Exploiting Hollywood 1980

   Chapter 689 Are mentally handicapped characters easy to play?

  The three female models were very excited to know that they would be able to appear in Universal's theatrical movies. They were told to open a movie starring Michael J. Fox, one of the hottest male stars right now, with a cameo as a model.

   "Thank you, thank you, thank you", the three models took Ronald's hand and thanked him continuously. Tom Pollack is very measured, and the agent of the three models also fully explained that they were selected by Ronald's recommendation.

   "You don't need to thank me at all. Herbert Ross, the famous director of this movie, took over. He is the final decision maker. You have to thank him."

  Ronald doesn't want to take credit, and Herbert Ross, who had directed "All In," was an ideal candidate for this kind of small-town youth story.

   And he is known for using the actors as props when shooting, rigidly and faithfully completing the work according to the shooting schedule. If it weren't for the outstanding strength of the three models, they would seem to be in the New York model circle at first glance, and they would also cause trouble there.

   Veteran directors are very strict about this kind of thing, and they pay attention to a group performance that also conforms to the identity of the characters.

   "But our agents all said that we can only make cameo appearances because of your recommendation." Paulina Poleskova is the most blunt, she only accepts the agent's message. In the model industry, it is the most important to see who is the noble person who can support you.

"If I hadn't heard that Ronald, you're the director, I wouldn't have wanted to come. I wouldn't even want to get up in the morning." Linda Evangelista has a changeable style, and she is also favored by big international brands. I really want to participate in a movie like "Top Gun" to open up a new battlefield for my modeling career.

   "Anyway, we can be selected, thanks to you." Cindy Crawford has the best temperament among the three, with a free and easy and indifferent American girl character. She has the least seniority among the three, and now she has no big name.

   Fortunately, her face is a bit like Gia Carangi, who was hailed as a supermodel by the media in the past two years, and her face is more American. Coupled with the unique catwalk skills, she will soon be favored by big names.

   The three of them performed a model catwalk in the audition room just now, and Herbert Ross also invited Ronald to watch it together. After watching it, the old director smiled and decided to use the three of them on the spot.

   The catwalks among the three are all of a high standard. Among them, Cindy Crawford is the most natural. The steps meet the highest requirements of fashion models, but there is also a kind of freedom that others cannot walk.

   Ronald also read her resume just now. She was admitted to the Department of Chemical Engineering of Northwestern University with an academic merit scholarship, and then dropped out to pursue her modeling career.

   Ronald was still waiting to audition for the heroine Helen Slater, and he was happy to chat a little more with the three beauties.

   "Don't your models get up early every day, exercise and live a very healthy life?" Ronald has seen many interviews with well-known models in the media, and he always feels that they live a boring life. Surprised to hear that Linda Evangelista is still up at noon.

"That's all a lie. We walk so **** the stage, how can we not be full? At most, we don't touch steak and desserts, and we eat more pasta." Liga did not like the hypocritical atmosphere of interviews.

"That is, if the price of the work that day can't be more than five thousand dollars, I don't even bother to get up." Linda Evangelista also has a very natural personality of a spoiled and beautiful girl. Dare to say it before.

"We all rely on exercise and also do yoga. Being a model is very hard, but if you gain weight and can't fit into size 2 clothes, you will also be eliminated." Cindy Crawford seems to be the most motivated of the three. Every day Movement is constant.

  The three models don't want to go, they want to spend more time with Ronald. Their respective agents have reminded that Ronald's ex-girlfriend is the former American sweetheart, once the most famous fashion model, Brooke Shields, who made CK jeans the best-selling jeans brand in one fell swoop.

Also, that commercial was shot by Ronald, and if they were lucky enough, Ronald showed something, and they seized the opportunity to greatly improve their careers, popularity, and entry into the film industry. .

   "Ronald, I'm done auditioning, I feel...", Helen came out and interrupted Ronald's chat with the three beautiful models.

   "Okay, let's talk about it in another place." Ronald interrupted Helen's idea of ​​telling the audition situation at the entrance of the audition room and said goodbye to the three models. They both embraced Ronald very intimately with fashion-industry etiquette, followed by three veneers and another kiss.

  Helen was no stranger to this kind of etiquette common in the entertainment industry. She looked at Ronald to say goodbye with a smile, then put her hand on Ronald's arm, deliberately walked on the side of the models and went out together.

   "Hey..." The three models sighed at the same time, but they didn't get Ronald's contact information.

   "Keep it, I asked Ronald's agent to get the business card. It has Ronald's personal phone number on it. Put it away quickly and don't let others see it."

  Cindy Crawford's agent came out and quickly found her client, covered it with her hands, and quickly stuffed her a business card.

