Exploiting Hollywood 1980

   Chapter 635 Ronald's constellation is good

   "Ronald, your accountant Lawrence is here." Little Bud knocked on Ronald's door and let in the Chinese accountant Lawrence Wang.

   "Lawrence, are you all right?" Ronald interrupted the reading of the scripts sent by his agent and greeted the private accountant who made a special trip to Los Angeles.

  His script assistant recruitment was not very smooth. Several candidates arranged by Richard were not suitable. After interviewing a few, they all wrote scripts and pretended to apply for the job. The purpose is actually to let Ronald see if he has a chance to shoot.

   Ronald had to ask his friends in the circle to continue to recommend suitable candidates. So during this time, I still read the script by myself.

"Everything is going well. The stocks you hold heavily in the past year and a half have risen very well, especially Coca-Cola, which has risen by almost 70%. Including factors such as dividends, the compound return this year will exceed 8%. ten.

   So this time I sold you some other stocks, collected the investment quota, and flew to Los Angeles. "

  Lawrence reported the handling of the assets to Ronald.

   "Very good, I didn't expect Coca-Cola to go up so much." Ronald happily flipped the report, "Contact Touchstone Pictures, and we will allocate funds to the 'Evil Husband' Project as originally planned.

   "No problem, I'll contact Douglas Jr.'s accountant."

"How long will you be in Los Angeles this time? I'm going to Washington DC next week, and I can pick you up on Weintraub's private jet. It's easier for you to go back to New York." Ronald was on the phone and learned that Lawrence had Second, hang around in Los Angeles for a few days. He made an appointment next week to clear the relationship for "Back to the Future" and see if he could let the commander watch the movie he brought again.

"Not this time. In addition to handling your business, I will stay until the end of the month. I have an appointment with people in Chinatown in Los Angeles, and I will all be there to support a movie." Lawrence said that he was going to be with friends in Chinatown in Los Angeles. Go to the premiere of De Laurentiis' new film 'The Year of the Dragon'. "

"The Year of the Dragon?" Ronald thought of this movie. Back then, he wanted to direct it, but the owner of the adaptation rights of the novel, Dino de Laurentiis, asked him to sign several contracts with him, but he didn't like it. And scattered past. Didn't expect it to be filmed soon.

   "Yes, we Chinese born every year have a unique zodiac sign. Many American people don't know our Chinese zodiac sign. This time we are just promoting our culture to the mainstream society. What do you belong to?"

   "Me?" Ronald calculated, "I seem to be a rat."

   "Ah, that's good, it's the number one of the twelve zodiac signs."

  …

"cheers!"

   A few days later, Ronald and Douglas Jr. arrived at Jerry Zucker's ZAZ company, and their accountants formally handed over the check to Disney's Touchstone department. The money was credited into the account of the newly established project company, under the joint supervision of the three parties.

  Helen Slater took the supporting actress role, starring the famous comedian Danny DeVito in the male lead and singer and movie star Betty Midler in the female lead.

  The start of the small project did not invite reporters to attend, and several main creators were in the humble office, officially starting the shooting ceremony of the first film produced after Touchstone Pictures opened.

   "Ronald, the script for this movie is really good, it's like reading an O Henry short story."

  Helen Slater, whose hair has not grown yet, stared wide-eyed, and was discussing the script and roles with Ronald.

   "Jerry is a comedy expert, you should listen to him more." Ronald was just getting started as an actor, but he didn't know much about comedy, so he said too much. "

"My father, Gerald, is coming to Los Angeles this time to prepare a TV special news report on the visit of the Chinese leader to the United States. We would like to invite you to have a meal when we look for an opportunity. Thank you." Helen asked Betty Midler. Hugs and greets Ronald, hugs Ronald's arm in advance, and then kisses him on the face to declare sovereignty.

   "That's really unfortunate, I'm going to Washington DC with little Douglas soon. I'll make a special trip to New York next time to entertain him." Ronald touched his cheek.

  "Ronald", Betty Midler came over and hugged the producer, "I'm glad you chose me, do you think this movie has any hope of being a box office hit?"

  Betty Midler's voice was very low, and she didn't know if she was joking or telling the truth, "Is it possible to catch up with 'Back to the Future' now being released and win the weekly box office championship?"

