Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 1082 Rejecting the Invitation

At the Twentieth Fox booth at the Western Film Expo in Las Vegas, a super-large poster with Bruce Willis's big face and several words bigger than his face" Die Harder".

Many people gathered around the booth asking for tickets to Fox's trade fair.Sequels to such successful action movies generally sell steadily.Movie theater buyers across the country want to get an early fix on their share of copies purchased.

Thomas Stephenson Jr., who runs a chain of Hollywood theaters in the East, was also there.After he took over the operation of the movie theater, the number of movie theaters joining the chain has exceeded [-], and the number is still growing.Now he no longer needs to squeeze in the exhibition hall below, there is a place for him in the VIP hall on the second floor.

"So what the hell is part two going to be?" Thomas Stephenson Jr. asked as Ronald sat next to him, along with Joel Silver, the producers behind Die Hard 2.

"This is still a secret. In short, the scene is bigger than the first one. The explosion fireball is bigger, more lives are saved, and the villains are more cunning."

"Very well, we like such certain films." Thomas Stephenson Jr. was satisfied with Ronald's answer, and the sequel still continued the blockbuster code of the first film, so that cinemas will have a strong film in the summer. , can support the box office.

Silver went to communicate with other theater buyers, and Ronald stayed here to continue chatting with Stephenson.Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia has already invested in movie theaters in shopping malls in the three major cities of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.The six movie theaters, marked by oasis palm trees, have become the latest and most luxurious multiplex standard, popular with teenagers.

These theaters are Bandar's investment, he is impatient to operate them, all joined the Hollywood theaters, run by the management team sent by Thomas Stephenson Jr., all of them adopt advanced stereo surround sound system, each auditorium There are no more than sixty seats, and there are no steps in the middle as in old-fashioned theaters.

Multiple movies can be flexibly adjusted and scheduled, which is the product of the latest theater management ideas.The Saudis are quick to give money, and Thomas Stephenson Jr. is very welcome to join them.Prince Bandar has a stable income, Hollywood theaters have more franchised theaters, and Ronald's low-budget movies have a relatively stable release channel. Everyone is very happy.

"We are looking forward to your romantic comedy. I will line up more summer movies. There are many teenage girls in the summer movies on the east coast. The more movies like this, the better."

"Don't forget the other movie I participated in. See who is talking, and you have to ensure some screening rates." Ronald did not forget another movie he participated in the production of.

"Is it okay for a baby film? Tell me, what do you think the box office potential is."

"Of course, don't forget about ET, any movie that children love to watch will definitely do well at the box office."

"Okay, I'll add some more for you. Summer has losers every year. This year's Ghostbusters 2, Lethal Weapon 2, Raiders of the Lost Ark 3, all sequels. The new fireball, Batman, and old-fashioned 007 , I always feel that at least one of them is going to be finished. Now this James Bond is ugly, with a sad face, and the first two are so handsome..."

"There is also Longwei Boy 3", Ronald added, because of the relationship with the theater chain, the movie he participated in has a bit of an advantage in scheduling.

"There's also Longwei Boy 3, it's a pity you won't be directing this series anymore."

"I found that the action scenes I directed couldn't shoot those Xiangjiang people, you'll know it after watching it."

Then Ronald chatted cordially with the buyers of several theaters about this year's summer vacation.He is only responsible for smiling and praising each other for their good cooperation in the past.The rest of the details will be implemented by the distribution director Michel Cannold who came together.

"Ronald, uh, Mr. Li, this time is really thanks to you."

Ronald was drinking Coca-Cola when the executive producer of Twentieth Century Fox named Kevin came over and gave Ronald a burst of praise.After seeing the friendship between Ronald and the two bosses of Fox, he immediately changed course and tried his best to create opportunities to communicate with Ronald. Anyway, he paid attention to all the projects he participated in.

"Haha, they bought it mainly because of the glorious history of [-]th Century Fox and the professionalism of you executives." Ronald said perfunctorily, he saw this kind of villain a lot in major studios Now, there is no need to fight against them.

"I'm not exaggerating, you're the one who has the pulse of the audience, and as long as it's a project where you're a producer, the buyers don't ask for details and just book the maximum number of copies. We save a lot of things too , the colleagues in the publishing department all worship you as a genius."

"Haha, I'm so happy when you say that..."

"To tell you the truth, some people are talented, and some people are not. Certain directors with glorious histories, our distribution department can't sell their current projects at all. Just shake your head, no matter how much you sell it, you won’t be able to sell it.”

