Exploiting Hollywood 1980

   Chapter 727 Operating three movies at the same time

  Jennifer Connelly took Ronald's business card seriously, but she did not leave, but accompanied Ronald and art director Ryan Weaver to watch the various locations of the Catskills.

   Ronald used the camera he brought to take pictures every time he went, and he was going to choose the scene according to his appearance when he went back.

"Aren't you going to be shooting locations here? Then why don't you get a studio set?" Jennifer Connelly asked, hearing that Ronald took pictures because it was too expensive to empty the Catskills his own doubts.

"It's too expensive. There are a lot of tourists here. We shoot for 15 to 20 days. We can't work overtime here, so it takes three to four weeks. As for the set, it's even more expensive. My budget for the whole film is only 450. Ten thousand U.S. dollars."

   Ronald found a place that sold ice cream, bought three double-ball chocolate ice cream cones, and took one for Connery.

   "I won't eat it." Connery refused, and she couldn't escape the baby fat that is common among American girls, and she was fat. She rejected Ronald's offer, but kept her eyes on the ice cream and kept looking, "You're so famous, shouldn't the studio give you a budget of twenty or thirty million?"

   "For some reason, I had to finance the filming myself." Ronald took the ice cream and ate it himself, "Are you still making movies?"

   "Shooting, when I filmed 'Once Upon a Time in America', it was like taking an advanced seminar for filming. Originally, my mother asked me to be a model, but now I became an actor before I realized it.

   I played "Labyrinth just came out, have you seen it? I played it with David Bowie."

   "I haven't watched it yet, but I will."

   When Jennifer Connelly heard that Ronald only had a budget of $4.5 million, she was less eager to recommend herself than before.

Ronald also understands her thoughts. I heard that Magic Labyrinth is a blockbuster with a budget of 20 to 30 million. Connery cooperated with a big director like Leon when he debuted, and he made a big production. He heard his own small film , no disappointment is abnormal.

   Farewell to Jennifer Connelly, Ronald and art director Ryan Weaver began to figure out what to do next.

  The problem of falling leaves has limited the shooting time of "Spicy Dance" to summer and autumn. If there is no cheap location this year, it must be postponed to next year.

  Ronald felt that the problem was very big. He first asked Ryan Weaver to find other suitable locations to see the results of his shooting before deciding whether to shoot this year.

"On the East Coast, the further south you go, the later the leaves are discolored and fall, so we have to look south. Based on the photos you took today, look for Jewish resorts with similar architecture and seating." Ryan Weaver concluded. .

   "It's not us, it's you. I have to go back to Los Angeles soon, and there are still two movie projects waiting for me to deal with." Ronald didn't have time to accompany him to continue the scene.

   "Okay, but I have to find someone to help me. I can't handle the framing alone. The framing of this movie is more complicated, and I may have to use film for a trial shot. At least I have to find someone to help me carry the camera."

   "You recommend a personal choice, but I don't have a lot of budget. You have to go to the Deep South in economy class."

"Then look for David Chapman, he's a solid location production designer. He's experienced enough to handle low-budget productions like yours, but you need to meet a certain era. If you agree, I'll bring He comes to meet you, and then we go to Virginia and North Carolina to find suitable locations."

"I'm not free, you can decide." Ronald waved his hand, Ryan Weaver's ability has been proven, just see the results for yourself, "But why don't you go to Florida or Georgia? Where's the climate? Isn't it warmer?"

   "Although the trees there are not deciduous, the tree species are completely different from those in New York State, and you don't want palm trees to appear in the Catskills plot."

   "Oh, I'm confused, it's up to you to decide. I won't interfere, I just want to see the results. When I get back, I'll see your photos and test footage."

   Ronald finished his explanation, and hurriedly called a taxi to go to the airport, where Richard and Bud, who were waiting for him, had already helped him prepare their luggage, got their plane tickets and went to the boarding gate.

"When we got to Los Angeles, we first made an appointment with Mr. Katzenberg from Disney, and met with the two directors they recommended for 'Nanny Adventures'. Then we were the production director of 20th Century Fox, the production of 'Beautiful' The work hasn't started yet, and unlike the majors at Disney, they don't seem to be making any progress, and many details are up to you."

"You and Nisita went with me to meet the top executives of two companies. I'm out of work now, and I have to have someone to help me share the work. You have to grow up as soon as possible. You can't just be my work assistant." Ronald is now accepting After the preparatory work for the three films, there was a shortage of manpower around him, so he had to let out the immature people as his eyeliner.

   Anyway, these two films are not intended to be directed by themselves. They can guarantee that there will be no overtime or overrun on the spot.

   His main event is still "Spicy Dance" and "Moonlight Sultry" which will be filmed next year.

   "Well, I'll take a good look at the set." Richard pushed his glasses. He has been a junior partner of CAA for several years. It's time to upgrade his work content and the look on his business card.

  …

   "These two director candidates are your acquaintances, right?"

