MTL - Exploiting Hollywood 1980-Chapter 859 a thankful heart

  Chapter 859 Gratitude

"The Mid-Autumn Festival in foreign countries is quite fun, but why do they eat turkey? We don't seem to have this kind of chicken in Huaguo..." Director Huang got up to exercise the next day, and talked to Xiaoyan about the banquet last night .

   "It's called Thanksgiving. I heard that it is a festival for the ancestors who immigrated to get a good harvest and thank their God. Turkey is eaten on Thanksgiving."

   "This turkey is quite delicious... better than my domestic chicken."

"That's because the chef's uncle was willing to put the ingredients. You saw that the turkey was wrapped in bacon. The pork juice seeped in. It was roasted twice in a special oven. After it was cooked, the bacon was not used. It was specially eaten. That smoky meaty taste. The turkey my classmates made themselves in college was like chewing cardboard, very woody."

   "Xiaoyan, come to New York to study hard..." Director Huang is old enough to be Xiaoyan's aunt, and he will give advice on behalf of Old Yan.

  Ronald also got up early, and just happened to hear some snippets of the conversation upstairs. For the American people, Thanksgiving is a very family reunion holiday.

  In addition to Xiaoyan’s gratitude to God, my aunt also said that there is also gratitude to the Indian tribes that gave some food to the immigrants.

  So in this festival, there are many elements of gratitude. Many people will write letters or make phone calls to those who have helped them during this festival.

   Ronald thought about it, went back to the room, took out a pen and paper, and began to recall who had helped him critically in this business.

Of course, it was Roger Coleman, the Cameron couple, and the director Woody Allen who helped me, the female generals of the casting studio... Soon, Ronald wrote a list , and start writing to everyone.

   “Dear Roger, On this day of thanksgiving, I…”

   Ronald wrote a few sentences, which seemed to feel a little wrong.

  Hollywood has no shortage of stars who, after winning an Oscar, would like to thank everyone, even their hair stylists. But there are very few people who can help in this cruel industry.

  The power of words is still not as good as actions to express one's emotions.

  Ronald folded two stacks of the paper with the list on it and put it in his notebook. Then a call was made to Roger Corman in Los Angeles.

   "Julie, this is Ronald. Happy Thanksgiving. Is Roger there?"

   Roger Coleman's investment in stocks accounted for the bulk of his entire wealth. The stock market crash caused serious losses to him who used some leverage. He had to mobilize some cash from the film department to temporarily make up for the losses in the stock market.

   Coleman and Ronald's joint filming of "Ecstasy" was also delayed because Coleman's company could not provide the agreed investment of 3.5 million US dollars.

  Ronald proposed that this part of the cash should be advanced by his own Daydream Films, and part of it will be returned to Ronald after Coleman's cash situation eases next year. The rest can be deducted from dividends from film distribution and videotape sales.

   "Business is business, why do you have such an idea?" Roger Coleman was of course very happy to hear Ronald's generous terms. But a veteran producer who has worked hard in the film industry for 30 years and has never lost money does not understand Ronald's approach.

"Roger, have you noticed that no one is working in Hollywood now. I'm not talking about the big seven big projects, even the medium-sized productions of independent producers and those small one-million-dollar productions have shrunk. Very powerful."

   Ronald talked about some of his observations.

  After the stock market crash, the film industry experienced a strong contraction. Funding has been withdrawn substantially from the Hollywood production business in the short term. I don't know when I will be able to come back. The number of projects approved and started this year has shrunk a lot compared to the same period last year.

  Several major industry trade unions also encountered great difficulties in paying membership dues. The Screen Actors Union, and the Directors Union, have begun to temporarily hold off the payment of a quarterly membership fee for some members who have encountered difficulties in life.

Ronald also received invitations from the Directors' Union and the Screenwriters' Union to attend a charity party. Some props and costumes of old stars participating in old films will be auctioned. , to raise funds for low-income groups in the union.

   "Hey, these are difficult times", Coleman also understood what Ronald meant, and expressed his willingness to accept the young man's kindness.

   This is not a personal handout to Coleman, he is just a temporary cash outflow problem. As long as his vision is still there, he can get out of the predicament in half a year.

  Ronald wants to step up work and give those middle and low-level practitioners in the industry a chance to eat. If they encounter no work in this six months, some staff with average ability may have to receive relief money. What's even more pity is that many young people with potential will give up this job and do other things.

