Exploiting Hollywood 1980

Jennifer Connelly solemnly collected Ronald's business card, but she did not leave. Instead, she accompanied Ronald and art director Ryan Weaver to see various outdoor scenes in the Catskills.

Every time Ronald arrived at a place, he took pictures with his camera, preparing to choose the scene according to the appearance after returning.

"Won't you take the outdoor scenes here? Then why not find a studio to set up the scene?" Jennifer Connelly heard that Ronald took pictures because it was too expensive to clear the Catskills, so she asked her own question.

"It's too expensive. There are many tourists here. Our shooting will last for fifteen to twenty days. We can't work overtime here, so it will take three to four weeks. As for setting up the scene, it's even more expensive. The budget for my entire movie is only 4.5 million US dollars."

Ronald found a place selling ice cream, bought three double-scoop chocolate ice cream cones, and took one for Connelly to eat.

"I don't want to eat it." Connelly refused. She couldn't escape the common baby fat of American girls. She was fat all over. She refused Ronald's offer, but her eyes were fixed on the ice cream. "You are so famous, shouldn't the studio give you a budget of 20 or 30 million?"

"For some reasons, I can only finance the filming myself." Ronald took the ice cream and ate it himself. "Are you still making movies now?"

"Yes, when I was filming "Once Upon a Time in America", it was like taking an advanced film shooting class. My mother originally wanted me to be a model, but now I have become an actor before I know it.

"Byrth" I played has just been released. Have you seen it? I acted with David Bowie."

"I haven't seen it yet, but I will go. ”

When Jennifer Connelly heard that Ronald only had a budget of 4.5 million, her attitude suddenly became less eager to recommend herself than before.

Ronald also understood her thoughts. It was said that "The Magic Labyrinth" was a blockbuster with a budget of 20 to 30 million. Connelly debuted and cooperated with a big director like Leon, and it was a big production. It would be abnormal if she was not disappointed when she heard about her own small film.

After saying goodbye to Jennifer Connelly, Ronald and art director Ryan Weaver began to plan the next plan together.

The problem of falling leaves limited the shooting time of "Dirty Dancing" to summer and autumn. If no cheap location can be found this year, it must be postponed to next year.

Ronald felt that the problem was very serious. He first asked Ryan Weaver to find other suitable locations, and then determine whether to shoot this year after seeing his location scouting results.

"On the East Coast, the leaves change color and fall later the further south you go. We have to look south. Based on the photos you took today, look for Jewish resorts with similar architectural styles and camera positions." Ryan Weaver concluded.

"It's not us, it's you who will go. I have to go back to Los Angeles soon, and there are two film projects waiting for me there. "Ronald didn't have time to accompany him to continue scouting locations.

"Okay, but I have to find someone to help me. One person can't handle the location work. The location of this movie is quite complicated, and I may have to use film to test shoot a section. I have to at least find someone to help me carry the camera."

"You recommend someone, but my budget is not much, and you have to take economy class to the Deep South."

"Then find David Chapman, he is a very reliable location production designer. He is experienced and very suitable for handling low-cost productions like yours, and dramas that need to meet the requirements of a specific era. If you agree, I will bring him to meet you, and then we will go to Virginia and North Carolina to find locations that meet the requirements."

"I don't have time, you decide." Ronald waved his hand. Ryan Weaver's ability has been proven, and he can just look at the results himself. "But why don't you go to Florida or Georgia? Isn't the climate warmer there? ”

“Although the trees there are leafless, the species are completely different from those in New York State. You don’t want palm trees in the plot of Catskills.”

“Oh, I’m confused. You decide. I won’t interfere. I just want to see the results. I’ll see the photos and test films you took when I come back.”

After Ronald finished his instructions, he quickly called a taxi and rushed to the airport. Richard’s little Bud, who was waiting for him there, had already prepared his luggage for him. He took the plane ticket and went to the boarding gate.

“When we arrived in Los Angeles, we first made an appointment for you with Mr. Katzenberg of Disney to meet and talk with the two directors recommended by them for “The Babysitter’s Adventures”. Then the production director of 20th Century Fox, the production of “Spiritual” has not started yet. Unlike the professionalism of Disney, they don’t seem to have made much progress. Many details need you to decide.”

“You and Niceta will come with me to meet the senior executives of the two companies. I’m too busy now, and I need someone to help me share the work. You have to grow up as soon as possible. You can’t just be my assistant. "Ronald has taken on the preparatory work for three films now. He is short of manpower and must send out people who are not mature enough to serve as his spies.

Anyway, he doesn't plan to direct these two films himself, so it's fine as long as they can ensure that they don't exceed the time limit and budget on the spot.

His main work is still on "Dirty Dancing" and "Moonlight Temptation" which will start shooting next year.

"Well, I will keep an eye on the set." Richard pushed his glasses. He has been a junior partner of CAA for several years. It's time to upgrade his work content and the title on his business card.

...

"Are these two director candidates your acquaintances?"

