Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Minahan! Let's go have a drink together?"

Ronald hasn't chatted with Minahan for a long time. Now he seems to be freed from the heavy CEO work. Unlike the last time I saw him, he was so busy that he even mistook the name of the movie he watched and sent a message. A bunch of irrelevant comments.

So after the lengthy Golden Globe Awards was finally over, Ronald walked over, patted Minahan on the shoulder and said hello.

"Hey, Ronald. I didn't expect you to come and chat with me. I'm so happy to see you at the Golden Globe Awards. The first time we met, it was at the film festival..."

Minahan Golan's mental state is obviously not good. There was a bit of fatigue in his eyes, maybe because he was too busy at work on weekdays.

"Cannon's movie has received a cold reception, but I don't think the Golden Globe Award represents anything. The real recognition from Hollywood is the Oscar Award."

Ronald was a little depressed when he saw his old friend, and actually talked about the past when he almost committed suicide at the Montreal Film Festival. He quickly said a few words of relief.

The two greeted the assistant and went to the reception held by the Hilton Hotel after the Golden Globe Awards, and found a place to chat.

“I have a movie coming out soon, Stallone’s ‘Over the Top’. Last year’s ‘The Devil’ sold more than 100 million worldwide. It seems that the star strategy is still successful.

In old Hollywood, stars had to make two or three movies a year. What about now? After they filmed one film, they took a break for more than half a year. This is a waste of resources.

I talked with Stallone. As long as a star with his appeal can increase the number of films he makes, he can continue to produce blockbuster movies. "

Ronald frowned after hearing this. After Minahan received the 400 million in financing, he no longer insisted on low-cost production as he had in the past.

The movie Stallone gave him last year finally broke the box-office record held by Cannon Pictures' own "Break Dance." Having tasted the sweetness, he began to make non-stop films for Stallone, regardless of the prevailing practices in the film market.

And Stallone can enjoy a high salary in Cannon, and one movie can be worth the past three. In addition, Schwarzenegger has challenged his status as the number one action actor, and he also needs to continue to launch new works to prove himself.

For a while, the interests of both parties found a harmonious place, and Cannon and Stallone actually became the best partners.

"Will your movie be released next month as well?" Ronald mentioned the schedule after listening to Minahan's words.

"Yes, what, you have a movie to be in too?"

"A small-budget romantic comedy...I'm also the credited producer."

"It doesn't matter, there is no conflict between our two movies..."

"Don't take it lightly. My 'spirit' has good box office potential."

"Hahaha, it turns out it's the movie 'Brilliant'. I've heard some rumors. What do film critics think of your movie? Do you want me to help you make an appointment with the two of you to talk about it and try to find a way to publicize it?"

"Huh?" Ronald looked at Minahan and thought, could it be that you are using money to bribe film critics to say good things about Stallone's new movie, so that they want to find a movie to disparage as a comparison? "

"Why didn't Yoram come today?" Ronald saw that Minahan's inseparable cousin was missing and deliberately changed the topic.

When I go back, I'll look for reviews from film critics praising Stallone's new film. Make sure.

"Yoram...well...he...he is mainly responsible for the company's finance and operations now. But the production and distribution business belong to me, and he is not very involved in the company's artistic creation now."

While Minahan was talking, when he mentioned his cousin Yoram, he no longer had the close feeling that he had before when he and his cousin could imitate each other's signatures and sign checks in each other's names.

"Is there any problem between you and him? You didn't seem to divide your work scope before. I always felt that you were one."

Ronald looked at Minahan's face that couldn't hide his worries, and felt that there was a story behind it, so he deliberately pretended not to know and stimulated him.

"He is now the president of the Cannon Group, and he is responsible for the merger and acquisition of the theater chain there. The business is so big that we are too busy, so it is normal to divide the labor. Ga ga ga, I am now focused on the chairmanship of Cannon."

Minahan smiled reluctantly.

Ronald was even more suspicious. The position of chairman did not have the blessing of the title of president. I wonder how much real power Minahan still had?

