Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Ronald! I knew you were a genius, come and sit. I have the best brandy in Italy for you."

Paramount's president, Ned Tanen, with a loud voice and a red face, personally went to the elevator door directly connected to the president's office to greet Ronald and his party.

"Top Gun's box office is expected to return to No. 1 next week. I am now at the Paramount high-level meeting, and I have a lot of people listening. This is all your credit." Baishun.

"Mr. Tanin, this is the reward for your confidence in me."

"Hahaha, call me Ned, how many times have I said it. Come on, come in and talk."

Nedtanen has a lot of respect for Ronald. The "Fast-Paced Richmond High School" and "Night of the Comet" he filmed before were all low-budget movies, and one or two movies would pop up every year in Hollywood, but soon these famous directors returned. will be silent.

Some people in the industry have a proper term for this kind of film, called "one-shot success." Not knowing in advance that it will be a hit, and it is difficult to summarize the reason for the true hit afterwards, it is a miracle that cannot be replicated.

And Hollywood producers have never been very interested in "one-time success" that cannot be replicated.

Unless the director and other main creators can continuously show their strength, let Hollywood recognize what type of movies they make will sell well, and then place a bet. This is the vision of presidents and vice presidents with executive titles.

Ronald is a very different director. He doesn't play by Hollywood rules at all. He did not focus on one subject like most directors. He started out by making youth musicals, then jumped to science fiction films, then martial arts films, and finally came to shoot aerial combat films that Hollywood has not picked up for decades.

All the Hollywood studio executives were frightened by this kind of random shooting and began to study Ronald, hoping to find the secret of his success, but found nothing.

For example, a successful director like Spielberg, everyone knows that if he shoots aliens, children-related themes, or horror animal films, it will definitely sell well, and you can scramble to invest in him.

But other themes he shoots may not be able to make breakthroughs at the box office and are worthy of his expensive director commission. You can invest, you can bet, but there is no scramble.

In contrast, Ronald has no clue about his selection of movies, trying all kinds of genres, but every single one of them sells well. Everyone was a little jealous of Weintraub who invested in "Longwei Kid". Who knew Ronald could still make martial arts movies at that time?

If I had known this earlier, it would be better to be like this layman, blindly trusting this young director, and he can shoot whatever he wants. Follow along and harvest a popular fried chicken, and you can brag about it anyway.

Today, the big sale of "Top Gun" is a foregone conclusion, and everyone has reached a consensus that perhaps Ronald has an unknown secret.

He seems to see through the aesthetic tastes and values ​​of a new generation of young people after the baby boom is over. This subconscious, rooted in a new generation, seems to be mastered only by a handful of new directors such as Ronald Lee, John Hughes, and others.

Hollywood executives, now only know that a new generation of audience is no longer interested in the anti-war, left-wing, rebellious values ​​of the previous generation. But it did not return to the silent generation before World War II, the values ​​of silence and hard work.

Just like the young character Alex in Michael Fox's "Family Bonds", they, like their grandfathers, believed in the new economic policy brought about by the great commander, and took the concepts of consumption imposed on them by consumerist advertisements with equanimity. accept.

But on the other hand, they have inherited the concept of sexual openness of their parents. Traditional family values ​​such as Puritans and Catholics are rapidly disintegrating. They are the first generation to grow up with parents who are divorced at a high rate. There are always a few friends or classmates who are single parents.

And almost everyone agrees that one must live together before marriage in order to be happy. And before getting married, get along with a dozen boyfriends and girlfriends,

Finding the most suitable one has gradually become the consensus of urban teenagers.

High school sweethearts, high school couples getting married and living happily has become something only in fairy tales, and it is hard to see in real life.

But these characteristics that can be summed up in words do not seem to be able to infer why Ronald is able to sell well. What do audiences who like martial arts, fighter jets, sci-fi, and high school life have in common?

He must have some qualities that made him achieve success that ordinary people can't achieve. As long as he can be one step ahead and understand the secret of his success, he will be able to discover a few more young directors like Ronald, and he will be able to enjoy it for at least five years. The secret to success.

