Chapter Summaries

Aaron met Rupert Murdoch in London and discussed the obstacles to Sky TV’s proposed acquisition of Manchester United, as well as News Corporation’s prospects in China and film projects. The takeover remained uncertain, and Aaron was considering a future trip to Mainland China.

• Aaron visited Rupert Murdoch, who said Manchester United’s board could be persuaded but political pressure, including opposition from Prime Minister Tony Blair, was hindering Sky TV’s bid.
• Aaron and Rupert discussed Rupert’s unsuccessful attempt to expand Asia Satellite Television into Mainland China, and Aaron said he might visit China as part of his investment plans.
• Aaron asked about James Cameron’s next film and discussed the upcoming Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace with Rupert.
• Aaron returned to his Hyde Park villa, where Kate Beckinsale watched the Spice Girls and asked whether Rupert’s Manchester United bid would succeed.
• Aaron told Kate that the bid faced too much resistance despite Murdoch’s ability to offer a high price.

Aaron secured plans for Dawn’s UK and US entertainment projects, then discussed Brazil’s World Cup final collapse with Christiana Yeri before reviewing Dawn’s film acquisitions. The chapter left Dawn preparing adaptations of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, American Pie, and Final Destination.

• Aaron asked Graham Broadstreet to negotiate for the United States rights to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and discussed MGM, PolyGram, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.
• France defeated Brazil 3–0 in the World Cup final after Ronaldo had fallen ill before the match, and Aaron joked with Christiana Yeri about whether the French had poisoned him.
• Aaron gave Christiana Yeri a $2 million check from his World Cup winnings.
• Dawn Steel told Aaron that Dawn Universal had won the film rights to How the Grinch Stole Christmas for $9 million, subject to Audrey Geisel’s revenue demands and casting requirements.
• Aaron ordered the screenplay adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and directed Twilight Pictures to prepare American Pie and Final Destination.

Aaron reviewed the summer box office, considered using Jet Li in future projects, and planned new adaptations and sequels for Dawn Universal. The chapter ended with Dawn preparing several major franchises while pursuing Charlie's Angels and continuing development on The Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man, and X-Men.

• Ethelind Beckett reported that Armageddon had opened with $36 million and that Lethal Weapon 4 and There's Something About Mary were performing well.
• Aaron asked Dawn's subsidiaries to release several of Jet Li's films from the vaults after his performance in Lethal Weapon 4 received positive reviews.
• Aaron asked about Quentin Tarantino's current projects, then decided to wait before pursuing a Jet Li project with him.
• Aaron told Dawn Steel to investigate acquiring the film adaptation rights to Charlie's Angels, with a possible Universal-Columbia partnership if needed.
• Aaron called for preparations to begin on Jurassic Park 3 and Men in Black 2, while Dawn Universal also developed The Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man, and X-Men.

Aaron and Michael Eisner discussed Saving Private Ryan, Disney’s expansion, and the rivalry between Disney and Dawn. Tom Rothman revealed that ABC was undermining Buena Vista Television, exposing a power struggle within Disney.

• Aaron returned to Los Angeles for the premiere of Saving Private Ryan, which earned strong reviews and $30 million in its opening weekend.
• At a reception, Michael Eisner criticized Saving Private Ryan and Aaron recognized Eisner’s continuing hostility toward DreamWorks after Disney canceled their television partnership.
• Aaron and Eisner discussed Disney’s expanding businesses and Dawn’s growing presence in film, television, and international markets.
• Tom Rothman told Aaron that ABC was suppressing Buena Vista Television’s productions and that Jamie Tarses had a poor attitude toward Lloyd Braun.
• Aaron concluded that the conflict over Buena Vista Television reflected a struggle between Disney’s studio leadership and ABC Television.

Aaron discussed recent films with Monica Bellucci before following the Lewinsky scandal and financial crises in Hong Kong and Russia. Alarmed by the catastrophic flooding in China, he told Edgar Owen to monitor their South Korean investments and then called Joey Wong in Asia.

• Aaron and Monica Bellucci talked about recent disaster films and Saving Private Ryan while vacationing aboard a yacht.
• Monica Lewinsky gave Ken Starr's team a stained dress, diaries, and other evidence, and DNA testing confirmed her relationship with Clinton.
• Clinton testified before a grand jury and publicly admitted to an inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
• Aaron discussed Clinton's legal jeopardy with Lloyd Bentsen Jr. at Dawn Pictures headquarters.
• Edgar Owen told Aaron about the hedge funds' attack on Hong Kong, Russia's debt measures, and Long-Term Capital Management's near-collapse.
• Aaron instructed Edgar Owen to watch their South Korean investments, then called Joey Wong in Asia.

