Although many people say that Hollywood's funding mostly comes from Wall Street, Wall Street is not monolithic, and the tycoons of Hollywood actually want to use Wall Street's funds, but they can't let Wall Street gain control over them,
Take a simple example: the future Oracle boss was rich enough and had superb connections on Wall Street, but when his two children first entered Hollywood, they were played to the brink of despair by those big shots. They spent several hundred million dollars before they could set half a foot into Hollywood.
This shows how strong these Hollywood moguls' desire to control their own territory is!
"In my opinion, newspapers, radio, and film will become the core businesses of the media industry in the future. Due to their operational methods, newspapers and radio are difficult to take outside the United States. Only the unique transmission method of film can easily break through the confines of the United States.
If newspapers and radio are the core of the domestic media industry, then film is very likely to become a banner for the United States on the global stage." ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by ɴovᴇl_Firᴇ.ɴet
Donnie shared his thoughts.
Andrew Mellon's sharp eyes merely shifted subtly, and he understood Donnie's meaning.
"So, on the occasion of the Miss America finals, you invited Charlie Chaplin and Griffith, and even before that, you had already announced you would send your Miss Americas to Hollywood, but your true intention is actually to take over the entire American media industry in one fell swoop?"
Donnie did not deny his ambition in front of Andrew Mellon. In fact, he couldn't. The conversation had come this far; if he was still secretive about it, it would be a sign of disrespect to Andrew Mellon!
"Exactly, and I've already discussed with both Chaplin and Griffith about officially investing in their United Artists, using that as a springboard to formally enter Hollywood!"
Although their negotiations had now deviated from Andrew Mellon's original plan, after hearing Donnie's presentation, Andrew Mellon still seriously considered Donnie's proposal.
However, Andrew Mellon then shook his head and said, "It's no use, Donnie. Your plan looks good, but you shouldn't underestimate others. Others have thought about what you are thinking, especially about investing in United Artists. Do you really believe that those people on Wall Street can't see that?
Everyone is very clear in their minds about this, but they also understand the risks involved. United Artists may have the four famous figures, including Chaplin, and they don't have to worry about fame, but what they have is just their own fame. They can't really compete with the major studios, and this can be seen from the development of United Artists over the past few years.
If we get involved, the actual situation will be the same. Even with our massive funding, we won't have suitable projects, and even if we invest in United Artists, they won't be able to distribute their films."
Donnie smiled and said, "That's because Mr. Mellon, you haven't found the core method to resolve this fundamental issue. If I say I already have a preliminary idea about this, I wonder if Mr. Mellon's view on this business proposal will be as dismissive as before?"
Andrew Mellon and Harry both looked at Donnie at the same time; they understood the stubbornness of those Hollywood folks better than Donnie did.
They moved the American film market from New York and Philadelphia to Los Angeles to counter Edison's lawsuits; these people would rather relocate the entire industry than relinquish their benefits.
When everyone thought there was no solution, Donnie claimed he had one?
"Donnie, you know this is not a matter to joke about!" Andrew Mellon said sternly.
Although Donnie had only mentioned the possibility of solving the current issue, that was enough for Andrew Mellon. After all, none of the others had even a semblance of a solution!
Donnie said with a smile, "Of course, I know this is no joking matter. Initially, I believed the likelihood of success for this matter was only 50%, but if you, Mr. Mellon, along with Mellon Bank's backing, were to join in, then I could raise that success rate to 80%!"
Andrew Mellon pondered for a moment and finally said, "Donnie, I need to know your plan. As long as it earns my approval, funding will not be an issue!"
Yet at this moment, Donnie shook his head, "Mr. Mellon, we can discuss the plan later. I believe we should bring the problem back to Atlantic City now!"
Andrew Mellon said, "So you intend to use the Hollywood proposal to make me give up on the Atlantic City project?"
Donnie shook his head, "Of course not. In fact, I would personally very much like for you, Mr. Mellon, to participate in the Atlantic City project, but I could not agree to the conditions you set before!"
Had Donnie refused Andrew Mellon's collaborative request from the start, the other party would've been enraged, making it impossible to discuss the Hollywood project with Donnie.
Moreover, Andrew Mellon was unlike the others. By the beginning of next year, he would officially enter the Cabinet, becoming the Treasurer of the United States. Although others also wielded control over the U.S., Andrew Mellon was directly in a position of actual power.
Additionally, he was one of the giants among the U.S. tycoons, not needing to overly concern himself with the pressures these people brought to bear!
So, when Harry sought out Donnie, suggesting that Andrew Mellon wanted to meet with him, Donnie had already reserved a spot for Andrew Mellon.
However, how to secure this spot, how much interest to give out, and what benefits to reap were all decisions that needed to be made by Donnie!
As expected, upon hearing Donnie's denial of his prior proposal, Andrew Mellon didn't show much anger but instead asked.
"Then, may I know what your plan is, Donnie?"
Donnie said, "Firstly, giving up 10% of the shares is impossible. At most, we can offer 5% of the shares, and even then, we have to take Morgan's feelings into account. Thus, the distribution of this 5% between you and Morgan is something you two must negotiate amongst yourselves—we will not be involved."
"Furthermore, we have no objections to Mellon Bank moving into Atlantic City. However, to foster better development in Atlantic City and increase our wealth, once you enter the Cabinet, Mr. Mellon, you'll need to help us finalize the construction of the road between Atlantic City and Philadelphia!"
At this point, Donnie turned to Harry and said, "Dear friend, I know your team has actually been debating whether to approve the road between Atlantic City and Philadelphia or another road between two different states. However, I believe that it is only the successful construction of the road between Philadelphia and Atlantic City that can truly bring us the most benefits!"
Harry was somewhat stunned. This matter was among the most confidential within their campaign team; even Nucky had never suspected anything about it, yet Donnie had apparently already known of their intentions!