Exploiting Hollywood 1980.

Chapter 1472 Happy Diane
"What do you think of the script, Ronald?"

"Not modern enough, Tom, not modern enough. This is an adaptation of a TV series from the 1988s. Many elements can be retained, but the core and structure have long been outdated. The reboot also proved to be unpopular with modern audiences and was cancelled before the second season was finished..."

"What do you mean by modern times?" Tom Cruise leaned his head forward. He had just finished filming "Interview with the Vampire", a big production financed by David Geffen. His hair was still loose and long as in the TV series. He couldn't wait to come to Ronald with Paula Wagner to discuss the production of the first film after his C/W company signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Paramount.

"The core of the plot is too old-fashioned. The audience can guess the ending after seeing the beginning. We need to add some repeated twists and turns to keep the audience surprised after twenty minutes. Anyway, the script still needs to be polished..."

Ronald helped contact Australia to shoot a cheap reboot of the 1988 TV series Mission: Impossible, but it was soon cancelled because the audience was no longer interested in such a story.

After receiving the mission, various professionals join in, self-destruct the mission brief, and then rely on low-tech headgear props to unexpectedly complete the mission. This setting was still popular with TV audiences in the 1960s and 1970s, but now everyone has watched too many movies and TV dramas and doesn't feel much about it.

In order to get the audience to pay for such a spy war drama, in addition to a large number of exciting action, explosions, and gun battles that cannot be seen on TV and can only be feasted on the eyes in wide-screen movies, the plot must also keep the audience's interest as much as possible. Once they have the idea of ​​"this will definitely be the case later", there must be an unexpected reversal to give them a shot in the arm and keep them watching attentively.

"You're right. That's exactly what I like about this series. The approximate length of the original version would require three or four TV scripts to fill the movie..." Tom Cruise turned around and said to Paula Wagner very happily.

It was his first time to work as a producer, and he didn't know how to do many things, so he asked Ronald for advice. Sure enough, no matter what I said, Ronald was very capable and saw the key points at a glance, "We have to tell Bruce Geller about this idea..."

Paula Wagner nodded, Bruce Geller was the producer of the original TV series, and the screenwriter and director of the first film. This time he also joined the screenwriter work of the movie version of Mission: Impossible.

After Paramount was successfully acquired by Viacom, the film production department was the least affected. The TV department had been drastically cut by Redstone, with some sales and mergers, and Ronald's DDH also acquired some TV stations.

Redstone placed high hopes on the film production department because it could provide stable profits and cash flow. Shirley Lansing, who was exposed by Ronald last time, had decided to focus on making big-budget commercial films that would definitely make money with the participation of stars. So he gave all the scripts and films in Paramount's library to Paula Wagner, asking her to let Tom Cruise choose which script he liked and then invest in the filming.

Tom Cruise also likes to watch the TV series "The Last Thing", so he picked this one out of various scripts to remake. C/W also bought the copyright of the TV series and the opening theme song, and invited the producer and screenwriter of that year to join, vowing to let the fans of that year witness the return of 007 wearing a mask.

Of course, Ronald was also invited to invest in this impossible mission and became a priority investor. The investment amount was not large, and it looked like a friend's endorsement for Tom Cruise's first independent blockbuster.

Tom Cruise also wanted to invite Ronald to be the director and producer, but Ronald did not take the initiative. He knew that he was not very good at this kind of suspense film with many interlocking plots and suspense. Besides, this kind of movie would not be of much help to his career as a director.

Although Cruise was disappointed, he was still glad that Ronald became an investor. In the production business, Ronald was like his mentor. Sometimes when he couldn't figure out a solution, the mentor, with his rich experience, could come up with a solution in just one or two words.

"Who do you think we should look for as director?" Tom Cruise asked Ronald directly.

"Wrong question. You are the de facto producer of this film. What you need is a screening condition..."

