Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 837 Ronald is a real good friend
"Yes, Confucius said: rare goods can be held for a long time." Ronald took a chance.

"Do you know how to deal with politicians?" Ronald had only voted for the Grand Commander, and hadn't participated in deep political activities.

"I don't know," shrugged Douglas Jr., "but I know who knows."

"Come with me, I'll take you to see Grandpa."

Both good friends know that such friendships from America's top political families are not easy to come by.Between Ronald and George Jr., there is an opportunity that ordinary people cannot meet. This makes the two people with very different backgrounds, backgrounds, occupations, etc., become good friends who can talk a little bit.

Such an opportunity should be managed well.Little Doug didn't know much about how to deal with these people. Fortunately, he was in the family, and he knew who to ask for advice when he encountered difficulties.

Douglas Jr.'s grandfather, Douglas Hanson Sr., was a World War II veteran, the largest local landowner, and an old-fashioned gentleman.It is also one of the biggest supporters when local MPs are elected.

In the big house where he lived, Douglas Sr. read a book alone. In the whole house, only a secretary and a nurse accompanied him.

He politely praised Ronald's "Top Gun" for its excellent filming, which reminded him of the documentary about aircraft carriers on the Pacific battlefield that was filmed by director John Ford.He also said that Ronald's shots of air combat were more exciting than Ford's shots of fighting Japanese turkeys.

Ronald had never seen Douglas Sr. except for a few Veteran Days.When we met this time, I realized that he was quite kind.Little Doug looked a lot like him, perhaps the most similar of his grandchildren.

The old man knocked on the pipe, and took Ronald to visit the honor room with photos of family members who had served in the army for generations in their family, wearing military uniforms.He is extremely satisfied with his grandson as a friend.

Back in the smoking room, Douglas Sr. asked Ronald to try his pipe. The mellow taste of Virginia tobacco made Ronald think it was better than cigars.Little Douglas relayed what the deputy commander's eldest son said to his grandfather.

After listening to his grandson and good friend Ronald, the old Douglas put down his pipe.Nodding, smiling happily.

"Celebrities help presidential candidates endorse locally, which is a shortcut to participate in politics. It's easy to tie your fame to the votes you need in politics to try your luck. However, if you don't succeed, you have to pay a high price. Ronald, do you have confidence in your charisma?"

"I'm afraid I can't." Ronald thought about it seriously. When he went to participate in the movie announcement, many fans didn't know him, and the fans who were crazy about stars were more than ten times as crazy about directors.

"If this is the case, you might as well help him from other places. For example, help him contact the endorsement candidates he wants to find, or... I remember you have shot commercials, and you can help the campaign team do some work in this area, generally Speaking of the interests of the campaign team, the campaign manager in the team is also in charge of distributing the benefits."

Ronald nodded. It was the same as what he had guessed. Little George probably asked him to help, which also meant helping in this regard.

"Then, do I need to endorse the candidate? I saw that Frank Sinatra made a lot of money during the last presidential election?" Ronald remembered Sinatra's endorsement for his old friend, and then the commander-in-chief After taking office, not only gave him a medal, but also pardoned him from the hidden danger of being investigated by the FBI.Reacquired the property rights of a casino in Las Vegas.

"It's a good idea, but do you really support Xiangdang?"

"Does it matter? I personally like the deputy commander's family." Ronald didn't understand.

"America politics is not played like this, young man." Douglas Sr. has put a lot of effort into politics for the sake of his family's political career and to support the local congressman in the No.13 constituency in New York.

"First of all, if you endorse a certain candidate, it means that you support his political ideas, not like this person. Do you support all the political ideas of the current deputy commander?"

"Uh..." Ronald didn't know how to answer, "I don't know, I haven't had time to ask yet."

"You have to ask clearly. Your support for any political figure is a consumption of your most precious asset-"credibility in the eyes of others". If the politician you support is not in line with your own ideas, Then there's no return on that investment."

Ronald understood what the old man meant. If a celebrity endorses a certain candidate, he is using his own reputation as a guarantee to call on his followers to endorse that candidate.If something goes wrong with the candidate, his followers will also vent their anger and even dislike the celebrity.

"And this is not about you alone. Your friends and circle, how they perceive the candidate, will also affect the voters' perception of you..."

