Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Let the river flow!"

On the pier in the South Side of Manhattan, Carly Simon made a gesture of opening her hands to embrace the world. The speaker next to her was playing a recording of her single, and Carly was lip-syncing live.

Ang Lee directed the camera crew to shoot the MV for her. However, Ang Lee still has some problems with his English, and he is quite shy, so he always doesn't cooperate well with the camera crew. There was also a problem with directing Carly to make certain poses. After two test shots, there were always problems with the camera movement.

"What are you going to do? Don't you direct it?" asked Dances with Wolves live producer Polly Platt. She had just come back from the set in South Dakota to give Ronald a scolding about Kevin Costner's squandering of the budget. Filming the big scene of the buffalo hunt had been stalled for three weeks, and he had yet to get a picture he was satisfied with.

Ronald learned about the situation. In fact, Costner had a good idea of ​​what kind of scenes he wanted to shoot, but he had just become a director and lacked experience in how to use technical means to achieve his goals.

While Polly Platt complained, she also recognized Costner's talent and could not entirely blame him for the slow progress of filming. The number of Western film shootings in Hollywood has been shrinking year by year. Nowadays, Western films are developing in the direction of feature films. There are very few such big scenes, so that the crew has not found a few experienced Western film shooting experts.

Like the miniseries "Lone Dove" shot by Diane, compared with the imitation of the 1950s movie "Red River", the large number of cavalry charging scenes are reduced to only one or two scenes. Nowadays, ranches are using automobile machinery on a large scale, and horseback riding cowboys are already facing operational difficulties. The difficulty and cost of finding such group performers are not comparable to what they were back then.

"He didn't need me to direct..." Ronald remembered that the "Love to the Heart" filmed by Helen was also produced by Polly, and he also directed director Cameron Crowe on the scene. Ang Lee's problem is different from him. He is very good at filming. The problem is just the Eastern tradition. He doesn't know how to communicate with the staff and actors.

"Just set up the camera here and do a close-up of Carly's upper body. Don't move. Carly, I want you to sing like you're in the studio. Don't think about the performance, just sing. Yes, your singing is the most beautiful and shows your true feelings.”

Sure enough, Ang Lee discovered the problem and immediately came up with a solution. Since we can't communicate well and can't explain clearly, let's just use a still shot and take a close-up shot of the heroine. Everyone adjusts the light and shoots like this. It can’t be complicated, simple is fine.

Ronald smiled slightly, this method is actually quite good. Anyway, Carly Simon’s scenes were mixed with the movie in the post-production process.

"Polly, you take two days off in New York and reunite with your children for a weekend. I asked Bannon to contact you. He has wanted to invest in this project for a long time, so just give him a chance. Anyway, we don't expect to make any money from this movie. Big money.”

When Polly Platt heard that additional investment was coming, she immediately said there was no problem.

"Ronald, your phone number." Little Bud got out of the car and called to Ronald.

"Hello……"

"Ronnie, are you free tonight? I have something to talk to you about." The caller was Diane, "I talked to my dad, Bert, and asked Donna, and they all thought I wanted to talk to you. Let’s talk face to face. How about you taking time to come to my apartment at eight o’clock?”

"What's going on?"

"You'll know it when you come here. It's not a big deal. I have a decision to make. You are one of the most important... people in my life. I have to discuss it with you."

"Don't you want plastic surgery?" Ronald was really worried about what was going on. Before he could continue, Diane had already hung up the phone opposite, and a busy tone came from the phone.

"Crooked? Rick (Nisita), what's going on with your wife Paula? Diane is going to talk to me about plastic surgery today. Where did she go to persuade her?" Ronald hurriedly hung up the phone to his agent. .

"Paula persuaded her and talked about a lot of pros and cons. Diane probably won't want plastic surgery anymore. However, our agent can't actually dissuade her from this kind of thing. After all, it is the actor's own decision. America is a free person In this country, we can only give suggestions..."