  For them, a crew and a minimum-wage job will allow them to survive until the market recovers.

   "Is the industry so bad now?" Donna put on her Saint Laurent work clothes, looking capable and elegant. She listened to Ronald's ten-minute phone call and learned some details.

"Actually, the box office did not have a big drop. I think it is the same as the impact of the stock market crash on the American economy. In the long run, it has no impact. However, people in our industry are still very weak in resisting risks. "

   Ronald told his cousin about the financing structure of a typical small Hollywood production company. At the beginning, they have to persuade a star to star in the movie, and then use the star's name to sell the pre-sale distribution rights of the movie.

  Once you get the distribution right, you can mortgage it to make a bank bridge loan to raise funds for filming. The under-mortgage part needs to be filled by many small investors. Finally, the film is finished, released, and then sold to overseas distributors, and the broadcasting rights are sold to TV stations, as well as the popular video tape rental.

  These links are like a taut clockwork. When all the conditions are met, it will take two years to recover the funds. If something goes wrong in one place during this period, or if it is delayed for several months, the project may fail.

"It seems that making movies is not a good business." Donna looked at the financial documents of Helen Slater's "Sticky Fingers" movie, which was about to be taken over, and found that it was also a heavy investment. The repayment period is too long, and the profitability of the business is uncertain. On Wall Street, bankers don't like this kind of project. "

   "Unless you can hit the blockbusters, you can really make a lot of money." Donna thought about it, no wonder Wall Street invests in Hollywood and always bets on producers or directors who have proven themselves.

  Movies are a strange commodity. Out of ten movies, about seven lose money, two break even, and one makes all the money. Under the background that most movies do not make money, the return on investment of the one that makes money is super high.

"Let's go…"

   Ronald and Donna got into the car together, and Bud Jr. sent them to Daydream's office in New York. Today they're taking over the "Sticky Fingers" crew.

  "Helen", the first thing Ronald saw was Helen Slater wearing a white sweater, a floral skirt and small leather boots.

   "Ronnie, Donna," Helen came over to hug them both, "This is Melanie Mellen, the screenwriter of the script, and another leading actor.

   "Hello, Melanie," Ronald greets her. Melanie stared at Ronald with wide eyes. She didn't expect that the financial backer Helen mentioned was actually the director of a commercial blockbuster.

   "Do you have to fire Katlin Adams? She taught me a lot in acting", Helen was still a little uneasy, and walked to the side of the conference table with Ronald, asking whether the acting teacher could continue to be the director.

   "This is more of a business decision, Helen. Just leave it to me." Ronald smiled and hugged her, letting Helen sit next to him.

"However, Melanie (Mellen) and I are very convinced by her inner analysis of the characters." Helen was hugged by Ronald's waist, and her voice suddenly became softer, thinking of the previous relationship between the two of them. Lingering, cheeks are a little red.

  However, Katlin Adams’ understanding of the script gave Melanie a lot of suggestions for revision, and both she and Helen felt very benefited.

   "Hey, Helen, Melanie, I heard that you have found a bad guy to invest in? Our movie will start shooting soon?"

  A woman about forty years old walked in with several handsome men and beauties. She is the original crew director, acting coach Katlin Adams.

   "Who are you?" Katlin Adams saw Ronald sitting carelessly at the head of the conference table with his arms around Helen, and thought to himself that it was a concubine's investment.

   "I'm the one you said was taken advantage of." Ronald frowned. This Katlin looked familiar.

Melanie next to her saw the direction of the wind and took the initiative to introduce to Ronald, "She is a senior coach at the Actors Studio. She entered the studio when she was 14 years old and worked as Lee Strasburg's assistant. Now It is mainly for acting training for film actors, and her clients used to include Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas."

   "Could it be that I saw this woman at Jane Fonda's?" Ronald was not sure, this kind of self-proclaimed artist made Ronald not like her.

"Now that the money is in place, we can start casting right away. You see, here is my student, the friend who lives with me in the script, she can play...", Katlin Adams didn't realize that this was Ronald, who directed Dirty Dancing and Top Gun, is dividing up the work.

"Ma'am, we are the investor. Before casting the cast, should you talk about your thoughts on the movie?" Donna couldn't help it. This kind of person looks like a teacher in the school and has no real practice. I understand, I have not yet determined my position, and I have started to assign the roles of students. Is this the drama club of the middle school?

