Exploiting Hollywood 1980

At the Western Film Expo in Las Vegas, there was a super-large poster at the 20th Century Fox booth, with Bruce Willis's big face and the words "Die Harder" that were even bigger than his face.

Many people surrounded the booth and asked for tickets to Fox's ordering meeting. Sequels of such successful action movies are generally stable sellers. Movie theater buyers across the country want to confirm their share of copies as soon as possible.

Thomas Stephenson, who runs a Hollywood cinema chain in the East, also came. After he took over the operation of the cinema, the number of cinemas that joined the chain has exceeded 100 and is still growing. Now he no longer needs to

"So what is the story of the second part?" Thomas Stephenson asked Ronald and Joel Silver, the producer duo of Die Hard 2, who were sitting next to him.

"It's still a secret. Anyway, the scene is bigger than the first one, the explosion fireball is bigger, more lives are saved, and the villains are more cunning."

"Very good, we like such certain movies." Thomas Stephenson was very satisfied with Ronald's answer. The sequel continued the box office secret of the first one, so that the cinema would have a strong movie in the summer season to support the box office.

Silver went to communicate with other cinema buyers, and Ronald stayed here to continue chatting with Stephenson. Saudi Prince Bandar has begun to invest in cinemas in shopping malls in the three major cities of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The six cinemas marked by the oasis palm trees have become the latest and most luxurious multi-hall cinema standard, which is very popular among teenagers.

These cinemas are Bandar's investment. He is impatient to operate them, so he joined the Hollywood cinema chain and was operated by the management team sent by Thomas Stephenson. All of them use advanced stereo surround sound systems, and each theater has no more than 60 seats, and there are no steps in the middle like the old theaters.

The flexible adjustment of the schedule of multiple movies is the product of the latest cinema management ideas. The Saudis were quick to pay, and Thomas Stephenson Jr. welcomed their participation. Prince Bandar got a stable income, Hollywood Cinema had more theaters to join, and Ronald's low-budget movie had a relatively stable release channel, and everyone was very happy.

"We are looking forward to your romantic comedy. I will schedule more in the summer. There are many teenage girls in the East Coast summer, and the more such movies, the better."

"Don't forget the other movie I participated in. Look who is talking, and you have to ensure some screening rate." Ronald did not forget the other movie he participated in producing.

"Is a baby movie okay? Tell me what you think its box office potential is."

"Of course, don't forget ET. Any movie that children like to watch will definitely have good box office."

"Okay, I'll give you some more. There are losers every year in the summer season. This year's Ghostbusters 2, Lethal Weapon 2, and Indiana Jones 3 are all sequels. The new movie Fireball, Batman, and the old 007, I always feel that at least one of them will be finished. The current James Bond is ugly and frowning, but the previous two were so cool..."

"And the Karate Kid 3", Ronald added. With the relationship of the theater chain, the movies he participated in have a little advantage in scheduling.

"And the Karate Kid 3, it's a pity that you are not directing this series."

"I found that the action scenes I directed are not as good as those Hong Kong people. You will know when you see it."

Then Ronald chatted cordially with buyers from several theater chains about this year's summer season. He was only responsible for smiling and praising the other party for their good cooperation in the past. The rest of the details were implemented by the distribution director Michelle Cannold who came with him.

"Ronald, um, Mr. Li, this time it's really thanks to you."

Ronald was drinking Coca-Cola, and Kevin, the executive producer of 20th Century Fox, came over to flatter Ronald. After seeing the friendship between Ronald and the two bosses of Fox, he immediately changed his mind and tried his best to create opportunities to communicate with Ronald. Anyway, he always paid attention to the projects he participated in.

"Haha, they mainly purchased it because of the glorious history of 20th Century Fox and the professionalism of you executives." Ronald perfunctorily said that he had seen many such villains in major studios, and there was no need to go against them.

"I'm not exaggerating. You are the one who can grasp the pulse of the audience. As long as you are the producer of the project, the buyers will not ask for details and will directly book the maximum number of copies. We have saved a lot of things. The colleagues in the distribution department all worship you as a genius."

"Haha, I'm so happy that you said that..."

"To be honest, some people are talented, and some are not. Some directors with a glorious history have no way to promote their current projects in our distribution department. The buyers of the theaters shake their heads when they see his name, and they can't sell it no matter how hard they try."

"Oh? Who is it?" Ronald heard the other party talk about such a private matter. It would be a shame if he didn't gossip about it.