Aaron returned to Hong Kong amid the financial crisis, discussed disaster relief and business plans with Joey Wong, then traveled to Shanghai with Kristy Yang. The chapter left Hong Kong’s battle against international speculators ongoing as Aaron considered Shanghai’s rapid development and Titanic’s impact in China.

• Aaron returned to Hong Kong while international investors attacked the Hong Kong dollar, stocks, and Hang Seng Index futures, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority defended the currency.
• Joey Wong told Aaron about the severe floods in Mainland China and her donations, while Aaron said Dawn Universal had also donated to Wuhan.
• Aaron discussed Golden Harvest’s failed studio bid, his planned visit to the mainland, Joey Wong’s factory, and Saks Fifth Avenue’s plans to expand into Asia.
• The Hong Kong government fought international speculators as global financial events, including Russia’s debt default and Clinton’s missile strikes, affected markets.
• Aaron traveled to Shanghai with Kristy Yang, discussed the Jin Mao Tower and the stalled Shanghai World Financial Center project, and heard about Titanic’s enormous impact in China.

Aaron pursued Mori Building’s Shanghai World Financial Center project, using the company’s debt and possible pressure on its Tokyo development to push for a sale. After confronting Minoru Mori in Tokyo, Aaron sent Edgar Owen to approach Minoru’s brother Akira Mori as a possible way to secure the deal.

• Aaron told Edgar Owen he wanted to acquire the Shanghai World Financial Center project, and Kristy Yang reported that Shanghai’s black-market US dollar exchange rate had reached 9.2.
• After the Hong Kong financial battle ended in victory, Aaron directed Edgar Owen to arrange a meeting with Minoru Mori and sought Shanghai Municipal Government support for the acquisition.
• Aaron told Joey Wong he planned to invest about 1 billion US dollars in Shanghai, take over the project, and build China’s tallest skyscraper.
• In Tokyo, Aaron offered Minoru Mori 200 million US dollars for the project and warned that he could build nearby or target Mori Building’s Roppongi Hills development if Mori refused.
• After Minoru Mori left to consult his colleagues, Aaron instructed Edgar Owen to approach Akira Mori, whom he saw as an opening for the deal.

Aaron vacationed in Karuizawa with Norika Fujiwara while monitoring Media Asia Japan and the Universal Studios Japan Resort. Meanwhile, Akira Mori and Minoru Mori clashed over the Shanghai World Financial Center project, and Aaron learned Tokyo DisneySea would begin construction soon.

• Akira Mori and Minoru Mori argued over Mori Building's strategy and the Shanghai World Financial Center, with Akira threatening to split the company and separate Mori Trust.
• Aaron and Norika Fujiwara vacationed in Karuizawa, where she described Media Asia Japan's growth and plans to develop young artists.
• Aaron and Norika discussed the success of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke and its international distribution rights.
• Aaron met Tom Williams at the InterContinental Hotel Tokyo Bay and learned that Tokyo DisneySea construction would begin the following month.
• Tom Williams said Tokyo DisneySea was expected to open in 2001, while Aaron focused on the planned opening of Universal Studios Japan the next year.

Aaron oversaw Universal Studios Japan’s preparations, arranged the sale of Panasonic’s Dawn shares, and acquired Mori Building’s Shanghai World Financial Center to restart construction and develop Haihua Plaza. Pixar’s A Bug’s Life opened to strong box office results and acclaim, further establishing its lead in computer animation.

• Aaron reviewed Universal Studios Japan’s hotel partnerships and warned that nothing could delay the park’s opening next year.
• Yoichi Morishita told Aaron that Panasonic planned to sell more than five percent of Dawn’s shares to Fidelity Group.
• Mori Building agreed to sell the Shanghai World Financial Center to Aaron for 216 million dollars, and Aaron ordered construction resumed and Haihua Real Estate established.
• Aaron told Edgar Owen to recover most of his South Korean investments within two or three years, excluding the TriStar shares.
• Pixar’s A Bug’s Life began its theatrical run with a 45 million dollar opening weekend and earned praise for its animation and storytelling.

Aaron discussed Media Asia Films’ prospects and Joey Wong’s plans to expand into mainland China, then reviewed his Shanghai construction projects and global business developments with Edgar Owen. The chapter left Aaron preparing to watch the Euro’s exchange rate and planning to profit from the approaching tech bubble peak.

• Aaron told Joey Wong that Media Asia Films should build a mainland presence through television investments, talent, and professional training.
• Aaron and Joey Wong discussed the worldwide attention on President Clinton’s scandal before returning to their plans.
• Aaron met Shanghai officials and the Shanghai Construction Engineering representatives, secured support for resuming the Shanghai World Financial Center construction, and advanced Haihua Plaza.
• Aaron instructed Edgar Owen to monitor Haihua Plaza and discussed Saks Fifth Avenue expansion in Taipei and Hong Kong.
• Aaron and Edgar Owen reviewed America Online’s planned acquisition of Netscape, the soaring technology market, and South Korea’s corporate bankruptcies.
• Aaron told Edgar Owen to monitor the Euro ahead of its introduction, while planning to cash out of technology stocks near the bubble’s peak.

