Hollywood starts with a broker

The project of "Boyz n the Hood" caught the eye of Sidney Ganis, president of Columbia Pictures;

Columbia Pictures was willing to buy the international distribution rights for the film for $3.5 million, and charge a 15% commission on North American distribution!

Aaron readily accepted. He didn't think that a work about the Black community in the United States would have a high box office overseas.

When the movie is released, he would just focus on the North American market.

As the 43rd Cannes International Film Festival closed in late May, David Lynch's drama "Wild at Heart" won the Palme d'Or;

However, Aaron discovered that a Chinese-language film, "Ju Dou," won the first Louis Buñuel Special Prize newly awarded at the Cannes Film Festival!

But, none of this mattered anymore, because Dawn Pictures' "Ghost" was about to start filming. Even though "Boyz n the Hood" was in pre-production, Aaron's thoughts had turned to "Ghost."

Director Edward Zwick, along with lead actors Kevin Costner and Nicole Kidman, attended the film's launch press conference held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel!

"Aaron, Kevin has taken on another political thriller, 'JFK.' After 'Ghost' finishes filming, he'll probably join that production,"

Jack Welles found Aaron to inform him of this news.

"It's written and directed by Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone!"

Aaron nodded, not caring. He just wanted to make sure "Ghost" was filmed well.

"Didn't you say before that Kevin Costner was preparing to star in Kevin Reynolds' action film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'?"

Aaron asked, wondering why it had changed to "JFK."

Jack Welles then explained, "If Kevin didn't take 'Ghost,' he would have filmed 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' first, then 'JFK';"

"The release date for 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' is next summer, which can't wait for Kevin Costner!"

Aaron waved his hand, "It doesn't matter. In the next few days, continue to keep an eye on John Singleton's preparations for 'Boyz n the Hood';"

"'Ghost' needs to go to the studio in Chicago for filming first, then there are the outdoor scenes in New York, and the studio scenes in Los Angeles. I'm going to be very busy next."

Jack Welles smiled, "Don't worry, we're most familiar with Los Angeles..."

As Jennifer Connelly went to report to the set of Disney's "The Rocketeer," the crew of "Ghost" also headed to Chicago;

With Dawn Pictures' investment, the preparations for "Boyz n the Hood" also began to accelerate.

Chicago is located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan. The climate in June is pleasant, making it very suitable for filming!

The main story of "Ghost" is about Sam, a bank clerk played by Kevin Costner, and Molly, a potter played by Nicole Kidman, who fall deeply in love after moving into a beautiful apartment with the enthusiastic help of their friend Carl;

While preparing for their wedding, the two are robbed on their way home from a theater. Sam is unfortunately killed in a struggle with the robber, becoming a ghost. Watching the heartbroken Molly, he chooses to stay by her side...

As a ghost, Sam discovers that the robber has broken into their home. To notify Molly, he seeks out a psychic;

Later, Sam inadvertently discovers that his good friend Carl is the mastermind behind his murder...

At the InterContinental Hotel on North Michigan Avenue, Aaron finished a phone call with Los Angeles and saw Nicole Kidman coming out of the shower.

"Did something happen in Los Angeles?"

Nicole Kidman asked, her sexy silk suspender nightgown revealing glimpses of her figure.

Aaron shook his head and smiled, "'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' has reached $130 million at the box office, and Hong Kong's Golden Harvest Company has made a profit of $11 million;"

"CAA gave me an $800,000 bonus!"

Now, Aaron has $1.3 million in cash in his personal account, and Dawn has $3.5 million in its account.

"$130 million?"

Nicole Kidman's eyes widened, "What about 'Pretty Woman'? How much has it made?"

Aaron hugged Nicole Kidman, "Currently, it's $150 million in North America and $250 million overseas!"

Nicole Kidman kissed Aaron's face a few times, "Seeing you smile, there must be other good news, right?"

"Well, 'Dick Tracy' opened in 2,008 theaters, with a box office of $12 million in its opening weekend;"

"Moreover, the film's reputation is not high, and it has received a lot of bad reviews!"

Warren Beatty must have been affected by the previous scandalous rumors.

"In this case, it seems that 'Dick Tracy's' goal is to earn over $100 million worldwide, which should be less than half of 'Pretty Woman'!"

Nicole Kidman came to the bed with Aaron, actively showing the charm of an Australian girl.

"Half? I guess it won't even reach a third."

"Well, are you going back to Los Angeles then?"

Nicole Kidman hugged Aaron and kissed him.

Read every chapter without missing a word!

"How is the preparation work for 'Boyz n the Hood' going?"

Aaron closed his eyes, feeling Nicole Kidman's tenderness, "The preparation work for 'Boyz n the Hood' isn't that fast. I do need to go back;"

"I've been here for three weeks. In another two weeks, we'll go to New York to shoot outdoor scenes, and studio scenes at Sony Studios..."

In late June, Aaron returned to Los Angeles from the Chicago set.

"Cuba Gooding Jr., 22 years old, has played roles in several TV series, a Hollywood newcomer!"

This is the young Black actor that director John Singleton found for "Boyz n the Hood."

"How was the audition?" Aaron asked, sitting in his office chair, looking through the information in his hand and asking John Singleton.

"It went very well. His partnership with Ice Cube and Laurence Fishburne is very good!"

John Singleton was very excited because he was about to direct his first feature film.

"Set up the crew as soon as possible. I will also have people assist you. This is your first time directing a film, so don't reduce the quality of the film for the sake of speed;"

"You can do several rounds of rehearsals!"

Aaron's meaning was clear: you can take your time filming this movie, and multiple rehearsals mean not wasting film and money.

John Singleton nodded, "Filming will start in August, and the estimated filming time is 6 to 8 weeks."

Anyway, Aaron's production budget for "Boyz n the Hood" is no more than $5 million, and John Singleton needs to save as much as possible!

In the evening, Aaron met with Michael Kuhn of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment at a bar in West Hollywood...