Exploiting Hollywood 1980

Joining the Producers Alliance will be done soon. Ronald entrusted Eddie Cohen, the general manager of Daydream Pictures, to participate in the first meeting regarding the video dividend negotiations.

"This is our first time to attend this alliance meeting. I mainly went with my ears." Eddie came back from the meeting and met Ronald to start the report.

“The leading force in this alliance is still the seven major studios, plus Orion, Carocco, Heimdall, and De Laurentiis, several medium-sized producers that have membership in the film association MPAA.

They have the main say in the content of the negotiations. President Nick Conte, who is a lawyer, is mainly the person to negotiate. He will make negotiation postures based on the opinions of these members.

Basically, the current attitude of the Producers Union is not to make things bigger than the two-year strike situation in the early 1980s. "

"Then do they want to recognize the proportion of the remaining dividends?" After hearing this, Ronald continued to ask about the details of the meeting.

"Actually, from my observation," Eddie took a sip of the coffee handed to him by Ronald, "the seven major producers use this residual dividend to block the mouths of actors and directors. This kind of dividend is It is a small fixed ratio and the payment period is extended to more than one year.

For them, after admitting it, they can use this regulation to block... celebrities and directors... Hey, hey..."

"To stop the stars and directors from asking for separate share ratios?" Ronald's dual identity still made Eddie a little unable to change. So he simply said it himself.

"Yes, that's it. Stars are also actors, and directors who make blockbuster movies are also directors. Anyway, in the long run, the trend of allocating a little surplus to the three major labor unions is unstoppable. It's better to admit it early and let their ordinary actors and Stars with those heads biting each other.”

"These capitalists... Actually, it's not a big problem to give the actors some points. Making a movie is a matter of luck. If you make a lot of money, you can give some of it to the co-creators. I don't think there is any problem with this.

Many actors become famous or win Oscars, but then they make a bunch of bad movies. In fact, there are also reasons why the previous contract was unreasonable and they lowered their artistic standards for the sake of money. "

Ronald has been in the industry for a long time and has a certain understanding of the Oscar Curse. Before becoming famous, actors don't make much money, so it's not easy for them to become popular. It's human nature to seize the time and take on more bad movies that pay well within the time that the audience will remember them. It's human nature to earn more.

For example, Stallone must have wanted to make another deep and blockbuster movie like "Rocky" or "First Blood".

But that couldn't stop his wife Brigitte Nielsen from being extravagant and bought a mansion in the most expensive area of ​​Beverly Hills.

And Bridget Nielsen stars in the sequel to the hit action comedy "Beverly Hills Cop." This movie was abandoned by Stallone, but became extremely popular.

Stallone, an Italian of Italian origin, was very unhappy with this kind of thing that offended his self-esteem. However, his own movie "Over the Top" did not do well at the box office and was released within four weeks. He had no choice but to buy all kinds of expensive jewelry and clothes to maintain his male status in the family.

Entertainment newspapers had almost weekly stories about the new toys the couple had purchased.

If it weren't for Minahan Golan, who gave him a salary that far exceeded that of ordinary male stars, Stallone himself would have lost his dignity at home.

"Maybe one or two movies can be distributed generously to the main creators, but even those medium-sized studios only produce about ten movies per year. The profits from many blockbuster movies have to be used to subsidize those that are flat or loss-making."

What Eddie said makes sense. The family is big and the business is big. If an opening is opened, everyone may want to share the money in the future. Now Hollywood's financial balance is already very fragile and may be broken if it doesn't happen.

"That's true, but I still have to share some of the money I make from the movies I invest in with the actors, as well as the screenwriters and photography directors."

"I don't object to this. We are daydreaming, and now we are trying to make some name for ourselves in the industry. As long as you don't reveal the size of the dividend."

Eddie is very clear about Daydream Pictures' current status in the industry. It is a small company that makes low-cost exploitation films. Only by using the reputation of actors and creators to make a lot of money can we attract good actors.

"Nick Conte, the president of the Producers Guild, is very interested in you. He asked me to give you a message. If you go to the Directors Guild gathering, I hope you can give it to their president, Franklin Schaffner. talk."

"Bring a message? I won't be a traitor." Ronald thought Conte wanted him to mingle with the president of the Directors Guild in private.

"Traitors are the most hateful. You can't do this kind of thing. I learned in school when I was a child that bats are neither birds nor beasts, and they will be disliked by both." Ronald frowned and objected to Eddie's idea.

