I’m in Hollywood

Chapter 189: Got knocked out again

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Eric's sudden rise is definitely a unique anomaly in the history of Hollywood for more than half a century. This does not mean that Eric's movies are so good. In fact, several of Eric's movies, including "Home Alone", "Pretty Woman" and "Dark Wars", are carefully studied. There aren't many flashes, and there aren't any refreshing innovations.

However, after several consecutive films of Eric achieved astonishing box office results, apart from those media who talk about and analyze why Eric’s films can achieve great commercial success in order to attract attention and increase sales or ratings, Several major film companies have convened professionals to conduct a detailed analysis of Eric's films. Many of the analysis results will gradually be reflected in the Hollywood film market in the next two years. There will definitely be more live-action films for children, Cinderella The number of romantic love movies will also increase, and police and gangster movies that fight wits and bravery will also usher in a small upsurge.

In terms of studying Eric's movies, Disney will certainly not be an exception, but after Michael Eisner has read various analysis reports on Eric's movies, he quickly understands that the reason why Eric's movies are all The miracle at the box office is not as analyzed in the document. It just caters to the needs of the children's market. It captures the reasons for young women's longing for Cinderella ↑ and love. The most important thing is Eric this person.

The reason why I came to this conclusion is that all the films Eric is currently involved in have nothing in common in terms of subject matter, and I can't find any rules at all. "Return to Seventeen" is a youth school film, "Home Alone" is a children's comedy film, and "Feng Yue" is a romance film. And "Dark War" has become a police and gangster film. These unrelated films have all succeeded. If you want to find the biggest common ground, then Eric is undoubtedly the most obvious.

These film projects are all operated by him. Of course, "Return to Seventeen" is a Fox movie, but if it is mentioned now, no one will think that the success of "Return to Seventeen" is the result of James Brooks and For Penny Marshall's sake. Eric Williams is the key figure that led to the film's box office breaking 100 million.

Therefore, after reaching this conclusion, Michael Eisner paid more attention to Eric and Firefly's every move. Ready to win over Eric at any time, it would be even better if he could be under his command.

He was a very ambitious man, and as Disney grew, so did his ambitions. but. Michael Eisner hadn't grown into the self-willed 'Disney tyrant' who would eventually be swept out in embarrassment. With the achievements he has made in the past few years, his current prestige within the Disney Group is absolutely unparalleled.

As we all know, Disney started as an animation company. Although Michael Eisner has focused on developing live-action films since he took office, he also knows that animated films are Disney’s greatest advantage. Maintaining the dominant position of Disney’s animated films in Hollywood is a must of. In the past few years, while developing live-action films, Michael Eisner has also done a series of work to expand Disney's animation film business. Arranged for the release of many classic Disney animation videotapes, as well as the authorization and expansion of copyrights around the image, etc., and achieved very dazzling results.

Therefore, when Eric became more and more dazzling, and he bought a 3D animation film studio privately, Michael Eisner gradually became wary of this studio.

3D movies are a completely unfamiliar concept to many people. Michael Eisner knew little about 3D movies not long ago. But because in the century-old history of film development, there are examples of sound films replacing silent films and color films burying black and white films, Michael Eisner has to pay more attention to this. He has a vague premonition that 3D films are likely to bring another An overwhelming trend.

To this end, he once again found "The Tin Soldier", which Pixar won the Oscar for best animated short film this year, and watched and analyzed it together with the managers of Disney's animation department. Rough enough to make Disney's veteran animators sniff. However, after the experts in computer graphic design specially invited from Silicon Valley by Disney studied "Tin and Iron Soldier", they explained a series of technical points and difficulties to several Disney executives, and declared that with Pixar's technology, as long as With sufficient financial support, it is absolutely possible to produce a 3D animation feature film of more than 90 minutes, and the quality will not lose much to the 2D plane hand-painted animation.

