hunt hollywood

Page 115



Thinking quickly in my mind.

Suddenly, Simon finally grasped the key to the matter.

Michael Ovitz is not an idiot, but very shrewd and realistic.Well, if there is not enough motivation, it is just that Barry Levinson wants to vent his emotions, and he obviously will not support the other party to do so.

Now the question is.

What is the motivation behind this whole thing?

Silently listening to the discussions of Amy and the others, Simon reorganized the ins and outs of the whole incident.After a while, he finally realized.

"I probably understand what's going on," Simon tapped on the table lightly, and Simon interrupted the discussion of Amy and the others, then looked at the female assistant, and said, "Jenny, please arrange the flight tomorrow morning, by the way Contact Ovitz, he should have returned from Japan, I will see him when I arrive in Los Angeles tomorrow."

Jennifer nodded to mark it down.

The other three were at a loss, and looked over at the same time with puzzled expressions.

Simon said: "Amy, do you remember the shitty things during the filming of "Rain Man"? Whether it's Dustin Hoffman or Tom Cruise, as well as Barry Levinson, when the filming started After that, you are not optimistic about this project?"

Amy nodded.

Because of the decline of "Rain Man", the entire crew showed a negative and casual attitude during filming.

Dustin Hoffman yelled at the producer for this reason and some other dissatisfaction in the second week of filming, 'you go to Jack Nicholson, I don't want to shoot', and then really He dropped the pick, and it took a lot of trouble before he was persuaded to come back.

Later in filming, both Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise directly referred to their respective characters as 'two idiots in a convertible'.

Obviously.

Judging from Barry Levinson's behavior in the later process of the film, the same is true of the director's mentality.

Feeling the still curious eyes of several people, Simon explained: ""Rain Man" is a big production costing 2500 million US dollars after all, Barry Levinson, Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise All the main creators think that this project will fail at the box office, which will affect their reputation and fame in Hollywood. So, if you encounter this kind of thing, what will you do?"

Amy Pascal, Robert Rem, and Robert Iger looked at each other at the same time, and a certain thought flashed through their minds.

However, none of the three spoke.

The answer couldn't be more obvious.

Shirk responsibility!

just.

It is definitely better not to react too quickly to this problem. Probably few bosses would be willing to see employees who like to shirk their responsibilities.

Simon looked at the expressions on the faces of the three and knew that they had understood.

Since Simon handed over his memo to Barry Levinson on his revised opinions on "Rain Man" a few days ago, there have been constant complaints in the circle that Barry Levinson accused Simon of excessive interference in this project.

Think about it now.

This is basically Barry Levinson paving the way for the box office failure of "Rain Man". He just broke into the top line with "Good Morning Vietnam" last year. Affect one's worth and status.

Simon even felt that Barry Levinson deliberately confronted him in the film editing, simply to provoke himself, and this strategy obviously succeeded.

Then, the few main creators who didn't want to bear the bad reputation of making a box office disastrous film, of course, decisively threw the blame on Simon.

just now.

Things have already caused a lot of trouble, even if the box office of "Rain Man" hits the street again, the media and the public will only think that the responsibility lies with Simon, and the film's main creators have become victims instead.

Chapter 189 The New Contract of the Producers Alliance (Revised)

South of Venice Beach, in an office park near the famous Marina del Rey in Los Angeles.

Just as Michael Ovitz got off the car in the parking lot, Jennifer Leibould greeted him and said politely: "Mr. Ovitz, the boss is already waiting for you, please follow me."

Ovitz was a little displeased when he didn't see Simon greet him, but he still nodded gracefully in front of the beauty, and followed Jennifer into a large factory building in the park, where various types of vehicle assembly parts were everywhere. , Simon was discussing something in a low voice with a white middle-aged man surrounded by a strange 'motorcycle'.

"Good afternoon, Michael." Seeing Ovitz, Simon stopped talking and walked over, shook hands with Ovitz, and introduced another middle-aged man: "This is Adam Locklett, he used to be General Motors designer and now runs his own studio."

Ovitz shook hands with Adam Locklett again before looking at the 'motorcycle' in front of him again.

The reason why it can be called a 'motorcycle' is simply because this car has only two wheels, two wide wheels that are obviously only used in racing cars.But other than that, the exaggerated styling of the whole car is completely out of the category of 'motorcycle'.

Because he has been paying attention to Simon's movements consciously or unconsciously, Ovitz quickly understood the purpose of this 'motorcycle', and tentatively asked: "Simon, is this the prop you designed for "Batman"?"

