Exploiting Hollywood 1980

Tsui Hark was still the same, very thin, with messy hair.

Ronald took him and Ang Lee to a very expensive restaurant to welcome them.

Tsui Hark also studied in America, and his English was better than Ang Lee's. He could talk directly with Ronald, and Ronald could understand a little Cantonese, so the three of them threw aside the translator and talked about the progress of the new film at the table.

The script they came up with was called "Swords on and Phoenix".

The story is set in San Francisco and Hong Kong in the 1980s. Kate Thompson, a movie star in San Francisco, had no movies to shoot for a while because she divorced her husband, a producer.

During her break, she became very interested in the Chinese martial arts gym in San Francisco. After learning some Wing Chun techniques from a master who had served as a stunt double in "The Karate Kid", she made rapid progress and liked this kind of martial arts that was quite feminine when fighting.

Kate Thompson decided to go to Hong Kong, the source of Wing Chun, to continue her studies. She also sought opportunities to develop in the Hong Kong film industry, as it was heard to be a film production center in East Asia. His agent also reminded him that there was an action star named Wei Long in Hong Kong who needed white women to participate in his new play.

When she arrived in Hong Kong, Kate met a Chinese martial arts master, Lam Fei-Lung. He heard that Kate wanted to learn authentic Wing Chun, so he took her to visit his grandmother, Bai Guizhen, a martial arts teacher who had practiced Wing Chun for many years.

Bai Guizhen saw that Kate had excellent physical fitness and was willing to learn, and she taught without reservation. Even the Wing Chun trick "Dragon and Phoenix Double Swords" was taught to Kate. After a few months, Kate had already fought well and had no problem shooting action movies.

At this time, Wei Long's new film was facing some difficulties. The investor of the film was a gangster boss who interfered with the script and filming at random, which put Wei Long under great pressure. After Kate joined the filming team, the gangster boss took a fancy to Kate's beauty and tried to forcibly intervene in her life.

As Kate's good friend, Lin Feilong served as her bodyguard in the crew. In the end, the gangster boss couldn't help but behaved rudely to Kate. In the end, Lin Feilong used Wing Chun taught by his grandmother to fight against the investor and his gangsters. Kate fought side by side with him, and the two used the dragon and phoenix swords to knock down the gangster's gangster.

At this time, the gangster took out a pistol, and it was about to escalate into an international incident. The big star Weilong, who was also the producer, couldn't help but take action and knocked the gangster to the ground with a folding stool.

At this time, the consulate counselor who received Kate's call for the police, along with O and CID, arrived and brought the gangster to justice.

The movie had no investors and was about to fail. At this time, Kate's agent rushed to Hong Kong. A big director in Hollywood wanted to make an action movie. After seeing the script that Kate sent to the agent, he was very impressed and decided to invest in the filming of this movie in San Francisco.

Lin Feilong, Kate, Weilong and others went to San Francisco together. The film was shot and achieved great success. Lin Feilong and Kate finally got married.

"Hiss..." Ronald scratched his head. The script was not very complete, and many plots in it were empty. For example, in the fighting scene, the hero and heroine were just fighting for five minutes...

And he could see that many characters in it were based on JA and other real people. The whole script looked like a strange Hong Kong B-level movie.

Seeing that the two Hong Kong friends were looking at him eagerly, hoping that he would give an answer, Ronald put away the script and cleared his throat.

"The story of the script is not bad, and it is a good practice to shoot in Hong Kong and San Francisco. However, Hollywood has different requirements for scripts. The fighting scenes need to be refined, and the story itself needs to be revised. Kate's character still has some problems. I can help you find a script doctor to take a look.

How do you divide the work now? Which is the screenwriter responsible for?"

The two looked at each other and finally pointed to Tsui Hark, "He is the screenwriter." The final English script was written by Tsui Hark.

"Ah... OK, I'll arrange a meeting for you. He's also Chinese, so we can talk." Ronald put the script aside and looked at him, "So you're the director?"

"Yes...Yes..." He was excited. How could he have the opportunity to direct a multi-million dollar movie in Hong Kong? The biggest star there, JA, had a budget of only 3.8 million dollars for the sequel to the previous plan A. Who would have thought that he would have the opportunity to take over such a big production.

"Okay, find a time, I'll arrange a meeting between you and the casting director. Kate has to choose a very beautiful actress."

"This, Director Luo? Kate has a lot of fighting scenes in our play. It's not just about appearance, she also has to be able to fight."

"Fight? No need to be able to fight. This is an action movie. The heroine just needs to look good and make the gestures look real." Ronald didn't understand why such a movie had to have the actress who played Kate fight.

