Exploiting Hollywood 1980

After Diane's father, Bert, learned about this, he called Ronald to express his gratitude.

"Ronald, thank you!

Diane has long since stopped listening to me. I made an agreement with her before not to take roles that would affect her image before she became a star. For example, strippers, call girls, etc. We had an agreement at that time, but now I can't control her. "

"Hi..." Ronald scratched his head, this was such a big deal. It was as if he really stopped Diane from reshooting those scenes because of Bert's request.

"Actually, let Diane decide some things by herself, otherwise she will hate you or me." Ronald thought for a moment and replied, "This time it was actually the producer who made a bad movie in order to improve it. The box office deliberately deceived Diane, so I stepped in to stop it."

"That's right... I don't understand Hollywood at all now. Please help her more... Diane is a good actor."

Bert's old experiences learned from history and experience suffered a huge impact after entering the 1980s.

It is no longer an iron rule that a famous director can make an actor famous. He secured many opportunities for Diane to collaborate with famous directors, such as several films with Francis Coppola. Not only did it not allow Diane to successfully enter the front-line, but it also rejected two blockbuster movies that looked like exploitative plots... "It's Crazy" and "The Mermaid".

Not playing negative or childish roles is no longer an ironclad rule for female stars to become popular. These two call girls and animated mermaid characters were starred by Rebecca De Mornay and Daryl Hannah respectively. However, their status in Hollywood is now higher than Diane Lane, who became famous at a young age, is taller.

Luck may have replaced regularity as the biggest factor in success in the 1980s when audience structure was changing rapidly.

Putting that aside for the moment, Ronald had more things to deal with. The original soundtrack record of "Dirty Dancing" has been produced and is being prepared to be sent to the factory for pressing.

But Weintraub had left the record business, and the record companies he introduced offered expensive offers. Jimmy Lehner, who was in charge of record production, came to Ronald to complain.

"The price is too expensive. Compared with the market price, it is not lower at all. MGM does not take Weintraub seriously now. Columbia Pictures, the company he used to work with, still has some connections at Columbia Records, but now they and Weintraub Traub also failed to cooperate, and there was no reason to give face to an outgoing president of MGM. We did not get an internal price."

"Why is the quote given to me so expensive? Is this the same price when they cooperate with record companies?" Ronald brought the cost form given by Jimmy Liner.

Something doesn't feel right.

If produced at this unit price, the gross profit is really too low. These gross profits will also be distributed to retail channels. With just this small estimated sales volume, it is enough not to lose money.

"Maybe it's not because we were bullied because we were newbies, or because we just didn't have any connections. The record factory doesn't care about that, they just take orders when they come in.

The problem is that the record company's production volume is large and stable, and the production cost of a single album can be kept very low. Our production volume was not accepted by larger factories. It was completed in half a day after the start of work, which was not enough to replace the mold. "Jimmy Lena explained.

"It's better to wait and let me find connections. Even if we don't make money this time, we still need to learn a little bit about publishing movie soundtracks." Ronald made up his mind. Besides, if the movie can be a hit, he is very optimistic that there will be many people. I will buy records and go back to learn this hot dance.

"If anyone is willing to help, we can actually join the queue at the record factory. Many best-selling records require a long time to switch between productions, and the free time in between can be used to jump in the queue to produce our records."

"Okay, I'm going to see MJ soon anyway to see if his manager Dario can help."

"Do you know him? Well, he has a lot of connections. It would be best if you are willing to help. When can we decide?" Jimmy Lainer became interested. Although this boss is a director, he also knows many big names in the record industry. ah.

"Don't worry, I'm going to attend the premiere of Universal's new film 'Secret of Success' first. My other film, MJ, has requested to see the rough cut, so we can make a request together at that time."

Let Jimmy Lena calm down. MJ is currently busy with the launch of his new album. It is not easy to find him. It's better to take advantage of the rough cut of "Boy Rent Girl" and talk it over with him in one go.