"Why is this, why can't you do this well..." Ronald was angry.

"Stop complaining. Our agent has no influence on this kind of thing, especially since she has seen the conditions of other actresses after plastic surgery. You still have a chance to persuade Diane in person."

"Yeah, I'm really anxious." Ronald was quite anxious, "What should I say tonight?"

“Wait a moment and I’ll ask Paula.”

After a while, Paula Wagner called, "I'm really sorry, Ronald. I thought I had convinced her, but recently some footage of Batman leaked, and Kim Basinger seemed young. Over the age of ten, Hollywood's female stars are going crazy.

When you talk to Diane, don't deny her feelings to her face. Actresses are very sensitive. Not to mention the shortcomings of plastic surgery, these have been carefully considered by them. You should care more and eliminate their inner insecurities..."

Ronald listened to his agent's words for a long time and gained some confidence. In short, I just care about it, delay it, and let other actresses try it first to see the effect.

"If it doesn't work, I agree to let her get the scar at the corner of her eye done..." Ronald made up his mind.

…

"Brother Ronnie, you're here." Diane lived in a small apartment in lower Manhattan that she bought with her salary from the movie, and kept it very clean.

She sat Ronald on the sofa, made him a cup of coffee, and then sat next to him obediently, acting like a little woman.

"It seems that he really wants something and wants to have plastic surgery." Ronald secretly thought that it was not good. Even the instant coffee was upgraded to espresso. The first smell was that it was made by the coffee machine.

"Actually... I've already asked dad Bert, and he said that as long as I feel happy..."

"Hmm...?" Ronald took a sip of espresso. He didn't dare to drink more. Diane's cooking skills were really not trustworthy. As expected, the coffee was very sour. He handed the coffee to his left hand... all this was due to the old man. Dad agreed? Isn’t Old Bert the most demanding of his daughter’s acting skills? Can you still take close-ups of your daughter after plastic surgery?

"I asked Donna today, and she agreed...agreed to me doing this..."

"Okay, even my cousin got through?" Ronald pursed his lips and continued to shake the coffee. It would have been nice to have some sugar and milk. Unfortunately, the Diane coffee machine was also newly purchased and had nothing.

He adjusted his thoughts and remembered what Paula Wagner said. Women's thinking is not as linear as men's, and they have to take into account their feelings.

"What, Diane, no matter what you become, I will always love you...ahem, I mean, I love you just as much as Bert and Donna..."

"Hehe, you are so kind, Ronnie..." Diane hugged him tightly, and then kissed Ronald, "I have also prepared legal documents, you don't have to worry about any burden."

With that said, Diane ran to the bedroom, took out a document and handed it to Ronald.

"Are you determined to have plastic surgery? Have you even prepared the legal documents?" Ronald's heart sank, this is too scheming.

what to do? Ronald thought back to his discussion with Paula Wagner and slowly thought of his words. First affirm Diane's feelings, and then let her delay.

Diane's eyes widened as well, watching Ronald's expression.

"Then what... how about we give it a try first and then take it slow depending on the situation?"

"You still want to take your time? I..." Diane's eyes dimmed, but she still held Ronald's arm and didn't let go.

"Okay..." Seeing that Diane had softened, Ronald reached out and opened the document.

"Then don't make me wait too long. At most, I'll let you and Helen get together every once in a while. I won't interfere with you..."

"Okay...ah!" Ronald was shocked when he heard it...his hand shook and the coffee spilled into a puddle of documents.

He quickly took a napkin and wiped the document. Did I hear it wrong? Just now Diane seemed to be saying that Helen and I should maintain a relationship. What does this mean? Is she going to marry me?

After wiping away the coffee stains, Ronald opened the document, and sure enough, the first page read, "Prenuptial Agreement."

Ronald looked through the contents of the document. In this prenuptial agreement drafted by the lawyer, Diane made a great sacrifice and voluntarily gave up all recourse rights to joint income after marriage. Even if they divorced, she would also give up her share of Ronald's property. .

