Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 299: Why Did He Get a Pie in the Face?!]

This script was actually a submission that Michael Ovitz wanted him to send over.

Since last year, Michael Ovitz had come up with various schemes to retaliate against Link and undermine Guess Pictures. These included using rumors to tarnish Link's reputation, sabotaging Guess Pictures, and putting pressure on publicity and distribution efforts, as well as this infamous "poison pill strategy."

The poison pill strategy was something Michael discovered while reading the autobiography of MGM's founder, Louis B. Mayer, known as the "King of Hollywood." The idea was to concoct a seemingly attractive script that, in reality, harbored significant flaws. This script would be secretly funneled to a rival studio for production, ultimately leading them to financial losses.

For instance, the Cleopatra project was an example of MGM enticing 20th Century Fox into producing an expensive blockbuster after MGM successfully released Ben-Hur. The production budget was $44 million, but the global box office only grossed $26 million, nearly bankrupting 20th Century Fox.

While the plan appeared straightforward, execution was far from easy. First, it required an appropriate script suitable for deception -- this script needed to look good and have a high production cost. Secondly, it had to be delivered to the rival studio, ensuring the movie project was fully approved and began filming.

To orchestrate this, Michael Ovitz recruited over a dozen top screenwriters and ace producers. He asked them to review the mainstream scripts that had been rejected by the major studios, searching for one that appeared promising but was destined to lose money upon completion.

After two to three months of diligent work, they selected The Rock from hundreds of scripts. At first glance, the script seemed decent, but after thorough scrutiny by top producers, it revealed numerous serious flaws: cliched plotlines, shallow character development, and exorbitant production costs, leading to a 90% probability of loss.

Upon gathering opinions from several people, Michael Ovitz decided to use this script as a trap for Guess Pictures. To make Link believe the project had investment value, Michael invited renowned producer Donald Simpson to persuade him.

Donald and Michael shared a good rapport, and he didn't hesitate to accept. However, when brainstorming how to convince Link, they explored many angles, eventually concluding that sincerity would win Link over.

Prior to their meeting, Donald prepared several lines he planned to use after Link read the script to sway him. To his surprise, Link immediately declared the script had investment potential. As a result, many of Donald's carefully crafted lines went unsaid until after the contracts were signed.

The entire process went off without a hitch. Reflecting on Link's demeanor during the deal, Donald shook his head in disappointment. Before meeting Link, he had heard tales of Link's prowess, suggesting that even the major studios couldn't outmaneuver him.

Yet, after meeting him, Donald realized Link wasn't as remarkable as advertised.

The phone rang.

...

Donald picked up, chuckling. "Hey Michael, what's up?"

"Donald, cut the act. Tell me, how'd it go? Did you sign the contract?" Michael asked, bubbling with excitement.

"Everything went smoothly!"

"Really? You sealed the deal? That's fantastic! Now, tell me everything -- leave nothing out."

"Haha, don't worry, I'll tell you."

Donald took a sip of soda and slowly recounted the experience of persuading Link. To emphasize his significant role in the process, he embellished his own performance, claiming he used clever rhetoric to deeply impress Link, who listened intently and was very appreciative that Donald sought collaboration with Guess Pictures.

"Eventually, Link offered $2 million for me to be the producer of the movie, plus $500,000 for the script. Although this project isn't yet greenlit, Guess Pictures has already shelled out $2.5 million."

"So Guess Pictures is committed to it and plans to start filming within three years?"

"Indeed, according to Link, they expect to begin production this year."

"Excellent! You've done a phenomenal job, Donald. This project has a $100 million production budget; there's no way they will turn a profit. This is destined to fail, ha ha!"

Michael erupted into laughter on the phone.

Donald chuckled as well, "Michael, I think you and your team overestimate Link. He's far less competent than rumor suggests. If Guess Pictures isn't shutting down, it's thanks to veterans like Danny DeVito and Michael Leeson, not Link."

"Don't underestimate Link; he's tough to handle, especially in filmmaking. He rarely makes mistakes," Michael said with a serious tone.

"Ha ha, do you know what I discovered when I first met Link? I saw a lip print on his neck, and the hint of women's perfume filled the air. Undeniably, he had been cozying up with someone in his office before I arrived. Someone who misbehaves at work can't be a capable manager, right? If he were truly savvy, why would he invest in such a hopeless script?" Donald sneered.

"This guy is playing around in the office? Wow, he's quite the lecher. But don't become complacent, Donald. Before the investment is finalized, make frequent visits to Guess Pictures to encourage early funding. Only when this project enters production will Link truly fall into our trap. Right now, signing the contract doesn't mean we've won yet."

Michael cautioned him.

"Don't worry, I'll ensure Link follows my direction for the film."

Donald assured him confidently.

Michael hung up and smirked coldly. "Link, even if you are a genius, you're going to fall into the trap I've set for you."

For over a year, Michael had underestimated Link. Every move he made was half-hearted, allowing Link to gradually ascend in Hollywood, ultimately surpassing him and ranking first on Vanity Fair's 1994 Power List. Link had snatched away a reputation that rightfully belonged to him.

Michael felt a deep sense of regret. He lamented not having gone all out against Link initially to crush him when he was still vulnerable. By giving Link too much time and resources, it allowed him to grow.

Now that he recognized Link's power, he wouldn't overlook him again. This time, he planned to strike hard from multiple angles to firmly suppress Link and reclaim his title as Hollywood's top power player.

*****

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