Aaron returned to Los Angeles as the NBA lockout continued, while Dawn Steel considered Drew Barrymore’s low-budget romantic comedy Never Been Kissed. Aaron later celebrated the prospect of owning the Los Angeles Starlight with Jennifer Aniston, who said it fulfilled one of his wishes.

• Dawn completed its first stock split, and Aaron sold nearly nine million shares for more than 400 million US dollars.
• Patrick Ewing’s remarks about players’ spending sparked public criticism amid the NBA lockout and stalled labor negotiations.
• Dawn Steel reviewed Drew Barrymore’s Never Been Kissed script and agreed to discuss a budget, with Flower Pictures set to produce it.
• Jennifer Aniston congratulated Aaron on his future NFL team, the Los Angeles Starlight, and said it fulfilled one of his wishes.

Aaron discussed California politics and Dawn’s growth with Jennifer Aniston, then reviewed Dawn’s film plans with Dawn Steel. He approved Peter Jackson’s plan to shoot The Lord of the Rings trilogy together, while casting for The Bourne Identity remained unsettled and Spider-Man stayed Dawn’s priority.

• Jennifer Aniston asked Aaron about Gray Davis after their dinner, and Aaron said the Democratic Party had a strong chance of winning California’s gubernatorial election.
• Jennifer Aniston told Aaron that Dawn’s market value was approaching $40 billion, and he reassured her it would keep growing.
• Aaron approved Peter Jackson’s plan to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy back-to-back, citing savings and New Zealand incentives.
• Dawn Steel told Aaron that Columbia Pictures had agreed to collaborate on Charlie’s Angels and that The Bourne Identity was nearly ready, though Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt were not confirmed.
• Dawn Steel reported that Blade had earned $65 million domestically, and Aaron predicted that its success would lead to Blade 2.
• Aaron asked Dawn Steel to send him the Spider-Man candidate list, knowing Dawn had budgeted more than $100 million for the project and could not afford to mishandle it.

Aaron selected James McAvoy to star in Spider-Man and discussed DreamWorks’ successes and ambitions with Jeffrey Katzenberg. Ridley Scott pitched Gladiator, and Aaron approved a $100 million budget for Universal to develop it.

• Aaron chose the nineteen-year-old James McAvoy to lead Spider-Man after interviews and screen tests.
• The Mummy became a worldwide hit, while DreamWorks’ Antz received mixed reviews and a modest opening.
• Aaron and Jeffrey Katzenberg discussed DreamWorks’ films, Antz’s use of 3D technology, and the studio’s plans to expand into animation and theme parks.
• Aaron considered DreamWorks a future rival but criticized how its founders handled profits and investment risks.
• Ridley Scott pitched Gladiator to Aaron, who approved a $100 million budget for Universal to make the film.

Aaron discussed Clinton’s impeachment, California real estate, and the NBA lockout with Leon Panetta and Jack Wells. He considered Panetta’s advice to invest around Silicon Valley as negotiations between NBA owners and players remained unresolved.

• Aaron and Leon Panetta discussed Clinton’s impeachment, noting that his high approval rating made removal unlikely despite the scandal.
• Aaron asked Panetta about visiting Reagan, then learned about the conflict between Donald Bren’s Irvine Company development plans and California’s environmental department.
• Panetta advised Aaron to consider real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the growing tech industry was driving demand.
• After returning to Los Angeles, Aaron spoke with Jack Wells, who reported that NBA labor negotiations had failed to reach an agreement.
• Aaron blamed rising player salaries for the lockout, and Jack noted that the Rockets had beaten the Bulls to win the championship.

Aaron discussed real estate and the possibility of war with Jack Wells, then agreed with Winona Ryder to cast Liv Tyler in Girl, Interrupted instead of Charlize Theron. At Dawn Pictures, Aaron lamented the failure of True Love and looked ahead to adapting Thomas Harris’s upcoming Hannibal novel.

• Aaron and Jack Wells discussed the Irvine Company, Angel International’s arms business, and the growing conflict between the United Nations and Iraq.
• Winona Ryder told Aaron that she and Gus Van Sant thought Charlize Theron lacked the experience for Girl, Interrupted, and Aaron approved Liv Tyler for the role instead.
• Aaron and Christiana Yeri discussed True Love’s poor box office and reviews, noting that Dawn had avoided investing in the film.
• Aaron revealed that Putnam Publishing had signed Thomas Harris and described his hopes to reunite Jonathan Demme, Anthony Hopkins, and Jodie Foster for an adaptation of Hannibal.

