Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 781 Gamble with Minahan
"Minahan! Let's have a drink together?"

Ronald hasn't chatted with Minahan for a long time, and now seeing him seems to be freed from the heavy work of the president, unlike the last time I saw him, he was so busy that he even got the name of the movie wrong and sent a message Endless comments.

So after the lengthy Ballon d'Or was over, Ronald walked over, patted Minahan on the shoulder, and greeted him.

"Hey, Ronald. Didn't expect you to come to chat with me. I'm so happy to see you at the Golden Globes. The first time we met, it was at the film festival..."

Minahan Golan's mental state can be seen to be a bit bad.There is a little tiredness in the eyes, maybe it is because of the busy work on weekdays.

"Cannon's movie has suffered a cold reception, but I don't think the Golden Globes represent anything. The real recognition of Hollywood is the Oscars."

Ronald felt a little depressed when he saw his old friend, and he actually talked about the past when he almost committed suicide at the Montreal Film Festival.Quickly said a few words of relief.

The two greeted their assistants, and found a place to chat at the reception held by the Hilton Hotel after the Golden Globe Awards.

"I have a movie to be released soon, Stallone's 'Flying Over the Peak'. Last year's 'Bloody Blood' sold more than 1 million in the world. It seems that the star strategy is still successful.

In old Hollywood, a star would make two or three movies a year, what about now?After they filmed a film, they took a vacation for half a year.This is a waste of resources.

I talked with Stallone. As a charismatic star like him, as long as he can increase the amount of filming, he can continue to produce blockbuster movies. "

Ronald frowned.After Minahan received the [-] million in financing, he no longer insisted on low-cost production like in the past.

Stallone filmed him last year, allowing him to finally break the box office record held by Cannon Pictures' own "Breakdancing."Having tasted the sweetness, he began to make films for Stallone regardless of the current common practice in the film market.

And Stallone can enjoy a high salary in Cannon, and one movie can be worth the past three.In addition, Schwarzenegger has challenged his status as the number one action actor, and he also needs to continue to launch new works to prove himself.

All of a sudden, the interests of the two sides found a place to coordinate, and Cannon and Stallone turned out to be the best partners.

"Is your movie released next month?" Ronald mentioned the schedule while listening to Minahan's words.

"Yes, why, you also have a movie to appear in?"

"A small budget rom-com...I'm also a credited producer."

"It's okay, there is no conflict between our two movies..."

"Don't take it lightly, my 'smugness' has good box office potential."

"Hahaha, it turned out to be the movie 'Spirited'. I heard some rumors that film critics have opinions on your movie? Shall I help you invite two people out to chat and find a way to publicize it."

"Huh?" Ronald looked at Minahan and thought, could it be that you are paying those film critics to say good things about Stallone's new movie, so that they want to find a movie to belittle for comparison? "

"Why didn't Yoram come today?" Ronald saw that Minahan's inseparable cousin was missing, and deliberately changed the topic.

When I go back, I will look for the evaluations of those film critics who tout Stallone's new film.Make a confirmation.

"Yoram...well...he...he is mainly responsible for the company's finances and operations. But the production and distribution business belongs to me, and he is not very involved in the company's artistic creation now."

When Minahan talked, when he mentioned his cousin Yoram, there was no longer the intimate feeling that he and his cousin could imitate each other's signature and issue checks in each other's name.

"There is no problem between you and him, right? You didn't seem to divide the scope of work before. I always think you are one."

Ronald looked at Minahan's face that couldn't hide his thoughts, and felt that there was a story behind it, so he deliberately pretended not to know and provoked him.

"He is now the president of the Cannon Group, and he is in charge of merging theaters there in Hair Country. The business is so big that we are too busy, so it is normal to have a division of labor. Quack, I am now focusing on the chairmanship of Cannon."

Minahan smiled forcedly.

The suspicion in Ronald's heart was even worse. The position of chairman did not have the blessing of the title of president. How much real power did Minahan have left?
His cousin Yoram actually had a conflict with him, and he didn't know what happened in the middle.