"Huh? Is there such an article? Why don't I remember it?" Eddie raised his eyebrows, "I'm not asking you to act as an intermediary for the negotiations between the two parties in private. I'm asking you to really say something."

"Oh? What are you talking about?"

"Conte hopes that the directors' union can start negotiations with the producers' union as soon as possible.

The cooperation agreement between the Producers Alliance and the three major artist unions will expire next year. If we can talk earlier, everyone will have more room.

Conte said you can say this in front of members to avoid suspicion. "

"That's fine." Ronald nodded. He spoke openly and openly, but it was a matter of both sides.

Anyway, there are not many directors and producers in Hollywood who have both identities. I am younger than Spielberg, so I should run errands.

…

"Because I am a member of both parties, I will not participate in your closed-door meeting. I am just helping the Producers Alliance express their attitude. They hope to start negotiations as soon as possible."

A few days later, Ronald found a high-end Chinese restaurant to entertain the old directors who came to attend the Directors Guild meeting.

This restaurant is of good quality, the food is delicious, and the red wine is imported from Bordeaux. What's more, the waiters here all wear dresses and bow ties, and the decoration has an old-school feel. Just right for these old guys to be nostalgic about.

"You are very good, Ronald. If you had been born in our time, you might have made a good apprentice."

An old director took out a napkin and wiped the food on his body.

"Don't brag. The total number of movies you directed is not as much as the box office of one movie by young people."

"Can it be the same? It's all because of Nixon's cancellation of the gold standard. Our box office at that time, if inflation is taken into account, is actually not bad now."

"That's right, plus inflation, I think the movies at that time had better box office than now. After all, there were no TV series at that time." Ronald flattered several old men.

"Not only do you look like a director from the golden age, you also talk and act like one." The old man put on his dentures. "Didn't you date Brooke Shields before? We all did it with popular female stars at that time."

"You old guy, stop bragging in front of young people."

"Why am I bragging? Grace Kelly and I, hey hey hey..."

"Which director here hasn't slept with Grace? On the set...that is to say, she has a strict mouth and doesn't publicize much. Unlike Katharine Hepburn, who likes to use the most vulgar swear words to scold directors who have an affair with her."

Ronald was sweating after hearing this. This is all ancient secrets. I don’t know how much of it is true and how much of it is bragging.

"Speaking of which, who was the best at picking up girls at that time?"

Several old men thought about it for a long time and argued about it. Some people said it was John Ford. When he was not filming movies, he always changed his female companions.

Some people think it was Lubitsch, who played every night while filming a movie, and finally died of a heart attack in a woman's bed.

"Billy, who do you think you are?" a director asked an old man who was sitting at the table and not participating in the discussion. He was wearing a plaid suit, a scarlet scarf on his chest, and tortoiseshell glasses, and was slowly tasting red wine.

"Who else, Orson?"

"Hey...it's indeed him." Everyone marveled. The late Orson Welles not only had the support of Rita Hayworth, the sexy Hollywood woman at the time, but also had a deep and deep love for him. In order for Orson Welles to return to Hollywood, he cut off his long hair and played a role. It also offended the studio.

None of the directors discussed earlier could have such a beautiful woman who would sacrifice her acting career for him.

"Billy, you're actually not bad at all. After Audrey married you, you still had so many beauties to keep you company outside, and she was totally devoted to you."

"Yes, yes, you are awesome too." The old men all began to tease the old man named Billy.

"Mr. Wilder, do you have any secrets in your skills? Can you teach them to me?" Ronald heard this. He had shot classic business cards such as "Peach Apartment", "Some Like It Hot" and "Sunset Boulevard". Director Billy Wilder also has this ability. He quickly half-flattered and half-seriously asked him.

"This is actually very simple. Audrey is a smart woman. I am lucky to have met her."

Ronald nodded, does this mean that his wife doesn't mind?

"Besides, you'd better find a supporting actor or a stand-in instead of a popular star."

Well, this means that the lover’s status should not make his wife feel threatened. This old man has one theory after another, but I don’t know whether it is reliable or not.

"Of course, the most important thing is not to let them know each other's existence." Billy Wilder slowly revealed his most important secret.

"Hahaha..." Ronald picked up the wine glass and toasted to everyone. This is true, but it is not so easy to do.

The old men were very satisfied. The standard of today's banquet was comparable to those of those years ago.

