Exploiting Hollywood 1980

   Chapter 364 Stars and Actors

   "Oh, doesn't this remove all the parts I changed from the script?" Ronald raised his eyebrows involuntarily. He was holding a copy of Stallone's revised script.

   Stallone revised a lot of places on the basis of his own script. Large chunks of the plot were crossed out with a pen, and he also wrote "superfluous", "protagonist"... and other big words, which made Ronald's blood pressure rise.

  The plot has been changed to be a bit illogical. Manero, played by Travolta, has not broken away from the immaturity of his teenage years six years ago, and his character of being unable to walk when he sees beautiful women, even intensified in the new version of the script.

  Manero had a girlfriend who absolutely loved him, and then the heroine of the Broadway musical was accosted by him once breaking into the dressing room, and then slept with him.

   In the bar where he worked part-time, many women ordered a lot of expensive wine, just to watch his **** **** while walking, and to have a spring night with him.

   In the end, Stallone also added the content that Ronald was going to save for the third part.

  Manero also conquered the director and successfully replaced the male lead. The heroine and girlfriend were reluctant to part with him, and successfully reached the pinnacle of life.

   "Is this a script written by Stallone himself?" Ronald complained to his agent Nisita. Stallone is nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Rocky's first story is very good, and the characters are very deep. How could he change the script like this?

   Could it be that his screenwriting ability has deteriorated so much?

"Of course he wrote it. I recognize his handwriting." Nisita laughed. "How about you, are you willing to continue to help him improve the dialogue and details of the script? Stallone is too busy, he needs someone to sculpt the script. characters in dialogue."

   "Didn't he like my story?" Ronald didn't want to waste time on the "Dragon Fly" project. Such a poor story, if I write it myself, it might make my taste lower.

   A bad story, and changing dialogue and actions can’t save it.

   "Who said that, your screenwriting skills are very good, and Stallone likes your story." Nisita poured a whisky, handed it over on the table, and continued,

   "You're also a screenwriter yourself. Knowing that the most difficult part of screenwriting is the initial creative and story stage. It's relatively easy to modify based on someone else's, especially a good story.

  The script of Stallone's "Rocky" has been revised for two or three years. It was rejected by major studios for several rounds. It was not until the last version that a small production company took a fancy to it. "

  It is easier to modify on the basis of others than himself. Ronald felt the same way and took a sip of wine with a smile. "The boxing film written by Stallone is very popular. This script is a bit like dancing as boxing."

"It's true that you say that." Nisita thought about the plot, it was a bit like boxing, the director of Broadway was like Rocky Balboa's boxing coach, he took a fancy to Manero's dancing talent, and then told him After a few words, Manero and his girlfriend practiced for a while, and the level exceeded the original hero. This is very similar to Rocky's plot.

"I don't understand, why did Stallone write Manello like that? If he's the same as he was six years ago, he's working in bars to earn money, and there are still a lot of girls posting, isn't it great? Why go to Broadway? Look for opportunities?

   And the role of a coach is not as big in dance as in boxing. The dance is not a one-on-one single, but a concerted performance. Is it true that the director can dance better than the male protagonist with one click? Unless this song and dance script comes, it will not flow. "

   "Hahaha..." Nisita smiled happily, "Stallone is a star, Travolta is also a star, Ronald."

   "Star?" Ronald thought for a while, but still couldn't get to the point, "Why do stars write like this?"

   "The star is above the movie. Humphrey Bogart wears the same trench coat in all the movies. For them, the movie is a vehicle to show their personal image."

  If Ronald realized something, he opened the script again, and sure enough, the content added by Stallone served Travolta's personal image.

  A woman can't walk when she sees Manero, and a heroine from a wealthy family also falls in love with a poor boy as a dancer. You can dance better than other dancers with just one dance. And no matter what he did, everyone would forgive him in the end.

   "This kind of movie doesn't count as a story, it's like Travolta's large-scale MV." Ronald complained.

   "Well, I'll decline it for you and say you have your own project to start. By the way, what stage is your movie project at?"

   "I'm still looking for some last money, and it's expected to start after the new year, but the small production can be shot in about two weeks, and then I'll slowly write the script I like."

   "Call me anytime if you need any help."

"It's nothing right now, I'll find you if I have any difficulties." Ronald got up and prepared to leave, "By the way, when I changed the script of 'Dragon Flying Wind', I interviewed a girl who wanted to audition to see what was there. Chance."

   "What's her name?" Nisita took down Cynthia Rhodes' name and phone number, "I'll make arrangements."

  Ronald left CAA, went to the airport immediately, and rushed to New York to shoot the "Burger King" commercial.

  Burger King hopes that the two original actresses, Lea Thompson and Elizabeth Sue, will continue to appear. In addition, the child actor they found is also a New Yorker. There are many troubles in shooting out of state borders, so shooting in Los Angeles is more expensive.

  In order to make this business, Eddie took the lead in finding a studio, contacted the two actresses, and found a set and setting team.

  Fortunately, the location and staff for shooting in New York City are also very easy to find, and Eddie quickly completed all the preparations. Ronald only needs to be on set to direct the filming. To reward Eddie, Ronald gave him the title of commercial producer, and Burger King gave Eddie half of what he paid.

