Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 821
In the third week of "Dirty Dancing," two films were released in America.

The seven mainstream studios did not participate in this bleak schedule, and new films in the off-season are always so strange.

One is "Hamburger Heights", which was independently financed and produced like Ronald, and then found a distribution done by Paramount.

This movie is also set in the background of the Vietnam War. Unlike Oliver Stone's "Field Platoon" and Kubrick's "Full Metal Shell", it is a story from the standpoint of the US military.Moreover, unlike the previous two films, the North Vietnamese attack is different from the U.S. defense.This movie is about the American attack.

New reinforcements from the 101st Airborne Division arrive in Vietnam and attack a high ground.It turned out that fighters of different races and classes united under the battle.After 11 attacks, Heights 937 was finally captured.

The other is the British spy film "Aurora Borealis".The film stars an old acquaintance of Ronald's, British actor Michael Caine, and Pierce Brosnan.

Brosnan, played by a Souvier Union spy, arrives at an American base in Britain and tries to detonate a nuclear bomb.A British spy played by Michael Caine sabotages the plan.

In all fairness, the production of both films is excellent, with smooth stories and hot scenes.But it's all a little out of place in today's America.

From the perspective of supporting the Vietnam War, film critics said that it not only showed the audience the scenes of war, but also tried to stipulate what the audience should think when they saw these scenes.The other part seems to be that Britain is the talker of NATO. The reason why America was not dragged into the failure of the Cold War is all due to the power of British spies.

Both films grossed over $300 million at the weekend, far behind Dirty Dancing.

Ronald looked at the box office rankings in the "Hollywood Report", of course he was very happy.It's a good thing that new movies aren't enough of a threat.A streak through Labor Day weekend is a foregone conclusion.

"Pierce Brosnan, Michael Caine." Ronald began to write his name on the card.Although their movies can't compete with their own, they still have to be invited to the party.

The box office results of "Dirty Dancing" can be said to have exceeded Ronald's most optimistic estimates.For such a super happy event, the employees of the company must also feel happy, so as to maintain the unity of colleagues.

After discussing it with his manager Nisita, Ronald decided to throw a big party as a celebration.This time he wants to invite friends from the industry as much as possible. It is also a disguised benefit for employees to have the opportunity to meet real celebrities.

Gathering up the various guest lists scattered on the bed, Ronald called Little Bud and sent the card to CAA. Richard would hand over to the public relations company in charge of the party to ensure that everyone who should be there came.

……

On the night of the party, Ronald arrived early at a rented mansion in the Beverly Hills.It originally belonged to Samuel Godwin, one of the three founders of MGM.It is now inhabited by his son, Samuel Godwin Jr.

It is very close to the Hollywood studios, which is convenient for guests to come and go.The previous owner often walked to work at MGM.

Once Katharine Hepburn, Gary Cooper was a regular here.Two great commanders have stayed here.Ronald was able to borrow this mansion to hold the event, because Michael Ovitz, the president of CAA, came forward to clear the relationship.

"Ronald, I'm glad to finally meet you." The owner, Samuel Godwin Jr., came to greet him personally. His living area is on the other side, and today he rented out the paradise where the party was originally held.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Godwin." Ronald stepped forward to shake hands.Little Samuel inherited his father's business, but his business was mediocre and his reputation was not obvious.Only because of his father, he became the producer of the Academy Awards ceremony this year.

"Call me Sam. You're going to be nominated for an Oscar next year, and I see a lot of good things about your new film."

"Ah, it depends on the opinion of the nominating association." Ronald actually knew that it was unlikely that he would be nominated for the best director because of "Dirty Dancing".Not to mention the critics, the Jews have a heart for themselves. Even in the 50s and [-]s when musicals were thriving, this type of film was not favored by the academy.

"Will you still be the producer of next year's awards show?"

"Yes, I look forward to seeing you in April next year." The owner, Samuel Jr., is also 60 years old. After talking to Ronald, he went to the lounge to smoke.

Ronald was led to the main venue by the people from the party company, which is a large hall that can hold large dance parties.The old wooden decoration, together with the buffet table covered with snow-white cloth, glistened under the light.

