Jack Valenti's smile remained undiminished, and he said to the puzzled Eric: "Little guy, "Jurassic Park" has caused a lot of trouble for an old man like me during this time."
Eric had already guessed something, and asked, "About the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade?"
"That's right," Jack Valenti nodded and said, "You should know that I have been working hard on the film clauses of the GATT for the past few years. Many things have almost been negotiated, but Since the release of "Jurassic Park" in early June, there has been a relatively strong rebound in European countries." Jack Valenti said, looked up at Eric, and continued with a smile: "I last month I wanted to talk to you about this from the beginning, but you little guy has been erratic, and my personal affairs are also very busy, and I can't always find the right time, and this time I finally caught the opportunity."
Eric was very aware of the final negotiation results of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, so he didn't worry too much, and said, "Mr. Valenti, then this time..."
Jack Valenti waved his hand and said: "Listen to me first, regarding the negotiation of the GATT, Hollywood does not intervene in other aspects, but regarding the negotiation of movies, in addition to the normal process, because With the absolute superiority of Hollywood, we still need to win over these local European film forces to speak for us, so that we can force European governments to agree to include films in the final agreement of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. To accurately find the 'breakthrough point', Washington even used the power of the CIA, and everyone is working tirelessly on this matter."
Eric heard clearly. If his identity is not the owner of Firefly Pictures. Jack Valenti certainly wouldn't say it so bluntly. In the final analysis, it is still a word of "profit" to attract European local film forces. Faced with some efforts by European government officials, the seven major aspects naturally do not have to worry about it. Hollywood is related to millions of jobs in the United States and billions of dollars every year. The trade surplus, Washington authorities can not help but do their best, however, in the film. Certainly still need the efforts of the Seventh Congress itself. The most violent conflict with Hollywood is of course the local film forces in European countries. If these people cannot be appeased, then under the strong interference of such a force, even if the governments of European countries intend to compromise, it will be difficult to sign relevant agreements. go down.
At this point, Eric had basically guessed the reason why Jack Valenti contacted him.
"Mr. Valenti, are those people outside?" Eric pointed in the direction of the hall outside the door.
Jack Valenti nodded, and said: "So, little guy, this time, I need you to be more generous and give these greedy guys some sweetness, so that they won't come out to make trouble, and will even speak for Hollywood instead."
Although Eric respects this old man who is running around for Hollywood's interests, he can't be a good boy for no reason: "Mr. Valenti, this matter should be done by Hollywood, right?"
"Of course, everyone should do it together. I have already talked with Warner, Universal, and Paramount respectively. However, you should have heard the saying that with great power comes great responsibility. With such a dazzling performance in 2019, we should pay more."
Eric realizes that this time he cannot escape. Although this matter is not mandatory, if other film companies do what they should do, but Firefly refuses to cooperate, maybe someone will be on the small book. Make a note.
Although Jack Valenti just mentioned that "Jurassic Park" brought trouble to his work, he didn't complain too much, but Eric can also see the "Jurassic Park" from the recent trends in the European media. Jurassic Park brought huge resistance to the negotiations of the GATT, and he smiled helplessly: "Mr. Valenti, I can only say that I will do my best. I am not a superhero. If they open their mouths like a lion , I think it’s better to let them go to Captain America.”
Jack Valenti laughed and said, "Your word is enough."
Eric asked again at this time: "Mr. Valenti, may I know what the conditions offered by the Warners are?"
Jack Valenti nodded, and said: "Of course, the main promises include giving priority to the distribution rights of Hollywood films, and receiving a certain amount of European capital every year to participate in film investment without distinction."
Investing in the production and distribution of Hollywood movies can be said to be the two main ways for overseas capital to join Hollywood. The current promises are nothing more than the two words of priority and no difference.
There are good and bad Hollywood movies. Big box office movies will definitely attract more competitors in the process of overseas distribution. At this time, if you have the priority, it will be easier to get the agency distribution contract.
Undifferentiated investment is equivalent to investing a certain amount of funds on average in most of the films of a film company, instead of investing funds in projects that the film company is not optimistic about or investing in projects of independent film companies as in the past Among them, this model is equivalent to sharing profits and losses with the film company. If the film company makes money, investors will definitely make money, and if the film company loses money, these investors will also lose money. In recent years, not many film companies among the top seven in Hollywood have lost money.
Eric thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Valenti, the issue of distribution rights can be discussed, but it is more difficult for Firefly to accept the non-discriminatory investment."
