America 1919-Chapter 936 - 319, 300 thousand for hundreds of billions_3

Later, Walter Disney tried his hand at entrepreneurship once again, establishing Laugh-O-Gram Studio and successfully producing animated shorts distributed by film distributor Frank Newman.

On May 23, 1922, Walter secured Ub Iwerks’ approval to merge the remaining assets of Iwerks-Disney Commercial Artists into Laugh-O-Gram Studio.

At Laugh-O-Gram Studio, Walter Disney created the animated short "Little Joy," which was sold to a distributor in Kansas City.

In July of the same year, Walter Disney headed to Los Angeles, preparing to expand into Hollywood.

After arriving in Los Angeles, Walter Disney and his brother Roy Disney founded Disney Brothers Studio and began production on the "Alice Comedies" animated series.

But producing animations required financial support, so Walter Disney approached Venus Bank, which had recently been established in Los Angeles!

After hearing Walter Disney’s pitch, Donnie nodded and said, "Three hundred thousand US dollars is no problem. However, I hold great confidence in your abilities, Walter, so I propose we let Venus Bank use this three hundred thousand dollars to buy into Disney Brothers Studio. Of course, you’ll still remain the company’s president!"

Disney’s growth and eventual glory were inseparable from the hard work of Walter Disney and his team.

Donnie was also more than willing to play the role of a behind-the-scenes boss for these companies. As long as they were obedient, everything would be negotiable. If not, he would find an excuse to clean house instead.

As for whether Disney would achieve any success in the future under such circumstances, that was not part of Donnie’s concern.

Investing three hundred thousand dollars to gamble on the future formation of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate was nothing short of an exceptional investment opportunity!

If worse comes to worst, in the future Donnie could invest in a few more film companies in Hollywood—even the Big Eight studios as an entire set wouldn’t matter. After all, Donnie was determined to gain true control over Hollywood’s narrative power!

Donnie’s proposal left Walter Disney surprised.

His emotions were a mix of astonishment, joy, and concern!

Joyful that Disney Animation, founded just this year, had already caught Donnie’s eye, gaining interest in an investment. Walter Disney clearly understood that if Venus Bank became a shareholder in Disney Animation, at least he wouldn’t have to worry about financial troubles for the company anymore.

Concerned because he couldn’t fathom why Donnie himself would personally take an interest in entering negotiations over a stake in Disney Animation. Frankly, even if this matter had been handled by the general manager of Venus Bank’s California branch, Walter Disney would still have found it thrilling!

Another source of concern was the issue of corporate control!

Though Donnie explicitly stated Walter would remain the president of Disney Animation, taking three hundred thousand dollars as equity—no matter how thick-skinned Walter could be—he had to admit that such a sum wouldn’t just make Venus Bank a major shareholder; it quite literally had the power to purchase the entire Disney Animation outright.

"To be appreciated by Mr. Block is a great honor for Disney Animation!"

Walter Disney first expressed his gratitude for Donnie’s endorsement before hesitantly raising his concerns: "Although Disney Animation’s primary creative direction currently focuses on animation, in the future, we might also explore live-action films. I understand that Mr. Block holds considerable shares in United Artists and is its largest shareholder. So when it comes to live-action films…"

Donnie chuckled knowingly, seeing through Walter Disney’s previous remarks as mere lofty rhetoric—a veiled attempt to garnish his real objective, which was to earn money.

Nonetheless, Donnie didn’t mind the rhetoric and laughed, saying, "Walter, you can put your worries aside on this front. As I’ve mentioned earlier, you’ll remain the president concerning Disney Animation’s managerial rights. All I ask is to see profitable numbers in Disney Animation’s annual financial reports. As for how Disney plans to operate, that is entirely up to all of you!

Moreover, I understand Disney Animation has only just been established. Expecting profitability right away would be unrealistic, so I will grant you five years. During those five years, I don’t need Disney to show profitable figures!"

Donnie’s terms were undeniably generous—so generous that Walter Disney could find no excuse to decline the investment!

Of course, if Walter Disney were privy to the extent of Disney’s future growth, he most certainly would not agree to these terms now!

Unfortunately, Walter Disney wasn’t aware of what the future held.

"Right now, all I can express is my deepest thanks for your support, Mr. Block!"

Donnie laughed heartily and replied, "That’s exactly how it should be. As for the specifics of the negotiations, Kafe will discuss them with you at a later time. Also, Walter, to celebrate our successful partnership, you can enjoy two days of relaxation in Atlantic City. All your expenses will be charged to the Surf Hotel’s account!"

Walter Disney thanked Donnie once more: "On the way to the Surf Hotel, I had already developed a deep interest in Atlantic City!"

"I’m certain you’ll come to love it here!" Donnie laughed boisterously.

Then Donnie summoned Fei Jackson, informing him about the investment in Walter Disney’s endeavor. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

Fei Jackson, though puzzled over why Donnie would take personal interest in such a small company, still earnestly promised to negotiate a deal that would satisfy him!

The negotiations between Walter Disney and Fei Jackson concluded in just one day, resulting in Venus Bank acquiring 60% ownership in Disney Animation, making it the largest shareholder of Disney Animation.

Walter Disney, on the other hand, secured three hundred thousand dollars to continue pursuing his animation dreams!

This was, in every sense, a win-win outcome!

Finally, Walter Disney took two days off in Atlantic City before boarding a train back to California.

Hardly anyone knew about this event; it was only when Disney grew into prominence that Donnie’s role as the shadowy investor was revealed to the public!