King of Hollywood

Although Spielberg's face remained calm, there were already turmoil in his heart. He came across Michael Clayton's novel, which topped the New York Times bestseller list, at the end of last year, and after only a cursory glance at it, he had the guts to bring it to the screen. idea.

Spielberg then asked people to contact Clayton, but what he didn't expect was that the answer was that the film adaptation rights had been sold. Such an answer made him sigh, and then he didn't think about it again. Unexpectedly, today, a young director who had only met once came to his door, hoping that he would make this novel into a movie!

"Why, do you think I'm suitable for making this film?" Although Spielberg felt extremely complicated at this time, he asked calmly after flipping through the book, "Aren't you a good director yourself? "

"If it's 7 or 8 years later, I don't deny that I have the ability to make this movie perfectly, but not now. I can grasp the plot well but can't do anything about the big scene." Adrian shook his head, "As for why I'm looking for you, I don't think I need to explain any more, Steven, you have a unique imagination and the ability to control movies, and you can balance art and business very well, except you and me I can’t think of anyone else to make it.”

"There are many directors besides me." Spielberg smiled noncommittally, "I have to admit that your lobbying is very exciting, but unfortunately, I may let you down, Ed."

"Can you tell me where your concerns are?" Adrian raised his eyebrows without showing any disappointment.

Not bad, very calm. Spielberg praised in his heart.

"Many, such as how do you plan to operate? What's the budget? Moreover, just making realistic models of dinosaurs is a difficult problem to solve." He briefly cited a few examples.

But Adrian is obviously prepared: "We have made a detailed budget before this, and the investment will be around 50 million to 60 million. My company can take out about 20 million, and I can get it from my friend." For an investment of 20 million, if Universal is willing to participate, they can also contribute 20 million. If they don’t want to, I can personally contribute 20 million. As for the operation, we will put all the power in your hands. The company is only responsible for supervising financial operations, the script It will be co-written by me and Michael, of course, if you want to use your own people, but Michael must participate.

"It's really a big deal." Even Spielberg couldn't help being a little surprised by his plan. Although from the end of the 1970s to the present, the trend of large investment has become more and more obvious, but such movies with an investment of 50 to 60 million are still not many.

Adrian smiled and didn't say much on this issue, but turned to other aspects: "As for the dinosaur model, I think Mr. George Lux's Industrial Light and Magic will be willing to take on this task. In addition, Shi Steven, don't you think a realistic dinosaur made by a computer would be more attractive to the audience than a model?"

"Making it with a computer?" Spielberg rubbed his hands and narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, that's right, computer production," Adrian nodded, "Because the company is planning to participate in the investment of a film, yesterday I went to the other party's studio to see, they used the computer to produce A liquid metal man is not perfect, but it is enough to make people feel shocked. I believe that as long as there are enough funds and combined with Industrial Light and Magic technology, it will definitely be possible to create dinosaurs on the screen that make it difficult to distinguish between real and fake!"

"Liquid Metal Man? Are you talking about the "Terminator 2" that James Cameron is producing?" Spielberg took a long breath, suppressed his mood and deliberately asked in a relaxed tone. Frankly, for a few seconds he really wanted to say yes.

"Yes," Adrian replied in the affirmative, "We have consulted a lot of information and interviewed many professionals. It is theoretically possible to make a CG that is close to the real one. In fact, most of the 60 million investment It’s all spent on it. If you want, I can ask someone to bring over the relevant planning report immediately, and you can make a decision after reading it.”

Spielberg fell silent. He sat on a chair with his hands clasped together, his two thumbs fiddled with each other from time to time. Behind the round glasses, his eyelids drooped, making it impossible to see what he was thinking.

After a few minutes, he finally raised his head and let out a long breath: "I'm sorry, Ed, my answer will not change."

Adrian's brows finally frowned: "May I know the reason, Steven?"

"I've been stuck with something lately, and there's a post-film waiting for me, and I don't have the time..."

"We can wait."

"That's not the point, Ed...it's a pity." Spielberg finally opened his hand, but his refusal was vague throughout. In fact, the reason for the refusal was very simple. He didn't like the feeling of being controlled or calculated.