First came the unimportant people, daydreaming co-workers who were busy with distribution, the dancers who played supporting roles in Dirty Dancing, the script writer Eleanor, and the director's assistant Emil Adourie. Nuo, sets, props, make-up, etc. staff.

When Ronald arrived, he naturally became the focus, and everyone came up to say hello to Ronald.Some colleagues remember Ronald's promise to pay bonuses if he does well at the box office, and now looking at Ronald is like looking at a checkbook.

"Dear colleagues, let me tell you some good news first. Before Labor Day, I will honor my promise and distribute bonuses. When you sign and receive your salary checks, you must collect them. The numbers on them will satisfy you."

"Oh yeah!" Daydream's colleagues shouted happily, and some of them were still applauding.

"To Ronald!" After a few seconds, everyone raised their glasses and toasted Ronald.

"To Dirty Dancing!" Ronald took a sip of the wine in his glass. He still has a lot of people to meet tonight, so he can't drink too much.

Colleagues cannot know each other's salary and bonus. They will only get the two-week salary on weekends, and then they will know how much bonus Ronald gave.

But Ronald was confident that everyone would be satisfied when they saw a figure that was several times the average monthly salary on the check.

"You all come with me."

Then Ronald ordered the backup dancers, and entered the small room next to him with Eleanor and Emil.

Ronald signaled Richard, the agent, to close the door, and took a stack of envelopes from him.

"This is yours, this is yours..." According to the name on the envelope, Ronald gave an envelope to those choreographers, screenwriters, director assistants, etc. who participated in the creation of "Dirty Dancing".

"Open it and have a look..." Ronald said to them with a smile when he saw that they were holding thin envelopes, looking eager to try.

"Oh...that's too much..." A fat female dancer opened the envelope, saw the number on the check, and cried out involuntarily.She immediately picked up the envelope, carefully looked at the name on it, and confirmed that there was nothing wrong with it.

"Not much," Ronald laughed. "This is not the regular residual dividends that the cast and crew will give you, but my special dividends. 'Dirty Dancing' is an independent film. success.

I think this is inseparable from your hard work.There is a practice in Hollywood that the salary of the main creator is determined by his performance in the last movie.I don't think that's good, and there are many of you who, because you didn't get paid for this movie, go back and take projects that pay well but don't have high artistic value.

I don't want to see you wasting your talents like this, so I will take out an extra part of the movie income as a dividend to you, so that you can do what you want to do, write some scripts you want to write, and make some movies. The movie I want to make. "

Ronald's eyes flicked across the faces of screenwriter Eleanor and director assistant Emil in turn.As long as they are interested in cooperating with themselves again, they can submit their own scripts next.Ronald is ready to give them a bigger stage, and more opportunities.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ronald." The fat female dancer came up and hugged Ronald tightly.

One of the biggest characteristics of her and other group dancers is that their bodies are not as standard as normal dancers.This time Ronald gave such a big check. In the future, he and his partner will have their own dance studio, and there will be start-up funds.

"I think you must be very happy, choreographers Kenny Ortega and Miranda Garrison, tell me that your dance studio business is very good now." Ronald patted the fat dancer on the back , he knew that the other party must be emotional.

"Oh yeah, yes. I also want to thank you Ronald. Those pictures you took of us on set proved that we were Dirty Dancing, and I zoomed in on the one with Patrick Schwitz There are so many students outside the rented venue."

"I'm happy for you..." Ronald patted her, then raised his glass and said to them, "This shows that we can make money in Hollywood!"

"It's great..." All the people present were very happy, put the checks in a safe place, and filed out.Tonight is a perfect night for them.

"Eleanor," Ronald said to the screenwriter, "This is just the first installment of dividends, and we will make a lot of money together in the future. If you have any scripts, you can find me anytime."

"I don't know, Ronald, I don't know, maybe the money is enough for me." Eleanor's two thick eyebrows kept fluttering up and down, betraying the owner's excited heart.

"Rest for a while, take your time, you have time to think."