That is to say, if most people in my industry circle are on the side of another candidate, and I have a maverick endorsement, I will be rejected by the majority of the industry. For politicians and celebrities, it may not be a good thing.

Frank Sinatra was old after all, and he'd be fine living off that casino.Ronald still has a bright future in the industry.We all know that after the disgraceful Vietnam War, most practitioners in Hollywood are supporters of the liberal left-wing donkey party.

"I see, thank you for your teaching."

Ronald was very satisfied with the old Douglas' guidance, and got up to leave.Little Douglas also wanted to go together, but was stopped by his grandfather.

"Doug, shouldn't you consider marrying a wife who conforms to traditional values?"

Seeing Douglas Jr. being reprimanded by his grandfather, Ronald slipped out first because it was inconvenient to be there.

"Grandpa, am I looking for it? It's not so easy to find a woman who is what I want, has received higher education, and has traditional values, and is willing to live on Staten Island."

"Life is like a battle, I don't want to listen to your excuses... good girls are also very scarce, you have to keep attacking!"

"Grandpa, why did you persuade Ronald not to endorse the vice-commander? I thought it was a good opportunity." Little Douglas nodded and agreed to continue the attack, then changed the subject and asked another question he thought was interesting.

"It's for your friend's sake, boy. American politics is a feudal system. Congressmen everywhere, and senators, are lords of fiefs, big and small.

Your friend's career is based in Hollywood, CA.It's not a bad thing to let him get close to the current commander-in-chief who is loved by the whole people.Old Ronald was an anomaly. Before that, only JFK Kennedy was like him. As long as he spoke to the TV camera, voters would fall in love with him.This is a wholesale approach to campaigning.

But not every politician has the ability to win elections without the endorsement of local powerful factions.The current deputy commander is similar to Richard who was impeached back then, relying on the establishment faction who carefully weaves the relationship with the local powerful faction.

Their strength lies in their constant blending and exchanging with the powerful retail art of the local control votes.And you, my son, can be a powerful faction on Staten Island, whether you run for Congress in the future or support a politician with traditional values.

I don't want Staten Island to be relegated to those Brooklyn districts when I'm dead, and we're represented by moths who only want subsidies. "

"I understand, Grandpa." Douglas Jr. nodded. His roots are all on the island, and the old man is going to train him to take charge of the family's course in the future.

"Only when you have such a friend can you have the opportunity to develop a relationship with the deputy commander's family. This is why I let you go to a public high school. The friendship formed when you were a teenager does not include any benefits.

Ronald thinks highly of you as a friend, and you treat him well.You can become lifelong friends, such a true friendship needs careful care, and don't damage it because of any short-term interests. "

……

"Why did it take so long?" Ronald asked little Douglas who seemed to be worried when he came out of the big house.

"Hey, it's not the same old way, grandpa will scold me. It's still early today, where are you going? Back to your aunt's house or?"

"I have to buy some presents for Donna, who is a bit underestimated in Wall Street now. Plus she gave me good investment advice, which saved me from a big loss. I must reward those who avoided losses for me. people."

"Together together..." Douglas Jr. drove out his sports car, let Ronald sit, and went to the ferry terminal back to Manhattan.

"Donna!" Ronald waited for Donna on the ground floor of Building [-] of the World Trade Center. The elevator here would take several minutes at a time.

"Ronnie, are you finished?" Donna was very happy that her busy cousin could come to reunite with her, but there was an annoying ghost behind her.

"What you said to me that day was very helpful to my decision. I have to thank you. Are you okay? Come with me, and I will give you some gifts, which will help your career development."

"Yes, yes, you really need some good clothes. Wall Street is all about pretending."

Douglas Jr. echoed.

"Hmph..." Donna didn't give him a good look, and walked forward with Ronald on her arm. "Really? My advice really helped you?"

"Of course, I have always followed the traditional American virtues of equal exchange, which is what you deserve." Ronald replied with a smile.

"My car is parked in the parking lot!" Little Douglas immediately walked two steps forward to pick up the car.

A few people first came to a buyer's shop on Fifth Avenue, which contained a variety of beautiful office suits, women's clothing for social occasions, and some designer bags and accessories.Now in New York, this kind of buyer's shop that relies on the owner's taste to match all-round, one-stop shopping is popular.

