"Honestly, the £20 million offer from ITV was completely unimaginable to us."
After the signing event, Kyle returned to the hotel and recounted the story to Martha, his voice still filled with disbelief!
20 million pounds!
While this amount may seem trivial compared to future deals for The Voice and American Idol in the UK, it comes with the condition that the high fee is only due after the show airs. At present, Today's Page Films lacks experience in producing variety shows, and the program has yet to be broadcast.
Given these circumstances, ITV's willingness to offer such a high price of 20 million pounds demonstrates its boldness.
Sister Martha said earnestly: "Boss, it's no surprise that ITV is regarded as the second largest TV network in the UK and the leading private channel. They truly have remarkable capabilities."
"Absolutely," Kyle concurred.
Kyle was reflecting, "Wow! In the original timeline, 'Got Talent' was produced and aired by ITV in the UK. Who would have thought it would circle back to them after all this? And here I am, the intermediary, pocketing 20 million pounds."
ITV truly wields significant influence in the UK!
From the past "Mr. Bean" to the upcoming "Downton Abbey," all were produced and aired by them.
They are the BBC's primary competitor, and their every action draws interest from various parties.
Shortly after the signing ceremony, news about the copyright of " Got Talent" became a trending topic across the British Isles.
....
At University College London.
Christopher Nolan, who was relaxing in his dorm at the time, was also stunned while reading the "Evening News" report.
"Brother, is Page Pictures the company owned by Mr. Kyle?" Jonathan Nolan, his younger sibling, exclaimed.
Though Christopher Nolan was in disbelief, he nodded firmly.
"Wow~!"
"Mr. Page, you're incredible!"
"It's astonishing that the copyright of just one variety show, limited to the UK and Australia, sold for 20 million pounds!"
"If that money were invested in making a film, it could fund a medium-budget movie!"
Jonathan, the younger brother, began to excitedly ramble.
....
At the BBC Broadcasting Corporation.
Bang~!
Klaus Tang, head of the Variety Show Operations Department, was furious and slammed his hand on the table: "Damn Page, damn Cindy, they took 'Got Talent,' which was supposed to be ours, to ITV!"
After a moment, he glared at Dakota and scolded again: "You fool. Did you not claim that you could finalise the acquisition of the copyright once it was handed over to you? Where is it now?"
Dakota felt utterly defeated.
He never anticipated that the opportunity that was so close would vanish so abruptly.
What made it worse was that the competitor that snatched away "The Talent Show" was the BBC's biggest rival, with Cindy, with whom he had a long-standing issue, involved.
The combination of these elements only fueled Dakota's anger.
"Page Pictures, just wait. I will make you regret this. Don't think I'm without connections in Hollywood~!"
.....
The Evening News report took the British media by surprise, and by the following morning, public opinion had been significantly influenced.
The Daily Telegraph stated: "ITV has made a bold move by collaborating with a Hollywood firm to produce the latest and most impactful variety show."
The Daily Mail remarked: "A record-breaking copyright agreement worth £20 million.
Let's anticipate the premiere of 'Got Talent.'"
The Guardian commented: "ITV deserves its status as the largest private broadcaster in the UK. Its willingness to take risks and strive for excellence signifies a new era."
The London Morning Standard noted: "Page Films? It's not an entirely unfamiliar entity. This company previously held the rights to 'Teletubbies,' which was a sensation on the BBC."
Overall, these articles express relatively positive and balanced views.
In contrast, some publications tend to be more sensational.
The Sun exclaimed: "A record copyright deal?! It's merely a publicity stunt."
The Daily Express criticised: "ITV has become a laughingstock! Their foolishness will drag the entire network down into a pit."
The Daily Mirror asserted: "'Got Talent' is a low-quality program designed to attract eyeballs. It's destined to devolve into a farce due to ITV and Page Pictures' hubris. Their only outcome can be failure!"
The sentiments expressed in major newspapers, regardless of whether they were positive, neutral, or negative, pale in comparison to the public's reactions across the British Isles.
"Oh? You want to know my opinion on ITV's exorbitant copyright deal?"
"How do I see it?"
"Naturally, I'll watch it when it airs, what are you, foolish?!"
The response from a young man during a street interview left the reporter bewildered.
The reporter wore a smile, but was frustrated internally.
Oh no!
I made my stance clear, yet you responded by saying you'd watch it.
You uneducated fool~!
"So, you're inquiring about 'Got Talent'?"
"Of course, I caught the ITV report last night!"
"What? You called ITV morons?"
"Dude, are you out of your mind!"
"'Got Talent' is an incredible concept! It's a platform for showcasing grassroots talents; naturally, I want to participate. I believe I'm destined to be the champion~!"
A young and attractive girl engaged with the interviewer enthusiastically discussing her future as a contestant on the talent show, which made the reporter, who had wished to leave earlier, even more uncomfortable.
....
.....
Meanwhile, in the UK, after finalising the contract, Kyle decided to reach out to the Nolan brothers and extended an invitation for dinner.
Kyle's effort to bond with the Nolan brothers thrilled them so much that they were eager to fly to Hollywood immediately to start their career with him.
Once they wrapped up their work in the UK, Kyle and his team returned to Los Angeles.
"By the way, what's the current box office for our film 'Hard Candy'?"
The first inquiry Kyle made to Victor upon his return was regarding Hard Candy's box office. Although the production cost for Hard Candy was relatively low, and compared to the profits Kyle had secured from his London trip it seemed minor, that wasn't the entire story.
How much money one possesses is a secondary concern.
From the moment he travelled through time, Kyle understood that the film company was his foundation and the industry he was most familiar with, not to mention his passion for it.
It can't be lost at all!
Don't want to throw it away!
"Boss, 'Hard Candy' has been released for 10 days and has grossed 3.1 million U.S. dollars. The final box office is expected to be around 5 million U.S. dollars," Victor replied.
Kyle nodded and said, "No matter how much Hard Candy ends up doing at the box office, you have to win over director Zack Snyder. We're counting on him to make good movies in the future."
"Yes, I thought so too." Victor echoed.
A movie like "Hard Candy" really doesn't make much money, but if they can attract a future super director, it will be a lucrative business no matter how you look at it!