"I have a few ideas, and I will go to Daydream to talk to you when the time comes." Emil, who was an assistant to the case during the filming, had a plan to direct a film of his own, and made an appointment with Ronald to talk again.

Everyone got what they deserved, and everyone who walked out was smiling.Ronald is also very happy, the money still needs to be earned by everyone, his company is getting involved in the distribution business for the first time, and it just needs to build up its good reputation.

"Richard," finally Ronald called out to agent Richard Lovett who was about to go out.

"how?"

Ronald took out the last envelope from his pocket, which he had prepared himself, and quietly handed it to Richard.

"I can't. The agent has rules. He can only collect the share stipulated in the contract." Richard refused with a smile. His own share will definitely be rich enough after the box office settlement of "Dirty Dancing" is completed.

"This is the one you gave me as an assistant in the crew." Ronald still handed it over, "I know you spend most of your time on me now, and you deserve it." Richard said The big check will not be available until next year when I get the director's salary, and he is still driving a cheap Toyota car, so he should improve it.

"Thank you, I don't know what to say..." Richard looked at the number on the check in the envelope, which was more than double his income last year.

"Thank you. You deserve it." Ronald smiled and hugged Richard's shoulders, "Rick (Nisita) I also paid him for the movie he helped with."

……

When we arrived at the outer hall, many guests had already arrived.

Ronald is naturally the focus of any party now, and many people he knows and don't know gather around him.Some accosted him, while others nodded in approval.

At this moment, Ronald happened to be chatting with Pierce Brosnan, who had just collaborated in a Coke commercial, and Michael Caine.

"Pierce, I saw your new movie, and I want to say, should you and Michael switch roles? Watching you play the agent of the Sowell Union always makes people feel a little bit out of it."

"Do I look like a Union agent?" Michael Caine still pretended to protest with an East End accent.

"Yeah? You obviously acted more convincingly."

"Hahaha……"

"Where's Diane? Why didn't you see her?" Brosnan thought of Diane who worked together in the advertisement.

"Her new movie is being promoted, and she has flown to New York for the premiere."

"Unfortunately... Seriously, do you think I'm suitable to play the British agent?"

"no doubt……"

……

"Hi Patrick..."

After chatting with several groups of guests, Ronald saw Patrick Schwytz, the actor of "Dirty Dancing", stepping into the party hall with his wife.

"Hello, Ronald." The two hugged each other.

Jennifer Gray's neck isn't recovering, and Cynthia Rhodes is on leave at home.Only Schwyz happened to be in Los Angeles, and came to the appointment to attend the celebration.

"I heard you're posting..." Patrick Schwitz made a motion of twisting the paper with his fingers.He has already seen a few crew members outside who are happy to start dancing.After inquiring with them, I found out that Ronald is paying dividends.

"You have to come to my office tomorrow and sign another document. In addition to the movie, your episode is also one of the original soundtracks, so you still have a share of the record."

"Congratulations to us..." Patrick Schwyz was very happy. This movie is unlikely to get him too much praise from the critics, but in addition to the hundreds of thousands of film remuneration, there are still several times the dividends that can be obtained , my wife's ranch, I can start to add some facilities. "

"I'm really happy that we can add a stable to our ranch."

"If I were you, don't be so quick, overseas box office and video revenue are expected to be very good, and you might be able to buy a new racecourse by then."

"This..." Patrick Schwyz couldn't believe that Ronald would also share the income from overseas box office and video tapes with him.

All eyes looking at Ronald were questions, and faint excitement and desire.

"This is our joint creation, and we should share it together." Ronald called a waiter, took two glasses of champagne, and drank it with Schwytz.

"Hahaha..." The two laughed wantonly and had a good time, it was the kind of laugh of a successful person.

People around asked what was going on, and after getting the answer, they looked at Ronald with envy and the idea of ​​cooperating with him.

Ronald laughed even more happily. This part of the dividends was all small money, but the big part fell into his own pocket.As Ronald who owns the production rights, he has the power to decide how to distribute the dividends.

According to the legal requirements, Ronald does not need to give these creators any extra income, and pays them completely according to the photo remuneration, and he will win the lawsuit.

