Exploiting Hollywood 1980

  Chapter 840 Pit Theory

   "This person is not worth mentioning. He has just left the Donkey Party and registered as the Elephant Party. He also said that the platform of the Donkey Party is not good. The National Committee of the Donkey Party is now furious, but he really wants to deal with one person to reverse the decline."

  A fat man with thinning hair, swollen facial features, and looks a bit like Donald Duck said to Ronald, George Jr. and others, reassuring them.

  The campaign consultant who came with little George was Roger Ailes, whom Barbara valued very much and hired to join her husband's campaign team.

  He helped the incumbent commander-in-chief be re-elected in 1984 and made contributions. Before that, Ailes was a senior TV producer in Philadelphia, and also produced a talk show hosted by Michael Douglas, a popular Hollywood star.

   As soon as he opened his mouth, he denied the competitiveness of the real estate developer who Ronald saw on the Larry King talk show.

"No way? I think this person's political views are quite sharp." Ronald handed Roger + Ailes the full-page advertisements that he paid for himself and published in the three newspapers with the largest circulation in America. Look.

  It was only after seeing the complete political opinions that Ronald felt that this person would be the deputy commander's biggest primary candidate competitor, so he hurriedly called George Jr. to discuss it.

   "Not only insisted on what the great commander did well, was tough on the Soviet Union, but also raised issues such as the fiscal deficit in the past seven years, the weakness of Japan, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. I think it is very popular."

  Ronald flattened the three newspapers, and the above sentences are all reasonable, so you can't take it lightly.

   "Okay, you are a film director. I think it's because you don't know anything about TV media... This person's strategy is completely wrong. Starting from his political views, he is doomed to be impossible to succeed."

   Roger Ailes didn't say the sarcasm on his lips. Although Barbara appreciated it, her eldest son seemed to trust the two New York state friends in front of him very much. If he had learned anything at Philadelphia TV, it was that the boss's relatives should not be taken too lightly, even if their ideas were stupid.

   "Let me ask you a question, Ronald." Ayers changed his attitude a little better.

   "Well, please tell me." Ronald didn't feel offended, and those who have the ability are entitled to be proud.

"Wait a minute…"

   Roger Ailes took out a handkerchief, covered his nose, and sneezed twice very carefully. "I have to be careful, there are all kinds of allergies in the fall in New York, and my hemophilia. A hard sneeze can kill me."

  Ayers carefully folded and put away the red blood-stained handkerchief, and continued:

   "Let me ask you a question: If there are two people on a Broadway stage.

   A person said in front of the microphone, "I have a solution to the Middle East problem";

  Another guy walks to center stage and falls straight into the orchestra pit, who do you think is going to be on the evening news? "

   "Of course it's the one that fell into the orchestra pit." Ronald had no doubts.

   "So what about the federal deficit and a pastor who got 3 million voters' signatures?" Roger Ailes smiled, this Ronald is okay, not stupid. After finishing speaking, he glanced at little George who was giggling next to him.

   "Fxck, I understand." Ronald suddenly realized that this Ayres is indeed a TV media master who has a clear understanding of the public's psychology.

  There are too many tax cuts and fiscal deficits, Japanese people do not open the market, and the defense budget is too high. Except for those directly related to these things, ordinary people in America, who cares about these things?

   Of course, he is still an evangelical magic stick. In a short period of time, 3 million believers across the country have collected support and signatures. It is interesting to challenge the election of the general.

  "So this New York representative, Jack Kemp, who looks like JFK, and his campaign manager is also an idiot. If he directly uses the gimmick of "Kennedy like the party", isn't it much better than emphasizing his poor political experience?

  As for the Illinois Rumsfeld and the former Secretary of State Haig, they are both very boring, and there is no hype gimmick at all. The National Committee of the Xiang Party can easily force them to retreat at that time.

  Our main enemy is still Robertson, the magic stick. Others may get a little voice, but in the long run, only he can continue to attract the attention of the media. "

   "George, do you have any ideas?" Roger Ailes looked at George Jr. He was the election manager in the New York area in name and the spokesperson of the campaign team.

   Looking at the few people who were silent and could only listen to their opinions obediently as students, Roger Ailes was very happy. If there is no other way, as long as he takes action by himself, if he can defeat Robertson in New York, his position in the campaign team can be established quickly.

  "Ronald made an advertising plan", George Jr. remembered something, and handed Roger Ailes the marketing plan that Ronald created for his father as a retired veteran.

   "The image of a veteran is very good." Roger Ailes read a page and felt that this plan had an orchestra effect.

  A World War II veteran who was almost eaten alive by the Japanese soldiers, running for the Grand Commander, is much more attractive to voters than those boring policies.