The 'motorbike' in front of me is actually the super cool bat bike in the original "Dark Knight" series.

Simon was not interested in the completely utilitarian Batmobile in Nolan's "Batman" version. He also designed the shape of the Batmobile, but retained the idea of ​​​​this Batmobile.After confirming the filming of "Batman", he asked people to design this car.

Simon took Ovitz to the side of the Batmobile and said, "Yeah, what do you think?"

Ovitz stepped forward and looked at this cool car carefully, and said: "The shape is very novel, but I haven't seen the power system, can it run?"

Adam Locklett beside the two of them took the initiative to explain at this time: "Mr. Ovitz, this motorcycle uses hub motor technology. Its power system, transmission system and braking system are all integrated in the hub, and It is driven by electricity, so it can run."

Ovitz has always been a very curious person. Hearing this, he became a little more interested, and asked carefully about the details of this car. The three of them chatted like this. Ovitz finally tried it himself. Drive a short distance inside the factory building.

Because many details are still being perfected, although it can run, the speed of the bat motorcycle is very slow at this time. Simon's expectation for this car is that it can reach a speed of about 30 kilometers per hour during the shooting process, which is enough.

Getting off the bat bike, Ovitz recalled the advantages of a series of in-wheel motor technologies just introduced by Adam Locklett, and exclaimed: "It's really surprising. I didn't expect such advanced technology to exist in this world. Maybe it won't take many years. , we are about to usher in a new revolution in the auto industry.”

Adam Locklett carefully pushed the Batbike back to the center of the workshop, but shook his head when he heard the words: "Mr. Ovitz, the hub motor technology is not advanced at all, it has almost as long a history as the internal combustion engine, as early as 1900 , Fernand Porsche, the founder of Porsche, designed the first electric car with hub motor technology. It's just that for a century, our automobile industry has been focusing on the research and development of internal combustion engines, and hub motors and electric drive vehicles are the only ones. It didn't spread."

Ovitz suddenly realized, "This is really a pity."

Simon couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "I always feel that we have missed too many things because of the fundamental interests rather than the pure pursuit of science. The Apollo program sent humans to the moon in the 60s, but In recent years, the aerospace industry has not only failed to continue to develop, but has been regressing."

Ovitz said: "I think the Apollo project is a bit of a waste of money."

Simon retorted: "Before the Age of Discovery began, some countries on this planet had too many opportunities to dominate the world. In the end, Britain, which had only a few million people at that time, achieved the empire on which the sun never sets. Above our heads is only what humans can do. The starry sky touched is thousands of times vaster than the sea, who knows what it can bring us?"

After chatting casually for a while, Simon and Ovitz sat down at a workbench in the factory building, and Adam Locklett left tactfully.

Picking up a wrench from the workbench and playing with it, Simon asked Ovitz, "How was the discussion with Sony?"

Ovitz was a little surprised. Although he did not hide his trip to Japan, not many people knew that he went to Tokyo to discuss the acquisition of a Hollywood film company with Sony Group.

However, now that Simon has pointed it out, Ovitz did not deny it, saying: "Sony wants to acquire a major Hollywood film company, and C just happens to expand his business. Speaking of which, Simon, the Japanese are very grateful to you." Interested, they also specifically asked about Daenerys Films."

"I'm not interested in the Japanese," Simon said without making too many comments, and got to the point: "Now that you're back, Michael, I think the recent farce should be over. Levinson and the others I have achieved my goal, so I hope they all shut up."

Ovitz, who was still smiling just now, became serious, and said, "Simon, you shouldn't have fired Barry just because you disagreed."

Simon looked at Ovitz and said, "Michael, everyone is a smart person. They all think that "Rain Man" cannot be successful, and Levinson doesn't want the coffee that he just promoted to the first line with "Good Morning Vietnam" to be affected. Hoffman was also worried about repeating the box office failure of "Ista" last year, so several people blamed me. Now, they have all got their wish, and this matter should stop here."

Ovitz originally wanted to get some more benefits from Simon for several of his clients, but Simon broke one of the joints, and he couldn't speak again.He has always felt that he and Simon are the same kind, two smart people, and if he deliberately messes around, it will make him look very stupid.

He didn't want to be a fool.

"I'll talk to Barry and the others." After a moment of silence, Ovitz nodded in agreement and said, "Next, Simon, what are you going to do?"

