hunt hollywood

Steve Ross is the chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Simon has always been very interested in this Warner head with a mafia background.

Steve Ross made his fortune by running a funeral company and parking lot in New York in his early years. Anyone who pays a little attention to certain information basically knows that the parking, funeral, engineering, garbage disposal and other industries in a metropolis like New York are usually Infiltrated by underground forces.

In "Once Upon a Time in America", the noodles and the others opened a funeral company. This is definitely not a coincidence or a deliberate reflection, it is the reality.Because it is difficult for the Internal Revenue Service to assess in detail how much money a funeral company can make by hosting a funeral. You can say $100, or $99 million. As for where the extra $[-] came from, as long as you are honest It is tacitly understood by everyone that the actual tax is paid, and the same is true for the parking lot.

Speaking of which, some of the operable attributes of the movie are actually stronger.

Simon and his group entered the grand ballroom of the Sunset Tower Hotel, and they were greeted by Warner Bros. Pictures CEO Terry Semel, who was accompanied by Mel Gibson who also attended the award ceremony just now.

"Simon, congratulations." After congratulating Simon again, Semel warmly said to him: "Mr. Ross just left for a while and will be back soon. He hopes to chat with you. In addition, this It's Mel, let's get to know each other formally."

Simon reached out to Mel Gibson and said, "Hello, Mr. Gibson."

"Simon, you can just call me Mel." Mel Gibson shook hands with Simon, then gently shook hands with Janet who was holding Simon's arm, and complimented: "You are so beautiful tonight, Miss Johnston .”

"Thanks, Mel, you can also call me Jenny, I like "Mad Max" very much."

"Oh, then you can talk to George later, he is also here, and we are preparing to shoot the fourth sequel."

It was not surprising that Simon felt the natural familiarity Janet and Mel Gibson showed when they chatted.The reason is simple, Janet and Gibson are from Australia.

The Australian gang in Hollywood has always been a very clumsy group. In the original time and space, Mel Gibson’s career plummeted due to scandals such as domestic violence, alcoholism and racial discrimination, but now, he is definitely the leader of the Australian gang.

第160章 史蒂夫·罗斯（修）

After a few chats, Mel Gibson turned and walked away, Terry Semel looked at Gibson's leaving figure and said, "Simon, have you seen the copies of Mel's movies that I sent over? "

Simon didn't answer this question, but cut to the chase: "Terry, I've already said that I don't plan to choose an A-list star to play Bruce Wayne."

These days, Simon has started casting for Batman.

As the most important stakeholder of this project, Warner is also very concerned about this, and also actively recommended his favorite candidate to play the role, which is last year's "Lethal Weapon" actor Mel Gibson.

Terry Semel took a glass of champagne from the passing waiter's tray, then motioned Simon and Janet to be casual, and continued: "Simon, in fact, many directors have your thoughts. I don't want stars, I want stars." Fresh faces, I want talented actors, blah blah. Usually, when agencies do recommend the people they describe, the thought in their minds tends to be 'who are these people' and they end up choosing star."

"Terry, I don't reject stars." Simon still shook his head and said, "However, you have overlooked one point. Batman itself is a very big 'star', just like Superman. The original "Superman" series was released. No one knew Christopher Reeve before, but that didn't affect the film's box office at all. On the contrary, Marlon Brando and others who were invited by the producer at a large price did not significantly promote the box office."

"However, if we don't use celebrities, how will we publicize in the future," Terry Semel continued bitterly: "Simon, we always need an entry point."

"If Warner insists," Simon pointed to himself, and said, "How about Westeros? The winner of the Oscar for Best Editing."

Terry Semel couldn't help but shook his head and smiled, and said: "Simon, how about this, I will arrange a meeting for you and Mel some time, and you can talk carefully. Compared with the production you plan to invest in this project The budget, Mel’s quotation is not high. I don’t understand why you resist the stars?”

