Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 562 The First MTV Music Awards

"Go to the Peninsula Hotel."

Ronald arrived in New York, got off the plane, and Bud Jr. drove to pick him up.

Reunited with his mother and sisters at home this time, little Bud enjoyed a few days of family fun, this time preparing to go to Los Angeles with Ronald as his driver and unofficial bodyguard.

With him came Ronald's full agent team, Nisita, Paula, and Richard.This time they came nominally for the first MTV awards show.

Ronald's Cindy Lauper-directed video for "Girls Just Want to Have Some Fun" was nominated for six categories, including Best Female Music Video.

This is the most nominated singer and song at this awards ceremony, with Michael Jackson behind her.Ronald, as the director, was also invited to attend the awards ceremony.

Of course, this award was held for the first time. Even if it meant something to those in the music industry, it didn't matter to Ronald, at least he didn't need all the managers.

The real reason they came was to contact Michael Eisner.

Eisner and Katzenberg formed a two-man alliance, and during negotiations with Gulf West president Martin Davis, they specially asked Ronald to come to New York for a secret meeting.

I heard that Martin Davis wanted to cut the original position of Barry Diller in two.A vice president of Gulf West, and CEO of Paramount, let Eisner take over.Another copy was given by the president of Simon & Schuster, and the chairman of Paramount, to Frank Mancuso, who is now the executive vice president of Paramount in charge of purchasing and distributing other independent filmmakers.

Eisner was in the middle of negotiating with the other party. In addition to drawing Katzenberg together to form a team, his more powerful card was the [-] million production budget of the "Screen Fund" introduced by Ronald.

As long as he is in charge of distributing the [-] million funds, it will be the trump card that determines the outcome.The deputy commander's son had a close relationship with Ronald, so Eisner planned to hide this card until the end and play it at the most critical moment.

Being able to talk directly with an industry leader of Michael Eisner's level about some major issues that will determine the future direction of the industry made several agents very optimistic about Ronald's future.Together they dropped everything and came to New York to help Ronald deal with the relationship.

As long as Eisner's thigh can be reported, both Ronald's future and the status of the three of them in CAA will be guaranteed.

Three brokers squeezed into the back seat of the Honda Accord, Ronald got into the co-pilot, and drove towards the Peninsula Hotel where Eisner and Katzenberg were staying.

"Mr. Eisner," Ronald quietly came to Eisner's executive suite, and greeted him with a hug.The three agents lined up behind Ronald to form a lineup of supporters.

"How about your pilot movie, what are your thoughts on the script?" Eisner knew the temperament of these artists, and immediately chatted about their favorite movies.

"I think the flight technical expert should be rewritten as a female naval officer, and the protagonist is changed from a photographer to an ace pilot. Those good technical details are filled into this romantic story as material.

In fact, the air combat shots of fighter jets are not very good-looking. I once found all the air combat shots in Hollywood to shoot an advertisement. Now it is difficult for the audience to applaud this kind of old air combat.

How about we add some romance. "

"I support your point of view, but only you." Eisner acted like Ronald's old friend.

"Only you can turn those boring technical details into beautiful and romantic shots. Whether it's break dance fighting or karate sparring. On the one hand, there are wonderful battles that are romanticized in the industry, and on the other hand, it is romantic love that matches the development of the plot. It doesn’t overwhelm the guests, but it can also be organically integrated. I don’t think there is anyone in Hollywood who can do as well as you.”

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

Ronald thought to himself, is Eisner asking for something from himself?How can you boast that you don't want money.Not to mention the masters like Lucas who filmed Star Wars, Adrian Ryan, the director of "Lightning Dance", is a master of romantic plots, and he has stolen a lot from him.

It is very easy for someone like Eisner to please a young director.The same words, said from his mouth as the president of the seven major studios, have an effect that others do not have.The two talked about the film art for a while, and their previous relationship. Nisita and Paula cooperated with each other, making each other happy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, can you give me a little private time with Ronald?" Eisner accepted as soon as he saw it, and proposed to have a private chat with Ronald.

Several agents stayed outside, and Eisner and Ronald entered the room.

"Barry's sudden departure was very sudden. Although there were many signs before, I didn't expect to choose to change jobs in the middle of the year. Maybe Fox's losses in the first nine months have reached the level that the oil businessman can't bear. It's over."

Ronald nodded to express his understanding. Generally, such high-level managers will leave room for job-hopping, at least six months in advance to give the previous family a buffer.It is rare to run away in less than a month.

“I’m at Paramount, and I’ve been working with Jeff (Katenberg) on ​​direct-financed productions, and Frank Mancuso just buys up some independent films to fill in the distribution slots at Paramount.

So I am determined to win in this competition. "

Ronald also understands some of the current competitive situation, and maybe Martin Davis, the president of the Gulf West, wants to make a deal with Eisner.

"So," Eisner moved his legs forward and leaned away from his own sofa, his knees almost touching the knees of Ronald who was sitting on the sofa next to him. "

"You will support me, won't you, Ronald? I rarely promise, but when I promise, I will definitely keep it. As long as you can support me, I can make you the next Spielberg, America 80s The most successful young director."

Ronald smiled, just listen to this kind of words, I don't know how Eisner wants to get his support, let's exchange some good things for the opportunity, so he also replied softly:

"How would you like me to help you, Mr. Eisner."

"Call your friend. I need the right to use the money from the Screen Fund. I have the final say on which movie to cast and how much to cast." Eisner's eyes flashed. False name, as long as he firmly grasps the right to use more than [-] million funds, sooner or later he will climb to the power that Barry Diller once had.