  It seems that this Ronald is not that stupid, it's just...

"Our biggest competitor, Pat Robertson, has made himself a North Korean veteran. Although George Sr.'s image of a World War II veteran is more positive, in the TV media, people often only remember it as a symbol. Live in a person's name.

  He was one step ahead of us, occupying the category of retired veterans first. We have to think of another image. "

"Robertson, his self-proclaimed combat experience is all deceitful." Little George interjected, he finally found the marketing plan that Ronald came up with, and was denied by Roger Ailes just like that. I don't want to be like this, in the eyes of my mother Barbara, I am just a mixed qualification.

   "Really?" Roger Ailes turned his head and stared at Ronald fiercely. If this matter is true, then the old George's campaign plan can start by proving Robertson's false experience. Then take this image of a retired veteran who has passed the market test and is very useful as his own.

   "Why do you say that? Do you know his real experience?"

"I've seen too many people like this in Hollywood, boasting a one point experience into a ten point. You can check his resume. His kind of eyes, wandering and not focused, just make up at a glance. I am too familiar No, Michael Cimino, the director of The Deer Hunter, was almost in the same mold as him."

  Ronald recalled the close-up shots of Robertson on TV, and it was immediately clear that he was relying on acting skills rather than actual reminiscences. Well, it's still a relatively poor kind of acting.

   "You're **** right." Roger Ailes didn't expect to come to New York, and he had an unexpected inspiration. He called Barbara right away.

   "We have a new plan that needs to use a little old George's old connections... yes, to find his alleged colleagues in North Korea."

   "Are you sure? George has been away from the CIA for a long time, I'm sure I'll use it again..."

"Well, I'm sure. Your son George Jr. has a great idea. His friend Ronald, who has experience in Hollywood, has a good sense of people, and says there's a good chance that Robertson is lying. He's a big The director is very familiar with good and bad acting skills."

   "Okay, let's do it like this. Is Ronald there? Let me have a word with him." Barbara was very direct on the phone.

   "Hello, Barbara. Yeah, it was George Jr. who had a great instinct for the campaign. We young people in New York love him."

  Hearing Ronald praise himself in front of his mother, little George blushed with excitement. I was seldom valued by Barbara. It seemed that it was indeed a wise choice to come to New York to cooperate with Ronald. My mother liked Ronald very much.

   "Good job!" Roger Ailes gave Ronald a thumbs up. This person is a bit level, not all due to luck.

   "It's a pleasure working with you." Ronald stepped forward to shake hands with Ayers. Although this man was a bit arrogant, the "Orchestra Pit Law" he mentioned was indeed inspiring. I have to do my own research and see how it can be used in the marketing of movies.

   "Will you shoot commercials for my father? Ronald?" George Jr. looked at Ronald, eagerly wanting him to continue to create an image for his father and give himself points in front of his mother Barbara.

  Ronald thought to himself that there was no need for such a simple commercial. But the other party is a layman and doesn't understand these things, so he must think that it is the best to do it himself. If Ronald disagrees, maybe this young master will come up with some other ideas.

  But Ronald was already prepared, "I have a better candidate, George. This image advertisement is similar to a personal documentary. I found an Oscar-winning documentary director to shoot for your father."

   "Oh? Who is it? Can you invite an Oscar winner?" Sure enough, Little George's eyes lit up. Ronald is really awesome, and the shot is the Oscar winner. Isn't that right? Old George's military experience is very legendary. This personal advertisement is actually similar to an ultra-short documentary.

   "His name is Emil Adolino, and he is the first director other than me to sign a contract with Daydream Company. His documentary won an Oscar in 1983."

   Ronald pushed out Emile, who was his assistant in "Dirty Dancing", to take charge of the filming of this campaign advertisement.

"That's a very powerful talent." Of course Roger Ailes knew Ronald's tricks, but he would not be foolish enough to expose them, "Oscar for best documentary is a very rare honor, and it is comparable to ordinary movies. Directors, screenwriters, and editing awards are different. There is only one person for the best documentary, and that is the director. This person is an all-rounder."

   "I don't know how to thank you, Ronald." Hearing Ayers' boast, Little George really thought that this Emil Adorino was some great big shot. Thank you quickly.

"You guys have finished filming the commercial, just wait for the news from me, and as soon as the evidence of Robertson's lying is in hand, we will attack with all our strength." Roger Ailes put the **** handkerchief in his pocket and bid farewell to everyone .

  …

   "How are you going to shoot our deputy commander?" Ronald asked Emile Adolino in the room. He came to New York, and after discussing with Ronald, he went to Washington DC to shoot a documentary-style campaign advertisement for the deputy commander.

   "I'm going to shoot him with the same light that Hollywood shoots Gary Cooper. The two people have similar facial lines and heights."

