Exploiting Hollywood 1980

Daydream booked a small screening room and held an internal screening for film buyers from all over the world. The copy brought by Michel Cannold was subtitled in French to facilitate the viewing of European audiences.

About 30 distributors came to see the first screening of "Dirty Dancing". In addition to Daydream's distribution manager, the manager of Cannon's distribution department was also present.

However, after the movie ended, the buyers' reaction was not as Ronald expected, and everyone rushed to sign. Instead, they dispersed and asked Cannon's people for various news about the movie.

"So, what do you think? Why don't they seem to talk to our people directly? Instead, they go to Cannon's people?" Ronald whispered to Daydream's distribution manager, Cannold.

"Many of them don't even speak English...or even slang." Cannold covered his mouth with his hand and whispered in Ronald's ear, "This is our first time selling a film in Cannes. Cannon has been the main sponsor of Cannes for four consecutive years. They have trust in cooperation."

"In other words, they would rather talk to Cannon about buying the film than buy copies directly from us?"

"Yes, I talked to them, and they trust Yoram's vision for film selection. They would rather be forced to buy a bundle by him than take risks themselves."

The forced bundling that Cannold mentioned is a common sales method in the film trading market. The distributor specifies that if you want to buy movie A, you must buy it together with movie B, or buy movie C together.

The box office forecast of movies has always been the biggest problem for Hollywood and all movie theater owners. Especially foreign movies, whether they can be popular when introduced to a country with a different language and culture is really unpredictable.

And those movie theater owners hope to have enough movies to fill the release time period. Then, the distributor that best meets their needs is a company like Cannonball, which has many films and occasionally produces a few box office hits.

"Why? My Breakdance can't make them trust the market potential of my film?" Ronald felt that his name should be known to foreign countries.

"Of course they know you, but we only have one movie, and Cannonball has ten for them to choose from."

"Humph..."

Ronald understood that it was actually a question of confidence. They didn't believe that "Dirty Dancing" could sell ten times as many box office as other movies. Although Ronald had made dance movies with the same theme like "Breakdance" and movies that sold well in North America like "Top Gun".

But those distributors in Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, Europe and other places, they still prefer to have 10 movies for them to release.

"Yoram, Yoram, you promised us, sell us the distribution rights of Poland."

Ronald was discussing countermeasures with Cannold, and Yoram of Cannonball also came to the scene. As soon as he entered the door, he was surrounded by a group of buyers speaking various languages, who wanted to sign a package of film import plans with him.

"In just a few years, Cannon's business has grown so big?" Ronald and Cannold were very envious. The theaters in those countries can fill the off-season every year by importing a bunch of movies from Cannon. Compared with Daydream, which negotiates with each company one by one, the cost savings are much greater.

"Back then, they didn't rely on your "Breakdance" to stand out in the European market? We Daydream can also start with "Dirty Dancing" and repeat their path to success."

Michelle Cannold reminded Ronald that Cannon's method of using star posters to sell movies abroad before the filming started, and then using pre-sales to shoot in China, Daydream can still learn.

"Let's do this. Most of them know me. I made a lot of money by breakdancing. You talk to them one by one. We have to learn a lot about overseas distribution this time." Ronald felt that Cannold was right. Following the path opened up by Cannon, the possibility of success is not small.

"Ronald, what do you think? Do you want to authorize all the overseas distribution rights of "Dirty Dancing" to our Cannon? We have strong partners in Europe, Britain, and Southeast Asia. If you hand it over to us, you can wait to count the money."

Yoram sent away the group of film buyers and discussed "Dirty Dancing" with Ronald.

"No, Yoram. We want to try to distribute this movie ourselves." Michelle Cannold interrupted Yoram's thoughts and said the bottom line of the discussion with Ronald just now.

"That's good. You should try it. But in the overseas market, many people have to focus on the box office performance in America to decide whether to buy and how much to pay for Hollywood movies."

Yoram did not force it, shook hands and wished Ronald good luck.

"Thank you." Ronald felt that Yoram was more like a pure, rational businessman who made decisions based on financial statements, and he did not have the artistic temperament of Minahan, nor the gambling nature of putting all his capital at stake when the time came.

"Only three companies in South Africa, Japan, and Australia have the intention to sign a contract. Distributors in other countries want to wait until "Dirty Dancing" is released in America, and then discuss the purchase price based on the box office performance."

