know much about history. At this time, even "Prison Storm" only aired the first season, which did not cause an imaginary sensation. It was still waiting for the appreciation of film critics and the accumulation of time, so naturally no one would treat H Bo differently.
Faced with Rick's surprise, Hugo was stunned and hesitated for a moment, "I just think... uh, wireless networks have limitations, because they have to target the main force aged 18 to 49, and the scale cannot be too large. Relatively speaking, cable networks are much more relaxed, and they can concentrate all their energy on the series to ensure that the series will not discount the quality in order to cater to advertisers. I think a series like the '**** Family'... uh, maybe the chances on cable networks should be greater. You know, **** things are always sensitive, right?"
In fact, the literal translation of "The.sopranos" means sopranos, but in the series it refers to the surname of the protagonist. In other words, Hugo should not say the topic of "****".
But fortunately, Rick and Joseph didn't think much. They just thought Hugo had heard a few words in the company, so they didn't pursue it. Rick thought about Hugo's words seriously and nodded, "Maybe, you can try it. But if it's a cable network, you don't know what the development prospects are..."
This time, Hugo learned his lesson. He didn't know the development history of H wave, nor did he know what H wave was like now, so he obediently closed his mouth.
"The company is too big now, and I have limited understanding of the TV drama industry. Maybe we should slow down for a while..." Rick muttered in a low voice. He was just talking casually and did not intend to get a response, because both Joseph, Hugo, or himself, his understanding of the TV drama industry is very limited. Even if they want to give advice, they are willing but unable to do so.
But after a moment of silence, Rick heard a voice saying, "Maybe this is also an opportunity for development?" He suddenly raised his head, and then saw Hugo's hesitant expression. Rick opened his eyes wide and asked, "What?"
Hugo had originally planned not to speak anymore. After all, he had very limited knowledge of the development history of TV series, but when he heard Rick's mutter, he couldn't help but reply. At this time, seeing the exploration in Rick's eyes, Hugo thought about it and decided to make the case. "You know, now major brokerage companies are focusing on the film industry. Even William Morris' brokerage company, they have very limited energy invested in TV series."
"Yes, that's because movies are really profitable. No one wants to do TV series. Even talents in the TV series industry hope to enter Hollywood." Rick naturally said that the reason why Fenjin Elite Brokerage Company has entered the TV series industry is because it has little competitiveness and they are trying to find a breakthrough, but so far the results are limited, and the film department has ushered in development opportunities again.
"But the TV series industry is also profitable, right?" Joseph said this. "It's like... the advertising revenue of Super Bowl. If I remember correctly, the advertisements posted in the Super Bowl last year in Independence Day have achieved incredible results." Then Joseph looked at Hugo, "That's what you mean?"
Hugo nodded, smiled out of the corner of his mouth, and with Joseph's explanation, the whole thing seemed natural. "It is because everyone is focusing on the film industry that the development potential of the TV series industry is even greater. Look at 'Friends' and 'x archives'. Perhaps the profit-making ability of TV series is never comparable to that of movies, but if you don't try, who knows? Perhaps, TV series can also develop surrounding industries like movies, and then build a culture. We all know that TV sets have a much deeper impact on our lives than movies."
Joseph also understood what Hugo meant, "Now those large agencies don't care about TV series. Maybe the company can gain a foothold in this area and win the qualification to challenge them. This is also your excellence in TV series, right?" Joseph's understanding became much more comprehensive. "If everything goes well, we can dominate the TV series industry and then take all the top TV stars into their own..."
"Then we explore more actors for the movie." Rick's whole thoughts also changed, "It's like we go to Canada and Australia to find more qualified actors, turning the TV drama industry into our base."
Hugo clearly knows how profitable the TV series industry is. Warner Bros. can make a pure profit of up to hundreds of millions of dollars a year with just relying on the TV series "Big Bang Theory", and even make more money than shooting ten movies by other film companies. "Of course, the premise is that we continue to persevere and spend a lot of energy to develop slowly." Hugo looked at Rick, "Do you remember? You said that this is a difficult situation, but it is also an opportunity."
Thanks to the little butterfly of Hugo, the Fenjin Elite Brokerage Company, now stands at the turning point of history. Whether the company soars into the sky or falls apart depends on their own efforts.
Rick's mood was relaxed at this time, and the smile on the corner of his mouth was outlined. Although they were still in trouble now, and the countermeasures discussed just now were not sure whether they could work, it was at least no longer a mess. More importantly, Rick regained confidence, and the next thing was to rely on the company's teamwork.
"By the way, Hugo, Allen is planning to invest in 'Save Private Ryan'. Did Steven mention it to you? He wrote another check of $100 million this time, which was completely big." After relaxing, Rick also started chatting. However, this sentence made Hugo stunned. Rick didn't notice it, and continued, "Before I came here, I was wondering whether Steven was looking for you because Allen called you again. But if he called you, he would give you the position of the male lead, and Tom would be depressed."
Alan... Hugo doesn't have that good memory of the name, but Hugo is familiar with Alan, who has made a check of 100 million US dollars at one time, because they are friends and real friends. Alan Strello, a German film speculator, made a fortune with his "Independence Day" and attracted the interest of many wealthy people in Hollywood. However, Hugo hasn't heard this name for a long time.
How long has it been? It should be after the Oscars ended last year. More than a year has passed, but in a daze, Hugo felt that there were several years. Since the Oscars had a surprise party on a yacht that night, Hugo has never heard Allen's name again.
That night, Allen's eyes revealed his true thoughts. Although he did not say it directly, he disappeared completely after that, and even deliberately avoided the occasion of Hugo's appearance. Perhaps, this behavior itself shows too many things.
"What did Steven say? Did he nod and agree?" Hugo kept his mood calm and did not touch it too much. If it was really Allen's investment, maybe Steven's call invitation yesterday was Allen's opinion. Hugo didn't know, he was not sure, but... if this is the case, how should Hugo respond?
Reject? Avoid? Or pretend to be nothing?
Hugo had no way to answer because it was a hypothetical question, and he could not make a judgment until the matter really happened. "Steven doesn't matter. Allen was generous and almost did not interfere with the crew. This was naturally the best for Steven. But..." Rick relaxed and talked endlessly, but Hugo's hearing gradually disappeared and he was immersed in his own thoughts.
"Hugo? Hugo!" I don't know how long it took, Rick's voice sounded from far and near again, making Hugo wake up from his thoughts, "Sorry, I forgot, you must be tired, and you still have work today. You go and rest first, just leave the rest to me and Joe."
Hugo nodded, stood up and paused in place for a while, as if he wanted to say something, but he had no idea. Finally, he turned around silently and walked towards the room.
Chapter completed!