Katzenberg, Disney's vice president of production, attached great importance to Ronald's project "Adventures in Babysitting" and personally participated in the project meeting. This production meeting is mainly to determine the director.

"Yeah, I've known Cameron Crowe for a long time, he was the screenwriter on my first movie. Chris Columbus, I met him a few times at Steven [Spielberg's] place. We got along very well this time.”

"Do you have a preference between the two director candidates?" Two women next to him asked Ronald.

"No, what about you? Deborah, Linda?"

Ronald asked about two female producers. They participated in the project on behalf of Touchstone Pictures, a subsidiary of Disney, and also had the title of producer. At that time, the on-site tracking and budget control will be handed over to the two female futures. Ronald is more interested in the overall creative control.

Deborah Hill, the leader of the duo, responded, “We talked to both of the final two candidates, and Chris Columbus was more ambitious, and I preferred him.

This is a small production, with a budget of only six million, and we need someone who has the appetite to fight all kinds of hardships, sleep only a few hours a day, and still enjoy it.

This job is very challenging. "

Linda Obst is the slightly lower role between the two. "Cameron actually has a lot of good ideas, but he is not aggressive enough. This is his first debut, and he is not afraid of going through all kinds of hardships to achieve his goals." This drive is more important than artistic ability.”

"Hmph...what you said makes sense. Let's meet both of us."

"Hi Cameron, how are you doing? Is Nancy okay?"

Ronald hugged and exchanged pleasantries with his good friend Cameron Crowe, and then began talking to him about directing the script.

"I just think that the temperament of this movie is very mixed, including love romance, secret love, cheating, adventure, and a deep yearning for family life. This is a very clever screenwriting method, but there are also This eliminates the risk of the audience being confused as to what genre this film is.

If I were the screenwriter, I would probably reduce the content in one direction and emphasize the other direction. …”

"Well..." Ronald and Cameron Crowe chatted for more than half an hour. The two female producers said it well. Crowe has a habit of thinking about problems from the perspective of a screenwriter.

What he said is actually reasonable, but now Touchstone Pictures does not need a screenwriter to revise the script, but a screenwriter who can advance the project and film the script that is already satisfactory according to the producer's will. director.

"I'll call you when there are results." Ronald sent Crowe out the door.

"Thank you, Ronald. Actually, I don't know if I want to be a director or if I'm ready."

Ronald shook his head. Fortunately, this honest person among artists did not say this during the interview. Although Crowe and I are good friends, this is an important step in deciding the director. Doesn't it mean that I don't have confidence?

Maybe after he married the rock and roll woman Nancy Wilson, he was not short of money, so he did not have a strong will to fight.

"Ronald, hello."

When Chris Columbus came, he was much more nervous.

“It has always been my dream to be a director, and if I have this opportunity, I will do my best.

I am very satisfied with the script. The psychology of teenagers and children is well explored here. I like it very much.

I can't think of any scenes that required extra difficulty, except for the shots of climbing high-rise buildings, which required the design and implementation of stunt people.

I think there will be inevitable and unexpected difficulties that will arise during filming, but as long as there is a team you can trust, I can't think of anything that cannot be solved.

I wanted the movie to have a light-hearted undertone that would be easy for kids and parents to watch together. At the end, I hope to add a little lesson to let the children know the risks of wandering around without listening to the nanny.

I think parents would be happy to spend money to let their naughty children watch this kind of movie..."

Obviously, Chris Columbus's desire is much stronger than Cameron Crowe's. He worked as a screenwriter for Spielberg for many years, but never had the opportunity to become a director.

He didn't get much money from those Amblin movies, either. With a wife and children to support, he was much better prepared for this movie than Crowe.

"Please go back first. If there is any further news, we will notify your agent." Ronald sent Columbus out of the conference room.

"Thank you, Ronald. I didn't expect you to still remember what I told you. This is very important to me, and I will try my best."

"This is Touchstone's trust in you. Disney asked you by name." Ronald did not take credit.

"I know, I know, but I'm glad you gave me a chance."

The two candidates for director are both a bit bookish, speak in a very organized manner, and are not aggressive.

The three touchstones were satisfied with both candidates. Of course, they preferred Chris Columbus.

"Then let's take Columbus. I'll call Crowe." Ronald decided on the director.

"The next step is to look and cast. Do you have any recommendations?" Katzenberg asked Ronald.

"This needs to be discussed with the director. We need a girl who has an independent temperament and the audience can trust that she will stand up and fight against the gangs in order to protect the children in her care.

The key to the success of this movie lies in whether the protagonist, nanny Chris, can make the audience believe in her and look at the whole story from her perspective. The children should also think that she is amiable and will be a nanny that people can get close to.

Parents who hire her should think that this is a mature and responsible nanny, and they can leave her at home to look after their children when they go out.

Boys should think that she is sexy and beautiful, the kind of girl next door that they fall in love with at first sight..."

Ronald saw that the two female generals and Katzenberg were looking at him and stopped talking.

"What's wrong? Is there anything wrong with what I said?"