"It's already very good." Ronald looked through the materials of the three companies that were interested in introducing his "Dirty Dancing".

The one in South Africa is the producer of "The Gods Must Be Crazy", the distribution company of Mia Tosky's family in South Africa. Their movies in America have received help from Ronald. "Breakdance" also had a good box office in South Africa. This time, the Tosky family has instructed that all movies directed by Ronald will be greenlit for import.

The president of Kadokawa Bookstore in Japan also specifically instructed that all new works directed by Ronald will be imported.

Australia is because of Ronald's relationship with Rachel Ward and Paul Hogan, and he has a good reputation in the film industry there. In addition, as both are English-speaking countries, they have a better understanding of movies, so they are also very interested.

"The important thing is to make connections. I feel that most producers are waiting and watching. Our box office performance in America will directly determine the performance of overseas distribution. After all, we don't have a reputation like Cannonball."

"Cannonball doesn't actually have much reputation, but their movies are cheap." Ronald knows that Cannonball doesn't actually produce any really good movies, but their movies are particularly cheap compared to other Hollywood productions.

"The premiere in Cannes this weekend may give them more confidence." Cannold is very confident about the audience's reaction at the official premiere, thinking that it will give distributors a better signal.

...

After a busy day, Ronald and Cannold returned to the hotel in the evening and went back to the room to have dinner. The TV was playing French news.

"Isn't this Prince Charles? And his wife, the princess..." Cannold turned up the volume of the TV, "Mary, Mary, please help us translate."

Ronald turned his head to the TV, and the British prince and princess were getting off the plane. The British TV station gave a long shot to broadcast the news of their arrival.

"Prince Charles and Princess Diana will arrive in Cannes this weekend. They will attend the Cannes Film Festival and the honoring ceremony for British veteran actor Sir Alex Guinness..."

"Time, what time?" Ronald spoke quickly and asked his daydreaming colleague Mary.

"This weekend, when Sir Guinness accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cannes Organizing Committee, the prince and princess will attend this glorious moment together."

Ronald and Cannold looked at each other quickly, without saying a word, and ate bread silently.

After several colleagues from Daydream finished eating and said goodbye, Cannold quickly closed the door.

"This is not good news for us, it's all on the weekend."

"Well..." Ronald also felt that it was a bad thing for Prince Charles to steal the limelight at this time.

Now Britain pays great attention to using the influence of the royal family. In addition, the century wedding of the two is broadcast globally, and the fairy-tale love story is deeply loved by people in various countries. No matter where they go, they can attract everyone's attention.

The public's attention is so little, and it is divided between the prince and the princess. The attention paid to a Hollywood non-competing movie will be much less.

"If we want our premiere to be reported by the media, we can only let the prince and his wife come." Cannold looked at Ronald.

"I'll try to send an invitation, but don't hold out too much hope." Ronald fully understands the nature of the two royal family members' work in Cannes, which is a national public relations event.

Sir Alex Guinness is a treasure of the British film industry. The British people awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award. The presence of the British prince and his wife is a symbol of Anglo-French cooperation.

On Ronald's side, except that the princess loves to watch his movies, he has no capital to invite them to the premiere.

"Sir Alex Guinness accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award from the chairman of the Cannes Jury, Yinfu Montand. Prince Charles and Princess Diana also attended the event.

Princess Diana wore a white dress designed by British designer Catherine Walker, and the long scarf added to her charm."

At the weekend, the ceremony for Sir Guinness, which was held first, was on TV news as expected. And the women of the British country began to care about the designer and brand of the dress the princess wore.

In addition to fully showing the elegance and solemnity of the royal family, this Catherine Walker dress also sets off Diana's sexy temperament.

Among the royal family members, such bold low-cut dresses are rarely worn. And the scarf that compensates for it also sets off Diana's charm.

"She is such a charming woman." Ronald said to Cannold, who was watching TV with him.

"Have the invitations been sent? Do they have any hope of coming?" Cannold still had a glimmer of fantasy.

"There is no reply yet, and I don't even know if they have seen the invitation." Ronald knows the red tape of the royal family.

...

"Can't you wear more normal clothes?" In the hotel suite where the prince and his wife stayed, Charles was complaining that Diana wore designer clothes and was a commoner, which did not conform to the royal tradition.

