In Hollywood, companies go by a variety of names, such as production companies, film companies, studios, distribution companies, and so on.
Actually, the fundamental differences between these terms are minimal; they can all be collectively referred to as film companies.
These film companies each have their own operating models.
Some companies focus solely on making films, dedicating all their energy to film creation; while others hold distribution channels, occupying a more crucial position in the industry.
Generally speaking, the latter often stands at the top of the pyramid, earning a fortune simply by distributing films.
Moreover, distribution is further subdivided into domestic and international distribution.
Companies like DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and Miramax Films all have distribution capabilities in North America, but the true giants are undoubtedly The Big Six of Hollywood, which monopolize the global distribution market, offering a wide array of avenues for making money.
MGM was once one of Hollywood's "Big Five," enjoying immense prestige.
However, as time went on, it slowly fell behind; although it still retains international distribution channels, its influence is far from what it once was.
The Big Six of Hollywood, namely Disney, Paramount, Universal, Sony Columbia, Warner Bros., and 20th Century Fox, have monopolized Hollywood for decades.
The strength of these six companies is evenly matched; none can truly overpower the others.
"However, before I was reborn in my previous life, Disney had already taken the lead. It acquired Marvel, making a fortune just from superhero movies, and later even acquired 20th Century Fox."
Today's Disney is probably the strongest film company in the world.
"From the 90s to the early 21st century, Warner Bros. was dominant. Think of movies like the Harry Potter series, The Matrix, the lord of the rings trilogy, the dark knight trilogy, and the DC Universe series…"
In Kazir's opinion, Disney and Warner Bros. are the two major powerhouses of Hollywood.
Of course, the other giants are not to be underestimated either.
"20th Century Fox, huh…"
When this company is mentioned, people always recall the many masterpieces it produced, such as Titanic, Avatar, Kingsman, Terminator, X-Men, and Deadpool.
In terms of series IPs, 20th Century Fox is in no way inferior to Disney and Warner Bros..
Unfortunately, this Hollywood giant was eventually acquired by Disney.
During the acquisition process, Disney was seen by some as operating under the banner of "political correctness."
This was probably one of the things Kazir regretted most in his previous life, watching one giant bow to another.
"Kazier Gray, we meet again."
Tom Rothman stepped forward and shook hands with Kazir; both had a good impression of each other.
Nancy Utley stood by silently, not speaking.
"It's truly an honor for a distinguished person like you to specifically meet with me," Kazir said politely.
"Kazir, don't say that. I have high hopes for your future. When are we starting the screening?" Tom Rothman saw that the projector was already prepared and ready to start at any time.
Kazir said with a slight apology, "Sorry, Tom, could you wait a few more minutes? Another guest wants to see this film."
"No problem," Tom Rothman nodded in agreement, but his expression was not very good.
It was clear without thinking that the person arriving must be from a rival company.
"I just don't know which company it is," Tom Rothman secretly speculated.
The answer was quickly revealed as another person pushed open the door and walked in.
"Terry, I never expected to run into you here," Kazir said.
The person who arrived was Terry Semel, the CEO of Warner Bros., another industry titan.
He was accompanied by Enrico Pusi, the producer who had watched napoleon dynamite yesterday and had even written a special report for Terry, which led to today's meeting.
Terry Semel intended to see for himself whether this film was worth investing in.
"Me too. Tom, it seems we share the same insight!" Terry responded to Tom Rothman with a smile.
"Indeed!" The two men smiled and shook hands, but deep down, they were probably competing fiercely.
"Gentlemen, we can begin," Kazir announced.
"Okay!" Both men nodded in agreement, understanding that they might have been outmaneuvered by this unknown director.
The director had deliberately arranged this situation, clearly intending to raise his own value.
However, this was somewhat interesting, but ultimately, it would depend on the quality of the film itself; if napoleon dynamite was really that good, they wouldn't mind offering a good price.
On October 7, 1995, Kazir took another step closer to the Walk of Fame.
The film began to play, and the executives from the two Hollywood giants watched very intently.
Throughout, there were constant jokes that made them laugh uncontrollably. They had to admit that the film was indeed good, with jokes that were both unexpected and hit home.
"Your mom goes to college!"
"I shaved my head because it was hot."
There were also scenes like Napoleon falling off his bike and his uncle hitting his face with a steak… Although these tropes seemed a bit old-fashioned, the effect was surprisingly good.
Especially Kip's off-key singing at the end, which made the two men laugh non-stop.
"The film is good," Tom Rothman said sincerely after the screening, and he was not lying.
"Thank you," Kazir replied politely.
At this point, the two CEOs immediately switched back to their cold, authoritative mode.
It was clear to anyone that both Terry Semel and Tom Rothman wanted this film.
"Kazir, before we discuss, I have a question," Tom Rothman began.
"Please ask, Mr. Tom," Kazir replied respectfully.
"Are you Jewish?" Tom Rothman asked.
"…No, only my mother is of Jewish descent; my grandparents are both Polish," Kazir answered, somewhat surprised that he would ask this question.
"Wait, you have Jewish ancestry?" Terry Semel was also quite surprised.
In Hollywood, the power of Jewish people is deeply entrenched, a fact that no one can deny.
To put it plainly, Hollywood is largely controlled by Jewish people.
If you are Jewish, it makes things much easier here.
In fact, Terry Semel and Tom Rothman are also Jewish! Even Michael Ovitz of CAA and Michael Eisner of Disney are Jewish!
The top echelons of Hollywood are essentially controlled by Jewish people.
Famous directors like Spielberg, Kubrick, and George Lucas are all of Jewish descent!
Upon learning that Kazir was also "one of their own," the two CEOs exchanged glances and nodded. They were both well aware that Hollywood's Jewish community always stuck together.
Kazir felt an indescribable disgust and nausea towards his Jewish mother, who had cheated and abandoned his original family back then, but he did not voice this private matter.
Furthermore, in his previous life, he didn't have much affection for the Jewish people in the Middle East either.
"It seems I need to change my thinking!" Terry Semel shrugged, saying meaningfully.
Seeing Kazir's somewhat displeased expression, they did not press him about the past; after all, everyone has their untold secrets, and they chose to respect Kazir's privacy.
According to traditional Jewish law, if the mother is Jewish, the children automatically acquire Jewish status; even if the father is not Jewish or the person himself does not acknowledge it, it does not change the fact that Kazir is of Jewish descent.