"I'm only talking to you, Ronald. It's John Hughes, who became famous for shooting youth films like you a few years ago. His movies have been box office bombs in a row. Universal and Paramount can't stand him. We are going to take another gamble on him. Now it seems that the booking number is really..."

"Oh..." Ronald was a little surprised when he heard that it was John Hughes who worked in the office next door to him while filming "Fast Times" and filmed "Sixteen Candles" and "The Breakfast Club" a few years ago. He was also photographed and praised as "Spring is not a day for reading". Why did he stop doing it so quickly?

After calling Michelle Cannold to find out, it turned out that this matter had something to do with me.

John Hughes got his start in teen movies. His muse was Molly Ringwald, who led to the Brat Pack, a group of teen stars.

In the end, Emilio Estevez disappeared after being suppressed by Ronald, Rob Lowe retired due to the video scandal, Andrew McCarthy filmed the show, and Ralph Mazzio filmed Ronald Boy, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis got married, Jennifer Gray went to film Ronald Dirty Dancing...all the actors he used who were comfortable can no longer be filmed, or don't bother to film his movies.

In the end, Molly Ringwald, whom he valued most, couldn't bear to continue playing a girl and broke up with him. John Hughes had no choice but to switch to comedies.

However, several transformational films such as "The Heart of the World", "Into the Wild", and "Uncle Buck" all suffered box office failures. For a time, he was no longer guaranteed to make money in commercial films that were even more famous than Ronald.

"What's going on?" Ronald felt a little embarrassed. Like him, John Hughes is also an all-round Hollywood talent with director, producer, and screenwriter. He produces no less movies than Ronald every year. Popular trends in Hollywood are changing very quickly. Such a talent is no longer recognized by Hollywood in the blink of an eye, and even asks Fox to distribute it.

"What, are you interested? If you are interested, that's another matter. How about I show you the script?" When the executive producer heard that Ronald was interested, he immediately changed his appearance. , immediately asked the assistant to get the script.

"This is a children's film, but no one dares to let Hughes direct it anymore..."

"Why?" Ronald signaled that he would not accept the script and asked him to sign a formal script copyright relinquishment agreement with Daydream's legal counsel before getting started. Although Hughes failed three times in a row, it's not like he can't find anyone to invest in him as a director.

"You will understand after watching his recent movies. This man is crazy... If you are interested, and... if you are not interested in directing, just recommend a director to us. Who in Hollywood doesn't know that you are not only interested in actors? He has a good eye and a good eye for directors.”

…

"What is this..." Ronald received a videotape from Fox that night and fast forwarded to watch three new John Hughes films.

The legend that John Hughes ran out of talent cannot be said to be nonsense without a bit of evidence. It's one thing for movie box office to be adversely affected by market changes and other factors. The main reason why Hollywood dislikes such a former blockbuster director is that there are big problems with his directing techniques.

In both films, "Uncle Buck" and "Uncle Buck", which he personally directed, John Hughes followed the technique of his last blockbuster film "Spring Is Not a Day to Read", allowing the hero to face the camera from time to time and have some inner conversations. monologue.

This technique is often used in the theater world and is called breaking the fourth wall. This means that there are walls on three sides of the theater, and only one side is empty facing the audience. But in this empty direction, actors traditionally cannot show that they see the audience.

Their plays are limited to the confines of the stage. Some avant-garde comedies deliberately break the gambling wall and have the effect of actually watching a show. Sometimes this alienating effect can actually make the audience more immersed in it.

But when this technique is used on a large scale in movies, it seems inappropriate. Movie audiences often have to be distracted. It is occasionally used at the beginning of the movie to speed up the narrative rhythm and exaggerate the atmosphere. It happens every five or ten minutes, and the emotions that were just lifted by the movie are gone. .

No wonder Fox doesn't dare let him direct this new film.

However, the script of this movie is actually quite interesting. A child is alone at home and outsmarts two gangsters. Many people have had this kind of fantasy when they were young, right? Ronald felt that as long as the director was changed, maybe this would be a movie that could be close to the target audience of "Look Who's Talking".

Amy Heckerling is still in intense post-production and preparing for the sequel. Ronald thought about it for a while, and found that Chris Columbus, who had filmed "The Adventures of Babysitter" back then, would be a good fit. There were many action scenes for children in that movie, and the filming was very childlike.