"I like this dress." Diana didn't like the various rules of the royal family. The dress was one of the few things where she could show her personal charm and have the final say.

"Don't let them laugh at us. Can you wear the royal designer's clothes for the visit tomorrow?"

"Okay," Diana agreed to her husband's request, "Will you go with me to read with the children tomorrow?"

"I have other royal duties and I have to go back tomorrow." Charles always used various excuses to avoid the task of attending formal occasions with Diana.

For some reason, the media always laughed at the prince's promotion of green, environmental protection, vegetarianism and other advanced issues, and laughed at him for being a herbivorous prince who fantasized that the sea level would rise and submerge London every day.

Diana was the opposite of him. When the media mentioned her, they always praised her. Whether it was her taste in clothing or her friendly charm to the public.

"Pah", Diana, who had taken off her pearl necklace, heard that her husband was going back early again, and she was angry and slammed the necklace heavily on the dressing table.

Diana found a pile of documents on the table. In order to relieve her depression, she picked it up and quickly checked whether there were any private letters from London. Especially a certain officer's wife.

"Hey, whose invitation is this?" Unexpectedly, Diana saw an invitation to them to attend the premiere, not an invitation from the Cannes Organizing Committee.

"It was sent by a staff member in the afternoon. He said it was the premiere of the movie of the princess's old friend." The royal staff answered next to him.

"I hope your eldest son likes the "Top Gun" video tape I gave him." Diana laughed as she read the invitation. When I attended the royal premiere in London, I was so happy to be able to watch the latest Hollywood movies like a girl.

"What's my schedule for tomorrow?" Diana asked the staff.

"In the afternoon, I will go to a primary school in Cannes to read with the children..."

"In addition to an activity, I will go to see an old friend's new movie."

...

"The princess will come to the premiere and accept interviews from the media, but she can only stay for about ten minutes. Apart from the TV station's filming, you can only have about a few minutes of chatting with her."

The royal security and public relations staff came to Ronald first and told them about the princess's schedule.

"Why, Prince Charles?"

Ronald heard that only Diana came.

"Prince Charles has other royal activities and has returned to London in advance."

"Ronald, you can even invite Princess Diana?" Cannold David was surprised. After the royal staff left, he was very excited. The premiere of "Dirty Dancing" would get a lot of free reporting opportunities. Take advantage of Diana's popularity.

"I sent his son a videotape of my movie. Maybe the little prince likes it."

"Hahaha..."

...

"Your Highness, how did you get to know Director Ronald?"

Outside the Cannes Film Palace, Princess Diana appeared at the premiere of "Dirty Dancing" in a conservative lotus-colored suit.

Although it was not as charming as yesterday's outfit, it also attracted many photographers, who took photos of Diana. After a few formal questions, the reporters inevitably asked Diana about her opinion on the movie.

"Ah, I saw Ronald's movie in London. Charles and I both like his movies."

"Ronald, what do you think of the royal family's evaluation of your movie?"

"I sent them a videotape. I hope they like it."

"Ronald sent you a videotape of Top Gun. Will you show it to Prince William?"

"I will wait until William is older and old enough to like airplanes before showing it to him." Diana answered politely.

"The videotape version is rated TV-12. When Prince William is older, he can watch it." Ronald joked.

Everyone entered the screening room. Diana looked at the posters and learned some of the plot. She had other public relations activities to attend, so she was about to leave.

"The last movie was very good. I watched it many times. Please send me a video tape this time."

Diana didn't have much entertainment in Buckingham Palace. She still kept the few habits she had when she was a girl, which was to watch TV reruns or movies on videotapes.

"Of course, but this time it's not suitable for Prince William. This is for girls." Ronald agreed to do it.

"Hahaha, I want to see it too."

"I'll remember it. This movie is indeed suitable for female audiences." Ronald boasted.

...

"Very good, many audiences came, and many came to see Diana." Cannold reported to Ronald the day after the premiere.

The distribution companies in Japan, South Africa, and Australia were very satisfied with our ability to invite Princess Diana to attend the premiere, and signed a draft agreement.

Other distribution companies also showed a great interest in our movie.

"Very good, you should contact them more. When our box office in America is released, we will know the results of overseas distribution."