She only asked Ronald to guarantee that he would pay the child support based on her current annual income, plus an annual adjustment for inflation. This means that if the two of them divorce in the future, she will get nothing extra.

"Why?", Ronald looked at Diane, wanting to know the answer.

"I just want to be with you..." When Diane was involved in the Spielberg divorce case, she knew that this would be a huge blow to the willingness of successful men in Hollywood to get married.

If there is some truth to Martha Lucas's huge child support (she herself is a famous editor and has made many uncredited contributions to the editing of Star Wars), Amy Irving is simply After giving birth to a son, he got a share of 100 million US dollars.

Ronald looked at the agreement and then at Diane.

"The first time I attended the Oscars, I was disliked by the male guests. You were the gentleman who let me sit next to you without making a fool of yourself.

Later, after I ran away from my mother in Tennessee, I was threatened by little Zinnemann, and I was bullied by Estevez on the set... Every time I had a problem that I couldn't solve, you fell from the sky like a superhero and helped me. Get rid of all the problems.

My career hit a low point, and you helped me get the role I wanted. Every time I do something bad, you are like a big brother and make me feel at ease.

I just want to be with you, I am willing to prepare coffee for you every day, pick up dry cleaning clothes for you, prepare three meals for you, and I also want to have children for you..."

Ronald looked at the girl in his arms. These were all dreams he had many years ago, but he didn't expect that she would realize them...

Diane continued to tell her thoughts slowly, "My father and mother divorced when I was very young, and they fought for my custody for a long time.

But when I went to ask Bert for permission this time, I found a recording of their quarrel on the phone at home. All these years later, Burt still recorded every phone call from his mother, even if it wasn't a discussion about custody but just some trivial quarrels from their youth, he would still record them.

Sometimes, he would secretly play the recording to himself.

I think this is love, but it is blinded by some unimportant things. I didn't want to repeat their pattern, so I had a well-known divorce attorney in New York draft this document... Ronald, will you marry me? "

"Hey..." Ronald hugged Diane, feeling a lot of emotion. The life he dreamed of before appeared in front of him again when he was not paying attention. It aroused his inner desire for family life.

"I do, Diane", Ronald stroked the small scar at the corner of Diane's eye with his hand. He didn't expect that he would get married by the woman's proposal.

"But I still have some things to deal with. I have to let the lawyer see this agreement. And... and Helen, I have to tell her the news in person."

"Don't worry..." Diane thought that Helen and I had already had an agreement, but she smiled and buried her head in Ronald's arms, "I'm so happy..."

...

The next day in the Fifth Avenue apartment, Ronald found Helen Slater in New York. He had to explain the marriage to her in person.

Helen didn't notice it and talked a lot about the preparations for the new film. She also found some audition photos of male actors with Nora Ephron. According to Ephron, there are already several candidates who are suitable for the male lead in his mind, very manly.

"What's wrong with you? You seem to be worried today?" Seeing Ronald silent, Helen still found the problem.

"Helen, I'm getting married."

"Congratulations, with Diane, right?" The light in Helen Slater's eyes dimmed, but she still congratulated Ronald.

"I don't want to lie to you. I don't want you to see the news in the newspaper about what just happened. Anyway, I owe you an explanation from that year."

"Stop talking. Are you breaking up with me too?" Helen touched Ronald's lips with her hand and made a gesture of speaking separately.

"What?"

"I knew it a long time ago. Diane and I reached an agreement when you had the flu last time. Don't say bad things about each other, but don't appear in front of each other."

"This..." Ronald didn't expect that they really had an agreement.

"I'm not a person suitable for marriage. I will feel uncomfortable repeating it day after day. However, I also have a condition. If you and Diane have a child, I want one too."

...

Ronald obtained Helen's understanding, and the next step is to notify all relatives and friends.

