Rebirth of America, this is my time

Oh George... Steven... Ethan...

That's what happened...

Ronald is a traitor! He betrayed me!

Two hours later, in the office of the founder of Industrial Light and Magic.

Xiaosi and Xiaoyi were like the two generals of Hengha, one on the left and one on the right next to Xiaolu.

The three people gathered behind the desk and stared. In front of them, sitting was a middle-aged man with brown glasses on the top of his nose and a beard like Santa Claus. At this moment, this guy was looking at the three people with burning eyes and an angry face. The shock was so substantial that it could even knock the roof off.

And the identity of this middle-aged man in his thirties...

It’s Dan O’Bannon, another screenwriter of “Alien.”

In fact, when Spielberg discovered that he had already read the script Ethan brought, he hurriedly took Ethan to Danais where Industrial Light and Magic was located. After briefly explaining the matter to Lucas, the guy who had nothing to do and was about to get off work immediately called Dan O'Bannon to ask about the specific situation. As Dan O'Bannon narrated, the three finally understood why the Star Wars visual effects director's script bypassed all insiders and appeared in front of Ethan, an outsider.

If I had to sum it up, it would be in two words - dream come true.

Dan O'Bannon was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He loved science fiction and horror stories since he was a child. What he wanted to do most was to become a film director. But unfortunately, being a film director is not that easy. Spielberg is the only one in the entire Hollywood who was picked up by a major studio while still a student and kept him for seven years. So even if he entered the University of Southern California and successfully obtained a bachelor's degree in film, it did not mean that he could be the director. In order to successfully enter the film industry, he did the next best thing and cooperated with his friend John Carpenter. He applied for a film production fund from the university and made a movie called Dark Star at a cost of 60,000 US dollars. movie of.

Since the movie Dark Star was their feature-length debut, their results were a bit green, but they did not become unknown because of this. Instead, Lucas saw the bright spots, because in Dark Star , they designed an unprecedented animation effect, which is the interstellar jump of the spacecraft. In the future, all the scenes in movies and games where the spaceship travels across the interstellar space, that is, where the spaceship remains stationary and the background stars in space turn into strips of light, are all copied from him. This scene also shocked Lucas, and he directly brought the original designer Dan O'Bannon to Industrial Light and Magic, asking him to create special effects for Star Wars.

Although Dan O'Bannon has shown great talent in special effects, he doesn't like special effects. The reason why he produces special effects is just to put the pictures in his mind on the screen. What he wants to do most is , that’s still making movies. So after the success of Star Wars, seeing that science fiction films had a future, he continued to sell his scripts to outside studios, but unfortunately, no studio could accept his conditions and invest money in him. , and let him be the director.

As for the reason...

it's actually really easy.

His directorial skills cannot handle long-form stories.

After briefly appeasing Dan O'Bannon and letting him leave first, Lucas closed the office door and said directly: With his skills, there will definitely be no problem in making a short film within half an hour. But if it was a ninety-minute movie, it would be a disaster.”

I don't know if he'll change in the future, but right now... he doesn't tell stories through the camera.

‘Fuck! ’

Classmate Xiao Lu’s comments shocked Ethan.

The director recognized as the worst storyteller in Hollywood dares to say that others can't tell stories?

So how bad is Dan O'Bannon's camera skills?

Xiaosi nodded in agreement and said to Ethan: His visual effects ability is top-notch, and his fantasy ability is also top-notch, but his narrative ability...

That's really worse than George!

At most... half of his level...

‘Okay! ’

‘Has George Lucas become the measuring stick for directors? ’

Although Xiaosi's words were a bit unpleasant, Xiaolu didn't care, because no matter whether Star Wars was successful or not, he always called his brother's director's level the best in the world.

Just as it was, after Spielberg nodded in agreement, Lucas, who had gained support, turned his attention to Ethan and said: So, the thing now is that Dan O'Bannon wants to write and direct himself, but He didn't get approval from the studio, so he still wanted to seek opportunities. Ronald Shusett, who co-wrote the script with him, hoped that the script of Star Monster could be made into a movie quickly, so he found you without permission. , I hope you will be interested in this story and give us the script.

Lucas's words are a bit convoluted, and the meaning may seem logically wrong to outsiders, because they have already read this script a few years ago, and Ronald Shusett painstakingly wrote it. Going around in a circle, it seemed like he was doing some useless work, but after the exchange just now, Ethan was able to get what he meant.

Because Dan O'Bannon became famous, but he, Ronald Shusett, did not.

It's that simple.

After the explosion of Star Wars, Dan O'Bannon, the film's visual effects director, directly entered the attention of Hollywood studios by riding a rocket. Although studio executives these days don’t know exactly what a visual effects director can do for a movie, he has already become famous and has opportunities that ordinary people can’t access, so he can take the script and wait for others. Investment, waiting for that hard-won directing opportunity.

