Thoughts from an Industry Exec on Nelson Peltz' Papers

Late last night I received opinion and analysis from an industry executive with about five decades of experience at the highest levels of Hollywood. I thought I would share the unedited (though identity protected) statement sent my way, with permission. 

Here's what the sane who remain in Hollywood have to say about the situation:

_______________

Wow. Just finished. You know another brilliant thing about this--well TWO brilliant things?

1. It is what we call in the book/fiction biz a "page turner"--it draws the reader in and keeps grabbing them and never beats any dead horses or allows ennui to set in. It is a story you are compelled to follow to the end.
2. IF, as I've surmised, both sides realize (as evidenced by their solicitations) that the big investors have all made their bets and voted their appropriate colored cards by now, and therefore that the "audience" for any appeal at this point is the small investor--millions of moms & pops, local brokers. small fund or pension managers, etc. etc. who, in aggregate, hold the deciding balance of votes in their hands, well, this on-the-one-hand highly technical document is still enormously readable and accessible without a finance degree or much Wall St. or corporate experience. It is clear, it is readable, and it makes its case no matter WHO you are (and along the way it MIGHT suggest to some of the bigger players that they should swap to blue or look ridiculous/unprofessional/stupid if they do not.

IT is very clear from the strategic use of quotes from Bob Iger and the Disney statements that if this change does NOT happen, things will continue the way they have--in the red. You are left with no other conclusion to draw. In short, vote blue or sell your stock and take your losses, because in the words of the old over-used adage, doing the same thing (or letting, if not encouraging, Bob to do it) and expecting positive change is....insanity. No rational human being who can read and comprehend English can draw any other conclusion from this. And while this is partly due to great, disciplined, comprehensive, and convincing argument and storytelling...well, it sure helps when the story is so clearly, unequivocally, and utterly TRUE.

______

And I will add at this point that discussions with others in the "biz" have pointed to this being so meaty, so expensive and so thoroughly researched that one can only conclude Peltz is ready for the long haul. Whatever happens with the upcoming board vote, the proxy battle for board seats (or MORE board seats) is just heating up. Iger will not get rid of Trian anytime soon.

Your pal,

Pro

Update: I have been informed that eagle-eyed viewers may recognize the unnamed Hollywood insider as portions of the statement sent my way may also appear in a future, unreleased publication. We have permission to keep this up unedited.