hollywood billionaire

Chapter 46 The Triumvirate
If you have to use historical analogy, the structure of the United Artists Agency is more like the Roman Republic during the Triumvirate period.

Since its inception, UTA has been struggling with fierce internal power struggles.As the product of the merger of Leading Artists Brokerage Company and Bauer Benedek Brokerage Company, the brokers and clients within the company are naturally divided into two factions. Led by Ball Benedek's co-founders, Marty Ball and Peter Benedek.

The balance of power between the two parties can be seen from the composition of the first board of directors of UTA. Jim Berkus and Marty Ball actually served as the chairman of the board of directors at the same time.This uncommon appointment of personnel can well reflect the power strife within the organization. Even the chairman of the board of directors, a vacant position with little real power in UTA, has to be separated from each other. Naturally, open and secret struggles in other areas can be imagined.

In fact, the establishment of UTA was originally a resource integration between the two brokerage companies.Since there are no acquisitions and mergers, there is no clear subordinate relationship between superiors and subordinates.Berkus, Bauer and Benedek formed the 'Triple Alliance', none of whom believed that the other party had the ability to lead their own interest groups.

The reason why they chose to form an alliance has only one purpose, that is to form enough voice to the outside world, so that the industry recognizes UTA's status as "the world's four major performing arts brokerage companies", so as to enhance commercial influence, bargaining ability and capital market. financing capacity.As for how to distribute the interests and power within the company, it will only be known after the tip of the knife is used.

In October 1997, Marty Ball resigned as chairman of the board of directors and retired as a 'senior advisor' to United Artists after losing a rivalry with Jim Berkus.No one knows whether Peter Benedek betrayed his close comrade-in-arms who has worked together for decades, but judging from the move of Matty Bauer angrily leaving in 10 and setting up another Bauer agency, Benedek has a high probability It formed a limited strategic alliance with Jim Berkus.

The former triumvirate completely collapsed with the death of Pompey, who defeated Phasalus.

After the expulsion of Bauer, Berkus and Benedek reached a tacit agreement on the company structure. Jim Berkus was in charge of the board of directors, Peter Benedek stepped back, and the chief operating officer was hired by an external professional manager. As the CEO, the position of the CEO will be handed over to the direct descendants of Ball Benedek's brokerage company.

Since 1998, the successive CEOs have never had any paratroopers. They are all headed by UTA department heads, and they all come from the Paul-Benedek system.

From 1997 to 2006, he served as the head of the company's literature department. From 2006 to 2011, he was in charge of UTA brand, authorization, endorsement and agent training. Jeremy Zimmer, who was officially named the new CEO in 2012, was Paul Bay Former partner of Nedek Brokers, and one of the most daring CEOs of all.

Under his leadership, UTA has used the few funds in its hands to complete several precise acquisitions in the past few years, which can be regarded as pulling the company back from the edge of the Big Four.The midnight raid on CAA, which brought UTA back to the list of hot topics at the Hollywood lunch table, was also planned and executed by Zimmer.

With Paul Benedek's background, Jeremy Zimmer can naturally get the support of Peter Benedek, but the former is not overwhelming.He's also grown closer to Jim Berkus over the past decade, a key factor in his ability to stand out from a sea of ​​strong candidates.

UTA's post-triumvirate era kicked off.

The time came to April 2016. The equity acquisition initiated by Jeremy Zimmer and jointly approved by Peter Benedek and Jim Berkus finally came to an end. UTA received investment from Hanyi and Parkway Capital. The 4 million US dollars of funds can be regarded as supplementing some ammunition in the competition of the four major players.

At present, judging only from the financial strength and customer reserves, the ranking of the four major performing arts brokerage companies should be in order from WME-IMG, CAA, UTA to ICM.

Jeremy Zimmer, who helped UTA win a good hand, will surely increase his prestige and influence in the company with the entry of Han Capital and Parkway Capital.By that time, it remains to be seen whether he will still be willing to become the product of the balance of power between the two parties.The reason why he entrusted Jordan Bromley to test Han Yi's attitude was rooted in this.

The joint acquisition of 41% of the equity by the two capital institutions means that there will be at least two or three faces representing the interests of the new shareholders on UTA’s board of directors, which will be expanded to 12 members. They will play an important role in collective voting on major issues inestimable key role.

It can be said that as long as Han Yi supports anyone, whoever can turn the triumvirate into the Roman Empire.

And this is also the main purpose of Han Yi's meeting today.

At present, Han Yi does not intend to directly interfere with the daily operation of UTA, but this does not mean that he has no plans for the future of UTA.Next, what Han Yi has to do is to use the priority clause in the acquisition agreement to continue to buy UTA's shares until he has absolute control.

Then?

Then it is to surpass CAA and WME-IMG, and aspire to become the hegemony in the performing arts brokerage circle.