"It was the largest theater chain in China, which was originally controlled by EMI Group. After we merged with EMI, we aimed at this theater chain. As long as we eat it, plus the theater chain we acquired in Britain last year, we are in Europe. It is the largest distribution group."

Minahan Golan was very happy to see Ronald, and unconsciously talked about the company's business situation.

Ronald is not clear about these situations, but it has already caused some waves in Hollywood.

In the second half of last year, the EMI company of the hair country and the Cannon of Minahan carried out a merger and acquisition.After the merger, EMI has taken a considerable share. Although the original Cannon is still the dominant management force, the leadership has also made adjustments.

EMI insisted that Yoram, who has a better business acumen, be the president with real power, while Minahan was deprived of the power of overseas distribution and other business expansion, leaving only the production rights of film and television dramas.

This is why Minahan has time today to represent Cannonball at the Golden Globe Awards.

"Our Cannon, the two big productions that are planned to be released this year are both in the middle of filming, aiming at this year's summer vacation. If you have a movie to be released, you should avoid it. Don't blame me for not reminding you, Ronald."

Minahan has used hundreds of millions of dollars in the past two years, and he is used to bossing around. He still has a little psychological advantage in front of his greatest benefactor Ronald.

"I do have a musical film to be released. What is the subject of your film?"

Ronald didn't take it seriously, and asked about Minahan's thoughts.

"Two superhero movies adapted from comics. Musical films are not a hindrance. You have a way of making musical films. It is not enough to compete with us head-on. As long as the quality is excellent, you will definitely be able to make money."

"A comic adaptation?"

Ronald was not used to hearing Minahan's condescending tone of voice.But it doesn't matter. Ronald doesn't think that Minahan has a higher vision than his own producer. He just stepped into luck and the general trend. He is also involved in the distribution business now. Compared with Wall Street financing in the future, he will not be worse than him.

"Yes, I have two films, and I'm going to send them to the Cannes Film Festival." Minahan said that he was more interested in making films than talking about commercial matters. He stretched out two fat fingers, Said to Ronald.

"One is the fourth part of Superman. I spent a lot of money to invite the original Superman actor Christopher Reeve, and I also let him participate in the screenwriting of the film. I also used the old supporting role of the first part, Gene Harker. Mann returned to play the villain Luthor.

And lead actress Margaret Kidder, whom I paid dearly to return to play Superman's girlfriend Lois, whom she swore off.

In short, this is a Superman movie that returns to the classic routine of the first part. Compared with the boring black comedy mode from the third part, it returns to what a hero movie should be.

Another superhero film, 'Spaceman', is a Mattel-owned toy adaptation.I found Dolph Lundgren, the actor who played the Union boxer who fought Stallone in Rocky 4, to play the protagonist Space Superman.

There is also a beautiful actress Courtney Cox in the leading role, and they will be the new Superman and Lois. "

Ronald felt that when his old friend Minahan was still a producer, he was in high spirits and looked like he had a dream.Maybe it's a good thing for him to focus on film production.

"Such a special effects blockbuster, isn't the cost low?" Ronald asked.

"That is, the filming process, plus the star's salary, the fourth part of Superman cost 1000 million. We also prepared a budget of 500 million for special effects production.

As for Superman in Space, he also prepared a similar special effects budget. "

Minahan started bragging again about how his special effects would cost, how expensive, and how the effect would be the same as the first Superman movie, which cheered up the audience.

Ronald felt that, from a commercial point of view, this approach was actually not bad.Especially Space Superman in cooperation with Mattel.Actors are not expensive, but if the box office hits, the toy sales alone can make a fortune.

And Ronald has always felt that Minahan Golan's thinking and aesthetics in making movies are similar to cartoons. If he can really make this kind of special effects movie with cartoon images, maybe he can really make Cannon copy the "breakdance" effect. success.

"You're right, I'm in a bad mood today."