   Emil Adorino has his mind set. Ronald gave him a chance this time. If the campaign ad satisfies everyone, he will then be asked to choose a script and start shooting his own movie.

"Hahaha, that's right." Ronald smiled happily. This shooting method, coupled with the legendary escape experience of the deputy commander under the brutality of the Japanese army and being blessed by God, should not be seen by female voters. Word of mouth like a Gary Cooper movie?

   "Before you shoot the deputy commander's commercial, help me shoot a few 'moonlight sultry' celebrity marketing videos. I just need a documentary talent here. It happens that they are all in New York, which means half a day."

   Ronald accepted the advice of film marketing expert, Michael Gray. For the main actors of "Moonlight", Xueer, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis and others, all filmed a commentary on the movie.

   Then cut into a video tape with a three-minute trailer, plus some behind-the-scenes footage. At that time, distribute this video tape to members of the directors' union, film critics, and small movie theater owners, and persuade them to increase the screening channels and give Ronald a little support in the Oscar nomination.

   "No problem", Emile Adolino put the materials in the bag and began to plan Ronald's marketing plan. He will be able to make his own movie next year, and now he is full of fighting spirit.

   "Here are some plot scenes I drew." Emile Adolino handed some drawings he drew to Ronald for review.

   "Very good", Ronald knew that the other party had made good preparations after reading a few pictures, and he didn't plan to read the rest, believing in his ability.

"My method will definitely be successful. Using this kind of electronic marketing package with a combination of video and posters to compete with other film promotional materials and a few photos is simply adults bullying children." Also from Los Angeles Michael Gray, who came here, was very happy to see that his innovative ideas were fully adopted by Ronald.

  Many Hollywood film companies do not trust this innovative approach. A large number of marketers who only copy old materials don't want his innovative approach to really set off reforms in Hollywood. Otherwise, many old people among them who do not know new skills can only work hard to learn new knowledge, otherwise they will retire early or be fired.

  If Ronald's "Moonlight Sultry" can make a breakthrough with the blessing of his new marketing method, Michael Gray feels that his new company will also continue to have business.

   "Exactly. Confucius once said that before the enemy enters the battlefield, we have already won." Ronald also had great hopes for this method.

However, after listening to the "Orchestra Theory" by Roger Ailes, a veteran TV and campaign expert, Ronald wanted to add some elements to this marketing plan, so that the audience who saw the advertisement would also set off an interest in the movie. Strong interest.

   "You said, the gossip of that actor in my film 'Moonlight Sultry' will arouse the enthusiasm of the audience?"

  Ronald thought about the cast of "Moonlight Sultry", and then looked at the few people present. In addition to the director Emil and the marketing consultant Gray, there is also Ronald's agent Richard, and the general manager Eddie who specially prepared the marketing food for "Moonlight Sultry".

   "Cher. No one else is famous enough except her." Richard is very clear about the star position of these people in Hollywood. Nicolas Cage has some audience recognition, but not many fans.

  The Broadway gang headed by Olympia Dukaski is famous only in a small theater circle in New York. They can only get to know each other when they appear on TV news and have a background introduction.

  Only Cher, as a movie actor, although she has only been nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, she is much more famous as a singer. Many people grew up listening to her songs.

"I'm a little worried about whether Cher has many fans now? Her new records don't seem to be selling well. Her most popular songs were all sung by her and her ex-husband Sonny Bono in the 1960s and 1970s." .

   "Well, if you have doubts about Cher's popularity, you might as well try the new business launched by CinemaScore." Eddie remembered one thing.

   "What new business?"

"It is to measure the status of a star in the eyes of passers-by audiences. They will randomly sample audiences in various parts of the country, ask them to recall the star's representative works, and then ask them whether they will go to see his or her movie just because the star starred in it." Richard rushed to answer.

   "Why, is this business famous?" Ronald didn't seem to have heard of this new business before coming to New York.

   "Notoriously, the star of CAA hated the evaluation." Richard explained with a laugh.

  This evaluation is more objective, and the question is very definite, such as whether you will go to see his new movie because of a certain star.

  It is completely different from the traditional Q scoring system that has been used in the marketing industry for 20 years. Q score is a subjective rating to evaluate the popularity of a star. Investigators asked passers-by to rate a star, from very famous to very unknown, divided into five levels.

  Sampling surveys like this can easily move the audience's ratings in the direction the company wants under the influence of the design questions or the investigators.

   On the other hand, CinemaScore's new scoring system is a clear question, with only two options, yes or no, and the possibility of manipulation is much smaller.

  So stars hate CinemaScore's new evaluation system. There are not many people who can get high scores in this evaluation system. This reputation is very detrimental to their salary.