"It's hard to say, the box office of 'Back to the Future' this weekend is a bit higher than the opening weekend of the film. I think it's the strongest movies of the year. With director Jerry and beauties like you and Helen, I'm very confident."

   "Hahaha..." Betty Midler was amused by Ronald.

  …

  "Thank you", Little Douglas took a glass of champagne brought by the flight attendant. He also boarded a private jet arranged by Weintraub to Washington airport.

   "Betty Midler is so ugly, how do you endure talking and laughing with her." Little Doug said to Ronald inexplicably, "Helen is so beautiful, you don't stay with her for a while."

"Hey, how can you be such a good producer?" Ronald took a sip of champagne, "The key to the success of this film is not in Helen's vase, but in Betty Midler and Danny Dean. Vito's performance.

   Now that I have received acting training, I understand that actors are a very vulnerable group of people. They have to tear open their true emotions, especially their human weaknesses, to the audience.

   If you make such a big sacrifice, you still can’t get the confirmation of the box office or reviews. The blow is very big. "Ronald remembered Helen's box office failure and almost got depressed. This is a very common thing for actors, especially actresses.

   "It turns out that she is the key to success. Fortunately, I said that I am her biggest fan. I cried when I watched her Oscar-nominated movie The Rose in 1979."

   "It seems that you are shameless enough to be a producer."

  …

   "Little George", Ronald brought little Douglas, and the Weintraubs to the Vice-Commander's Mansion at No. 1 Observatory Ring Road to the Barbara family's family dinner. In the foyer he met one of the directors of the Screen Fund, now Eisner's thickest thigh.

   Little George separated him from Weintraub and pulled him to the small hall next to him. "Ronald, I'm sorry, but it seems that what I promised you can't be done. I'll look for opportunities later."

Ronald waved his hand quickly, "It's nothing, we originally wanted to make the commander happy. I heard that in the movie 'Back to the Future', there is also a movie poster that the commander shot. If it is really inconvenient to let It doesn't matter what he sees, I have done my best to help my friend."

   It’s good to be able to help with such a big man, but when you can’t help, don’t show any resentment.

   "No, there is actually a reason for this, so I'm going to tell you."

Little George patted him on the shoulder, "The commander just finished the polyp surgery. My father acted for the commander for a few hours according to the law. Nancy is angry with my mother again, so she has no way to deal with you for the time being. Please. When you go in, say two nice things to my mom and make her happy."

   "Of course, Barbara is very nice to me, and I like her very much. I always think of my aunt when I see her."

   Little George patted Ronald on the shoulder with satisfaction and led him into the hall.

   "You are the grandson of old Hansen? Let me see, they really look alike."

   Little Douglas was introduced to Barbara, and she was very happy looking at the descendants of the old man.

   "Ronald, you're here. Little George told me about your help, will the new film sell well?" Seeing Ronald come in, Barbara quickly inquired about the first investment of her son's fund.

"Little George has a very good investment vision. Eisner is the finder of more than half of Hollywood's blockbuster films in the past ten years. For this first film, we are looking for the director Jerry Zucker, who has made a million yuan, and the story is also very interesting. Well, like an O Henry comedy, the audience will love it." Ronald said nicely.

   "That's good, that's good." Barbara liked to hear good things about her son, and pulled Ronald to sit down with a smile.

"You please, I've sent a copy of the film to the director of the White House, Mr. James Baker, stating that you sent the copy. He'll put 'Back to the Future' on the Camp David playlist, but what? When to show it, or not to show it, I can’t control it.”

   "I'm already grateful for everything you've done for me." Ronald quickly and humbly thanked him.

   "Very well, you are staying in Washington for a few days and waiting for the results with the director." Barbara patted Ronald's hand and asked him to go back to his seat at the dining table.

   "Don't be nervous, Zemeckis. Your movie is the No. 1 box office for two weeks without relying on the news coverage after the Grand Commander watched it."

  After finishing the lunch, Ronald returned to the hotel and saw director Robert Zemeckis, who was waiting for news in the hotel lobby. Seeing that he was very nervous, he spoke comfortably.

"Universal has invested in a record 1,500 theater premieres, and Steven and I are hopeful that we will be crowned champions this weekend. But with Stallone's first blood sequel coming out soon, we're counting on the big boss to turn things around. ,How did he say?"