Minahan and Ronald talked about film production, scratched their own itch, and finally got out of the emotion just now.

"The Golden Globes discriminate against us foreign producers. Zeffirelli's 'Othello' is the greatest work he admits.

Julie Andrews also said that "Duet" is her best work after "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins", but the Golden Globes did not even recognize their efforts.

I'm disappointed, only the audience is selfless, they don't discriminate against my film just because I'm Israeli.Whether it looks good or not is the only criterion for them to buy tickets. "

Minahan began to denounce the Golden Globe Organizing Committee.

Ronald asked about the situation. In fact, the Golden Globe Awards Organizing Committee cannot be blamed for this incident.If you want to talk about discrimination, it is true that there is a bit of discrimination against the few films that Cannon was nominated for, but this kind of discrimination is not against Minahan's nationality.

This kind of discrimination, if you think of it as a kind of discrimination, is aimed at the protagonists of these films of Minahan.

Except for Stallone, his other movies use outdated star actors and star directors.The Golden Globes rely on stars to attract ratings, and not awarding awards to Cannon movies is discriminating against their starring stars who are too weak.

Thinking of this, Ronald couldn't help but smile.

"What, you don't believe it? Stallone's new film 'Leap to the Top' is definitely his best work since First Blood. It's about the relationship between father and son, the difficulties of single blue-collar workers in America, There is also the high-spirited spirit of the arm wrestling competition.

I absolutely believe that this is the best character Stallone has created since Rocky in [-]. "

This film was not only Cannon's most important work in the first half of [-], but it was also directed by Minahan Golan himself, so his box office expectations were also high.

"But Americans like to watch boxing, who wants to watch fucking arm wrestling?" Ronald complained in his heart. He shook his head, and the smile on the corner of his mouth betrayed his inner thoughts that he didn't like this movie at all.

As a director, Ronald couldn't even imagine how to make this arm-wrestling scene look good?Boxing can also have a series of routines such as beating, defense, and counterattack.Something like arm wrestling, bang, two seconds to decide the winner, without any twists and turns.

"What, do you think your romantic movie can beat my directorial work?" Minahan is the chairman of a multinational company, but he is most equivalent to a film director.

Seeing Ronald's smile made him feel competitive.

"I bet you, how about seeing the box office results of our two movies?"

Ronald didn't expect Minahan to be so persistent. He seemed to have lost much interest in running the company. Instead, he turned all his interests to his favorite career, movies.

"Hehe, I have my own judgment. What do you want to bet on?" Ronald just laughed. His own judgment of American audiences is definitely better than Minahan's.

"If you lose, my movie has higher box office in the first weekend of our two movies, then you have to accept an interview and say good things about my movie." Minahan stated his conditions.

"This……"

Ronald didn't expect Minahan to put forward this condition. He and Stallone had all kinds of unpleasant pasts. It was really hard for him to say good things about his movie.

"Why, don't you dare?"

"What am I afraid of?" Ronald blurted out, "But I won't say good things about Stallone. Even if I lose, I think it's unlikely. I will only tell the media that your director skills are extraordinary."

"Okay, what do you want if you win?" Minahan knew that Ronald and Stallone were at odds, so it would be great to have him touting his directorial ability, maybe he could accumulate some industry recognition, maybe he could get a Oscar nomination for Best Director?

"Me?" Ronald didn't think about what he wanted, and just wanted the other party to do the same, and touted his movie to the media.

"By the way, didn't Cannon spend a lot of money at the Cannes Film Festival and have a lot of opportunities?"

Ronald suddenly remembered that what he had just chatted with Minahan said, in order to attract domestic attention to European film festivals, only the three major film festivals, especially the Cannes awards, have influence.

"Yes, what, you have a movie you want to go to Cannes?"

"Yes, are you willing to give up a movie appearance?"

"What's the matter, I agree." Minahan came over to shake hands with Ronald, and the two expressed that the bet was established.