Simon hesitated, and said: "Terry, Warner will know about this sooner or later, and it's okay to tell you now. I plan to sign a long-term contract with the actor who plays Batman, and a Daenerys film has full control over the initiative." Quan doesn't have to worry about the actor's strike or the long-term contract of the lion for the sequel. Gibson will definitely not agree to such a condition."

Terry Semel thought for a while and said, "Like the Julia Roberts you signed a few days ago?"

Simon was not surprised that Terry Semel said this casually, and for these studio executives, Hollywood has no secrets at all: "Yes, Terry, the same five, anyone To play Bruce Wayne, he'd have to sign a five-picture deal."

"Simon, I am surprised by your confidence. You know, apart from the 007 series, there are very few films in Hollywood that can exceed a trilogy. five?"

"No one can guarantee the future, Terry," Simon shook his head, and said, "However, I think "Batman" has enough potential to be filmed as a long-term series. Be well prepared."

Terry Semel's expression changed for a moment, and he said with a wry smile: "It seems that it will be difficult for Warner to get back the copyright of "Batman". Besides, you should have the same plan for "Superman", right?"

"That's right." Now that he has firmly grasped both Superman and Batman, Simon no longer deliberately concealed it, and said, "If the time is right, I will let Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent appear on the big screen together." Come on, Batman v Superman, what do you think of that idea, Terry?"

Terry Semel looked at Simon and said, "I think we need to renegotiate the contract."

Simon smiled and said: "Maybe, but the most important thing now is to finish the first Batman film. In this regard, I have to confess again, Terry, "Batman" will definitely not be able to catch up with next year's summer vacation. , I recently discovered that in order to complete some ideas in the conception, I need more than half a year to solve technical problems. The film will start shooting early next year, and the post-production work of the film will be much longer than other films.”

"Simon, I now feel more and more that I made a big mistake."

Simon said with an innocent expression: "Terry, I can only say sorry."

As time went by, more and more guests came one after another, Simon and Semel soon separated and were busy with their own entertainment.

After more than half an hour, Simon was talking with Sandra and the main creators of "Dangerous Liaisons" selected by Warner. Terry Semel walked over with a couple, and Simon recognized the couple at a glance. The tall, silver-haired man in the couple is Steve Ross, the current head of Warner Bros.

When he came to the front, without Terry Semel's introduction, Steve Ross stretched out his hand to Simon with a bright smile, and said, "I've been looking forward to meeting you, Simon, today I finally have a chance. By the way, I would also like to congratulate you on winning the Oscar. Although it is only a best editing award, this is the most rare thing. There are not many directors in Hollywood who can prove themselves in the best editing. As for the best director, I believe it will be sooner or later. What's in your bag."

"Thank you, Mr. Ross. I am also very glad to meet you. Warner has always been a company that I admire very much."

After complimenting each other, everyone left with interest, Janet and Rose's wife, Courteney, walked to another place, Simon and Rose came to a booth and sat down.

After the waiter served the drinks, Steve Ross said again: "Simon, just now Terry told me some of your thoughts on "Superman" and "Batman", although the copyrights of these two superheroes are owned by you. The little guy is in his hands, and Warner still hopes that their movie version will be successful. What I want to ask is, are you still interested in DC now?"

Simon nodded and said, "Of course, Steve, if Warner is willing to sell DC to me, I can offer a very good price."

"No, no, no," Steve Ross shook his head immediately, and said, "Simon, I am a person who hates selling company assets very much. Until now, I still regret selling MTV to Viacom, the development of MTV over the years has further proved my mistake. So, I don’t intend to sell DC to you, but we can exchange.”

Simon said directly: "Warner wants to participate in Daenerys Films?"

"That's right," Steve Ross admitted; "I've read your company's information, Simon, what Daenerys Films lacks most now is a strong distributor. In this regard, Warner can just Help you. You have a lot of money now, but in Hollywood, distribution problems are not just about money."

Simon asked, "What's the specific plan?"

"If you want DC, I can give you a price of 5000 million U.S. dollars," Steve Ross said. "On the other hand, I can give you a valuation of 2 million U.S. dollars for Daenerys Films, including DC, Warner invested another 1 million US dollars in exchange for 2500% of the shares of the new company after the merger of Daenerys Films and DC. The new company is still operated by you alone, and at the same time, you need to guarantee that you will not leave Daenerys Films within 70 years The industry starts all over again.”