   "Little girl, directing is a complicated art. I have talked with Helen and Melanie a lot. If you are willing to listen, you can come to the set to do odd jobs... Brad, you can take her with you when the time comes."

  A handsome guy with long hair came out from behind, "Miss, when the main creators are chatting, would you like to chat with me about other things?"

  This handsome guy has a big chin, full of a sense of wild power. Ronald glanced at him, and he was an actor who didn't know how to look at the wind direction, but his appearance was very good.

  …

   Ronald, who was expecting Donna to fight back, unexpectedly found that Donna was stunned and did not answer.

   "Donna, Donna..." Ronald turned his head and found that his cousin was staring at the actor blankly, as if he was a big star.

"Ah, oh, what, I'm one of the representatives of the investor, Donna. According to the investment agreement, we have the right to listen to the director's opinion and make the final decision before filming begins." As soon as he said the words, he couldn't stop looking at that handsome guy.

   "What's going on?" Ronald turned his head back to look at the handsome guy. Except for a stronger jaw, there is still a gap between him and himself.

  Hey, Ronald turned around and found that not only Donna, but even the actress Melanie seemed to have affectionate eyes. The actor's eyes seemed to have a kind of magical power. Looking at that woman could make people lose their composure.

  Ronald looked at Helen again, um, fortunately, Helen's wonderful eyes still only stayed on him.

"Yes, are you a relative of the investor? You can come to the crew to learn, and I will ask Brad to explain the whole process to you." Katlin Adams understands the mentality of outsiders very well. The appearance of a star is placed in the circle of ordinary people. , is very magical.

   "As for the core of this play, it mainly depends on Helen and Melanie. You need to practice the emotional memory method more, this is the essence of the actor's studio method."

   "Emotional memory method...", Ronald finally remembered that he had seen this woman there. He went to the actor's studio with Meg Tilly to study, and it was because of this notorious emotional memory method that he collapsed. Isn't this Katlin Adams the acting coach who was working as an assistant to Lee Strasberg in the studio at the time.

   "Ahem..." Ronald coughed twice, and focused the woman's attention.

   "Why, what's your opinion?" Katlin Adams turned to Ronald Lee, "You are..."

   "My name is Ronald Lee and you have been fired."

   "Ronald Lee, why does this person have the same name as a Hollywood director, but this is also a very common name. There are probably hundreds of people in New York with this name.

  No... fire, what fire? Who do you say was fired? "

   "You're fired, Ms. Catlin Adams." Ronald watched her, motionless, until Catlin started to back away.

   "Why? You don't have the power to..."

   "Sorry, I have the right... You don't have the production rights to this script, and it's just a verbal agreement with Melanie. I invested most of the money in this movie, and of course I have the right to fire you.

   As for why? You don't need to know that in New York, this kind of creative contract is at-will employment, which means I can fire you for no reason. "

  Ronald hated this "emotional memory method" that disturbed people's emotional and mental states. Helen Slater was inherently unstable, if this method was used, wouldn't it be very likely to induce her illness?

   "You are discriminatory, I can expose it to the actor union."

  Katlin Adams’ momentum remains undiminished. As a well-known acting coach in the New York actor circle, she has always advocated equality between men and women. This accusation that Ronald is sexist is still a bit deterrent.

   "Who in Hollywood will believe your words, I will be sexist?" Ronald felt that the acting coach was out of his mind. "Dirty Dancing", "Night of the Comet" and so many feminist films have been made, no one will believe this woman's nonsense.

   "Well, I'll give you a chance to explain to me how you're going to shoot the opening scene?" Ronald signaled Donna to turn on the portable Japan-made mini-recorder, and give Katlin Adams a live assessment.

   "Donna?"

   "Oh", Donna hurriedly took out the tape recorder from her bag and pressed the red record button.

   "Do you want a little time to prepare?" Ronald squinted.

"No, I've thought about it a long time ago." Katlin Adams realized her weak position, put the script on the table, and talked about her own understanding, "Helen and Melanie played side by side from here, and then found bag on the floor…”

   "That's it? How about your camera movement? What lens is used here? What is the focal length? How many lenses are you going to shoot at the same time? How many reaction shots? How many over-the-shoulder shots? Where is the position of the main lens?"