My aunt has already traveled to the Mediterranean for her honeymoon, and she is very happy there. Donna knew about it a long time ago and was very happy that her best friend married her brother. Ronald made a special trip to see old Bert. Bert said the same thing again, hoping Diane would be happy.

Only when the agent was notified did Richard and Niceta, along with Paula Wagner and Daniel Jaffe, the most famous divorce lawyer in Los Angeles, fly to New York at full speed.

…

Richard and Niceta were actually more happy about Ronald's sudden announcement of marriage. The wife of the biggest client was the client of Paula, Niceta's wife, which promoted the relationship between the few people more closely.

Besides, Ronald, who was nearly thirty years old, had reached the time to get married. He was not a famous playboy. During the last flu crisis, many people had already doubted his orientation. It was a very good thing to have a marriage partner.

The one who was dissatisfied was the famous divorce lawyer Daniel Jaffe. He had been in the industry for 25 years and was one of the few divorce lawyers in the 1987 list of the best lawyers in the United States.

"Which lawyer drafted this agreement? These terms..." Jaffe said dissatisfiedly as he flipped through the agreement that smelled of coffee.

"It seems to be Robert Cohen, and the terms are too unfair to Diane." Ronald felt that this was Diane's sincerity, and he couldn't be so harsh.

"No, it's too unfair to you. If you sign this agreement, you will end up worse than Spielberg."

"Why?" Ronald was puzzled and looked at his private lawyer Lindsay Doll.

Lindsay guessed the trap slightly and raised her hand to signal lawyer Jaffe to continue.

"This prenuptial agreement is obviously a trap. Robert Cohen is the most famous divorce lawyer in New York, but his method is still too rough."

Jaffe began to belittle the methods of his peers. There are obvious loopholes in the prenuptial agreement. No matter which state it is in, it will probably end up like Spielberg and be ruled invalid.

And the agreement in Ronald's hand is more embarrassing than Spielberg. He just didn't understand the law and made a joke. If Ronald's agreement is leaked, people all over the country will know that he is a miser who loves money like his life, and then both his property and reputation will be lost.

"Your income as a director, screenwriter, and producer must be reasonably considered Diane's contribution. The success you have achieved is inseparable from your wife's care and compromise. Any court will consider reasonable contributions. Don't give the judge any reason.

As for your business and investment income, you can use some technical details to circumvent it. I believe your fiancée won't care too much. Business operations are related to the jobs of many employees. If you get into a protracted division lawsuit because of divorce, it will affect their lives. The judge will consider it as appropriate.

For investment, you should consider setting up a family office to make this part of the wealth indivisible. You can consider giving your fiancée some income rights. With such an arrangement, the public and the judge will not be able to say anything, and it will also prevent the other party's lawyer from revealing certain terms of the agreement."

Ronald nodded. This agreement does need to be revised.

"Also, do you have other long-term girlfriends who will maintain a relationship after marriage?"

"Oh..." After Lindsay Doll said that Ronald's privacy was protected by attorney-client privilege, Ronald talked about his long-term relationship with Helen and the understanding between her and Diane.

"Understanding is not enough. There are always countless loopholes in the law. You can't guarantee that her thoughts will remain unchanged after you get married or a few years later. It's best to be prepared."

Jaffe explained to Ronald that although the laws in New York and California do not support fault divorce, there are many provisions to protect legal spouses and the recognition of de facto cohabitation. If Ronald and Helen maintain a de facto cohabitation relationship. In case of a lawsuit, it will be very troublesome, whether it is a potential divorce or Helen suing him for alimony.

"What should I do?"

"Buy her a house next to your regular residence..." Jaffe suggested. As adult male and female neighbors, the two have a romantic encounter from time to time, which does not constitute a cohabitation relationship.

"Huh, I just bought her a loft house." Ronald thought to himself, fortunately I bought her an extra apartment on Fifth Avenue.

"Well, let's find a time. Miss Lindsay and I will have a formal discussion with the other party's lawyer, and you and your fiancée Miss Lian En can just come and sign."

