Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 628 The Matthew Effect
"Ronald, you have become a very good director. At that time, I didn't see that you had this talent. I only knew that you were good at fighting." Jerry Zucker saw Ronald and made a joke.

"Hahaha, but I understand that your trio is amazing. It's not easy for comedies to produce high-grossing movies in a row." Ronald said to Jerry Zucker, his younger brother David, and The three friends, Abraham, embraced one by one.

"Hey, hey..." Jerry Zucker also made a "crane kick", "I'm going to parody it in my next movie, don't you mind?"

"Um...don't mind."

"It's useless if you don't mind, digging hahaha..." Zach started to laugh cheaply again. He grasped the rhythm of Ronald's thinking and always gave unreasonable answers.

"That's probably the box office code of their trio." Ronald was no longer the crew assistant at the beginning. When Roger Coleman agreed to cooperate with him before he came, he already knew that the three of them liked joking so much, and they didn't care about pranks. Not entirely because of personality reasons.

The rhythm requirements of comedy are very high. When they often chat with people, they have to test the reaction time of the other party, and then who knows?If this joke works well, maybe your ugly face will appear in their next script.

"To be honest, comedy is not difficult, but it is difficult to accumulate. We need about two to three years to accumulate enough material to start making a movie. This is why we only shoot our own scripts, because comedy is too personal. melted."

Closer to home, the trio of Zach are also very enthusiastic about Ronald. They introduced their creative method, which is to grind slowly.The three of them continued to create and revise the plot until each song was so perfect that the audience couldn't help laughing.

"Comedy is very particular about the size of the performance. If the audience laughs for a second longer than you expected at the previous joke, they may not hear the beginning of the next joke, which is a serious accident for the next joke. One wrong timing and it ruins the next three jokes."

Jerry Zucker is the leader of the trio, "But your script is still very good. The female kidnapper has relatively low requirements and doesn't need much acting skills. Most of the jokes on the male kidnapper It's caused by plot twists and conflicts, and it doesn't have to be comedians.

The key is the male and female protagonists, the annoying rich girl who is obsessed with losing weight, and the husband who wants to kill his wife to obtain the inheritance of his father-in-law. They must be actors with comedy talents. "

He flipped through a script quickly, "Hey, your script is really good." Jerry Zach pushed his brother David with his elbow, look here, there is a reversal of the plot, the kidnapper turned out to be a rich man The inventors of the product, they are all ordinary people, they take the risk for what they deserve. "

"And this one, the rich girl was locked in the basement, watching exercise videos on TV, and actually lost her waist that she couldn't lose no matter what."

"Hahahaha, look at this ransom, at first it was 50 yuan, then it was 1 yuan, and finally even 5000 yuan, [-] yuan, the husband refused to give it, so angry that the rich girl and the kidnappers cooperated."

The trio started discussing the script, often playing the characters in it, discussing the rhythm of some lines, and took a pencil to make marks on it.

"Do you like this script so much? Are you willing to break the rules and direct it?" Ronald saw that the three had entered the working state, thought about it, and simply proposed his own invitation.

"I thought you wanted to direct yourself, Ronald?" Jerry Zucker pushed his glasses back and looked into Ronald's eyes.

"I have this idea, but after discussing with real experts, I found that it requires too much study and talent. I'm afraid I can't direct it alone. If you are interested, I can work with Disney. Oh, yes, they are now real people. The film department has been assigned to Touchstone, contact Touchstone and ask Katzenberg to talk to you? Mr. Eisner promised me that as long as there is a suitable script, they can provide part of the investment and distribution channels."

Jerry exchanged views with the three, "Then please, you will be the producer at that time. We are not familiar with Disney's personnel and affairs, so we only trust you."

"Of course there is no problem, but I can only name it. Your level does not need me to take care of anything. I will help you block some people who don't know how to pretend to understand and come to direct the crew."

Of course Ronald knows that the trio of Jerry Zucker is also a big director combination of two high-grossing funny films, "Flying All Over the Sky" and "Top Secret!" Katzenberg, produced by Disney Tube, worked with him on their first two films.

But we are all artists after all, and we are most at ease when we can work together.In this industry, there are too many executives who do not understand production.With Ronald as the producer, it can scare away some relationship customers who want to come to Gilded.

When the appointed time came, Ronald took Jerry Zucker to the office of Katzenberg, Disney's new production director.

"Jerry? I thought you wouldn't shoot a script written by someone else?" Katzenberg received a call from Eisner and knew that Ronald would come to talk about a new project. He had no idea that Ronald would bring It's the Zack trio.

"Thanks to Ronald, we really enjoyed the 'Bad Husband' script, how can I put it? We almost laughed our heads off. But it's sad to think that we didn't write it, and making an exception for it is totally Worth it. I don't want to wait two years for enough jokes."

