On November 20, 1997, a weekend before Thanksgiving, Hollywood and even the American entertainment industry turned to the Hollywood Chinese Theater, which included curiosity, expectations, waiting, and blessings, but more were mockery. "Future Water World" that was hit two years ago set a film investment record of nearly 200 million US dollars. Now "Titanic" has officially set an investment record of $200 million. They are all waiting for this blockbuster to sink forever like the big ship sailing from Portsmouth to New York. ◎

However, no matter how those who envy and hate curse themselves in their hearts, the fact that this ship attracts attention cannot be changed. Hundreds of media and more than 500 reporters gathered in front of the China Grand Theater. Fox TV and Columbia TV broadcast the premiere red carpet live, and a large number of first-tier and second-tier stars walked on the red carpet one after another.

Although a successful premiere does not mean that the film will inevitably succeed, it has gathered stars and can attract more audience attention. The three major investors of the film, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Duke Studios, have all activated their full power.

Tom Hanks and his wife just walked past, and Naomi Watts walked on the red carpet alone, and then Tom Cruise and his wife appeared in front of the camera again. The two icm's ace actress Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston also arrived one after another...

The camera shutter in the reporter's hand never stopped, and the audience's shouts never stopped. An unprecedented blockbuster brought an unprecedented premiere.

Of course, how many of them came to see the jokes of the three major investors and James Cameron, and only God knows it.

“I only have one view.”

In the VIP lounge, Duke said to the Tom Hanks, "People who have laughed at this video will soon find out how big a mistake they have made."

Tom Hanks said with a smile, "You seem to have more confidence than James Cameron."

"Because there is my $50 million investment." Duke shrugged. "How did those critics laugh at me? Hollywood's biggest fool! I wonder how they will feel after the film is removed from the world?"

The quality of the film is no worse than before, and the promotion and promotion are even better. Duke believes that the film will inevitably crush all the dignity of the critics like Star Wars.

Moreover, this film is not just a box office win. It also opened the era of real globalization for Hollywood and opened many doors to closed Hollywood movies.

Film history can really be divided into before "Titanic" and after "Titanic". Before, European and Hong Kong movies were still struggling to get rid of the situation of constant decline; after that, European and Hong Kong movies completely declined, and could only survive in the face of the blockbusters of the computer era, and the latter would soon die in name only.

“Hi, Duke.”

"Hi, Tom. Hi Nicole."

After saying hello to another Tom, Duke remembered the investment project that he hadn't paid much attention to recently, "Is the filming of "Mission Impossible" completed?"

"It's done!" Tom Cruise was confident.

"Has the release date been confirmed?" This is the question Duke is concerned about.

"Next summer schedule, the specific time has not been decided." Tom Cruise frowned, "I heard that your new film will be released in May?"

"So, Tom, my advice."

As the cooperation deepened, Duke also touched Tom Cruise's strange temper. Both sides had common interests, and of course it was not the time to have conflicts. "There were quite a lot of films squeezed in in May, which was already very crowded. It is recommended to be released in June."

"That's what I mean."

Although sometimes arrogant and arrogant, Tom Cruise is not stupid. "I am still choosing a suitable weekend in June. I will notify you as soon as possible after confirmation."

"Then I'll wait for your good news."

In addition to investing in "Mission Impossible", Duke did not interfere too much. He also had only the financial supervisor and the producer who represented him in the crew, and as long as he did not touch his interests, the two of them would fully support Tom Cruise.

Cruise invested $40 million in the project, and he wanted the film to be successful than anyone else.

"A big guy is here."

Suddenly, Tom Cruise patted his arm, "It seems like he is here to find you. I don't want to deal with him, so I'll go to the cinema first."

After saying that, Cruise turned around and walked away without any hesitation.

Duke turned his head and saw who the person was. He was indeed a big shot, former Caa emperor, the stepped down Walt Disney CEA and now the owner of the artist management agency Michael Orwitz.

"I haven't seen you for a long time, Duke."

"Yes, Michael, I haven't seen you for a long time."

