Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"You have a letter from the Screen Actors Guild, Ronald."

Daydream's colleagues called and told him that an official letter from the Screen Actors Guild had been sent to him. Not the white address taped to the printed envelope, typical marketing material. Instead, it uses a standard No. 10 envelope with a neat typewriter address, which looks very much like a legal official letter.

"Please help me unpack it and read it to me." Ronald was sitting leisurely on the floor of a high-end yoga studio meditating.

The number of dreams about movies gradually increased. Every time he dreamed, Ronald always had the same feeling, as if there was a door separating his body from the real world. He was in a world where he and the world could perceive each other, but But they are not together.

It's as if your mind is watching a movie in the living room while your body is still sleeping on the bed in the bedroom.

Ronald tried to increase the probability of dreaming by repeating various things he had done before the dream, but was unsuccessful.

This time he changed his mind and began to try various methods of meditating and relaxing the body and mind. He heard that meditation can also achieve this kind of effect on the mind and body. He hoped that using another method could achieve that kind of effect. A state of isolation.

Maybe this can inspire more dreams?

After trying guild halls in Chinatown and Japanese Zen teahouses, Ronald finally chose yoga.

The coaches here are easier to understand, so you don’t have to think hard about the meaning behind them. The coach's speech was also very direct. He only corrected Ronald's posture and breathing, and did not have so many metaphors and deep meanings behind the Zen.

Ronald really likes this breathing game, at least the quality of his sleep is improving. Don’t use an alarm clock in the morning and wake up naturally and energetically.

Eddie was on the other end of the phone. He opened the envelope and read to Ronald:

“To…Ronald Lee, Director.

During the filming of "Moonlight" in Toronto, Canada, you violated Screen Actors Guild (SAG) regulations and did not strictly follow lunch breaks and lunch times, causing the actors' physical injuries to be filmed.

The Screen Actors Guild will investigate you and impose corresponding penalties..."

"Huh? What the hell? What kind of physical damage...what kind of investigation, what kind of punishment?"

After listening to this, Ronald stood up from the high-grade rush cushion.

"You let them dream."

"Ah, I'm sorry, I have some other things to deal with, so that's all for today." Ronald nodded and apologized to the coach, a middle-aged blonde beauty of Nordic origin, and ended today's class early.

"baffling!"

When he arrived at Daydream Pictures, Ronald read the letter completely.

The letter stated that after the filming of the movie "Moonlight" in Toronto, an actor complained that Ronald, in order to rush the work during the filming of the final table scene, did not allow the actors to have lunch, which caused health risks to the actors. There are also actors with diabetes who are at risk of fainting or even causing other more serious complications due to the onset of hypoglycemia due to delays in non-stop filming for several hours.

Therefore, after the investigation, the Screen Actors Guild formally established a project to investigate Ronald face to face. If the complaint is true, Ronald will be subject to a hefty fine and future placement on the Screen Actors Guild's warning list. All union members will be warned that Ronald's filming does not respect the basic needs of actors.

"Huh? That seems to be the case, but did anyone faint at the time?"

Ronald recalled the shooting situation at the time. In order to capture everyone's accurate and natural emotions, he really made them rehearse all the time without allowing them to rest.

Perhaps due to the irritability caused by hypoglycemia caused by skipping meals, the heroine Cher and the supporting actress Olympia Dukakis had a conflict, which unexpectedly sparked a chemical reaction between the actors. All the actors got into the groove quickly.

In order not to let the opportunity slip away, Ronald made the decision on the spot to shoot immediately while everyone was in the mood.

"But, I...I provided snacks to the actors. In the end, it seemed that I was the only one who didn't eat. In the end, I fainted due to low blood sugar."

"Then you are really unjust. The person who reported you must have put your problem on the actors. It is true that you greatly postponed your lunch break and lunch. This is indeed a serious violation of the regulations of the Screen Actors Guild. .”

"I...", Ronald was very angry, "I went to Toronto to shoot just to avoid this group of vampire representatives from the union. These people did nothing. They just hindered me from filming on the set, and they took things at every turn. Threatened me with a strike.

I was good enough to them, but they all hired union members as extras, and the minimum wage was more than ten times higher than non-union actors. Don’t they know that when creating, it’s common to take a few more photos? We are not office workers, so we can commute to and from get off work on time. "

"Oh, Ronald, calm down. When the union representatives investigate this matter, don't say that to them." Eddie quickly asked Ronald to sit down and poured him a glass of whiskey.

"Our Dirty Dancing is also a project registered with the union. If you fall out with them, it will be troublesome for them to find fault in this movie. You know, a crew has the largest number of actors, and there is no guarantee that there will be no one." If you are not satisfied with your salary, you will be in trouble if you report it at that time.”