This feeling is very subtle, and it can also be said to be trust in him from another aspect: everything has been prepared and is at your disposal. The point is that Spielberg has conflicting feelings about Adrian.

On the one hand, Adrian's upbringing, quality, and interesting ideas on movies made him very fond of him; on the other hand, he felt that this young man was a little too utilitarian and impatient. In addition, there are still many things that bother him, such as a failed marriage, etc., so he is obviously already moved and feels a little dissatisfied, so he doesn't want to just agree.

This is very contradictory, so Spielberg chose to refuse in the end. It was very accidental, just like throwing a ball of paper when he couldn't do a multiple-choice question, but many things in the world are so accidental.

There was silence in the office, and Adrian spoke again after a few minutes: "Actually, there is one more condition."

Spielberg couldn't help showing a look of surprise, he had already rejected it outright, what else could he use to convince himself? He made a "please speak" gesture to him.

"Before I say this, I beg you, Steven, don't think that I'm threatening or forcing you," Adrian looked at Spielberg with sincerity in his tone, "I originally wanted to put this last , after you agreed to be the director, I didn’t bring it up, I don’t have any other ideas.”

After a pause, he said word by word: "If you agree to be the director and producer, Steven, half of the net income of this movie will be used to invest in the movie you have always wanted to make."

"Invest in that movie I've always wanted to make?" Spielberg repeated, then shook slightly.

"Yes," Adrian nodded, "Schindler's List!"

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After coming out of Spielberg's office, Adrian let out a long sigh, and finally got him to agree, which was really not easy. Although he couldn't guess what the other party was thinking, he still saw two things.

First, Spielberg still likes the novel "Jurassic Park" very much, and is also full of interest in adapting it into a movie; second, he seems to have some small opinions about himself, not many, but may affect his judgment. Needless to say, he knew that this was the sequelae of his impatience that night, but he couldn't help it, because the time in his plan was always not enough.

Fortunately, the trump card still worked, although Adrian missed a point-Spielberg didn't know how much box office "Jurassic Park" could get, and naturally he didn't know how much half of the net profit was. . But he still agreed, after looking at Adrian carefully for a long time.

"Are you sure?" he asked him.

"I'm sure!" Adrian's face was full of seriousness and seriousness.

Then there was another few minutes of silence, and Spielberg finally nodded: "Well, obviously, I have no reason to refuse...but that will be in a few months."

Although there was a loophole in Adrian's proposal, Spielberg automatically made it up for him in his heart: as long as the movie makes more money, the more investment he can get!

Adrian understood this point after Spielberg agreed, and he naturally didn't think about making additional explanations. This is in his favor, isn't it? I have to admit that "Schindler's List" has an unusual position in the heart of this great director, but in this way, my impression in the other party's heart may be a little bit worse, no matter what he said before he raised this issue. In all sincerity, it still smacks of persecution.

But it doesn't matter, when "Jurassic Park" starts to be officially prepared, I can tell him that even if the box office is not good, I will guarantee him an investment of 20 million for the filming of "Schindler's List". On the way back, Adrian said to himself in his heart. Moreover, I have only played half of my trump card, and there will be opportunities to play the other half later. At that time, it will not be a problem to win Spielberg.

This kind of sparing no effort to build a good relationship with this old Jewish man is because of his contacts and network, etc. Think about his relationship with Lucas and others and his influence in Hollywood. Especially the Jewish relationship network. Although there are many anti-Semitic extremists in the United States, it is undeniable that the Jews are still quite powerful. If Adrian can use his identity, then it's not a problem to have both sides.

After getting Spielberg and "Jurassic Park", by the way, "Schindler's List", and investing in "Terminator 2". Adrian had a good rest for a few days, and by the way, he watched the 63rd Academy Awards ceremony at home on March 25.

It is no different from what I remember, "Dances with Wolves" became a big winner, and won several awards such as best film, best director, best adaptation, best photography, etc. Unfortunately, the fate of Kevin Costner As sad as Clint Eastwood, he will never get the best actor in this life.

Adrian didn't have any special feelings from the beginning to the end, because he knew that he would appear at the awards ceremony this time next year. After the break, he will soon start preparing for his new movie - "The Shawshank Redemption" !

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