The focus of the "Vanity Fair" party should be regarded as the external media area. Entering the interior of the party hall, the atmosphere becomes very relaxed and leisurely.
Eric walked into the party hall, greeted familiar guests, looked around, and was looking for Nicole and the others. Columbia Pictures CEO Bill Michanik walked with a middle-aged man with black-rimmed eyes. He came over and recognized the middle-aged man as Barry Sonnenfeld, the director of the "Men in Black" series, and Eric also went up to him.
After approaching, Barry Sonnenfeld stretched out his hand to Eric and said hello with a smile: "Good evening, Mr. Williams."
"Hello, Barry," Eric and Barry Sonnenfeld shook hands, then reached out to Bill Michanik, greeted the two, and asked, "What are you talking about?"
Bill Michanik: "Some movie stuff."
Sensing Bill Michanik's vague tone, Barry Sonnenfeld raised the wine glass in his hand to Eric with interest, and said, "Well, Mr. Williams, you talk, I'll call Will call."
Eric nodded at the other party, watched him leave, took a glass of red wine from the passing waiter, walked to the corner with Bill Michanik, and asked, "How did you talk?"
When Bill Michanik got in touch with Barry Sonnenfeld, the topic of course could only be the "Men in Black" series.
Bill Michanik shook his head with a wry smile, and said, "Barry and Will have just signed a film contract with Warner. Jon Peters' project is a TV adaptation called "Wild Storm". I asked , this is a sci-fi film about two agents trying to protect the president against an evil doctor, the background is set a hundred years ago. Also, I think Warner is clearly copying "Men in Black" this time In addition to Jon Peters, Barry and Will, Warner also intends to use another male lead similar to the role of Tommy Lee Jones. Sci-fi, dual male lead, comedy style, except that the alien is replaced by The mechanical monster made by Doctor Evil, the other elements are exactly the same.”
Eric listened to Bill Michanik's words and couldn't help frowning slightly.
A few years ago, after Sony withdrew the two helms of Columbia, Peter Cooper and Jon Peters, Peter Cooper, who had reaped the benefits, was already enjoying retirement, while Jon Peters was still active in Hollywood. Transferred to the former club Warner.
Although the original "Men in Black" was the project selected by Eric, it was mainly responsible for the Columbia team at the time, that is, Jon Peters and others.
It’s really not unusual for Hollywood to follow suit, but this kind of almost complete copy is a bit disgusting. If Warner brings Tommy Lee Jones in again, this is simply an alien version of "Black Clothed Man".
Eric didn't have the impression of the movie "The Wild Storm" in his memory. He didn't know if it was a butterfly or it was too much.
After continuing to ask Bill Michanik a few words, Eric realized that "The Wild Storm" should be regarded as a western costume science fiction film to be precise.
Western, ancient costume, and science fiction, these three elements are combined together to give people a completely nondescript feeling. Eric even thought of the "Rocket Expert" that Disney failed at the box office back then. It was also a retro science fiction film. "The Wild West" has added some more street-smarting Western elements.
Thinking involuntarily, feeling that he was beginning to fall into the bias of thinking, Eric shook his head and shook off these thoughts.
"Pirates of the Caribbean" is such a blockbuster film that smashes the box office, who can be sure how "Wild Wild" will turn out
However, speaking of it, Warner's recent moves in the film business are really frequent. First, it won the distribution rights of Adam Sandler's "Daddy Rush", and then snatched "Lola" at the Sundance Film Festival. Run, and now it's Wild Wild again.
The merger between AOL and Time Warner is under intense review by the U.S. Department of Justice. Presumably, these actions should be that Time Warner's forces are eager to make some achievements in order to consolidate their power in the new company after the merger.
Although this "Wild Wind" is really a bit irritating, Eric does not intend to have any emotional disputes with Warner.
Of course, don’t even think about getting any good advertising resources for this film on the TV platform of the Firefly system in the future, and the digital field will not provide any special effects support for this film. Let’s do it yourself in the era of light and shadow created by the three Meng families.
