In the time that followed, Kyle contemplated how to utilise his initial wealth. As a time traveller, it would feel unsatisfactory not to strategise on making more money and simply indulge in the present. He needed to continue earning and accumulate a substantial fortune!
"Should I keep investing in the stock market?"
This thought came to Kyle instantly.
After all, his current two million dollars was entirely derived from stock market ventures, particularly from the listing of Netscape.
"It's certainly an option, but my knowledge is only superficial."
"While I'm aware that investing in stocks of companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon is bound to yield gains, and that they will all become giants with a market value of $1.3 trillion in the future, currently it's just…"
Without elaborating, in 1995, Amazon was not a giant; it was a fledgling company that had only just been formed in July and was yet to go public! Attempting to purchase its original shares would be utterly unrealistic.
Jeff Bezos is quite a brilliant individual!
He's more astute than a clever monkey. To acquire original shares from him now would be beyond the reach of both Kyle and Morgan Stanley among others.
Kyle knows clearly that there is potential for profit in the stock market and substantial profits can be made.
However, that time is not now. In a few years, especially after 1998, the technology stock market related to the internet will flourish. It would be wise to wait until there's sufficient capital to enter the market.
"So what are my options?"
"Never mind, after all this contemplation, perhaps it's best to stick to my previous methods!"
The film and entertainment industry!
In my previous life, Kyle worked in this field, so even handling logistics feels somewhat familiar.
"My destination is Hollywood, so let's head there!"
"Should I seek employment with a Hollywood company? I could, but that would be too underwhelming for a time traveller like me."
"Why not start my own film production company?"
"That might be even worse. The industry is rife with challenges, and it's easy to get deceived."
"Movie-related enterprises, especially expanding by establishing chain stores?"
"This seems like a promising plan!"
Kyle isn't against diving straight into Hollywood to start a film studio, but as a partial insider, he is acutely aware of the intricacies and exclusivity of the entertainment sector.
Consider the six prominent Hollywood executives like Barry Meyer, Robert Ager, and Shirley Lansing. Which among them didn't originate from humble beginnings? Reflect on Hollywood figures like Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie.
Who among them didn't initially serve as a supporting actor?
There are countless examples to illustrate this.
Even the children of Oracle's founder Larry Ellison, who frequently appears on the Forbes list, attempted to break into Hollywood with a staggering $200 million and high hopes, but what was the outcome?
They ended up producing several subpar films!
Just the poor-quality movie "Invincible" resulted in nearly $100 million in losses for the company.
Didn't they still waste a few years in the process?
Ultimately, it was only through the 2008 financial crisis, the downturn of the U.S. economy, and the depletion of funds within major Hollywood studios that it managed to achieve integration successfully.
"You must proceed with greater caution... No, you must be more stable!"
Kyle rubbed his forehead.
Hollywood's prejudice against outsiders is one element, but the most significant factor is the accounting issues within the industry!
They truly tread a fine line with legality. Within the bounds of the law, they exploit accounting matters extensively to completely take advantage of foreign investors!
Never trust the ethics of large corporations!
For instance, Spielberg's DreamWorks generated hundreds of millions from regions like India and Arabia.
Not to mention their deceitful practices outside the industry; even among their peers, they are merciless.
Their methods are extremely dubious!
The Harry Potter series is incredibly popular.
It brought immense prestige to Time Warner Group, with box office earnings nearing $10 billion globally, not to mention related licensing revenues, DVD, tape sales, apparel licensing, liquor licensing, and other markets amounting to over $100 billion.
But it's hard to believe that the company's financial records showed they were actually at a loss!
That's right, a loss!
And a substantial one at that!
Although the film's production and distribution companies are part of the Time Warner Group, both subsidiaries maintain separate finances and are evaluated independently. Except for theatre sales, most of the profits that would typically belong to the production company were diverted to the distribution company.
Consequently, the production company showed significant losses on its financial statements.
Tsk tsk...
"Large corporations are deceptive. By showing losses on paper, they can reduce tax liabilities and avoid paying the main actors a cut of box office receipts. Why wouldn't they?"
Several prominent actors from the "Harry Potter" franchise previously took legal action against Warner regarding profit sharing from the box office.
What was the outcome of that?
Do you believe the legal traps established by Warner's legal team are amusing?
I will overwhelm you with my enjoyment!
Even if a large corporation loses a case under unique circumstances, the process can extend for many years, draining your energy and ensuring you won't have an easy time!
In any event, the arm can't outmanoeuvre the thigh.
To endure in this industry, you must adhere to the rules they impose, or else you risk becoming an outsider, defying the collective interests of large Hollywood firms, and ultimately being pushed out of Hollywood.
Michael Jackson is a prime example!
He possesses the rights to numerous songs, cannot compromise, and disrupts too many unspoken rules and interests within the entertainment industry, which has tarnished his reputation. (Allegations involving minors, issues related to skin colour) Even posthumously, many continue to cause trouble over these matters.
Didn't Peter Jackson, the director of "The Lord of the Rings," file a lawsuit against New Line Pictures concerning payment disputes? That case continued for six years.
"Hollywood favours foolish individuals with deep pockets and reckless behaviour, so I must proceed with caution."
Kyle couldn't help but reflect.
"Otherwise, there won't be anything left!"
"There are countless dishonest individuals and villains in this world."
As someone somewhat involved, Kyle is acutely aware of the financial discrepancies.
Even if a film is lucrative, it can still appear as a loss in financial statements. Without delving into further details, a camera's cost is $200,000, but it can be listed as $1 million in financial records. Various expenses unrelated to the film crew are charged to the investors. It's a very intricate situation. Not only outsiders but also industry insiders need to remain vigilant.
"Just establish a chain of movie-related stores!"
"Safe!"
"If nothing else, Toy Story is set to launch. It was the top box office earner in North America in 1995!"
"If you obtain the rights, even limited to Los Angeles, selling merchandise of Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear could yield significant profits. Not only can you earn money, but it's also an excellent stepping stone into Hollywood."
...
The warm glow of pendant lights bathed the dining room in a soft amber hue. Outside, the California night was serene, with the distant hum of traffic and the occasional chirp of crickets. Inside, the clinking of cutlery and the aroma of rosemary chicken filled the air.
Kate sat at the head of the table, her black hair neatly pinned back, eyes twinkling as she served mashed potatoes onto her plate. Across from her, Kyle, her son, took a sip of his juice, a contemplative look on his face.
Kate, "So Kyle, have you decided, what to do?"
Kyle set down his glass, a smile playing on his lips.
Kyle, "Actually, yes. I've been thinking a lot about Dad's toy shop lately."
Kate's eyes softened at the mention of her late husband.
Kate, "He'd be proud of you today if he were with us."
Kyle nodded, taking a deep breath.
Kyle: "I've decided to expand. I want to open a chain of toy stores across California, starting with San Francisco, San Diego and many other cities."
Kate's fork paused midway to her mouth, surprise evident on her face.
Kate, "A chain? That's a big step, Kyle."
He leaned forward, enthusiasm evident.
Kyle, "I know, but I've done the research, and I can guarantee 100%, that our chain store will be a great hit across the whole of America"
Kate reached across the table, placing her hand over his.
Kate "Your father always dreamed of expanding, but the timing was never right. He'd be so proud of you."
Kyle smiled, a mix of relief and excitement washing over him.
Kyle, "I just hope I can make it work."
Kate squeezed his hand gently.
Kate, "With your passion and dedication, I have no doubt you will."
They continued their meal, the conversation flowing easily, filled with plans, memories, and shared dreams. The night stretched on, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their family's legacy.