Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Ronald, your accountant Lawrence is here." Little Bud knocked on Ronald's door and let in the Chinese accountant Lawrence Wang.

"Lawrence, is everything going well?" Ronald interrupted the piles of script readings sent by his agent to greet the private accountant who made a special trip to Los Angeles.

The recruitment of his script assistant was not going well. Several candidates arranged by Richard were not suitable. Several interviews were conducted, and they all pretended to apply for the job by writing their own scripts. The purpose is actually to let Ronald see if there is a chance to shoot.

Ronald had no choice but to ask his friends in the circle to continue recommending suitable candidates. So during this period, I still read the script myself.

"Everything is going well. The stocks you have heavily invested in have risen well in the past year and a half, especially Coca-Cola, which has risen by almost 70%. Taking into account dividends and other factors, the compound return rate this year will exceed 8%. ten.

So this time I sold you some other stocks, gathered the investment amount, and flew to Los Angeles. "

Lawrence reported to Ronald on the disposal of the assets.

"Very good, I didn't expect Coca-Cola to rise so much." Ronald flicked the report happily, "You contact Touchstone Pictures, and we will allocate funds for the 'Evil Husband' project according to the original plan.

"No problem, I'll contact Douglas Jr.'s accountant."

"How long will you stay in Los Angeles this time? I'm going to Washington, D.C. next week. I can take you on Weintraub's private plane. It will be more convenient for you to go back to New York." Ronald learned on the phone that Lawrence was Mainly staying in Los Angeles for a few days. He has an appointment next week to clear the relationship with "Back to the Future" and see if he can let the commander-in-chief watch the movie he brought.

"Not this time. In addition to handling your business, I will stay until the end of the month. I have made an appointment with people in Los Angeles Chinatown to support a movie." Lawrence said that he would go to meet friends in Chinatown in Los Angeles. Went to the premiere of De Laurentiis' new film 'Year of the Dragon'. "

"Year of the Dragon?" Ronald thought of this movie. Back then, he wanted to direct, but the owner of the adaptation rights, Dino De Laurentiis, wanted to sign multiple film contracts with him. In the end, he ended up unhappy. Lost past events. Unexpectedly, it has already been filmed and will be released soon.

"Yes, we Chinese people born every year have a unique zodiac sign. Many Americans don't know our Chinese zodiac signs. This time is just to promote our culture to the mainstream society. What is your zodiac sign?"

"Me?" Ronald calculated, "I think I should be a rat."

"ah,

That's very good, it ranks first among the twelve zodiac signs. "

…

"cheers!"

A few days later, Ronald and Douglas Jr. came to the location of Jerry Zackaz's company, and their accountants formally handed over the check to Disney's Touchstone Department. The money was transferred into the account of the newly established project company, which was jointly supervised by the three parties.

Helen Slater got the supporting actress role, the male lead was played by the famous comedian Danny DeVito, and the female lead was played by the singer and movie star Bette Midler.

No reporters were invited to attend the start of the small project. The several main creators were in a simple office and officially started the shooting ceremony of the first movie produced after the opening of Touchstone Pictures.

"Ronald, the script of this movie is really great. I feel like I'm reading an O. Henry short story."

Helen Slater, whose hair had not yet grown long and had wide eyes, was discussing the script and roles with Ronald.

"Jerry is a comedy expert, you should listen to him more." Ronald had just started to learn the skills of an actor, but he didn't know much about comedy. He would reveal his secrets if he talked too much. "

"My father, Gerald, is coming to Los Angeles this time to prepare for a special TV news report on the Chinese leader's visit to the United States. If we have an opportunity, we would like to invite you to have a meal with us. Thank you." Helen saw Bette Midler coming over to ask for He hugged Ronald to say hello, put his arm around him in advance, and then kissed him on the face to declare his sovereignty.

"That's really unfortunate. I'm going to Washington, D.C., with Douglas Jr. soon. I'll make a special trip to New York to entertain him next time." Ronald touched his cheek.

"Ronald," Bette Midler came over and hugged the producer, "I'm glad you chose me. Do you think this movie has any hope of being a box office hit?"

Bette Midler's voice was very low, and she didn't know whether she was joking or serious, "Is it possible to catch up with 'Back to the Future', which is now released, and win the weekly box office champion?"