"This year's Oscar nominations are coming out soon. It's not convenient for us to nominate your Top Gun. Will there be a new film next year? If it's not so popular to sell popcorn, we can vote for you and let your agent work it out. Maybe you will get it." Nominated for Best Director."

Billy Wilder was an old man who lived very clearly. After finishing his meal, he quietly chatted with Ronald about Oscar.

"Next year I will be cooperating with MGM on a movie called 'Moonlight'. It is a drama about a love story for middle-aged people. Maybe it is suitable for Oscar tastes?" Ronald also lowered his voice and whispered Ask the elders for advice.

"Dirty Dancing" did not have the help of a major studio, and it was also a commercial film for the box office. It might not be suitable for the taste of the Oscars. Ronald thought for a while and chose "Moonlight".

"Oscar award nominations require votes from people in the same union. We old guys like to watch old-fashioned dramas. If you ask your agent to work hard, you may be able to secure a nomination.

In this industry, all it takes to convince producers and other stars is a nomination. "

Ronald quickly expressed his thanks. Personally put Billy Wilder in a limousine and took him to his house in Beverly Hills.

"The Point Guard Is Here"

"You are quite interesting. You can call me if you need anything in the future." Billy Wilder was very satisfied with the respect shown by Ronald. He just lacks respect from producers right now.

Ronald feels this method is good and he can learn a lot of techniques from old directors.

He then approached Franklin Schaffner, the new president of the Directors Guild, and said he could sponsor more union activities in the future.

…

A few days later, the nominations for the 59th Oscars were officially released.

The importance that television stations attach to the Oscars is completely different from the perfunctory treatment of the Golden Globes.

Even the announcement of the nominees was broadcast on television.

"Best Picture nominees, Platoon, Hannah and Her Sisters, A Room with a View, God's Children..."

Ronald, Niceta, and Richard's two agents sat together in the CAA office to watch the nominations being announced.

"How many nominations have these movies received? Are they concentrated?"

"The field platoon has been nominated for eight categories, and they are all five major awards." Richard took a form to record.

"The best directors also include Oliver Stone, Woody Allen, and David Lynch who directed Blue Velvet."

"How can this old pervert be nominated?" Ronald said it was not too surprising that a movie that purely reflected the bad nature of human nature and included a large-scale nude scene of his girlfriend Insabella Rossellini was nominated for Best Director. understand.

"Critics like his mystique." Niceta said why. Some film critics are not only qualified to vote, but also drive the aesthetic trends in the industry.

"Best Actor for Paul Newman as Money, William Hurt as Children of God, and James Wood for El Salvador."

"Oliver Stone received important nominations for both of his films?" Ronald was deeply envious. He also wrote and directed the film reflecting the war in El Salvador.

"The nominees for Best Actress include Sissy Spacek, Jane Fonda, Katharine Turner for Peggy Sue's Getting Married, and Sigourney Weaver for Alien. The last nominee is Marie Matlin, who plays the deaf girl..."

"The competition for Best Actress this year is very fierce... there are two who have won Best Actress, and two who have been nominated."

Ronald was happy for his friend Cameron. His movie finally got a nomination for five major awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor and Actor).

However, it was my turn to be miserable. Only the theme songs of two movies, "Take My Breath Away" by Top Gun and "Glory of Love" by "The Kid 2", received two mediocre nominations. .

As for the other films I have participated in, Crocodile Dundee won the best original screenplay, but the others failed. Even the technical awards such as makeup, special effects, and editing were not nominated.

"Paula..." Niceta was on the phone to her wife, and her client Tom Cruise didn't fare well either.

Needless to say about the leading actor of "Top Gun", there is no way those members of the Screen Actors Guild would vote for a young bastard who played shirtless volleyball on the beach and argued in the bathroom wearing a towel.

Even "The Color of Money", which he had high hopes for, co-starring with Paul Newman, was not nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

This was an insurance measure that he discussed with Paula and other agents. In order to increase the probability of nomination, he did not select the leading actor, but selected a supporting actor with less fierce competition.

The results of it? I was so unlucky that the two actors in "Platoon", Tom Bellinger and Willem Dafoe, were both nominated for Best Supporting Actor, which was a double success.

In particular, Tom Bellinger was one of the candidates for the male lead in "Top Gun". He gave up popcorn movies to play an arrogant sergeant in the Vietnam War. Sure enough, it also got the expected nomination in the awards.

This project also includes British actor Michael Caine, who plays "Hanna and the Sisters," and Dennis Hopper, who plays a supporting role in the basketball movie "The Heat."