A well-dressed lady came out to greet three people, "Hello, gentlemen and miss, what can I do for you?" She looked around quickly, and then took the initiative to ask Ronald.

Douglas Jr. looks rich, but his clothes are all custom-made, and he will not buy these branded clothes.The clothes of pretty girls are not expensive enough, and they also dress like secretaries and rookies in the workplace.Only Ronald, who is handsome and has an expensive hairstyle, is generally the most willing to spend money on appearance.

"You guessed wrong, it's not for me, it's for my cousin Donna." Ronald let Donna out, then took out the wallet from the pocket behind his buttocks, took out a large VIP credit card from Wells Fargo Bank, Passed it to the other party. "

"Make my cousin shine, that's all I ask."

"Sparkle?" The eyes of the lady owner lit up. She took the credit card and called out two assistants to help Donna choose it. She then went to call the bank to verify the credit card.

"Sir, may I take the liberty to ask, how bright do you want Miss Donna to be?" The shop owner quickly finished the phone call, and the number of the quota had already doubled her enthusiasm. .

"It's very shiny!" Ronald signaled to find some nice clothes.

"Add this one to mine." Douglas Jr. also took out his credit card and gave it to the other party. "Let's find some ladies' handbags that match with beautiful clothes and a few nice watches."

Donna picked out two suits for work and a few pairs of matching shoes, and the shopkeeper tried her best to persuade her to order another dress that highlighted her femininity for social occasions.

"Oh..." When Donna came out wearing a black skirt with small pleats, the little Douglas let out a burst of exclamation.

Donna was wearing a skirt, holding an elegant small bag and a low-key luxury watch. From a young college graduate, she immediately turned into a glamorous career veteran.

"Isn't this a bit... um, ostentatious?" Donna glared at Douglas Jr., but still asked Ronald for his opinion.

"No...it's self-confidence." Little Douglas was not complimenting this time. Donna did have a capable temperament. This outfit well highlighted her different temperament from ordinary women on Wall Street.Calm and rational, yet charming.

"Indeed, it's very simple and elegant. This suit seems to say that you are a confident person, you don't mind other people's attention, and then use your intelligence to conquer him." Ronald felt that this suit made Donna's The contradictory temperament of rationality and sensibility in this kind of MIT science bully beauty is well reflected.

"Okay, then add this set." Donna was happy.

Several people held boxes containing clothes and shoes, with Douglas Jr. acting as the driver in front, and the group arrived at the BMW dealer they had agreed upon.

"This is a gift for you. Didn't you say that people often see the car you drive and are unwilling to give you time? Now they should give you time."

A red imported BMW car was lying there quietly.

"Give it a try." Ronald liked to look at the light in Donna's eyes. This time, his cousin's words really woke him up. Repaying those who have helped him is the right thing to do.

Donna happily got into the car, started the ignition, and then took a test drive.

"Thank you," she kissed Ronald on the cheek as soon as she got out of the car.

"And me? I found this dealer." Little Douglas laughed beside him.

"Okay, thank you too." Donna took Ronald with one hand and Douglas Jr. with the other, and happily let them get into the car, and she was going to drive back to Staten Island to show her mother.

Back at Aunt Karen’s house, she and her boyfriend made a big dinner for Ronald and Doug Jr. Hearing that Donna helped Ronald avoid the loss, Aunt Karen still didn’t believe it, and Douglas Jr. sponsored Ronaldo in the end. Nader had a good laugh when he was telling the truth.

……

In the evening, Ronald received another call from the Chinese actor Chao Li.

"Ronald, I got in touch with my brother in China, and now there are differences in views on this matter in China. Some people think that this is a normal business and artistic exchange, and it can be started slowly. Some people think that it will happen all at once. Too much foreign exchange will be lost, this is a conspiracy of some people in America. They want to hear your opinion."

"I think their concerns are justified. Huaguo is still a country that has just begun to develop and has great potential. In fact, there are not many movies worth watching in Hollywood in a year. There is a choice, which may be a better choice for you. "

Anyway, Ronald had no idea, so he looked at the problem more objectively.This country is willing to spend money to show free movies for farmers. In fact, it is more attentive than the American government.

