At this stage, B's influence is massive—it's even started expanding into overseas markets, with a pretty ambitious layout.
That said, while Dunn has some respect for it, he's not exactly planning to play nice with B.
B's TV network is part of the Time Warner family, and since Dunn can't pull any dirty tricks on the network itself, that's his biggest advantage. As long as it's fair market competition—a game all about content—Dunn's practically unbeatable.
More importantly, B's name carries serious weight!
This is the future industry leader, the global heavyweight. Since Dunn's chosen to dive into the world of premium cable TV, he's dead-set on snagging the resources and status that would've belonged to B.
In other words, a showdown with B is inevitable—sooner or later, it's happening!
As for the industry's number two? They can keep coasting along, playing with the scraps of this market.
Now that B's made a bold move, Dunn's not about to sit back politely—he's got to hit back!
He's already got a plan, and it's straightforward: cut them off at the knees!
"By the way, when can Chris Albrecht officially step down?"
Dunn's not thrilled with the current network head, Tony Granmo, and through Michael Ovitz's connections, he's extended an offer to B's current president, Chris Albrecht.
Word is, Chris isn't exactly loving life at B. His direct boss, Jeff Bewkes, the head of B's TV network, has been keeping him under tight control.
On top of that, Chris is a die-hard advocate for producing high-quality original dramas, but Jeff's old-school and stubborn—unwilling to take risks or shoulder the hefty costs of premium shows.
When Dunn's invitation came through, it was a no-brainer for Chris—they clicked instantly!
Dunn's spending on content is basically unheard of in Hollywood.
He doesn't just throw money at movies with bold strokes; he's just as lavish when it comes to TV shows!
Michael Ovitz chimed in, "Probably early August. B's been around for decades, and its management is bureaucratic and bloated. Chris is the president of B's TV station—a key role—so he can only leave once the board picks a new president."
Dunn frowned. "He didn't sign a non-compete clause, right?"
Michael Ovitz grinned. "Those are usually for shareholders, barring them from investing in competitors. Plus, under most states' business and professional codes, contracts that stop someone from working in a legal profession, trade, or business aren't enforceable—unless it's something confidential. TV isn't like R&D; there are no secrets to spill."
Dunn nodded, letting out a cold grunt before waving a hand. "Good, that makes it easy!"
"Hmm?"
"Michael, I'm not big on legal stuff, but I think labor laws give employees a one-month buffer period after quitting, right?"
Michael Ovitz, a former agent, knew this inside out. "Yep. If an employee submits their resignation, the company can accept it anytime. If they don't after a month, the employee can walk. Labor laws mostly protect against employers breaking contracts unilaterally—there's no restriction on employees leaving freely."
A sly grin crept onto Dunn's face. "And I'm pretty sure we've been in touch with him for over 40 days now, yeah?"
"You're saying—wait, Dunn, it's not that simple," Michael Ovitz caught on quick, chuckling and shaking his head. "A lot of companies set up loyalty bonuses or pension plans to handle this. You only get the payout if you follow their exit process."
Dunn's expression stayed cool. "I know."
"No, you don't!" Michael Ovitz, ever sharp about money, cut in. "He's a top exec at B's network. From what I've gathered, his weekly salary's at least 30 grand. He's been there over 20 years—his pension's probably north of 5 million bucks!"
With a $1.5 million annual salary, even a pay bump from jumping ship wouldn't make Chris ditch a $5 million bonus.
Dunn just laughed and shook his head. "I thought it'd be more—5 million's nothing!"
"Dunn, you—" Michael Ovitz caught the casual look on Dunn's face and pieced it together. "You're not seriously thinking of buying out that 5 million, are you?"
"Why not?" Dunn's lips curled into a cold smirk.
Michael Ovitz frowned. "I get that 5 million's pocket change to you, but it's unnecessary! Wait two months tops, and Chris will be here. You could roll that 5 million into his salary and bonus package—motivate him to work harder."
"No, no, Michael, you're missing the point. The network's growth is on track—waiting two months isn't a big deal for us. But for B? Those two months are critical. I can't wait to see Chris leave and watch B's TV station fall into chaos, leaderless."
Of course, Dunn kept some thoughts to himself.
B's recent bid to snatch Band of Brothers shows that, with Six Feet Under heating up, Jeff Bewkes is starting to see the potential in premium dramas.
Dunn's worried that if Six Feet Under keeps gaining traction, Jeff might step in to keep Chris Albrecht, fully pivoting B toward original content.
After all, in today's premium cable market, B's the undisputed king. Dunn's momentum is strong, but his user base and subscribers are still less than half of B's.
Michael Ovitz couldn't help but laugh and grimace. "Dunn, you're screwing them over without even helping yourself!"
Dunn shrugged, his tone icy. "Doesn't matter. I'm not in it for my gain—I just want to screw them. B wants a fight? Bring it on!"
The next day, Dunn flew to New York with Michael Ovitz to meet Chris Albrecht privately.
"He's happy with your terms—2 million a year. Oh, and his loyalty bonus is 5.36 million," Michael Ovitz said, having already sorted the details.
Dunn nodded. "No problem. If we're making a move, it's got to hit hard and fast. Best case, he quits today!"
It'd been well over the one-month labor law buffer—Chris could walk from B anytime.
Michael Ovitz shook his head with a grin, then pulled out his phone to call some Wall Street investors.
He was in New York mainly for Legendary Pictures business, kicking off a new pooled investment project and giving shareholders a quick rundown.
Dunn, meanwhile, dialed his new fling, supermodel Karolina Kurkova. "Hey, babe, you busy?"
"Not really. Miss me?"
"Yeah. Where's Angie?"
"She's out working—shooting a spread for a fashion mag."
Dunn let out an "Oh." "I'm on a plane. Get ready—I'll swing by later tonight."
"What! You're here? Oh, awesome! I'll text Angela to come back early!" Karolina chirped, sounding adorably eager.
Michael Ovitz caught Dunn's tone and knew it was a woman—probably two, actually.
But he'd seen it all. Twenty years ago, when he started his agency, he'd pulled crazier stunts to woo big directors and stars.
Even Penelope Cruz, Dunn's current sidekick, was one of his intros.
"By the way, I was at the other day and spotted a newbie actress, Amy Rosen. She's got potential—made Variety's Top 10 Rising Stars of 2000."
"Amy Rosen?" Dunn pictured a sultry, older-sister type and smirked. "We'll see."
Michael Ovitz nodded. "Fair enough. She's still young—give it a few years."
For Dunn, age was one thing, but the real issue was the sheer number of gorgeous women around him!
He was struggling to keep up!
Soon, Rose Byrne would bring her buddy Abby Cornish into the mix. Anne Hathaway was patiently waiting her turn, and Cameron Diaz had already locked in plans from New York Gangs.
Plus, once the TV network stuff wrapped up, his new movie Chicago—a female-led musical—would start casting, and that'd draw even more stunning actresses his way.
Too much of a good thing can leave you wiped out!
Michael Ovitz shot Dunn a teasing look. "What's up? Can't handle it?"
Dunn laughed it off. "Gotta pace myself—a steady stream, you know?"
"Hahaha!"
Michael Ovitz burst out laughing.