"Oh? Who is it?" Ronald heard that the other party said such a private matter, and he would feel sorry for him who deliberately approached him without gossip.

"I'm only talking to you, Ronald. It's John Hughes, who became famous in youth films just like you a few years ago. He's had several box office bombs in a row. Universal and Paramount can't stand him anymore. We are going to take another gamble on him, and now it seems that the number of bookings is really..."

"Oh...", Ronald was also a little surprised to hear that he was in the office next door to "Fast Pace", "Sixteen Candles", "The Breakfast Club" John Hughes, a few years ago He also photographed the well-known "Spring is not a day for studying", why did he die so soon?
I called Michel Cannold to find out, and it turned out that this matter had something to do with me.

John Hughes got his start in teen films, and his muse was Molly Ringwald, bringing out a group of teen stars in the Brat Pack.

In the end, Emilio Estevez disappeared after being suppressed by Ronald, Rob Lowe disappeared because of the video scandal, Andrew McCarthy took a picture of the air, and Ralph Mazio gave Ronald a picture of Long Wei Boy, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis are married, Jennifer Gray is doing Dirty Dancing for Ronald... all the actors he's using are no longer available, or don't bother to make his movies.

In the end, his most valued Molly Ringwald couldn't bear to continue playing the girl and broke up with him. John Hughes had to switch to comedy.

However, several transformational films "Parents in the World", "Attack Into the Wild", and "Uncle Buck" all failed at the box office. For a while, he was no longer the guarantee of making money in commercial films with a greater reputation than Ronald.

"What's going on?" Ronald felt a little embarrassed. John Hughes, like him, is also a Hollywood talent with all-round abilities of director, producer, and screenwriter. He produces no fewer movies than Ronald every year.The popularity of Hollywood has changed very quickly. Such a talent will not be recognized by Hollywood in a blink of an eye, and he will come to Fox for distribution.

"Why, are you interested? If you are interested, that's another matter. How about I show you the script?" The executive producer immediately changed his appearance when he heard that Ronald was interested. , immediately ask the assistant to get the script.

"It's a children's film, but no one dares to ask Hughes to direct it himself anymore..."

"Why?" Ronald signaled that he would not accept the script, and asked him to sign a formal agreement with Daydream's legal counsel to relinquish the copyright of the script before starting.Although Hughes failed three times in a row, it's not like he can't find someone to invest in him as a director.

"You've seen his last few movies and you'll understand that this guy is crazy... If you're interested, and... if you're not interested in directing, just recommend a director to us. Who in Hollywood doesn't know that you don't only watch actors You have a good eye, and you have a great eye for directors."

……

"What is this..." Ronald received the videotape from Fox that night, and watched John Hughes' three new films in fast-forward.

The legend that John Hughes' talent was exhausted by the outside world cannot be said to be nonsense without a little evidence.It's one thing for a film's box office to be affected by market changes and other factors. The main reason why Hollywood despises such a once blockbuster director is because of his directing skills.

He personally directed the two films "Parents in the World" and "Uncle Buck". John Hughes followed the technique of his last blockbuster film "Spring is Not a Day for Studying". monologue.

This technique, which is often used in theater circles, is called breaking the fourth wall.It means that the theater has walls on three sides, and only one side is empty facing the audience.But in this empty direction, traditionally, actors cannot show that they have seen the presence of the audience.

Their plays are all limited to the scope of the stage.Some avant-garde comedies deliberately break the gambling wall and communicate directly with the audience below. In the theater, the audience will have an effect of "Oh, I am actually watching a play". Sometimes this alienation effect, On the contrary, it can make the audience more immersed in it.

But the large-scale use of this technique in movies seems out of date.Movie audiences often have to be distracted. At the beginning of the movie, I use it occasionally to speed up the narrative rhythm and exaggerate the atmosphere. It’s just like the past. It comes every 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and the emotions that were just hung up by the movie are gone. .

No wonder Fox is afraid to let him direct this new film.

However, the script of this movie is actually very interesting. A child is alone at home, fighting two gangsters out of wits. Many people have such fantasies when they were young, right?Ronald felt that as long as the director is changed, maybe this is also a movie that can be close to the target audience of "Look Who's Talking".

Amy Heklein is still in intense post-production and preparing for a sequel.Ronald thought for a while, and Chris Columbus who filmed "The Adventures of the Nanny" was very suitable. That movie also had many children's action scenes, and the shooting was very childlike.

