Exploiting Hollywood 1980 Chapter 860

  Chapter 860 Preparing for the Premiere

   "Sorry, I'm still working." Donna frowned and rejected the handsome guy's invitation.

  She is a little dissatisfied with the other party's vulgar way of dating, shouldn't she be smarter, ask for a phone number first, and then call herself tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? In the workplace, although there are very good opportunities to meet the opposite sex, but in front of the boss, you can't deal with personal matters so straightforwardly?

   On Wall Street, people are very delicate to deal with this mutual attraction. You have to find an excuse to get a phone call first, and then use this excuse to continue to understand each other's temperament while going deeper.

   "Ah...uh..." The handsome guy named Brad seemed unaware that there are still women in this world who can refuse his own charm, so he suddenly didn't know what to say.

  In the past, when Brad dated women, he never needed any skills. As long as he went up and showed his wishes, it was always beneficial. Only he refuses other people's invitations, and no one has ever been able to refuse him.

   "Damn..." Brad muttered in a low voice, why did his charm suddenly fail at the most critical moment for his career as an actor?

   "Maybe you can leave a phone number, and you can try to ask me out when I am resting." Donna took out her business card and exchanged it with the handsome Brad.

   Still handsome, really handsome. Even if he is a no-brainer, it doesn't prevent him from having a date with him for dinner, just treat it as a benefit of working for his cousin's part-time assistant.

  He took the handsome guy's business card from Donna, with Brad Pitt's name written on it. "Will you date him?" Ronald asked Donna, who was having lunch in a restaurant.

   "He's still very handsome, I just want to have dinner with a handsome guy." Donna put the knife and fork aside and wanted to get back her business card.

   "Do you really like him?" Ronald took his hand away, not allowing Donna to succeed. He felt a little uncomfortable. Cousin Donna was born into an elite professional woman, but she was actually asked out by an actor who had nothing but good looks.

   "I think Te is very handsome (Cute), hey, this is my own private matter, I haven't asked about your private life either."

   "I'm just curious. I haven't seen you have a boyfriend since you graduated from college... Do you like this type?" Ronald rubbed his nose and returned the business card to Donna. In America, especially in cosmopolitan cities like New York and Los Angeles, matters between men and women are decided by individuals, and it is indeed not easy to interfere.

   "It makes me feel good to be approached by a handsome guy. You know, a professional woman on Wall Street needs such compliments." Donna took out her purse and wanted to pay for her meal.

   "Hey..." Ronald pretended to be angry and stopped Donna from taking out the money. "I just think you might be disappointed. Many actors don't have the personal charm of the characters they play on the screen."

   "I may or may not..." Donna pushed her hair back, "Do you like it? Don't you only know about this kind of thing after a date?"

   "Hi... By the way, how is your boss, Mr. Simmons' new fund?" Ronald had to change the subject.

   "Very good, many senior managers in the company bought it, and the subscribed shares were sold out quickly..."

"Choose the cast according to your own ideas, and I won't interfere. I only have one request, to shoot and edit according to the structure of a commercial film, and save as much money as you can. If the climax part requires a big scene, I'm not afraid to spend it." Money, as long as it comes according to the schedule."

  In the evening, Ronald chatted with Katherine Bigelow again.

   After all, Bigelow is a strong woman who has made theater-length movies, and these are not difficult for her. As long as you don't deviate from the plan and spend too much time on the effect of a shot when shooting, the budget of the entire movie is unlikely to exceed the standard.

  Of course, the beginning of the whole movie, and some parts between the second act and the third act, need to give the audience a little ice cream, and Ronald will not be too thrifty like Roger Coleman. After all, the current audience can have hundreds of choices in video rental stores, and they still have requirements for the basic quality of movies.

   "When it comes to casting, do you have any special requirements? Can I make the decision?" Catherine Bigelow asked. She finally had a second chance to direct a feature film, and she was ready to agree to any request from Ronald.

   "Who are you talking about?" Ronald thought, I stuffed a heroine with mediocre acting skills in it, so I don't have any other requirements. No matter how close you are, I'm afraid you won't be able to control the quality of the movie.

   "That Brad, is it with your..."

   "Don't worry about that, just follow your professional judgment..."

   Ronald stopped in the middle of speaking. Seeing that Bigelow hinted whether to give that Brad a chance, I thought that this kind of thing is still quite troublesome.

   In Hollywood circles, gossip travels fast. If I gave Brad a chance, wouldn't I have given these actors a direction in the future? If you want to play a role in a movie led by Ronald in the future, as long as you go through his family, the effect must be good?

   "So, what is your professional judgment?"

"What? Oh, you said Brad, he has no acting skills, and there are no suitable roles for him in this movie, so..." Catherine Bigelow gave Brad a judgment that he can't act. .

   "Very well, you say that, I have more confidence in movies. It can be seen that you consider movies from a professional perspective..."

   Ronald expressed his satisfaction. After sending Bigelow away, he put the audition photos and resume of the actor named Brad Pitt on the table into a folder.

