Exploiting Hollywood 1980

Exploiting Hollywood 1980 Chapter 482 Finalizes Director and Protagonist

Because Sybil Shepard is pregnant, she will take a break at the end of the season of "Blue Moonlight". The producers have prepared for this and have arranged the corresponding plot, allowing Sybil to film the two episodes first. The screen, and then the plot, are not in the Detective Agency for the time being.

However, the producers were suddenly hit by the timing of the twins' premature delivery.

The producers originally only knew that she was pregnant, not twins. In terms of time, there was not much preparation for sudden premature birth.

Therefore, after Shepard's public relations representative rushed to release the news to the media, the producers had no choice but to follow up and released the public relations draft drafted by Shepard. After revising the manuscript, the entire crew expressed their blessing to the heroine. .

This sudden attack method brings the audience into contact with the hot topics of discussion issued by Shepard at the first time. News about her loving husband, a healthy pair of children, blessings from the producer and so on.

However, Sybil Shepherd did not tell the producers the whole truth. The sudden production forced the crew to stop filming immediately...and such discussions were all reflected in the one-sided congratulatory phone calls from the audience to the TV station. become out of place.

The producers had no choice but to dilute the previously filmed scenes featuring Sybil into episodes over three months, and then let other actors fill in the plot. Her screen time has also become very small, and she basically has no scenes with Bruce Willis.

Bruce Willis had no choice but to sit back and quickly shoot the story for the next three months while waiting for Ronald and Silver to call him to make a movie.

This is fatal to the ratings of the TV series. You don't know how many viewers will continue to watch this TV series that lacks the appearance of a heroine.

After all, it's one thing to send blessings to female stars, but it's another thing if the TV series is not good to watch. Even the ABC TV station where "Blue Moonlight" is located still has popular dramas like "Growing Pains" to support the ratings.

"Blue Moonlight's" executive producer, Glenn Gordon Cullen, was furious. He was facing an established TV series whose ratings had begun to decline.

In the last episode of the third season last year, "Maddie" played by Sybil Shepard and "David" played by Bruce Willis, after three seasons of attraction to each other and opposition to each other, finally finally Became a couple.

But the audience was not satisfied with this plot. What they came to see was the plot of Maddie and David bickering with each other and worrying about each other. If the two of them really want to be together, they will lose the biggest attraction of the TV series.

So Glenn Gordon Cullen has begun directing the writers' room and began to slowly change the storyline, planning to have Maddie and David separate again about a third of the season and restore the setting of becoming happy enemies.

But when Sybil takes leave, he is bound to stick to the previous plot line and can no longer change the plot based on audience feedback.

In such a TV series, which relies entirely on the chemical reaction between the male and female protagonists to attract the audience, it is very fatal to leave the audience unsatisfied with the plot, and the heroine only appears for a few minutes in each episode.

Glenn Gordon Cullen was so angry that he submitted his resignation and asked the company to hire another Gao Ming or rewrite the role of Terry, the new character of this season. Let Brooke Adams, the female star who plays the role of a single mother,

Written as the new love interest for David, played by Willis.

Of course, ABC has doubts about this adjustment. In their view, the success of "Blue Moonlight" is entirely due to the selection of the right male and female protagonists. Sybil Sheppard is already 37 years old, but she still has the air of a young city woman under thirty years old.

Paired with Bruce Willis, who is just in his early thirties but looks old, it feels like a couple.

Glenn Gordon Cullen scoffed at this. The producer who previously produced the detective TV series "The Legend of Remington Steele" starring Pierce Brosnan bluntly stated that his grasp of detective dramas is The reason why it ranks ninth in the country in ratings.

He gave ABC a choice, either keep Sybill Shepherd or keep him. One has to be fired anyway.

…

Ronald learned about another round of quarrels in the TV series through Demi Moore's whistleblower. He came to Joel Silver to finalize the key members of the cast.

"Bruce Willis is finally willing to join. It's really an opportunity given by God." Joel Silver has a bit of mysterious trust in Ronald's vision. No matter who he chooses to be the protagonist, this person can make them famous.

The most recent "Dirty Dancing" actor Patrick Schwytz has become famous and was recently invited to the White House to receive an award from the First Lady in person.

The heroine, Jennifer Gray, is also constantly being booked for films. If she hadn't recovered from her neck injury in her boyfriend Matthew Brodick's car accident, she would have been the subject of competition for multiple projects.

Audiences across the United States fell in love with the good Jewish girl Baby played by this actress. Even though the typical Jewish big nose ruined the balance of the facial features, the audience tolerated it. Voted her among the top ten most popular teen actresses in America.

"However, we can't let him feel that we can't do it without him, Ronald." Joel Silver is a veteran producer who has rich experience in handling overconfident male protagonists.

