"Steve, feel free to speak directly."
In the van heading toward the theater, Duke looked at Steve Jobs sitting opposite him. The man was a business genius, a quintessential businessman who valued efficiency and directness in conversations.
Though Duke couldn't guess Jobs' intentions, the fact that Jobs' car was deliberately waiting at the intersection and that he boarded Duke's van made it clear that this was no casual chat about Apple's future. The reason was simple: as a shareholder of Apple, Duke wasn't influential enough to deserve such a conversation.
Duke was always self-aware. In the realm of film, he could easily outshine Steve Jobs. But when it came to IT-related matters, Jobs could outpace him by a mile.
No matter how unique Duke's career had been, when facing a prodigy like Steve Jobs in a highly specialized field, he knew he was nothing special.
As expected, Jobs wasn't there to discuss Apple. "Duke, are you interested in a collaboration in the film industry?"
"Films?"
Duke stroked his chin as he studied Jobs, thinking, Is this madman planning a movie about himself already?
"I want Pixar to end its collaboration with Disney," Jobs said bluntly. "I've had enough of Disney and Michael Eisner. I'm looking for a new distributor for Pixar, and I think Warner Bros. is an excellent choice. You hold significant influence at Warner. If you support a partnership with Pixar, I believe Warner will seriously consider it."
"I recall that Pixar's contract with Disney hasn't expired yet?" Duke asked.
"Two more animated features," Jobs replied. "I've already rejected Disney's renewal negotiations. Their terms lack sincerity. While Disney has a massive advantage in promoting animated films, I'd rather have Pixar work with another company."
Duke nodded. "Steve, Pixar is currently the benchmark and leader in the animated film market. Everyone wants to work with Pixar."
According to market reports, Steve Jobs owned nearly 70% of Pixar's shares. If he wanted to push for a partnership with Warner, no one could stop him.
However, while chatting with Jobs about films, Duke was also pondering Jobs' true motives.
If Jobs genuinely wanted to use Duke's influence to bring Pixar under Warner's umbrella, Duke would never believe that was his sole purpose.
In Hollywood, it was common knowledge that Disney had unparalleled advantages in promoting animated films and their related merchandise. Jobs wouldn't easily abandon this golden goose unless it was the very last resort. Getting Duke and Warner involved was likely more about pressuring Disney and gaining leverage in negotiations.
Still, while Warner Bros. didn't have Disney's global reach, its network was extensive enough. For Duke, as a Warner shareholder, having Pixar join Warner wouldn't be a bad thing.
Of course, the difficulty of achieving this was significant. Jobs' words sounded nice, but his preference was undoubtedly still Disney.
"Steve..."
As they approached the theater, Duke tested the waters. "Does Pixar have any plans to expand its shares?"
"You're thinking of investing?" Jobs' expression remained calm, though a flicker of wariness crossed his eyes. "If Pixar ever faces financial difficulties, I'll be sure to call you."
Much like how he weakened the influence of other shareholders at Apple, Steve Jobs clearly intended to maintain his dominance at Pixar.
When they got out of the car at the Grand Hall, Jobs gave Duke a meaningful look. Jobs would rather accept funding from Wall Street vampires than let a top Hollywood director have a stake in Pixar.
Jobs walked beside Duke as they confidently stepped onto the red carpet for the North American premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Even if Jobs did nothing, just walking the red carpet with Duke was enough to create pressure for Disney.
Pixar was an incredibly lucrative prize. Even though Duke knew it was unlikely he'd get a piece of it, he still clung to a sliver of hope and fantasy, refusing to outright reject Jobs.
The result was that, under the watchful eyes of countless media outlets and audiences, Duke and Steve Jobs walked the red carpet together.
Inside the VIP lounge, Duke's wariness toward Jobs grew even stronger, though he masked it well, leaving no trace for others to detect. Jobs' grasp of human nature and psychology was undeniably impressive.
Even with his guard up, Duke still wanted to find an opportunity to share in Pixar's success.
The allure of this prize was simply too great.
He had no idea how many people Jobs had tempted with this prize, but few could outright refuse.
After entering the lounge, Duke maintained his friendly demeanor, greeting everyone who approached him while his mind raced. What he didn't expect was to run into one of Steve Jobs' lifelong nemeses here.
It wasn't Bill Gates, but Disney's Chairman and CEO, Michael Eisner.
"Duke, long time no see."
Duke shook Eisner's outstretched hand and smiled lightly. "It's only been a few years, Michael, and you've already turned Disney into a giant."
Michael Eisner sighed, "Unfortunately, films remain Disney's weak point."
He seemed to intentionally mention, "Even Disney's traditional strengths have faced challenges. The decline of 2D animation is inevitable, and the future belongs to 3D animation."
Duke nodded in agreement. "I think so too."
"That's why," Eisner said, fixing his gaze on Duke, "Pixar is crucial to Disney."
The strong tone was characteristic of Michael Eisner, and his words carried a hint of warning.
"There's nothing between Pixar and me," Duke appeared to retreat, but then shifted his tone, "I just had a conversation with Steve. We share many common topics in filmmaking."
Having reached his current position, Duke wouldn't belittle himself.
If someone came along with a warning and he retreated without resistance, it would be laughable.
Word would spread, and challengers would come knocking one after another.
"I'm sure you know," Michael Eisner said with confidence, "Pixar's success owes a lot to Jobs' investment, but his vision in filmmaking isn't much better than that of Martin Bob."
Duke chuckled. "Films aren't just about production."
In this era, commercial operations accounted for an increasingly significant portion of a film's success, often being the decisive factor. While Jobs might not excel in filmmaking, he was a master of commercial strategy.
Jobs might be using Duke and Warner for leverage, but Duke was also using the opportunity to complicate Pixar's negotiations with Disney, increasing his own chances. If Pixar didn't break with Disney, Duke and Warner wouldn't lose anything.
Eisner wasn't foolish and likely grasped some of Duke's intentions. He shifted his gaze toward the Harry Potter cast and crew, focusing on a blonde woman as he changed the subject. "Duke, I hear Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is getting great feedback from test audiences. It looks like Warner has another big franchise on its hands."
"That's just a possibility," Duke said modestly. "Until the opening weekend box office comes out, anything can happen."
"With the kind of promotion you've done, surprises are unlikely."
Like The Fellowship of the Ring, the marketing campaign for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was overwhelming. The Harry Potter team had allocated a $100 million promotional budget for the series' critical first installment.
Before Duke could respond, Eisner added, "I heard you've only signed contracts for the first three films with J.K. Rowling. Disney has always excelled at family-friendly films. I just had a brief chat with Ms. Rowling."
"Oh? Did Jo agree to work with Disney?" Duke acted indifferent.
Michael Eisner exuded confidence. "Who knows what the future holds? As you said earlier, anything can happen."
"Indeed, anything can happen," Duke replied with a surprised expression. "I've heard that Roy Disney is rallying the Disney family and shareholders to oust you. Michael, you'd better be careful."
"I will," Eisner said, nodding at Duke. "Let's talk again sometime. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Michael."
The two parted ways, heading in opposite directions. However, their expressions shifted once their backs were turned.
Duke signaled Tina Fey, who immediately approached. After receiving his low-voiced instructions, she left the lounge to call Doug Walter.
On the other side, Michael Eisner's face darkened with anger. Duke's refusal to back down had displeased Disney's notorious tyrant.
Duke's mention of Disney's internal strife further fueled Eisner's fury. But for now, Eisner had to focus on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and whether it would succeed.
...
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