"Fuck", Ronald put the whiskey down hard on the table, and the whiskey splashed out of the glass and spread all over his hands.

Ronald waved his hand, but Eddie wiped it with the tissue paper handed over, "Thank you, I will tolerate it."

The Actors Guild is so powerful that it can not only deliberately cause trouble during the filming of a movie, but also use eye drops, causing delays in filming and economic losses. Moreover, the largest number of Oscar judges are actors, and they are all members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

“During filming in Toronto, you violated SAG’s decision regarding actors taking lunch breaks and the crew providing lunch on time, SAG has decided to issue you a ticket.

Fined $20,000. And this ruling will be published in the penalty column of the Screen Actors Guild Newsletter next quarter. "

Towards the end of the afternoon, a Screen Actors Guild representative, a very sanctimoniously dressed man, came to Ronald's daydream. After pretentiously asking Ronald about the situation, SAG announced its preliminary decision on punishment.

"This..., in fact, the situation on set was not like this. I provided various snacks and there was no abuse of the actors. This was due to the nature of the scene. I had to extend the shooting time..."

Ronald explained, hoping that the union representatives could understand the situation at that time. But it seems to be of no use.

The representative of the Screen Actors Guild grinned at Ronald with a smile on his face, "We received an anonymous report, got in touch with the reporter, and got her testimony to prove that you delayed filming on that day. Allowing the actors to take a break for meals caused serious consequences, and some people even fainted due to low blood pressure..."

"I have told you repeatedly that it was me who fainted due to hypoglycemia that day, it was me! I am not a member of your Screen Actors Guild. They all had snacks provided by me on set, so they would not be hungry or suffer from hypoglycemia."

Ronald felt that the union representative seemed to be targeting him specifically. He had made it very clear about the situation that day and that the actors had not been mistreated. And he also submitted several witnesses, such as director of photography David Watkin, or any actor who participated on the scene, who can prove it.

"This is the result of our investigation, Director Ronald. Of course, this punishment must be approved by the SAG committee. If you have any objections to this, you can appeal." The union representative did not listen to Ronald's excuse. I just reiterate that this is their decision after detailed investigation and careful review.

Ronald received the penalty notice expressionlessly. Under the table, manager Niceta, who came over specially, desperately held Ronald's hand and told him not to fall out with the union representative on the spot.

"I understand." Ronald didn't accept the penalty notice, but motioned with his eyes to put it on the table, and didn't stand up to see him off.

Daydreaming Eddie takes Ronald's place and leads the union representatives out.

"Don't worry, we at CAA have a good relationship with the top management of the Screen Actors Guild. I and their current president, Patty Duke, used to have a client-agent relationship. When his ex-husband divorced her, I helped her out. .

You pay the fine, and Patty Duke will be accommodating to the public report in that newsletter. "

Niceta was relieved to see that Ronald could take care of the overall situation. This kind of disgusting thing happens frequently to major directors.

Many trade union representatives seem to be specifically looking for big-name stars or directors to show their toughness in order to show that they are not afraid of power. They come to the lower-level members of the trade union to brush up their tough image and prepare themselves for future trade unions. Accumulate chips for the representative election.

Not only Ronald, but top directors like Spielberg and George Lucas are often fined for not complying with union rules.

"What kind of person is the president of the Screen Actors Guild? Do I want to meet her?" Ronald felt very good about Niceta and this connection. If he could chat with her, maybe he could clear up the misunderstanding.

Generally speaking, the people at the top of these labor unions are still very reasonable.

The last president of the Screen Actors Guild was Ed Asner, who launched the largest strike in Hollywood in more than a decade. He led the actors' strike, so Ronald's first script was delayed because of the strike, and Jane Fonda went to act in other films, which ultimately ended without success.

As expected, such a radical union president was quickly elected.

Although he himself gained a lot of exposure in the political arena of the Donkey Party, the actors did not benefit. The long strike caused heavy losses to the lower-level actors. Although the minimum wage has been raised, many people have never had roles to play again - Hollywood has gone to other locations for filming.

Former union president Ed Asner was too ambitious and ultimately gained nothing. After being selected, no one asked him to star in any film or television series, and he was eventually reduced to dubbing for the TV station's animation for young children.

Patty Duke, who was elected president this time, is a less aggressive actress.

"Then I'll go talk to her first." Niceta smiled and picked up the copy of the punishment document.

"Who do you think was reporting on me behind my back? I noticed that the union representative used the word Actress."

Ronald asked Niceta who stood up and was about to go to work first.

"It's hard to say. These union parasites are very good at provoking conflicts. Maybe it was a man who said it on purpose. Maybe he was not an actor, but a staff member."