"Marriage turns out to be so realistic. I've lost my romantic feeling." Ronald let out a sigh of relief.

"For an ordinary person, of course, this is the case, but you are a successful person. On your shoulders, it is no longer your responsibility alone. You have to find a way to provide some protection for those ordinary people who work for you, Mr. Li.

This is the most responsible idea for marriage. I wish you a happy wedding in advance."

Jaffe has handled many celebrities and rich people's difficult divorce cases. He admires Ronald, who is a man of affection and righteousness among these two types of people. What's more, he can understand the opinions of lawyers and adopt professional opinions, which is even more extraordinary.

"Thank you..." Ronald put these things behind his mind and resumed his vision of marriage.

...

"Where are we going?" Diane sat in the passenger seat of Ronald's newly bought BMW sedan. This was a small gift from him to Diane, and Ronald was driving today.

"There are still some technical details in the agreement, dear. Let's deal with it as soon as possible..."

The two smiled at each other and then kissed each other quickly.

"Ding ding...", the car behind honked.

"Hey, it's not our problem, there are people protesting in front...", Ronald opened the car window and said to the person behind.

"What happened? I still have to go to Wall Street?" The guy behind was obviously anxious.

"Release, release..." A group of blacks and Latinos walked by, holding big signs in their hands.

Ronald took a look and found that they were protesting for the attack on the young woman in Central Park last time.

The five suspects were quickly convicted, and coupled with the advertisement made by the developer to sentence them to death, many blacks and Latinos were very dissatisfied and took to the streets to protest.

They said that these five people confessed under pressure, and later overturned their confessions. It was obvious that the NYPD was inducing confessions.

Because these five people had no factual evidence and were convicted based on confessions, everyone was dissatisfied and demanded a retrial.

Ronald didn't know if what they said made sense, he only knew that he was going to be late for the things he had arranged.

"How about we call the lawyer and go there later?" Diane leaned out to look at the traffic jam and suggested.

"Well, I know a shortcut," Ronald simply parked the car on the side of Fifth Avenue, which is very close to Robert Cohen's law firm. Originally, we went south along Fifth Avenue and turned at 23rd, but the Chelsea community here is also a gathering place for people of color, and the protesters blocked the road tightly.

Ronald took Diane's hand and walked towards the building on the side of the road without caring that the new car would be ticketed by the NYPD.

Ronald took Diane in, walked down a flight of stairs, opened an underground fire door, and there was a long fire escape inside.

"Do you know the way?" Diane, an old Manhattanite, knew that these roads in Midtown were similar to small roads, but only those who were familiar with them knew how to get through the middle of the building. Ronnie was from Staten Island...

"Don't worry, I was shooting here when I was on the crew of "Famous", and I know a small road." Ronald walked forward confidently.

The fire door was pushed open again. It was no longer a fire escape, but a hall, but it was pitch black inside.

"Where is this? Did we go the wrong way?" Diane looked around.

"Pick one." Ronald snapped his fingers.

Richard on the opposite side clapped his hands twice, clapping.

One by one, the lights were lit up, and the bright lights came on one by one. The spotlights shone on the counters made of dark blue velvet, and the transparent stones on the glass and velvet reflected colorful light.

"Oh, My God," Diane opened her mouth in surprise.

This is not a shortcut, but the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue. They walked into the ring area. There were two rows of diamond rings in each counter. Behind each counter, there were salesmen in formal clothes standing behind, ready to serve at any time.

"Oh, My God," Diane said several times and covered her mouth. She had no choice but to propose marriage. Which girl doesn't want to be proposed to by her beloved man? This romantic scene should be remembered for a lifetime.

"I think these are all good..." Ronald pointed at the ring and asked Diane.

"Oh, My God" Diane was still repeating this sentence, she was a little speechless.

"Diane Lane, will you marry me?" Ronald knelt on one knee...