Exploiting Hollywood 1980

The latest website: The crew is on holiday, Ronald wants to continue to prepare for the shooting in Toronto, but almost everyone has a labor union in charge, everyone goes back for Christmas, and there are no staff or actors to accompany him.

Ronald also slipped back to the town of Totterville on the southern tip of Staten Island to spend Christmas with Aunt Karen and Donna.

Filming outside all the year round, busy with promotion and marketing, Ronald hasn't had a quiet meal with his family for a long time.

Donna began to think about where she would go after graduation. Physics is not as lively as it was in the past 20 years. Donna wanted to work in other industries, such as finance, or the computer industry, where a high level of mathematics is also required.

Ronald is of course very much in favor. Now my aunt doesn't need her to work and earn money. Choosing a career according to her own interests is the most important thing.

"Ring, bell, bell..."

I was chatting with my family about daily chores, and the call came to Ronald's house again.

"Can't you let me have a good Christmas with my family?" Ronald was not very happy.

The call was from Nisita, urging him to attend MGM's new movie release and to attend some charity events.

"Ronald, it's not fair for you to say that. I didn't spend Christmas with Paula either. MGM invited you to go to some events to accumulate some resources for the movie you're shooting now. If you don't want it when When 'Moonlight' is released, there will be more celebrities and celebrities to join in..."

"Okay, okay, I'll go."

Called Bud Jr., Ronald was back in Manhattan.

Last year, MGM filmed the location of the Great Wall and made a co-production. It is a film that reflects an elderly Chinese returning to the city where he grew up as a child, the cultural collision between the two countries, and the old people's memories of childhood scenes. It didn't do well at the box office after it was released there.

Come try your luck here in America this year.

The English name of the film is called "The Great Wall", and Ronald attended a promotional reception for the film in Manhattan.

Now the two countries on both sides of the Pacific Ocean have strong reasons and motives to approach each other, and the people of both sides are also full of curiosity and goodwill towards the people of the other side.

Therefore, all walks of life in Hollywood are also full of curiosity about the films shot on that land.

Before big studios and big directors like Spielberg and Bertolucci were allowed to shoot in the heart of the two largest cities this year, a small independent studio crept in last year out there.

The director and starring is an old man who spent his childhood in the capital there, named Wang Zhengfang. In addition, a student Li Qinqin was found in the film school to be the heroine. A song and dance troupe in a southern province found a young man Wang Xiao to be the second male lead.

It was screened in China in 1985. Because the plot reflected the daily life of the capital, it did not cause any movie-watching craze, and it failed at the box office.

Wang Zhengfang found someone to put English subtitles on the copy, and this year it was screened in America.

This time, he found the way to success.

The people of America are wealthy, and this "Great Wall" ranked 18th in the first weekend of its release. Although the box office is not high, it is more than enough to make up for the ultra-low cost of filming and printing there.

The famous film critic of the Chicago Sun, Roger Ebert, gave the film three stars and specially recommended: The greatest pleasure of watching this film is to see the different interpretations and mentalities of the people of the two countries on life in the two countries. .

With this great response, MGM did quite a bit of marketing for the film.

The first was to go to the Sundance Film Festival, led by Robert Redford, and did not receive an award from the jury. But the heat on the other side of the Pacific was hot enough that Redford gave a special jury award. This award, which is not included in the normal competition, is specially established. It is not so much for the film as it is for the title of the first film to be shot on the Great Wall.

With this title, the "Great Wall" continues to participate in film festivals all over America, and public relations with film critics associations in major cities.

However, despite the blessing of the place where the story takes place, the film itself was shot in Chinese and was not very popular. In all, it won only one Best Foreign Language Film award from the Kansas City Film Critics Association.

Going around all the way, finally at the end of 1986, I came to New York to participate in the selection of the New York Film Critics Association.

Ronald watched the movie. As a reincarnated Chinese, he was also very curious about what the other side of the Pacific looks like now. In addition to his knowledge of Chinese, it was very interesting to watch the city scenery on the screen.

Various courtyards, old-fashioned buildings, Soviet-style buildings, and the unique skyline composed of tall poplar trees, Ronald was fascinated.

"How is it? Isn't this movie good? We also think that there is a Chinese craze in American society now, and more and more Chinese are coming here to study, that's why we introduced it."

A senior manager in charge of distribution at MGM was grateful that Ronald came to the screening and took the initiative to say hello.