His cousin Yoram actually had a conflict with him, and he didn't know what happened.

"That is the largest cinema chain in China that EMI Group originally controlled. After we merged with EMI, we targeted this cinema chain. As long as we eat it, plus the cinema chain we acquired in Britain last year, we will be in Europe. It is the largest publishing group.”

Minahan Golan was quite happy to see Ronald, and unknowingly talked about some of the company's business conditions.

Ronald is not aware of any of this, but it has already caused some waves in Hollywood.

EMI Corporation of China and Minahan Cannon conducted a merger and acquisition in the second half of last year. After the merger, EMI held a large share. Although the original Cannon people still dominated the management, the leadership also made adjustments.

EMI insisted that Yoram, who has better business acumen, be the powerful president, while Minahan was deprived of the power of overseas distribution and other business development, leaving only the production rights of film and television dramas.

This is why Minahan has time today to represent the Cannons at the Golden Globe Awards.

"We, Cannon, are currently filming two major productions scheduled to be released this year. They are targeting this year's summer season. If you have a movie coming out, please be careful to avoid it. Don't blame me for not warning you, Ronald."

Minahan has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in the past two years and is used to bossing around. He still has a slight psychological advantage in front of his biggest benefactor, Ronald.

"I do have a musical film to be released. What is the theme of your film?"

Ronald didn't take it seriously and inquired about Minahan's thoughts.

"Two superhero movies adapted from comic books. Musical movies are not a hindrance. You have a way of making musicals. You can't compete head-on with us. As long as the quality is excellent, you can definitely make money."

"A comic adaptation?"

Ronald was a little uncomfortable hearing Minahan's condescending tone of voice. But it doesn't matter. Ronald doesn't think Minahan has a higher vision for production than him. He just got lucky and got the general trend. He is also involved in the distribution business now, so Wall Street financing will not be worse than him in the future.

"Yes, I have two movies that I'm going to send to the Cannes Film Festival." Minahan said about making movies. He was obviously more interested than talking about commercial matters. He stretched out two fat fingers and said, Said to Ronald.

"One is the fourth Superman movie. I spent a lot of money to hire Christopher Reeve, the original Superman actor, and also asked him to participate in the movie's screenwriter. I also brought in Gene Harker, an old supporting actor from the first movie. Mann was brought back to play the villain Luthor.

There is also the heroine Margaret Kidder. I also spent a lot of money to invite her to return and continue to play Superman's girlfriend Lois, which she swore not to play.

In short, this is a Superman movie that returns to the classic formula of the first film. Instead of returning to the boring black comedy mode of the third film, it returns to what a hero movie should be.

The other one is also a superhero movie ‘Superman’, which is adapted from a toy owned by Mattel. I found Dolph Lundgren, the actor who played the league boxer who fought Stallone in Rocky IV, to play the protagonist, Space Superman.

There is also a very beautiful actress Courtney Cox playing the heroine, who will become the new Superman and Lois. "

Ronald felt that when his old friend Minahan was still a producer, he was full of energy and seemed to have dreams. Maybe focusing on producing would be a good thing for him.

"Such a special effects blockbuster is not cheap, right?" Ronald asked.

"That is, the filming process, plus the stars' salaries, the fourth Superman movie cost 10 million. We also prepared a budget of 25 million for special effects production.

As for Space Superman, a similar special effects budget has been prepared. "

Minahan once again wowed the audience by bragging about how expensive his special effects would be and how the effects would be just like the first Superman movie.

Ronald feels that from a business perspective, this method is actually good. Especially Space Superman in partnership with Mattel. The cast is inexpensive, but if it's a hit at the box office, you can make a lot of money from toy sales alone.

Moreover, Ronald has always felt that Minahan Golan's ideas and aesthetics in making movies are similar to cartoons. If he can really make special effects films with this kind of cartoon image, maybe he can really let Cannon replicate "break dancing" success.

"You're right, I'm in a bad mood today."

Minahan and Ronald chatted wildly about filmmaking, scratching their own itch and finally getting over their emotions.