Although Daenerys Films has launched a lot of projects, strictly speaking, the only film that has proved successful under the company's banner is "When Harry Met Sally", and last year's "Death Comes" is only one. It's a Fox movie.

Therefore, for Steve Ross, who has no idea of ​​the real commercial value of "Rain Man", "Dead Poets Society" and a large number of copyrights held by Daenerys Films, the other party's valuation of 2 million US dollars is still Very generously, it also means that Warner will share in Daenerys Pictures' $[-] million debt.

DC's price of 5000 million U.S. dollars is also very reasonable. The last time Simon tentatively offered Time Warner, it happened to be 5000 million U.S. dollars.

Moreover, Simon actually does not intend to maintain the privatization status of Daenerys Films. If necessary, he will also choose to introduce other investors or go public.

but.

This thing is definitely not now.

Simon took great pains to set up the framework of Daenerys Films. It is impossible for a seedling to cut 70% of the shares to others just after it blooms.

Therefore, when Steve Ross finished speaking, Simon shook his head and said: "Sorry, Steve, although I don't refuse to cooperate with other companies, but not now. If you want, maybe, in two to three years, I can Make Warner a shareholder in Daenerys Pictures."

"I understand what you mean," Steve Ross nodded understandingly with regret on his face, and said, "Well, how about this, Simon, how about we sign a package distribution contract, Warner can take care of Daenerys?" The distribution work of all the films produced by the film industry in the next three years. Of course, in exchange, Daenerys Films also needs to agree to Warner’s participation in the investment of some of these projects.”

Simon noticed the shrewdness in Steve Rose's eyes, and suddenly realized that this should be the real purpose of the other party today.

With Simon's current net worth, anyone with a little brain should understand that it is impossible for him to sell Daenerys Films now.

But on the other hand, after the box office success of "When Harry Met Sally", the seven major studios apparently began to re-evaluate the commercial potential of a series of projects under Daenerys Pictures.

About half of the films that Daenerys Pictures has approved have confirmed their distributors.But for the remaining half, as long as there is another work with a North American box office of more than [-] million yuan, it is completely worthwhile for the Big Seven to win the distribution rights of all projects.

After all, in this era, the average annual box office of over [-] million movies is not enough for each of the Big Seven, but these top-grossing movies basically provide most of the profits for the studios.

After a little sorting out, Steve Ross' strategy is also very clear.

This Hollywood tycoon who is said to be very good at business negotiations first proposed a cooperation plan full of sincerity but was destined to be rejected by Simon. After being rejected logically, he proposed another plan that was also very sincere.

Simon has already rejected it once, and if he refuses again, it will appear too inhuman or even ignorant of flattery.

However, after all, Simon is not a young man who is only 20 years old on the surface and has no experience in the world. Therefore, he has no psychological burden at all to refuse again.

Shaking his head again, Simon said: "I still can only say sorry, Steve, Daenerys Films hopes to try its own film distribution business. We all know that it is a waste of time to completely entrust the distribution channel to others. A very unwise thing to do."

Steve Rose was a little surprised by Simon's decisive refusal, but his face remained unchanged, and said: "Well, it seems that it will be difficult for us to reach a cooperation today. However, if you change your mind, you can call me at any time, "Steve Ross said, took out a business card and handed it to Simon, and said: "By the way, you can also contact Terry. Now, I will take you to meet some good friends. Steven should also Come here, you will definitely have a common language."

Steve Ross and Steven Spielberg were very close.Spielberg's "Schindler's List", which won him the Oscar for Best Director, specially marked the subtitle of "For Steve Ross".

When Simon heard this, he immediately showed an expression of interest, and said, "Of course, I am also looking forward to chatting with Mr. Spielberg."

The two of them said so nonchalantly, they got up together and left the booth to enter the crowd, as if what happened just now hadn't happened at all, and they started socializing at the party like good friends.