"These are all things that can be discussed," Jack Valenti said without changing his smile, "Of course I know about Firefly's situation. Last year, Firefly's profit was greatly envied by many people. However, I just want you to know, Eric Ke..." Jack Valenti put his expression back, and even changed his more formal address: "This negotiation is related to the interests of the entire Hollywood, so it is definitely not the time to be stingy. If this negotiation breaks down, the next time it reaches this level I don’t know how long it will take to negotiate such a progress. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade has been wrangling since 1947. It has been entangled for more than 40 years, and it has broken down many times during this period. But this time is the one with the highest degree of completion.”
Eric nodded solemnly after listening. Although the 1993 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was successfully signed in memory. But Eric was not sure if he would disturb some things that should have happened because of his butterfly.
Jack Valenti noticed Eric's expression, smiled gratifiedly, reached out and patted Eric's knee, and said: "Eric, you know, I can't force you to agree to any conditions. You do All of these are for your own sake. I, an old man, will not get any benefits. Although you are very young, since you can make such achievements at this age, I think you must understand the pros and cons. Although it has always been a competitive relationship, in the face of external forces, the interests are always the same. When it comes to major events related to the development of Hollywood, everyone should go all out."
Eric can realize. Jack Valenti spoke so earnestly because he still felt that he was too young. He could only nod solemnly again: "Mr. Valenti, I will do my best."
"In this way, I can rest assured," Jack Valenti stood up, and said, "I don't know their specific requirements. You need to communicate with them in person. Let's go, these greedy guys must be waiting impatiently."
Going back to the outside hall, the reception has already begun. Under the bright and brilliant lights, the hall is full of people, gathering in twos and threes, or toasting and talking, or whispering, there are also couples of men and women on the dance floor accompanied by gentle The sound of music dances slowly.
However, the moment the door of a certain room on the west side of the hall opened, the entire hall seemed to be quiet for a second, and then the atmosphere was restored. The group of people who greeted Eric in person at first also gathered together again.
Eric talked with these people with a constant smile, and a group of people came to a relatively quiet corner without knowing it, where a sofa was placed.
The waiter brought champagne to everyone one by one, and the host, Nicholas Seydoux, asked, "Eric, you don't seem to have a female companion?"
Because she had a few movie contracts with her, Claudia hurried back to Los Angeles after signing her endorsement contract. Even the follow-up commercials had to be shot in a studio in Los Angeles. Stay in Europe with Eric.
"I don't have a girlfriend," Eric shrugged.
Everyone laughed lightly, Nicholas Seydoux continued: "French girls are very passionate and romantic, you can chat with them later."
Eric glanced at the men and women passing through the hall, and said with a smile, "I want to chat with them more now."
There was another burst of laughter from the corner.
A group of people said a few innocuous words. At this time, different forces basically got together, and some even belonged to different countries. And in this case, of course, it was impossible to talk about specific things. Eric just In the ensuing chat, he revealed that he would continue to stay in Paris for about a week, and hinted that Firefly would cooperate with them to a certain extent, and everyone quickly dispersed with satisfaction. Jack Valenti didn't stay at the party for long, and within half an hour, the old man had to leave in a hurry after receiving a call.
Eric shuttled through the party hall, took one business card after another from those people just now, and made some preliminary appointments. Although the conversation did not involve any substantive issues, waiting for these things to be done After that, more than an hour passed quietly.
Eric was just about to take a break when he happened to see a brunette in a black backless evening dress among the crowd, and then he remembered the theme of the party tonight, the celebration reception of "Fang Fang".
Although the movie "Fangfang" is like many French movies, the plot is a bit scattered as always, but the details are full of delicacy, such as meeting on a rainy night, dinner in a strange mansion, waking up on the beach, staring in the mirror etc., have left a deep impact on people, and Eric's favorite is undoubtedly the shot of Sophie dancing in the mirror with the brisk jazz music of a little girl.
"Hello, Miss Marceau," Eric changed a glass of red wine from the waiter, and walked over without hesitation, and the young man who was chatting with Sophie Marceau saw Eric, and raised his hand very consciously. He raised his glass and walked away.
Sophie Marceau seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. When facing Eric, the irritability between her brows was still relatively clear. As the most watched woman at the party. There must be a lot of people who come to strike up a conversation. Although Sophie Marceau knew Eric's identity. But his tone didn't seem very warm, and he said lightly: "Hi, Mr. Williams, nice to meet you."