  Lee Thompson and Elizabeth Shue both took half a day to New York to shoot the Christmas version of the "Burger King" commercial.

  They put on Burger King waiter clothes and Burger King hats and sat in a room with a Christmas setting, two beauties in the big chairs in the front row, and Leigh Thompson with her arms around a little girl.

  "I wish you a merry little Christmas

   Make your heart bright

from now on

   Your troubles will cease to exist”

  Li and Elizabeth and others rehearsed the traditional Christmas song "I wish you a merry little Christmas". The girl was a child star hired by Burger King, and she sang milky, very cute.

   "I'm going to have a Zoomin and end up with a close-up of Leigh and Elizabeth, just as they sing 'your troubles will be gone'."

  Ronald took the storyboard and explained the shot schedule of the camera crew, "Then I'll shoot another little girl, by the way, what's her full name?"

   "Sara, her name is Sarah Michelle Gellar." Eddie reminded.

   "Yes, then I'll take a close-up of Sarah and let her say that line." Ronald, who had only begun to familiarize himself with the advertising script on the plane, forgot her name.

   "Everyone is ready, let's rehearse." Ronald picked up the electric horn and began to order.

  The rehearsal went well, Ronald let the lighting crew start lighting, and a few actors started to touch up their makeup.

   Sarah Michelle Gellar hasn't changed her teeth yet, and her mother is looking after her. Sarah is a talented acting child. When she was four years old last year, she filmed a TV movie for CBS. It happened to be seen by Burger King. They took advantage of the opportunity to invite Sarah to shoot the Christmas version of the commercial.

   "Sarah, I'll take a close-up of you then..."

   "I know, it's a close shot."

   "Yes, you are very smart, Sarah, do you remember what you were going to say then?"

   "Merry Christmas, McDonald's!"

"very good."

After Burger King complained that McDonald's beef tasted bad in the last advertisement, this time it seems to be a little restrained. Their script this time, let the lovely Sarah say hello to McDonald's, I don't know if they changed their minds and stopped attacking competition. opponent.

  Ronald sat in the director's chair and closed his eyes. It took a long time to set the lights, so he just took a short rest.

   "Ronald, can we talk?"

   Ronald opened his eyes, it was Leigh Thompson.

   "Of course, something."

   "Is there something wrong with my performance? If I don't do what you want..."

  The experience of dancing ballet made Leigh Thompson more independent and brave. I felt that Ronald did not give her more acting guidance like last time, so I came to ask the reason when filming started.

   "No problem, in fact I'm most satisfied with your performance. So I put your arms around Sarah, it's better and more natural."

"That……"

"Actually I just flew in from Los Angeles and I'm pretty tired," Ronald encouraged. "Don't worry about it, you did a great job. It's just an advertisement, take it easy. Just act like you did last time. A good girl next door will do."

   "Okay. Thank you Director." Leigh Thompson was a little puzzled and went back to the dressing room to rest.

When    was officially filmed, Leigh Thompson performed really well. Her talent lies in the relaxation and imagination of her performance, which makes people feel that she is not performing, but the girl next door working at Burger King.

   "Merry Christmas, McDonald's." Sarah Michelle Gellar adorably wished her competitors a happy one.

   "Happy New Year!" Everyone wished a happy New Year together and then waved.

  Lee Thompson also thought this little girl was cute, she put down her hand in advance, put her arms around Sarah, "Hohohoho..." and played with her like a doll twice.

   "Cut!"

   Ronald was satisfied with Leigh Thompson's improvisation and signaled the photographer to keep it.

   If there was a choice between Leigh Thompson and Elizabeth Shue to play the role of an ordinary girl, Ronald would rather choose Leigh Thompson. Her acting is natural and persuasive.

   Being a director by yourself is a lot less work, and from time to time, Thompson can have extra good play, which is the benefit of imagination.

   "Li..." Seeing Ronald call to stop, Dennis Quaid, who was already waiting beside him, walked in and hugged Thompson enthusiastically.

   "Dennis, we have one more shot. Can you wait by the side?" Ronald greeted Dennis Quaid.

   "Of course, Ronald. It's better to hurry up, Li and I haven't seen each other for a long time." Dennis showed a warm smile, a wide chin, and a strong figure, which really fits the American audience's imagination of handsome guys.

  Quaid yawned and sniffed, "I'll go out for a cigarette first."

  Lee Thompson looked at Ronald's colder attitude towards Dennis Quaid, and seemed to understand something in her heart. She opened her mouth and said:

   "Ronald, I...Dennis helped me a lot, I was able to get a job on Jaws 3D to get a SAG card."

  Ronald smiled, "I'm old friends with Dennis's wife PJ, and she was the heroine in the first movie I participated in. Of course it's none of my business, you don't have to think about it."

   "Dennis said that he has already gone through the divorce procedures with her, and now he just needs to wait for the procedures to be completed..." Leigh Thompson did not expect that Ronald and Dennis's wife still have such a relationship, she wanted to explain.

   "Then there's nothing to worry about, Li. Isn't it? Pack up, we'll have another one soon."

   (end of this chapter)