   "Oh..." Crawford immediately shut up, found his handbag, took out the vanity mirror and pretended to touch up his makeup, and quickly slipped the business card into the handbag.

   "Bye, Cindy."

  Polina and Linda and Cindy Crawford say hi. The smiles on their faces are also full of smiles, and it seems that the agent has also achieved success.

  …

   "I felt that I performed well in the audition, and Director Ross also praised my performance as being very natural." Helen was very happy in the car, and kept telling Ronald about the details of the audition.

   "It doesn't matter if you don't get selected, your 'There's a Wicked Husband' will be released soon, and there will be no shortage of script invitations after that."

   "I think my hopes are quite high. I have to start preparing and find the feeling of a professional woman."

   "Well, that's fine too."

  Herbert Ross is a Broadway and Hollywood director with a long "history" in the industry. Ronald knew that this kind of person often had a lot of relationships. Helen, as his relationship, actually had little hope.

   For an actress who has mentored and intimate relationships, Ronald has a psychological barrier. I always feel that I can't objectively guide their acting skills to achieve the desired effect.

  If it were an actress who just knew each other and had worked together, Ronald would be able to let go. He would lead when he should lead, and get angry when he should get angry.

   But now that the director has changed, Ronald felt that there was no need for any bad news, so he told Helen from his own mouth. If Herbert Ross chooses someone else then, it will be the old man's fault too.

   Helen likes to tell herself what she has in mind. The two chatted with each other in the car and soon arrived at CAA's office.

   "I'm going to talk to Nisita about the new script, you're waiting for me here, or?"

   "I went to the acting teacher Messner first, and he promised to let me join the class..."

  "Go ahead", Ronald rubbed Helen's short hair, she has been dyed blonde all the year round since she played Supergirl. Helen still attaches great importance to her acting skills, just a little too much.

  …

   Entered Nisita's office, and Ronald asked about the script written by Barry Morrow. This movie is a low-concept movie. The story told is very moving. Ronald found it very interesting. He has made a lot of high-concept exploitative films. .

   "The script for this movie is very interesting, and it doesn't have a traditional three-act play structure, but I have a feeling for the story. What is CAA going to do now, and which studio is it going to package and sell to?"

  Nisita continued to bring various Italian snacks, and then poured Ronald a glass of brandy.

   "President Michael Ovitz takes it seriously, this time he not only wants to pack, but also wants to be a real producer behind the scenes."

   "Oh? What did Mr. Ovitz say? He's going to feature the star?"

  The name of the script is called "RainMan", which is a very interesting story. It tells the story of Charlie Babbitt, who always thought he was the only son in the family. After his father died, he found that he had an older brother Raymond with mental problems.

   In order to **** the inheritance left by his father to his brother, Charlie stole his brother from the foster hospital and drove all the way. The two brothers finally understood each other, and Charlie finally reconciled with his brother who actually loved him very much, and his father who showed he didn't love him.

   The film was picked by CAA president Michael Ovitz. He felt that the film had the potential to impact the Oscars, so he decided to personally promote the film project.

"He's got a pair of brothers to talk to now, Randy Quaid, and Dennis Quaid. They've got better chemistry, too. And eldest brother Randy's a Broadway actor, and he's good enough for that retarded guy. Big Brother role."

   "Oh? Is it them?"

   Ronald pouted.

   He doesn't feel good about his younger brother, Dennis, who used Ronald's best friend, "High School of Rock" heroine PJ Sowers, to gain the upper hand and enter the mainstream Hollywood spotlight.

   After playing "Jaws 3D", he seduced Ronald to choose to shoot Burger King commercials, and admired her acting skills, Leigh Thompson, kicked away PJ Sols and divorced her.

   Ronald admired Leigh Thompson very much and planned to be the heroine in his own movie.

   But she was in a relationship with married husband Dennis Quaid, and Ronald was a little uncomfortable. After that, Thompson's own career development was as good as Ronald expected.

   This feeling is like finding a good thing on the street stall. Just when he was about to withdraw money to buy the space, Dennis Quaid came over and took it secretly.

   "So Ovitz is going to play Randy as brother Raymond?" Ronald asked, frowning.

   "Yes, what? Randy's acting skills are much better than his younger brother Dennis, and he is also an older brother. Do you want to use Dennis as your older brother? I thought you didn't like him a bit." Nisita was surprised.

   "No way, I really don't like Dennis very much, he treats my friend PJ very badly..."

   "And robbed your Leigh Thompson?"

   "Yes, I thought I could make some nice stories with her."

