Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Is Jackie okay? I heard he was injured again?" Ronald asked the Chinese director who came to Los Angeles again.

He came this time, nominally to promote the release of the "Boxing World" videotape, and to settle the director's commission that Ronald gave him. The movie grossed $22 million in six weeks in America.

The reporter played by Brooke Shields, and the sharp fighting moves rarely seen in Hollywood by Jean-Claude Van Damme, made audiences who like kung fu movies very happy to watch. The exaggerated plot of the B-movies kept the film from critics, but it did make money at the box office.

Encouraged by Ronald, he made a special trip to invite him to continue shooting this kind of Hong Kong-style kung fu movie starring white people.

"He broke his finger when he was filming 'Mighty Dragon'. It's not a big deal. Jackie has been very careful since he suffered a serious injury in Yugoslavia a few years ago."

After filming "The Great Dragon", I was called by ja and asked a lot about the details of the filming in Hollywood. He was filming here in Hollywood, and many things were more formalized than Xiangjiang. For example, the stunt wire produced by Ronald's company is of very good quality and top-notch safety.

It's just that the price is much more expensive than that produced in Xiangjiang, and no one can afford it except Jackie's crew. Ja simply asked him to go back to the home-making class and became the assistant director of "Detective Weilong" and the next filming of "Police Story 2". Assistant director hungkam-po added a safety factor to many action designs.

"Why didn't you see Jean-Claude Van Damme?" After chatting with Ronald for a while, he remembered that the leading actor in the movie hadn't come yet.

"He went to shoot the big production "Cyb" for Cannon, he and Dolph Lundgren acted opposite each other, sci-fi plus kung fu, very interesting movie. I also have a lot of budget here, do you want to try it? As long as you can come up with a script, we can shoot it. "

Ronald chuckled, seductively, "You don't know yet, the screenwriters here are all on strike, and it's the time when there is a shortage of scripts. As long as you have a suitable book, I will accept it with your eyes closed if you have a budget of less than five million." Vote for you, if it’s more than eight million, I’ve seen it and agree with it.”

Hearing this number, his eyes popped out. With such a big budget, few people in Hong Kong will bid for it. Except for the movies of ja that have a market in Japan, how can any boss be willing to shoot other action movies?

"I'm talking about dollars," Ronald added another blow. The success of "Boxer Fights the World" shows that there is a market for such movies in America. As long as the mature routines and talents from Xiangjiang are moved to Hollywood, and then the main actors are replaced by whites, and the masters, companions, villains, etc. are added by Chinese actors, the efficiency of mass production will be very high.

While drinking black tea, I almost spilled my teacup when I heard the word US dollar. Can I shoot a five million dollar movie myself? That's more expensive than any movie made by ja.

After thinking about it for a long time, he still spoke out about the actual difficulties. "This... Boss Luo, we in Xiangjiang only write the outline, and then there are screenwriters who are assigned to write the lines on the spot. I really haven't learned the production rules like Hollywood."

"This...you can find a screenwriter to help..." Ronald said halfway and realized something was wrong, and the strike is not over yet, "Forget it, it's probably almost over, you wait here, work has started, It's easy to find the right people to help you revise the script.

This is a professional division of labor in Hollywood, some people polish, some people modify the structural framework, and it will be counted on the company's account at that time. "

"Among the filmmakers in Xiangjiang, there are also a few talented people who studied in America. I will look for them..." He adjusted his glasses, and could overcome any difficulties for money.

"Then you stay here for a few days and see more of Hollywood. If you need anything, just talk to my assistant, Miss Laike."

A celebration party was arranged, and after staying for a few days, I was ready to go back to the Hong Kong convener to write the script.

Ronald went to see Cannon's Minahan Golan. Cannon was responsible for the overseas distribution of "Boxer" and Ronald also went to see how it sold.

In addition, Jean-Claude Van Damme is starting to become more famous, and he doesn’t want to be making low-budget b-movies here at Ronald, and participates in the new project Cannon with Lundgren, a film that is said to combine the concepts of the Terminator and Queen’s Excalibur, low A Schwarzenegger-inspired kung fu sci-fi flick.

"Ronald, you're here. Great, everything can return to normal again. Quack quack." Minahan Golan looked smug. Cannon Cannon, which has temporarily survived the financial crisis, can once again cast blockbuster films with a production cost of more than 20 million yuan.

"Congratulations, you can start shooting your favorite comic-style blockbuster again." Ronald hugged Minahan, who was much better.

"I know why you are here. Yoram has already gone to Paris to discuss our cannon project plan with EMI's top management this year and next year. Your 'Boxing World' will also be on the shelves at the Cannes exhibition. It's not me Bragging, overseas releases operated by cannons are the biggest deals in Cannes every year."

Minahan is a fat man who is happy as long as there is a film production, he finishes Ronald's concerns in a few words. Although the production capacity has declined sharply, Cannon is still very strong in the European distribution market.

