Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 1098 Ovitz's Guinness World Records

"Your Royal Highness, thank you very much for your help. I hope William will be happy because he broke the world record." Ronald had previously secretly asked Princess Diana to contact the publisher of Guinness World Records, the Guinness Company.It happened that Guinness wanted to strengthen the relationship with the royal family, and things went smoothly.

In addition to a world record that Ronald asked them to update, they also gave Diana's eldest son William a record-"the most popular royal baby in the world" by the way.

"Ha, William is very happy. When I went to see him in Wetherby, he felt very proud. Besides, you can just call me Diana, or Dai. It's really strange to be called Your Highness by friends."

Diana was delighted, and every time she went to see her sons at Wetherby, there was always a competition for the love of the children with their father, Prince Charles would take him for a horseback ride, and Diana would have to go through other means Stay close to your son.

She has nothing her husband can't give, and she can only do things for her children that normal parents would do to win their love.For example, she is the first princess to participate in the parent sports meeting of her son's school. She won No.1 in a mother race last year and No.2 this year. The children are all proud of having such a mother.

But this kind of thing is too rare, so the Guinness World Records Company contacted by Ronald gave the eldest son his exclusive world record, which can be regarded as helping her win a high score in the war.It's just that the younger son, Harry, is going to feel jealous again... and try to make it up to him next year.

"Okay then, I'll call you Dai..."

Princess Diana was very happy chatting on the phone. She likes to communicate with these successful people who work hard on their own, not those who rely solely on their ancestors... and asked about the release time of Ronald's new film and what new works are available.

Ronald promised that both "Steel Magnolia" and "When Harry Met Sally" would go to the London premiere and invite the princess's family to attend, and then put down the phone.

"It's done, let them send the materials to Fleet Street in London." Ronald signaled the media consultant to launch an attack on Ovitz.

Soon, many serious major newspapers in London, and more gossip tabloids, got news materials about Michael Ovitz, the founder of an agency company called CAA in Hollywood, USA.

The reason for the transfer through London is because Ovitz's power in the entertainment and media circles in America is too great for such a report to be issued.

CAA's income last year exceeded 6000 million. This year, with several blockbuster movies, it will get even more. In addition, Sony must pay him a high consulting fee. Ovitz's wealth growth is expected to exceed [-] million. .

It is said that the money is not top-notch compared to the rich in Hollywood, but CAA can also control the marketing budget of various film and television dramas and related advertising placement companies in the media.The influence on the media is considerable.

This made American gossip tabloids think about whether they can still receive advertisements if they want to write some lace gossip about Ovitz and sensationalize it.

Serious big newspapers are subject to the principle of fact. Before publishing the reports of such a person with great influence in the media, they must verify the facts with him or other insiders. This is almost impossible.

When Ronald's materials were released to the national media through anonymous means, none of the relevant people they contacted was willing to be interviewed.

After a round of probing, Ronald was surprised to find that none of the American media had published any of his interviews or in-depth reports.

Executives at major studios declined to comment.And those independent producers, such as Ray Stark, who Ronald worked with in "Steel Magnolia", even more bluntly told the New York media who wanted to interview him that he must first obtain the approval of CAA before he can do so. Ovitz was interviewed.

I don't know if it's because Ovitz himself is good at using negative news about celebrities and blackmailing them to achieve his own goals, so he himself has a very strict control over his own gossip news published in the newspapers.

But just like the so-called "power" obtained by threatening customers by grasping the handle of customers, or bullying the executives of major studios with a large number of investment projects, Ovitz's control of the news media is largely Borrowing other people's money and power.

There is not only one place in the world where freedom of the press can exist.

……

"Today in London, there is some news that you are interested in, Mr. Rupert." In the office of Rupert, the boss of Twentieth Century Fox, his secretary was holding two copies of the London newspaper controlled by his News Corporation. The special report of the newspaper was sent to him.

One was The Times, with a feature on "The Most Powerful Man in Hollywood..." The report used a quiz that challenged viewers to guess who was the most feared man in Hollywood across the ocean.

After denying the producers, studios, and directors, stars and other answers, they gave their own answers, which is Michael Ovitz, the owner of CAA agency company.

"Ovitz's power is achieved through his control of Hollywood's scarcest resource - the stars. He exploits the studios through packaging fees and the high salary paid to his stars.

His company dominated the Academy Awards late last year, with Rain Man beating out most of its competitors to bring glory to CAA's clients. "

"Ahem, this is a bit exaggerated..." Rupert cleared his throat, a little unhappy.This report elevates the boss of a brokerage company to a high position that he should not have.

"The four CAA packages released before the end of last year, 'Rain Man,' 'Twin Brothers,' 'Rhapsody,' and 'Mississippi Burning,' have grossed a combined nearly $3.8 million, and because of Ovie The studios have special contracts with these studios, and they take most of the profits.

