Chapter Summaries

Aaron discussed Catherine Zeta-Jones’s film and investment prospects before redirecting Starz toward original programming. He attended Gray Davis’s victory luncheon with Jennifer Connelly, where they talked about the NBA lockout, and then declined a lunch invitation from the Maloof Brothers.

• Aaron praised Catherine Zeta-Jones’s work in Entrapment, and she discussed the collapse of Sky TV’s bid to acquire Manchester United and the rising United Kingdom property market.
• Aaron outlined plans to invest in European cities, while Catherine Zeta-Jones said she already owned property in the United Kingdom.
• Aaron renamed Starz! as Starz, moved its headquarters to New York and Los Angeles, and planned original series, including The Sopranos.
• Aaron and Jennifer Connelly attended Gray Davis’s victory luncheon in Sacramento, where they saw Hollywood figures and commented on the McDonald’s meal.
• Aaron told Jennifer Connelly that NBA labor negotiations had failed again and that the season might be canceled without players receiving salaries.
• Aaron declined the Maloof Brothers’ invitation to lunch and said he was returning to Los Angeles that night.

After returning to Los Angeles, Aaron advanced Dawn’s investments and discussed Michael Ovitz’s new agency, AMG, before fielding offers for the American version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. He planned to reserve the hit show for CBS and prepared to meet Westinghouse chairman Michael H. Jordan.

• Aaron told Brad Grey to attend BET’s board meeting and agree to sell Dawn’s shares if Viacom made a suitable offer.
• Edgar Owen told Aaron that construction on the Shanghai World Financial Center had resumed and that Haihua Real Estate’s Shanghai mall site had been selected; Aaron planned further investment in China.
• Jennifer Connelly told Aaron that Michael Ovitz had launched AMG, and Aaron predicted that CAA would make the new agency’s growth difficult.
• Jennifer Connelly described UTA’s rising influence and its poaching of stars including Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp.
• Ethelind Beckett told Aaron that Who Wants to Be a Millionaire had captured nearly 59% of the UK market and that American networks wanted the format; Aaron decided to save it for CBS after Dawn acquired the network.
• Aaron arranged to travel to New York and then Pittsburgh to meet Westinghouse chairman Michael H. Jordan.

Aaron explored acquiring NBC from General Electric, then met with Sophie Marceau and agreed to support her dream of directing a feature film. In Pittsburgh, Aaron proposed that Dawn acquire CBS Television Group from Westinghouse Electric, whose chairman explained the company’s strategic shift toward media and nuclear power.

• Aaron proposed buying NBC Radio and Television Network from Jack Welch, but Welch wanted General Electric to keep operating NBC.
• Aaron discussed Sophie Marceau’s career plans and agreed to support her as she pursued directing a feature film.
• Aaron met Westinghouse Electric Chairman Michael H. Jordan in Pittsburgh and asked about the company’s media strategy.
• Michael H. Jordan said Westinghouse was focusing on media operations, nuclear power, and other areas after selling its thermal power business to Siemens.
• Aaron offered to buy CBS Television Group with a combination of Dawn Pictures Group stock and cash to strengthen Dawn.

Aaron Anderson sought Richard Mellon Scaife’s support for Dawn’s acquisition of CBS, promising the network would be reorganized and offering political support when their interests aligned. After returning to New York, Aaron learned Clinton faced impeachment, then went to Hawaii with Joey Wong, who told him her garment factory in China was nearly ready and that Jackie Chan was making a film with Disney.

• Richard Mellon Scaife told Aaron he supported Dawn’s bid for CBS and agreed to help persuade Westinghouse Electric’s board.
• Aaron said Dawn would reshape CBS’s management and could provide political support as long as it did not conflict with Dawn’s interests.
• After returning to New York, Aaron learned that the House planned to impeach Clinton the following month and that Congress had passed the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act.
• Aaron took Joey Wong to Hawaii for a vacation, where she told him her garment factory in Mainland China was completed and would soon open.
• Joey Wong told Aaron that Jackie Chan seemed to be working with Disney and that Golden Harvest was struggling after losing a bid for land for a new studio.

