Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Ronald, I didn't expect that in less than ten years, our position has been reversed."

After Dahe visited important political figures in Washington, he returned to New York with Ronald, where they waited for Wall Street bankers and lawyers to complete the final negotiations.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ronald also mentioned Frank Price, the former president of Columbia and Universal Pictures, who had promoted him in the past, as his recommended candidate for the future president of Sony Columbia. Recommended to Norio Ohga.

Ronald's first screenplay was purchased by Ovitz for $250,000, opening the door to Hollywood for Ronald.

Frank Price lost a political battle with chairman Francis T. Vincent. After leaving Columbia, he joined Universal Pictures.

But he didn't have a good life at Universal Pictures. After he failed in the blame-shifting competition for the epic failed big-budget "Howard the Duck" and caused a legendary real-person brawl, he completely left the big studio and opened own Price Pictures.

But during this period, he had no successful projects. It wasn't until he was interested in acquiring Columbia Pictures from Coca-Cola that Ronald remembered the only CEO in Hollywood who read scripts by himself, and recommended him to Norio Ohga, who was eager for talent.

"Oga-san attaches great importance to your ability to discover directors and screenwriters. Sony needs such reliable talents in the early days after acquiring Columbia." Ronald shook hands with him and watched him go in for an interview with Oga.

Frank Price was a huge flop at both the original Columbia and Universal Pictures. When he was at Columbia, he couldn't stand the pressure and let go of Spielberg's "ET", and at Universal he approved Lucas' Waterloo "Howard the Duck".

As the head of a major production company, he is most criticized for his belief in star directors, star actors, and star screenwriters.

During his tenure as president, the films he approved included Mr. and Mrs. Kramer, My Fair Lady, Gandhi, Out of Africa, Back to the Future, and other critically successful films that were both critically acclaimed and box office successes.

But similarly, he also paid a high price for these big productions. Spielberg, Sidney Pollack and other great directors who were invited all took away a large piece of the cake.

So when these big-ticket productions succeed at the box office, they can still stand. But once a Waterloo-style box office failure occurs, he is likely to be dismissed as a scapegoat.

But this is conservative, and can even be said to be a cautious production strategy. For Sony, which is about to acquire Colombia, he is a very suitable candidate.

It is conceivable that Japanese people entering Hollywood will encounter great resistance. And the politicians in Washington, D.C. are watching their every move. At this time, the actual rate of return of the film is not important. What is important is to produce several works that are successful at the box office and in reviews to stabilize people's hearts.

This proves to Hollywood and Washington politicians that Sony is an international company that pursues profit as its highest purpose. There is no difference between Rupert, the Australian who acquired Twentieth Century Fox, and the studio owners who were born and raised in America.

"What can I say? Mr. Price is really amazing. As the president of the seven major studios, you still insist on reading the scripts sent to you every day. This makes me very touched. I am in you. , I saw the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of our Japanese people..."

“It is also an honor for me to have the opportunity to work for such a successful company that focuses on hard work.”

After the interview, Norio Ohga personally sent Frank Price out of the office. It seems that they have something in common in temperament and appreciate each other.

"Ronald San, you recommended this candidate very well. I think this matter will be finalized after he meets with Chairman Akio Morita who will come to America soon." Norio Ohga was very satisfied. I chatted with Ronald for a few more words.

"I think since you and Fleck have such a connection, it won't be a big problem for you to sign some film distribution contracts with the new company after our merger, right? I promise to give you the freedom to choose scripts and actors. We don’t have to do America’s distribution contract with Sony Columbia, if other studios have better conditions, but please let us do our part for distribution in Asia.”

"I would be very happy...", Ronald smiled and nodded.

There may be a lot of nonsense in The Chrysanthemum and the Knife. But there are two points that Ronald feels are very true and reflect the characteristics of Japanese people doing business. The first is that if you are kind to them, they will reciprocate the favor by giving you some long-term benefits in business.

Second, the Japanese are a nation that keeps their promises, so when discussing business with them, as long as both parties verbally agree to some contract contents and sign them afterwards, they will recognize it. In particular, Ronald's personal relationship with Norio Ohga meant that no one at Sony would quibble over his contract.