  Ronald doesn't have much resentment towards his girlfriend who broke up, but he resents a lot for stealing an actress who has strong acting skills and is willing to work hard.

   "Do you have any problems working with him? If not, I can ask Mr. Ovitz to replace him. Originally, he disliked the two brothers who were not famous enough."

   "I don't think so. Since Mr. Ovitz is optimistic about them, it must be suitable." Ronald thought for a while. He and Dennis Quaid were working together, not really grabbing a girlfriend.

   "Okay, I'll tell Michael." Nisita put down the notebook, "By the way, why do you think Randy is suitable for playing the younger brother?"

   "I think the younger brother needs more acting skills, the mentally handicapped elder brother is actually better at acting."

   "Why? Isn't it supposed to be difficult for the mentally retarded?" Nisita thought Ronald's idea was very interesting, and hurriedly asked.

   He didn't know whether it was a normal person who was good at acting or a mentally handicapped person, but there must be some truth in what Ronald said.

  The reason why Michael Ovitz jumped out to make this movie with all his strength is that he took a fancy to the role of the mentally handicapped brother. This year's film that reflected deaf children, "Children of God," received very good previews, and it was rumored in the industry that it would be a big hit at the Oscars next year.

   This makes Ovitz feel that the tide of society is turning towards caring for people with disabilities. Intellectual disabilities get less attention than physical disabilities, so it's a good bet.

"I've been to China, and there's a saying, it's easy to draw ghosts, but hard to draw people. Intellectual disability is a very unusual role, so the audience tends to think that the actor played it well. And the role of the younger brother is a normal person, So the audience will be more familiar with this kind of performance, and if the performance is not good, it will be very dazzling."

   "Good point, I have to write it down." Nisita opened the notebook again. This kind of perspective is what most practitioners lack.

  Only a genius director like Ronald, who has an intuition beyond ordinary people, can have a very keen response.

   He has seen so many actors. When most of them hear this mentally disabled character, their first reaction is that they need acting skills and want to play brother Raymond. No one has seen that normal person's younger brother. Under the direct comparison of the audience, he may have higher requirements for acting skills.

   "If this is the case, we can't completely pin our hopes on this movie." After Nisita and Ronald communicated, after thinking for a long time, he expressed his thoughts to the most important client.

   "Ovitz is very ambitious. He led the 'Ghostbusters' before, and many people say that he is the real producer. In that project, CAA tasted a lot of sweetness.

   And this time, he not only aimed at the box office, but also wanted to make a difference at the Oscars. So before we came to us, we went to Sidney Pollack, who just won Best Director for "Out of Africa."

   I said it just now. The Quaid brothers are not necessarily the last choice. Maybe if they do, you're a very good candidate. But if he wants to push more powerful male stars to star, things are very complicated. "

   "I understand that the big three in this movie are the two leading actors and the director."

  If Ovitz can pull in big investment, then it has to rely on directors and famous stars. If you use a superstar, then you have to accommodate the other person's preferences. If you invite two stars, I guess I am a bit too strong.

   In the Big Three, there can only be at most two real stars.

   After all, the studio invests in this kind of film that wins by plot and performance, mainly relying on the appeal of the stars, so that those audiences who usually do not step into the theater can watch it.

   The story of a mentally handicapped older brother, after all, is not as interesting as an aerial combat.

  A story that cannot be told in one sentence, how to promote and market it so that the audience will know that this is a good movie? That depends on the appeal of the leading actor.

   The appeal of the director in the minds of the audience is not as strong as that of the actors. There are still some viewers who don't know that "Top Gun" was directed by Ronald, but none of the viewers who have seen "Top Gun" do not know that the starring is Tom Cruise.

   "We'll deal with it this way, and if Ovitz has a new idea, we'll act accordingly."

  The two have negotiated, and Nisita turned to Ronald and told Ronald about the next itinerary.

   Immediately the two will fly to Tokyo for the premiere of "Top Gun" there.

   In addition, Ronald was also invited by some film and television agencies in Dongying to go there to discuss the possibility of cooperation. "Top Gun" is a story that can transcend language and culture, and it must perform well in the Eastern Market.

   "Longwei Kid 2" is another story about the life of Mr. Miyagi. The big shots there are very interested in such a director who likes to make Asian stories.

   Next, Ronald wants to make a movie related to Dongying, and they don't mind investing in projects. Making money in the American market is second, and the key is the Eastern Ying market. The market here is closed to Hollywood and Wall Street, and most of the films produced are also made by several major distributors in Eastern Ying.

   "Will Diane come with us this time?" Nisita asked.

   "She'll be on another flight, not with the crew," Ronald replied.

   There is only one update today

   (end of this chapter)