The residents of Staten Island have a low income, and the cinemas on the island, because they don’t have much box office revenue, can only buy some movies from the past two or three years to play. Now Ronald’s "Breakdancing" is still being screened in the cinemas on the island. The copy of the second round of screenings has gradually become scratched.And new films like "Dirty Dancing" have not yet had their turn to be released on Staten Island.

Speaking of which, this delayed release speed is not much different from the progress of Breakdance released in China.

It is very difficult to earn billions of dollars in copy rent in this kind of country, and I am really fascinated by Kerkorian's salesmanship.

"Is this what you really think? I will convey it to you." Zhao Li replied on the phone.

"Yes, in fact, I think that importing more of the best movies every year is a window for cultural exchanges between the two countries. After all, movies are not ordinary commodities. If you watch them once, it does not prevent me from watching them and enjoying them. So as long as you focus on In several well-received films, the effect is not too different from large-scale imports."

"Your thoughts are very interesting, and I will convey them, especially the communication you mentioned, rather than a one-way output from one party to the other."

"That's right, if you have good movies, you can also export them. America is open to movies from all countries."

After hanging up the phone here, Chaoli immediately dialed back home. Over there, his brother's department and the head of the cultural department all attached great importance to Ronald's opinion this time.

"It's rare that such a Hollywood director can give such a direct and pertinent opinion. I think Director Luo is seeking truth from facts." A leader wearing glasses commented.

"Old Yan, he is not only a director, but also a capitalist. He made his own movies. His movies have earned more than 1 million box office." A deputy minister who looks like an actor said. He speaks English very well. He has been to America. Do you know? Less details over there, and Ronald's box office ability.

"More than 1 million dollars? U.S. dollars? My dear, this is more than the exports of several of our stronger provinces..." a comrade who was seconded from the foreign trade department and assisted in this matter exclaimed.

"This further shows that people are sincerely for the cause of friendship between the two peoples. Not all capitalists only want to make money."

"That is, he also has a joint venture in Xujiahui, which exports production equipment to Hollywood every year, earning us a lot of foreign exchange."

"Is there such a thing? Can we export to Hollywood? Then I have to call their mayor and ask Boss Luo to keep all the profits in the country and invest more. In the future, it will also be counted as our department's achievements on the economic front. "

"It's up to you to say, this is the treasure of other people's city. Every time people from the Xujiahui factory come, what kind of lightning lamp is missing? As our country has reached the world's leading technology, it is quite Proud. Lao Xu and Lao Shen are put at the end every time and reported as great credit."

"You're right. How can this person be friendly to China? What's his relationship with China?" The leader wearing glasses was also amazed. You said that such a world-leading technology is produced in China?

"I heard that at the Olympic Games in [-], he saw the performance of the women's volleyball team by chance and became a fan of our women's volleyball team on the spot. That's why he fell in love with Hua Guo."

"I heard that there is a rumor in Xujiahui that his ancestors are Chinese, and that's why he treats us with special respect." Another leader in a Chinese tunic suit interjected.

"Huh? That's a good thing. I entrust the comrades in the relevant departments to investigate. Such people are our wealth. The president of the American Film Association, named Valenti, always speaks good things every time he comes. , not saying a word of opinion. Ask him that the culture of Huaguo is very good, the people are very kind, and the scenery is beautiful.

There are also those who like America, who talk about how good it is every day, as if there are no shortcomings there.

Only directors like Ronald, good and bad, are all realistic and true friends of our career. "

Ronald, who has become a true friend of the Chinese people, is being reprimanded by his agents, Nisita and Richard, at his home on Staten Island.

"Ronald, you must not run out like this in the future without saying a word. We were all in a panic in Los Angeles. How many times have we answered calls looking for you?"

"Yes, Ronald, we have been working together for many years, you should believe that we are loyal to you, as long as it is your private life, we will strictly keep it secret.

We just need you to leave your whereabouts and contact information. As a broker, it is very unprofessional not to know where your clients are. "

"In short, I was wrong about this matter, but I also have my special reasons. This matter is not in the Hollywood circle, nor is it my personal matter. I have compelling reasons to act on my own. When I return to Los Angeles, I will discuss it with you. talk.