In short, now Ronald only needs to make movies for teenagers, and Nedtanen is rushing to invest, what is he afraid of? Whether he shoots sweet love, or tank battle, it must be another miracle.

"s, what new ideas do you have now?"

After talking about some good news about how "Top Gun" was widely mentioned in the major media, Nedtanen couldn't help but inquire about Ronald's next project.

"I'm still looking for inspiration, and I don't have a script that catches my eye for now."

"If you have one, be sure to tell me. Paramount can sign you a three-film first viewing rights agreement. We don't dictate what movies you work with us, nor how many you work with us. Department. We only ask you to check with Paramount first when you have the intention. We promise that you will give priority to us under the same conditions as competitors.

We compete fairly with other people, and we only want one. Under the same conditions, you should consider Paramount first or not, but my opportunity. "

"It's flattering to me, but even if we don't sign such an agreement, I would have a project that I would consider a company like Paramount first."

Ronald refused to sign the agreement, but didn't say anything.

If Paramount made such a condition before filming "Top Gun", even if Ronald didn't agree, the agent would beg him to agree.

However, for two consecutive films, the box office exceeded 100 million, and he has become a popular fried chicken in Hollywood. Signing a long-term deal for a few movies is out of the question. Let's talk about it piece by piece.

What's more, David Simkins, the script assistant he signed, has recommended several good scripts. Some are still in the repositories of the other seven studios, or have been put on the circulation list.

As long as they hook their fingers, those studio executives will submit the script without hesitation, and then discuss an incomparably generous condition.

Anyway, I don't have much deep friendship with Nedtanen, and the other party has never helped me in the snow, so don't blame yourself for considering your own interests first.

"I knew you were a very talented director of business." Nedtanen's heart was bleeding. If he had shown his full support for Ronald back then, he would not be like this now.

It was rumored in the circle that Ronald was negotiating a new film with Frank Price, the president of Universal. Who made Price give the unknown Ronald a script purchase price of $350,000?

"Anyway, don't forget about Paramount's distribution strength. After this time, you can see clearly that Tang and Jerry signed a long-term agreement with us, not without reason. I can also give you the conditions they got, even Better. The subject matter, casting, team, I don't ask, there is only one, and it will be released in Paramount."

Nedtanen raised his glass and touched Ronald.

Who wouldn't want to release a Ronald movie? Now he makes movies like money in the air. With a wave of the magic wand in their hands, the audience obediently drove to the cinema, took out money from their pockets, and lined up to hand it over to the box office staff.

It would be even better if there was a chance to put something in the movie. From sunglasses, to motorcycles, to models of fighter jets, to the recruitment platform of the Navy, and now the objects appearing in "Top Gun", there are people taking pictures of the long queues obediently paying the money.

Ronald took a sip of brandy, which tasted really good, and seemed to be made by a very good winery. "This brandy is really good."

"Do you like it? My friend gave it to me. When the time comes, you can take a few bottles." Nedtanen pressed the bell and let the secretary come in and told her to pack a box in the trunk of Ronald's car and take it away.

"Speaking of distribution, I have a movie here that you might consider." Ronald continued to taste the brandy. Paramount's distribution strength is indeed very strong. Among the seven Hollywood majors, it can get the most films, and the distribution team is also the most professional.

That Australian film hasn't found its way

"What movie? Are you director, producer, or screenwriter?"

Nedtanen came to his senses right away, and it was very useful to send some good things to Ronald. Ronald was born in a commoner, and this kind of delicate object of high society will often be given to him in the future.

"Neither, it's an Australian film, and I happened to see them filming on the streets of Manhattan in New York last year before Christmas. I heard their film broke Australian box office records."

"You didn't shoot it? You didn't participate?" Nedtanen's interest dropped a little. Looks like Ronald is doing a friend a favor? Maybe there's a pretty girl in it as the protagonist?

This kind of thing can also help, but on the basis of business affairs, it is enough to sell a little face. As long as the quality isn't too bad, there's nothing wrong with Paramount helping with the release.

"You didn't hear me clearly, what I said was that they broke Australian box office records over the years, over the years."