"What do you have in mind?" Ronald was already prepared for the difficulties and wrangling a producer would face with a star, and now was a good opportunity to learn from Silver.

"The Eastern philosopher, Confucius once said," Silver leaned back and sat on the chair, then stretched out his right hand and drew a half circle, "If you have the ability to do it, you must show a certain attitude at this time." Act like you can't do it; if you can't do it, act like you can definitely do it..."

"That's what SunTzu said," Ronald whispered, but this strategy might be a good idea in this situation.

When Bruce Willis contacted him about this, he asked him to take care of both TV series and movies. Naturally, Willis and his agent knew that Ronald and Silver needed him.

In addition to the 5 million salary proposed by the new president of Fox, he also proposed various superstar benefits. For example, it requires a luxurious RV, a place for girlfriend Demi Moore to rest, his designated assistant, hairstylist, makeup artist, and a separate dressing room... Of course, all of this is paid for by the film studio.

And all of this is because Willis's agent felt that the producers had no other candidates besides him.

What Ronald and Silver have to do now is to make various noises to make them feel that besides Willis, there is not no second choice here.

"I sent an invitation to Harrison Ford and asked him to come to the party and talk about future cooperation." Ronald touched his chin. He brought back many classical books from the East and quickly understood this kind of thing. . Anyway, Harrison Ford is not willing to act in the original script, so I am talking to him about other cooperation opportunities.

"Bingo, I'm going to meet Leonard Goldberg, the new president of Twentieth Century Fox. He's an old man in television. He knows this kind of thing." Joel Silver's reaction to Ronald was very satisfy.

"What kind of news are you going to make? I think the best candidate for this movie is Bruce Willis. Don't make it self-defeating." Ronald was a little worried. "The key to this movie is to make the audience think that the hero John ·McLean is just like them, and he also has many unsatisfactory places in his life..."

"I understand, I understand, so I won't let the suitability of the casting go..." Silver already agreed with Ronald's reason for casting, "I plan to start with his salary, and in Haolai It will arouse some discussion in the studio and also warm up our movie..."

"Hahaha... You are really..." Ronald admired this trick very much. He could eat two things for one fish. While lowering the price, he could also speculate for free.

And the point of this hype is exactly what Roger Ailes, George Sr.’s campaign consultant, said, people like it best if they hit the gossip topic directly...

"It's not bad." Silver showed a "better" smile and sat back on the sofa.

"I'll go find him and do an audience popularity survey for Willis, so that we can go downhill when the time comes."

"Good idea!" Silver jumped up from the sofa after hearing Ronald's idea, "Shxt", he was so excited that he knocked his thigh down again, rubbing it while praising, "This is a good idea, It fits perfectly with our plan to stir up gossip.”

"Tomorrow we will meet the director candidate. His last film was said by Roger Ebert to make the audience care about the protagonist from beginning to end, which exactly meets your requirements for a film." Joel Silver also decided The time was set for the meeting between the director candidate and Ronald.

…

"Oh, he is just a clown. He gave me 1.5 points, and he also pretended to say that I would direct the male protagonist Pierce Brosnan. He criticized the story content of my movie. This kind of film critic is the most annoying."

The director candidate, John McTiernan, who was in his thirties, heard Ronald asking about film critics. He didn't show any respect to Roger Ebert and scolded him.

His first movie was called "Nomadland," an action movie starring Pierce Brosnan. The box office was very poor, only 2.3 million US dollars.

But the second one was Fox's blockbuster action science fiction film this summer, "Predator," which took in more than $50 million at the box office.

Therefore, Silver has great trust in a director who has proven himself at the box office and will create a leading actor that the audience can care about. He was the second best candidate after Ronald, and the first one to recommend it to Ronald.

"Oh, he and I also have a bit of history... Without talking about this boring person, what do you think of the movie? Especially the leading actor John, he is the key to this movie..."

"I like this script very much. It has a sense of humor. Unlike Stallone's action movies, the terrorists in the villains are all disgusting, obscene idiots."

John McTiernan said a lot of what he thought of the script, and most of it was the same as Ronald's interpretation, and in the dream.

"I plan to find a male protagonist like Cary Grant, who is gentle on the surface but calm on the inside. Such a person can defeat the terrorists when they hijack the building headquarters... Just like the male protagonist of my first movie, Like Pierce Brosnan..."

"Ahem..." Joel Silver gestured beside him, indicating that he didn't know John McTiernan had so many ideas. In fact, the de facto executive director does not have much say in the casting matter. It is decided by the two producers and the president of 20th Century Fox.

"Aha..." Ronald was about to retort, but he remembered the Eastern wisdom maxims Silver said yesterday. John McTiernan actually has no power, but instead acts like he has the power. People always tend to approve, as if they make decisions themselves, rather than those given by their boss.