Perhaps it was a habit that developed after entering the 1990s. Even if his status in Hollywood is not as good as before, Michael Orwitz's smile still makes people feel his shrewdness and ability. This most famous agency giant in Hollywood history cannot be underestimated even when he is in a downturn.

"I heard you're very optimistic about this movie?" he asked.

Duke smiled and gave the usual standard answer, "I have a $50 million investment in it, and there is no reason not to be optimistic about it."

Michael Orwitz nodded, no longer circled, and directly stated his purpose, "Are you interested in working with me?"

"Movie?" Duke asked tentatively.

"The movie is just one aspect." Michael Orwitz looked at him, "I am interested in your business in full?"

It turned out that he came to poach. Duke instantly understood what he meant, and then shook his head, "Michael, I guess you know very well why I refused caa at the beginning."

"You will always be my God without packaged services." Michael Orwitz didn't feel anything wrong with saying these words. "I am just one of your service staff. You can do anything you want to do within the scope of the law, and the company will not interfere at all."

Duke frowned and thought, "I feel that what you said is no different from mine now."

Just like Spielberg's current caa, Duke's importance to ICM can be imagined, and directors of their level will not be restricted by the agency.

"Michael..."

Hearing this voice, Duke laughed. Nancy Josephson walked over from his side and said to Michael Orwitz without hesitation, "Do you think IM is stupid enough to restrain Duke? Well... I met Martin some time ago, and I think I should ask him to have breakfast again."

Duke knew that the Martin that Nancy mentioned was Martin Scorsese.

“This is just a normal business.”

To be an agent, shamelessness is the most basic condition. Michael Orwitz's face has not changed at all, but in his calm words, he was slightly provocative, "I heard that your contract with Duke is still 7%? I just think this is unfair."

Nancy could certainly hear what he meant and smiled and said, "We just prepared a new contract for Duke, and the commission will drop to five percent."

"Then congratulations, Duke." Michael Orwitz turned to look here, "After waiting for so many years, I finally waited for an agency contract that matched your status."

"You're welcome." Duke replied lightly.

Michael Orwitz didn't mean to leave, but mentioned the film, "I heard that your new film is scheduled to be released in May next year? It's a week earlier than my agency's project "Godzilla"?"

"It should be like that." Duke still had the same expression.

"It seems we're going to have an indirect collision." Michael Orwitz was confident. "I hope your new film is excellent enough to withstand the impact of a monster."

"Do you need to worry about Duke's science fiction movies, Michael?" Nancy Josephson took the initiative to take the initiative to take the sentence, "Monster Movie? I really want to see how this monster dies next summer."

Orwitz, who promoted this project, was full of confidence. "Nancy, I think you have overlooked a fact. Two consecutive movies of "Jurassic Park" have been successful. North America has formed a monster movie craze. This popularity will not be diverted by personal will. A monster that is even more terrifying than a dinosaur will push this popularity to its peak!"

Nancy Josephson was stunned. Even she had to admit that Michael Orwitz was talking about the facts. Since the prosperity of "Jurassic Park", it has indeed brought about a monster craze in North America. Moreover, with the release of this year's sequel, this craze has not only not decreased, but has been pushed up a little bit.

Michael Orwitz nodded to Duke, said nothing, and turned around and left.

"Duke..." Nancy Josephson looked at him, as if he was worried, "I think what he said makes sense."

"It makes a lot of sense." Duke nodded, he knew very well how powerful the dinosaur movie was, "but Michael Orwitz ignored the important point."

"An important point?"

After shaking his head to Nancy, Duke also walked towards the cinema, and said to the agent who was following him, "The xenophobic nature of the North American film market! The monster craze does exist, but the monster is native to North America, so the effect can be best."

He turned to Nancy and smiled, "Don't forget, my dear, Godzilla is not a product of North America."

After being reminded by Duke, Nancy Josephson gradually figured it out, "Japanese culture does have a market in North America, but it has never been mainstream."

Throwing away few worries, Nancy turned the topic to Duke's brokerage contract, "Let your lawyer negotiate with ICM as soon as possible."

She knew Duke's temper. As long as she did well enough, his employer would not change the agency or agent.
Chapter completed!