Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Ronald, you have become a very good director. I didn't see that you had this talent at the time. I only knew that you were a good fighter." Jerry Zucker made a joke when he saw Ronald.

"Hahaha, but I understand how powerful you three are. It's not easy for comedies to continuously produce high-box-office movies." Ronald said to Jerry Zucker, his brother David, and their friends The three Abrahams hugged each other in turn.

"Hey, hey..." Jerry Zucker also made a "crane kick" action, "I'm going to parody it in my next movie, do you mind?"

"Uh... don't mind."

"It's useless if you mind, hahahaha..." Zach started to be funny again. He caught Ronald's rhythm of thinking and always gave unreasonable answers.

"That's probably the box office password of their trio." Ronald is no longer the assistant on the set. When he came to talk to Roger Corman about the partnership, he already knew that the three of them like to joke around and play pranks. Not entirely because of personality.

The rhythm of comedy is very demanding. When they often chat with people, they have to test the other person's reaction time. Then who knows? If this works well, maybe your ugliness will appear in their next script.

"To be honest, comedy is not difficult, but it is difficult to accumulate. It takes us about two to three years to accumulate enough material to start shooting a movie. This is why we only shoot our own scripts, because comedy is too personal melted."

Closer to home, the Zach trio were also very enthusiastic about Ronald. They introduced their creative methods, which was to grind slowly. The three of them continued to create and modify the plots until each one was perfect and the audience couldn't help but laugh.

"Comedies are very particular about the size of the performance. If the audience laughs for a second longer than you expected at the previous punchline, they may not understand the beginning of the next punchline, which is a serious accident for the next punchline. One wrong time and the next three laughs will be ruined.”

Jerry Zucker is the leader of the trio, "But the script you wrote is still very good. The requirements for the female kidnapper are relatively low and don't require much acting. The male kidnapper also has most of the laughs." It’s about plot twists and conflicts, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a comedian.

The key is that the male and female protagonists, the annoying rich girl who is obsessed with losing weight, and the husband who wants to kill his wife to get the father-in-law's inheritance, must be actors with comedy talents. "

He quickly flipped through a script and said, "Hey, your script is really good." Jerry Zucker pushed his brother David with his elbow. Look here, there is a twist in the plot. The kidnapper turns out to be a rich man. The inventors of the product are all ordinary people who take desperate risks to get what they deserve. "

"And this, a rich girl was locked in a basement and watched fitness videos on TV, and she actually lost weight that she couldn't lose before."

"Hahahaha, look at the ransom. At first it was asked for five hundred thousand, then one hundred thousand, and finally the husband refused to even pay ten thousand or five thousand. He was so angry that the rich girl cooperated with the kidnapper."

The trio began to discuss the script. They often played the roles in it, discussed the rhythm of some lines, and picked up pencils to mark it.

"Do you like this script so much? Are you willing to make an exception and direct it?" Ronald saw the three of them getting into work, thought about it, and simply made his invitation.

"I thought you wanted to direct it yourself, Ronald?" Jerry Zucker pushed up his glasses and looked into Ronald's eyes.

"I have this idea, but after discussing with real experts, I found that it requires too much study and talent. I'm afraid I can't direct it alone. If you are interested, I can work with Disney. Oh, by the way, they are now live-action The film department has been assigned to Touchstone. Contact Touchstone and ask Katzenberg to talk to you. Mr. Eisner promised me that they can provide some investment and distribution channels as long as there is a suitable script. "

Jerry exchanged views with the three of them, "Then it's up to you. You will be the producer when the time comes. We are not familiar with Disney's personnel, so we only believe in you."

"Of course there's no problem with that, but I can only put my name on it. With your level, I don't need to take care of anything. I just want to help you block some people who don't know how to pretend to understand and come to the set to give random instructions."

Of course, Ronald knew that the Jerry Zucker trio was also the great director duo that produced two blockbuster comedy films, "Unprecedented and Unprecedented" and "Top Secret!" Katzenberg, who was produced by Disney, worked with him on their first two films.

But after all, we are all artists, and being able to work together makes each other feel most at ease. In this industry, there are too many executives who don’t understand production. Having Ronald as a producer can scare away some connections who want to come in for gold plating.

At the appointed time, Ronald brought Jerry Zucker to the office of Disney's new production director Katzenberg.

"Jerry? I thought you wouldn't shoot a script written by someone else?" Katzenberg received a call from Eisner and knew that Ronald would come to discuss a new project. He had no idea that Ronald would bring It's the Zach trio.

"Thanks to Ronald, we absolutely loved this 'Evil Husband' script. How can I put it? We almost laughed our heads off. But when we thought we didn't write it and felt sad about it, making an exception for it was completely It’s worth it. I don’t want to wait two years to get enough jokes.”