The time has quickly come for the premiere of Universal's "Secret of Success," starring Michael J. Fox and Helen Slater.

"Helen, how could you not come to the premiere? This is a movie in which you are the protagonist. Universal has made great efforts to promote it. Universal has booked the premiere at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Theater in Beverly Hills. . Why didn’t you come? I didn’t know until Michael (J. Fox) called me.”

If Helen does not attend, in order to avoid the embarrassment of not having the lead actor present at the premiere, Universal will ask Fox, who is busy filming a TV series, to come to the rescue.

"Well, I was in New York with Helen (Hunt) and several other like-minded actors, and we had a great time talking about acting and drama. Is this kind of distribution and marketing thing really so important?"

"Hey..." Ronald thought Helen Slater was a little childishly cute.

"Universal has high expectations for this movie, and the premiere was held near the best cinema in Beverly Hills. There will be many movie stars attending because it is close to home. You don't always expect to have the opportunity to work with established movies. Celebrities exchange acting skills? Isn’t this a good opportunity?”

Ronald knew Helen's hobbies and deliberately said that.

"Huh? You're right. I'm going to buy a ticket right now. Anyway, I happen to miss you a little bit."

"You don't have to worry about it, I'll have someone take care of the air tickets and hotel."

Helen was in the Broadway environment in New York during this period, and she felt like a fish in water.

There are so many actors out there who don’t have the opportunity but love to talk big. Helen had acted in blockbuster movies such as "The Evil Husband", and she stood out among those people. Everyone gathered around her to praise her, and they were so happy talking about the drama that they almost didn't want to come to the premiere.

Although there is no stipulation in the contract that Helen must attend the premiere, actors who can proactively cooperate with the promotion will definitely be taken seriously by the studio. And being able to socialize with some big-name stars, is there any better opportunity for a young actress who wants to produce her own film?

Helen was still the same as before. She didn't like to wear branded or designer high-end dresses. She casually wore a leather jacket and a pair of overalls to the premiere.

However, natural beauty comes at an advantage, so wearing it casually will give you a masculine style.

Ronald always paid attention to this kind of marketing occasion. He wore a dark blue navy-style jacket with double-brand copper buttons, paired with light-colored trousers. It had a wonderful sense of matching with Helen's blue-collar dress.

Universal spent a lot of money to rent a movie theater owned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It is very close to the mansion area of ​​Beverly Hills and is a place where celebrities often go to watch movies. This time, invitations were given to many established celebrities in mansions.

As Ronald's friends, Cameron and Gale also showed up and chatted with Ronald for a few words. The two of them had no idea of ​​​​investing in the production of a new film immediately, but wanted to go further in special effects. Especially computer-generated special effects, which have recently begun to gain prominence.

Ronald chatted with Cameron for a while, but didn't quite understand what he said. He had to wait for him to get some clues and see the real thing before he could understand more.

Ronald also met many familiar faces, including many big-name celebrities who lived nearby and stopped by to attend.

In particular, the popular rock star Bruce Springsteen also brought his wife Julie Phillips to join in the fun in two convertible sports cars.

Springsteen was surrounded by fans as soon as he got out of the car, frantically asking for autographs.

Julie Phillips is also a movie actress. Although she is not as famous as her husband, some fans still want her autograph.

Ronald and Helen were pushed aside by the crowd and observed the situation.

"Rock stars are more famous." Helen also compared the popularity received by famous celebrity couples.

"Not necessarily. Julie Phillips' achievements in the film industry are not comparable to Springsteen's influence in the rock industry." Ronald replied.

"Ronald!" Two beauties got out of the sports car behind. The one named Ronald was Bruce's sister, Pamela Springsteen. She made a cameo appearance in Ronald's first directorial film, "Fast Times," and dated Sean Penn, but she was impressed by Ronald.

"Pamela, what is this?" Ronald looked at the dark-haired beauty who arrived with her, and she looked familiar.