"It's hard to say that the box office of 'Back to the Future' this weekend is a little higher than its opening weekend. I think it is one of the strongest movies of the year. I am very confident in 'The Evil Husband', With Jerry directing and beauties like you and Helen participating, I am very confident."

"Hahaha..." Bette Midler was amused by Ronald.

…

"Thank you", little Douglas took the glass of champagne brought by the stewardess. He also boarded a private plane arranged by Weintraub to the Washington airport.

"Bette Midler is so ugly, how can you bear to talk and laugh with her." Little Doug said to Ronald in confusion, "Helen is so beautiful, why don't you stay with her for a while."

"Hey, how can you be such a good producer?" Ronald also took the champagne and took a sip. "The key to the success of this movie is not Helen's vase, but Bette Midler and Danny De Vito's performance.

Now that I have received acting training, I understand that actors are a very fragile group of people. They want to expose their true emotions, especially their human weaknesses, to the audience nakedly.

If you make such a big sacrifice and still don't get recognition from the box office or reviews, it will be a huge blow. "Ronald almost became depressed when he thought about Helen's failure at the box office. This is a very common thing for actors, especially actresses.

"So that's it, she is the key to success. Fortunately, I said that I am her biggest fan. I cried when I watched her Oscar-nominated movie "The Rose" in 1979."

"It seems you are shameless enough to be a producer."

…

"Little George", Ronald took little Douglas, and together with the Weintraubs, they came to the Vice Commander's official residence at No. 1 Observatory Loop to attend the family dinner of Barbara's family. In the foyer he met one of the directors of the Screen Fund, now Eisner's thickest thigh.

Little George separated him from Weintraub and pulled him to the small hall next to him. "Ronald, I'm sorry. It seems that what I promised you can't be done. I'll look for another opportunity in the future."

Ronald waved his hands quickly, "It's nothing. Originally we were thinking of making the commander happy. I heard that in the movie 'Back to the Future', there are also movie posters that the commander shot that year. If it is really inconvenient, let him It doesn’t matter if he sees it, I’ve done my best to help my friend.”

Of course it's good to be able to help with something like this, but when you can't help, don't show resentment.

"No, there is actually a reason for this, so I want to tell you."

Little George patted his shoulder and said, "The Commander-in-Chief has just had a polyp surgery. In accordance with the law, my father has represented the Commander-in-Chief for a few hours. Nancy lost her temper with my mother again, so she can't deal with you for the time being. Please. When you go in later, say a few nice words to my mother to make her happy."

"Of course, Barbara is very good to me and I like her very much. When I see her, I always think of my aunt."

Little George patted Ronald on the shoulder with satisfaction and introduced him into the hall.

"Are you the grandson of old Hansen? Let me see. They really look alike."

Little Douglas was introduced to Barbara, and she was very happy to see the descendants of her old friend.

"Ronald, you're here. Little George told me that you were helping him. Will the new movie be a big hit?" Barbara saw Ronald coming in and quickly inquired about the first investment from her son's fund.

"Little George has a good vision for investment. Eisner is the discoverer of more than half of Hollywood's blockbuster movies in the past ten years. For this first movie, we found director Jerry Zucker, who has made hundreds of millions of dollars. The story is also very interesting. Good, like an O. Henry-style comedy, the audience will definitely like it." Ronald said pleasantly.

"That's good, that's good." Barbara liked to hear good things about her son, and she pulled Ronald to sit down with a smile.

"As you requested, I have given a copy of the film to the White House director, Mr. James Baker, and explained that it was you who sent the copy. He will put 'Back to the Future' on the screening list for the Camp David vacation, but what? When it is shown, whether it is shown or not is beyond my control."

"I'm already very grateful for everything you have done for me." Ronald thanked him humbly.

"Very good, you will stay in Washington for the next few days and wait for the results with the director." Barbara patted Ronald's hand and asked him to return to his seat at the dining table.

"Don't be nervous, Zemeckis. Your movie has been number one at the box office for two weeks without relying on the news reports after the commander watched it."

After the banquet, Ronald returned to the hotel and saw director Robert Zemeckis waiting for news in the hotel lobby. Seeing that he looked very nervous, he offered words of comfort.

"Universal has invested in a record 1,500 first-run theaters, and Steven and I are hoping that we can continue to win this weekend. But with Stallone's sequel to First Blood coming soon, we are counting on Da Tong to turn things around. ,How did he say?"