Ronald Shusett, who co-created the script with him, couldn't afford to wait.

In the eyes of Ronald Shusett, Dan O'Bannon at this moment should accept the olive branch offered by major studios, ride on the east wind of Star Wars, and adapt the script of Star Wars to the film The screen, because only in this way can Ronald Shusett, who has no works, quickly enter the field of vision of major studios. If the movie succeeds, he who provides creative ideas for the movie will get more opportunities in the future. Even if it fails, it doesn't matter, because a million-dollar movie can already add a lot of color to his resume. Pen. In the future, when he submits scripts to other studios, the recognition he has received will allow him to go further.

That's why Ronald Shusett came to Ethan.

Because now all of Hollywood knows that those studios want to replicate the success of Star Wars! And in this case, whoever gets the approval of Ethan Jones can get endless green lights from major Hollywood studios! When major studios are eager to work with Ethan Jones... what if Dan O'Bannon still wants to wait? Do you still want to continue directing?

oh--

Even if he, Ronald Shusett, agrees, the major Hollywood studios will not agree!

If they want to make money, they have countless ways to make Dan O'Bannon give up his stubbornness! Accept the truth!

“So this is Hollywood?”

Ethan Jones, who had already understood everything, laughed, Is this how you compete in Hollywood? Can two people who collaborate on a script fight for the advancement of the project?

Although Ethan in his previous life had heard that competition in Hollywood was quite fierce, that fierceness was all happening on the red sofa. At most, it was mixed with things like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for projects. A fierce fight ensued.

A fight between writers like today...

This was indeed the first time he had heard of it.

Hmm. Lucas spread his hands and shrugged, and said, You are not from our profession, so you may think their fight is exaggerated, but what I want to say is... there are even more exaggerated things.

Yeah~ Because screenwriters can also win Oscars~

Spielberg nodded with a smile and took over the conversation, In Hollywood, the most simple way to sign a movie script can be divided into three types, one is Story by, one is Screenplay by, and one is Story by. It is the author (Written by). The former is the source of inspiration for the entire movie and is the person who provides the core basis for the existence of the movie. The middle one is the person who turns the inspiration into the final script. The author completed both at the same time. Someone who does something.”

There are actually very few real authors in Hollywood. The birth of a script often passes through the hands of many screenwriters. In order to distinguish their work, the corresponding signatures will be different.

And because the Screenwriters Association stipulates that a script can be signed by up to three screenwriters, so screenwriters often get into fights over signature issues.

Because no one likes obscurity, right? Ethan asked with a smile.

Of course! Spielberg and Lucas smiled and nodded.

Who would want to be a shooter if they could be a gold medal screenwriter? they asked.

Although Ronald Shusett was a bit clever in the advancement of Alien, and his behavior could even be said to be putting Dan O'Bannon on the fire, Ethan didn't care.

Because what these people do is in line with America’s core values ​​of the weak and the strong, right?

When win-win means winning twice in the American dictionary, running for one's own interests is a matter of course.

Therefore, no matter how Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett fight, Ethan will not care. What he really cares about is the script of Alien.

What should I do if I want to win this script now? he asked.

This question actually made the two people who were sighing with emotion stop smiling.

Do you want to make movies? George Lucas asked, or do you want to make movies?

Is there any difference between these two questions? Ethan was confused.

Of course.

Spielberg said: Ethan, if you simply think this script is great and want to make it into a movie, then I personally suggest that you just buy this script and then cooperate with other studios. The studio invests in filming, announces, distributes and releases the film, and you can enjoy the box office dividends of the film without you having to do anything about it.”

If that's the case, I shouldn't have all the rights to the movie, right?

Ethan is not stupid.

Yeah~

Spielberg nodded and continued: If you operate this way, according to industry practice, all you enjoy is the copyright of the story. In other words, the story of Star Monster is yours, but the movie made based on it belongs to the producer. The studio has the right to decide when it will be released. If it performs well, the studio also has the right to decide whether to re-screen it, shoot a sequel, and release video tapes. And the derivative products generated by the movie are all related to It doesn't matter to you, what you enjoy is just the dividends from the Star Monster movie, and then...at most it is the box office dividends from all subsequent sequels.

But if it's a movie...

George Lucas took over.

Then you need to establish a film company of your own just like I established Lucasfilm. Invest your own money, shoot your own films, and at most find a big studio to distribute the film. The former, which is what Steven said, is actually It’s just for fun. The latter, for us, is to enter Hollywood.”

At this point, the two stopped.

They stared at Ethan without hesitation, wanting to get answers.

The stares between the two made Ethan laugh.

He asked, Oh - do you think I would come all the way to film a movie?

No. Xiao Si and Xiao Lu shook their heads directly.

The next second, Xiaosi became even more excited, So, do you have inspiration?

This question made Ethan laugh out loud, What do you think?

hiss--

The two gasped.