   "So the CinemaScore evaluation is completely confidential and only open to the production company." Eddie added.

   "All right, give them a call, let's do a popularity survey on Cher."

  After a busy day, Ronald returned to the hotel.

  The apartment on Fifth Avenue has to go through a lawyer's transfer, a designer's evaluation, and finally renovations before moving in...

  Thinking of the property on Fifth Avenue, the news about the developer appeared on TV.

   "I think his political views are more like those of the Donkey Party." A politician wearing a blue tie was evaluating him on TV.

   "Puchi", Ronald burst out laughing after seeing the guest's subtitles clearly.

Roger Ailes's forecasting level is really good. Mr. Chairman of the National Committee of the Donkey Party, after learning that the gentleman scolded the Donkey Party in the media, left the Elephant Party, and wanted to run for the leadership, he immediately went to the TV, gave him a knife in the back.

  The chairman of the National Committee analyzed his political opinions one by one in the interview, all of which were borrowed from the greatest leader of the Donkey Party, Franklin Jr.

   "I have received a report that I will launch an investigation into the tax issues of the sales valuation of apartments above the 30th floor of the building on Fifth Avenue." New York Mayor Ed Koch, who also belongs to the Donkey Party, also began to fight back in the media.

"Mr. Mayor, are you targeting him specifically? He repaired the skating rink that you haven't repaired for six years, and repaired it in less than six months, and only used one-twentieth of your budget." New York The reporter's questions were harsh.

"No, this has nothing to do with him fixing the Wollman Ice Rink and publicly humiliating me on TV. His so-called low cost is actually the result of having spent a lot of money in the city government to fix the foundation. And that price, we suspect that there is an element of fraud. In order to evade taxes, the two parties deliberately lowered the project price, and then gave the contractor a few billboards on the sidelines for free to make up for the contractor's loss from advertising costs."

   "I never said I would run for Grand Commander..."

  Ronald watched him being interviewed on TV in a state of embarrassment. The real estate businessman's unfinished political dream seemed to be coming to an end. "

  Ronald admired Roger Ailes' judgment very much. Sure enough, he didn't need to act like a big boss of the party. The donkey party had the intention of killing such a high-profile traitor who had left.

  Since the defeat of the general election in 1980, the economy under the general has developed rapidly, the stock market has risen rapidly, and the battle for hegemony has gradually given the upper hand to America.

  The cohesion of the donkey party is very problematic. If they allow such a high-profile traitor to make a big fuss in the media, saying that the Elephant Party is the future of America, I am afraid that the Donkey Party will never be able to elect a leader again.

   Soon, time entered the night. Ronald sees the Late Show with old friend David Letterman begin.

   "A female singer with the record for being the oldest single to reach No. 1 on the charts, welcome, Star Trek lead singer, Grace Slick!"

   "Boom boom boom boom...

   looking into your eyes,

  I saw heaven..."

  According to a live band soundtrack, Grace Slick, singer of the theme song to the movie "Spirit" that Ronald is producing, waved hello to the audience, appearing on David Letterman's Late Show.

  The two talked a lot about Grace's mental journey. On the eve of the disbandment of Starship, Grace got her best result in recent years. Also her failed marriage and the effect on her children. Her daughter's name is China, and she is also the host of MTV TV station.

   "How old is your daughter China?" Letterman asked.

   "16."

   "Oh, don't you say I didn't notice how old you are, and your daughter is 16?"

   "You have to be 16 years old to be the host of MTV", Grace Slick pretended to be unhappy and slapped David Letterman.

  Ronald can see that the two must have negotiated well. The old tree blooms new flowers, and the singer in his 40s regains the top spot on the singles chart. This is a typical American dream story. How much gossip? How contagious.

"Um?"

  Ronald suddenly thought of a broadcast accident. Didn’t Cher, the heroine of his upcoming new film "Moonlight Sultry", call him Axxhole last year on Letterman’s late-night talk show?

   Isn't this more topical? More gossip?

  Ronald immediately picked up the phone, found the manager Richard, and asked him to get through to Letterman's live broadcast room anyway.

  After the live broadcast ended, David Letterman called as scheduled, "Ronald, what, you figured it out, do you want to be a guest on my talk show?"

   "Hahaha, I'm afraid you'll dislike me for lowering the ratings of your show." Ronald laughed, "No, I thought of someone who can greatly increase your ratings.

   "I'm Listening," David Letterman's ratings are solid now, consistently about half that of his guru Johnny Carson's.

   "You said, how about letting Cher go on your show again and reconcile with you? Is there any gimmick?"

   "Dxmnit! Of course, you're here to fix Cher?"

   "I have an idea and I'll call you."

  (end of this chapter)