"Very good, Touchstone can invest 600 million in the shooting budget, and guarantee the distribution contract in North America. If you need more funds, you can raise it yourself, is there a problem?" Katzenberg is very happy, and finally Touchstone can get a promising one. A big-selling script, as the opening masterpiece of this small label, it couldn't be better. "

"Zac's ZAZ production company can be responsible for the rest. My daydream will make up for the rest of the investment and leave some room for flexibility." Ronald said the previously negotiated investment ratio.

"So..." Katzenberg pointed to Ronald, "You are the producer of this movie."

"I will put my name on it. Touchstone can find a specific assistant producer to take care of some details. After all, I have other projects. Our Daydream will also send an assistant producer to supervise together."

"Very well, I have no problem. The casting is up to you to decide." Katzenberg opened a bottle of champagne.With Ronald's guarantee, and the successful combination of the trio, the two big-selling directors are optimistic about the script, and he only needs to sit back and enjoy the profits, and leave the rest to the legal affairs.

"What do you think about the casting?" Jerry Zucker left the office, still looking for a place to sit down and talk about the preparations, and he politely asked Ronald for his opinion on the casting.This is the statutory authority of the producer.

"I think the two protagonists are the key." Ronald was going to talk about it in general. Seeing Zach nodded, he continued, "It's better to have a contrast effect. The rich girl has to find someone who everyone thinks is ugly and speaks loudly, which is very annoying. An annoying actress, so that it can be in contrast to the subsequent reversal plot.

For the husband's actor, I think it's best to find a short and wretched one, so that the audience can immediately assume the image of marrying an ugly woman for the sake of family wealth..."

"It's very close to my idea. If you make a comedy, we will be deflated." Zach joked again, "But if you have any candidates, you can tell me that as long as the appearance of the supporting roles is suitable, Acting isn't very important."

"If possible, I'd like to recommend an actress, Helen Slater." Ronald felt that he couldn't get rid of the role that originally belonged to Helen in his dream, so he quickly said his recommendation.

"Understood, that girl is very beautiful. I watched her Billy King movie. Although the box office was not good, she played the role of modern Joan of Arc with excellent temperament. It happens to be the type you are most fascinated by at your age." Jerry Zucker winked at him.

"Uh...that's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean?"

"I don't mean anything... No, I just think she is suitable. Her father has helped me a lot."

"Hahaha, I tricked you." Zach laughed loudly, "Don't worry, I will leave this vase to your big beauty.

……

"We don't plan to introduce Elizabeth Su's heroine again, and focus the story on Mr. Miyagi and Daniel's mentor and apprentice. Because of a telegram, they returned to Ryukyu, where Miyagi was born, to complete unfinished grievances."

"Why don't you keep her?" Ronald looked at the outline of the script of "Boy Longwei 2".This one mainly tells the story of Miyagi, which echoes and faintly echoes the story of Daniel in the previous one.

The story takes place in a small fishing village near the U.S. military base in Ryukyu, the hometown of Master Miyagi.In this way, in order to explain that Daniel has made a little Japanese beauty as his girlfriend, the plot needs to separate Ali, played by Elizabeth Sue, from Daniel at the beginning of the plot.

"We could possibly make this movie into a series, Mr. Weintraub. If she doesn't play Ali in this episode, how would a possible third one deal with Daniel's return from Ryukyu? Anyway. It's a cameo, just let her come for a day. Give her and Daniel a reason for the quarrel, such as Ali going to prep college and having to separate from Daniel.

In this way, in the third part, we can also arrange the story of Daniel's two girlfriends meeting in America, and it happens that both of them have practiced karate.I am afraid that many viewers are also interested in beauties playing karate. "

Ronald put forward his own opinions, Elizabeth Sue went to Harvard to study, and the screenwriter hired by Weintraub for the second film found a new Japanese girlfriend for Daniel as a gimmick to keep the character of Ali intact. Sex is a better choice.

Otherwise, as written in the script, Ali dumped Daniel for the football player, which would be in conflict with Ali's character in the previous work.

"What you said is also very reasonable. I will ask the screenwriter team to revise it. Elizabeth Su won the love of many boy audiences in the first film. She is very temperamental. She is not only a girl next door, but also a Harvard girl. It was right to keep her."

Weintraub agreed with Ronald, "Is there anything else you think needs to be revised?"

"I'll read the script carefully first, and sometimes I have to sleep with it, and I will have inspiration and ideas the next morning." Ronald picked up a copy and put it in his bag.

"Hahaha, you can also make up good stories in your dreams, Ronald."

"Forehead……"

Weintraub did not know that he had told the truth, and patted Ronald on the shoulder, "This time we will go back to Hawaii for filming, where I know a big landowner, and I can use his manor for free.

You can also invite the deputy commander's family to come over for vacation, and borrow his Marine Corps No. 2 helicopter to take a few shots.

For Elizabeth Su, I will contact her agent, and she will know who is supporting her. "

Weintraub winked at Ronald, "Anyone who has tasted the taste of a heroine will not be satisfied with the work of a college graduate. If she wants to go back to Hollywood, she must know who can provide her with a real job." s help."