"In Hollywood, is there anyone more suitable than me to distribute the money?" Seeing that Ronald was silent, Eisner added, "As long as I get the CEO of Paramount and the vice president of West Bay , I can sign three film contracts with you, and all the scripts are open to you."

"Including Sidney Pollack, does Spielberg want that kind of script?" Ronald also tried to see.

"You can compete."

"I'll give him a call."

Ronald got the conditions he was satisfied with, and in Eisner's room, he called Barbara's eldest son, a beer barbecue lover.

"Hi, George. It's me, Ronald. When you come to New York or Los Angeles, let's get some good beer."

"Hey, Ronald. It's great to hear your voice. I've been in touch with my classmates at Yale. The Jerome family also has members in our fraternity. Our ancestors did arrive on the Mayflower." New England, when will you visit your great-grandfather's history?"

"Of course, I am always at your beck and call, George, I have something to ask you about that screen fund..."

Eisner heard the conversation between the two about family history on the phone, and he was prepared, but he was also taken aback.There are no kings or nobles in America. The earliest pioneer families in New England are the nobles of America.

"Yes, my friend Mr. Eisner, would like to know how you allocate the budget for each film."

"I don't care about the details, Ronald. Like I said, I'm just looking for the best producer. Eisner will make all the investments if he wants, and we'll just take the fixed income priority. Roland Bates told me that Wall Street investors feel that Hollywood has a good return on investment, and they only want to get a return higher than the average return of the industry.

Well, when Eisner becomes CEO, Roland Bates will talk to him alone.The first phase of the screen fund was given to HBO's production, and the income was not satisfactory.Hope Eisner gives us a good result.I'll hang up first..."

Ronald looked at Eisner who was listening behind him, "Did you hear it all, Mr. Eisner? I think your vision is exactly what they expected."

"Call me Michael," Eisner grabbed Ronald's arm and laughed.

……

The three brokers were also overjoyed and went back to report the latest news to the partners of CAA.Only Richard was left with Ronald to deal with things.

"Welcome to the first MTV Music Video Awards, Radio City Music Hall, where the awards will be presented, and I'm Dan Aykroyd."

"I'm Bette Midler"

The two hosts opened the show. Many big names came to the first MTV Music Festival.There were hundreds of guests and spectators at the scene, but the atmosphere was relatively relaxed. The two hosts went up in T-shirt jackets and big glasses.

"The best video director award is presented to John Landis, the director of MJ's Thriller"

Ronald applauded below. The MTV awards were due at the beginning of May. Landis was selected by Quincy Jones to direct MJ's Thriller MV. It will be in the second half of the year. He can only be an award presenter.

"I don't know how much money he can make, is it enough to compensate Jennifer Jason Lee for the loss of his father?" Ronald thought maliciously.

In order to promote this new award, MTV spent a lot of money and invited Lord Stewart, David Bowie, Tina Turner and others as guest performers.

Diana Ross, Quincy Jones and other big names have served as award presenters.Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, also specially recorded a video introducing the pioneer MV award winner "The Police" band.

"The winner of the best female music video is, girls just want to have fun!"

Two British musicians presented this award.

Ronald took Cindy Lauper to the stage to accept the award. She didn't get any of the previous nominations. It was a very sad time.

"Most of this award should be awarded to Cindy. Her energy, imagination, and enthusiasm are the biggest factors for the success of the MV." Ronald held a trophy in the shape of an astronaut who landed on the moon and held it with Cindy. rise.

Anyway, it's not a particularly important award for me as a film director, so it doesn't hurt to say something nice.

"Thank you, thank you, Ronald is the most talented MV director I've ever met, you've all seen breakdancing, right?"

Hahaha, the audience laughed and applauded Cindy Lauper's introduction.

"Let me tell you, girls really want to have some fun, especially when they are creating with Ronald." Cindy Lauper only got one of six mentions, and patted the awards table happily and angrily.

"Oh, Shxt. It's him, why didn't my agent ask him to direct my MV?", a female singer preparing to perform in the backstage heard Cindy Lauper slapping the table Voice, come and find out.

She saw Ronald holding the trophy and hugging Cindy Lauper passionately, and her heart was full of seeds of jealousy.

"The next show for us is..." Dan Aykroyd pointed, "Madonna...Like A Virgin"

"Like a virgin,
being touched for the first time...

like a virgin,
With your heartbeat by my side..."

Ronald, who walked to the auditorium, looked up and saw the next performer.

Wearing the bride's white wedding dress, she sat on a stage and sang.

"Isn't this Madonna?" Although it was far away, Ronald recognized the little girl who failed to audition for "Famous Around the World".

Madonna sings and takes off her white veil, waving one hand...

She sang more and more excitedly, and walked to the edge of the stage, waving her veil.

"God", Ronald and Cindy Lauper next to him could see clearly that Madonna's wedding dress was hollowed out, and there were two words "boy's toys" on a belt.

"Bitch", Cindy Lauper cursed secretly, is this bitch trying to steal her halo moment?Obviously I am the best female singer MV winner.

Madonna walked in Ronald's direction, turned the hand holding the white veil around, and pointed at Ronald.

"You are so beautiful, you are mine,

I'll be yours till the end of time 'cause you make me feel,
Yes, you make me feel like I have nothing to hide..."

These few lines seemed to be sung to Ronald.

Then something even more exciting happened. Madonna knelt down on the stage, pointed in the direction of Ronald, and then twisted her body forward and backward, one high and one low.

"Like a virgin...

you feel so good inside

When you hold me and your heart beats, you love me"

"Oh, Shxt!" Ronald was as stunned by the daring "dance move" as everyone else.

"Didn't Madonna recognize me and dance at me?" Ronald covered his face.

(End of this chapter)