Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Ronald, your accountant Lawrence is here." Little Bud knocked on Ronald's door and let in the Chinese accountant Lawrence Wang.

"Lawrence, is everything going well?" Ronald interrupted the reading of the scripts sent by his agent and greeted the private accountant who made a special trip to Los Angeles.

The recruitment of his script assistant did not go well. Several candidates arranged by Richard were not suitable. After interviewing a few, they all wrote scripts and pretended to apply for the job. The purpose is actually to let Ronald see if he has a chance to shoot.

Ronald had to ask his friends in the circle to continue to recommend suitable candidates. So during this time, I still read the script by myself.

"Everything is going well. The stocks you hold heavily in the past year and a half have risen very well, especially Coca-Cola, which has risen by almost 70%. Including factors such as dividends, the compound return this year will exceed 8%. ten.

So this time I sold you some other stocks, collected the investment quota, and flew to Los Angeles. "

Lawrence reported to Ronald the disposition of the assets.

"Very good, I didn't expect Coca-Cola to go up so much." Ronald happily flicked the report, "You can contact Touchstone Pictures, and we will allocate funds for the 'Evil Husband' project according to the original plan.

"No problem, I'll contact Douglas Jr.'s accountant."

"How long will you be in Los Angeles this time? I'm going to Washington DC next week, and I can pick you up on Weintraub's private jet. It's easier for you to go back to New York." Ronald was on the phone and learned that Lawrence had Second, hang around in Los Angeles for a few days. He made an appointment next week to clear the relationship for "Back to the Future" and see if he could let the commander watch the movie he brought again.

"Not this time. In addition to handling your business, I will stay until the end of the month. I have an appointment with people in Chinatown in Los Angeles, and I will all be there to support a movie." Lawrence said that he was going to be with friends in Chinatown in Los Angeles. Go to the premiere of De Laurentiis' new film 'The Year of the Dragon'. "

"The Year of the Dragon?" Ronald thought of this movie. When he wanted to direct it, the owner of the adaptation rights, Dino de Laurentiis, wanted to sign multiple film contracts with him. scattered past. Didn't expect it to be filmed soon.

"Yes, we Chinese people who are born every year have a unique zodiac sign. Many Americans don't know our Chinese zodiac signs. This time just happens to promote our culture to the mainstream society. What do you belong to?"

"Me?" Ronald calculated, "I seem to be a rat."

"Ah, that's good, it's the number one of the twelve zodiac signs.

"

...

"cheers!"

A few days later, Ronald and Douglas Jr. arrived at Jerry Zuckerberg's company, and their accountants formally handed over the check to Disney's Touchstone division. The money was credited into the account of the newly established project company, under the joint supervision of the three parties.

Helen Slater got the supporting actress role, starring the famous comedian Danny DeVito in the male lead and singer and movie star Betty Midler in the leading role.

The start of the small project did not invite reporters to attend, and several main creators were in the humble office, officially starting the shooting ceremony of the first film produced after Touchstone Pictures opened.

"Ronald, the script for this movie is really well written, it's like I'm reading an O Henry short story."

Helen Slater, with her hair still in her eyes, was discussing the script and roles with Ronald.

"Jerry is a comedy expert, you should listen to him more." Ronald was just getting started as an actor, but he didn't know much about comedy, so he said too much. "

"My father, Gerald, is coming to Los Angeles this time to prepare a TV special news report on the visit of the Chinese leader to the United States. We would like to invite you to have a meal when we look for an opportunity. Thank you." Helen asked Betty Midler. Hugs and greets Ronald, hugs Ronald's arm in advance, and then kisses him on the face to declare sovereignty.

"That's really unfortunate. I'm going to Washington DC with little Douglas. I'll make a special trip to New York next time to entertain him." Ronald touched his cheek.

"Ronald," Betty Midler came over and hugged the producer, "I'm glad you guys chose me. Do you think this movie will be a box office hit?"

Betty Midler's voice was very low, and she didn't know if she was joking or telling the truth, "Is it possible to catch up with 'Back to the Future' now being released and win the weekly box office championship?"

