Simultaneously developing two animated feature films?
A shortage of people is definitely a problem!
As of now, Water World Animation Company has a total of over 500 people. Excluding non-animation professionals such as logistics and management, there are barely over 400 people.
If they want to simultaneously develop "Kung Fu Panda" and "Up" while continuing to produce new episodes of "Peppa Pig" and "SpongeBob SquarePants," they will need at least 200 more people.
"Boss, this is the staffing for a production cycle of three years. If you want to shorten the timeline, then each team would need a minimum of 350 to 400 people, or even more," said Stephen Sorenberg.
Kyle nodded.
It's still the same old saying: if you're short on people, go hire more!
The primary goal is to poach people from Meledandri's team!
David Meisel then added, "Besides these animated films, my second team and I are also planning to develop a music-themed animated film soon."
A music-themed animated film?
"What's it called?" Kyle asked curiously.
"Bratz: Starrin' & Stylin'!" David Meisel replied.
What is this?
Immediately, David Meisel explained it to Kyle.
The animated film "Bratz: Starrin' & Stylin'" was proposed by David Meisel and is a joint animation project with the Bratz doll factory. The estimated production budget is 30 million US dollars, and its purpose is to promote Bratz dolls. Of course, the script, led by David Meisel and a team of screenwriters, is also very good.
"I remember now. Your proposals were submitted to me and Victor three days ago. I haven't had a chance to look at them yet; the files are still in my office," Kyle suddenly realized.
What could Kyle do?
Of course, he agreed!
As a transmigrator, Kyle had naturally seen many excellent animated films in the future, but he was still very pleased that his top employees could take initiative and not solely rely on him.
However... here comes the problem again!
The "Bratz: Starrin' & Stylin'" project,
How many people does it need?
How long is its production cycle?
These questions are unavoidable facts!
The long production cycle of animated films has always been a major factor limiting the development of the animation industry.
Consider Pixar Animation Studios today, with a total of over a thousand employees. And in the near future, it will continue to expand, reaching over 3,000 employees by 2010.
The animation industry is an industry that heavily relies on the quality and quantity of talent!
The meeting continued to discuss~
Finally, Kyle and the others set a tone.
1. "Peppa Pig" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" animated series will maintain a production schedule of one season per year.
2. Production of the "Bratz: Starrin' & Stylin'" animated film will begin, with an investment of 30 million US dollars, projected to be released by the end of 2001.
3. The "Kung Fu Panda" film's production cost is tentatively set at 130 million US dollars, projected to be released in 2003.
4. The "Up" film's production cost is tentatively set at 160 million US dollars, projected to be released in 2004.
5. The script for "Finding Dory" will begin to be revised, with the film projected to be completed and released in 2005.
"Go public! Go public! Go public!"
"Hire people! Hire people! Hire people!"
These two phrases have clearly become the main focus of Water World Animation Company's work...
Two days later.
Chris Meledandri, also known as "Meledandri," the former head of the animation department at Fox Filmed Entertainment, who had only been happy for a few days, now had a gloomy expression on his face.
"Old friend, please~ I just returned from negotiating investments in Munich, Germany. You should be happy, why the long face?"
The speaker was a middle-aged man nearing 50, named Leo Nix, Meledandri's long-time partner and right-hand man, also a former member of the original Fox Animation Department.
"Sigh~~~!"
Upon hearing this, Meledandri sighed, "Old friend, I'm not talking about you. Just look at these letters and you'll understand."
Letters?
Leo Nix's smiling face was instantly filled with doubt.
However... he quickly stopped smiling!
"Job hopping?!"
"Damn it~ Shirley, Mondo, Kwell, Abaz, Cordian... they actually want to betray us and choose to join Water World Animation Company?"
"Bastards!"
"A bunch of ungrateful bastards!"
Leo Nix was furious at this moment. With his usual short temper, he directly tore these letters into pieces and repeatedly stomped on them on the ground.
Stomping and cursing at the same time.
"A bunch of bastards. No, I'm going to find them now. I want to see if these bastards have the face to confront me! Especially Mondo and Kwell, those two guys, they were my students. I painstakingly taught them their skills, and they dare to betray me. I will never forgive them."
Leo Nix was fuming.
After speaking, he was about to make a call, but Meledandri stopped him.
"Don't call them. If they want to go to Water World Animation Company, let them go. Don't forget, we can't afford to provoke that guy Kyle Page right now," Meledandri said in a deep voice.
Can't afford to provoke?
Leo Nix immediately deflated.
Having made a fool of billionaire Kyle, they had already offended him severely. If they dared to cause trouble now, Kyle's wrath would definitely be something Meledandri and Leo couldn't bear.
But their hearts... were bleeding!
117 people!
In just two days, Water World Animation Company, relying on its strong financial resources and employee benefits, poached 117 of their people, accounting for one-third of their total staff.
Among them, many key personnel and talented designers were poached.
"We won't be able to get revenge for this in the short term," Meledandri said with a solemn expression.
"Heh heh!"
Leo Nix sneered and said, "Still hoping for revenge? I think we should prepare to be revenged upon. That guy Kyle Page is a petty person who holds grudges."
Meledandri was speechless.
In fact, due to Water World Animation's poaching actions, Meledandri's team was somewhat unsettled and in turmoil.
The retaliation of a billionaire is not something anyone can withstand!
...Meanwhile.
Kyle also received a call from David Meisel, Vice President of Water World Animation.
"You can't treat the people poached from Meledandri's team differently. After all, the people we have a grudge against are Meledandri and Leo, not them."
The call lasted for more than ten minutes before it ended.
Knock knock knock~
A knock on the door sounded.
"Come in!" Kyle said.
The person who entered was none other than Victor, the CEO of Golden Dawn Entertainment Group, second only to Kyle.
"Boss, this is the list of film companies in various countries and regions overseas that I have recently drafted for acquisition and equity investment. Please take a look first," Victor said.
Upon hearing this, Kyle immediately took it.
Acquiring and investing in film companies in various countries and regions overseas has been a continuous project for Golden Dawn Entertainment Group in recent years, aiming to improve its overseas distribution channels.
"Not bad."
Kyle nodded and said, "Although I sternly warned those greedy dealers and distributors when I went to London last time, gluttonous dogs are gluttonous dogs; they will never change their greedy nature. If we can't establish our own distribution channels, we will eventually suffer losses."
Page Pictures' overseas channels had a total box office share of 31% in various countries and regions, far lower than the 35% to 38% of the Hollywood Big Six.
In short, Kyle had to give up a large sum of money every year!
How could Kyle, who valued money as much as his life, be willing to be bled dry by others?
"How much capital is needed to acquire and invest in this batch of film companies? Has the finance department calculated it?" Kyle asked.
"160 million US dollars!"
Victor said in a deep voice, "Once this operation is completed, our overall overseas box office share will climb by 2 percentage points, reaching 33%."
Kyle agreed without hesitation.
For the future, spending a little more money at this stage is definitely worth it!