Every year, it advertises at the Cannes Film Festival, and many film buyers in Europe and other places regard Cannon as the largest wholesaler in Hollywood. Yoram's genius sales ability has created a good reputation over the past few years. Now many people go to Cannes to buy movies, and the default choice is to buy a batch of Cannon movies.

"When will your cyb be filmed?" Ronald was relieved, and began to ask Minahan about the film-making process he likes to talk about the most.

"The filming will start at the beginning of next month. Jean-Claude Van Damme and Lundgren, they will become the Stallone and Schwarzenegger of the new era. Now I am asking the screenwriter to change the script every day. One version is better than the other, and it will be achieved soon. my request."

"Huh?" Ronald felt wrong, "Why can your screenwriter start working? Did you find it from Israel?"

"No, he is a Japanese-born screenwriter and director in Hawaii. I am very optimistic about his level. Like you, he is also a young man with infinite enthusiasm for movies. He has made five movies since he started as a screenwriter, although the box office is not particularly good. , but still can't stop his enthusiasm.

I have already signed two films with him, besides this "biochemical man", there is also "Journey to the Center of the Earth" which is also a sci-fi theme. "

Seeing that Ronald was still puzzled, Minahan chuckled and explained, "Albert Pine has made low-budget films before, non-union projects, so he is not a member of the screenwriters union yet. .”

"So this guy named Albert Pine made very low-budget movies before?"

Ronald couldn't help being dumbfounded at Minahan's boldness. Although everyone doesn't have a script to start working on, you can't just grab one and come here.

"There are diamonds buried in these rocks, and like John Waters, the director of 'Hairspray' you promoted, this Albert Pine is also a guy who knows what he wants to do and has a relentless passion."

"Eh..." Ronald couldn't say anything when he heard Minahan use himself as an example. However, he dare not invest in a director who has made five films and has not yet made his debut.

The work of directing is about talent. Although acquired training is also very important, some aesthetics and personality are innate. People like Anglee, although he has never been a director, many people are willing to bet on him based on the students' graduation works.

However, now that the labor union has stopped the strike, Ronald knows that many medium-sized production companies have no projects for several months, and problems have already arisen. Getting some projects approved now does not mean that they will be able to be auctioned, but it will definitely allow the company to continue financing.

Just like insects that have been sleeping for several months, they can't wait to come out and scream loudly after the summer thunderstorm. If the production line of a medium-sized company stops, it may really not be able to continue.

Ronald and Minahan had a good chat, and by the way, introduced Dolly Bernstein to Minahan. This time in Cannes, Daydream will be led by her to take the opportunity to familiarize herself with overseas distribution channels and methods .

Competent subordinates, let them gradually take over the work of the company. But some work had to be done by Ronald himself.

For example, communicate with stars and persuade them to join your own movie project. It is inconvenient for a subordinate like Michelle Cannold to come forward for this kind of thing.

First, celebrities may not be willing to talk about such things with a producer who has no successful works. Second, relatively speaking, directors have a natural aura when chatting with stars, and they are more likely to trust the director.

So Ronald arrived at Michelle Pfeiffer's house in Los Angeles with "Steel Magnolia," that untitled romance with Nora Ephron. Hope it convinces her to take part in at least one.

"Oh, Ronald, hello." Michelle Pfeiffer is familiarizing herself with the script at home, and she has already agreed to the heroine of the movie adapted from Broadway's "Dangerous Liaisons" that Warner Bros. has set up.

When she was at home, Pfeiffer wore a white top with soft trousers underneath, and her home-style dress could not conceal her breathtaking beauty.

"Ah... hello, ah...", Ronald first stepped forward to shake hands, and then found that Pfeiffer wanted to hug, and when he changed into a hugging posture, the other party changed to shaking hands again.

"Hahaha", both of them laughed. After a warm hug, they sat down in the living room and began to chat about the two scripts that Ronald brought.

Since the breakup, both of them have progressed by leaps and bounds in their careers, and there is no discomfort. When they meet again, they are like friends who haven't seen each other for many years.

"Talk first, I want to make a call." Limato, the agent who accompanied him according to the rules, saw that the two had a good time meeting, so he offered to borrow Pfeiffer's phone in the inner room.

"I didn't expect you to change your career and act in a costume drama." Ronald looked at the script that Pfeiffer was reciting, and smiled.

"Ha... I've always wanted to act in a costume play. We talked about it before..." Michelle Pfeiffer felt inappropriate again, and cleared her throat in a different position, "Show me your script. I’m going to fly to Hair Country to film soon, I’ll watch it on the road and when I’m free from filming, and then I’ll tell you which one I like.”

"Are you in such a hurry? Is there an exception for your film?" Ronald was taken aback, as if he had just heard that the film was going to be shot, so why would he be going to the country of hair to shoot soon.

"Well... Warner Brothers submitted a lot of evidence. The script was adapted from a Broadway play. It was finalized a year ago. They were afraid that the strike would cause problems again, so they got an exception permit and they will start the machine soon. I am now Memorizing lines is very stressful.”

Michelle Pfeiffer waved the script in her hand to Ronald with a nervous expression.

"I remember that your lines have always been very good." Ronald said, also a little embarrassed.