"I understand. What type of director should we look for? A newcomer, an experienced veteran, or a European mercenary?" Tom Cruise said excitedly. It feels great to be a producer.

On the set, no matter how big a star Cruise is, he is still a character directed by the director. But as a producer, he can choose the director instead, which makes him feel that everything is under his control.

"What genre do you think this movie is?"

"It's a mixture of many genres, including a love triangle, thrilling spy wars, suspense and reversals..." Tom Cruise is very familiar with these.

"I think the most important things in it are your action scenes and suspense. Your actions in the script are undoubtedly beyond the audience's imagination, and the suspense also grips the audience..."

"Yes, yes, these two are the most important. Which one do you think we should look for?"

"Who do you think is the first director in Hollywood history, including those who have passed away, who would make this type of movie?" Ronald tried not to give a direct answer to Tom Cruise. After all, Cruise is already the top box office star in Hollywood, and he should be treated as an important person in some matters. It is best to let him come up with these ideas himself.

"It's definitely Hitchcock. The suspense is great, and the action is great, too. For example, the birds flying around in the flock, and the shot of the plane diving in North by Northwest..."

"Bingo, let's look in that direction..."

Paula Wagner certainly saw Ronald's deep meaning, and she was very satisfied. This is how she treats Tom Cruise all the time. Don't treat him as a fool, but sincerely believe in his ability, only then can you gain his friendship.

She herself has been secretly calculating which directors have proven abilities in these areas.

"Ronald, there are some things I have to admire about you. Under your leadership, Tom Hanks gradually transformed from a light comedy actor to a serious actor. After I got the Oscar nomination, I watched the movie "The Trap" in which I played and the movie "Philadelphia" in which he played together.

In terms of performance, hey, I won’t say this to the fourth one, he is indeed talented. What do you think I need to do to plan my career in the future when I take on new roles…”

Tom Cruise was very happy today and said some things that he couldn't say normally. He was the first actor to work with Ronald, so why is Tom Hanks now more popular than him in the critics and award circles?

This has to do with the man in front of him, Ronald. When he was filming Top Gun and getting paid top-notch money in the industry, Hanks was still filming comedies like Grown Ups.

God knows why he is now also starring in such a critically acclaimed movie like The Philadelphia Story?

"That's Paula's expertise. No one in Hollywood understands you better than her..." Ronald certainly wouldn't steal the job from Paula.

"To be honest, if you have any suggestions, Tom and I will be happy to listen..." Paula Wagner was very satisfied with this. Ronald's status is different now, and his praise must have a different weight in Cruise's ears.

"Have you ever thought about doing a romantic comedy?" Ronald suddenly thought of Cameron Crowe's project. Again, he wouldn't bring it up directly.

"Why?" Tom Cruise looked confused. He actually made his debut in teenage romance movies. Why is he going back to that kind of movie now? He wants serious dramas, the kind of roles that can get more Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

"I just have some feelings recently. Look at Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks. Before they got those roles, they also starred in movies with a lot of romantic scenes. This may be the ultimate test for male stars by the audience and Hollywood..."

Ronald didn't say enough. The pay and appeal of a male star requires action and romance, and only after both are popular in the market can he have the opportunity to perform in such a large-scale production that reflects social reality.

It depends on how you understand it, whether it's luck or some other reason, in short, as a Hollywood A-list male star, such things are always something you have to consider. What if it's true?
"Ronald, do you have any romantic love projects now? Are they suitable for me?" Tom Cruise thought about it and realized that both Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks became lucky after starring in romantic comedies.

"I have a lot of projects here, but they are all small productions and may not be suitable for you. We can see what projects Columbia or Universal has..." Ronald did not mention the name of "Mr. Sweetheart".

……

"I only have one vote for the Oscars. I won't use any influence on other people's votes this year...it all depends on your luck..." After talking about career, Ronald talked to Cruise about flying, and Paula half-jokingly asked Ronald to help Cruise with his Oscar nomination. Ronald said that.