In this way, it was not until nearly twelve o'clock that Simon took Janet to leave the party.

Because of Sandra's unceremonious behavior of rubbing the car, the extended concierge car made a detour to Beverly Hills to send Sandra home before turning onto Sunset Boulevard.

Although he has bought the mansion in Palisades, Simon no longer lives there, but rushes back to Malibu with Janet.

It was already late at night, and the journey of more than 30 kilometers was not too long. When the concierge car stopped outside the mansion on the west side of Cape Dumei Manor, it was already one o'clock in the morning.

Janet drank too much wine at the party, her face was flushed at this time, she didn't know if she was really drunk or she was pretending, she was pestering Simon like a little girl, Simon had to carry the woman out of the car with a princess hug, and went all the way to the villa.

Putting the woman on the sofa, Simon looked at the drowsy look of Janet hugging the little golden man, and said with a smile, "Do you want to take a bath first?"

"No," Janet picked up the statuette and waved at Simon, then put it aside, and then opened her arms towards him: "Simon."

Simon didn't have any defenses. He leaned over with a smile and felt the woman hugging him. Just as he was about to kiss him, Janet bit his shoulder with her small white teeth.

第161章 入围（修）

The North American videotape of "Run Lola Run" is already on the market, and the overseas distribution of the film is also continuing.

In order to stimulate video tape sales and overseas market revenue, with the help of Orion and Warner, Simon unexpectedly won the Oscar for Best Editing. ".

Most of the media tend to complain about Simon, thinking that the conservative and aging of the Oscars prevented "Run Lola Run" from getting the nominations and honors it deserved.

Immediately afterwards, on April 4, the shortlist for the 13st Cannes Film Festival, which will open next month, was announced, and "Pulp Fiction" successfully became one of the 41 films entering the main competition.

At the local Cannes Film Festival shortlist press conference, a reporter specifically mentioned the encounter of "Run Lola Run" at the Oscars, and asked whether the chairman of the Cannes Film Festival jury, the famous Italian director Ito Scola, would Discrimination against "Pulp Fiction" because of Simon Westeros' age, although the answer was just an official formula, the news was sent back to the United States, which once again sparked heated discussions.

"Pulp Fiction" is scheduled for June 6rd. The news that the Cannes film was shortlisted for the main competition unit spread back to China, and Orion Films also released the first TV trailer.

Because of the seamless plot structure of "Pulp Fiction", it is not easy to cut a good trailer for this movie.

The several trailers provided by Orion could not satisfy Simon, so he had to do it himself.After careful consideration, the length of the first trailer is 1 minute and 30 seconds. Robert De Niro, John Travolta, Robert Redford and other big names all appeared on the scene. Dialogue, and finally the picture was fixed on the box exuding golden light.

The plot of "Pulp Fiction" is still in a state of secrecy, so after the trailer was released, the media quickly judged that it was a "treasure hunting" movie.

The facts are naturally quite different from the judgment of the media, but this is exactly what Simon wants to see. It is always the simplest and most effective way to market a movie by raising a topic and triggering media discussions. The curves have proven this.

In the third week of its large-scale release, "When Harry Met Sally" collected another US$1211 million, with a cumulative box office of US$4916 million. The decline for the whole week was finally locked at 21%. All are excellent.

Although the scale of screenings in the next week was expanded by 50% at one time, Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" still fell by nearly 25% in the second week.

The box office of "Good Johnny" released by Orion Films and "When Harry Met Sally" at the same time even dropped by 51%. This week, the box office only received 197 million US dollars. The cumulative box office is only 2200 million US dollars.After next week, the one-month screening contract with the theater expires, and the movie will basically withdraw from the big screen.

In Simon's view, the failure of "Good Johnny" indicates that Orion Pictures' performance is destined to decline sharply this year.

In the past two years, after producing several blockbuster films, the blindly expanding Orion Films' production and distribution scale this year is completely comparable to that of the Big Seven, even surpassing MGM and other major film companies with relatively sluggish performance.