"Hollywood legend says that you, like Hitchcock, have many shots in mind before directing, and when you get to the set, you just shoot the shots in your mind, which seems to be true. We are very sorry that we didn't invite you to direct this movie."

"Hahaha..." Ronald laughed, "If you have no questions, we can start auditioning after Chris Columbus joins the crew.

...

Ronald called the unsuccessful Crowe and informed Columbus of the good news. He only rested for one night, and the next day he went to 20th Century Fox to discuss another movie "Striking".

The preparatory meeting for this movie was very different. Only one person from 20th Century Fox came to talk.

"I have a director candidate, Michael Gottlieb, what do you think?"

The speaker was Joseph Farrow, the executive producer of 20th Century Fox. Now Fox's production business is shrinking, and the practice of dividing spheres of influence left over from the era of oil tycoons has not changed.

Farrow is a senior executive familiar with Barry Diller. When this project was handed over to him, he told Ronald to let the agent go out, and the two had a private chat to divide the profits that could be distributed.

"What movies has he directed before?" Ronald frowned. Fox's style is completely different from the rigorous, meticulous and professional style of Disney Touchstone.

"No, he has never directed a movie. But he is the brother of the screenwriter of 'Jaws'. He is my man. Give me a chance? I can give you the right to decide the heroine."

"Gottlieb is a typical Jewish name like Farrow," Ronald had a plan in mind. Now Fox's main focus is on acquiring cable TV networks. Film production is a paradise for senior executives and project producers to share the spoils.

The other party brought up the heroine, and it seems that he thinks he will like to communicate with the actress.

"Who are you going to use for the male lead?"

Since it is a sharing of spoils, Ronald thought I would too.

When I dreamed about this movie, it was very childish and did not look like a serious movie. Anyway, Fox paid for it, so they can play however they like.

A movie with a nominal producer and no real production rights will not have any impact on the reputation of its core business in the industry.

"I'm going to pick one from the bratpack. These people have a bad reputation, but they are very well-known. Our movie can take advantage of their popularity for free and get a lot of free coverage."

"I think what you said makes sense. Which one are you going to use?" Ronald liked the idea of ​​riding a wave.

"What do you think of Emilio Estevez? He's the president of the bratpack."

"I don't think he can act. This guy is a fucking hunchback."

"Then how about Andrew McCarthy? He's shot a lot of Pepsi commercials and he's the most handsome."

"He's not bad." Ronald remembered the actor who played Hughes' "Pretty in Pink". He was the actor who played the leading role in this movie in his dream. So he just went with the flow and didn't ruin other people's "good things".

"Who do you want to use for the leading actress?"

"I'm optimistic... Wait, doesn't the Screen Actors Guild want to interfere with casting? Can you make an internal decision?"

Ronald thought about it and felt that Kim Cattrall in his dream was a good actor. He had also taken care of Diane in the crew of "Chinatown". I don't want her to be involved in this doomed trash movie.

"This kind of small production, with a production cost of more than 7 million, plus we haven't released the news that you are the producer, there won't be many actors coming to audition. As long as you recommend someone you like, I can arrange for her to be selected."

"Let's follow the standard audition procedure." Ronald thought about it, and he couldn't let Kim Cattrall down.

"Are you serious?" Joseph Farrow was very surprised that Ronald gave up his "power".

"Do you want to meet some new people? Or do you know how to live?"

Farrow thought about it and suddenly realized, "But playing is playing, don't promise too much, lest too many people want to play the leading role, and I won't be able to end it. This play is a female-dominated drama with a female perspective. There will be many unknown actors coming."

"Uh... you have the final say." Ronald no longer wanted to distinguish, he just wanted to finish what he should do, and then stay away from this unlucky crew.

"Dangdang, dangdang..."

Joseph Farrow happily sorted out the documents and hummed a little tune.

"You seem to be very confident about this movie?" Ronald couldn't help asking.

"Of course, haven't you noticed? Strange love is popular in Hollywood now. There have been many cross-racial love movies in recent years."

"What do you mean?" Ronald found that Joseph Farrow didn't seem to be joking, and wanted to hear his opinion.

"It's about humans and non-human creatures or non-living things falling in love.

It seems that audiences now like all kinds of strange pairings. For example, in 'The Little Mermaid', Tom Hanks falls in love with a mermaid. In 'Howard the Duck', Lea Thompson falls in love with an alien duck, and in 'Short Circuit', Ali Sheede falls in love with a robot. There was also a movie this year where a girl falls in love with her car.

Audiences now like these, so Ronald, the script you recommended to us is very good. A silly nerd falls in love with a wooden model beauty.

Audiences will definitely like it, and we have a 50% chance of selling well."

"So of the four examples you cited, two of them failed, that's 50%, right?" Ronald complained in his heart.

"Well, Mr. Farrow, your idea opened my eyes. From this perspective, this movie does have the potential to be a 'big hit'. Good luck to you."

"It's good luck to us, hahaha..."

－－－－－－Digression－－－－－－

Today there is only a two-in-one chapter