"Chris, it's me. Here's a children's film script. Are you interested in trying it?" Ronald immediately called Columbus regardless of the night.

"Offended Eisner? It doesn't matter. This time it's [-]th Century Fox. Their big boss is an Australian. There won't be any... Hey, there are producers who don't know the current affairs to boycott you. Are you interested? ?Okay, ask your agent to call my agent, and I will make an appointment for you to go for an interview."

After the interview with Chris Columbus was arranged, Ronald received a call from the office of the president of Sony America, saying that President Dahe wanted to talk to him.

Because the bodyguard Dan said that there was no confidential line in the hotel in Las Vegas, Ronald made an appointment with them to contact them again when they returned to Los Angeles.

The next day, Ronald took a business jet back to Los Angeles late at night and went to Jonathan Demme.Ronald fell in love with the feeling of flying a private jet, mainly because of the low noise, good rest, and flexible arrangements according to his own itinerary.

Demi got back in touch with his lost pastor cousin. The cousin who met for the poor and blacks had a similar value orientation as him. Unfortunately, he was not loved by the suburbs and had to wander in poor places such as New Jersey and Brooklyn.

Demi donated some money to him and came back to continue his intense work.He's already spotted the role of Dr. Lecter himself, and is being contacted by CAA for a joint audition with Jodie Foster.

"Why did you choose him?" Ronald saw that it was not the British actor he dreamed of, but the first 007 actor, Sean Connery.

"This is what I think. Dr. Lecter must have a strong body, and he looks like someone who can kill people with his bare hands."

"It's true that the image of James Bond is impressive to the audience."

"Yes, this is the second reason. We have to find an actor who the audience thinks is a good guy to play the criminal. Lecter is a very stylish gentleman in the novel. He couldn't restrain his criminal impulse and committed a crime. Serial murder.

But when he's not sick, this is a man who seems to make audiences feel well-mannered.I'd be hard pressed to find a better fit than him. "

Jonathan Demme showed Ronald a lot of work. This is a director who has worked very hard and has fully prepared the inner world of the character.Ronald really can't find a reason to deny this casting, unless it is my dream.

"Okay, let's try it, and do you have any backup candidates? I heard that Sean is difficult to deal with. He is unwilling to learn an accent unless you can accept a Lecter with a Scottish accent." Ronald still said There is one shortcoming, Connery is a movie bastard star, he will never change himself for the role, he must make the role accommodate himself.

……

"Da Hesang, why did you come in person?"

After Ronald returned to the hotel, Norio Oga did not call this time, but flew to interview Ronald himself.

"The hotel's confidential line is not guaranteed. I decided to come in person after thinking about it. When Ronald Sang's private house is built, we can still talk on the phone frequently." Dahe learned that Ronald had built the house and returned it to Ronald De recommended a Japanese-style designer, Ronald picked a few rooms, and according to Dahe's kindness, created the style of a tea room, and there was a small Japanese-style dry landscape garden.

"Is there anything important?" Ronald knew that Dahe's coming in person must be a big deal.

"The insider who leaked our strategic plan to acquire Columbia Pictures has been found." Dahe cut to the chase.

"who is it?"

"It's the consultant we hired, Michael Ovitsan."

Dahe picked up the small cup of Kung Fu tea that Ronald made for him, smelled the aroma of black tea, and drank it down in one gulp.This kind of tea ceremony from the south, although not as good as Japan's, still has a kind of artistic beauty.

But Ronald clearly trembled a little when he saw Dahe's hand holding the teacup.

"I really don't understand why we spent so much sincerity in exchange for the betrayal of this Jew!"

Ronald had no choice but to remain silent. How could he answer these words?

"We Dongying people always like to be sincere to people and value long-term cooperation. In the first few deals, we even suffered a little loss for long-term cooperation. But these people always regard our kindness as weakness."

"It's a difference in business philosophy, Da Hesang, it's not a big deal. To enter the Americas, Japanese companies must pay some extra costs." Luo Press persuaded.

"It's not that we didn't make good friends in America, such as Ronald Sang, a visionary businessman. You are the most intelligent Hollywood businessman I have ever seen. I communicate with you. It was like facing a great artist, which inspired me a lot.

As for people like Ovitz, I just think they are not worthy of doing big business, just like a pork seller, every time they cut meat for customers, they are still short of catties.In my hometown, it is impossible for this kind of butcher to survive. "

"Da He-san, calm down, America is a complex immigrant country, you can see any kind of nationality." Ronald poured another cup of tea for Da He.