…

Back in Los Angeles, Ronald went to the editing room every morning to edit the Ghost movie with Walter Murch.

Every afternoon, he would go to the Die Hard 2 studio for a walk. Check to see if anything is happening on site that is going to blow the budget.

Not to mention, because of Ronald Ronald's reputation, even Bruce Willis has become extremely honest and has not made any unreasonable demands.

The heroine, Bonnie Bedelia, made a request to Ronald in private.

"Ronald, I don't know if this is the right thing to say. Several of my brother's children are good acting talents and they want to find a job in Hollywood..."

"Oh, do they want to join some kind of crew and do some extras? I can call the directors of my company. If they go out of the country for a week, it won't be a problem to get the union's work card."

"No..." Bonnie Bedelia touched her cheek, looking a little shy, "Actually, it's mainly my eldest nephew Macaulay Culkin, who wants to compete for the male lead in a children's movie.

Well, he actually played a role in "Uncle Buck" directed by John Hughes years ago. I also asked director John Hughes to make a recommendation for the director of the new film, but... the producer seemed to have some reason not to like my nephew. I was wondering...could you please? "

Bonnie Bedelia is her stage name, but her real name is Bonnie Culkin.

"What's the name of the movie and who's the director?" Ronald heard that John Hughes recommended his nephew, but it didn't work out. I wonder if John Hughes’s appeal has declined to this point?

"Home Alone is directed by Chris Columbus. This is a small production. In fact, Macaulay has acting experience, which can save a lot of trouble..."

"Oh, it's him? Which new movie is it? I know..." Ronald thought to himself, not only do I know that I recommended Columbus, and he also invested part of it himself.

For the sake of her nephew, Bonnie Bedelia directly recommended it to Ronald regardless of her appearance. Then she took out the photo of her nephew and handed it to Ronald. "When you look at the photos, they look very spiritual, right?"

"Oh, it's him... Hahaha..." Ronald recognized Macaulay Culkin, the choir boy who asked Ronald for cake at his wedding to Diane. boy.

Thinking of the sweet memories at the wedding, Ronald felt that this was all fate, and he had to help.

"No problem, I'll call Chris (Columbus)..." Ronald agreed with a smile.

Unexpectedly, when Ronald called Christopher Columbus, he was a little hesitant.

"What's wrong? Chris, do you already have someone selected? If you already have someone selected, just pretend I didn't tell you. But I saw this kid who was a choir member at my wedding, and I think He's very spiritual...If you haven't decided on a candidate yet, you might as well give him a chance to audition."

"Ronald, I can't lie to you. This kid was recommended by John Hughes. But Tom Sherak of Twentieth Century Fox specifically stated that he could not agree to John Hughes' recommendation."

"Why? What happened to Hughes?"

"For his own freedom of expression, he had a very tense relationship with Fox, and he even named Fox's senior executives. So, I'm just a director..."

Chris Columbus told Ronald the secret. John Hughes is no longer the genius who could compete with small things in The Breakfast Club. His two consecutive films, "He Got a Baby" and "Into the Wild" both suffered box office failures. As a film director, he was on the verge of striking out.

And he also has many personal expression habits. He likes to have a protagonist suddenly face the camera, break the fourth wall and make some confessions in front of the audience in front of the screen. It may be okay if used once in a while, but if used on a large scale, the audience will be a little bored with this kind of expression that does not know what it means.

His latest film, Uncle Buck, also stars Macaulay Culkin. It just came out. 20th Century Fox had a big conflict with him due to marketing issues, so the top management wanted to forgive him.

"That's it, it's okay, Chris. I personally called Tom Sherak of 20th Century Fox. Then it won't be regarded as a recommendation by Hughes, but it will be regarded as a recommendation by me."

…

"Macaulay Culkin, that boy can't do it. We are going to hold a large-scale audition and let Columbus make the selection. This is also one of the early marketing of the movie..."

"Well, it's not impossible. The reason why I recommend this kid named Macaulay is because he is a member of my wedding choir. I have been in contact with him, and his sense of camera and innocence of performance are excellent. Might as well let him give it a try..." Upon hearing this, Ronald realized that this arrangement was not unreasonable, but he still had great confidence in Macaulay.