"Uh, that's not what I meant."

"No matter what you mean, in short, she has to thank you, right? As long as this movie can catch up with the previous one, I will be more confident in taking over the United Artists label." Weintraub was thinking about the boss of MGM, The promise of Las Vegas tycoon Kerkorian, whether he can become the small boss of United Artists, mainly depends on Ronald.

……

Ronald found himself shooting two mid-budget productions, "The Dragon Boy" and "Top Gun," with enormous power.

Word has spread in the industry that Ronald's new Tom Cruise film will catapult him into the status of a new generation of stars.

In the eyes of the executives of the major studios, Ronald has changed from a master of low-cost films with a touch of gold to a powerful director of mainstream films.

Big hits for low-budget films are hard to replicate, while mid-budget films can be more assured.As long as there are strong directors, big stars, good scripts, and strong publicity, there is still a certain chance that the certainty of making money will meet expectations.

"So you promise?" Barry Diller, the CEO of Twentieth Century Fox, owner of a small amount of options, and Eisner's former boss, met Ronald in his office to discuss Gail Hurd as "Alien 2" producer thing.

"I guarantee that Gail is the only person who can control Cameron on the set. The last time I shot the ending scene of the Terminator for them, I almost didn't get scolded to death by Jim. In the end, Gail came up with a feasible plan."

"Lie, and you can control Cameron." Barry Diller cursed, but with a warm smile on his face.

"Um...that's not what I meant. I mean, I have other projects and I can't be the producer of this 'Alien' sequel. Gale and Cameron are the best combination."

"I know what you mean, Ronald." Barry Diller lit a cigar, "You want one too?"

"Thank you", Ronald took the cigar from the little boss of [-]th Century Fox, "Actually, it is not a good choice for Cameron to accept the formalities in the middle. People will attribute the credit to Ridley Scott, if the filming is not good, it is Cameron's responsibility.

But he wrote the script, and the special effects scenes suit him.As long as someone is watching him on set and letting him play well, you can definitely make money. "

"I know what you mean, but what I mean is..." Barry Diller puffed out a puff of smoke, "When are you going to make a movie for us at Fox? Director, producer, whatever role you choose, you want Participating in production investment is also possible.”

"Forehead……"

"Don't deny it, I know you got a good deal from Eisner. I just want to remind you that what Disney can give you, we Fox can also give."

"I remember, Mr. Diller." Ronald felt that some of Eisner's manners were probably learned from Barry Diller, direct, quick, and understanding your opponent.

"Get your friends to come and get the VP of production, Joe Vizan, to sign the contract."

Barry Diller was happy, and getting a relationship with Ronald Lee, an emerging director, was much more important than the sequel to the "Alien" horror film.The big boss of Twentieth Century Fox, the original oil tycoon Marvin Davis, sold part of his shares to another tycoon from Australia, news tycoon Rupert Murdoch who started from Fleet Street in London.

The two of them will also join forces to acquire Metropolitan Media Television Network and make friends with people like Ronald. As long as they can let him make a blockbuster movie for Fox, their status with the new boss will be improved.

Unlike Marvin Davis, who is a layman, Murdoch is an expert in the media, and he has to come up with something practical.

……

"Aunt Karen, Eric", Ronald returned home, where his aunt and new boyfriend Eric lived, and they began to travel across the country.Accompanied by little Bud this time, I toured around Los Angeles and just returned from Palm Springs today.

"Sorry, I'm too busy to spend time with you."

"It's okay, it's good to have little Bud with us." The aunt made some dishes with her own hands and watched Ronald eat them.

"You seem to have something on your mind, Ronald. What happened?"

Auntie keenly sensed Ronald's anxiety.

"Actually, it's nothing, I'm just not used to it." Ronald could say anything to his aunt, and he told him about his sudden rise in status during this period of time, and being treated courteously by several big studio executives.

"Honey, all the answers are here." My aunt went to the travel bag, took a hardcover book, and handed it to Ronald.

"This is a copy that Eric accompanied me to pick out. It is the Quaker of America, an early reprint of King James."

Ronald took it and looked at it. It was a relatively old Bible.However, this kind of book has a large number of publications, is not very expensive compared to other antique books, and is of good quality.The King James version is an older English translation. It is famous for its concise and beautiful words and good recitation rhythm. It was once all the rage.

"Look here." His aunt helped him open the chapter of Matthew.

"To everyone who has, more will be given, that he will have more;
Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. "

"A man already has some fame, and more fame will accrue to him later, even if he doesn't deserve it. You just have some fame for making money in movies, to..."

As she talked, the aunt laughed. This nephew of hers had never made her worry, and she would understand it better than him. "You understand, Ronald, don't be fooled by appearances."

"Thank you, Aunt." Ronald hugged Aunt Karen.

(End of this chapter)