"Actually, have you ever thought that we might be able to tell the story from another aspect?" Ronald began to think of reasons while convincing the other party.

"What storyline? I'm very interested..." John McTiernan didn't dare to neglect Ronald. He was a man with a very keen sense of commercial movies.

"We all agree that the key to this movie is that the audience recognizes that the protagonist is a member of their group and an ordinary person." Ronald observed John McTiernan's eyes and saw that he agreed with this, so he continued. Go down.

"A New York police detective came to the free and open Los Angeles. His wife's salary was much higher than his. She didn't use his surname, but her maiden name as her working name. Ordinary viewers must also often encounter troubles in the workplace. , and finally McLean used his experience and wisdom to defeat the terrorists and win back his wife's love..."

"You're right, it seems we should find an actor who looks like an ordinary person..." John McTiernan mused. This kind of producer who is a successful director will think about problems from the director's point of view.

"We might be able to find someone who looks ordinary but has a sense of humor, the kind of guy in the company you can go have a beer with after get off work."

"It's important to have a sense of humor. What's more important is that the appearance should not be that of a wise gentleman, but should have a blue-collar temperament." John McTiernan was inspired and began to express his own views, "Well, like this Where can I find actors?"

"Actually, I hope you can give us some inspiration..." Ronald shrugged sincerely, and then gave Silver a look.

"Yes, John, you have a very deep understanding of action movies. Who do you think is more suitable? In fact, the requirements for acting skills are not high. It is best to have someone who has played similar roles, or who has performed in his true colors." Silver understood.

"I think about it, it seems that there is really no such actor in the film industry, but the young Frank Sinatra is quite suitable."

"Let's use this template to find, young Frank Sinatra." Ronald felt that this guidance was in the right direction.

"I don't usually watch TV. Are there any suitable TV actors recently?"

"Ha, one thing comes to mind. What do you think of Bruce Willis, the male protagonist of Blue Moonlight? He has a very friendly smile and a low-level blue-collar temperament."

"He..."

"What? What's wrong with him?" John McTiernan felt that he had finally found a suitable one, but there was no problem.

"We contacted him before, but he couldn't juggle TV series and movies."

"Didn't you read the news? The heroine of that TV series, Sybil Shepherd, has given birth and needs to take a break. It's not a good time." John McTiernan said immediately.

"Really? How about we..."

"I'll have 20th Century Fox contact him right away," Silver responded.

…

"Ronald, I don't know who released this news. It's obviously aimed at Bruce. You have to help him."

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Demi Moore held her boyfriend Bruce Willis' arm and entertained Ronald for dinner at her big house in Beverly Hills. This was the Chinese chef she specially invited as the hostess.

"This chef is very authentic, and the food is the same as what I had in China." Ronald took a bite of the fried vegetables, which tasted very good.

Joel Silver's trick worked quickly. The gossip media Hollywood reported that Bruce Willis is expected to join the new film created by Ronald and Silver.

In particular, as a newcomer in the film industry, Bruce Willis received a salary of 5 million that only veteran actors such as Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, and Warren Beatty could receive.

Such a star in the television industry was actually on an equal footing with other movie stars. The article reported by Hollywood had a subtle insinuation that Willis was not qualified. This has also caused a lot of controversy in the circle of film actors.

It doesn't matter that your TV dramas have poor acting skills and high pay. When you first enter Hollywood, you have to compete for the roles of movie actors. Our salary is more than 1 million, and we all have to work hard for many years. Why do you only have one box-office movie? People who are mediocre in movies can reach the sky in one step.

There were constant questions from the industry and the media, and Bruce Willis felt the pressure, fearing that he would lose his position as the protagonist. At this time, Demi Moore took the initiative to ask Cameron Crowe, the screenwriter of "St. Elmo's Fire" who she played in that year, and Ronald's good friend, to invite him to her home for a private reception to clear the relationship.

"Ronald, my agent, may have said something to you that was not my original intention. Before filming the TV series, I had been acting as a sidekick, so my agent wanted to get treatment for me. As an actor, in fact, as long as I have a dedicated Just a makeup artist and hairstylist.”

Bruce Willis also defended himself. During the stock market crash, the number of film productions shrank significantly, and no new projects were heard of. He was eager to get this role.

"You will be treated as you should be. This is the rule of the film industry." Ronald waved his hand to indicate that this was not a problem. "Movies are different from TV series. The script is created first, and it is rarely a big deal during the filming process. The revision is different from the way TV dramas revise the big story line based on audience feedback."

"Of course, of course I respect the director, I saw John McTiernan's 'Predator' and it was fantastic."