"You might want to watch two Hollywood movies from a few years ago. One is 'Queen's Sword', starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brigitte Nielsen. The other is 'Crocodile Dundee', which contrasts the cultural landscapes of America and foreign countries. The arrangement is very clever. You should make more modifications in this direction.

Then these fighting actions also need to be written in detail. We in Hollywood have a celebrity insurance system. If there is no appropriate description, no company will be willing to insure it. "

"This... we all make temporary decisions in Xiangjiang. The martial arts drama will be filmed tomorrow, and our martial arts instructors and martial artists can choreograph it today. It's not a literary drama, so we need to write a plot first."

"This... when we make action movies in Xiangjiang, the literary drama directors are responsible for things like love, broken love, etc., and the martial arts directors are responsible for directing the martial arts dramas. I asked Tsui Hark to come together because I wanted to divide the labor. He would direct the literary dramas and I would direct the martial arts dramas. "

"Hahaha..." Ronald rushed over and laughed, "This is not okay. All Hollywood practitioners here must be supervised by the union. According to the regulations of the Directors Guild, a movie can only have one director. No. Maybe it's some kind of literary or martial arts..."

"This..." Hearing this, he was very disappointed. This way, everything was done according to the rules. Ronald didn't know how long it would take to revise the script to his satisfaction. With this effort, three movies were shot in Hong Kong.

Tsui Hark, who once studied in America, knows the rules here better, "Director Luo, it's not that we don't respect the rules of Hollywood, it's just that our technicians, the dragon and tiger martial arts masters, are used to our work there. method."

Tsui Hark made a movie called "Swordsman" starring three female stars in Hong Kong. It cost a lot of money, but it was a huge failure at the box office. For a while, no investors were willing to ask him to make a movie. I had no choice but to help several other shareholders in the company do some unnamed behind-the-scenes work behind the scenes.

That’s why this time he was persuaded to work together on this five-million-dollar “big production” that had never been made by a Hong Kong person before.

He wanted to persuade him again, but Ronald raised his hand to stop him. "Well, you're tired today. I've booked a Hilton executive suite for you, so you can have a good rest. We're jet-lagged, and we'll continue talking tomorrow. You'll also have time to think more and mature."

I went back and told the martial arts masters in Xiangjiang about the progress, and then went to sleep. Tsui Hark was very interested when he arrived and asked to visit the set of Daydream.

Ronald asked his assistant to take him to see Daydream's equipment showroom. There were lightning lights, a camera stabilizer, various tapes, a portable toilet that could be hung on the back of the trailer, and some expensive wire.

"These steel wires are in compliance with the guidelines of the Hollywood Stunt Workers Union. The quality of our production is very good and can be used repeatedly for more than 3,000 times without any fatigue or strength reduction problems."

The assistant saw that he was very concerned about the wire, so he came up to introduce it.

"How much does a one-meter wire like this cost?" Tsui Hark touched it and it felt really good.

"Seventeen and a half dollars a foot..."

"How much?" Tsui Hark sighed inwardly. The quality is good, but it's also really expensive. In Xiangjiang, you can buy this wire wire for ten Hong Kong dollars per foot.

He looked at the prices of other equipment and had an idea.

"Rey, get up." As soon as Tsui Hark returned to the hotel, he knocked on the door.

"It's not that simple. Costs here in Hollywood are very expensive. An extra performer costs more than 200 US dollars a day, or 5 million US dollars. It's not a big production here. When I studied abroad, it wasn't so expensive. Now The price was negotiated three times and the price went up significantly. ”

"Is it so expensive? It's not like our Xiangjiang. It would be nice for a walk-in to have a lunch box to eat."

The two of them now understood that Ronald's opening budget was five million US dollars, which was calculated based on the cost of filming in Hollywood. Of course, this money would be valuable in Hong Kong, so it was best to negotiate the budget. Most The filming was done in Xiangjiang, so that we can be wealthy.

The next day, regardless of fatigue, the two came to Ronald's office to ask for a meeting. Tell them what they have agreed upon.

"This?" Ronald felt a little unsure when he heard the two people's plans. I dare not make a serious production in Hollywood. The film industry in Xiangjiang was operated in the form of B-level movies from the beginning.

The shooting speed is fast, the script is not standardized, and the actors and directors use a lot of random on-the-spot performance. If they change their minds, they may not really be able to shoot anymore. Unless you stay in Hollywood to intern for a period of time and follow a crew, you can make movies according to the Hollywood way.

"If you want to shoot like this, it's the way to shoot a B-level movie. Our company can't invest too much, and you also have to find a suitable Hong Kong investor."