  Disney's vice president of production, Katzenberg, attached great importance to Ronald's project "The Nanny Adventures" and participated in the project meeting in person. This production meeting is mainly to determine the director's candidate.

"Yeah, Cameron Crowe and I have known each other for a long time, and he was the writer of my first film. Chris Columbus, I met him a few times at Steven (Spielberg) We got along very well.”

   "Do you have a preference between the two director candidates?" The two women next to him asked Ronald.

   "No, how about you? Deborah, Linda?"

  Ronald asked about two female producers, who participated in the project on behalf of Disney’s Touchstone Pictures and also held the title of producer. At that time, the on-site tracking and budget control will be handed over to the two women in the future, and Ronald prefers the overall grasp of creativity.

  Deborah Hill, who leads the duo, replied, "We've talked to the last two candidates, Chris Columbus is more ambitious, and I'm leaning towards him.

   This is a small production with a budget of only 6 million. We need someone who has an appetite and struggles with all kinds of hardships and obstacles, sleeps only a few hours a day, and can still enjoy it.

   This job is very challenging. "

Linda Obst is a little behind the two characters. "Cameron actually has a lot of good ideas, but he's not aggressive enough. The first debut, not afraid of hard work but also to achieve the goal. This kind of drive is more important than artistic ability.”

   "Huh... what you said makes sense, let's meet both of us."

   "Hi Cameron, how are you doing? How is Nancy?"

   Ronald hugged and greeted his friend Cameron Crowe, and then started talking to him about directing the script.

"I just think that the temperament of this film is very mixed, including romance, secret love, cheating, adventure, and a deep yearning for family life. This is a very clever screenwriting method, but there are also There is a risk of viewers wondering what genre the film is.

   If I were to write the script, I would probably reduce the content in one direction and highlight the other direction more. …”

   "Well..." Ronald and Cameron Crow chatted for more than half an hour. The two female producers and the producers said it well. Crow has a habit of thinking about problems from the screenwriter's point of view.

What he said is not unreasonable, but now Touchstone Pictures does not need a screenwriter to revise the script, but a script that can advance the project and make a satisfactory script according to the producer's will. director.

   "I'll call you when there is a result." Ronald sent Crow out the door.

   "Thanks, Ronald, I actually don't know if I want to be a director or if I'm ready."

  Ronald shook his head. Fortunately, the honest person in the artist didn't say this during the interview. Although Crow and himself are buddies, this is an important juncture in deciding the director candidate. Does this mean that he has no confidence?

   Maybe after marrying the rock star Nancy Wilson, he is not short of money, so his will to fight is not strong.

   "Hello, Ronald."

  When Chris Columbus came, he was much more nervous.

   "Being a director has always been my dream, and given this opportunity, I will do my best.

  I am very satisfied with the script. The psychology of teenagers and children here is very well understood. I like it very much.

  I can't think of any scenes that were extra difficult, other than the shot of climbing high-rise buildings, which required the design and implementation of stuntmen.

  I think there will be inevitable, unforeseen difficulties when shooting, but as long as there is a trusted team, I can't think of anything that can't be solved.

   I hope this movie is lighthearted undertones for kids and parents to watch together. In the final closing part, I hope to add a little lesson to let children know the risks of going out without listening to the babysitter.

  I think parents would be happy to pay naughty kids to watch this kind of movie…”

   Obviously, Chris Columbus's desire is much stronger than Cameron Crowe. He spent many years as a screenwriter with Spielberg and never had the chance to be a director.

   He didn't get any money from those Amberlin movies either. With a wife and children to support, he prepared for this movie much better than Crow.

   "Please go back first, we will notify your agent if there is further news." Ronald sent Columbus out of the conference room.

   "Thank you, Ronald. I didn't expect you to remember what I said to you, it's very important to me, and I'll try."

   "This is the touchstone's trust in you. Disney called you by name." Ronald didn't take credit.

   "I know, I know, but I'm very happy that you can give me a chance."

  The two director candidates are a bit bookish, they speak very organized, and they are not aggressive.

  The three people on the touchstone are satisfied with both candidates, of course, they prefer Chris Columbus.

   "Then Columbus, I'll call Crow." Ronald decided on the director.

   "Then the scene, and the casting. Do you have any recommendations?" Katzenberg asked Ronald.

   "This needs to be discussed with the director, and it needs a girl who has an independent temperament, and the audience can believe that she will stand up and fight against the gang in order to protect the child in her care.

   The key to the success of this movie is whether the protagonist, the nanny Chris, can convince the audience and look at the whole story from her perspective. Children should also think that she is lovable and will be a close nanny.

  His parents should feel that this is a mature and responsible nanny, and when he goes out, he is very relieved to keep her at home to look after the children.

  Boys think she's **** and beautiful, the kind of girl next door that you fall in love with at first sight..."

   Ronald saw the two female generals, and Katzenberg looked at him and stopped talking.

   "What's wrong? Is there anything wrong with what I said?"

"Hollywood legend, you are just like Hitchcock. Before the director, you had a lot of shots in your mind. When you arrived on the set, you shot the shots in your mind. It seems to be true. We regret that we didn't invite you to direct this movie. ."