"Chris, it's me. There's a children's film script here. Are you interested in trying it?" Ronald called Columbus immediately regardless of the fact that it was already night.

"Did you offend Eisner? It doesn't matter. This time it's 20th Century Fox. Their big boss is an Australian. There won't be any Jewish... Hey, there are producers who are ignorant of current affairs to boycott you. Are you interested? ? Okay, ask your agent to call my agent, and I’ll make an appointment for you to go for an interview.”

After arranging an interview with Chris Columbus, Ronald received a call from the office of the president of Sony America, saying that President Dahe wanted to talk to him.

Because bodyguard Dan said there were no confidential lines in Las Vegas hotels, Ronald made an appointment with them to contact them after returning to Los Angeles.

The next day, Ronald, who took a business jet back to Los Angeles late at night, went to Jonathan Demme's place. Ronald fell a little in love with the feeling of flying on a private plane, mainly because it made less noise, had a good rest, and could be flexibly arranged according to his own schedule.

Demi got in touch with his lost priest cousin again. The cousin who worked for the poor and blacks had similar value orientations to him. Unfortunately, he was not loved by the suburbs and had to wander in poor places such as New Jersey and Brooklyn.

Demi donated some money to him and came back to continue his intense work. He himself has already chosen the candidate to play Dr. Lecter, and is contacting him through CAA for a joint audition with Jodie Foster.

"Why did you choose him?" Ronald saw that it was not the British-accented actor in his dream, but the first 007 actor, Sean Connery.

"This is what I think. Dr. Lecter must have a strong body and look like someone who can kill people with his bare hands."

"It's true that the image of James Bond left a deep impression on the audience."

"Yes, this is the second reason. We have to find an actor who the audience thinks is a good person to play this criminal. Lecter is a very stylish gentleman in the movie. He could not restrain his criminal impulse and committed a series of crimes. Homicide.

But when he is not acting sick, this is a person who seems to be polite to the audience. I would be hard-pressed to find a better fit. "

Jonathan Demme showed Ronald a lot of work, and this is a director who works very hard and is well prepared for the inner world of his character. Ronald really couldn't find any reason to deny this casting, unless it was my dream.

"Okay, let's give it a try, and do you have a backup candidate? I heard that Sean is difficult to deal with. He is unwilling to learn an accent unless you can accept a Lecter with a Scottish accent." Ronald still said One shortcoming is that Connery is a bastard star in movies. He will never change himself for the role. He must make the role accommodate him.

…

"Dahe Sang, why are you here in person?"

After Ronald returned to the hotel, Norio Ohga did not call this time, but flew in person to interview Ronald.

"The hotel's confidential line is not guaranteed. After much thought, I decided to come in person. Once Ronald Sang's private house is built, we can still talk on the phone regularly." Dahe learned about Ronald's house building and returned it to Ronald De recommended a Japanese-style designer, and Ronald selected a few rooms and created them in the style of a tea room according to Oga's wishes, as well as a small Japanese-style dry landscape courtyard.

"Is there anything important?" Ronald knew that Dahe's coming in person must be something very important.

"The insider who leaked our strategic plan to acquire Columbia Pictures has been found." Dahe got straight to the point.

"who is it?"

"That's the consultant we hired, Michael Ovitzsan."

Dahe picked up the small cup of Kung Fu tea that Ronald made for him, smelled the aroma of the black tea, and drank it in one gulp. Although this tea ceremony from the south is not as good as Japan, it still has an artistic beauty.

But Ronald clearly saw Da He's hand holding the teacup trembling slightly.

"I really don't understand why we spent so much sincerity only to get betrayed by this Jew!"

Ronald had no choice but to remain silent. How should he answer this?

"We Japanese people always like to be sincere to others and value long-term cooperation. In the first few businesses, we were even able to suffer a slight loss for the sake of long-term cooperation. But these people always regard our goodwill as weakness."

"This is a difference in business philosophy, Dahe Sang, this is nothing. Japanese companies will definitely have to pay some extra costs if they want to enter America." Luo Jian advised.

"It's not like we haven't made good friends in America, such as forward-thinking businessmen like Ronald Sang. You are the most intelligent Hollywood businessman I have ever seen. I will communicate with you. It's like facing a great artist, which inspires me a lot.

As for people like Ovitz, I just think they are not worthy of doing big business. They are like a pork seller who is still short of money every time he cuts meat for his customers. In my hometown, it is impossible for this kind of meat seller to survive. "

"Da He Sang, calm down. America is a complicated country of immigrants. You can see all kinds of nationalities." Ronald poured another cup of tea for Da He.