"Very good. Touchstone can invest six million in the shooting budget and guarantee a distribution contract in North America. If you need more funds, you can raise them yourself. Is there any problem?" Katzenberg was very happy. Finally, Touchstone could get a good deal. It is hoped that the script will be a big hit and it will be a great opening for this small label, so that would be perfect. "

"Zach and his ZAZ production company can be responsible for the remaining part. My daydream will make up for the remaining investment and leave some flexibility." Ronald said the investment ratio that had been discussed before.

"So..." Katzenberg pointed at Ronald, "You are the producer of this movie."

"I will put my name on it, and Touchstone can find a specific assistant producer to be responsible for some details. After all, I have other projects. We will also send an assistant producer to jointly supervise the project."

"Very good, I have no problem. The casting decision is up to you." Katzenberg opened a bottle of champagne. With Ronald's guarantee, the successful combination of the trio, and the script both popular directors are optimistic about, all he has to do is sit back and enjoy the results, and leave the rest to the legal department to worry about.

"What do you think of the casting?" Jerry Zucker left the office and found a place to sit down together to talk about the preparations. He still politely asked Ronald for his opinion on the casting. This is the legal authority of the producer.

"I think the two protagonists are the key." Ronald planned to talk in general. Seeing Zach nod, he continued, "It's best to have a contrasting effect. The rich girl needs to find a girl who everyone thinks is ugly, speaks loudly, and is very annoying. A disgusting actress, so as to create a contrast with the subsequent plot twist.

As the husband’s actor, I think it’s best to find someone who is short and wretched, so that the audience can instantly imagine the image of someone who marries an ugly girl for the sake of family wealth..."

"It's very close to what I think. If you make a comedy, we will be in trouble." Zach joked again, "But if you have any candidates, you can tell me. As long as the appearance of the supporting roles matches, Acting is not very important.”

"If possible, I would like to recommend an actress, Helen Slater." Ronald felt that he could not take away the role that originally belonged to Helen in the dream, so he quickly gave his recommendation.

"Yes, that girl is very beautiful. I watched her movie Billie King. Although it didn't do well at the box office, her role as a modern-day Joan of Arc has a great temperament. She is exactly the type you are most fascinated by at your age." Jerry Zucker winked at him.

"Uh...that's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean?"

"I don't mean anything... No, I just think she is suitable. Her father has helped me a lot."

"Hahaha, I fooled you." Zach laughed, "Don't worry, I will leave this vase to your beautiful woman.

…

"We do not plan to introduce the heroine Elizabeth Sue again, and focus the story on Mr. Miyagi, and Daniel's master and apprentice. Because of a telegram, they returned to Ryukyu, where Miyagi was born, to complete unfinished grievances."

"Why don't you keep her?" Ronald looked at the outline of the script for "Dragon Boy 2". This part mainly tells the story of Miyagi, echoing and faintly echoing the story of Daniel in the previous part.

The story takes place in a small fishing village near the Ryukyu US military base, the hometown of Master Miyagi. In order to explain that Daniel has a Japanese beauty as his girlfriend, Ali, played by Elizabeth Shue, needs to be separated from Daniel at the beginning of the plot.

"We may make this movie into a series, Mr. Weintraub. If her character Ali doesn't appear in this episode, how will the possible third film deal with the plot after Daniel returns from Ryukyu? Anyway It's a cameo, just let her come for a day. Give her and Daniel a reason to have a disagreement, for example, Ali is going to a preparatory college and has to separate from Daniel.

In this way, in the third part, we can also arrange the story of Daniel's two girlfriends meeting in America. It just so happens that they both have practiced karate. I'm afraid many viewers are also interested in beautiful women doing karate. "

Ronald put forward his own opinions. Elizabeth Sue went to Harvard to study. For the second part, Weintraub hired a screenwriter to find a new Japanese girlfriend for Daniel, leaving a gimmick to keep the integrity of the character Ali. Sex is the better choice.

Otherwise, as written in the script, Ali dumped Daniel for the rugby players, which would be a conflict with Ali's character in the previous film.

"What you said makes sense, so I asked the screenwriting team to revise it. Elizabeth Su was loved by many boy viewers in the first film. She is very temperamental, and she is not only the girl next door, but also a Harvard girl. It was right to keep her.”

Weintraub still agreed with Ronald's opinion, "Is there anything else that you think needs to be modified?"

"I read the script carefully first. Sometimes I have to sleep with it, and I will have inspiration and ideas the next morning." Ronald picked up a copy and put it in his bag.

"Hahaha, you can also make up good stories in your dreams, Ronald."

"Forehead……"

Weintraub didn't know he had revealed the truth, and patted Ronald on the shoulder, "This time we will go back to Hawaii to shoot. I know a big landowner there, and we can use his estate for free.

We can also invite the deputy commander's family to come for vacation, and borrow his Marine II helicopter to shoot a few shots.

I will contact Elizabeth Shue's agent, and she will know who is supporting her with all her heart."

Weintraub winked at Ronald, "Anyone who has tasted the taste of the heroine will not be satisfied with the work of a college graduate. If she wants to return to Hollywood, she must know who can provide her with real help."