Ronald looked at Tanin's appearance and was not satisfied. Are you just recommending movies? After seeing the copy that Paul Hogan brought me, I wanted to buy it for a long time, and it was released through Roger Coleman, or the Cannon of Minahan Golan.

It's just a good horse with a good saddle, and the quality of the film is very high, far exceeding Ronald's own estimates. Neither Coleman nor Minahan were capable of fulfilling the film's potential. Whether it is from the perspective of profit, or from the perspective of helping friends become famous, it is still the best to give it to the seven majors.

If it weren't for the quality of the film itself, Ronald would not recommend it to the seven major distribution companies for fear of delaying other people's opportunities.

"Is Australia's box office record so good? Mel Gibson's two Mad Max films in the past two years were the highest-grossing foreign films introduced by Hollywood, and the very powerful wasteland road action film directly started a Type of mountain pioneer."

"What do you mean? Broke Mad Max's Australian box office record?" Nedtanen responded, "What movie? Quickly introduce it to me."

"Crocodile Dundee."

"Crocodile Dundee? Horror animal movies like Jaws?" Ned Tanen touched his head?

"It's not a crocodile named Dundee, the crocodile is the nickname of the protagonist named Dundee." Ronald briefly said the plot aside. A beautiful reporter from a New York newspaper went to a primitive reserve in northern Australia to interview a warrior who killed a crocodile in a fight with a super crocodile and survived.

Crocodile Dundee and reporters endured hardships on the pristine reservation, saved her life, and wrote top-notch reporting. Then the reporter came up with an idea to ask Dundee to go to New York and continue to write his story.

Dundee and reporter Su came to New York and made all kinds of jokes like a countryman entering the city. In the end, Dundee managed a lot of trouble with the enthusiasm and directness of Australians, and finally the two got married.

"You thought it was an animal horror movie too? It seems that in North America, the word crocodile in the title has to be put in quotation marks, so that the audience will know it is a nickname. It is not the first time that Ronald has received this kind of reaction.

"Actually, the movie is Tarzan of the Apes plus Mr. Smith going to Washington. Those two genres haven't been made for a long time, and they've done really well.

If you're interested, I'll let them chat. It is estimated that they have come to Paramount, but they were rejected by your subordinates in the distribution department. If you're not interested, I'll go to Twentieth Century Fox, and their boss, Barry Diller, has also told me that movie recommendations are welcome. And their new boss, who is Australian, will surely agree. "

"No, no, what's our relationship? Don't look for anyone else, just let them come over." Tanin pressed the bell and called the secretary. "When will I be free tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, I will receive two Australian guests."

"What role do you play in it? Producer?" Tanin asked after setting a time for Ronald to leave Paul Hogan's phone behind.

"Their movies were filmed through fundraising, and now there is no remaining cost, and they can accept the arrangement of sharing. But you don't want to buy it out at a cheap price, which will hurt the other party's heart, and they may just direct the sequel. Find someone else.

My Daydream Pictures is their distribution partner in America, and I will pay for the up-front costs, and then the time will come.”

"No problem, with your participation, I feel more at ease. I trust your vision for film selection the most. Buyout is impossible, but they have to sign an agreement with Paramount. If there is a sequel, Paramount will Participate in investment, including distribution business."

"You talk to them, I'm just helping a friend." Ronald drank the brandy with satisfaction.

"Well then, I'll sign them as soon as possible and arrange for the release at the right time. You guys will go to London for the royal premiere first, I've arranged for the wine to be good, let's have some more."

Rejecting Tanin's invitation to continue adding wine, Ronald, Daydream's general manager Eddie, and his agent Nisita walked out of his president's office. Now Nedtanen is in charge of the work, most of the production business is managed by him, and it is up to him whether to give the green light or not.

"Hello, may I ask if you are the director Ronald who filmed Long Wei Kid and Top Gun?"

Ronald, who had just walked out of the office, was stopped by a middle-aged woman sitting in a waiting seat in the corridor. She seemed to have been waiting outside Tanin's office for a long time.

"It's me, Ned and I are done talking, it should be your turn soon." Ronald nodded to her. Reach out to shake hands with her. Recently, Ronald has been recognized by many people as a director. The photos of the previous scandals have appeared in the mass media, and many people know their face.