Aaron urged Joey Wong to have Media Asia Films pursue Golden Harvest’s film library and expand into theater distribution, while they discussed real estate investment in China. After Liberty Media acquired Viacom’s remaining stake in USA Network, Sumner Redstone prepared Viacom to compete with Dawn over CBS.

• Aaron asked Joey Wong to have Media Asia Films pursue Golden Harvest’s film library, which he estimated would cost 150 to 200 million Hong Kong dollars.
• Joey Wong said Media Asia could raise about 100 million Hong Kong dollars and borrow the remainder, and she agreed to discuss the acquisition with the company.
• Aaron told Joey Wong about Haihua Real Estate Company’s Shanghai projects and encouraged her to consider mainland Chinese real estate investment.
• Liberty Media acquired Viacom’s 50% stake in USA Network, making the network its wholly owned subsidiary.
• Sumner Redstone learned that Aaron Anderson had met with Westinghouse Electric chairman Michael H. Jordan and suspected Dawn was interested in CBS.
• Sumner Redstone ordered Philippe Dauman to investigate CBS Group’s assets and liabilities so Viacom could compete with Dawn.

Aaron discussed the NBA lockout and recent trades with Jack Wells before deciding to buy Broken O Ranch in Montana and rename it Anderson Rural. They also discussed land investments, political support, and competition between Universal Studios and Disney resorts.

• Jack Wells told Aaron that David Stern might recommend canceling the NBA season if the owners and players failed to reach an agreement by January 7.
• Aaron and Jack Wells discussed Kevin Garnett's contract, the Timberwolves' signing of Joe Smith, and trades involving Chris Webber and Scottie Pippen.
• Jack Wells presented information on Broken O Ranch, and Aaron decided to buy the 124,000-acre property and rename it Anderson Rural.
• Aaron told Jack Wells that he wanted to become a major landowner and diversify his assets rather than farm.
• Jack Wells conveyed George W. Bush's thanks to Aaron for supporting Jeb Bush's Florida gubernatorial bid, and Aaron mentioned Dawn's reserve land near Orlando.
• Jack Wells warned Aaron about DisneySea's potential threat to Universal Studios Japan, and Aaron cited Dawn's and Pixar's characters and game properties as future themes for Universal Studios.

Aaron discussed The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, and Viacom’s interest in CBS as Dawn and Viacom prepared to compete for the new CBS Television Group. Richard Mellon Scaife decided to let both companies prepare so Westinghouse Electric could sell CBS for a higher price.

• Christiana Yeri reminded Aaron that The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was expected to be released in 2001, and Aaron insisted Peter Jackson had to meet that schedule.
• Aaron asked Christiana Yeri about The Matrix and Viacom’s stalled attempt to acquire BET, then learned Viacom was assembling a team to evaluate CBS Television Group’s assets.
• Laurence Tisch told Sumner Redstone that Westinghouse Electric shareholders seemed willing to sell CBS to Dawn, while Redstone argued that political support and executives’ influence could complicate Aaron’s bid.
• Sumner Redstone asked Laurence Tisch to find a way to delay CBS’s executives while Viacom evaluated the company and raised funds.
• Michael H. Jordan told Richard Mellon Scaife that Viacom also planned to evaluate CBS, and Scaife said Westinghouse should let Dawn and Viacom compete to secure a better sale price.

Aaron oversaw preparations for Spider-Man and discussed Dawn Universal’s projects and plans while attending the premiere of Chicago. After the screening, he learned Westinghouse would accept bids for CBS Television Group and ordered an evaluation of the company.