However, aside from "Pulp Fiction," Simon didn't see a second movie with blockbuster potential in Orion's long slate.

After last year's stock market crash, life in Hollywood as a whole will not be easy in the next few years. The decline of Orion is as inevitable as Canon, New World, De Laurentiis Entertainment and other companies, and Simon can only stand on the sidelines.

At the beginning of the month, it negotiated with Disney and signed the overseas distribution rights contract of "When Harry Met Sally", and Daenerys Pictures received a sale payment of 4 million US dollars in late April.

Compared with the $1500 million production cost of "When Harry Met Sally", the company has directly obtained double the return.Of course, the proceeds of this film also need to be shared with the British craft film industry that also participated in the investment.

According to the original contract, excluding production costs, Daenerys Pictures will receive 60% of the net profit of the film.Calculated in this way, Daenerys Pictures can get 3000 million US dollars for the 1650 million US dollars sold out. After the production cost of 1500 million US dollars is offset, Daenerys Pictures will be able to get [-]% of all subsequent income.

Before "When Harry Met Sally" was released, Daenerys Films had been spending money like water, and now it has finally started to make money, and Amy Pascal's tense mind has obviously relaxed a lot.

Simon can see that she has been worried that Daenerys Pictures will rise and collapse as quickly as Canon and other companies.

Although Simon has a rich net worth now, if Daenerys Films really follows in the footsteps of companies such as Canon, he will definitely not continue to throw money at this company. Amy obviously knows this very well.

However, the expansion of Daenerys Films seems to be equally blind, but Simon knows how much the company's series of projects will win.

Whether it is a second-tier film company such as the Big Seven or Orion, it usually casts a wide net by investing in a large number of projects, hoping that there will be a few blockbuster works among them.As long as this can be achieved, the film company can basically achieve a good profit.

Due to Simon's prophetic advantage, Daenerys Films is equivalent to directly raising a few big fish in the fishing net.

4 month 21 day.

In the new week, Simon got up early in the morning and saw the news from the "Los Angeles Times" that the negotiations between the Producers Union and the Screenwriters Union of America had broken down again.

Santa Monica.

Daenerys Films headquarters, arrived at the company at eight o'clock, Simon watched the samples of "Rain Man" in recent days, and it was just time for work.Amy also rushed to the company ahead of time, and when Simon came out of the screening room, she talked about it: "Simon, have you heard the news?"

Because it is Monday, the directors of various departments under Daenerys Films and the heads of a series of projects will hold a weekly regular meeting.

Simon and Amy came to the meeting room together, nodded with several other executives who had arrived, and said, "Of course, so, our reality TV show project can enter the substantive production stage."

Negotiations between the Producers Union and the Screenwriters Union broke down. Naturally, it is impossible to restart just by saying restart. Both parties need to make a decision. It will be at least next month to get on the negotiating table again.

According to the operating procedures of the American TV industry, in March and April every year, TV program producers, large and small, will begin to search for projects and produce pilot episodes, and then present them to several major TV networks and cable TV stations during the annual TV program promotion season in May. Make a pitch.

Due to the screenwriter's strike, not to mention the pilot episode, many film studios don't even have a few scripts in their hands.

Originally, if a settlement could be reached this month and the construction period was urgently rushed, no one would delay the promotion season next month.Negotiations broke down again, and this matter is naturally out of the question.If this most important time node is missed, the TV business of several major TV networks will be affected throughout this year.

Amy nodded when she heard Simon say this, but then said: "However, Simon, I heard that WGA is trying to reach an agreement with a second- and third-tier production company recently, what should we do?"

Simon thought for a while, and in the 1988 general strike in his memory, there were indeed a large number of second- and third-tier production companies that signed an agreement with WGA before the big studios and TV networks.However, the countermeasures of the Hollywood giants were also very decisive. The four major TV networks directly announced that they would no longer purchase programs from production companies that signed contracts with WGA in advance. WGA then used an antitrust lawsuit to bring the four major TV networks to court. .

With this information flashing through his mind, Simon shook his head decisively and said, "No matter what others do, we will not participate."