   Then he made a call, "Hello, Mr. Frank McPeak? I'm Ronald, and I have business to 'consult' you. If it's convenient for you, come to the restaurant at the gate of Chinatown to chat.

  Give Brad's information to Mr. Private Detective and ask him to do a background check. Ronald put aside his "sticky fingers" and began to prepare for the release of his movie "Moonlight".

  Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" is scheduled to premiere on December 11th. His ambition and distributor Warner Bros.'s confidence in the quality of the film is much stronger than that of Columbia, which distributed "The Last Emperor."

  The opening weekend, there will be more than 200 theaters. In this kind of movie with the strategy of winning awards first and then rushing to the box office, it belongs to a movie with a lot of theaters.

  Ronald and MGM are not so confident in "Moonlight Sultry". Their plan is to release it in about 10 theaters that meet the minimum requirements for awards on December 18.

   If you learn the strategy of "Empire of the Sun", there is a risk that if the audience does not appreciate the movie, it will be revealed quickly at the box office. There are too many audiences in more than 200 theaters, and it will soon form a word of mouth that maybe I don't want to see.

  If there are only 10 theaters, not many people can see the quality of the movie, so there is still an opportunity to control the reviews and let the movie critics come to the rescue.

  In order to create a good reputation after the premiere, Ronald is also calling his friends in the circle, inviting them to attend the premiere in Los Angeles.

  Michael Gray, who is in charge of marketing, has already gone to Chicago in person, and with the public relations funds approved by Ronald, he has begun to formulate special treatment and itinerary for several film critics with national influence in Chicago.

First-class air tickets for film critics and family members, a large suite in a five-star hotel, VIP-level dining, and a vacation for the rest of the weekend, and interviews with local media after watching the premiere, what do they want anyway? , are all satisfied as far as possible.

Excuses are also easy to find, because "Moonlight" was only released in Los Angeles and New York at the beginning, in order to allow America's most influential Roger Ebert, and Gene Sisko to be able to share with ordinary audiences. Seeing the movie and putting forward pertinent opinions for the producer and director are all "reasonable" arrangements.

  As for the film critic circle in New York, due to the large number of media, it is inconvenient to give super high treatment on a large scale like that given to Chicago film critics.

  Ronald could only call one by one in a low-key manner, inviting them to come to the New York premiere to watch the movie as quickly as possible and give comments.

  Of course, a private donation from the wealthy Hansen family in the Stanton countryside helped the New York Film Critics Association to better organize film review activities and hold foreign and historical film screenings that suit their wishes.

  These film review activities, as well as foreign film screenings, will be limited to a small social circle.

  Any member of the Film Critics Association who is able to attend the premiere of "Moonlight Sultry" will receive an envelope with a certain number of free tickets for this kind of event.

  In the same envelope. There are also some five-star hotel restaurants, swimming pools, and various entertainment facilities that can be used by the way after watching the movie, as well as some vouchers that can be used for free accommodation in the hotel.

The film critics came to watch your film so late, and they need some film reviews. You prepare some food and play for them, and arrange accommodation. No matter how you look at it, it is very reasonable, and it does not violate the film critics. industry regulations.

   Next up was calling friends in LA and trying to get some free coverage from journalists on the premiere.

  Because Tom Cruise, the biggest among my friends, and Kelly McGillis are both shooting new films. Ronald found Patrick Schwytz, the leading actor of "Dirty Dancing", to help out, and because of Letterman's show, the heroine Cher, who has become a hot topic in the media, is estimated to be able to get the next day's show in Los Angeles. Free layout.

   In addition to attracting the media, of course there are some friends of Ronald in the circle. This time, among the actors who have worked together in the past, all the actors who have voting rights in film technology and art colleges are invited.

  Michael Gray said that the film's best chance for an Oscar nomination is the heroine Cher. The actress nominations are voted on by members registered in the Screen Actors Guild.

  So from "Richmond High School student Jennifer Jason Lee, to Japanese karate master Morita Noriyuki, to Back to the Future Michael J. Fox, all sent invitations.

   "You still have a few directors on the phone, and you have to call..." Michael Gray and Ronald went through the list of stars who wanted to call in person, and his company took care of the rest.

"Come on, I'm not going to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Director." Ronald didn't want to be a telemarketer anymore. For a self-respecting director, it's a bit overwhelming to call actors and invite them to the premiere. torture.

  This year, Spielberg came prepared. Last time he directed the film "Purple", which was more artistic and reflected social content, he was not nominated for best director, so he was very disappointed with the Oscar. Haven't made a movie with this kind of award-nomination potential again in years.

This time it happened to coincide with Huaguo's popularity in America, the blessing of the original bestseller, and the role of Dongying, which is a bit disgusting to the American people now. Spielberg is very fancy about this chance to hit the Oscars. .

   After the screening of "The Last Emperor", it was well received by the film critics. Hollywood industry circles also praised this Chinese-style movie.

  Many people are looking for the producer of the film, Jeremy Thomas, and want to invest in his next film and cooperate with him. But as of today, I heard that no one has spoken to him himself.