Aaron discussed Lionsgate Films and several recent movie performances with Christiana Yeri, then focused on controlling Marvel Comics adaptations and keeping Fantastic Four away from 20th Century Fox. He planned for Dawn Universal to work with Constantine Pictures Germany on Fantastic Four and shut Fox out of Marvel’s film rights.

• Aaron told Christiana Yeri that Lionsgate Films, a new Canadian company behind Lolita, resembled Twilight Pictures, but he dismissed it as an unimportant competitor.
• Aaron and Christiana Yeri discussed City of Angels’ box-office success and the upcoming Spider-Man production, which Aaron expected to begin shooting next year.
• Aaron noted that Blade had performed well and that Dawn Universal held its international distribution rights, while Marvel Studios had helped produce it.
• Aaron explained that Constantine Pictures Germany held the Fantastic Four film rights under a ten-year agreement and that he had already sent people to contact the company.
• Aaron planned for Dawn Universal to work with Constantine Pictures on Fantastic Four and vowed not to let 20th Century Fox obtain the rights or retain a connection to Marvel Comics.

Dawn’s market capitalization surpassed $40 billion as Aaron met Liberty Media chairman John Malone to discuss a possible exchange involving Dawn’s 50% stake in USA Network. Malone offered Starz! and a 20% stake in BET, but Aaron had not agreed to the deal.

• Dawn’s share price rose 4.6% after its first stock split, pushing its market capitalization to $40.32 billion.
• Aaron discussed Life Is Beautiful’s strong reviews and box-office prospects with Monica Bellucci while getting ready to meet John Malone.
• Aaron congratulated Malone on AT&T’s $48 billion acquisition of TCI, and Malone explained the strategic benefits of combining their businesses.
• Malone asked to acquire Dawn’s 50% stake in USA Network, arguing that it overlapped with Dawn’s AMC Cable Network plans.
• Aaron questioned Starz!’s value, and Malone offered to exchange Starz! and a 20% stake in BET for Dawn’s USA Network shares.

Aaron pursued Liberty Media’s Starz! channel and a BET stake in exchange for Dawn’s USA Network shares, then outlined plans to acquire a major broadcast network. He rejected America Online’s proposed merger with Dawn and planned to sell his AOL shares at the tech bubble’s peak to fund a CBS acquisition.

• Aaron considered trading Dawn’s 50% stake in USA Network for Starz! and 20% of BET, then proposed the deal at Dawn’s board meeting and won approval.
• Aaron spent Halloween with Charlize Theron, who regretted missing a supporting role in Girl, Interrupted and wanted more substantial acting opportunities.
• Aaron told Dawn’s executives that Starz! would strengthen its television holdings and that Dawn would pursue NBC or CBS the following year.
• Dawn Steel suggested that Dawn focus on the internet, and Aaron revealed that America Online had acquired Netscape for $4.2 billion and proposed merging with Dawn.
• Aaron rejected Stephen Case’s merger proposal and planned to sell his America Online shares at the tech bubble’s peak to finance an acquisition of CBS.

Aaron discussed Pixar’s animation prospects with Edwin Catmull, then met Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone and discussed Dawn’s USA Network deal and Viacom’s interest in BET. The chapter left Aaron considering Viacom a potential rival in the pursuit of a national broadcast network.

• Dawn began formal negotiations with Liberty Media to exchange half of USA Network for Starz! and 20% of BET Entertainment Channel.
• Aaron and Edwin Catmull discussed A Bug’s Life’s box-office success, DreamWorks’ Antz, and the continuing market for hand-drawn animation.
• At a cocktail reception, Sumner Redstone asked Aaron about Dawn’s deal with John Malone, and Aaron confirmed he was satisfied with the proposed exchange.
• Sumner Redstone expressed Viacom’s interest in BET, and Aaron said Dawn would sell its 20% stake for the right price.
• Aaron considered Viacom’s ambitions to acquire a broadcast network and noted General Electric’s NBC and Westinghouse Electric’s CBS as possible targets.

Aaron asked Charles Johnson to investigate CBS Group’s assets and debts as Dawn prepared to acquire CBS Television Network. At a reception, Michael Ovitz tried to recruit Robert Redford to his new agency, AMG, but Redford stayed with CAA.

• Aaron asked Charles Johnson to investigate CBS Group because Dawn was preparing to acquire CBS Television Network.
• Charles Johnson explained that CBS had grown through radio stations, television stations, affiliates, and cable networks, making the group much more valuable than before.
• Charles Johnson asked whether Aaron would consider combining media and technology, and Aaron revealed that America Online chairman Stephen Case had proposed merging with Dawn.
• Michael Ovitz spoke with Robert Redford about returning to work together through AMG.
• Robert Redford declined because his representation contracts were with CAA and he was preparing a DreamWorks project.