"Hmm..." Ronald was very angry. For his film projects, as long as he could take care of the union, he would take care of them in proportion. These people are greedy, get paid, appear in the spotlight, and maybe make progress in their careers, but they will bite themselves in turn. "

"Damn it, I won't use you union people if I get the chance in the future."

…

"Hello Ronald," SAG President Patty Duke made a special appointment with Ronald at the union headquarters.

"Hello, Ms. Duke, I am your fan."

Before Ronald came to see her, he asked Niceta about the president's past history.

She is really a famous actress.

Ever since I was a child star, because of my appearance, I have always played important supporting roles rather than leading roles. At the 1963 Oscars, Patty Duke won the Best Supporting Actress award at the age of seventeen. The youngest actor ever to win an Oscar.

She has always played supporting roles, and later entered TV series and played the leading role in several movies. A few years ago, she even won the Primetime Emmy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

She has been in the industry long enough, knows a lot of people, and is well-liked in supporting roles, so she was able to succeed her unpopular predecessor and be voted in as president of the Screen Actors Guild two years ago.

"Rick has already told me about your matter. I will intervene directly and will not let your name appear in the punishment column in the communication.

On the contrary, I will introduce some of your filming situations so that the union members can understand that sometimes for the sake of art, some compromises must be made. "

Patty Duke came up and talked about his decision.

This is not criticizing, but praising instead.

"Thank you then, Ms. Duke." Ronald was relieved to hear that he no longer had to publicly accuse the actors of not letting the actors have lunch.

"However, you still have to pay your fine."

"Well, I brought my checkbook."

The Screen Actors Guild, like the Directors Guild, suffered from a pension crisis, and Patty Duke heard a $20,000 fine, which he still had to pay.

"I see you have made guest appearances in many movies. Why don't you join the Screen Actors Guild?" Patty Duke looked at Ronald. Wouldn't it be great for such a director to join the Screen Actors Guild? At least he would have to pay a large residual dividend to the union's pension fund.

"I'm still a member of the Producers Alliance. It's inconvenient, so I won't participate. Besides, I'm just a guest star." Ronald declined.

"Okay, if there are any union matters in the future, you can call my assistant directly. You know I am not busy with union matters full time. Some people want to use the power of the union to achieve some of their own purposes. You don't have to talk to me. They're polite. Just come and tell me."

Ronald's heart moved. This was Patty Duke hinting to him that someone was behind this matter.

With that settled, Ronald went back to find a trainer to practice his yoga moves.

Taking some time to practice breathing techniques every day, Ronald felt that he was getting closer and closer to that state when sleeping, and it seemed that he might find a shortcut to dreaming about movies.

That day, he happened to be sitting on the floor of his bedroom trying to catch his breath, when Bannon's call came home.

"Ronald, those shameless Screen Actors Guild bugs are now in Arizona, trying to turn against us."

Bannon speaks directly and is full of Wall Street's efficiency-oriented style. The shooting cost was one million less. In order to supervise the use and save money as much as possible, he flew directly to the location of Arizona to take care of things on the set.

The film was not registered with the Screen Actors Guild, and all non-union extras and supporting actors were hired. Students from the drama club at a local public high school in Tucson, Arizona, were also hired as extras. This saves a lot of money compared to Hollywood.

Those drama club students who have received good training and played a few background roles are not much different from those union actors who mess around in Hollywood.

"Damn it, 'boys renting girls' is not a union project, you are so fucking scared." Ronald cursed directly on the phone.

"No, I heard that the Screen Actors Guild can decide to go on strike. They have a congressional law that can temporarily declare the extras of the crew to become temporary members of the Screen Actors Guild, so that they can organize a temporary member strike on the crew.

We are a small production, and a day's delay would be a huge loss. "

Bannon feels that making a movie is no easier than Wall Street acquiring factories. It also requires a game between capital and labor unions. Moreover, these actors' unions have a much higher self-esteem than factory workers and value their own rights more. The level of protest is often more severe, and the various demands are much more troublesome than those of the workers.

"Who the hell is going on strike to protest? We went to Cincinnati just to save money and give them a chance to appear on camera. In fact, we are giving them a big chance. You still dare to go on strike? Do you really think of yourself as a Hollywood actor? It’s not like being used as a weapon by union representatives.”

"You come here? I can't handle these students."

"Okay, let me show you a demonstration." Ronald immediately went to the airport with Little Bud, bought a plane ticket on the spot at a high price, and flew to Tucson, Arizona.

"Which one is it? Here to incite those idiots from the high school drama club to go on strike?"

Arriving at Tucson Public High School on location, Ronald found Bannon at the scene and asked.