This middle-aged woman has thick eyebrows and a big Jewish nose. Although the facial features are actually good, they are a bit ugly when combined, typical of Eastern European Jews.

"No, Mr. Tanin has rejected me and my producers many times. We originally got the green light from MGM, but the change at the top has put my script into the cold palace of rotation hell.

I don't think my movie is enough to make the Big Seven make up my mind, I just want you to see my script. If you also feel that there is no future, then I will give up and go back to writing TV series honestly. "

"I'm just a film director, and I don't read scripts that aren't delivered by an agent." Ronald refused.

It seems that she is looking for the wrong person. I am just a director, and investing millions of dollars is equivalent to exhausting my net worth. How can I take the risk of making a movie of unknown origin.

Moreover, the rules are like this, if there is no broker to deliver, and no legal agreement to waive copyright prosecution, I will never read someone else's script.

If there is a plot similar to her script in her next movie, there are many cases of being sued in court.

Last time Don Simpson and their "Lightning Dance" were sued by the character prototype for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If it wasn't for the agreement signed by the other party at that time, the sale of the story for 2,800 US dollars, maybe she would have to pay her dozens or even millions of dollars.

"Ronald, can I call you Ronald? This is a teen movie I wrote with all my heart and soul. I think only you can make it in America. Actually, I came to Paramount for you. I always I have a dream that you will direct my script.

I signed a contract with the producer, but she didn't make it work, my agreement with her will expire tomorrow, so I'll have the legal documents ready and I'll send it to you tomorrow, okay? "

"Okay, you can send this address to David Simkins. Remember to be prepared to give up the copyright prosecution agreement." Ronald saw that she was very sincere and praised himself. It seemed that he really wrote it. It's been a long time script.

So he took out a business card with Daydream's address in Hollywood, wrote the name of his script assistant, and handed it to the other party.

"By the way, what's your name? Why do you say that only I can make this movie?"

"Eleanor, Eleanor Bergstein", the middle-aged woman took the business card and carefully put it into the notebook.

"Because I've seen a lot of your stuff, Madonna's Material Girls, and Cindy Lauper's girls just trying to have some fun. It's a musical based on my own experience, and I think it's the best of all the directors in Hollywood right now. , you are the only one who can make a good musical."

"Hahaha" Ronald was very fond of this flattery, remembering that there were many song and dance clips in his debut film "Rock High School", and he almost went to shoot the sequel to the song and dance "Grease". Of course, the most commendable thing is Of the two female singers in Baping.

"Then I'll be waiting to read your masterpiece." Ronald and Eleanor Bergstein waved and walked to the elevator with their left and right hands.

"S!" Eleanor Bergstein murmured, clenching her fists. She ran to the payphone in the aisle and called her producer.

"Linda, I'm Eleanor, and I've found a well-known director in the circle who is willing to read my script. If you can't find a studio for me, our production agreement expires tomorrow anyway."

"Eleanor, don't be like this, I've already found a company that specializes in small productions that don't go to theaters, but only for videotape distribution. They specialize in making R-rated films. You just need to renew the production agreement with me, and I will Can arrange to interview them about the production. You don't understand, Hollywood celebrities like to make promises, but they don't have the money.

Although this video tape producer is not well-known and makes erotic R-rated films, they are really rich, you don’t know how profitable the video tape business is now”

"In any case, I will seize this opportunity to try. He is different from what you said. He is not only famous, but also has money to invest."

"Hey, Eleanor, don't you think about it anymore? I have full confidence in your script. It's very likely that they will agree this time. You don't want to see that they haven't done distribution business. I just ran around for you. Hello of the year?"

Eleanor Bergstein hung up. I have given Linda a year, and I have seen hope in MGM, but it has been dashed in the end.

Instead, Ronald looked like he had a good chance, and he promised himself to read the script.

And just now, it was Ned Tanen, the president of Paramount, who personally sent him out. If he is willing to direct or not, or even he is only willing to be a producer, there must be a number of high-level executives of major factories chasing after him to sign the distribution contract to them.