“It’s too late for you to participate in the main competition in Cannes. This year’s film selection is almost over. Either you participate in the secondary competition, but you are a big director, and it’s not appropriate to participate in the small unit.

How about I negotiate with the organizers to have your film 'Smug' premiere in Cannes?It's definitely going to be in the papers, and passing it back to America will be good for your marketing. "

"Premiere? Then bet on the premiere." Ronald calculated that Cannes' Palme d'Or would be covered by domestic reports, but it was impossible for other competitions to arouse interest.

It would be nice to have a premiere in Cannes.At least it is a very good news point, and the TV media in China and China may also be able to report it.

"However, it's not 'Smug', but the musical 'Dirty Dancing' I directed, which is produced by my own company, and I need some exposure."

"That's no problem." Minahan was still very generous to his old friend Ronald, "Since it's your own movie, even if you lose the bet, I can give you this chance, but you have to pay for it yourself. The quota for the screening."

"Deal!" Ronald shook hands with Minahan again, confirming the additional conditions.

……

After returning to the hotel, Ronald called his agent Richard, "Can you help me find reports on the merger between Cannon and EMI? I want to know what's going on.

In addition, there are Stallone's new films, the film reviews of those film critics, if possible, help me find them for me to see. "

Ronald does not hear anything outside the window when he is filming. He works more than ten hours a day and seven days a week.After filming and returning to normal life, I often don't know anything about the news that happened during filming.

The next day, Ronald waited for Richard on time.

Richard brought Ronald a Wall Street Journal analysis.Wall Street analysts all believe that this is a key step for Cannon Pictures to go international.Looking bullish on the future of Cannon.

Only one analyst pointed out that Cannon had filmed more than [-] films last year, and had started mergers and acquisitions of theaters, TV stations, and construction of office buildings. If the box office is not good this year, there will be big problems in cash flow.

EMI's merger and acquisition actually solved the hidden dangers brought about by the rapid development of Cannon Pictures to a certain extent.However, the details of the terms of the merger are still unclear, and the Ministry of Culture of the Chinese government remains to be seen.

"Their overseas distribution channels have been strengthened again." Ronald saw that the Cannon listed in the analysis article has owned theater shares in six or seven countries in continental Europe through mergers and acquisitions, and has advertised in Cannes year after year. , has become the home field of the cannon.

"Yes, if your film needs to be released overseas, you might as well cooperate with them. With so many theaters, the demand for good films is actually very hungry." Richard reminded.

"Well, I know." Ronald felt that this idea made sense. Overseas issuance is more troublesome, and the payment cycle is longer. Many countries do not cooperate for a long time. I really don't know the integrity of the opponent. There is a high probability of encountering scammers. event.

"Huh? No way?"

Ronald turned to the film review section at the back, "Is this a published newspaper?"

In the film review version of the Chicago Sun Times two days ago, it was not the film review of Stallone's new film, but Roger Ebert's shameless comment on Minahan Golan, the chairman and chief director of Cannon Films. touted.

"No studio in the world today - and I'm not talking about any of the 'big seven' of Hollywood - of course - takes more risks with serious, marginal films than Cannon.

He is the only producer and director in Hollywood to stick to the old school style in this era of box office and materialism.

Making movies is a noble cause, not just for the box office. He also represented the conscience of America in the past, especially the American Puritan values ​​that those young people in small towns once represented.

Loyalty, hard work, kindness, and consideration for others often pay off at the end of the film as well.

Unexpectedly, today, it is a foreigner who is still sticking to the tradition of Hollywood. "

"Hey hey..." Richard laughed out loud, "This year, the Chicago Film Critics Association can go to Cannes, China for its annual work meeting, and even take a vacation in Paris. All expenses will be reimbursed by Cannon's affiliated companies."

"This guy, he's really working hard to buy and brag."

Ronald sighed, he didn't expect Roger Albert's conscience to be sold so cheaply.My own Dirty Dancing can actually be used to test the effect of sponsoring a vacation to these greedy film critics.

(End of this chapter)