• Christiana Yeri reported that Spider-Man had begun filming, and Aaron said he expected it to reach theaters in summer 2000 while X-Men stayed on schedule for 2001.
• Aaron attended Chicago’s premiere and discussed Life Is Beautiful, The Legend of 1900, and Ang Lee’s recent and upcoming films with Donna Langley.
• Aaron approved investing in Ang Lee’s planned Chinese-language wuxia film, with Dawn Universal International Pictures co-producing and Crescent Moon Pictures distributing it in North America.
• After Chicago ended, Aaron left the theater and Brad Grey told him Westinghouse would accept bids for CBS Television Group until April 30 next year.
• Aaron ordered a prompt evaluation of CBS and said he would watch Viacom and Sumner Redstone while considering Washington’s position.

Aaron discussed Cate Blanchett’s award-nominated Elizabeth, surveyed the Montana farm he had bought, and met Barry Diller in New York to discuss Dawn’s plans to acquire a broadcast network. Diller suggested Aaron avoid competing with Sumner Redstone for now, but Aaron insisted that Dawn was strong enough to challenge Viacom.

• Aaron and Cate Blanchett discussed Elizabeth’s Golden Globe nominations, reviews, and box-office prospects.
• Aaron flew over Anderson Farm in Montana, which he had purchased for $67.5 million, then headed to New York.
• Aaron and Barry Diller discussed Dawn’s unsuccessful effort to acquire NBC and the possibility of pursuing CBS.
• Barry Diller warned Aaron that Sumner Redstone would bid aggressively and suggested waiting before competing for a network.
• Aaron rejected Diller’s advice, citing Dawn’s scale and Viacom’s debt and struggling assets.

Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Frank Mancuso discussed MGM’s international expansion and the possibility of Dawn acquiring CBS, concluding that the network would strengthen Dawn despite potential executive turmoil. In New York, Aaron heard updates on Chicago, City of Angels, Antz, and The Prince of Egypt.

• Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Frank Mancuso discussed MGM’s completed integration of PolyGram and plans to expand its distribution network into Asia and Oceania.
• Edgar Bronfman Jr. asked Frank Mancuso about Dawn and Viacom bidding for CBS, and Mancuso argued that Aaron Anderson would act decisively if Dawn acquired the network.
• Frank Mancuso recounted how Aaron had dismantled MCA and sidelined Lew Wasserman, who had retired from MCA Records earlier that year.
• Aaron asked Christiana Yeri about Chicago’s screening reviews, and she said Universal could expand its release as word of mouth grew.
• Christiana Yeri reported that City of Angels had earned $190 million worldwide and that The Prince of Egypt opened to $14.5 million in three days.
• Aaron said The Prince of Egypt had a stronger story than Antz, whose box office had reached $85 million in North America and $50 million internationally.

Aaron approved Universal's involvement in Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks's Cast Away, checked preparations for Gladiator, and planned to inspect Universal Studios Japan. At a charity banquet, he discussed New York, Bloomberg, and Michael Jackson, who said he was content at Sony.

• Aaron approved Universal investing in Cast Away despite its lengthy, intermittent filming schedule.
• Ethelind Beckett reported that Gladiator was nearly ready for production, and Aaron approved Ridley Scott's choice of Russell Crowe as the lead.
• Aaron arranged to inspect Universal Studios Japan during Christmas.
• At a charity banquet, Aaron praised Mayor Rudy Giuliani's efforts to reduce crime in New York and discussed Bloomberg's growth with Michael Bloomberg.
• Aaron met Michael Jackson and Donald at the banquet, asked Jackson about his plans for charity concerts, and asked whether he would consider signing with Universal.
• Michael Jackson told Aaron that everything was fine for him at Sony.

Aaron considered Michael Jackson’s constraints at Sony and met BET founder Robert Johnson about Viacom’s low acquisition offer. Later, he rejected Kevin Smith’s controversial Dogma script for Twilight Pictures, while predicting Miramax might find a way to produce it.

