I am Hollywood

Chapter 275: Urgency



[Chapter 275: Urgency]

Collaboration?

Eric thought for a moment after hearing the question, then shook his head. Although he liked some Hong Kong movies, he felt no obligation to help Hong Kong cinema break into Hollywood. There were not many successful collaborations between Hollywood and Hong Kong films, and he could only recall the Rush Hour series as a standout example. However, that film was clearly not a viable option at the moment.

In his past life, Jackie Chan laid the groundwork through several movies before establishing a name for himself in Hollywood, after which the Rush Hour series was released. He was lucky to have resonated with Western audiences, leading to massive success. Now, while Jackie Chan reigned supreme in Asia, he held little clout in Hollywood. Inviting him to star in a Rush Hour film was no different from randomly casting a Hollywood-based Asian action star, except that the paycheck would likely resemble that of a top Hollywood star.

"Mr. Chow, I don't think this is the right time for collaboration. I understand the history of your film company. Mr. Jackie Chan, your top star under Golden Harvest, tried to break into Hollywood in the early '80s, but faced repeated failures. I doubt he would easily abandon his standing and career in Hong Kong to pursue opportunities in Hollywood now, would he?"

Raymond Chow contemplated Eric's words, a look of disappointment and helplessness emerging in his eyes. What Eric said made sense; Hong Kong films were currently in a breakout phase, and Jackie Chan would not easily agree to venture into Hollywood again after previous failures. Aside from Jackie Chan, Raymond Chow struggled to name any other actors who could attract Hollywood's interest, as martial arts remained the primary draw. This latest big-budget release, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, also exploited martial arts appeal. The four Ninja Turtles were all portrayed by Hong Kong martial artists.

"It's a real shame," Raymond Chow said, shaking his head. While he still entertained the idea of investing in Eric's film, the young man before him was one of the directors behind several of this year's highest-grossing films. Countless investors in Hollywood sought to partner with him, so a newcomer like Golden Harvest could hardly hope to claim a piece of the pie.

...

Finishing his meal, Eric bid Raymond Chow farewell and rose to leave. Just a few steps away, a tall woman in a black evening gown approached, holding a glass of red wine. This looked like the same old routine.

"Such a lack of creativity," Eric thought with a wry smile as he sidestepped, quickly grasping the woman's wrist. He took the glass of red wine from her hand and raised it toward her slightly flushed face. "Thank you for the wine, Miss."

Realizing her intentions had been seen through, the woman felt a little awkward but quickly seized the chance to introduce herself. "N...no problem. Mr. Williams, I'm..."

Before she could finish, Eric pressed a finger to her red lips, looking directly into her wide eyes. "Miss, I once heard a very philosophical saying: 'Why must we have known each other to meet?' So let's skip the name part, shall we?"

Once Eric pulled his finger away, the woman nodded. "Well... alright, Mr. Williams, would you do me the honor of a dance?"

Eric shook his head. "Sorry, Miss."

Not wanting to press further, the woman turned away, disappointment etched on her face.

...

Just as Eric was about to leave, a slightly mocking voice called out to him. "Why must we have known each other to meet, Eric? Then why did you leave me in your office the first time we met?"

"Because we're 'destined to meet'," Eric replied, turning to smile at Nicole, who now wore a cool and aloof expression, completely shedding her earlier awkwardness.

Noticing Eric glance at her face, Nicole shot him a glare and whispered resentfully, "Next time, just try and pull that on me again."

Eric shrugged with no concern. "As you wish, Nicole. You should know I'm a gallant man who never forces women into anything."

Nicole angrily bit her lip, recalling how Eric had gripped her face tightly, preventing her from escaping in his study. She nearly splashed her red wine on him in a fit of anger.

"You're utterly shameless."

"I love it when women compliment me," Eric teased. "Miss Kidman, may I have the pleasure of your company for a dance?"

Nicole hesitated but eventually placed her dainty hand in his. As he led her toward the dance floor, she couldn't help but ask, "Why did you refuse that 'nameless' lady? That's not like you."

"Because I didn't like her eyebrows. Is that reason acceptable to you?" Eric said, wrapping his arm around her waist as they moved onto the dance floor.