"Don't you know? In my brother's music video, the audience member was invited to the stage to sing rock music with him..."

"Oh," Ronald remembered. It was the little girl in the music video who was now following the Springsteen family to look for opportunities.

"Hello, my name is Courteney, Courteney Cox..."

"Hello, let's go in." Ronald quickly invited them in to watch a movie.

Helen put her arm around Ronald and said happily in his ear, "It was a wise decision for you to ask me to come to the premiere. There are so many acting masters from the golden age. That's Tamar Hough Come on, that’s..."

Helen ordered a lot of names of old men and women who came to the scene and dressed in classic clothes. For them, the premiere is a very solemn occasion, and they are dressed as appropriately as possible.

Ronald really didn't know all these old celebrities as well as Helen, but they just felt familiar. Many of these old stars came to the premiere because of Michael J. Fox's reputation. Many stars will star in TV series once they are past their prime, and now Fox is the most popular TV star.

"Look, that's Carl Reiner."

"Who?" Ronald saw a bald old man with a straight suit, a red tie and light-colored trousers, so he was dressed similar to himself.

"Carl Reiner, haven't you seen his 'Dick Van Dyke Show,' 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'?"

Helen mentioned two TV series that were popular in the United States in the 1970s. The latter was a spin-off of the former. Both of them strangely put the real names of the leading actors in the names of the TV series, which was a special marketing method in the 1970s.

"I'll go talk to him." Helen saw the acting idol in her heart and went over to chat with the old gentleman first.

"Ronald, I'm here."

Ronald was stopped by Bannon, who had finally managed to squeeze through the crowd of Springsteen fans.

Bannon ran back from Arizona with the finished film negatives. He had just developed the samples for editing, then made a rough cut, and came to see Ronald. He was anxious to use the copy to get Michael Jackson's approval.

The song "'t buy me love" is a great marketing tool for the movie. As soon as the audience hears the name of the movie, they will think of the Beatles song. This saves a lot of marketing costs.

In addition to the fact that the name is easier to spread, and the name of the song is used as the title of the movie, the plot of the movie will be immediately understood by the audience who hears it, which saves a lot of things.

Bannon understood the huge opportunities inside. After finding Ronald, he started chattering about how good the movie was, how the performances of the two leading actors were well matched, and what strategies should be used to talk to MJ.

"You're too nervous. MJ has already promised to see the sample. He is so busy releasing a new record, but he can still find time to watch our movie. Doesn't that mean something?" Ronald laughed.

"You're right, you're great, you're the best. It's God's will that I see you in Tokyo. We are destined to achieve great things..."

"Wait... I just have something to ask you." Ronald waved his hand to ask Bannon to stop touting. He saw Helen chatting happily with the old man named Carl Reiner, laughing from time to time, and took the time to ask Bannon's cousin Donna about her wish.

"Job opportunities on Wall Street? Your cousin? Is she Yale or Harvard? Oh, MIT." Bannon was a little surprised when he heard Ronald's question. "MIT is okay. MIT graduates are better able to handle high work pressure. Can perform well.

But why doesn't she work in Hollywood and go to Wall Street? It was so tense there, everyone's strings were stretched too tight. I don't think Wall Street is suitable for a girl who graduates from college. If I had a daughter, I wouldn't want her to go to Wall Street. "

"Why?" Ronald turned around and asked in surprise.

"Let me put it this way," Bannon gestured with his hand, "Every one of us on Wall Street has a place for notes on the table. What is written on it are the people you need to call back when the secretary answers the phone. .

Every day there would be a dozen more notes in that place. Of course you don’t have time to reply to everyone, so you always choose the ones you think are most urgent from top to bottom. Likewise, a note with your name and phone number is placed on someone else's desk.

If you have completed a big project recently, you will be the busiest one for others to respond to first. If you don't complete the project, your call will be put back.

If you don't produce a project that attracts the attention of other firms on Wall Street for three to six weeks, your name will be left at the bottom of the stack of notes, waiting to be cleared by the secretary.

