Made in Hollywood

On November 20, 1997, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the attention of Hollywood and even the American entertainment industry turned to the Hollywood Chinese Theater. There were curiosity, expectation, waiting, and blessing, but more of it was mockery. Two years ago, "Future Water World" set a film investment record of nearly 200 million US dollars. Now "Titanic" has officially set the investment record to 200 million US dollars. They are all waiting for this giant production to be like the one from Like the ship from Portsmouth to New York, it sank forever.

However, no matter how envy, jealous and hateful people curse in their hearts, it cannot change the fact that this ship is attracting attention. Hundreds of media and more than 500 reporters gathered in front of the China Grand Theater. Fox TV and Columbia TV confronted each other. The red carpet of the screening was broadcast live, and a large number of first- and second-tier stars stepped onto the red carpet one after another.

Although a successful premiere does not mean that the film must be successful, the star-studded gathering can attract more audiences. The film's three major investors - Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Duke Studios, are all Unleashed all power.

Tom Hanks and his wife just walked by, Naomi Watts walked alone on the red carpet, then Tom Cruise and his wife appeared in front of the camera, ICM's two ace actresses Julia Roberts and Jennifer ? Aniston also came one after another...

The shutters of the cameras in the hands of the reporters have never stopped, and the shouts of the audience have never been interrupted. An unprecedented giant production brings an unprecedented premiere.

Of course, how many of them came to see the jokes of the three major investors and James Cameron, only God knows.

"I have only one opinion."

In the VIP lounge, Duke told the Tom Hanks and his wife, "The people who laughed at the film will soon find out how wrong they were."

Tom Hanks said with a smile, "You seem to have more confidence than James Cameron."

"Because of my $50 million investment." Duke shrugged. "How did those film critics laugh at me? Hollywood's biggest idiot! I wonder how they would feel when the film was taken down from the world?"

The quality of the film is no worse than it used to be, and Xuanfa has done a better job. Duke believes that the film must be like Star Wars, crushing all the dignity of film critics.

And the film isn't just a box office hit. It also ushered in an era of true globalization for Hollywood, breaking many doors that were closed to Hollywood films.

Film history can really be divided into before Titanic and after Titanic. Before, European films and Hong Kong films were still struggling, trying to get rid of the situation of constant decline; later, European films and Hong Kong films were completely in decline, and they could only survive in front of the giants of the computer age, and even the latter would soon exist in name only.

"Hi. Duke."

"Hi, Tom. Hi, Nicole."

After greeting another Tom, Duke remembered an investment project that he had not paid much attention to recently, "Is the filming of "Mission Impossible" completed?"

"It's done!" Tom Cruise was confident.

"Is the release date set?" That's what Duke cares about.

"Next year's summer vacation. The exact time has not been set." Tom Cruise frowned, "I heard that your new film is released in May?"

"So, Tom, my advice."

With the deepening of cooperation. Duke also touched Tom Cruise's eccentric temper, the two sides have common interests. Of course it's not a time of conflict. "In May, a lot of films were squeezed into it, and it was already crowded. It is recommended to release it in June."

"That's what I meant too."

Although sometimes arrogant. Tom Cruise is not stupid, "I'm still choosing the right weekend in June, and I'll let you know as soon as it's confirmed."

"Then I'll wait for your good news."

For "Mission Impossible", Duke did not get involved too much except for the investment. He only had the financial supervisor and the producer who represented him in the crew, and according to his instructions, as long as his interests were not affected, these two People will fully support Tom Cruise.

Cruise put $40 million into the project, and he wanted the film to succeed more than anyone else.

"A big man has come."

Suddenly, Tom Cruise patted his arm, "It seems to be coming to you, I don't want to deal with him, I'm going to the theater."

After saying that, Cruise didn't hesitate, took Nicole Kidman and turned and walked away.

Duke turned his head and saw who was coming. It was indeed a big man, former CAA emperor, outgoing Walt Disney CEO and now the owner of the artist management agency Michael Ovitz.

"Long time no see, Duke."

"Yeah, Michael, long time no see."

Perhaps it is a habit formed after entering the 1990s. Even if his status in Hollywood is not as good as before, Michael Ovitz's smile can still make people feel that he is shrewd and capable. The most famous brokerage giant in Hollywood history, Even in times of desperation, no one can underestimate it.