"That's the guy in the suit and tie."

"Ouch..." Ronald took a look, wasn't that the guy who gave him a 20,000 fine?

"Ronald, are you the producer of this movie? I represent the Screen Actors Guild..."

When the union representative saw Ronald coming, his face showed a smile, and he came over to talk to Ronald about what a union is.

"Security, this person has no qualifications to be here on the set, let him get out."

Ronald doesn't care about this bastard. This is Arizona and this project is a non-union project. Don't look at this bastard's face.

"I am a union representative, how dare you..."

"This is a non-union project. The filming location we rented belongs to Tucson High School and is now used by the production crew. No one without permission is allowed to enter." Ronald turned his head and looked at the high school drama that had been inspired to cause trouble. The actors of the agency said.

“You may be deceived by some people and think that we are some rich crew who want to use this project to get union cards and live the happy life of union actors from now on.

Let me tell you, our crew is an independent production and very poor. There is no money to hire union members as extras. All those who want to be union actors, please stand here and look for opportunities in other projects.

Anyone who is willing to participate in a non-union capacity, stand over there and our crew will register your name. Everything with scenes and lines will be signed. Those who do not have lines or scenes will also receive letters of recommendation and daily salary from us. "

"boom……"

The high school students were actually very naive. When they heard that the crew would not use union actors, they immediately crowded over to those who were willing to participate in non-union actors.

Are you kidding me? Tucson, Arizona, a small city whose largest employer is the Navy and Air Force’s aircraft graveyard, hasn’t seen a movie crew come to locals to act as extras in several years.

The students in the drama club, except for a few bewitched and stiff-minded, all joined Ronald's side with a bang.

"Very well, those of you who insist on being a union, then I'm sorry, please get out."

"Children, don't be deceived by him. As long as we unite, we can..."

"go out!"

Ronald didn't have a good look on the union representative and scolded him loudly.

Originally, his behavior violated the charter of the Actors Union. The temporary union members of the Actors who promised to participate in the film must be a project registered by the union before he has this power.

"I will complain to Ms. Duke, the president of the Screen Actors Guild, in person for your unprofessionalism and deliberate misleading about the temporary status of the extras. This is private property now, get out!"

Bannon came over with two male actors, stood in front of the union representative, and kept pressing him to get out.

"Isn't what he said true? You promised us that as long as we let the students of the high school drama club go on strike, we would get formal union status."

"Coax..." A few die-hards revealed the union representatives' private promises, causing other students to boo.

Amid everyone's contempt, he walked out of the filming location in despair.

"The demonstration is very good, I learned it." Bannon came over and shook hands with Ronald, "Let me introduce to you, this is our leading actor Patrick Dempsey, the handsome young man plays the leading actor Rona Miller.

This is Seth Green, who plays his best friend in a supporting role. Both of them have good acting skills. "

Bannon introduced Ronald to two actors who had kicked out union representatives and were acting in movies for the first time.

"Don't worry, it will be easy for you to apply for union status in the future. Although this project is a non-union project, as the protagonist, you can apply for Screen Actors Guild status as long as you receive another job as an extra for more than three days. Qualified."

Ronald looked at the two handsome boys, fearing that they would be psychologically burdened, and explained.

"Thanks, Ronald. We all loved your Top Gun."

"Amanda, look who's here."

Bannon greeted the heroine Amanda Peterson who was watching the fun from behind.

"Hi, Amanda." Ronald waved to her. It was Amanda Peterson who played the friend of the heroine Cindy with her. It was Amanda Peterson who failed to audition for the lead role of "Annie" and played the role of Annie in the Orphanage. Two girls who are friends.

They were also envious that Amanda could get to know the great director Ronald. They coquettishly came around Amanda Peterson and said hello to Ronald.

"Shall we stay here for one night? By the way, we can guide the shooting." Bannon said to Ronald.

"That's fine, but I won't interfere with the director's work. This is the most important professional ethics of a producer." Seeing that it was getting late, Ronald agreed to stay.

Amanda Peterson was set off in the middle position by the two actors. She seemed unaffected by what happened the day before. Her eyes still looked full of hope and sparkled with a kind of light. Ronald was relieved that this ray of hope had not been destroyed by a villain like Tom Mount.

Amanda Peterson has the air of an elite high school cheerleader.

Patrick Dempsey is a handsome guy with curly hair. Wearing old-fashioned black-framed eyes, he deliberately pretends to be a nerd, but it can be seen that he is a chic person. When the plot requires it, he will transform into a fashionable and handsome guy and match Amanda well.

Ronald is very satisfied with the casting. Bannon's aesthetic is similar to that of most boys and girls in small American towns. This is a guarantee that the movie will be a hit.

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