"The Golden Globe Awards are discriminatory against us foreign producers. Zeffirelli's 'Othello' is his greatest work by his own admission.

Julie Andrews also said that "Duet" is her best work after "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins", but the Golden Globes did not even recognize their efforts.

I am very disappointed. Only the audience is selfless. They will not discriminate against my films because I am Israeli. Whether it looks good or not is the only criterion for them to buy tickets. "

Minahan began to criticize the Golden Globe Awards organizing committee.

Ronald asked about the situation. In fact, the Golden Globe Organizing Committee was not to blame for this incident. If you want to call it discrimination, there is indeed a bit of discrimination against the several films Cannon was nominated for, but this kind of discrimination is not directed at Minahan's nationality.

This kind of discrimination, if you think of it as discrimination, is directed at the stars of Minahan's films.

Except for Stallone, his other movies all used outdated star actors and star directors. The Golden Globe Awards rely on stars to attract ratings. Not awarding the award to Cannon movies is discriminating against their leading actors who are too starry.

Thinking of this, Ronald couldn't help but smile.

"What, you don't believe it? Stallone's new film 'Over the Top' is definitely his best work since First Blood. The subject matter is profound, the relationship between father and son, and the difficulty of a single blue-collar worker establishing a foothold in America. There is also the high-spirited spirit of the arm-wrestling competition.

I absolutely believe that this is the best character Stallone has portrayed since Rocky in 1976. "

Not only was this film Cannon's most important work in the first half of 1987, but it was also directed by Minahan Golan himself, so his box office expectations were also high.

"But Americans like to watch boxing. Who wants to watch a fucking arm-wrestling?" Ronald complained in his heart. He shook his head, and the smile on his lips betrayed his inner thoughts that he didn't like the movie at all.

As a director, Ronald couldn't even imagine how to make this arm-wrestling scene look good. In boxing, you can also shoot a series of routines such as being beaten, defending, counterattacking, etc. For something like arm wrestling, bang, the winner will be decided in two seconds, without even a twist.

"Why, do you think your romantic movie can beat my directorial work?" Minahan is the chairman of a multinational company, but his greatest skill is as a film director.

Seeing Ronald's smile, he felt more competitive in his heart.

"I'll make a bet with you. How about seeing the box office results of our two movies?"

Ronald did not expect Minahan to be so persistent. He seemed to have no great interest in running the company. Instead, he turned all his interests to his favorite career, movies.

"Haha, I have my own judgment. What do you want to bet on?" Ronald just laughed. He was definitely better at judging the American audience's taste than Minahan.

"If you lose and my movie has a higher first-weekend box office of our two movies, then you have to give an interview and say good things about my movie." Minahan stated his conditions.

"this……"

Ronald didn't expect Minahan to make this condition. He and Stallone had all kinds of unpleasant pasts, so it would be really uncomfortable for him to say good things about his movie.

"What, you don't dare?"

"What am I afraid of?" Ronald blurted out, "But I won't say good things about Stallone. Even if I lose, which I think is unlikely, I can only say that your director's skills are extraordinary."

"Okay, what do you want if you win?" Minahan knows that Ronald and Stallone won't fight each other. It would be great to have him touting his directorial ability. Maybe he can also accumulate some recognition in the industry, and maybe he can get a job. Oscar nomination for Best Director?

"Me?" Ronald didn't think about what he wanted. He just wanted the other party to praise his movie.

"By the way, Cannon spent a lot of money at the Cannes Film Festival and had a lot of opportunities, right?"

Ronald suddenly remembered what Minahan said just now. In order to arouse domestic interest in European film festivals, only the three major film festivals, especially the awards in Cannes, are influential.

"Yes, what, you have a movie that you want to go to Cannes for?"

"Yes, are you willing to give up a chance to appear in a movie?"

"What's the matter? I agreed." Minahan came over and shook hands with Ronald, and the two expressed that the bet was established.

"If you want to participate in the main competition section of Cannes, it's already too late. This year's film selection is almost over. Or you can participate in the secondary competition section, but you are a big director, so it is not appropriate to participate in the small section.