Ronald explained that Hollywood is a long-arm jurisdiction. If your company invests in making movies overseas and holds more than 50% of the shares, it must also abide by various union regulations and prepare a report with the American Film Association. .

Otherwise, if we use Hong Kong's filming method and don't prepare a script in advance with the Producers Association, it will be regarded as an overseas film and will have to be imported. The taxation, marketing, and distribution channels of the two are different.

The two friends in Xiangjiang seemed to have been poured cold water on their heads. This was really unexpected. No wonder the two reporters at Golden Harvest would rather invest in Hollywood projects or do overseas distribution than film in Hollywood. It seems they have suffered a loss.

Ronald looked at the two of them, thinking that if nothing was agreed upon this time, the future cooperation in Xiangjiang would be broken. In order to open up a new production base and introduce talents and knowledge from Xiangjiang, I have to complete this project. Even if I lose money, I still have to set a model.

Just can't lose too much.

"So, although my company can't invest in Hong Kong movies, I can invest in your company in my personal name. After you make the movie, sell me the distribution rights in America, Japan, Europe and other places. In this way, we can win-win." Ronald thought about it and decided to invest 1.5 million US dollars to let the two shoot.

"Overseas distribution..." The two looked at each other and didn't say anything. Golden Harvest has always been evasive about the overseas distribution of movies, and has not settled overseas profits with satellite companies for various reasons. Asking the two gentlemen is to lose money... They don't have the ability to check the accounts.

Ronald continued to make conditions.

"I will personally invest 1.5 million US dollars, and you will also provide talents and equipment accordingly. I have placed two high-end cameras at Brother Long's place, you can borrow them. Equipment and film are all made according to high standards.

You can handle the release in Hong Kong by yourself. If the box office makes money, we will share the profits. For overseas distribution, I will pay you a copy fee in America, and then share the profits with you after the release.

For distribution in other places, we will negotiate prices based on market conditions when we participate in the Cannes and Tokyo Film Festivals next year. But don't hold too high hopes, there are buyout fees there, and each country is only about tens of thousands of dollars."

"Take a look at these conditions. If you are not satisfied with anything, we can still talk."

"I am satisfied with them all. Luo Sheng, you are so righteous." He and Tsui Hark were about to cry when they heard such conditions. Hong Kong filmmakers, except for the box office in Japan of JA, have other people seen what overseas box office profits look like?

"But I also have conditions." Ronald continued.

The two looked at Ronald with wide eyes.

"First, I personally want to enjoy the production rights. In the future, the sequels and all the script adaptation rights will belong to me.

Second, you have to shoot more wire-hanging scenes in this movie. Our American audiences like this."

"No problem..." He gritted his teeth and agreed. If he shot more wire-hanging scenes, those old martial arts masters, such as the owner of the Liu Family Class, would definitely laugh at him for not shooting kung fu but dancing.

But for the sake of money, what can't be shot? You old man haven't shot a movie with such a big budget, right?

Both parties smiled. Ronald asked a lawyer to draft a contract and handed it to them.

Seeing that they were about to sign, Tsui Hark was still there

Ronald immediately said, "Don't be so anxious. Go back and discuss it with your lawyer first. If there are any unclear terms, we can discuss it again."

"It's okay. Luo Sheng is familiar with Brother Long and is a great benefactor of our Hong Kong martial arts industry. He won't lie to me. I completely believe in Luo Sheng's character. Sign now."

As he spoke, Tsui Hark signed his name. They all have small film companies or studios under their names, which are just right for this job.

"Hahaha... OK... It's a pleasure to work with you guys", Ronald was very happy when he saw that the other party had signed. He asked them to accompany them to visit Los Angeles, and give each of them some tourist souvenirs and Sony electronic products as gifts.

"Hehe..." Ronald was very happy looking at the contract and locked it in the drawer. The contract stated that he and Tsui Hark had priority for the next five films. As long as they were filming in Hollywood, they had to find me first to cooperate. If I didn't agree to invest, they could find others.

Who else could make Hollywood-style Hong Kong action movies in the future except me? Moreover, the copyright of the videotape of this "Dragon and Phoenix Swords" also belonged to me. As long as it was 80% of the level of Jean-Claude Van Damme's "Boxing King", wouldn't this investment be a big gain?

"Hehe..." After leaving the office and going to Warner Studios for a tour, Tsui Hark and the others were laughing in the back seat of the car. Director Luo really didn't know how much money it saved to make movies in Hong Kong. With an investment of 1.5 million, they could make this movie without any investment, and maybe they could also make another one and sell it to the distributor.