"I understand. I'm grateful for the nomination. And your vote..." Tom Cruise got the hint from Paula's eyes and came over to smooth things over. It seemed that Ronald would not intervene on a large scale this time. He also made some of the PR networks he had developed open to all actors in his production projects who were interested in PR for the Oscars.

Whether you can win the award depends on your own investment and ability.

"Paula, you have to find out what romantic project Ronald is going to do. I'm going to do that after I finish Mission: Impossible."

Tom Cruise discussed with Paula Wagner as soon as Ronald left. Ronald must be planning some romantic movie, but he may not think he is suitable for that movie.

What a joke, is there any romantic film that Tom Cruise is not suitable for? He must find out about that project, he doesn't believe that with Cruise's own box office appeal and the huge investment that will surely come, there will be directors who are unwilling?

……

"Woody Harrison, James Woods, it's really troublesome to act with them..."

After returning home, Diane complained to Ronald. The actor that Cameron Crowe found was not more handsome than Tom Hanks?

Moreover, these two actors are actors who use some method acting skills, and acting with them feels like torture. These two male actors like to talk non-stop. There is a simple audition, which is nothing more than seeing if they have chemistry when standing next to Diane. Is it necessary to make such ineffective efforts?

"Don't blame them. There are only a few first-line male stars now, and most of them have film contracts. I will talk to Cameron. If you agree, then we would rather wait for some time until we find a suitable schedule to start filming..."

Ronald hugged Diane to comfort her. She had many ideas and ambitions in acting, and sometimes she was dragged down by herself and couldn't get good roles, which was a great sacrifice.

Besides, these two male actors might not be so innocent. They deliberately tried hard to show off, hoping that Diane would know them through her mouth.

"You mean Tom? I've worked with him several times. He's a good choice, except that he's not unconditionally handsome. I'm willing to wait for him for a while..." Diane was very happy. Tom Hanks' status is still rising. With him joining the cast, the investment and influence of the entire film will rise again.

"As long as the schedule is not a problem, I believe I can definitely attract a good first-line male star. After all, who can resist the temptation of playing opposite Diane Lane in a romantic drama?"

"Hahaha, ummm..." Diane was halfway through her happy laughter when she was sealed by Ronald's lips.

"Diane, good news, a big-name star has expressed interest. When are you free, can you meet with him?"

The next day, Cameron Crowe called. Tom Cruise was very efficient and spent one night to find out about the "Jerry Jane". He called to express his willingness to participate and make additional investments. However, due to schedule reasons, he hoped that Crowe and the already confirmed female lead Diane could wait for some time.

"Tom? Isn't he going to star in a space-themed movie next? And he wants to direct his own movie? I heard that Forrest Gump has several movies waiting for him. He plans to come here after he finishes that one..." Diane heard this, although it was not unexpected, but she also hoped that he could join the crew as soon as possible. But what about investment? Tom Hanks wants to be a producer now?

"Ha, no, you're wrong. It's not your old partner Hanks, it's another Tom?"

"Another Tom? Could it be Tom Cruise?" Diane got Crowe's confirmation on the phone. "Wow, haha, you know what? Cameron, Tom and I worked together before in The Little Boys. He also invited me to play his first leading role in the movie Good Boys, but my father refused at that time... Hehehe, but now there is still a chance..."

"Ronnie, Ronnie, you know what? Tom Cruise is going to play in this movie, Jerry Jane. He also said he was very happy to work with me. This is a collaboration that is ten years late..." Diane hung up the phone and ran in, shaking Ronald's arm vigorously. Cruise and his girlfriend Rebecca De Mornay both became famous overnight. It would be a lie to say that he didn't regret it.

"Ah, ah..." Ronald was a little dizzy after being shaken by Diane. No, why are you so excited? Is it so exciting to work with Tom Cruise?

(End of this chapter)