"I heard that this movie won the eighteenth place at the box office?" Ronald was actually quite surprised that the film could be released in America. This kind of foreign language film, with subtitles, is increasingly disliked by young American people.

Unlike the 1970s when America was on the defensive throughout the Cold War, the 1980s was a time of regaining the upper hand.

Perhaps Ronald's "Top Gun" contributed to this. Young people always feel that America is the best country in the world, and there is no need to understand how people in other parts of the world live.

"It is no longer in the box office charts. This film is mainly shown in Chinatown cinemas in major cities across the United States. The Chinese there have not seen images of their hometowns for decades, so their enthusiasm for watching the film is very high.

In addition, there are various art theater chains, where there are some college students and foreign movie lovers who like to watch such foreign language movies.

We plan to send the film to the Independent Film Festival in California next March, where the competition is full of independent films..."

"Oh, you are really amazing." Ronald thought of doing the same with Director Huang's "Human and Ghost". He first praised the other party's operation, and then asked the other party for advice.

This senior manager is also very willing to communicate with Ronald, and he can also act as his marketing director and be in charge of the film's marketing when he is currently filming "Sultry in the Moonlight".

The two chatted quite speculatively, and talked about many details of the movie announcement. Ronald also shared a lot of his thoughts on the film's performance. A foreign film must have a selling point that attracts audiences in order to gain word of mouth.

In general, this film lacks stars, and there is no particularly interesting story. Only Chinese audiences are interested in the daily life reflected in the film.

'Also, there is a problem with their casting. Some Asian actors have never been there. From birth to growth, they are all American. ' Ronald chatted up and said something of his own judgment.

"Oh yeah? Why? Tell me, those people were born and raised in America?" The marketing manager wasn't quite convinced.

"First of all, starring and director Wang Zhengfang came from there and lived here for decades. Li Qinqin is definitely from the capital, and Wang Xiao is from the south. As for that kelvin han yee, it looks like he grew up on the west coast."

"Oh, not bad. I have their background information in my hand, how did you do it?"

"The director's eyes," Ronald pointed to his own eyes. Of course, he wouldn't say that he's been a human being. If he sees more, he will be able to tell the difference.

Maybe it's a matter of food and language. There are some subtle differences in the distribution of facial muscles for Chinese who grew up in the two places. On the other hand, the people in the two big cities in the north and the south have very different temperaments, which can be distinguished at a glance.

"I really admire it. It seems that being a director does require a lot of talent... Hahaha."

"By the way, my name is Michael Gray, and it's great to chat with you about movies, Ronald. How's your new movie going?"

"The scenes in New York have already been filmed. By the way, this movie of mine will be released in the second half of next year. Will you be responsible for the marketing of the movie?"

Has Ronald met a marketing manager who can talk to each other and has a unique understanding of distribution.

"Of course, if you want, I'm very willing." Michael Gray achieved his goal. He took two cocktails, clinked with Ronald, and wanted to continue the chat.

"Ronald, we have to go." Nisita came up to intervene, and Ronald was about to rush to attend another Christmas charity dinner.

There are a lot of celebrities there, and celebrities from all walks of life, Ronald's fame is gradually going out of the Hollywood circle, this kind of charity dinner is a very good opportunity.

"Well, we'll keep in touch in the future. Rick is my boss, and I have to follow his arrangements. You can call him, we're always running around for movies, and he can find me there."

"This is my phone. If you have anything to do with Ronald, just call me. I'm his housekeeper."

Next, Ronald moved to the St. Regis Hotel. It used to be a social place for the rich in New York, as well as independent designer suites for Tiffany, Dior, and other brands.

In the banquet hall, everyone sat down at a round table, Ronald came late and joined a table with Wall Street bankers.

The lights were not bright enough, and I could only see a few people at the adjacent round tables, and Ronald also chatted with the bankers. The bankers were very social people and had a great chat with Ronald for the first time.

"I said, that kid of mine is obsessed with fighter jets, can you get me an autographed photo of Tom Cruise." This is a family with little fans.

"The fighter dogfights are very exciting. We need to have more such people. Here we also talk about the spirit of winners and keep winning." This is what I like about Ronald's movies.

"Let's disclose it privately, how about it. Which Hollywood movies can make money? There are many funds investing in Hollywood now, and we don't want to miss this good opportunity." This is to make money.

"About this, maybe you don't believe it. I don't know either. No one in Hollywood seems to know. The box office of a movie is a metaphysical issue." Ronald shrugged and said he didn't know either.

"Is there really no secret? I heard that stars are box office guarantees, is that true?"