Eric didn't mind the girl's cold tone. Looking at the French rose up close, he looked even more pure and moving. Sophie Marceau felt like a delicate work of art to Eric, even in her movie The same is true. This woman is so beautiful, so beautiful that Eric often thinks that such a stunner shouldn't even appear in those rough art movies with blurry quality.
Noticing the look on the girl's eyebrows, Eric asked, "Is there anything bothering you, Miss Marceau?"
"No, Mr. Williams," Sophie Marceau shook her head, her tone was light, and she raised her glass to gesture to Eric.
Eric took a sip of the red wine before saying, "So. Let me guess, don't you like this party too much?"
"So what?" Sophie Marceau raised her eyebrows slightly. Said.
Eric smiled and said, "If that's the case, maybe I can help you solve this trouble?"
"How to deal with it?"
Eric said, "How about I take you away?"
"This is too rude," Sophie Marceau shook her head.
Eric smiled, but did not answer immediately. He made a gesture of invitation to Sophie Marceau, and walked out of the crowd. Sophie Marceau followed after a little hesitation. Eric led Sophie Marceau to avoid the crowd and came to the terrace of the villa. A couple of men and women who had been chatting on the terrace noticed them coming. One of the girls was about to say something. The young man just patted the girl on the back, greeted Eric with a smile, and left with his girlfriend.
The style of the terrace is the same as that of this villa. Outside the finely carved stone fence is a small garden, which looks lush and lush under the bright street lights of the manor. At this time, there are also figures in twos and threes in the garden.
Eric leaned comfortably on the stone railing, looked at the girl beside him who couldn't help taking a deep breath, and said, "Isn't it a lot easier?"
"Don't you like parties too?" Sophie Marceau asked rhetorically.
"The party is supposed to be a place that can bring people joy, and at the worst, it should be able to let people relax after a long day of work. If the whole party is approaching you with various purposes I don't think anyone can have any fun at a party like this anymore."
Sophie Marceau imitated Eric's appearance, leaning against the railing, dragging the red wine glass that was almost finished in her hand, and suddenly showed a girlish slyness in her expression: "Then you approach me What is the purpose?"
"I think I should have known you in my last life, so I came up to say hello," Eric said 'tell the truth'.
Sophie Marceau froze for a moment, then suddenly laughed. The twenty-seven-year-old woman still had a little baby fat on her face, and her smile was natural and innocent. The girl raised her glass and touched Eric, saying: "Thank you, Mr. Williams, for the funnest pickup I've ever heard."
Eric took a sip of the red wine and said, "Then what do you think is the success rate of my strike up?"
Sophie Marceau tilted her head and said with a smile: "From the current situation, zero points. You must know that girls hate smooth talkers the most."
Eric sighed with regret: "It seems that I have to work harder."
Sophie Marceau said: "I think if you shift your target, the success rate may be perfect in an instant."
Eric nodded pretendingly, looked in the direction of the hall, as if he was picking something, and then, very fittingly, a small figure in a princess dress ran towards the two of them stepping on the floor.
This is a seven or eight-year-old girl, small in stature, with a fair and tender baby face.
"Eric, you are Eric, right, the director of the big dinosaur movie?" The girl was not interested in Sophie Marceau at all, she rushed to Eric, raised her face and asked in French without any fear road.
Eric doesn't know much French, just some very simple daily communication terms. He doesn't have much time to study French in his current situation. In the whole party, most people who talk to him will actively use English. If it wasn't for the unusually clear 'Eric' in the girl's pronunciation, Eric wouldn't even know what the little girl was talking about.
Helpless, Eric could only look at Sophie Marceau for help: "Sorry, Sophie, I don't know much French, can you translate it for me?"
"Of course no problem." Sophie nodded and said, "The little guy is asking you if you are the director of the big dinosaur movie."
Seeing that Eric ignored her and chatted with Sophie instead, the little girl pouted her mouth in dissatisfaction, and mumbled a few more words in French, which Eric couldn't understand at all.
Sophie smiled and continued to translate: "She said that you are really rude, and you treat a little lady with such an inattentive attitude."
Eric looked at Sophie innocently: "Then how should I answer him?"
Sophie smiled, pointed to Eric and said a few French words to the little girl, and seeing the little guy said a few more words, Sophie smiled with great interest and said to Eric: "She said She forgave you, and said that you are so stupid, she can speak fluently at the age of two and a half, but you haven't learned it in your twenties." (To be continued...)