But doing so is not in line with the law of creation, nor is it conducive to the cooperation with other artists.On the contrary, it is more beneficial to your business to distribute 10% of the money you earn to everyone and spread the reputation that you like to share.

"Ronald," Tom Cruise and wife Mimi Rogers arrived.In addition to "Dirty Dancing" this time, Ronald also brought in stars who had worked with him before. It was not only a party, but also a search for new cooperation opportunities.

"Ah, Tom, Tom..." Ronald hugged him, and Mimi Rogers still looked at Ronald and Cruise with his mouth tilted.

"A few words alone?" Tom Cruise asked Ronald.

"Of course..." Ronald put down his glass and went to the small room next to him.

"Honey, wait for me." Mimi Rogers also wanted to come in, but Cruise blocked the door.

"Can you reconsider the Rain Man project? The original director, Barry Levinson, has dropped out again."

"Because of Dustin Hoffman again?"

Two days ago, Ronald heard Nisita talk about the farce of the Rain Man crew.Dustin Hoffman kept changing the script, which annoyed director Barry Levinson, who happened to have other projects and quit the crew.

Tom Cruise gave a resigned shrug that Ronald was right.

"I was the most relaxed performer in the project you directed. So I thought, we can work together again."

'Seriously, Tom, I ask you a question, you give me your answer truthfully, and if your answer meets my requirements, I can consider it. "

"What's the problem?" Seeing that Ronald's attitude was loose, Tom Cruise immediately came to his senses and looked at Ronald with all his attention.

"Did you make this movie to win an Oscar?"

"Uh...I..."

"Think about it before answering. I want to hear your real answer." Ronald stared at Tom Cruise without speaking.

"Yes, I want to be nominated for an Oscar, and I want to win an award." Tom Cruise remembered the favor of Ronald helping him in the audition outside the audition room, as well as the past when he took himself to the dentist, and was moved. Then, he spoke his mind. "

"Very good. It's a good thing to win an award, but you have to play that idiot. If you play a idiot, I can direct it."

"This..." Tom Cruise was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Ronald's condition to be this. He thought it was a request for the final editing rights or remuneration.Before coming, he and Paula Wagner, who was pregnant and unable to move, had discussed how to agree to Ronald's request.

"I can't, Dustin is already the guarantee of the package sale of the movie project, I can't squeeze him out."

"Nonsense! Now your protection with the banker is much better than that of Hoffman. As long as you propose to play a fool, he can't compete with you. You can let them choose one of the two."

Bankable is a term for obtaining financing for a film project.The box office of a movie is really unpredictable.When banking institutions want to invest in a project, they can only see which star will play it.They only know that movies with stars have a much higher chance of getting back their money. At least theaters are willing to give these movies shows during popular schedules.

So stars are like mortgages for movie projects. With stars, banks are willing to lend money, and theaters are willing to sign distribution agreements. With these, you can get money when you go back and pre-sell some copies abroad.The seven major studios are also willing to invest a part of this project.

Therefore, the ability to sell this bag is unique to celebrities.As far as the box office is concerned, Tom Cruise, who just became the box office champion because of "Top Gun", is worth more in the bank than Hoffman, who became the box office poison after winning the best actor.

"I can't", Tom Cruise thought for a while, but still rejected Ronald's proposal. "Mr. Ovitz did the project himself. He is the actual producer of the film, without him there would be no film.

He insisted on Dustin Hoffman, and Paula and I talked about playing the younger brother. This role may also get nominated for Best Supporting Actor. "

"Brother, it's very difficult. In the script, the younger brother is the leader of the plot, and the test of acting skills is greater than that of the mentally handicapped elder brother. This is a good chance for you to win an award." Ronald still wanted to try.

"Now it's not mentally retarded, but autism. Dustin changed the script." Tom Cruise smiled wryly.I discussed it with Paula and Nisita, and this road is now unworkable.I also need the support of CAA and the Seventh National Congress.

"Okay, then let's wait and see if there is any other opportunity to cooperate." Ronald felt that Tom missed a good opportunity, but the reason he said was not to shirk, Ovitz is indeed the two of them at this stage Can't be challenged.