• Aaron watched Michael Jackson leave and reflected that his Sony contract prevented him from switching to Universal.
• Aaron met Robert Johnson, who said Viacom had offered $1.85 billion for BET, below his expectations; Aaron said Viacom was also competing to acquire CBS Television.
• Ethelind Beckett brought Aaron the Dogma script, and he rejected it as too controversial and damaging to Dawn’s reputation.
• Ethelind told Aaron that Harvey Weinstein wanted to make Dogma at Miramax, but Disney opposed the project.
• Aaron speculated that Kevin Smith had likely secured Ben Affleck for the lead and wondered whether Disney had abandoned Miramax.

Aaron celebrated Christmas with Dawn Japan employees in Osaka, reviewed Universal Studios Japan’s preparations, and then visited Hakone with Norika Fujiwara. The chapter ended with the news that Mel Gibson had set a Hollywood salary record by receiving $25 million upfront for The Patriot.

• Aaron discussed Universal Studios Japan’s training, opening, and competition with Tokyo Disneyland with Tsuyoshi Narita at a reception in Osaka.
• Aaron noted the strong Japanese box office for Hollywood films and Pokémon animation, including Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back and Pokémon: Pikachu’s Summer Vacation.
• Aaron went to Hakone with Norika Fujiwara and discussed the yen’s appreciation, Pokémon’s success, and Toho’s upcoming Godzilla 2000.
• Aaron considered Roland Emmerich’s film projects and learned that Mel Gibson had received a record $25 million upfront salary for The Patriot.

Aaron returned to Hong Kong, ordered Edgar Owen to short the newly launched Euro, and agreed to finance Media Asia Films’ purchase of Golden Harvest’s film library. He also urged Joey Wong to expand into Mainland China and consider taking Media Asia public and acquiring ATV.

• Aaron discussed Japan’s The Ring with Norika Fujiwara and decided Twilight Pictures should buy the remake rights.
• Aaron arrived in Hong Kong on January 1, 1999, and instructed Edgar Owen to short the Euro using more than 300 million US dollars.
• Aaron learned Warner Bros. Pictures had offered 25 million US dollars for Golden Harvest’s film library and agreed to lend Media Asia Films 20 million US dollars to match the offer.
• Joey Wong told Aaron that Media Asia Films was becoming a pillar of Hong Kong cinema, and he encouraged her to expand into Mainland China, take the company public, and consider acquiring ATV.

Aaron met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Mr. Tung to discuss a possible Universal Studios resort, agreeing to send a team to inspect the market while doubting its scale. He considered using Hong Kong to test a brand-licensing model and later heard Kristy Yang had begun acting in mainland television dramas.

• The euro launched for accounting and transfers, and its introduction affected international currency markets.
• Mr. Tung urged Aaron to consider building Universal Studios Hong Kong, but Aaron cited the market’s limitations and agreed only to an inspection.
• Aaron told Tom Williams that Dawn could consider the project if Hong Kong offered attractive terms and noted that Disney was also in talks with the government.
• Aaron reassured Edgar Owen that the euro’s rise against the US dollar was no cause for concern and told him to keep monitoring it.
• Kristy Yang told Aaron that she was starring in Media Asia Films’ A Man Called Hero and had started taking roles in mainland television dramas.

Aaron met Rupert Murdoch in Hong Kong and discussed the prospects for building a Universal Studios Resort there or in Zhuhai. After Murdoch left with Wendi Deng, Joey Wong told Aaron that Media Asia had completed its acquisition of Golden Harvest’s film library.

• Aaron met Rupert Murdoch at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel and learned that Michael Eisner had also come to Hong Kong.
• Aaron and Rupert Murdoch discussed Hong Kong’s theme park plans, Zhuhai’s advantages, and the challenges of developing a resort in Mainland China.
• Rupert Murdoch left with Wendi Deng, and Aaron told Joey Wong how Wendi had come to know Murdoch.
• Joey Wong told Aaron that Media Asia had acquired the rights to Golden Harvest’s 172 films for 25 million US dollars.
• Aaron and Joey Wong discussed Jackie Chan’s upcoming films, including Shanghai Noon and a Lunar New Year romance film.