Package the deal and let them take 5% of the pre-tax gross of the studio box office, the videotapes, and the TV broadcast share, it's like a tax payment to CAA, no matter how your costs change, at all Before people, CAA takes 5% first. "

"Ahem... Bah..." Rupert spit, and he immediately called his secretary to call the group's CFO to confirm the truth of Ovitz's arrogant share terms.In many cases, [-]th Century Fox needs the help of CAA and can only cover these expenses.

As for the several films co-produced with other independent producers, such as Ronald, Spielberg, Joel Silver, etc., Fox will enjoy much better conditions in terms of proportion and order more fair.

The stakes are high for publishers, and they deserve better terms.Instead of cutting away the risk-free 5% of the most essential piece of cheese like Ovitz did.

"Huh..." Rupert muttered dissatisfiedly, this report must be published by The Times.He picked up another copy of the Sun, and below the third page of the girl, a huge headline held the majestic picture of the girl just below it.

"The new Guinness World Record, the person who owns the most copyrights of his photos in the world..."

"Hey, interesting." Rupert coughed twice again, from which he guessed the train of thought of the person who provided the news material, "Interesting young man".

……

Ronald was in the flat, waiting for the news from London.I have spoken out my big words, but Ovitz is not someone he can handle casually, otherwise he would not be who he is now.

Jewish friends from all walks of life called him again. Now Ovitz has changed his caliber, saying that he used a large number of non-Jewish actors in the movie "Dirty Dancing" that reflects the important life of Jews, which is a kind of anti-Jewish. traditional blasphemy.

Moreover, let the heroine baby fall in love with the low-level Irish gigolo. This kind of male and female matching makes the young people cheer, but makes the old people feel dissatisfied.

Gradually, the malice against Ronald began to increase, including some actors who were not selected by him, and began to participate in the team of spreading rumors.

The most vigorous one is Sarah Jessica Parker, who lost to Jennifer Gray and did not win the role of Baby.She said that she lost the election because her nose was too "Jewish", and she lost to Gray, who had a less pronounced Jewish nose.

This statement sounds much more credible than Ronald's refusal.Gradually, the partners of some projects in the circle also hinted that they wanted to suspend cooperation with Ronald.

Although it is not obvious anti-Semitism, such discrimination against the typical appearance of Jews makes the Jews in the circle feel worse.Everyone wants to get a better role for themselves.

Many Jewish actors do not admit it, but they also know in their hearts that the appearance of their ethnicity is really ugly. If a director like Ronald becomes powerful, the chances will be greatly reduced. More care for Jews.

"Wade, I'm making a commercial film, not a Jewish documentary. I want handsome men and beautiful women. Do you understand handsome men and beautiful women? They don't want to use Jewish beauties like Claudia Wells. .”

Ronald was furious while listening to Richard's report.I make movies to ask for money and prizes, not to please the Jews.A woman with such an ugly face as Sarah Jessica Parker would not even be an extra if she hadn't been Orthodox Jewish.

I don't know who came up with this trick. Such half-truths and half-false rumors are much more effective than sensational rumors.

No one would believe that Ronald was anti-Semitic.But there's nothing wrong with saying that Ronald doesn't like Jewish actors at first sight.Compared with the film projects that CAA packaged, his films have a much lower percentage of Jewish actors.

However, that ratio should be what the entertainment industry should have!Compared with the proportion of Jews in the total population of America, there are too many Jews in the entertainment industry to the point of abnormality, even if you add the Jewish racial talent, it is impossible.

But the Jewish people didn't think so. They only saw that under Ronald, their chances were greatly reduced.

"If you look better, you won't be like this..." To put it bluntly, movies are also a commodity. How is it different from chewing gum and Coca-Cola?Ronald felt that he was really wronged. The audience loves to see beautiful women, but your ethnicity just doesn't have them.

For so many years, the most beautiful and most accepted female star is actually Barbra Streisand... and Claudia Wells, who is the most suitable for the big screen in Back to the Future, has been deprived of her Jewish identity by you ...reduced to me as a distribution manager.

"Hello..." Richard answered the call, and after a few sentences, he turned to Ronald seriously, "It's Rupert from Fox and News Corp..."

"Hi, Mr. Rupert, I'm Ronald." Ronald motioned for everyone to be quiet, took a deep breath, and picked up the receiver.

"Ronald, did you do it?" Rupert cut to the chase on the phone.

"What are you referring to?"

"Hey, it really is you. The material you prepared is very good. I just found out that in the past two years, he has eaten up too much profit from the film and TV department. I will support your strategy, and you can do it with confidence.

When you publish Ovitz's Guinness World Records in the newspaper, the serious media in New York will also be interested..." Rupert smiled and reassured Ronald, asking him to help him expose Ovitz, the biggest black hand in Hollywood. .

"Can you ensure the follow-up reports of the serious media?" Ronald was overjoyed. With Rupert's help, it was an extra layer of insurance.

"You have my promise, son." Rupert finished, and hung up the phone.