"I can't completely finalize this matter," Ronald explained the situation. "I can only say that the commander-in-chief may take a look during his two-week vacation."

"Thank you anyway," Zemeckis hurried away again and called Spielberg to report.

There is a big difference in perception between a box office champion in one weekend and a box office champion in consecutive weekends.

"Ronald, I have something to say to you." Douglas Jr. and Ronald were staying in a hotel. After greeting Zemeckis, he pulled Ronald into his room.

"What's wrong?" Ronald turned on the TV casually. CBS TV station was showing a TV series about a wine estate, "Eagle Crest Estate."

All kinds of wealthy dramas have followed suit since the ratings of "The Big Deal," a soap opera about a Napa Valley wine-growing estate.

Ronald saw at a glance that the person who played the role of the housekeeper of the manor mistress in the TV series was the one he met at the East Asian Cultural Center in Los Angeles when he was filming "The Dragon King" and taught him Tai Chi "White Crane Drying Wings". "Chinese actor.

"It turns out he is really an actor." Ronald laughed dumbly, thinking he was bragging.

"I'm serious with you." Little Douglas came up and turned up the TV volume, pulled Ronald to the kitchen, and turned on the faucet.

"Don't get so close to political families in the future, especially the deputy commander. He used to be the director of the CIA for a long time, and he was the candidate that the Xiang Party establishment wanted to promote as the commander-in-chief. You see, my grandfather actually knew their family, except Donations for every election are not dealt with by them.”

"It's not that serious, right?" Ronald was surprised.

"You still don't understand the operations of these high-level political families. As a little Hollywood director, it's best not to get involved. Otherwise, they may not feel anything if something happens to you. I heard that Nancy and Barbara are mutually exclusive. I have nothing to say..."

"Okay, I remember." Ronald looked at little Douglas who was solemn and nodded. I rely on my ability to make a living, so there is really no need to get too close to these politicians. Just follow the laws of the market and art and just make films honestly.

…

In the White House residence, First Lady Nancy looked at her husband and felt very uneasy. The polyp surgery that the commander had just performed was successful, but his husband's physical strength and energy were obviously very exhausted, which reminded him of the time during his first term when his husband was shot.

She returned to her room and called a close friend in California.

"Joan, what's my husband's horoscope this week? Is there anything I can do to increase his health? He looks tired."

"Nancy, I just gave him a horoscope inference. Aquarius' horoscope will lead to minor health problems related to the digestive system. It's best to find a Capricorn man to meet him. It's best to have a name similar to his. Yes, this will bring an increase in his luck."

The person who answered the phone was Joan Quigley, an astrologer living in San Francisco.

She and Nancy have always had a good relationship. Ever since the assassination attempt on the Grand Commander, Nancy has been turning to Joan Quigley to influence the Grand Commander's schedule, personnel arrangements, and other major decisions through her interpretation of astrological results. .

"How should I find this Capricorn man?" Nancy asked hurriedly.

"Let me see, he is a relatively young man who bears a resemblance to your husband. His name is Ronald, or Donald, and he has extensive experience in the industry... Well, this is all that can be seen in the crystal ball. More, Nancy. You don’t have to look hard, he will take the initiative to appear by your side."

"oh……"

Nancy hung up the phone and began looking for the lucky man.

"Madam, the Commander-in-Chief is going to Camp David for vacation. What movie copies do you need to bring with you?"

"Do we have any choice?" Since Nancy and her husband entered the White House, they have brought their habit of relaxing by watching movies several times a week in Hollywood to Washington.

"There's a copy of the latest box office hit movie called 'Back to the Future.'"

"Who sent it?" Nancy became suspicious. Who got this movie? Will it cause a decline in fortune?

"Uh..." The staff member felt guilty. Barbara and Nancy were incompatible. If he said it was her arrangement...

"It's a movie produced by Spielberg. The young man who came to the White House last time, named Ronald Lee, sent it." The staff simply named the person who actually sent the copy.

"Ronald?" Nancy's eyes lit up, "Do you know what zodiac sign he is?"

"Well, I can call the Hollywood Film Association and ask for his birthday." The staff is no stranger to this task of checking horoscopes.

"If it's a Capricorn, ask him to come over and go to Camp David with us."

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