Aaron and Joey Wong discussed the decline of Hong Kong film, Media Asia Films’ plans, and the opportunities facing Asian stars and directors in Hollywood. The chapter left Aaron predicting that Mission: Impossible 2 could further raise John Woo’s standing in Hollywood.

• Aaron considered Jet Li’s Hollywood career and the circumstances behind his casting in Romeo Must Die.
• At Joey Wong’s villa, Aaron and Joey discussed Golden Harvest’s decline and Media Asia Films’ plans to develop the Mainland China market.
• Joey asked Aaron about Chow Yun-fat joining 20th Century Fox’s expensive production Anna and the King with Jodie Foster.
• Aaron told Joey that John Woo would direct Mission: Impossible 2 and predicted that a successful sequel would strengthen Woo’s Hollywood standing.

Aaron Anderson and Michael Eisner discussed Disney and Universal Studios competing to build a theme park in Hong Kong, and Aaron decided to obstruct Disney’s plans. Meanwhile, Britney Spears topped the American charts with her debut album, and Walt Disney Imagineering headed to Hong Kong.

• Rupert Murdoch left Aaron Anderson and Michael Eisner to discuss the Hong Kong theme park market.
• Michael Eisner said Disney planned to pursue a Hong Kong resort and argued that Universal Studios could not launch another project so soon after opening its Japan resort.
• Aaron returned to his villa and told Tom Williams to create as many obstacles as possible for Disney.
• Aaron gave Yuki Law five million Hong Kong dollars, and she said Media Asia Films had given her better roles and opportunities.
• Britney Spears released her debut album, which topped the Billboard 200 while its title track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Walt Disney Imagineering set off for Hong Kong.

Aaron traveled to South Korea as the country’s film industry protested reduced domestic-film quotas, and he predicted Korean cinema would soon grow while Hong Kong film declined. After monitoring his investments and returning to Los Angeles, he attended the Golden Globes celebration, where Chicago and its cast won awards.

• Tom Williams told Aaron that Disney had sent a large team to negotiate with Hong Kong, and Aaron planned to hear the government’s proposed terms.
• Aaron traveled to South Korea with Yuki Law and discussed the filmmakers’ protests against the reduced domestic-film quota and the future of Korean cinema.
• Aaron planned to meet TriStar chairman Lee Kun-hee and monitor his South Korean investments as MP3 players gained popularity.
• Aaron returned to Los Angeles in time for the 56th Golden Globe Awards, where Saving Private Ryan, Chicago, and several performers won awards.
• At the Beverly Hills Four Seasons celebration, Catherine Zeta-Jones told Aaron that Jennifer Connelly had stayed in New York because her mother was ill, and Aaron predicted Chicago would pass $100 million at the North American box office.

At a Golden Globe celebration, Aaron spoke with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jim Carrey, and Jennifer Aniston about their careers and upcoming films. After leaving the hotel with Jennifer, he learned that Matthew Perry was struggling with addiction and worried about the effect on Friends.

• Aaron encouraged Catherine Zeta-Jones as she prepared to do interviews about Chicago and Entrapment.
• At the celebration, Aaron encountered Jim Carrey, who had won Best Actor – Drama for The Truman Show and was considering new acting directions.
• Jennifer Aniston told Aaron that Office Space was due for release and that she was open to trying a dramatic role.
• Aaron and Jennifer discussed the possibility of her working with Jim Carrey and praised Cameron Diaz’s performance in There's Something About Mary.
• Aaron and Jennifer left the hotel together and became intimate in the car before heading back to the villa.
• Aaron asked about Matthew Perry, and Jennifer explained that Perry was dealing with addiction but said Friends production would not be affected.