   With the jewels of these two films in front of him, Ronald has no hope for the film to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Director. Besides, he is still very young, and the Oscars generally do not reward such young candidates. Moreover, this movie is still a romantic comedy. Throughout the history of Oscars, there are very few directors who make this type of movie.

   "It's hard to say, anything can happen. Ronald, I think you should not give up this opportunity. Many directors have the same idea as you, and they didn't try their best in public relations when they were young.

   It's not that I made things bad on purpose. The director's award doesn't necessarily depend on the director's ability.

   You see, Spielberg has not been nominated for the Best Director Award until now. If you have a chance, you still have to fight for it, the type of film you directed is actually..." Michael Gray persuaded Ronald to be nominated for an Oscar, which only a small percentage of directors in Hollywood can do.

"Okay, okay, I get it, I'll fight right away." Ronald heard what Michael Gray meant. He was making a commercial film, so the chances of getting nominated were rare, so once counted, he tried his best But, don't waste it.

   “Also, being nominated means you've been recognized, and next time it means you have a chance to actually win.”

   "Okay, stop talking, I'll just call." Ronald called his director friends again to communicate.

   "Oh, little Ronald, why are you calling me? I just got back from Austria."

"Mr. Wilder, I'm calling to invite you to the premiere of my new film." The first thing Ronald looked for was Billy Wilder, who had visited the house next door to his house. Hollywood Gold Famous directors of the era.

"Hi, I'm very old, little Ronald, you may not remember my age. The doctor told me to spend more time at home and not to participate in such social activities too much. This year the college will hold some commemorative activities for me, and I Will remember to vote you for best director."

   "Hey, that's a pity, my movie is out on video, I'll send you a copy. Hope to get your guidance."

   Ronald, who was told by Wilder, felt very embarrassed. He made a few perfunctory phone calls, then stopped and didn't devote himself wholeheartedly.

   While eating pizza, he was on the phone, and finally called his old friend Cameron.

   "Hello, James? This is Ronald, you..."

   "Shxt! I'm discussing with you, don't make excuses to answer the phone. Why didn't you choose this script?"

   Ronald heard a female voice coming from the microphone, loudly lecturing Cameron.

   "It's Ronald, Ronald", Cameron covered the receiver and said to his wife Gail Hurd, "Don't do this, we agreed, don't interfere with my director choice..."

   "Ronald, this is Gail, what are you calling for?" Gail snatched the receiver.

   "Uh...I want to invite Cameron to the premiere of my new film...Uh, please your couple...Uh, please separately, director Cameron, and producer Gail Hurd".

   Ronald heard Gail's dissatisfaction, and changed two words in a row.

   "Ask your agent to send the invitation, and James and I will go back."

   "Huh..." Ronald put down the phone and wiped his cold sweat. There is a wife who is a producer and is too strong. It seems that Cameron's life is not as harmonious as he imagined.

   Fortunately, I didn't sell myself to a regular producer in order to make a movie. Film directors and film producers are both very arbitrary professions. Ronald thinks for himself, and has worked with a producer who has the same voice for a long time. He really can't decide which films to take.

   After finishing the call, Ronald went out, drove to a hotel in Chinatown by himself, and met private detective Frank McPeak.

   "Brad Pitt's information..." Frank McPeak handed over a thick envelope. "Good guy, this man's history is very long and monotonous..."

   "I won't read it, just tell me the conclusion."

   "Very feminine, but..."

   "But what?"

   "If Donna were my daughter, I wouldn't let this kid get close to him. He's now promoting among his partners that he might be lucky enough to join a film crew."

   "Okay, I see", Ronald dropped an envelope full of cash.

   "Do you want me to cook for you?" Frank McPeak stared at Ronald.

  Ronald thought for a while, "Forget it, let it be like this, if he doesn't get the role, he will retreat in spite of difficulties."

  Anyway, what Donna really appreciates may be the kind of men with careers and brains. For this kind of male star who only has a good-looking appearance, maybe he just enjoys the vanity of being dated by a handsome guy.

  As for a woman expert like Brad Pitt, once Donna is of no use to him, he won't waste his time.

  In the Fifth Avenue apartment at night, Ronald was thinking about his long-term girlfriend. In fact, being together is more important for the two parties to be more in tune. If the needs of the two are exactly the same, it may be the reason for their long-term success.

   Falling asleep in a daze, Ronald was still thinking about the day.

  What kind of boyfriend will Donna fall in love with in the end?

  A flash of light came on, like a completely black transition, and a blonde woman jumped out.

  She turned her back to Ronald, looking at the scenery off the coast of Lower Manhattan, New York, and there was a Staten Island ferry on it.

   Judging from this angle, this blonde beauty seems to be working on top of the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

   Ten years from now, will Donna, who has a successful career, look like this.

Huh? This seems to be the movie I dreamed about last time, reflecting life in the Wall Street financial circle, right?

   In a hurry, Ronald woke up. What movie is it? The cutting of these shots, coupled with the very charming soundtrack, is obviously a bit of a master's style.

  (end of this chapter)

Chapter end