If you haven't come back in the next three months, your name will not be left by the secretary on his boss's desk. Then you completely disappear from Wall Street, so everyone is stressed out. "

Ronald frowned. I definitely didn't want Donna to enter a place where competition was so fierce that she would cut her throat. "Are there people on Wall Street who sit in an office? Aren't there positions where you don't have to be so nervous and put into battle every day? For example, studying corporate financial statements or something."

"You must be kidding. Everyone on Wall Street is a trader. What's the use of reading reports? Everyone pays attention to information. Those with information make money, and others can only follow behind..."

"Hey..." Ronald didn't expect that Wall Street was a place that would do anything to compete just like Hollywood.

Donna was full of yearning for Wall Street, and Aunt Karen would be heartbroken if she encountered this situation.

But America is a place that respects personal freedom of choice. If she is not allowed to pursue her dreams, she will also feel frustrated, and it will be Donna herself who is sad.

"Forget it, I'll think about what to do." Ronald waved his hand.

"No, no, Ronald, wait a minute. I remember when I left Wall Street, I heard that there were people over on Long Island who were using a different approach to investing in the financial markets. They didn't need more people on Wall Street. It’s like wallowing in a mud pit, but it’s not that easy to get in. You need a background in physics, mathematics, or philosophy.”

"Oh, my cousin Donna majored in physics."

"I'll ask someone to write her a letter of recommendation." Bannon now wants to hold on to Ronald tightly and is willing to do anything.

"Okay, let's go in." Ronald saw the old man Carl Reiner, who was making Helen laugh, and he quickly stepped forward with Bannon.

"Ronald, I like watching your movies very much." Although Carl Reiner is over sixty, he is personable and well-spoken.

"Mr. Renner, I also like your work very much."

"Hahaha, my early stand-up comedy shows are hard to find. You probably mean my 'Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.'"

"Ah, yes, I don't know much about your early works. But I have watched those two TV series Americans."

The two of them walked and talked, Helen listening next to them.

Carl Reiner lived next door, and he was a big name that Universal brought in to support it. The old man is very extraordinary. He is not only a stand-up comedian, but also a film actor, stage actor, screenwriter, and director. In the early 1970s, he single-handedly pioneered television comedy.

By the end of the 1970s, he returned to movies. Today's comedy star, Steve Martin, was discovered by him and became famous after starring in the movies he directed.

Carl Reiner was born in 1922, but at his current age, he is still very close to people's preferences. His 1984 movie "All of Me" also earned nearly $40 million at the box office.

This is much wiser than the old producer who was still obsessed with the glory of the past in the movie made by Diane.

Ronald respected this kind of old artist who has always been close to the audience's preferences, and quickly asked him for tips on how to make movies that young people like to watch at this age.

"I'm actually behind the times. The script is not very good, but Steve Martin's performance saved the movie." Carl Reiner was more straightforward, saying that he felt that this movie was beyond his capabilities, and it was the actor's performance that succeeded.

This mentality of being able to face reality may be one of the secrets of his success.

Helen and Gao were able to communicate with old stars in the industry and talked about a lot of things about acting. He also said that he wanted to make a movie that reflected urban women and asked the old man for advice.

"You have to understand, honey, I'm old." Carl Reiner seemed very happy to be so respected by two popular directors and actors. "The people who understand movies now are talents like Ronald. My grandson We are all fans of his Top Gun movie. You should ask him."

"Him? He makes movies full of male hormones..." Helen looked at Ronald with a smile, not believing that he could make movies with female protagonists.

"Uh..." Ronald shrugged, showing helplessness.

Carl Reiner looked at the two people being funny and smiled even more happily, "I haven't been so happy for a long time. My sons and daughters are all in the entertainment industry and rarely come to see me. I am very happy to be with you today." You two great Hollywood minds chatting.”

Carl Reiner comes from an acting family, and his children are all working hard in Hollywood and the music industry. Among the three children, Rob, Anne, and Lucas, the eldest son Rob is the most promising. He is an actor and director.