Thinking about these thoughts in his heart, Eric was about to say goodbye to Bill Michanik when he suddenly had a flash of inspiration, called him again, and asked, "John Wu is in charge of an action movie on your side recently, right?" ?”
"Well, "Stand-In Killer" has just confirmed the main creative candidate, and it will be launched soon," Bill Michanik nodded, and said, "Eric, what's the problem?"
"No, I mean, is Wu still preparing a war movie?"
"Yeah, he even showed me the script, it's called "Windtalker,"" Bill Michanik said, remembering again, and said: "By the way, Kenneth greeted me last time, Said that you told everyone not to get involved in this project, so I didn't continue talking with him."
Eric said in his heart that it really was "Windtalker", but he remained calm on the surface, but told Bill Michanik: "You find a way to push this project to Warner."
Bill Michanik immediately understood what Eric was going to do, with another wry smile on his face, and said: "But, Eric, you haven't read the script yet, in fact, I think this project is pretty good, Are you so sure Wu is going to mess it up?"
"Everyone has something they are good at," Eric said, "Have you ever heard of Wu making war movies? Actually, I don't understand why he is interested in war movies. He used to make comedies a long time ago. Yes, the results were a mess, and I found the right direction when I turned to the field of action movies, and now I want to change, I am not optimistic at all."
"Every director wants to try something new," says Bill Michanik. "Haven't you always been doing that yourself?"
"I'm not in the mood to argue with you about this," Eric shook his head and smiled, "Anyway, just do what I say."
Bill Michanik was a little tangled, and said, "But, what should I do?"
"This is your business, use your brain," Eric raised his hand and flicked the glass in the other hand, and said, "For example, after you said that after I read the script, I suddenly became interested in this project again." If you are interested, then talk to Wu, make the conditions stricter, and then quietly let the wind out, someone will naturally come to snatch it."
"What if it gets snatched by Universal and Paramount?"
"Anyway, as long as it's not for us to do it," Eric shrugged: "However, I think the possibility of falling on Warner is the greatest. Universal, Michael is smarter than you think now. As for Paramount, Lei Shidongyue It's getting more conservative and less likely to make a move."
"Okay," Bill Michanik nodded helplessly, and couldn't help but say, "Eric, what if, I mean, what if "Windtalker" succeeds?"
"Two ways," Eric said, but he only raised a finger and shook it in front of Bill Michanik, and said with a smile: "You help me take the blame, or do I take the blame myself?"
"Boss, can I choose the second one?"
"What do you say?"
After parting from Bill Michanik, Eric noticed Julia's figure just now, so he went straight to a booth not far away.
When I came to the deck, I found that apart from Julia, Elizabeth, and Amy Pascal, Tina Brown was also here.
Although he is the boss, it is impossible for Eric to pay attention to the specific itinerary of his subordinates. Tina Brown was the former editor-in-chief of "Vanity Fair", and she created the "Vanity Fair" party by herself. Although she has already joined Yahoo, Eric was a little surprised that she appeared here, but he was not surprised at all.
After saying hello, Eric unceremoniously sat down between Julia and Elizabeth.
Julia greeted the waiter like a little daughter-in-law and handed Eric a glass of wine, but Elizabeth asked curiously, "What were you talking to Bill just now? It's been so long?"
"The topic among Hollywood men, of course, is saving the world," Eric made a joke, and was lightly slapped by Elizabeth. He didn't mind, and asked with a smile: "So, what about you?"
Elizabeth glanced at Eric, and said, "I'm asking Amy and the others to help me decide what movie to make for Firefly. What do you think of Harry Potter?"
Eric put down his wine glass and raised his hands as a sign of surrender, begging, "Please let Harry Potter go, I owe you, okay?"
Several women laughed together, obviously knowing about Eric and Elizabeth's $100 million box office bet on "The Blair Witch". In addition, in the past two years, as the popularity of the "Harry Potter" series has continued to rise, the Firefly Group has also begun to discuss the issue of officially launching the film project. Recently, rumors have spread to the media.
