mchenry-crisis.org Chapter 61 Whose side are you on anyway?
Chapter 61 Whose side are you on anyway?
Chapter 61 Whose side are you on anyway?
MGM didn't release any movies this Christmas season, but the buzz it generated was no less than that of any Hollywood giant.
First, "The Man from Earth" finished its run in major box office markets around the world, grossing a high of $3.68 million.
Hollywood has seen many examples of small investments yielding huge returns, but the case of a $100 million film raking in $3.68 million at the global box office is unprecedented and unique.
With the addition of smaller overseas markets where the film was not released, the final estimate from the industry was around $4.05 million, which garnered MGM a lot of attention.
Many media outlets have even changed their previous view that Ernst's takeover of MGM would inevitably lead to its demise.
The combination of Ernst and Robert Iger is putting MGM on the road to revival, and many people are hoping that this former Hollywood giant will regain its former glory.
But unexpectedly, just as MGM confirmed the launch of the "Tomorrow Never Dies" project and Ernst's other film for MGM, "There's Something About Mary," was progressing smoothly with good news coming one after another.
MGM's board of directors actually dismissed Robert Iger, the CEO who was considered quite capable by the media, and even Ernst resigned as chairman. Dark clouds once again hung over MGM.
But just a few days later, things took another turn.
On Christmas Day, numerous media outlets received reports that MGM employees had staged a collective coup.
The cause of the incident is no longer important; the real issue is that the entire exterior of the MGM Grand is plastered with petitions demanding Nelson's removal and the reinstatement of Robert Iger and Ernst.
Some employees even burned T-shirts with Nelson's name on them at the entrance, which showed the unity of MGM employees to everyone.
The plot of ants uniting to defeat a great villain will always find a market in America, and many movies revolve around this theme.
At that moment, in his top-floor office at MGM headquarters, the newly appointed CEO, Nelson, was frowning as he looked at the scene below.
The employees completely surrounded the MGM Grand building, and there were a large number of media outlets outside, including a mobile live broadcast truck from a television station.
Behind him, his secretary Harris wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and advised, "Boss, the employees are more agitated than expected. Do you think we should cancel this announcement? Should we—"
"No way!" Nelson whirled around, his eyes sharp. "The board put me in this position because I promised to bring them profits. If I let those hyenas lose money right after taking over, do you think I can stay in this position?"
Nelson was nominated by Wilhelm, but the directors, who were represented by shareholders, did not agree with the proposal at all.
Nelson had worked at MGM for many years, and the board members knew his capabilities better than anyone else.
This is not an option for MGM's revival at all; most board members prefer to hire a new CEO from outside the company.
But in order to sit on this coveted throne, Nelson actually promised that MGM's shareholders would receive no less than $200 million in dividends this year. This promise hit the shareholders right where it hurt, which led to his appointment as CEO.
"But this can't go on like this. Kendine is already calling an emergency board meeting. To calm things down, the board will ask you to make sacrifices. Our only chance is that we can quell this turmoil before the board meeting, but that's incredibly difficult."
"No matter how difficult it is, we have to do it." Nelson's expression was unpredictable at this moment. "Here's what you do: go and appease the employees. Tell them that although the year-end bonus has been canceled, next year's holiday bonus will be doubled. If that doesn't work, promise them that there will be a year-end bonus next year."
Nelson's idea was simple: Ernst's other film, "There's Something About Mary," would be released next year, and "Tomorrow Never Dies" would also be released next year as expected, in addition to the subsequent sale of the rights to "The Man from Earth."
MGM's revenue next year won't be too low.
Once you get through this crisis, things will take a turn for the better, and your future will be bright.
Unlike Wilhelm, Nelson had risked everything.
He knew very well that if Ernst and Robert Iger returned to MGM, his career would be over.
Unlike Wilhelm, whose company bylaws restrict the removal of an independent director without the consent of two-thirds of the shareholders.
Nelson is part of the management team; if he were to pack his bags and leave, it would only take a single word from the board of directors.
Since we've already taken the gamble, we have no choice but to go all the way down this path.
Having spent years in the upper echelons of MGM, Nelson is certainly not a completely useless piece of trash.
He now understands that Ernst's actions were aimed at the board of directors.
Don't be fooled by Ernst being the major shareholder, even if he holds more than 51% of the shares.
Companies have corporate laws, and the articles of association are always greater than the number of shares. Ernst could not possibly obtain two-thirds of the shares and had no way to influence the board of directors.
As long as Nelson wins the board's trust, his position is secure.
Nelson's targeted strategy, conveyed by his secretary Harris, has initially stabilized the atmosphere on the scene.
At the entrance of the finance department, the fight had subsided, but many people had bruises on their faces and their clothes were torn to shreds.
Orwell, in particular, had one cheek bulging out so high that he could barely speak.
"Everyone, President Nelson is aware of your requests and grievances. The group has just started to show signs of improvement, and various projects require significant financial investment. That's why President Nelson canceled year-end bonuses—to allocate more funds to more projects."
"President Nelson asked me to promise everyone that next year's holiday bonuses will be doubled, and if revenue is good, everyone will definitely receive a year-end bonus next year."
As Harris spoke, the noisy theoretical scene gradually calmed down.
Orwell, standing behind Harris, chimed in, "That's right, everyone go back first. We can't have our Christmas bonuses this year, but we'll definitely get them next year, and they'll be doubled."
Harris turned his head, his eyes wide as if he were facing his father's killer.
If he could speak, he would definitely yell at the other person, "Who the hell are you on?"
Sure enough, the scene erupted in cheers once again.
"This is a delaying tactic, a conspiracy. The double bonus next year is a trap, just a belated payment for this year."
Normally, there should be a Christmas bonus, but because of the year-end bonus, this year's Christmas bonus has been cancelled.
All the employees had forgotten about the cancellation of year-end bonuses, and now Orwell is essentially serving as an invisible reminder.
In the United States, Thanksgiving and Christmas bonuses are the two largest, while other holiday bonuses are not worth mentioning.
Christmas is essentially a belated bonus, making next year's year-end bonus meaningless. Although there's a doubled Thanksgiving bonus, who knows what kind of trouble might arise next year?
"We demand the immediate restoration of this year's year-end bonus."
"Yes, reinstate the year-end bonus."
"And why should the finance department receive a year-end bonus this year? We demand equal treatment for everyone."
The finance department receives year-end bonuses because Nelson needs them to ensure that $200 million can be distributed to shareholders without affecting next year's projects.
It's fine if other departments cause trouble, but if the finance department also starts causing trouble and creates minor obstacles, Nelson can't afford it.
"Director Orwell, didn't you promise us the highest level of year-end bonus? We won't be downgraded, will we?"
Orwell turned to look at his underling who had asked the question, giving him a look that said, "I knew you had potential."
However, he didn't show it on his face, feigning anger with a dark expression, "What nonsense are you talking about? How could you say such a thing?"
罗伯特·艾格制定的年终奖根据过去两年员工的绩效评估和职位分为四个标準，D级的年终奖是年薪5%到10%，C级的10%到15%，B级的15%到25%，和最高级别A级的30%到40%。
The crowd stirred again. "You guys get year-end bonuses, fine, but you're even getting them at the highest level? Why?"
Orwell's henchman has done a great job. The one who was the first to make a move, Carret's henchman, decided that he couldn't let the other party steal the limelight all by himself.
Before Harris could react, he felt a sharp pain on his face and heard a burst of anger in his ear.
"Beat this son of a bitch to death and kick Nelson out of MGM."
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