Last year's "Stand By Me," a low-budget children's film that was a huge box office success, was directed by his eldest son, Rob.

"My eldest daughter-in-law, uh... my former eldest daughter-in-law is Penny Marshall. She is also an actress from an acting family. She has won a Golden Globe Award and is now trying to direct movies.

It's a pity that today's young people can't be like me. His mother, Elsdale, and I have been in a very good relationship since we got married in 1943. "

The old gentleman came alone, and his wife waited for him at home to have supper. She talked too much when she was happy.

"Modern people are different. The diversity of beliefs and social interactions makes it difficult for them to stay consistent." Helen said, comforting the old man, and glanced at Ronald.

Ronald touched his nose and changed the subject, "Mr. Renner, how do you maintain the energy of a young man?"

"Directors have their own methods. I often play tennis, and every year I sponsor and participate in a charity tennis match named after myself. It also attracts many retired tennis stars to participate."

Ronald couldn't help but feel that this old man was a model of understanding. He had been in Hollywood, Broadway, and television, and he was the best at everything. After retirement, you can exercise and organize a charity event with your name.

Helen was very happy, just like accompanying her grandfather, and kept holding Carl Reiner's arm and chatting. Ronald was a bit boring to be around.

Carl Reiner glanced at Ronald and knew that the young man was a little uncomfortable seeing his female companion talking with him, so he told a joke: "One of the big challenges in retirement is how to face the things that you could do effortlessly before. things.

This morning I also saw my neighbor George Burns (an eighty-year-old director who once directed Brooke Shields) going out with two hotties.

I asked him, how can he still be so energetic at the age of 80? "

Carl Reiner was a comedian, taking a page out of George Burns, "Ahem... you know, Carl, trying to do that at eighty... like..."

Then Reina mysteriously lowered his head to Ronald and Helen and said, "Have you ever played pool with a soft rope as a cue?"

"Pfft...hahahaha..." Ronald and Helen burst out laughing. Helen moved her hand to pull Ronald and leaned on his shoulder.

"It would be nice to watch a movie with a wise old man," Ronald thought.

"Wow, wow..." The audience applauded as the movie ended.

The backbone of this movie is a story of business war on Wall Street, and Michael J. Fox's performance is outstanding. Helen is a little lacking, but as a vase, responsible for the beauty inside, this simple task is completed very well.

Perhaps because of the height difference between him and Fox, the last kiss scene between the two was a bit fake. I don’t know how many pieces of wood were placed underneath and how deep the hole was dug before they could adjust.

But for Ronald, this is also a good thing. He lowered his head to meet Helen, imitating the posture on the screen, and kissed Helen deeply. Helen lay in her arms, facing Ronald's head at 180 degrees, and kissed each other.

"When can we go see Michael Jackson?" Bannon found an opportunity to spoil the atmosphere again.

Ronald was helpless, parted lips with Helen, held her hand hand in hand, and said angrily to Bannon, "It will be arranged. How do you think this movie shows the takeover war on Wall Street? Is it real?" ?"

"In principle, it is true. When faced with a hostile takeover, if there are old money bankers in New York to help, it is not difficult to acquire the other party in turn. However, it is unlikely that the characters played by Fox and Helen will get the help of Wall Street banks. recognized by the family.

Their attitude towards business is too naive..."

"Ahem..." Ronald indicated that he didn't really want him to express his opinion.

"Of course, this is a love story, Helen's performance is wonderful, the business war is just the background story..."

Bannon immediately turned around and began to brag about the performances of the two protagonists in the movie.

"Listen... Mr. Bannon turned out to be a banker, and he also recognized my performance..." Helen was very happy to be recognized by people in the real world who had the same profession.

Well, Ronald turned his head and made a weird face at Bannon.

"Don't worry, I have already contacted MJ's manager Dario. When he is free after the production of the new album is completed, we will go to see him with a copy."

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