Because they understand what it means.

Oh! Sxxt! Ethan, how did you get your brain?

exclaimed George Lucas.

I can think about a script for two or three years!

But you can come up with two games in half a year?

Oh - even if you were inspired after seeing the movie, isn't that too exaggerated?

Spielberg's reaction was even more excited, What game? MFxxk - I haven't finished writing the guide for Star Wars yet! Are you going to release another game?

Oh - your speed will drive all players crazy!

No! It will make my colleagues crazy! It will make those spectators who want to enter the venue crazy!

Hahaha- Ethan liked their reactions.

Because finally someone regards him as a genius instead of questioning whether he is an alien pretending to be~

It feels so good to be loved by others~

After laughing, Ethan also asked about serious matters.

So, is it difficult to take this script and make it into a movie?

I don't know anything about the film industry, so if you say no...

Then I'll forget it.

Anyway, my inspiration can be changed. It doesn't need to be science fiction. Other themes are also suitable.

Of course it's not difficult! Before Ethan could finish his words, George Lucas shouted loudly, Is there anyone in the world who knows movies better than us?

No!

If you want to invest in filming, we can be your producer!

We have been in this industry for more than ten years, and no one can fool us! No one!

Ethan likes classmate Xiao Lu’s attitude.

In other words, this is what he came for.

When a person wants to operate across industries, the best choice is to find an industry leader and hold his lap, because in this way, many detours can be avoided.

Although the current George Lucas and Steven Spielberg are not the kind of capital tycoons in the future Hollywood circle, but just world-famous directors who have just reached the top, in Ethan's view, the latter's identity is actually It is more valuable than the former, because the latter means that they can bring benefits to other companies. Even if they have conflicts with the studios, those Hollywood giants who are eager for profits will still lick their faces and coax them back. The former, that is, players Well, when players who are chess players are using chess pieces to crazily gain profits, many times the conflicts are really irreconcilable.

When Xiao Lu took over the job, he also rubbed his hands and said, Ethan, I can be your project producer, but there is one thing I have to declare in advance, and that is...

Don't worry, follow the normal cooperation process, and you can take whatever the producer should take.

Ethan understood what he meant, and he didn’t care about the money.

In his opinion, a movie like Alien is just a big advertisement.

When the audience is frightened by the terrifying alien creatures in the cinema, they only need to buy the game, and then they can go home and destroy those strange creatures, perfectly realizing a virtuous cycle...

hiss--

its not right--

How does this sound mean?

Oh Ethan, as long as you say this, I'll have no problem. Lucas snapped his fingers, then picked up the script and walked out, Give me ten minutes, and I'll go and help you negotiate the script now!

Ethan smiled and shook his head after seeing the wind and fire movements.

When the banging sound appeared, Spielberg also sighed and said: With George's character, outsiders may think he is noisy, but we know that he is full of passion.

After explaining, he added: Ethan, although I support you as much as George and am willing to serve as the producer of this film, there is one thing I want to communicate with you in advance.

Now, all the companies in Hollywood are staring at you. They are eager to cooperate with you and get the games produced by you. In this case, you rejected them and decided to make your own movie. That's up to them. It seems that your behavior must contain the meaning of invasion.

What you convey to them is that you want to keep all the profits.

From movies, to peripherals, to games...

You want it all.

Spielberg looked at Ethan with a straight look and said, Do you understand what I mean?

Of course! Ethan smiled and nodded, Oh Steven - of course I understand what you mean!

But so what? He spread his hands.

I found a project, I thought it was good, and I wanted to make it. Is this wrong?

When I'm willing to devote my energy to this project...

Why should I share the profits with others?

Do they think I'm invading? Then let them feel better!

Ethan raised his voice and said, Are they my sons?

I have to keep them out of my belt to make money?

I, Ethan Jones, have never been afraid of trouble! If anyone is dissatisfied, just come over!

I want to see if it's their mouths that are tougher or my fists that are tougher!

Ethan waved his fist out of thin air.

Spielberg was stunned by the whirring sound.

After saying that, Ethan also left Lucas' office.

As the banging sound sounded, Spielberg also came back to his senses.

He turned to look at the closed office door and laughed.

Break Liu Da's skull?

Wow——Cool——

He was a little excited and even more envious.

Note: ① In real life, Dan O'Bannon had conflicts with people around him because he wanted to direct a movie but failed. It was not until 1985 that he made his first movie, Return of the Living Dead. ②After the popularity of Star Wars, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas discussed buying Hollywood studios because neither of them wanted to work for the Big Six. So whether it was Amblin Entertainment or DreamWorks, it was the result of Spielberg's struggle. But unfortunately, if Hollywood companies did not do global distribution before the 1980s, they would never be able to do it again. The cake is only that big, and once the Six Majors stand firm, no one else will be allowed to sit on the table.