Exploiting Hollywood 1980

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"Ronald, I didn't expect that in less than ten years, our position has been reversed."

After Dahe visited important political figures in Washington, he returned to New York with Ronald, where they waited for Wall Street bankers and lawyers to complete the final negotiations.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ronald also mentioned Frank Price, the former president of Columbia and Universal Pictures, who had promoted him in the past, as his recommended candidate for the future president of Sony Columbia. Recommended to Norio Ohga.

Ronald's first screenplay was bought by Ovitz for ten thousand dollars under the operation of Ovitz, which opened the door to Hollywood for Ronald.

Frank Price lost the political struggle with chairman Francis T. Vincent. After leaving Columbia, he joined Universal Pictures.

But he didn't have a good time at Universal Pictures. After he failed in the blame-shifting competition for the epic failed big-budget "Howard the Duck" and caused a legendary real-life brawl, he completely left the big studio and opened own Price Pictures.

But during this period, he had no successful projects. It wasn't until he was interested in acquiring Columbia Pictures from Coca-Cola that Ronald remembered the only CEO in Hollywood who read scripts by himself, and recommended him to Norio Ohga, who was eager for talent.

"Oga-san attaches great importance to your ability to discover directors and screenwriters. Sony needs such reliable talents in the early days after acquiring Columbia." Ronald shook hands with him and watched him go in for an interview with Oga.

Frank Price was a huge flop at both the original Columbia and Universal Pictures. When he was at Columbia, he couldn't stand the pressure and let go of Spielberg's "Alien", and at Universal he approved Lucas' Waterloo "Howard the Duck".

As the head of a major production company, he is most criticized for his belief in star directors, star actors, and star screenwriters.

During his tenure as president, the films he approved included Mr. and Mrs. Kramer, My Fair Lady, Gandhi, Out of Africa, Back to the Future, and other critically acclaimed and critically acclaimed films.

But similarly, he also paid a high price for these big productions. Spielberg, Sidney Pollack and other great directors who were invited all took away a large piece of the cake.

So when these big-ticket productions succeed at the box office, they can still stand. But once a Waterloo-style box office failure occurs, he is likely to be dismissed as a scapegoat.

But this is conservative, and can even be said to be a cautious production strategy. For Sony, which is about to acquire Colombia, he is a very suitable candidate.

It is conceivable that Japanese people entering Hollywood will encounter great resistance. And the politicians in Washington, D.C. are watching their every move. At this time, the actual rate of return of the film is not important. What is important is to produce several works that are successful at the box office and in reviews to stabilize people's hearts.

This proves to Hollywood and Washington politicians that Sony is an international company that pursues profit as its highest purpose. There is no difference between Rupert, the Australian who acquired Twentieth Century Fox, and the studio owners who were born and raised in America.

"What can I say? Mr. Price is really amazing. As the president of the seven major studios, you still insist on sending scripts every day. This touches me very much. I'm here for you, I saw the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of our Japanese people..."

“It is also an honor for me to have the opportunity to work for such a successful company that focuses on hard work.”

After the interview, Norio Ohga personally sent Frank Price out of the office. It seems that they have something in common in temperament and appreciate each other.

"Ronald San, you recommended this candidate very well. I think this matter will be finalized after he meets with Chairman Akio Morita who will come to America soon." Norio Ohga was very satisfied. I chatted with Ronald for a few more words.

"I think since you and Fleck have such a connection, it won't be a big problem for you to sign some film distribution contracts with the new company after our merger, right? I promise to give you the freedom to choose scripts and actors. We don’t have to do America’s distribution contract with Sony Colombia, if other studios have better conditions. But for distribution in Asia, please let us do our part.”

"I would be very happy...", Ronald smiled and nodded.

There's probably a lot of nonsense in The Chrysanthemum and the Knife. But there are two points that Ronald feels are very true and reflect the characteristics of Japanese people doing business. The first is that if you are kind to them, they will reciprocate the favor by giving you some long-term benefits in business in return.

Second, the Japanese are a nation that keeps their promises, so when discussing business with them, as long as both parties verbally agree to some contract contents and sign them afterwards, they will recognize it. In particular, Ronald's personal relationship with Norio Ohga meant that no one at Sony would quibble over his contract.