"I remember that you like this script very much, Michael, and so do I. Next, I will personally take over the post-production work of this project until it enters the theater," Simon explained a few words, and said: "Since the three of them If they don't want to have anything to do with "Rain Man", then this project has nothing to do with them. Daenerys Pictures will pay all the final payments in their contract, and all they have to do is shut up. And, At least now the entire Federation knows that there is a movie like "Rain Man", which is actually a good thing. Movie marketing, whether it is marketing in a good direction or in a bad direction, as long as more audiences can notice it movie, then its marketing is successful.”

Ovitz did not express any righteous indignation for Simon's contempt for his clients, but instead said, "Is this the strategy you used on "Basic Instinct"?"

"Yes, this should be regarded as controversial marketing. It is very useful. You can try it when you are in charge of the film company in the future."

Ovitz shook his head subconsciously and said, "I don't intend to take over the film company."

"If you have an opportunity but don't take it, it will only be your loss. After all, the structure of C is too small, and you should be tired of it? Otherwise, you would not try to do consulting work for Sony," Simon remembered. Ovitz's personal career experience, and added casually: "However, if you run a film company and fail to gain absolute control, then your loss will be even greater."

Ovitz couldn't help but think of the invitation during the trip to Japan that Sony executives hoped that he would be in charge after the acquisition of a major Hollywood film company.

C's influence in Hollywood seems to be growing, but due to the limitations of the industry itself, it can only be regarded as a small plate after all.In fact, its more than 600 clients can only bring the company a total income of 100 to [-] million U.S. dollars each year. After paying the salaries and dividends of more than [-] brokers in the company, it is not considered that Ovitz can fall into the hands of himself. many.

In comparison, even the now dilapidated MGM has an annual income of more than [-] to [-] million U.S. dollars. The MCA (Music Corporation of America), the parent company of Universal Pictures, which he recommended to Sony for acquisition this time, is even more colossal.

Both parties are not idlers. Now that the matter has been negotiated, Ovitz quickly left.Simon continued to discuss some Batmobile design details with Adam Locklett, and also rushed back to Daenerys Films headquarters in Santa Monica.

As soon as she sat down in the office, Amy knocked on the door with a document and walked in.

Passing the folder in her hand to Simon, Amy explained: "This is the new contract that the Producers Union just offered to WGA."

Simon opened it casually, and there were two plans in the folder, one was the new contract today, and the other was the plan that was voted down by the WGA in mid-June.

After a brief scan, Simon found that the Producers Union had completely ruthless this time.

In the new plan, compared with the previous three-year contract, the Producers Union directly requested that the contract be extended to four years.

In addition, regarding the syndicate income of the TV network's one-hour-long TV program, which is the core of the strike dispute, the Producers Union completely rejected the WGA's request in the new contract to divide the share based on the number of rebroadcasts, and insisted on calculating the screenwriter's income based on the rebroadcast income ratio. , and the share ratio given is only 1.2%, which is far lower than the 2% generally expected by the industry.

In comparison, although the contract in June stipulated a payment cap, the Producers Union provided a compromise clause in which the screenwriter could choose between a fixed share and a proportional share.

As for WGA's demands for other film share ratios, minimum salary standards, and even more creative control in this strike, the Producers Union also compressed to varying degrees on the basis of the June contract.All calculated, the value of this contract is reduced by 5000 million US dollars compared with the plan in June, which is equivalent to the loss of at least one month's salary for each of the more than 1 WGA members.

Moreover, the Producers Union also strongly demanded that WGA must give a reply within a week. If the new contract still cannot be passed, the negotiations between the two parties will be postponed for another month.

Today is already October 8th.

At the end of last month, ABC officially signed a contract with Daenerys Films, and ABC quickly relaunched the program "Who Will Be a Millionaire".Although there are only two episodes left per week, this has not stopped the audience from pursuing this reality show. Compared with the original pilot episode, the number of viewers of the show even rushed to 2000 million in recent weeks.

In addition to ABC, the two major television networks NBC and FOX have also begun to promote with great fanfare the other two reality shows that have just been acquired from Daenerys Pictures. Although CBS failed to cooperate with Daenerys Films, it also created a game-breaking reality show of its own, which also started publicity.

In recent days, the four major TV networks have also publicly stated that they want to develop more reality TV shows, and at the same time announced that they will promote cooperation in more TV drama projects with non-union members.

This is obviously nothing more than obvious pressure.