And Ronald also promised to give them a share of the overseas distribution. In the future, such cooperation should be more frequent? Director Luo also signed a five-movie intention for each of them. If this movie is a hit, they can do it five times in the future.

The two of them stayed in Los Angeles for a week, and during that time they also auditioned some Hollywood actresses and stuntmen who can fight. A Polish martial artist named Cynthia Rothrock was just right. She can perform martial arts moves and has a good figure.

She is the champion of the Taekwondo National Exhibition Competition and was also selected as the best female athlete of the year by the "Black Belt" magazine that year.

What's more comfortable is that before joining the American Screen Actors Guild, she also played a supporting role in a Lunar New Year movie "The Rich Train" in Hong Kong, and her Chinese name is Cynthia Rothrock.

Hearing that such a theater movie wanted her to be the heroine, Cynthia Rothrock happily agreed. After seeing the real person, Ronald nodded, and the "Dragon and Phoenix Swords" project was basically confirmed.

"Well, when you go back to Hong Kong, say hello to Jackie for me. I'm about to acquire a film company that has the property rights of his films in America. I also want to distribute his other film tapes in the future. Please ask him for me. If you are interested, we can find a time to meet." Ronald came to say goodbye to the two Hong Kong filmmakers, and let them keep an eye on the future.

...

At the same time, Ronald's acquisition of 21st Century Pictures was also in progress.

Obviously, in addition to them, there are other people who also want to reorganize the company that filed for bankruptcy, and they have also applied to the court. However, since Ronald's valuation of Hong Kong old kung fu movies is different from others, his reserve price is higher than others.

However, in business, Ronald still entrusted the team led by lawyer Mickey Kanter to be fully responsible for the negotiations.

"Ronald, I feel that our competitor Pathé Pictures does not seem to be very urgent. It is not necessary to have this 21st Century Pictures. We can wait.

Their new president is Italian. Maybe he wants to acquire De Laurentiis Productions, which is also in trouble. If they turn to buy De Laurentiis's company, we can delay for a few more days and let the creditors give a big discount on the debt of 21st Century."

Miss Lindsay Doll was about to go back to accompany her son. She came to Ronald's office and reported the negotiation situation. She expressed her intuitive feelings.

"Is that so? Then we will wait. I am not in a hurry." Ronald still has great trust in Lindsay's level and loyalty.

Ronald is not in a hurry, but someone else is.

Soon, an old acquaintance rushed into Ronald's office.

"Ronald, Ronald, you bad boy, do you want to steal something that belongs to me?" Minahan Golan came over and propped up his desk with his hands, glaring.

"What's wrong with you, Minahan? If you have something to say, just talk about it. How did I steal your things? By the way, you Cannon will also release my movie "The King of Fighters" in Cannes, so you should be the ones who stole my money, right?"

"Hey, Cannon is Cannon, I am me..." Minahan sat down dejectedly, "I need 21st Century Pictures, don't fight with me, Ronald."

"Sit down first, I'll pour you a glass of brandy." Ronald got up and closed the office door, then poured Minahan a glass of wine.

"Drink some, calm down and tell me what's going on?"

It turned out that this company was being acquired by EMI Films for only one purpose, to give it to Minahan Golan in exchange for his resignation and handing over all the power of Cannonball to his cousin Yoram and the new boss, Italian Giancarlo Parretti.

"So, this is part of your golden parachute?" Ronald held back his laughter. Minahan was eventually fired by Cannonball and his cousin. When a person of this level resigns, in order to shut him up, the original film company always has to prepare a big gift package, such as funding his own independent production company, cash rewards, and a long distribution contract to continue to support his future films.

Minahan bowed his head and admitted that he was very sad. Cannonball was the place where he pinned his dream of making movies, but he didn't expect to be backstabbed by his cousin and kicked out by the best distribution manager he brought out and outsiders.

"I say, there's no conflict, right?" Ronald handed Minahan a box of cookies, and he picked it up and ate it. Minahan was angry and had a particularly good appetite.

"There are many companies like 21st Century Pictures in Hollywood now. Many companies are facing financial difficulties. Why don't you ask your cousin to buy you another one?" Ronald knew that this was part of an independent production company and part of Minahan's resignation package.

"Don't mention that bastard, puff..." Minahan spit on the floor.

"I say, what's wrong with you..." Ronald was annoyed by Minahan's childish behavior and laughed, "Eat slowly, these are cookies my aunt baked for me."

Ronald took the cookie box back, "Tell me, why is 21st Century so important to you?"

"..." Minahan was angry that the cookies were taken back by Ronald and said nothing.

"If you don't tell me, I won't consider giving 21st Century to you."

"Well..." Minahan muttered a few words, "It's all because of an exit clause."