"Uh, that's not what I mean."

"No matter what you mean, she has to thank you anyway, right? As long as this movie can catch up with the previous one, I will be much more confident when I take over the United Artists label." Weintraub was thinking about the promise of MGM boss, Las Vegas tycoon Kerkorian. Whether he can become a small boss of United Artists depends mainly on Ronald.

...

Ronald found that the two medium-budget productions he shot, "The Karate Kid" and "Top Gun", were very powerful.

It has been spread in the industry that the new film of Tom Cruise shot by Ronald will catapult him to the status of a new generation of stars.

In the eyes of the top executives of major studios, Ronald has changed from a low-cost film master who can turn stones into gold to a powerful director of mainstream films.

It is difficult to replicate the success of low-cost films, but medium-cost films can be more certain. As long as there is a strong director, big stars, good scripts, and strong publicity, there is still a certain probability that the certainty of making money can meet expectations.

"So you promise?" Barry Diller, CEO of 20th Century Fox, a small option owner, and Eisner's former boss, met Ronald in his office to discuss Gale Hurd's role as producer of "Alien 2".

"I promise that Gale is the only one on the set who can control Cameron. The last time I shot the ending shot of Terminator for them, I was almost scolded to death by Jim. In the end, it was Gale who proposed a feasible plan."

"Lie, and you can control Cameron." Barry Diller scolded, but his expression was a warm smile.

"Um... that's not what I meant. What I meant was that I have other projects and can't be the producer of this 'Alien' sequel. Gale and Cameron are the best combination."

"I know what you mean, Ronald." Barry Diller lit a cigar, "Would you like one too?"

"Thank you," Ronald took the cigar from the young boss of 20th Century Fox, "In fact, taking over the sequel midway is not a good choice for Cameron. If it's good, people will attribute the credit to Ridley Scott in the first part, and if it's not good, it's all Cameron's fault.

But he wrote the script, and the special effects scenes are suitable for him. As long as someone is watching him on the set, Let him play well, you will definitely make money. "

"I understand what you mean, but what I mean is..." Barry Diller exhaled a puff of cigarette, "When will you come to make a movie for us at Fox? You can choose the director, producer, and role, and you can also participate in the investment of production."

"Uh..."

"Don't deny it, I know you got very good conditions from Eisner. I just want to remind you that what Disney can give you, we can also give to Fox."

"I remember, Mr. Diller." Ronald felt that some of Eisner's styles were probably learned from Barry Diller, direct, quick, and understand your opponent.

"Let your friends come and find Joe Vizan, the vice president in charge of production, to sign the contract."

Barry Diller was happy in his heart. It was more important to have a relationship with Ronald Lee, the emerging director, than the sequel to the horror movie "Alien". The big boss of 20th Century Fox, the former oil tycoon Marvin Davis, sold part of his shares to another tycoon from Australia, the news tycoon Murdoch who started from Fleet Street in London.

The two of them also want to jointly acquire the Metropolitan Media TV Network. If they can make friends with people like Ronald and get him to shoot a hit movie for Fox, their status with the new boss will be improved.

Unlike Marvin Davis, who is an outsider, Murdoch is an expert in the media, so he has to show some practicality.

…

"Aunt Karen, Eric," Ronald returned home. His aunt and new boyfriend Eric lived at home, and they began to travel around the country. This time, he was accompanied by Little Bud to visit the surrounding areas of Los Angeles. He just came back from Palm Springs today.

"Sorry, I'm too busy and don't have time to accompany you."

"It doesn't matter. It's great to have Little Bud accompany us." Aunt cooked some dishes by herself and watched Ronald eat.

"You seem to be a little worried, Ronald, what happened?"

Aunt keenly sensed Ronald's anxiety.

"Actually, it's nothing. I'm just a little uncomfortable." Ronald could tell his aunt anything, so he told her about his sudden improvement in status and the courtesy of several senior executives of major studios.

"My dear, all the answers are here." The aunt reached into her travel bag, took out a cloth-bound book, and handed it to Ronald.

"This is the book Eric picked with me. It's the Quakers of America, an early reprint of the King James version."

Ronald took it and looked at it. It was an older Bible. However, this kind of book is published in large quantities, is not very expensive compared to other antique books, and is in good condition. The King James Version is an older English translation. It is famous for its concise and beautiful words and good recitation rhythm. It was once very popular.

"Look here." His aunt helped him open the book to Matthew 1.

“To everyone who has, more will be given, so that he will have an abundance;

Whoever has not, even what he has will be taken away from him. "

"A person already has some fame, and more fame will be added to him in the future, even if he doesn't deserve it. You just have some fame for making movies and making money, to..."

As she spoke, her aunt smiled. She had never worried about her nephew, and he would have figured it out by himself. "You know, Ronald, don't be fooled by appearances."

"Thank you, Auntie." Ronald hugged Aunt Karen.