"I heard that you are very optimistic about this movie?" he asked.

Duke smiled and gave the usual standard answer, "I have an investment of $50 million in it, and there is no reason not to be optimistic about it."

Michael Ovitz nodded, stopped going around in circles, and stated his purpose directly, "Are you interested in working with me?"

"Movie?" Duke asked tentatively.

"Movies are just one aspect." Michael Ovitz looked directly at him, "I will fully represent your business, are you interested?"

It turned out to be here to dig a corner. Duke instantly understood what he meant, then shook his head, "Michael, you must know why I rejected CAA in the first place."

"There is no package service, you will always be my God." Michael Ovitz didn't feel anything wrong with saying these words, "I'm just one of your service personnel, you can do whatever the law allows you to do. The company will not interfere at all.”

Duke frowned and considered, "I feel like what you said is no different from what I am now."

Just like Spielberg is to the current CAA, Duke's importance to ICM can be imagined, and directors of their level will not be restricted by the agency.

"Michael..."

Hearing this voice, Duke laughed, and Nancy Josephson walked quickly from his side, and said to Michael Ovitz unceremoniously, "Do you think ICM would be stupid enough to restrain Duke? ...I saw Martin some time ago, and I thought I should invite him to breakfast again."

Duke knew that the Martin in Nancy's mouth was Martin Scorsese.

"It's just normal business."

To become an agent, being cheeky is the most basic condition, Michael Ovitz's face did not change, but in his calm words, there was a touch of provocation, "I heard that you still have a 100-dollar contract with Duke. Seven out of 10? I just think it's unfair."

Of course Nancy could hear what he meant, smiled and said, "We just prepared a new contract for Duke, and the rake will be reduced to 5%."

"Congratulations, Duke." Michael Ovitz turned his head to look here, "After waiting for so many years, I finally got a brokerage contract that matches your status."

"You're welcome." Duke replied lightly.

Michael Ovitz didn't mean to leave, but mentioned the movie aspect, "I heard that your new film is scheduled for May next year? A week earlier than the project "Godzilla" that I acted for?"

"It should be like this." Duke still had the same expression.

"It looks like we're going to have an indirect collision." Michael Ovitz is full of confidence, "I hope your new film is good enough to withstand the impact of a monster."

"Does Duke's sci-fi movie need you to worry, Michael?" Nancy Josephson took the initiative. "Monster movie? I'd love to see how this monster dies next summer."

Ovitz, who single-handedly promoted the project, is confident, "Nancy, I think you have overlooked the fact that two consecutive "Jurassic Park" films have been successful, and a monster movie craze has formed in North America, and this kind of craze will not It is transferred because of personal will, and a monster that is more terrifying than dinosaurs will push this heat to a peak!"

Nancy Josephson was stunned. Even she had to admit that what Michael Ovitz said was the truth. After the prosperity of "Jurassic Park", there has indeed been a monster boom in North America. With the release of the sequel this year, this craze has not only not decreased, but has been pushed up again.

Michael Ovitz nodded to Duke, said nothing, and turned away.

"Duke..." Nancy Josephson looked at him and seemed a little worried, "I think what he said makes a lot of sense."

"It makes perfect sense." Duke nodded. He knew very well how powerful dinosaur movies are. "But Michael Ovitz missed an important point."

"The important point?"

Shaking his head to Nancy, Duke also walked towards the theater, saying to the agent who followed, "The North American film market is exclusive! The monster craze does exist, but the monsters are native to North America, and the effect is only good. perform to the best of your ability.”

He turned to Nancy and smiled, "Don't forget, dear, Godzilla is not a product of North America."

After being reminded by Duke, Nancy Josephson gradually came to understand, "Japanese culture does have a market in North America, but it has never been mainstream."

Throwing away a few worries, Nancy turned the conversation to Duke's brokerage contract, "Let your lawyer negotiate with ICM as soon as possible."

She knew Duke's temper. As long as she did well enough, his employer would not change the agency and agent.

The two walked into the theater of the Chinese Grand Theater, and did not go to the front row, which is the seat of the crew, but sat in the seats of the guests in the back rows, and a big ship slowly buffered to the world! (To be continued ~^~)