"It's hard to say, the box office of 'Back to the Future' this weekend is a bit higher than the opening weekend of the film. I think it's the strongest movies of the year. With director Jerry and beauties like you and Helen, I'm very confident."

"Hahaha..." Betty Midler was amused by Ronald.

...

"Thank you," Little Douglas took a glass of champagne brought by the flight attendant. He also boarded a private jet arranged by Weintraub to Washington airport.

"Betty Midler is so ugly, how do you endure talking and laughing with her." Little Doug said to Ronald incomprehensible, "Helen is so beautiful, you don't stay with her for a while."

"Hey, how can you be such a good producer?" Ronald also took a sip of champagne, "The key to the success of this film is not in Helen's vase, but in Betty Midler and Danny Derek. Vito's performance.

Now that I have received acting training, I understand that actors are a very vulnerable group of people. They have to tear open their true emotions, especially their human weaknesses, to the audience.

If you make such a big sacrifice, you still can't get the affirmation of the box office or reviews, and the blow is very big. "Ronald remembered Helen's box office failure and almost got depressed. This is a very common thing for actors, especially actresses.

"It turns out that she is the key to the success. Fortunately, I said that I am her biggest fan. I cried when I watched her Oscar-nominated movie "The Rose" in 1979."

"It seems that you are shameless enough to be a producer."

...

"Little George", Ronald brought little Douglas, along with the Weintraubs and the Weintraubs, to the Deputy Commander's Mansion at No. 1 Ring Road of the Observatory for a banquet at the Barbara family's house. In the foyer he met one of the directors of the Screen Fund, now Eisner's thickest thigh.

Little George separated him from Weintraub and dragged him to the small hall next to him, "Ronald, I'm sorry, it seems that what I promised you can't be done, and I'll look for opportunities later."

Ronald waved his hand quickly, "It's nothing, we originally wanted to make the commander happy. I heard that in the movie 'Back to the Future', there is also a movie poster that the commander shot. If it is really inconvenient to let It doesn't matter what he sees, I have done my best to help my friend."

Of course it's good to be able to help with this kind of big man, but when you can't help, don't show any resentment.

"No, there is actually a reason for this, so I want to tell you."

Little George patted him on the shoulder, "The commander just finished the polyp surgery. My father acted for the commander for a few hours according to the law. Nancy is angry with my mother again, so she has no way to deal with you for the time being. Please. When you go in, say two nice things to my mom and make her happy."

"Of course, Barbara was very nice to me, and I like her very much, and I always think of my aunt when I see her."

Little George patted Ronald on the shoulder with satisfaction and led him into the hall.

"Are you the grandson of old Hansen? Let me see, they really look alike."

Little Douglas was introduced to Barbara, and she was very happy looking at the descendants of the old man.

"Ronald, you're here. Little George told me about your help. Will the new film sell well?" Seeing Ronald come in, Barbara quickly inquired about the first investment of her son's fund.

"Little George has a very good investment vision. Eisner is the finder of more than half of Hollywood's blockbuster films in the past ten years. For this first film, we are looking for the director Jerry Zucker, who has made a million yuan, and the story is also very interesting. Well, like an O Henry comedy, the audience will love it." Ronald said nicely.

"That's good, that's good." Barbara liked to hear good things about her son, and pulled Ronald to sit down with a smile.

"You please, I've sent a copy of the film to the director of the White House, Mr. James Baker, stating that you sent the copy. He'll put 'Back to the Future' on the Camp David playlist, but what? When to show it, or not to show it, I can’t control it.”

"I'm already grateful for everything you've done for me." Ronald quickly and humbly thanked.

"Very well, you are staying in Washington for a few days and waiting for the results with the director." Barbara patted Ronald's hand and asked him to return to his seat at the dining table.

"Don't be nervous, Zemeckis. Your movie was the No. 1 box office in two weeks, regardless of the news coverage after the big commander watched it."

After the banquet, Ronald returned to the hotel and saw director Robert Zemeckis, who was waiting for news in the hotel lobby. Seeing that he was very nervous, he spoke comfortably.

"Universal has invested in a record 1,500 theater premieres, and Steven and I are hopeful that we will be crowned champions this weekend. But with Stallone's first blood sequel coming out soon, we're counting on the big boss to turn things around. ,How did he say?"