"I'm sorry. Ronald's audition is to ensure fairness. I can't give you any predetermined quota. Let's leave it as it is."

Tom Sherak in the 20th century carefully considered the masterpiece "The Chrysanthemum and the Knife" recommended by Michael Ovitz, which reflects the Japanese national character. In the end, I still felt that it was more likely that Ronald would become the president of the new Sony Colombia.

Tom Sherak's call from Ronald reinforced this notion. Ronald is about to become the president of a competitor, and in the end he has to use up all his connections to recommend the leading actor for a small production.

"Shxt!" Ronald cursed, why didn't he even have this bit of face?

Looking back, he had no choice but to call Bonnie Bedelia to apologize, "Bonnie, I'm sorry, it seems my recommendation may have had the opposite effect. But I will take little Macaulay's matter to heart." …”

"Oh, is that so? It's okay, I'm sorry, I made it difficult for you. Actually, I just thought Macaulay was suitable for the role. I didn't expect it to be so complicated." Bonnie Bedelia also apologized to Ronald on the other end of the phone , otherwise, it would be bad if Ronald mistakenly thought that she was hiding something.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as Ronald remembers his nephew, it is actually more important than an audition opportunity for a movie.

"Is that the little boy at our wedding?" Diane yawned and came over to see how long Ronald would sleep.

"Well, I don't want to care about it. But I'm afraid that the call I made will cause this kid to lose his opportunity. I have to write it down so that I can compensate him if I have the opportunity in the future." Ronald wrote down Macaulay Culkin's name. On the notebook.

"I wonder if our children will be as clever as him in the future?"

"Hehe, how do you know it's a boy?"

"Be it a girl, I like them too."

…

Early the next morning, Ronald had breakfast on time and read newspapers and TV.

"Sources said Sony, which has long wanted to own a movie company, has offered to buy Columbia Pictures for about $3 billion in cash. If approved by Columbia's board of directors, it would be the largest acquisition made by Japan in the United States."

The news of Sony's acquisition of Columbia was disclosed in the Wall Street Journal.

"Sony declined to comment. Wall Street analysts believe that the final price of the acquisition will be US$26-28 per share. Entertainment analysts from Prudential Securities believe that this veteran studio has a library of more than 6,000 films. and 27,000 hours of entertainment television, a library that can only be acquired."

The Wall Street Journal was optimistic about the deal, while the Washington Post was as disparaging as possible.

" said Jennifer Leff, an analyst at CL Global Partners. While its movie "When Harry Met Sally" did well, its other films have disappointed: "Ghostbusters II," the latest "The Karate Kid" None of the three "movies" have lived up to expectations at the box office, Columbia's studios have just had a lackluster summer, and any offer above $22 a share is ridiculous."

"In 1987, Sony spent US$2 billion to acquire Columbia Records, but last year, the company's pre-tax income was only US$225 million. Sony paid too high a price to enter the American market," said Shu, the president of Sony Columbia Records. Erhoff did not respond to calls from this reporter today..."

Ronald smiled and put the paper down, everything went according to plan. The Wall Street Journal was responsible for singing the bull's-eye and saying good things about the deal. The Washington Post disparaged Sony, downplaying the acquisition as the first time a Japanese had acquired a major Hollywood company. By the way, let’s provide cover for those “investors” in Congress.

This kind of insider trading money is what members of Congress can blatantly make.

"Ronald, there seems to be something changing at Sony..."

While eating breakfast, Frank Price called and told Ronald that Dahe had called him early this morning, hinting that his commitment had changed.

As the introducer, Ronald had the obligation to find out what was going on and then act as a messenger when it was inconvenient. So he called Norio Oga's office, and 10 minutes later, Oga's phone number came in person.

"Oga-san, Mr. Price called me. He wants to know if Sony has any changes in his mind?"

"Hmph... This matter has indeed changed, but Mr. Price is still our important candidate."

"Can I ask what happened?"

"Last night, Mr. Morita Akio held a meeting and he had some objections to this..." Norio Ohga, who was on the other end of the phone, didn't look very good...