  As soon as Ronald heard it, he knew that this Katlin Adams didn't understand filming at all, and she had no idea of ​​the abilities needed for a film director. She will fix the camera on the side and use the drama to make movies. In other words, she was so stupid that she didn't know her own ignorance.

   "This..." Katlin Adams was asked. She didn't have much experience as a film actor, and most of them were supporting roles that required shots. Her main energy was in pondering her acting skills, so she couldn't answer these questions at all.

   "You can go..." Ronald waved her to leave.

   "I..." Katlin Adams turned her head in embarrassment, facing the handsome men and women who came with her, now she regrets bringing students to show off, and they all saw her embarrassment.

"Well, goodbye everyone... Bye, Donna", the handsome guy named Brad stayed at the end, watching Ronald wanting to ask for a role, but seeing Ronald's mocking eyes, he opened his mouth, and still turned to meet him. Donna said goodbye.

   "Bye, Brad". Donna greeted him, causing everyone present to hold back their laughter.

   "So, who do you want to be the director?" Melanie came back to her senses and asked Ronald.

  Originally, this movie had a very good gimmick. The producers, screenwriters, leading actors, and directors were all women. You can have a taste of feminism, and you can participate in the selection of the women's unit in the Los Angeles Film Festival.

  Helen also turned her head to look at Ronald, the all-female team really fit her heart. There are also good publicity stunts.

   "She should be here soon," Ronald looked at his watch.

  I originally wanted to find the emir who shot the commercial for Deputy Commander George. But after Emil read the script, he said that he didn't like this kind of comedy style movie, and he was not good at it.

  Ronald respected his opinion, thinking of the director Howard Deutch, who he had once supported, who was "unbelievable". He is good at comedy and can direct youth movies, so he is a good candidate.

  But after Da Qi answered the phone, he also declined. He's already working on a tens-of-million-budget comedy "Into the Wild," and with John Candy and Dan Aykroyd, two Canadian comedy stars joining him, it's obviously impossible to direct this small project.

  Finally, Ronald also thought of the attention of the all-female team, and found an acquaintance from the contact book to send an invitation.

  "Ronald", a tall woman knocked on the door and came in, "Is it here?"

   "Yes, come in, Catherine."

  Ronald turned to Helen and others to introduce his candidate, the beautiful director Catherine Bigelow.

   Everyone looked at this long-handed, long-legged, tall but very temperamental beauty, a little confused whether it was an actor or a director.

   Ronald guided Bigelow's beauty, making the people present a little underestimate her ability.

   "Catherine, we're discussing how to shoot the first act, do you have any ideas?"

"Of course," Catherine found the script for that scene, "I'll set up a camera here, and then follow the conversation between Helen and Melanie, let the camera turn here at a 45-degree angle, and bring out the money on the floor." package.

  The audience's attention will be naturally brought to the focus we want..."

   "Helen, you should focus on the conversation with Melanie, and don't worry about this bag, so that the movement of the bag that is accidentally touched will appear more natural..."

Ronald watched Catherine Bigelow and began to guide the actors on the spot. This beautiful director who raised money to make a film by herself, participated in the film festival, and lost all her investment. Her aura is not comparable to that of an amateur acting coach. of.

   Several actors were immediately impressed by her confident tone, full preparation and experience.

   "Let's leave it at that. I'll save the rest until after the official signing and the start of the film. Let's get to know each other first." Ronald was very satisfied that Bigelow got the approval of the screenwriter and starring, and finalized the director candidate.

  Catherine Bigelow hasn't made a film for several years, and this opportunity is an opportunity for her to return to the directorship. If a woman wants to become a director in Hollywood, she has to count her chances every year.

   "Can we go?" Ronald looked at Donna, who was still a little distracted. Here, Bigelow can already control the entire crew, and they can go first.

   "Hmm..." Donna put away the documents and left with Ronald. I was still thinking about that handsome Brad just now, he is so handsome when he smiles!

   "Donna, um...Mr. Li..."

  As soon as he went out, that handsome guy named Brad ran over. He didn't go back with Katlin, and he was still waiting for the big opportunity in his life.

   "You want to play a role?" Ronald asked.

   "Of course, Mr. Li, of course I want to."

   "You leave your resume and audition photos to Director Bigelow inside," Ronald reminded him.

   "Thank you, thank you." Brad turned to Donna with a charming smile, "Miss Donna, can you have dinner with me?"

  (end of this chapter)