Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Ronald does have some talent. What he lacks is the accumulation of experience. As long as he can work in various crews for three or four years, he can direct independently." The boss's wife, Julie Coleman, was discussing with her husband Roger in the president's office. "Will you give him a real job?"

"Yes, he has a very good aesthetic, which depends on talent and is difficult to learn later in life. He also has street smarts and can use unexpected tricks to solve problems." Roger replied,

"But I heard from Gale that he is only 18 years old this year. He took a year off after graduating from high school. He came to Hollywood to be a portrait photographer and earn money to go to college."

"What? 18 years old? Earn money to go to college..." Julie, the boss's wife, said oh, no longer mentioning the idea of ​​letting Ronald work for the New World, "I see good qualities in him, and he has the ability to act. , responsible and cooperative.

Maybe you should have a nice chat with him and help him out if you have the chance. This young man will achieve success no matter what career he does in the future. "

"Yes." Roger took off his glasses, wiped them with a velvet cloth and put them back on. "You may not know that it was Ronald who suggested on the phone that he should continue filming as the temporary director."

"Why did you agree to him? He is just a crew assistant and has not shown any directing talent."

"Because he made me an offer I couldn't refuse," Roger said.

"What proposal?"

"He said that we only borrowed the filming location and extras for one day. If we couldn't complete the reshoots on that day, we would have to pay for an extra day of location, actors, staff, equipment, etc. And the two shots he took were approved by the director of photography, and he also It’s better to let him continue shooting. If the material is feasible, then it will save a lot of money. If not, it will only lose some film.”

"Ha." Julie, the proprietress, was amused by Roger's statement, "It seems you appreciate that he considers issues from a cost perspective."

"Yes," Roger Coleman laughed himself. The young man's proposal was very to his liking.

"The vast majority of novice directors only care about whether their artistic ideas can be filmed; only one-third can consider the costs required to realize their ideas; only one third can film their own ideas under cost constraints. Not even one tenth.”

Julie thought for a while: "You put it this way, Ronald seems to be suitable to be a producer. Many of today's producers don't know much about directing and acting. They can only do whatever the crew says."

"So, I will give him two choices..."

"Well, this is fair to him, but I guess you will be disappointed. He should go to college." Julie, the boss's wife, knew that Ronald was motivated and had a bit of a maternal attack.

"Roger, how is the film you are currently in the preparatory stage doing?"

The two began to discuss the daily life of New World Company again.

…

Ronald was sitting on the sofa outside the president's office, drinking "delicious" Nestlé instant coffee, waiting for his boss to summon him.

He looked up and saw Gale typing rapidly on the typewriter, the clicking keys making a rhythmic sound.

Ronald liked to watch Gale typing. He knew this skill himself, maybe he had learned it in China in his previous life.

Gale's seat was in the outer room of the president's office, and the door to the inner room was closed. Roger Corman was still chatting with the producer of "Rock of Ages". The person who entered before him was the second unit director Jerry Zucker, and the person behind him was the proprietress Julie.

Roger talks very efficiently. If one person is given 20 minutes, it's almost his turn. Ronald put down the disposable paper cup and rubbed his palms, still a little nervous.

The young body has strong hormone secretion, and when waiting for the opportunity in life to come, the secretion of adrenaline is accelerating.

Ronald reminded himself not to be nervous, but it didn't work very well and his palms were still sweating. He simply stopped thinking about how to ask, put his name on the credits, closed his eyes and rested.

The scene of yesterday's shooting involuntarily came to mind again, "Start shooting, Cut..." Miraculously, Ronald relaxed.

With a bang, the door opened and the producer came out. Ronald stood up and said "Good morning."

The producer nodded to him and walked out of the president's office.

Roger Coleman's voice came through the open door, "Gail, please come in Ronald."

Ronald adjusted his pants, picked up the folder, and walked in.

"Please close the door," Roger Corman looked very happy, "Ronald, you really gave me a surprise. The sample taken yesterday was very good."

"Mr. Coleman, thank you for your trust."

"I invite you here today. I want to talk to you about your future. What is the ultimate goal you want to achieve in the film and television industry in the future?"

Ronald didn't expect his boss to ask such a question, and he couldn't think of it as he said to Gale yesterday. After pondering for a few seconds, Ronald spoke:

"I only have a high school diploma and like to watch movies, but I don't know much about the film industry. My original dream was to find a job on a film crew so that I could attract more actors to come to me to take portrait photos for auditions. In this way, I To be able to raise enough money to pay for college.”

Roger nodded slightly, obviously already aware of this matter. After a pause, Ronald continued:

"But after more than ten days of filming on the set of 'Rock of Ages', especially after yesterday, my dream has changed. I really like this dream-making industry, and I hope I will have the opportunity to direct a movie in the future that the audience will like Look, years later they still accidentally remember."

Roger Corman nodded, "Very good. In this industry, whether you are a director or a producer, it takes time to hone your skills. You have potential, but you still need to accumulate experience."

"I'll give you two choices: First, be my assistant and help me deal with various things, so that you have the opportunity to contact the film's investors, distributors, and producers. In time, you can understand the entire process of film production.

Once you have a suitable script in hand, you can get investment to be a director or producer. Francis Coppola, the director of "The Godfather", was my assistant. He took this path."

Ronald nodded desperately. Coppola's name was well-known. He didn't expect that he made his debut here with Roger Corman.

Roger Corman continued:

"Second, continue to work in the crew of "Rock and Roll High School". I will arrange for you to be an assistant editor. A movie is finally edited in the editing room. Once you understand this step, learn to write your own script and go to the producer to get investment.

As long as someone is willing to invest in you, you can be a director. Martin Scorsese, the director of "Taxi Driver", took this path. He filmed and edited a "Cold Blooded Human Torch" for me in 1972. After the release, Jack Warner recognized his talent and gave him the budget to shoot "Mean Streets." "

"Which one do you choose?"

Ronald was stunned for a long time. The boss was really good at judging people. Martin Scorsese, also made his debut here? This is to praise himself. I, Ronald Lee, am also a talent that you, Roger Corman, have chosen.

But my top priority is to make money to go to college. Going to college is not only my mother's last wish and Aunt Karen's expectation, but also the instinct of the Chinese soul. If you can't go to a private school like the Ivy League, you have to go to a state university, and at least you have to get a community college diploma.

Roger Corman saw that he was a little entangled and said, "You don't have to agree to me right away. You can think about it and tell me your answer tomorrow."

"No need. Thank you for your trust, Mr. Corman. I still want to try to apply for the film major in the university. Before the acceptance letter comes, if possible, I want to stay in the crew and learn editing."

Roger Corman smiled, as if he had guessed his decision, "Gail told me your story, there is no problem. If you need a recommendation letter, you can come to me. You are applying for admission in the fall, right? During this time, you can rest assured to work for me in the New World."

"Thank you, Mr. Corman." Ronald was very grateful. Roger Corman's recommendation letter should have a lot of weight in the industry.

Reached out his hand and shook hands with Roger. "However, I have a small request. I don't know if Mr. Corman, do you allow it."

Roger Corman motioned him to continue.

"I want to be signed in 'Rock and Roll High School.'"

"What? That's not possible." Roger Corman refused with a smile.