   "I have no way of finalizing this matter," Ronald said about the situation. "It can only be said that during the two-week vacation, the commander may look at it."

   "Thank you anyway", Zemeckis hurried away again, calling Spielberg to report.

   A weekend box office champion is quite different from a box office champion for several consecutive weekends.

   "Ronald, I have something to tell you." Little Douglas and Ronald stayed in a hotel. After greeting Zemeckis, he pulled Ronald into his room.

   "What's the matter?" Ronald casually turned on the TV, CBS TV was playing a series "Eagle Crown Manor" about wine estates.

   Since the ratings of "Jumen's Enmity" exploded, all kinds of giant dramas have followed suit, which is a soap opera about Napa Valley wine growing estates.

Ronald saw at a glance that in the TV series, the housekeeper who played the hostess of the manor was the one he met at the East Asian Cultural Center in Los Angeles when he was filming "Longwei Kid" and taught him Tai Chi "White Crane Hanging Wings". "The Chinese actor.

   "So he's really an actor." Ronald laughed dumbly, thinking he was bragging.

  "I'm serious with you." Little Douglas came up and turned up the TV, pulled Ronald to the kitchen, and turned on the tap.

"You shouldn't be so close to the political family in the future, especially the deputy commander. He used to be the director of the CIA for a long time, and he was the leader of the party that the party establishment wanted to propose. You see my grandfather and their family actually know each other, except Donate money for every election, don't deal with them."

   "It's not that serious, is it?" Ronald asked in surprise.

"You still don't understand the operation of these high-level political families. You are a small Hollywood director. It is best not to get involved. Otherwise, some things may run over you and they may not feel it. I heard that Nancy and Barbara exchanged I have nothing to say..."

   "Okay, I remember." Ronald looked at the serious little Douglas and nodded. I originally depended on my ability to eat, and there is really no need to get too close to these political figures. Or follow the laws of the market and art, and just shoot honestly.

  …

  In the White House residence, the first lady Nancy looked at her husband and felt very uneasy. The polyp surgery that the commander had just performed was successful, but her husband's physical strength and energy were obviously very tired, which reminded him of the time when his husband was shot in his first term.

   She went back to her room and dialed a close friend in California.

   "Joan, how is my husband's horoscope this week? Is there anything I can do to increase his health? He looks tired."

"Nancy, I just made a horoscope for him, Aquarius horoscope, there will be minor health problems, related to the digestive system. It is best to find a Capricorn man to meet him. It is best to have a similar name to him. Yes, it will give him a boost in fortune."

  Joan Quigley, who answered the phone, is an astrologer living in San Francisco.

She and Nancy have always had a good relationship. Ever since the Chief Commander was assassinated, Nancy has been turning to Joan Quigley for help. Through the interpretation of her astrological results, she can influence the Chief Commander's schedule, personnel arrangements, and other major decisions. .

   "How do I find this Capricorn man?" Nancy asked hastily.

"Let me see, he's a relatively young man, similar to your husband, his name is Ronald, or Donald, and he has a lot of industry experience... Well, that's all you can see in a crystal ball. Much, Nancy. You don't have to look for it, he will come to you."

"Oh……"

  Nancy hung up the phone and started looking for the lucky man with a lot of thought.

   "Madam, the commander is going to Camp David for vacation. What movie copies do I need to bring?"

   "Do we have any choice?" Since Nancy and her husband entered the White House, she brought the habit of watching a few movies a week in Hollywood to relax in Washington.

   "There is a copy of the latest box office hit movie called 'Back to the Future'."

   "Who sent it?" Nancy became suspicious, who brought this movie? Will it cause a decline in fortune?

   "Uh..." The staff member felt guilty, Barbara and Nancy couldn't get along, if he said she arranged it...

   "It's a movie produced by Spielberg, sent by the young man who came to the White House last time, named Ronald Lee." The staff simply told the person who really sent the copy.

   "Ronald?" Nancy's eyes lit up, "Do you know what zodiac sign he is?"

   "Uh, I can call the Hollywood Film Association to ask about his birthday." The staff is no stranger to this task of checking horoscopes.

   "If it's a Capricorn, invite him over and join us to Camp David."

   (end of this chapter)