From the third to the first, it seems that there are only two to surpass, but in reality it is as difficult as reaching the sky.Just saying that WME-IMG is backed by Carlisle, Blackstone, KKR, Deutsche Bank and other conglomerates. At present, only Parkway Capital and Han Capital provide support behind the scenes for UTA. It is tantamount to wishful thinking to compete with it.

To complete the impossible task, not only Han Yi's advanced vision and reward mechanism are needed, but also a loyal partner with the same goal is required to continue to be active in front of the stage to attack the city.

Who will this person be?
Is it UTA's chairman, the powerful Jim Berkus?
Is it the young and rising Jeremy Zimmer?

Or Peter Benedek, whose influence has never dissipated after retiring to the second line?

Let them come up with their own answers.

Thinking of this, Han Yi happened to walk in front of the three of them.

"Hello, Mr. Han." Jeremy Zimmer took a step forward, his blue-gray eyes slightly drooping at the end looked very friendly, and when he smiled, the wrinkles on his cheeks reminded people of every family The one who has both, the kind uncle who can only be seen on Thanksgiving.

"Welcome to UTA, my name is Jeremy Zimmer, CEO of the company."

"Jim Berkus, the chairman of UTA's board of directors." In comparison, Jim Berkus's face is more in line with the image of a Hollywood bigwig in people's minds, with sparse but sharp short silver hair and a hook with strong Jewish characteristics Nose, and that formulaic polite smile, "Mr. Han, welcome to UTA Plaza."

"Mr. Han, Peter Benedek." It's also a big Jewish nose, but the one on Peter Benedek's face is much thicker. Coupled with his black-rimmed glasses clipped on both sides of the bridge of his nose, he looks More like a cartoonist, "As for me, I'm retired."

Peter Benedek's joke caused a burst of laughter from the crowd.Han Yi discovered that the personalities and expressions of the three Jewish entrepreneurs were quite different—yes, Berkus, Zimmer, and Benedek were all of Jewish descent, but they belonged to different ethnic groups.Berkus is an Anglo-Saxon surname from Britain, and Benedek belongs to Eastern Europeans, especially popular in Hungary.Needless to say, Zimmer is a German-Jewish surname with a strong Germanic style.

At this moment, the six people standing in the lobby on the first floor of No. 9336 vividly demonstrated the power structure of Hollywood at the end of the tenth year of the 21st century.

It is still Jewish entrepreneurs who control the overall situation on the stage, and those who stand behind and provide financial support, in addition to the traditional Caucasian whites, there are some more Asian faces.

As for Kean Griffin, who is African-American?
Watching the wind from the sidelines.

"Mr. Han, I was just talking to three gentlemen about the origin of this acquisition." Douglas Le Pen put his hand lightly behind Han Yi's back to show his close partnership, "Without your proposal, I might not be here until now Can't find the door to United Artists' agency yet."

"Ah, Mr. Han, it seems that our financing needs are released at the right time." Jeremy Zimmer took a step forward, patted Han Yi's upper arm, and smiled.

"Let's go to the meeting room, gentlemen." Jim Berkus glanced at Zimmer, his expression unchanged, "These lovely brokers have begun to watch us as rare animals."

"I don't mind." Douglas Le Pen followed Berkus's footsteps and spread his hands with a smile. "In fact, I would rather meet them, including our most loyal customers of UTA."

"Of course there will be this opportunity, in fact we are organizing a welcome party." Jeremy Zimmer stepped up and put himself shoulder to shoulder with Han Yi, "If it is convenient, we can arrange the party in April The 4th? Just in time for the media to have a relaxing afternoon to get them through Friday."

"I'm fine." Han Yi nodded and replied.

"Any time that Mr. Han thinks is appropriate." Douglas Le Pen answered.

"Okay, so Jim, Peter, April 4th, sounds OK?" Jeremy Zimmer, who was standing at the front of the elevator, turned around, put his hands together, his face was still human and animal Harmless smile.

Want to be the Octavian of the post-triumvirate.

Han Yi stared at Zimmer and made a note for him in his heart.

"You are the leader, Jeremy, it's up to you to decide." Jim Berkus responded indifferently.

"Our clients, do you have a confirmed time?" Peter Benedek is always the one to smooth things over. He straightened the mirror frame and said with a smile, "I believe that what Mr. Han and Mr. Le Pen want to see is definitely not Us old farts."

"Angelina just came back from the Cambodian jungle the day before yesterday. If there are no accidents, she should participate." Jeremy Zimmer responded with a smile.Since he dared to propose the specific date of April 4th, it meant that he had made enough preparations to impress the heads of the two capital institutions.

"She has a new play?" Han Yi asked curiously. In his impression, Angelina Jolie should not have starred in any major productions in the past two years.

"Director, a Netflix original purchase," Jeremy Zimmer replied, "First They Killed My Father, a film based on a memoir."

Han Yi nodded, and stopped answering, but looked at the closed metal door blankly, wondering what he was thinking about.