These are all veteran actors who have been famous in the film industry since the 1960s. Tom Cruise couldn't compete and didn't get a nomination.

"Tom was very frustrated... He said he wanted to continue working with famous directors."

Niceta told Ronald about the situation there. After learning that he had not received an Oscar nomination again, Tom Cruise seemed a little out of control and started screaming hysterically at home.

Fortunately, his girlfriend, Mimi Rogers, was there and immediately comforted him and gave him a Scientology audit until he calmed down.

"Is this nomination so important to him?" Ronald was a little puzzled. Tom Cruise does not need Oscar recognition, and he is definitely the next generation of leading male stars.

"It's very important to him, he needs recognition from an award." Niceta knew what Cruise was thinking. The impact of dyslexia on him was actually technically something that Cruise could have hired professionals to deal with long ago given his status.

What's more important is the psychological aspect. He is particularly eager for recognition of his acting skills from the outside world, especially professionals.

Ronald was not too obsessed with awards. Anyway, he was making exploitative films, so he had no hope from the beginning.

…

"Tom, Tom...can you say a few words about not being nominated for an Oscar?"

"I have nothing to say. The judges have their own standards." Tom Cruise was coming out of Scientology's technical center with his girlfriend Mimi.

Mimi said that there, there are more professional Scientology executives who will audit him and let him understand the real reason why he was not selected for the Oscar. Sure enough, after the hypnosis and counseling of David Miscavige, the successor appointed by the founder, Cruise has become much calmer.

"Tom Bellinger said he was nominated because his movie Platoon was anti-war, and your Top Gun was pro-military. What do you think about that?"

This question irritated Cruise again. He gained real profits but lost the award.

Tom Cruise turned back to the reporter and took off his sunglasses, "I am anti-war too!"

"Ah..." The reporters found that Cruise seemed to have a deep feeling about this award.

"Tom, are you saying that you regret taking part in Director Ronald's Top Gun and want to take part in Oliver Stone's Platoon?"

"No, I didn't say that. As a person, I also hold an anti-war stance."

"So will you ever star in a movie that supports the military? Like a Top Gun sequel?"

"No, no, I have always supported the anti-war stance. This movie is about heroes, not support for war..."

Seeing that Tom was stimulated and a little angry, Mimi Rogers quickly came up and pulled Tom into the car.

"Tom Cruise said he doesn't plan to make a Top Gun sequel because of anti-war reasons... CBS Los Angeles reports for you."

The next day, Ronald was watching TV at home and unexpectedly discovered that the media was reporting that Cruise unexpectedly said he was not prepared to participate in the sequel to Top Gun.

"Does he regret it? He even wants to participate in an anti-war film like Platoon, which was nominated for an Oscar." Chris Columbus, a young director who was visiting Ronald, pointed out to Ronald bluntly when he saw this. Ruth's tendencies.

"It cannot be analyzed so simply. Platoon is actually a very complex story, based on Oliver Stone's own experience in Vietnam.

It is difficult to say that this is an anti-war or pro-military movie. There are also villains in the US military such as Sergeant Barnes played by Bellinger, and there are also people with a sense of justice such as Sergeant Elias played by Willem Dafoe. Good people.

Besides, who doesn’t want to win an Oscar? "

Ronald was excusing Cruise, but he actually had a grudge in his heart. What is this? Although I couldn't nominate him for Best Actor, I still have the star status that actors like Bellinger can't dream of, and the love of thousands of fans.

It's hard to say whether Bellinger would want to trade with Cruise if he had the chance.

Ring ring ring ring…

I remember the phone ringing.

"Ronald? This is Tom. I'm calling you to say sorry. I originally wanted to come by myself, but Mimi said it's not convenient for me to go out now. It would be even more troublesome if reporters saw me.

In that interview, when I was in a bad mood, the reporter chased me and asked, so I blurted out. It doesn't mean anything else.

Mimi said that I need to go to Scientology's technical center to do more audits, so that these alien creatures... In short, it is to resolve the negative emotions. When things calm down, I will come to apologize to you again. "

Ronald felt a lot more comfortable, and Cruise still respected him.

"It doesn't matter. You are a big star now and very busy. We will have a chance to go to Paula and Rick's place and chat again."

"Okay, now Mr. Michael Ovitz wants me to star in a movie. He said there is a good chance of getting an Oscar nomination. I have already told him that my first choice is you as the director."

Please remember the first domain name of this book: . :