"Forgive me for being rude, I'm so... Hey, originally I wanted to hire him to be the president of the new Columbia company after our acquisition..."

After Da He said this, he stared into Ronald's eyes to see his reaction, "Now that he has exposed his character in advance, I wonder if Ronald Sang is interested in helping us manage Columbia Company?" What about all the production and distribution business?”

"Me? Thank you Dahe Sang for your consideration. In fact, I am not suitable to manage a big production company. My own daydreams are very troublesome. I wish I had a management genius to help me manage it. I can put more energy into it myself." Put it into directing work," Ronald firmly refused.

Are you kidding me? Being fooled once is not enough. Such a large studio has many complicated personnel relationships. I have to deal with people like Gary from Fox every day. Isn't he sick to death?

If he were to follow the example of Frank Price, the former president of Columbia, and focus on production, he would definitely be joined by those Jewish executives to cause trouble, and he might be framed just like Price.

Besides, you don’t necessarily need to open a meat stall to enjoy a delicious braised pork meal.

Ronald said again, “However, I really like the distribution departments of Columbia and TriStar Pictures. Their professionalism is rare in Hollywood. I am willing to reach a strategic agreement with your new company after the acquisition. In the future, my films will be made with Columbia first.”

“It’s settled, Ronald-san. It’s our honor to help you.” Although Ohga Norio was disappointed, such a cooperation agreement with a Hollywood commercial film machine must be a good booster after the acquisition.

“I wonder if what Ronald said is an exclusive cooperation agreement?” Ohga felt that this trip was worthwhile.

“Please have another drink…” Ronald heard it and just smiled without saying anything. Retaining competition is the best bargaining chip. "How did Oga-san find the insider?"

"This was found out by our investigation team in Australia. The main reason why Scath came to bid for Columbia was because his company was in financial crisis and cash flow was about to break, so he wanted to use this to speculate on stocks.

We spent money to buy his new resort at a low price, the respectable vice president told us. In fact, Ovitz took the initiative to contact Scath..."

"Hey...", Ronald thought, you Japanese are also very good at finding Australian traitors. I don't know what benefits you promised this vice president to sell out his boss.

"By the way, Ronald-san, this time we went to Australia to acquire the best beach holiday house in Brisbane of Scath's company. It was newly completed last year, with complete facilities and personnel. It is perfect to fly there with a business jet to spend the weekend with female friends. I left you two of the best ones. The documents and keys will be sent to your agent Richard."

"Then I am grateful." Ronald knew that this was Oga's reward for his help in the Daily News. Besides, once the cooperation agreement was signed, he and he were now in the same trench.

"We will terminate the negotiations to hire him as the president after the merger, and we will also stop his consulting services for future acquisitions. We can't indulge such an insider anymore.

But he will soon smell Ronald Sang's involvement from the Daily News. If there is anything that requires our presence, please call my secretary directly."

Ohga Norio left in a hurry. Ronald knew that Ovitz might turn against him soon. Anyway, he and Richard and Niceta already had a complete response plan. Agents are really not the masters of Hollywood. The smooth progress in the past few years has made Ovitz have an illusion. It's time for him to understand clearly.

...

"A-choo, what, Chris Columbus went to 20th Century Fox to interview the director of the children's film? A-choo, who did it?" Ovitz sneezed several times in the office and was furious with his secretary.

After offending Disney CEO Eisner, who is also Jewish, he still has the opportunity to fight for such a big project. Whose way is this guy following?

"Ronald? Why is it him again? He and Orion invited Sean Connery for the two projects?" Ovitz heard about Ronald again. He pondered for a while, "Please call me back when you are free, Mr. Connery."

Ronald spent a lot of money to invest in these two projects in order to win awards. He must not let him find suitable actors, otherwise his plan will fail. Ronald, who doesn't want to help him win the little golden man, is not something he can control.

He must make his project fail, preferably the kind of failure that is just one step away, so that he can highlight his value.

"Hello, Sean. This is Ovitz. I heard that someone invited you to play the Silence of the Lambs. Do you want to take it? Why do you want to take such a villain? You are a natural hero, Sean, think about it, Dr. Indiana Jones's father, 007, I have a better choice, and I can also let you speak with a Scottish accent. What role? Still a spy, how about? Go to Russia and fall in love with beautiful women..."