Writing Web Novels In America-Chapter 329 - 313: Questioning

The next morning, Wang Jian was on his way to Universal’s film and television base.

Having arrived in Los Angeles, he needed this trip both for his contract with Universal and to show the writers’ community that he cared deeply about the adaptation of their works.

However, Wang Jian, who was on the phone, was dealing with something entirely different.

"James, if you can handle the PR for Best Original Screenplay, why not also handle Best Actor and Actress?"

"I don’t know where things went wrong, ABC mainly handles PR for Best Actor, Actress, and Best Picture," James’s voice was also full of confusion.

Wang Jian hung up the phone and shook his head silently.

"’Anomalies’ has already been sold to ABC, what’s the use of winning Best Screenplay?"

Besides, it’s just an Emmy...

For a novel that had already won the Hugo Award, the increase in recognition and benefits was negligible.

But winning Best Actor or Actress would be different.

For two actors who weren’t very well-known, getting the highest awards in television could attract more actors to film adaptations of web novels.

Even some well-known actors might even consider taking a pay cut!

"Forget it," Wang Jian shook his head and muttered to himself, "Anyway, it’s still an honor."

Though much like a US president winning the Nobel Peace Prize, it somewhat boosts public support.

But for them personally, it wasn’t nearly as substantial as receiving a large campaign donation.

Wang Jian shook his head and put the matter out of his mind.

What he needed to confirm now was that the film version of "I’m Too Rich" could be an utter failure.

"That way, I can avoid being forced by the collective will of the writers to enter the film production industry."

Recalling how Goldman Sachs once financed $20 million for a movie with a budget of $40 million US Dollars.

In the end, that movie grossed $180 million, quite a windfall.

And as one of the investors, Goldman Sachs received a return of $18 million.

Yes... Goldman Sachs netted a loss of $2 million on Hollywood.

"Fuck, that’s Goldman Sachs, the giant that makes numerous small government treasuries tremble!" Wang Jian muttered as he pocketed his cellphone.

With my limited capabilities... I wouldn’t dare to venture into Hollywood, a place with such deep waters!

Fortunately, Ron Meyer, the president of Universal, also wished for the project to fail due to power struggles.

Thus, when the two met outside Universal’s building, they shared a knowing smile and walked into the screening room together.

"Wang," Ron Meyer personally poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him, "Miss Sofia Coppola has already taken some of the main actors to reshoot some outdoor scenes."

"Oh..." Wang Jian raised his eyebrows, "Is the filming progressing that fast?"

"That’s the only way to catch up with Tom Cruise’s ’Jerry Maguire,’" shrugged Ron Meyer as he sat next to Wang Jian.

"Interested in watching what’s already been shot?"

"Of course." Wang Jian picked up the coffee and took a sip.

"Heh," Ron Meyer picked up the walkie-talkie and gave an instruction.

Soon, scenes began to appear on the large screen in the small screening room.

Liu Yuling, dressed in a black suit, was passionately embracing and kissing Italian actress Monica Bellucci. freёnovelkiss-com

Oh my...

Wang Jian was struck dumb for a moment, "The scope... is so large?"

"Miss Sofia seems to be highly influenced by those European art film directors."

Ron Meyer looked over, "Those people don’t shoot marginalized groups or big scenes, they practically wouldn’t know how to make films."

Wang Jian nodded and continued to watch.

The screen had begun to show a scene where Robert De Niro’s character, Frank, owing money, was kidnapped by a mafia boss.

Liu Yuling faced off against the mafia boss played by Al Pacino, at first submissive and then suddenly exploding in rage.

Suddenly, a group of bodyguards emerged behind him.

Leading them was none other than Stallone in a cameo role.

And of course, there was also a portly man who particularly stood out.

Upon closer inspection, it was the Italian director who loved making cameos, Quentin Stanow.

This...

Wang Jian looked at Ron Meyer with a baffled expression, "All of these should be selling points, right?"

"It mostly depends on the marketing..." Ron Meyers stood up and turned on the radio in the projection room.

In the voice broadcasting from the radio, the president of Universal spoke in hushed tones.

"I plan to focus the marketing campaign mainly on art films and autobiographies."

Wang Jian pondered for a moment, then slightly nodded his head.

Art film enthusiasts mostly enjoy watching deep, meaningful movies.

But this movie?

Its story is just about a poor man who suddenly becomes rich and uses his money to slap those who once looked down on him...

The faces of those who entered the cinema expecting an art film will certainly be quite a sight.

Wang Jian felt slightly relieved and turned his head back to the screen.

At that moment, Liu Yuling was rolling in the sheets with the Spanish actress, Penelope Cruz.

"On the contrary, Mr. Wang," Ron Meyer said with a wry smile, "could you please avoid causing incidents involving people like Princess Diana, the president of the United States, or the Vatican?"

"A lot of people will come to the cinema because this movie is your ’autobiography’."

I don’t want to either!

Wang Jian thought about it and felt that after such a series of events, the Viacom Group probably wouldn’t make a move anytime soon.

Afterwards, those authors who tasted the sweet returns of high royalties will most likely choose to stay with the website.

After all, who can truly say they don’t love US dollars?

Wang Jian set down his coffee and smiled, "There shouldn’t be any more issues for a while."

But at this moment, the radio decidedly embarrassed him by broadcasting a piece of news about him.

"Yesterday, the Emmy Awards witnessed a dramatic outcome."

"’Friends,’ after winning eight out of ten nominations, lost the most important awards for a TV show—the best original screenplay and best picture."

"The fans of the series said that this result is unacceptable, insisting that some external force must have interfered."

"The producer, Mr. Bright, expressed a similar sentiment during a media interview."

Uh...

Wang Jian laughed awkwardly, "Will this have an impact?"

"Not..." Ron Meyer suppressed a smile and explained: "TV shows and movies are different. Many TV actors come to Hollywood, but only George Clooney has been successful."

"And this kind of thing at the Emmy Awards is a common event."

"There are always a few productions each year that cry foul."

That’s good...

Wang Jian breathed a sigh of relief and was just about to say goodbye and leave.

It was just a movie destined to fail; it wasn’t worth expending too much energy.

But the next voice that came from the radio made him freeze in place.

"Stan Lee, in an interview, also subtly suggested that there were secret manipulations at the Emmy Awards."

"This is the first time an Emmy Awards presenter publicly criticized the award results."

Wang Jian and Ron Meyer looked at each other and whispered simultaneously, "fuck!"

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