   "Hahaha..." Ronald snorted, "If you have no doubts, we can start auditioning when Chris Columbus joins the cast.

  …

   Ronald called Crow, who was unsuccessful, and informed Columbus of the good news. He only rested for one night, and the next day went to Twentieth Century Fox non-stop to discuss another movie "Spirit".

   The preparatory meeting for this film was very different, with only one person from Twentieth Century Fox.

   "I have a director candidate, Michael Gottlieb, what do you think?"

   is speaking by Joseph Farrow, executive producer at Twentieth Century Fox. Now Fox's production business is shrinking, and the division of power left over from the oil tycoon era has not changed.

   Farrow was a high-level acquaintance with Barry Diller. The project was handed over to him. When he came up, he told Ronald to let the agent go out. The two chatted privately and divided up the benefits that could be distributed.

   "What movies has he directed before?" Ronald frowned. Fox's style is completely different from the rigorous, meticulous, and professional style of Disney's Touchstone.

   "No, never directed a movie. But he is the younger brother of the screenwriter of 'Jaws', my man, give me a chance? I can give you the decision of the heroine."

   "Gotlieb, like Farrow, is a typical Jewish name", Ronald had a calculus in his mind. Now Fox's main focus is on the acquisition of cable television networks, where film production is equal to a paradise for major executives and project producers.

   The other party took out the heroine to talk about it, and it seemed that he thought he would like to communicate with the actress.

   "Who are you going to use as the male lead?"

  Since it’s fattening, Ronald thought I would too.

  This movie was very childlike when I dreamed of it, and it didn't look like a serious movie. Anyway, Fox paid for it, so they can play as they like.

  A movie with a nominal producer and no real production rights will not have any impact on the reputation of its core business in the industry.

   "I'm going to pick one from the BratPack. These people have a bad reputation, but they are very well-known. Our movies can grab their popularity for free and get a lot of pages for free."

   "I think you're right, which one are you going to use?" Ronald liked the idea of ​​a hitchhiker.

   "What do you think of Emilio Estevez? He's the president of the Boys."

   "I don't think he can play, this kid is a **** hunchback."

   "What about Andrew McCarthy? He's done a lot of commercials for Pepsi, and he's the best looking."

   "He's not bad." Ronald remembered the actor who played Hughes' "Beauty in Pink", the actor who played the movie in his dreams, so he would go with the flow and not ruin other people's "good things".

   "Who do you want to use as the heroine?"

   "I'm optimistic... Wait, isn't the Screen Actors Guild going to interfere with casting? Can you make an internal decision?"

  Ronald thought about it for a while and thought that Kim Cattrall in his dream was a good actor. He had also taken care of Diane in the "Demon Brain Chinatown" crew before. Kind of didn't want her to get caught up in this doomed trash movie.

"This kind of small production, that is, the production cost of more than seven million, plus we have not released the news that you are the producer, there will not be many actors to audition. As long as you like to recommend it, I will You can arrange for her to choose."

   "Let's just follow the standard audition procedure." Ronald thought for a while, but he couldn't fool Kim Cattrall.

   "Are you serious?" Joseph Farrow was surprised that Ronald gave up his "power".

   "Do you want to meet some new people? Or the life you know."

Farrow thought for a second, and suddenly realized, "Just play, don't promise too much, lest too many people want to play the lead role, I can't end it well. This drama is a big heroine drama with a female perspective. There will be a lot of inconsistencies. A famous actor came here."

   "Uh...you have the final say." Ronald had no intention of distinguishing, he just wanted to do what he had to do, and then the hapless crew stayed away.

   "Ooh, dangdang..."

  Joseph Farrow happily sorted out the papers and hummed a little tune.

   "Do you really want to be confident in this movie?" Ronald couldn't help but ask.

   "Of course, didn't you find it? Strange love is popular in Hollywood now. Interracial romance films have been shot a lot in recent years."

   "What do you mean?" Ronald found that Joseph Farrow didn't seem to be joking, and wanted to hear his advice.

   "It's human beings and non-human beings or non-living things in love.

   Seems like audiences like all kinds of weird pairings these days. For example, in "The Mermaid", Tom Hanks falls in love with a mermaid. In 'Howard the Duck', Leigh Thompson falls in love with an alien duck, and in 'Thunderbolt Five', Allie Sheedy falls in love with a robot. There's also a movie this year about a girl falling in love with her car.

   Now audiences love this, so Ronald, the script you recommended to us is very good. A cute nerd who falls in love with a beautiful wooden model.

   Audiences will love it, we have a 50% chance of a hit. "

   "So the four examples you gave, the two slaves, are 50%, right?" Ronald complained in his heart.

   "Well, Mr. Farrow, your idea is eye-opening. From this perspective, it is true that this movie has the potential to be a 'big hit'. Good luck."

   "I wish us good luck, hahaha..."

   There is only a two-in-one chapter today

   (end of this chapter)