Although Bruce Willis didn't go to school much, he had seen a lot in the TV drama circle. He could hear Ronald knocking him out, and immediately hinted that he would never act like a big star this time, asking for script changes for him and other star bad habits.

"Bruce is an actor who respects directors very much. This time Blue Moonlight's producer Glenn Gordon Cullen, Bruce is on his side." Demi Moore also supported.

"Oh, what's their final result?"

"ABC executives still chose Sybil from the second choice. Sybil did not appear in the new episode and only had a recording. The ratings dropped drastically, so ABC chose her instead of him."

Bruce Willis and Sybil Shepard actually had deep conflicts, but it was impossible for him to kick Sybil away for the sake of the producers. He also felt that this TV series would not work without either of them.

"Ronald, I like your movies very much. Look here. I bought your Top Gun video and Demi and I watched it at night."

Bruce Willis didn't know how to ask for help. He started praising Ronald in a cowboy manner, but he couldn't say anything good to flatter him, so he could only flatter Ronald awkwardly.

"Ronnie..." Demi Moore looked on anxiously, and when Bruce turned to play the videotape, she pinched Ronald's butt.

"Ouch..." Ronald almost shouted.

"What's wrong?" Willis came back and asked.

"Ahem, actually, this matter is not without improvement." Ronald slowly pretended to put his hands on his hips, and then rubbed his butt.

"You have to know that the new president of 20th Century Fox, Leonard Goldberg, is the president of the network. His strategy is to use the same stars in TV series and movies. Silver will meet He, I think he will speak for you."

"Aha, let me tell you, TV drama actors are the ones who impress the audience the most. What do you think, Demi, am I the most famous action actor in America?" Bruce Willis made a bodybuilding move.

"When you audition, don't do this move that reminds you of Stallone."

"Hey, hey, okay, I won't do it." Bruce Willis put down his arm, "I'll get you a cup of coffee. Demi bought it. She knows where to buy good things."

In order to flatter Ronald, Willis took the unprecedented step of making coffee himself.

"Ronnie, can you let me play the leading role?" Demi Moore still didn't give up. "You see, Sybil Shepard can play roles that look different from her. She is already 37 and has three children. Mother, you can also play a woman in your 20s."

"This is not something I can decide, Demi." Ronald obviously could decide, but said he couldn't. "This movie requires chemistry. Bruce will most likely get the role. It depends on whether he and you are a good match on the screen. "

"Here you go, Ronald." Willis brought the coffee back and sprinkled some on the table.

Demi Moore frowned.

She turned to her boyfriend and asked, "Bruce, would you like me to play the heroine of this movie? I want to appear on the screen at the same time as you?"

"How is that possible? You are a mother of two school-going children, and you are still a young girl. My dear, you want to be my woman, don't you now?"

"Hmph..." Demi slapped her boyfriend on the butt.

"Well..." Then she was hugged by Bruce Willis and kissed her.

"Isn't Demi stunning?"

"Be prepared. Maybe Mr. Goldberg, the president of Fox, myself, Silver, and director John McTiernan will jointly interview you."

…

The joint interview was a success, and Fox CEO Goldberg was eager to adopt a new strategy to integrate Fox's television networks and film divisions. The most important step is to prove to people that there is no big gap between TV actors and movie actors. TV stars can seamlessly switch to acting in movies without affecting the box office of the movie due to their performance style.

Such a large company with TV and film companies can integrate resources and promote each other to form a reasonable one. He would not allow anyone to question his decision to give Bruce Willis $5 million as the top male actor in a movie.

At this time, Ronald came up with the survey he commissioned. Although Bruce Willis's fame did not have a positive influence on whether to go to the movies, it did not have a negative influence on whether to go to the movies. With this investigation, it was enough for Goldberg to give an account.

Director John McTiernan is also very satisfied with Bruce Willis. The character he thought of is very suitable for the script. As for whether he can make a movie, it doesn't matter. After two months of training, he will be able to do it.

"Next is the supporting actor, the actor of the terrorist leader Hans Gruber. This is also very important. How powerful the hero is must be contrasted by the villain. What we are looking for this time is not that kind of character. A traditional goofy villain.

Instead, they need to find someone with a high IQ who disguises the robbery as an action to release terrorists. Unknowingly, the police take away the real target, a large amount of bearer bonds. "

John McTiernan, eager to find a key role, began preparations.

"What do you think?" Ronald asked for advice first.

"He needs to not look like a terrorist, but preferably the kind of actor from Shakespeare's plays. The audience will immediately think that he is a good guy, like a university teacher, and even a little charming. Women will love him if they don't know his background." Fuck him..." begins John McTiernan.

"Well... if you put it that way, I know a Broadway actor who plays the leading actor in 'Dangerous Liaisons'. Why don't you go with me to watch his performance live?"