"Kevin Hart, Channing Tatum, Susan Sarandon, Harrison Ford, Owen Wilson, Seth Rogen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Rudd, Don Cheadle, and Benedict Cumberbatch...any UTA client who is still in Los Angeles on April 4 will be part of a welcome party for both of them. Of course, this is just for film and television The client list, we..."

"Hey, Mr. Zimmer."

The moment the elevator door opened, Han Yi interrupted Jeremy Zimmer's eloquent narration.

"Yes, Mr. Han, I'm here." Jeremy smiled and turned sideways, guiding Han Yi and Douglas Le Pen to the large meeting room.There was a bit of complacency in his expression. If he guessed correctly, Han Yi should be very interested in one of the ten or so stars just thrown out, and wanted to know more about it, or please ask Jerry M - Zimmer recommended at that time.

This is the benefit of being the CEO of the four major Hollywood performing arts agencies, the most valuable asset of the company, and the most powerful talking point in foreign business exchanges.

I don't know how many times, as long as the name of Benedict Cumberbatch is mentioned, Jeremy Zimmer can always shorten the psychological distance with female clients in an instant.

"I'm thinking... Maybe this welcome party can be held at my house?"

"what did you say?"

Jeremy Zimmer's smile froze slightly upon hearing this answer that was extremely inconsistent with his imagination, but the well-trained and kind expression remained unchanged.

"Is your property? Here in Los Angeles?"

"Yes, Mr. Le Pen knows, I just moved to Bel-Air not long ago." Han Yi patted Le Pen on the back and smiled.

"That's right, a great estate." Douglas Le Pen was naturally very supportive of the donor.

"On Stella Della Road." No need to know the specific house number, this road itself represents power and wealth.While talking, Han Yi followed Jeremy Zimmer through the noisy second-floor office area, which belongs to the UTA film and television department and the music department, "I just need a home warming party. If it's right, I think this is a good one." The reason."

A home warming party is a euphemism. What Han Yi needs is a formal social occasion with himself as the focus and absolute dominance.And Jeremy Zimmer's welcome party just gave him a godsend opportunity.

Is there any scene that can attract more attention from the media and get more attention from peers than the UTA M&A celebration party gathered by top Hollywood stars?
Just at the party, Han Yi could imagine countless possibilities of cooperating with various people.

"We can co-finance, or I can do it myself."

"Of course UTA will bear the expenses of the party, Mr. Han." Jim Berkus, who hadn't spoken for a long time, suddenly said. He folded his hands in front of him, and looked at Jeremy Zimmer with some deep eyes. , said, "I think it's a great idea to hold this event at your residence. After all, the main purpose of the party is to allow UTA clients to get to know you and Mr. Le Pen."

In the last sentence, Jim Berkus raised his tone. He knew very well that if a welcome party was held in the outdoor courtyard of UTA, Jeremy Zimmer would definitely turn it into a news dominated by him. conference.

theme?Jeremy Zimmer brings $1.9 million to UTA!
And if it is held at Han Yi's mansion, regardless of whether it is funded by UTA or not, the spotlight of the party will naturally follow Han Yi and Douglas Le Pen, rather than the "acquired" Jeremy Zimmer.

The venue is different, the focus is different, and the distribution of power is naturally different.

"What do you think, Mr. Le Pen?" Peter Benedek touched the right side of his nose with a relaxed smile.Benedek never got too involved in the feud between Berkus and Zimmer.Only when it was necessary to decide the outcome, was it his turn to contribute to the flames from the sidelines.

"Mr. Han's property has the best view in Los Angeles." Douglas Le Pen's answer is obvious, and he knows exactly where he should stand today.Although Le Pen is the head of a large capital group with US$850 billion, the protagonist standing in the center of the stage today can only be this important client who left US$1.4 million in Parkway Capital to promote this acquisition. I think you'll all love it there, I've been there once and I still can't get it out of my head."

"You know how to arouse people's expectations, Mr. Le Pen." Jim Berkus smiled more and more, "Then, I think the party should be done according to Mr. Han's wishes, Jeremy?"

"I'm so happy, Mr. Han." Instead of looking at Jim Berkus, Jeremy Zimmer's attention was always on Han Yi. At this moment, the smile on his face was even a little more enthusiastic.One of the CEO's best skills is improvisation, the way Jim Berkus wants to take his limelight off, and Jeremy has a hundred ways to fight back.

If I change the stage, it's not my play anymore?

What a ridiculous joke.

"I will ask the person in charge of our on-site event section to take over the specific landing work of the party, but now, Mr. Han, Mr. Le Pen..."

Jeremy Zimmer pushed open the glass door of the comprehensive conference room on the second floor of UTA, spread his hands, and pointed to the crowd in the room who were standing up one after another.

"Please allow me to introduce to you, UTA's core management team."

(End of this chapter)