"I have no way of finalizing this matter," Ronald said of the situation. "It can only be said that during the two-week vacation, the commander may look at it."

"Thank you anyway," Zemeckis hurried away again, calling Spielberg to report.

There is still a big difference in the look and feel of the one-week box office champion and the box office champion for several consecutive weekends.

"Ronald, I have something to tell you." Little Douglas and Ronald stayed in a hotel. After chatting with Zemeckis, he pulled Ronald into his room.

"What's the matter?" Ronald casually turned on the TV, cbs TV, which was playing a series "Eagle Crown Manor" about wine estates.

Since the ratings of "Jumen's Enmity," a soap opera about Napa Valley wine-growing estates, have followed suit.

Ronald saw at a glance that in the TV series, the housekeeper who played the hostess of the manor was the one he met at the East Asian Cultural Center in Los Angeles when he was filming "Longwei Kid" and taught him Tai Chi "White Crane Hanging Wings". "The Chinese actor.

"So he's really an actor." Ronald laughed dumbly, thinking he was bragging.

"I'm serious with you," Little Douglas came up, turned up the TV, pulled Ronald to the kitchen, and turned on the tap.

"You shouldn't be so close to the political family in the future, especially the deputy commander. He used to be the director of cia for a long time, and he was also the leader of the party that the party establishment wanted to propose. You can see that my grandfather and their family actually knew each other, except Donate money for every election, don't deal with them."

"It's not that serious, is it?" Ronald asked in surprise.

"You still don't understand the operation of these high-level political families. You are a small Hollywood director. It is best not to get involved. Otherwise, some things may run over you and they may not feel it. I heard that Nancy and Barbara exchanged I have nothing to say..."

"Okay, I remember." Ronald looked at the serious little Douglas and nodded. I originally depended on my ability to eat, and there is really no need to get too close to these political figures. Or follow the laws of the market and art, and just shoot honestly.

...

In the White House mansion, the first lady Nancy looked at her husband with anxiety. The polyp surgery that the commander had just performed was successful, but her husband's physical strength and energy were obviously very tired, which reminded him of the time when his husband was shot in his first term.

She went back to her room and dialed a close friend in California.

"Joan, what's my husband's horoscope for this week? Is there anything I can do to increase his health? He looks tired."

"Nancy, I just made a horoscope for him, Aquarius horoscope, there will be minor health problems, related to the digestive system. It is best to find a Capricorn man to meet him. It is best to have a similar name to him. Yes, it will give him a boost in fortune."

Joan Quigley answered the phone, an astrologer living in San Francisco.

She has always had a good relationship with Nancy. Ever since the Chief Commander was assassinated, Nancy has been turning to Joan Quigley for help. Through the interpretation of her astrological results, she can influence the Chief Commander's schedule, personnel arrangements, and other major decisions. .

"How am I supposed to find this Capricorn man?" Nancy asked hastily.

"Let me see, he's a relatively young man, similar to your husband, his name is Ronald, or Donald, and he has a lot of industry experience... Well, that's all you can see in a crystal ball. Much, Nancy. You don't have to look for it, he will come to you."

"Oh……"

Nancy hung up the phone and set about looking for the lucky man with a heavy heart.

"Ma'am, the commander is going on vacation at Camp David. What movie copies do you need to bring?"

"Do we have any choice?" Nancy brought her habit of watching a few movies a week in Hollywood to Washington since she and her husband entered the White House.

"There's a copy of the latest top-grossing film called 'Back to the Future.'"

"Who sent it?" Nancy became suspicious. Who brought this movie? Will it cause a decline in fortune?

"Uh..." The staff member felt guilty, Barbara and Nancy couldn't get along, if he said she arranged it...

"It was a movie produced by Spielberg, sent by the young man who came to the White House last time, named Ronald Lee." The staff simply told the person who really sent the copy.

"Ronald?" Nancy's eyes lit up. "Do you know what zodiac sign he is?"

"Uh, I can call the Hollywood Film Association to ask about his birthday." The staff is no stranger to this task of checking horoscopes.

"If it's a Capricorn, ask him to come over and come with us to Camp David."

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