Everyone laughed, and Tina Brown said: "Speaking of which, "The Blair Witch" is really a miracle, Eric, I came here this time just to personally sort out the marketing plan for "The Blair Witch". It will definitely be a great inspiration to Yahoo's operation."
Eric nodded when he heard Tina Brown take the initiative to explain his purpose, and said, "I will have breakfast with Jeffrey tomorrow morning, so come over and let's chat. Also, what information do you need to consult?" Yes, I will let this side cooperate with you as much as possible."
Tina Brown naturally wished for direct help from her big boss.
After chatting for a few words, Eric did not neglect Amy Pascal, and asked, "Amy, how are the preparations for "The Bourne Shadow" going?"
"Doug Liman has just finished his new film, I have already talked to him, and he is very happy to take over the film," Amy replied: "In addition, as for the leading actor, ICM has also recommended several candidates. Someone come over, I'm planning to send you the materials next week."
Eric felt something was wrong, thought for a while, and asked, "By the way, where is the producer?"
Amy replied: "John wants to take charge himself, and I think it's possible."
The John Amy was talking about was supposed to be John Carley, the vice president of MGM.
Eric didn't bother to explore the reason, and shook his head directly: "Isn't John Carley in charge of the TV business, he should concentrate on doing it well," said Eric, thinking for a while, and then He said: "I remember, Frank Marshall and Katherine Kennedy wanted to withdraw from Amberlin's side. You should try to get in touch with them. It would be best if you could bring them over."
Since the history of Hollywood has been severely distorted by Eric, the big butterfly, Spielberg and others replaced Amberlin Films, which was established as DreamWorks, and declined much faster than the original time and space. It's just that in the past few years, Lao Si and his group feel that flying solo is far from as simple as they imagined, and now there are signs of disbanding.
Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy were regarded as the ace producers of Spielberg's series. The famous "Raiders of the Lost Ark" series and "Back to the Future" series both participated in the production of the couple. The former "Bourne Shadow" series happened to be produced by their husband and wife. It would be great if they could be brought to MGM to form the 'original cast'.
"It shouldn't be easy," Amy said, "I heard that they want to set up their own production company."
Eric heard this, but he was not worried.
The two couples set up a production company, and they must find a major studio to be affiliated with. It is probably equivalent to the relationship between Jerry Bruckheimer's production company and Firefly. Eric does not believe that with the current situation in Hollywood, Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy would also like to form an independent film company that will produce and distribute the films separately.
"You get in touch with them first, and if necessary, I'll talk to them personally."
Amy nodded and said, "Okay then, I'll make an appointment with them tomorrow."
Eric and Amy were talking, and noticed the flashing eyes of Elizabeth beside him, smiled and stretched out his little finger to hook the back of her hand. Before the girl could respond, he asked, "Where is Drew? Should she come over?"
"How do I know?" Elizabeth pouted, "I didn't raise her as a daughter."
Said Cao Cao Cao Cao arrived.
Just as Elizabeth finished speaking, a girl's voice came from the side: "I think you can be my mother already."
Eric turned around, and the girl's small body in a ginger-yellow one-shoulder dress had already squeezed past Julia outside, and sat on Eric's lap, but her little hands were groping on his body, asking with a smile : "Where is it, where is it? I obviously heard that she is coming, but I searched around but couldn't find it. You must have hidden her, right?"
"Don't touch it," Eric pressed the girl's restless little paws, and said with a smile, "I made her smaller and hid her in my ears. I'll show you secretly when I go back, so don't scare everyone."
The girl hummed twice in dissatisfaction, this booth is just right for three people to sit on one side of the chair, and four people can't squeeze it in. Seeing that Julia and Elizabeth didn't have the slightest intention to give up their seats, the girl had no choice but to go out again in dissatisfaction. .
Seeing this situation, Amy and Tina on the opposite side smiled and stood up, saying that they were going to say hello to others. When the two left, the girl sat down opposite, still a little bit reluctant, and said: "You must have hidden her, didn't you?"