"He promised to help, you give me James Wells who is watching the daily news, I don't care what the reason is, they will reprint it as soon as possible... and then add the materials we added."

Ronald tasked media adviser Michael Gray with urging the Daily News to work.With the reports from The Times and The Sun, Ronald was still worried that the American media would be coerced by Ovitz not to reprint, or that they could not find suitable interviewees to verify the facts.

Therefore, he discussed the order of operations with Michael Gray and Richard.At the beginning, we couldn't immediately expose Ovitz, who used his power to suppress others in Hollywood, but started with a seemingly harmless gossip.

Next, wait for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, the three most influential serious media on the East Coast, to seize the opportunity to attack.

Just to be sure, he will then give Paramount's Ned Tanan, Fox's Leonard Goldberg, and Columbia's Frank Price, the three top seven producers who have worked happily with him. The studio president called and got them ready for interviews with some of America's biggest serious outlets.

"Hello? Ned?" Ronald first called Ned Tanan, who helped him set up the "Top Gun" project.

"An interview? How do you think I will challenge Ovitz who is in the limelight now? I am not the president of Universal and Paramount now, and my production company needs their nod to borrow big stars, sorry , Ronald." Ned Tannen, who was also Jewish, was unwilling to help.

"What if you have hope to become the president of the Seventh Congress again?"

"Wait a minute, you said..."

Sure enough, the biggest characteristic of the Jewish people is their verbal unity. As long as there is a price that can make their hearts move, a money bag containing thirty silver coins can make them do anything.

Among the three old friends who have worked together, only Frank Price, who is also white, is more righteous.He bought Ronald's first script at a high price, which was half-coerced by Ovitz. In addition, he had broken with the Jewish people in the industry and punched Sid Simberg.He was the most enthusiastic about being able to avenge Ovitz and help Ronald.

Just when everything was ready and just waiting for the launch, Ovitz sent Ron Meyer, one of the founders of CAA, to persuade Ronald to reconcile.

"Ronald, I'm really here to send a message to Michael, and it's also for you." Meyer dressed more like a middle class, not as domineering as Ovitz, which also made his words more convincing.

"This is the status quo of Jews in this industry. I will not lie to you against my will and say that you will not face any serious consequences. Although it will not be labeled as an anti-Semite in the industry, many Jews have doubts about you. , is inevitable.

And you Richard, I understand what you and Nisita and Wagner are thinking.Ronald and Cruise will always be your clients and no one can take them away from you.But did you just decide to leave CAA?William Morris and ICM don't have the comprehensive advantages we have now, and some things you don't feel when you are in it, but if you jump out of this environment, you can understand why CAA is the greatest agency company in Hollywood. "

"I said, Mr. Meyer. You are right. There are some things that do not feel unfair in the depths, but after you jump out, you will know who is squeezing and exploiting you for a long time." Ronald sees Meyer It was indeed a good fit, so he smiled and said to him:

"Let me give you an example. You and three other brokers left William Morris with Ovitz and founded CAA, but you are five equally divided shares. Why now Ovitz has an absolute controlling stake , and you still maintain the original growth rate?"

"Huh?" Ron Meyer didn't expect Ronald to turn it around, implying that he was the one who was exploited the worst by Ovitz.He faintly hinted that he should turn against the water at a critical moment and get rid of Ovitz together. "

But as the old saying goes, you can't premeditate mutiny.Ron Meyer adjusted his glasses, "I think the purpose of my coming has failed, but I have seen your sincerity, maybe we can negotiate something next time. Next, you have to prepare to meet Ovitz's wrath gone."

"He has to be ready to meet our wrath." Ronald sent Meyer away, and said to his agent Richard who was looking at him.

"The person who owns the most copyright of his photos in the world - Michael Ovitz, what makes him so concerned about not publishing his photos in the media?"

Early the next morning, the New York Daily News reprinted the news from the Sun on an important page, telling about several new world records set by the Guinness Company.Apart from the one about Prince William, what the audience is most interested in is the owner of the Hollywood CAA company, Ovitz.

Why would a person want to ban the news media from publishing his photos so much that he would buy out any photojournalists who take pictures of himself?Unless, is there something he wants to hide from the public?
Most viewers will think of this reflexively when they see this news.

The last American celebrity who did this was still rich because of the issuance of junk bonds. Now he is being hunted down by New York prosecutor Rudy, and Michael Milken is being prosecuted and tried.

"Ovitz went to Birmingham High School in the San Fernando Valley when he was young, and served as the president of the student union. One of his classmates is facing charges of tax evasion, insider trading, and stock price manipulation. The prosecution faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The king of junk bonds, Michael Milken."

"Good guy, no wonder they are so sneaky. They are all from a high school... This middle school is a place where real devils gather. Their principal must have deviated from the teaching of the Lord." An old lady who bought the Daily News, quickly Draw a cross on the chest to ward off evil spirits.

(End of this chapter)