"A lot of your Wall Street bankers see it that way, but I have to say, it's not like celebrities don't make movies that fail at the box office."

"Hey, it's true, there are movies made by big stars that no one sees." The bankers resonated with Ronald's statement.

"You know, we have a hapless guy out there who doesn't know why he invested in a single movie starring Al Pacino from the 'Scarface' fire and directed by Oscar winner Hugh Heard Sen, what's the result?

The $30 million blockbuster "Revolution" didn't even make $500,000 at the box office. This unlucky bastard has never been seen before. "

"Larry? Someone said he jumped from the upstairs. That's what we do in our business, we call countless clients every day, and if you don't get a project done, no one answers your call. If you lose Big money and your business cards will be thrown out of the card case on the table.

At that point, we'd better pray we've earned enough commissions to retire. Otherwise, go to Kansas to shovel horse manure. "

"Hahaha..." Ronald clinked glasses with them. These bankers spoke interestingly and nicely. It was quite pleasant for Ronald to chat with these smart people.

"Ah... let go..."

Ronald was about to continue chatting with them, when suddenly a woman on a table next to him exclaimed.

It was a beautiful model in a short dress with an open back and a bow tie, dressed a bit like a waiter. In fact, the organizer invited them to fill the space. When they saw there were vacancies, they sat down and chatted with everyone, so as not to be cold.

For many graphic models who are not yet famous, this is a good job, paying well and meeting some successful people.

That model was a little different from the other models. She didn't have the very thin look of a flat model. She looked 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) and nearly 110 pounds, which is thin among ordinary people. In the model is very plump.

And she has a mole on the corner of her mouth, which is rare in the modeling industry. Most of the models are asked not to have too many personal features, after all, they are models, and they want to sell fashion, and the models are more of a movable hanger.

"Cindy?"

Ronald recognized the blonde, red-lipped model, Cindy Crawford, who he recommended for the opening New York street shot of The Secret to Success. He called out to her out.

Cindy can't do anything either, the salty pig hands on this occasion are inevitable shows. Usually after they got rid of it, they passed away.

But today, this person is a designer from Europe. Relying on his power in the modeling circle, the salty pig's hands keep touching Cindy's buttocks.

Cindy Crawford wanted to avoid him, and she didn't want to rise to power this way. But the designer saw that she wanted to leave, so he hugged her horizontally, locked her, and forced her to sit in his arms.

"Ronald?"

Cindy saw clearly that it was Ronald, who was very personable. When he introduced himself to the crew, he didn't demand anything in return. Cindy agreed immediately. Then he stood up, and before the designer could react, he quickly walked over to Ronald.

The designer put on a ponytail and saw that someone here knew this female model, and the model walked over obediently, and suddenly felt that her self-esteem suffered.

"Who is that? Why are models so afraid of him?"

The guests next to him didn't like this person, "That's the famous Hollywood director, Ronald Lee."

"A film director? What's that? Models end up in fashion. What's the use of Isabella Rossellini having a boyfriend to help her in movies, and then coming back to do a commercial for Lancôme."

Ronald stood up, took Cindy Crawford by the hand, and guided her to his table, where the banker gave her a seat.

"Thank you, thank you, you are all knights of America, saving me from the monsters from Europe..." Cindy Crawford was very good at speaking, thanking Ronald and several bankers.

However, her hand kept holding Ronald's hand.

"Hahaha..." The bankers are not as rough as the designers. They are surrounded by beautiful models, and they mainly communicate with words.

Ronald felt that Cindy Crawford's hand had been holding his hand tightly, and he glanced at Cindy a few times, all of which received warm and low-key responses.

After a while, Ronald saw Nisita, who was standing in the corner, signaling to him again, and he said goodbye.

The bankers exchanged business cards with Ronald again, and Cindy Crawford also stood up, took Ronald's hand, and wanted to go out with him.

The designer sitting over there was extremely dissatisfied when he saw that the prey was going to leave. He stared at Ronald fiercely, and stood up to come over to stop it.

Ronald felt something in his heart, glanced over there, and smiled contemptuously. This kind of European guy just doesn't know the current affairs, and he does this on this occasion, like a arrogant narcissist.

Seemingly irritated by Ronald's contempt, the designer wanted to come over and reason with Ronald with his fists. But the place for the dinner party in the hotel was small, and he tried and couldn't squeeze in.

Seeing that Ronald had already started to move outwards, he was furious and made a middle finger gesture towards this side.