Nicole leaned closer to Eric, replying, "That's nonsense. I believe you're just worried about Jenny being here."

"And you? Getting so close, are you not afraid of what Jenny might think?"

"Of course not, because Jenny stepped out for a bit." Despite saying that, Nicole still glanced around.

Seeing her reaction, Eric grinned mischievously. "Nicole, don't you think our conversation sounds like that of an adulterous couple?"

"You're quite indecent."

"Ah, now you're praising me again. That's not good. Men can't handle too much flattery. How about we stop by my study again?"

Nicole leaned in closer, whispering threateningly into Eric's ear, "As long as you're not afraid of being seen, I have no objections. But if it gets out, I won't hesitate to steal a man from Jenny right in front of her."

"Wow, maybe let's skip that," Eric replied, pretending to shiver at certain dreadful thoughts, and refrained from pressing the matter further.

...

The lively party carried on until midnight before finally winding down. Eric used the master suite, which offered a 360-degree view of Malibu, for a little "temptation," and Jennifer Aniston stayed over, albeit halfheartedly.

...

The next morning, Eric joined Robert Shea and Raymond Chow from Hong Kong to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. To be frank, having endured countless visual effects spectacles in his past life, Eric felt compelled to leave during the screening of this "shoddy" special effects

film a few times.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Knowing the box office results already, he easily found the film's merits in hindsight. After the viewing, Eric suppressed his discomfort and praised the movie, reassuring Robert regarding its distribution. After all, nobody could afford to turn their back on the dollar.

With Eric's endorsement, Robert Shea confidently set the film's release date for Easter. While this window wasn't as prime as summer, it was still pretty good. Besides, summer had to be reserved for his own films. Even though New Line had invested to some extent in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it didn't feel quite like a personal venture.

...

After discussing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Eric had just left the screening room when he spotted Allen waiting outside. As Eric emerged, Allen approached and said, "Eric, Disney's president Frank Wells and Fox Television president William Bell are waiting for you."

"Did they come together? Do you know what it's about?" Eric asked, puzzled. Allen shook his head. "No, they didn't come together, and they didn't say what they wanted."

Checking his watch, Eric replied, "Then let's go."

Upon arriving in his office, Eric found the two middle-aged men chatting casually in the lounge. He welcomed them and attempted to invite both into his office, but Frank Wells and William Bell exchanged glances, showing no intention of joining. Realizing they sought him for different reasons, Eric suggested, "Why don't you rest here for a moment, Mr. Bell?" "No problem, Eric. I don't have anything planned for the morning anyway," William said with a smile as he settled back onto the sofa.

Once alone with Frank Wells in his office, Eric asked about the purpose of his visit.

"Eric, you previously promised Disney the distribution rights for a film. Mr. Eisner asked me to discuss this and sign a contract so that Disney can include it in next year's plans." Eric pondered and replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Wells, but I haven't finalized what films I'll be shooting next year, so how about we revisit this after the New Year? Rest assured, I will provide Disney with the rights for a film."

Frank Wells recalled Michael Eisner's instructions when he arrived. "Eric, that's fine, but

could we perhaps sign a letter of intent? You wouldn't have to provide a specific film plan -- just ensure that you deliver a film to Disney next year. Just like... just like the three film agreements you signed with Fox last year. I remember you hadn't discussed the content of the other two films besides Home Alone 2 beforehand, right?"

Eric raised his hands in surrender. "Frank, you should know that Firefly Films isn't the little workshop it was a year ago. I can't make such sweeping promises anymore; everything needs planning. Since you mentioned last year's contract with Fox, you're no doubt aware of certain bumps along the way. So, let me get my plans for next year in order, and I promise we will

sign a deal with Disney."

Frank Wells continued to plead for a bit, but when he saw Eric wouldn't budge, he eventually

left disappointed.

The details of that meeting between the six CEOS in Malibu remained largely undisclosed up

to that point. To ensure secrets weren't leaked, only a few people directly involved were in the loop. Moreover, Michael Eisner hadn't informed Frank Wells about the meeting, so Frank felt that Eric's reasons were sufficient to report back to Michael Eisner.

*****

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