"These are very old English expressions. I am very distressed to memorize them, and no one plays with me."

"How about I come and confront you?" Ronald said in a strange way.

"Okay, Peter is always away, and I don't have a good partner." Pfeiffer handed another script to Ronald, flipped it for him, and began to match the lines of "dangerous relationship" .

"I hope you understand the extent to which you have changed me." Ronald read the lines of the hero "Love Saint" Viscount Valmont, a playboy whose life goal is to seduce all kinds of women.

"My friends in Paris can see at a glance that I have become a more considerate, upright, and kind..." Ronald thought as he read, this conversation seemed to fit perfectly with his experience with Pfeiffer. of.

"A more upright, benevolent... more ascetic than a monk." Ronald almost laughed when he read this line, which was not like it.

"Hehehe..." Michelle Pfeiffer didn't know whether she was following the script, or she laughed when she heard Ronald's words, "Being more abstinent than a monk..."

"Well... you know, there are a lot of rumors about me in Paris."

"Hahaha..." Michelle Pfeiffer burst out laughing, this conversation really resembles Ronald's personality. There are also many legends about Ronald's excellent ability and character in Hollywood, and a friend who is also an actress came to her to ask her to verify... Is Ronald as powerful as the rumors.

Pfeiffer couldn't stop laughing, and slapped Ronald on the leg.

"Hahaha..." Ronald also reached out to scratch Pfeiffer. The two laughed and quarreled for a few seconds, and then realized that something was wrong. Now Pfeiffer is already in a state of being a married couple.

However, the actors are emotionally invested, and it is not a big problem that they can't help themselves when they enter the play. Both she and Ronald were considered decent men, and they quickly returned to their normal state.

"Where's Peter? Why didn't you see him?" Ronald subconsciously asked about Pfeiffer's husband, Peter Horton.

"He went to discuss new films. You know Peter has always dreamed of being a director, so he invested a lot. The films I am in now are all bigger than his production budget. He always wanted to do something big. He was in the acting class. When I was young, he always taught me acting skills.

He's out of luck though, now he's more like a director... like..."

"Well, when you go to Hair Country to film, read these two scripts slowly, and call me anytime you have an idea." Seeing that the direction of the conversation was getting worse and worse, Ronald stood up and said he wanted to leave.

"Okay, I'll see you off..." Michelle Pfeiffer also stood up, took Ronald's arm naturally, and sent him out.

"Your working girl, I heard the pilot was pretty good, and I'm a little bit jealous of Melanie Griffiths" Pfeiffer was filming Jonathan Demme's "Join the Gang" just as Ronald went Find out about Griffiths from Demi.

】

"That's a not-so-beautiful character, it's not suitable for you. The two films here are all beauties." Ronald smiled and sold his script again.

"Hee hee...Actually, it would be great if you could direct. I've always wanted to be directed by you once." Pfeiffer half-jokingly said. On the one hand, the two have indeed talked about this idea before, on the other hand, Ronald's current movies are very popular female stars.

"I may not be able to direct. Southern dramas are too unfamiliar to me. I can't say well about Nora's. Let's keep in touch. Call me if you have any ideas from Hair Country. Regardless of the time difference, I will return your call in time."

Pfeiffer watched Ronald get into the car, and Ronald lowered the window and waved to her. With a condensed smile on his face, Pfeiffer walked into the room with his head down, his eyes still a little foggy.

"Ah... Michelle..." Limato, who had already finished the "phone call", apologized to Pfeiffer again. Limato, who persuaded Pfeiffer and Ronald to break up, treated Pfeiffer like his own child.

This choice is definitely wrong. Peter Horton, who was on the list of the sexiest men back then, and known as the 30 future stars of Hollywood, is now reduced to filming TV dramas. Ronald, on the other hand, soared into the sky.

"Don't say that, I'm fine." Michelle Pfeiffer shook her head. She usually likes to stay at home when she has nothing to do. It's completely different from Peter Horton's character of proactively looking for opportunities. She needs someone's company.

A director like Ronald will not go home for several months as soon as he has a project. It may not be possible to get along for a long time.

...

"Where are we going next?" Bud, who was sitting in the driver's seat, noticed that Ronald was a little upset, and turned up the radio playing jazz.

"Go to the hotel, turn on your portable watch and switch to Channel 5's entertainment news. The strike should come to an end tonight."

"I'm Anna Horowitz, and I'm bringing you live coverage from the gates of the Writers Guild West of Los Angeles."

Sony, who was in the car, watched the TV with him, and the voice of the TV host came from inside. Ronald took a closer look.

"There's little good news to report tonight about the film and TV writers' strike. Despite word that individual contracts with some producers may be approved at a union meeting, there's still no sign of the strike ending.

For TV networks, that could make the fall a bit late this year.

Our union affairs expert says the strike could continue into June if the union doesn't ratify the last final terms of the Producers Union. This is the deadline for new seasons of TV series, and after June, for every additional week of strike, the new season of TV series will be postponed by one week.

Let's hope something like this doesn't happen..."