It happened that one of the bankers with children was using a one-time Polaroid camera to photograph celebrities at a dinner party. Seeing this, he clicked the shutter on the designer. Then quickly shaking the photo, it was quickly revealed that the designer's indecent gesture was caught.

Taking the photo the other party handed over, Ronald thanked him, then called Nisita and handed him the photo.

"Help me deal with it."

"Okay, I helped you book a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel. Cindy knows how to do it. She hasn't paid for your help yet. If you have other opportunities to appear, you might as well help her. It's okay not to help if you don't have a chance."

Ronald nodded to show that he knew, took the beautiful woman Cindy's hand, and left the St. Regis Hotel, got into Little Bud's car, and drove to the Four Seasons Hotel.

The designer who lost face was drinking and was surrounded by two hotel waiters, and then a manager showed him his ugly photo, "Sir, you don't have our invitation, please go out. ."

"I'm here with someone from a fashion magazine..."

Before he could protest loudly, he was dragged out by two waiters, and he was pushed outside the hotel door.

"Damn it..." The designer, who drank a little too much, fell to the ground staggeringly and couldn't get up for a while.

...

"Your coat." Entering the hotel suite, Cindy Crawford returned Ronald's shirt to him.

It was cold outside just now, and Ronald put a short trench coat on Crawford to cover the exposed skin of her halter.

Cindy's style still maintains the style of a beautiful town girl born in a small town in Illinois, yearning for a big city, but not stage fright for big scenes, and knows how to distinguish men.

She took off her high heels and walked slowly on the carpet with bare feet.

"I don't mind women wearing high heels," Ronald also said humorously.

"Hahaha..." Cindy was extremely happy, "My agent also said that I may not be suitable for the film and television industry, and there are not many male actors who can cooperate."

"Your conditions are very good, and you have a unique temperament. I think even if you don't want to be an actor, someone will come to you in the future."

Ronald took a look at Cindy's figure. After strict training, she was tall and straight, and she didn't look like an ordinary model. She was very predictable.

There is also the beauty mole, which is also a rare asset for film and television heroines, and the audience will not forget it at first sight.

What's more unique is that Cindy treats the stage with a special sense of relaxation and is not nervous at all. Whether walking on the catwalk, taking a photo as a model, or doing odd jobs at dinner parties, there is a kind of disrespectful attitude.

This unique temperament is also quite suitable for acting, at least relax this level, many beautiful girls can't pass.

"Really? Actually, I filmed the secret of success. The director scolded us several times. I thought I had no talent." Cindy didn't quite believe it.

"Really, I have the vision of a director." Ronald laughed, "If you become famous in the modeling industry...\

,"Seeing Cindy Crawford frown slightly, Ronald adjusted his wording, "After you become famous in the modeling industry, there will be a lot of invitations like this, and you'll know when the time comes."

It is also a routine operation for America to become famous and switch to film and television.

"I haven't thanked you yet," Cindy finally approached Ronald, stretched out both hands around Ronald's neck, and stood on tiptoe barefoot and kissed his lips. "Well, it feels good."

Ronald looked at the beauty in his arms. He was well-informed. He was also slightly enlightened by this beauty with long hair and red lips. When he came back to his senses, it seemed that the other party was waiting for his further actions. "Actually, you don't have to."

"Why not? I like you, Ronald. We were models, we were always bullied, and one day, a knight came back to save us, and today, you are that knight. Satisfy me in high school fantasy."

Cindy has the pungent taste of a girl in the central region. As soon as she finished speaking, she jumped up, crossed Ronald's legs, and hung on him.

"Well..." Ronald bowed his head and gave a long kiss. The beauty in his arms seemed to be shaking with excitement because of the sudden enthusiasm, and his feet continued to force.

Ronald had to quickly carry her into the bedroom...

"Um……"

After a long time, Cindy was very satisfied, her legs still wrapped tightly around Ronald, as if it wasn't enough.

"By the way, how come I haven't seen you in the magazine yet?" Ronald hugged Cindy and whispered in her ear.

"There are quite a few, but there is no cover. I still lack some exposure, and ordinary readers don't know much about me, so... But I think I will be on the cover of fashion magazines or sports magazines sooner or later..."

"Is that so...is it helpful to be on a late-night talk show?" Ronald thought of his friend David Letterman. He always welcomes little famous beauties on his show.

"Really? Can you help me?" Cindy squeezed her legs tightly in excitement.

"Let me see what I can do..."

"Ow...I love you so much, Ronald. Come again..."

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