"Then who is the director now?" Ronald and Cruise walked out and asked casually.

"I haven't found a suitable candidate yet, I will take another commercial production." Tom Cruise said later.

"By the way, that movie still lacks a heroine, do you want to let Diane try?"

"Huh?" Ronald turned to look at him.

"You know, I invited her when I was filming Good Boys Are Crazy. Now that she is yours, I think you might as well give it a try. It's an opportunity."

Ronald understood that Cruise wanted to give him a favor, so he nodded, "I'll talk to Diane. What's the name of your movie?"

"cocktail".

"Let Paula give me the script, no, send it to Diane."

Ronald felt that it was better not to let himself influence Diane's judgment. She was an actor who had an idea of ​​what role she would take.

However, who would refuse to play with the popular Tom Cruise?

"Mimi", when Ronald opened the door, he saw Mimi Rogers waiting outside the door. She is very socially talented, she can stand in a position to talk to others, and she can take care of the door here. It doesn't look like Watching her husband and other women.

"Ronald."

Or man, Mimi Rogers thought, better take up Cruise's social time and put her stamp on it.

"Ronald", another acquaintance came to say hello, "Tom, Mimi..."

It's "Top Gun" star Kelly McGillis.

"Kelly", Ronald stepped forward to hug her, still as touching as before.

A few people chatted about the past of Top Gun filming together.McGillis talked about Cruise's thrilling car ride.Ronald joked that McGillis had startled himself by closing the Ferrari's door.

"Miss McGillis..."

Several people were chatting and laughing, and a woman came over and interrupted them, about to talk to Kelly McGillis.

"Ms. Lansing, as I said, I don't want that part."

"No, I still think this role is very suitable for you."

Ronald looked up and saw that it was Shirley Lansing, the former president of [-]th Century Fox who made him feel sorry for him.

Since being fired by the oil tycoon who discriminated against female executives, Shirley Lansing has been working as a producer for the past few years, working in her own small production company, in fact doing the same business as Ronald .

"Ms. Lansing," Ronald stopped her with his hand, "I think Kelly has made his thoughts very clear, if you don't mind..."

"Ronald", Shirley Lansing looked over and found that it was Ronald.

"Shirley", Ronald is not to be outdone, this action of calling each other's names is a common way in Hollywood to express the provocation and response of "I remember you".

"Oh, she's been pestering me for a long time." Kelly McGillis was finally relieved to see Shirley Lansing gone.

"You're in demand right now," Ronald said to McGillis with a smile.

"Really? Do you also think I'm hot?" McGillis quietly took Ronald's hand, and stroked his palm a few times.

……

"Oh……"

McGillis let out a long breath on the big bed in the Hilton Hotel.The two had discovered that they were still very passionate about each other's body at the party, so after the party, they both came to the best hotel in Beverly Hills.

The two people who were familiar with the road were full of passion, and their young bodies kept asking for it, and finally fell on the bed exhausted.

"Why did that Lansing pester you?" Ronald stroked McGillis' back slowly.

"She said I was the best candidate for the role, with a possible Oscar nomination." McGillis accepted Ronald's caress happily.

"However, her project actually needs me as collateral for the sale (Bankable)."

"I'm not surprised at all." Ronald leaned over and kissed McGillis' arm.

"Actually, the script is good. It's based on Cheryl Araujo's assault case."

"Oh? Then why don't you want to act?" Ronald knew this woman, she was the victim of a burglary case, but in court, she was attacked by the suspect's defense lawyer as a disorderly private life, A woman who was still flirting with a strange man in a bar before the crime.

The case was very controversial in the media at the time, but in the end he was convicted.

It's a great subject for a women's film.

"Hmm..." McGillis felt much more at ease when he accepted Ronald's caress.

She rolled over to face Ronald, looking into his eyes, "If I tell you, can you keep it a secret?"

Seeing the seriousness of her question, Ronald put away his smile and nodded seriously, "I promise you."

"Actually, I only talked about it with my case prosecutor and a psychologist. I am also a victim of a burglary case..."

(End of this chapter)