The words of the computer expert in Silicon Valley came to mind again. Michael Eisner looked at Eric, the slick guy in front of him, with a look of recklessness, and knew that it would be impossible for Disney to intervene in Pixar. Establishing its own 3D animation department cannot be achieved overnight.

"Eric, do you think this is okay? Isn't Pixar making feature-length animated films now? How about distributing them to Disney in the future?" Since he couldn't get involved with Pixar, Michael Eisner won the first 3D animated feature film again. The idea of distribution rights, at least that would keep things within Disney's control.

Eric smiled and said, "Mr. Eisner, why are you in such a rush now? It will take at least two years until Pixar's first animation is completed. Sign the contract now, and both of us will take a relatively large risk."

Michael Eisner led Eric to a sofa and sat down before continuing to persuade: "Eric, you have only been in Hollywood for a short time, and many things are not very clear. In fact, most big-budget movies are Before the filming started, the distributor must have been contacted. This is to ensure that the film can recover the funds in the shortest period. The investment of a feature animation film is at least 30 million US dollars. I think 3D animation must be more , Such a large investment, if you don’t make all preparations in advance, you will have to bear even greater risks in the future.”

There are some things that Michael Eisner did not say, for example, if an animated film is made into a bad film and no one is willing to distribute it, the investment of tens of millions will be in vain. Signing a distribution contract with the film company in advance can prevent this from happening, and even if it is a bad film, part of the cost can be recovered. But he doesn't think that under Eric's supervision, Pixar will produce a bad movie.

Eric shook his goblet, lowered his head and pretended to think for a while, before raising his head: "Mr. Eisner, I can only say that Disney will definitely be my first choice when animations are released in the future."

This means that there is still no promise, and the first choice is only a possible choice. More often in Hollywood, the first choice is rarely the final choice.

While Michael Eisner was disappointed, there was also a trace of anger. As the helm of Disney, there are very few people who would reject him so bluntly and continuously. Although he didn't lose his mind and showed it on the spot, Michael Eisner's tone became a lot colder: "Eric, you have to know that those kind of orders for "Small Island Cry" and "Steel Magnolia" As for the price, I still bear a lot of pressure within Disney, so you must ask me to explain to the board of directors that your cooperation company for next year's film has not yet been finalized, has it?"

Eric also keenly felt the indifference and unhappiness in Michael Eisner's tone. He had no intention of finding another partner. The negotiation with New Line has come to an end. He will definitely focus on the development of his company next year. . However, thinking about next year, if Firefly wants to rise, it will definitely be under pressure from all sides. It is good to be able to get rid of an enemy now. After thinking for a while, Eric stretched out a finger reluctantly: "A movie, Mr. Eisner, you should know the direction of Firefly's development, so I can only give Disney the distribution rights of a movie, but not Including the videotape and surroundings."

"You directed it yourself?" Michael Eisner showed a hint of joy, but he still confirmed it seriously.

"Of course," Eric nodded.

Michael Eisner finally smiled slightly and held up the red wine: "Then, happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation," Eric also smiled and clinked glasses with the other party. He knew that this cooperation was finalized. In Hollywood, many times some people talk like farting. If you believe it, you will be cheated.丨Pants, but sometimes, things that are said are more effective than contracts. For example, now that he has made a promise, if he regrets it later, it is tantamount to a feud with Disney.

Now that he got the benefits, Michael Eisner no longer held on to Eric, and after a few instructions, he drifted away to entertain other guests.

Eric watched Michael Eisner's leaving figure, sighed lightly, and took a sip of red wine that he didn't know what it was like.

"Eric, so you are here, so I can find it easily," Jeffrey hurried over just after a while, wiping the fine beads of sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief in his hand.

Eric moved to the side, let Jeffrey sit down, and asked, "Didn't you say you want to talk to Robert Shea about the acquisition, won't you come?"

"It's over, there's nothing to talk about," Jeffrey shook his head, seeing Eric's frustrated expression, "What's the matter with you, isn't Disney offering such a high share? Is it a happy thing?" (To be continued...)