After flipping through the information in his hand, Simon looked at Amy and said, "Do you think WGA will agree to this contract?"

"WGA doesn't have many options anymore," Amy nodded, and said again: "I'm just worried that our TV drama business may be affected."

After completing the acquisition of New World Entertainment, Simon's first request to the executives of New World Entertainment is to restart the TV drama business that has been stalled as soon as possible.Now, those projects are no longer short of funds, but Daenerys Pictures' reality TV projects have caused the WGA to fail in this strike, and the company's TV series are obviously likely to be boycotted by writers.

TV dramas are much more dependent on screenwriters than movies.

Frowning and thinking for a while, Simon said: "It depends on the situation. Everyone is for their own jobs. I don't believe that the screenwriter has the courage to refuse the job in front of him after losing income for half a year. If they are really like this, we will invite special union members or seek overseas screenwriters from overseas."

Amy knew that things could only be like this for the time being, so she changed the subject and asked, "How was your meeting with Ovitz?"

"It's settled," Simon nodded, and said, "C has no plans to completely fall out with us."

Amy was a little worried. Barry Levinson would definitely not get involved in this project again, but she didn't think it would be a good choice for Simon to be in charge of the later stage of "Rain Man": "Simon, you really have to personally supervise the project. Is Rain Man going to be re-edited?"

"Otherwise, apart from Barry Levinson, I'm probably the only one in Hollywood who is more familiar with this project."

Amy suggested: "Maybe, we can invite the editor from "Rain Man" over."

"I checked," Simon shook his head, and said, "Stu Lind, he is Barry Levinson's long-term partner, so forget it, I don't plan to let this project and Barry Levinson and the others There's nothing involved."

Chapter 190 HBO (Revised)

After the meeting between Simon and Ovitz, although the public opinion turmoil caused by Barry Levinson's dismissal did not dissipate immediately, several main creators of "Rain Man" died down in the media.

But, this matter doesn't stop there.

During the production of "Rain Man", compared with many more powerful film companies in Hollywood, Simon has given enough space for several main creators to play. His intervention in this film is even limited to preventing the project from going completely out of control. .

What Barry Levinson and others have done in order to avoid the possible negative impact of the film's failure has far exceeded Simon's tolerance limit, and he did not intend to let it go from the very beginning.

However, although it was created by a few people I don't like very much, "Rain Man" is a hugely expensive project for Daenerys Pictures. Simon will not deliberately destroy this project. Doing so is tantamount to being angry at others My own pot kills two birds with one stone.

This slap can only be slapped back hard if "Rain Man" achieves the annual box office champion level of the original time and space.

Simon didn't intend to just slap him back, either.

It doesn't hurt enough.

It is always too easy for people to forget such small injuries and pains that are not impressive enough.

While Simon took over "Rain Man" in person, Daenerys Films' other film "Scream" also successfully completed the rough cut after it was finished at the end of July.

While the two parties have been in constant communication on creative ideas, Simon is very satisfied with Wes Craven's work results. The film can be completed in early September at the latest, and nearly two months can be reserved for the Halloween schedule at the end of October. Announcement time.

In addition, the filming of "Steel Magnolia" and "Dead Poets Society" is also coming to an end, and the year-end schedule will not be delayed.

On the other hand, after the American Film and Television Producers Union proposed the latest contract proposal to the WGA, the WGA, which was completely cornered, had to initiate a vote again.

Because the Producers Union only gave a reply within a week, the voting could only be conducted in the two major cities of New York and Los Angeles through lottery. Of the 2500 screenwriters who participated in the voting, 2137 voted in favor.

Finally, on August 8, the general strike that lasted for more than five months finally came to an end. The whole process lasted 12 days, 160 days longer than the 155 days in the original time and space.

While the WGA announced a compromise, the aftermath of the strike lingered.

The most serious point is that after the Producers Union reached a new agreement with WGA, it still did not forgive those second- and third-tier production companies that signed contracts with WGA in advance. WGA also did not withdraw the original antitrust lawsuit. Although it may win the lawsuit in the end, it is difficult for those production companies that have been blocked to obtain business from the seven major film companies and the four major TV networks at least this year.

The more than five-month strike not only caused a shortage of content in the TV autumn schedule, but also in the movie schedule in the second half of the year. This created very favorable external conditions for the release of several films by Daenerys Pictures at the end of the year.

The strike ended, and a large number of projects in Hollywood that had been stranded due to a lack of screenwriters quickly resumed production.


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.