"Forgive me for being rude, I'm too... Hey, I originally wanted to hire him as the new president of Columbia after our acquisition..."

After Dahe said this, he stared into Ronald's eyes to see his reaction, "Now he has exposed his character in advance, I don't know if Ronald-san is interested in helping us manage the Columbia company What about all the production and distribution business?"

"Me? Thank you Da Hesang for your attention. In fact, I am not suitable for managing a large production company. My own daydreams are very troublesome. I wish I had a management genius to help me manage it. I can devote more energy to it. Put it on the director's work." Ronald firmly refused.

What a joke, isn't it enough to be fooled once?This kind of big studio has a lot of complicated personnel relations, and I have to deal with people like Fox's Gary every day, so I can't die of disgust?

If you learn from Frank Price, the former president of Columbia, and focus on production, you will definitely be ganged up by those Jewish executives to make trouble, maybe you will be framed just like Price.

Besides, to enjoy a meal of braised pork, you don't necessarily need to open a meat stall.

Ronald said again, "However, I like the distribution departments of Columbia and Samsung Pictures very much. Their professionalism is rarely seen in Hollywood. I am willing to reach a strategic agreement with the new company after your acquisition. In the future, my films will be prioritized with Columbia. cooperate."

"That's it, Ronald-san. It's our honor to be able to help you." Although Norio Ohga was disappointed, such a cooperation agreement with a Hollywood commercial film machine must be a good booster after the acquisition.

"I don't know if what Ronald said is an exclusive cooperation agreement?" Dahe felt that this trip was worthwhile.

"Please have another drink..." Ronald just smiled and said nothing when he heard it.Retaining competition is the best bargaining chip. "How did Da Hesang find out about the ghost?"

"This was dug up by our investigation team in Australia. The main reason why Skas came to bid for Columbia was because of his company's financial crisis and the cash flow was about to break, and he wanted to use this to speculate on the stock.

We've scooped up his new resort at a low price, the venerable deputy general manager told us.In fact, it was Skas who Ovitz contacted..."

"Hey..." Ronald thought to himself, you Dongying people are also very good at finding Australian traitors, I don't know what good you promised this vice president, and sold his boss.

"By the way, Ronald Sang, this time we went to Australia and bought the best beach holiday house in Brisbane from Scars Company. It was newly completed last year, with complete facilities and staff, business jets flew over, and women There is nothing better than a friend's weekend, and I have left you two of the best sets, and the papers and keys will be sent to your agent Richard."

"Then I'm ashamed to accept it." Ronald knew that this was Dahe's reward for his help on the daily news, and besides, once the cooperation agreement was signed, he was now in the same trench as himself.

"We will terminate the negotiations to hire him as the president of the merger, and we will stop his consulting services for future acquisitions. We can no longer indulge such an insider.

But in this way, he will soon smell Ronald Sang's participation from the daily news. If there is anything we need to do, please call my secretary directly. "

Norio Oga left in a hurry, and Ronald knew that Ovitz might turn against him in the near future. Anyway, Richard and Nisita already had a complete plan to deal with it.The agent is really not the master of Hollywood. The success of the past few years has given Ovitz an illusion. It is time for him to understand.

……

"Ah, what, Chris Columbus went to Twentieth Century Fox to interview the director of the children's film? Ah, who did it?" Ovitz sneezed several times in the office and was furious at the secretary.

Offended Disney CEO Eisner, who is also a Jew, and still has the opportunity to win such a big project, who is this guy following?

"Ronald? Why is it him again? Sean Connery is also invited for the two projects of him and Orion?" Ovitz heard the news from Ronald again, and he pondered for a while, "Please Mr. Connery Call me back when you are free."

Ronald spent a lot of money investing in these two projects in order to win awards, and he must not be allowed to find suitable actors, otherwise his plans will come to nothing.Ronald, who can not help himself to get the statuette, is beyond his control.

You must let his project fail, preferably the kind of failure that is one step away, so as to highlight your own value.

"Hello, Sean. I'm Ovitz. I heard that you've been invited to play The Silence of the Lambs. Do you want to take it? Why do you want to take on this villain? You're a born hero, Sean, think about it, Indiana Jones The doctor's father, 007, I have a better choice, and I can let you speak with a Scottish accent. What role? Or a spy, how about it? Go to Russia and fall in love with beautiful women..."

(End of this chapter)