Who has been contacting me these two days? "

"Okay, Ronald. We all know that you are the most exemplary client in Hollywood. You must have a great reason. If there is such a thing in the future, you can appoint a contact person to find you through him. "

"In the past two days, Tom Pollack from Universal and Ned Tanin from Paramount have been looking for you in succession. They both said they have urgent matters."

"I'll call them back right away. It's the same thing that I should have to deal with." Ronald reacted, and Kerkorian deliberately pointed out his competitors, just to prevent him from competing with the other two companies. The president got in touch too early.Only in this way can he monopolize information and gain more benefits from Ronald.

"There is also Joel Silver. He said that the actor of the new film will wait for you to confirm and ask you to call back as soon as possible."

"Okay, didn't he mean Schwarzenegger? It probably has some clues."

"And the chairman of the MPAA, Jack Valenti, said he needed to speak to you about the overseas Hollywood market."

"I see, I will contact him." Valenti has devoted himself to developing overseas markets all year round, and this time he may have heard rumors that he wants to have a detailed discussion with Ronald.

"Finally your Dirty Dancing music producer, Jimmy Reiner, said he was going to New York, about the record."

"Oh, I see." Ronald took down the phone numbers of all the people who were looking for him, and returned them one by one.

"Ronald, are you in New York?" The first caller was Jimmy Reiner, he was very excited on the phone, the record of "Dirty Dancing" was selling well, RCA informed us to go to the second settlement Yes, we have to discuss about releasing another album. "

"Aha, hahaha, good news. I'm in Staten Island. I'm going to Manhattan tomorrow. You come to me."

Then Ronald called back one by one, Tom Pollack, and Ned Tanin, all came to ask about Ronald's appointment as the World Media Distribution Group.

Ronald both denied his intentions and came to New York for other things.The two of them were a little dubious, but since they had already contacted Ronald, they didn't have to be so anxious, and Kerkorian took care of it.

Then there was Joel Silver, who called to say that Schwarzenegger had other ideas and hoped to meet Ronald and talk about playing the role in person.

Demi Moore also agreed, and talked to Bruce Willis to see if there was any chance of getting her boyfriend back.

Ronald agreed to return to Los Angeles to deal with it.

Finally, there is one more call to make.

"Hello, Mr. Kerkorian."

"How is it, Ronald? You are in New York, what is the progress? Is there any news from the deputy commander? Does he support our plan?"

"Mr. Vice President has other things to do, he should not ask about this matter." Ronald replied.

"Oh, this is very important for our American cultural export and the development of overseas markets..."

"Mr. Kerkorian..." Ronald interrupted the casino owner's sales call, "I haven't finished yet."

"...", Kerkorian didn't seem to expect that Ronald would talk to him like this.

"I have some friends in Huaguo. According to their knowledge from the high-level officials, there is almost no possibility of passing this matter. Therefore, I cannot agree to take up this position..."

"Oh?" Kerkorian didn't expect that Ronald really had something to do with China, so he was silent for a while, "Ronald, we are true friends, right? If it's not convenient for you to join in this matter, I want you to remain silent in front of other people as well."

"True friends help each other, Mr. Kerkorian, don't they?"

"did you mean……?"

"Speaking of one other thing, the 'Moonlight' I filmed at MGM is about to be released at the end of the year. I wonder if we can increase the investment in publicity and distribution? People who have seen the sample film, all It is said that the quality of the movie is good, and it is possible to get a high box office."

"Speaking of which, I also really want to see the performance of that Armenian female star, Cher."

"Mr. Kerkorian, I'm afraid the next job will be very busy. I regret that job opportunity and have to decline. I can only appreciate your kindness.

I accept your proposal, to prevent embarrassment for other candidates, I think both sides keep quiet about it, so that it will be more fair to all others in this competitive game. "

"Very well, that's it." Kerkorian put down the phone, then rang the bell, calling in the secretary.

"Call the vampires on Wall Street and speed up the issue of bonds. Call both banks."

Ronald also called Bannon, "I quit, that thing is cancelled."

"I see, Ronald. I'm about to call you. The atmosphere on Wall Street is a bit wrong recently. It's a good thing for us to wait and see."

(End of this chapter)