How about I discuss it with the organizer and let your movie "Spiritual" premiere in Cannes? This will definitely be published in the newspaper, and sending it back to America will definitely be good for your marketing. "

"Premiere? Then bet on the premiere." Ronald calculated. The Palme d'Or in Cannes will be covered by domestic reports, but other competition units are really unlikely to arouse interest.

It would also be nice to have a premiere in Cannes. At least it is a very good news point. When the time comes, the TV media in the country and the country may also be able to report it.

"However, it's not 'The Show', but the musical 'Dirty Dancing' that I directed. It was produced by my own company, and I need some exposure opportunities."

"That's no problem." Minahan was still very happy with Ronald, his old friend. "Since it's your own movie, even if you lose the bet, I can still give you this opportunity, but you have to pay for it yourself." A spot at the premiere.”

"Deal!" Ronald shook hands with Minahan again and confirmed the additional conditions.

…

After returning to the hotel, Ronald called his agent Richard, "Can you help me find reports on the merger between Cannon and EMI? I want to know what's going on.

In addition, there are also Stallone's new films and the reviews of those film critics. If possible, please help me find them for me to watch. "

Ronald didn't listen to what was happening outside the window while filming. It was common for him to work more than ten hours a day and seven days a week. After filming a movie and returning to normal life, I often know nothing about the news that happened during the filming.

The next day, Ronald waited for Richard on time.

Richard brought Ronald a Wall Street Journal analysis. Wall Street analysts believe this is a key step for Cannon Pictures to become international. I'm optimistic about the future of cannons.

Only one analyst pointed out that Cannon shot more than 40 movies last year and started theater mergers and acquisitions, TV station acquisitions, and office building construction. If this year's box office is not good, there will be big cash flow problems.

The acquisition of EMI actually solved to some extent the hidden dangers caused by the rapid development of Cannon Pictures. However, the details of the terms of the merger are not yet clear, and it remains to be seen what the Chinese government’s Ministry of Culture thinks of the merger.

"Their overseas distribution channels have been strengthened again." Ronald saw that Cannon listed in the analysis article has owned theater shares in six or seven countries on the European continent through mergers and acquisitions, and has advertised in Cannes year after year. Every Cannes Film Festival , has become the home ground of the Cannon.

"Yes, if your movie needs to be distributed overseas, you might as well cooperate with them. With so many theaters, the demand for good movies is actually very hungry." Richard reminded.

"Yes, I know." Ronald thinks this idea makes sense. Overseas issuance is more troublesome, and the payment cycle is longer. Many countries do not cooperate for a long time. I really don't know the integrity of my opponents. There is a high probability of encountering a scammer. event.

"Huh? No way?"

Ronald turned to the film review section at the back, "Is this a published newspaper?"

The film review edition of the Chicago Sun-Times two days ago did not publish a review of Stallone's new film, but a shameless review by Roger Ebert of Minahan Golan, the chairman and chief director of Cannon Pictures. of praise.

“No studio in the world today—and I’m not talking about any of the Big Seven in Hollywood—is more willing to take risks on serious, marginalized films than Cannon.

He is the only producer and director in Hollywood who sticks to the old-school style in this era of box office and materialism.

Making movies is a noble cause, not just for the box office. He also represented America's conscience in the past, especially the American Puritan values ​​that small-town youths once represented.

Loyalty, hard work, kindness, and consideration for others often pay off at the end of the movie.

Unexpectedly, today, a foreigner is still adhering to the tradition of Hollywood. "

"Hehehehe..." Richard laughed out loud, "This year, the Chicago Film Critics Association can go to Cannes, China, for its annual work meeting, and also have a vacation in Paris. All expenses will be reimbursed by Cannon's affiliated companies."

"This guy is really working hard to buy and flatter me."

Ronald sighed, he didn't expect Roger Ebert's conscience to be sold so cheaply. For your own Dirty Dancing, you can actually try out the effect of sponsoring a vacation for these greedy film critics.

82 Chinese website

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