Bab 180: Chapter 180: Scheduling Pain
"Lucas, has the release date for E.T. been set?"
"Preliminarily fixed for June 10th. Why, does it clash with Speed?"
"Isn't that a no-brainer? Can it be on the 15th? If yes, I can release mine by May 10th."
"Okay, I'll go check."
Lucas was curious. Of course, he knew about E.T., his good buddy made it. How could he not know?
Speed had to be in the summer, no other way. It wasn't like he could push it to Christmas and steal his own box office.
Someone might ask, why are you so scared of E.T.? It's not even the same genre.
Those who say that don't realize what an $800 million global box office meant back then.
Don't just look at how big Cameron's Titanic is. In reality, the two aren't even comparable. An $800 million earning now is at least equivalent to $2 billion in the future.
Forget simultaneous releases. That guy's film would occupy the schedules for half a year. Any challenger would be crushed to dust.
"Fifteenth? That's not impossible. Nobody wants to go head-to-head with him."
"Haha, Spielberg, people really don't want to face you."
"Yeah, I'll talk to the boss. It shouldn't be a problem."
At his level, he didn't need to show respect to so-called giants. He not only had final cut rights over his movies but could also dictate marketing. As for casting the leads, his word was law.
...
Speaking of Speed, it was like a nightmare for all Hollywood moguls. Every time William White paraded with that starlet, this movie would be brought up.
The reputation of "Tyrant of the Set" wasn't for nothing. Every time Tom Cruise gave an interview, he looked aggrieved. As for Nastassja Kinski, she solidified her title as just a pretty face this time.
William White avoided Spielberg, which gave many people an opportunity. They all talked about White Films, momentarily forgetting another notable figure.
That's right! Spielberg's achievements weren't bad. Whether it was Jaws or Raiders of the Lost Ark, the box office numbers were impressive.
Like all great directors, attempting to hire them isn't just about money. Without a suitable script, no amount of money would make them film it.
When top directors flop, it's miserable. Heaven's Gate is a prime example of that.
"Boss, United Artists plans to sell. Goldman Sachs is asking for our input."
"Who offered the highest bid?"
"MGM."
"Ha, this guy can't even manage his own company. Maybe he plans to sell it piece by piece."
"Boss, you know this guy."
William White shook his head. "Heard of him. Seems like a jerk. Can you try buying out 007? Is $50 million enough?"
"007? That spy series?"
"Yeah, I'm planning to pair it with Johnny English."
"Alright, they probably will agree."
Today's 007 was nowhere as outrageous as it would be later. It wasn't that significant. MGM took over and made one, which only had average reception.
You think they won't sell?
What a joke, that price is quite sincere. Both Goldman Sachs and MGM are happy to see it happen. United Artists bundled together was only $350 million. If they stripped this IP, it could still sell for at least $320 million.
In fact, many capitalists had been testing the waters in Hollywood these years, thinking the money was easy to earn.
The sudden collapse of United Artists sounded the alarm. Some eager investors started being cautious. Sure, some made money, but many more flopped.
...
"William, they agreed. The schedule will be set for June 16th. Can you tell me why you have so much faith in Spielberg?"
"Lucas, are you sure you know what you're talking about?"
"Huh?"
"Oh, heavens! When has he ever lost? In my view, the marketing for Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark was garbage. With professional promotion, a 20% increase in box office wouldn't be hard. It's scarier than Superman. How could you not create a gap in the schedule?"
"Oh, I see now."
Trying to predict the future, he let it go. Pretending to be a stick-in-the-mud would just get you struck down.
Lucas was a bit peeved. You're not afraid of Star Wars, but you fear a children's movie?
Seeing $800 million in 1982, William White was practically drooling. If he couldn't compete, fine. But if he got beaten again, he would've cried for sure.
...
Seeking solace, William White got hit again. He was no match for Madonna. For his own sake, he thought it best to take it easy.
"Boss, Mr. Chow is here."
"Okay, have him wait in the study."
...
"Have a seat. Don't get up."
"William, can we start shooting the next one?"
"Rush Hour 2 can be shot next year. No point shooting now, the schedule is crazy next year. How about this, I have a low-budget film here. I'll give you 40%, and I'll take 60%. Deal?"
"Deal."
"Haha, you don't even want to see the script?"
"Haha, we trust your scripts. No worries."
"Suzuki, go grab the script for Rumble in the Bronx."
"Sure thing, boss."
"It'll make money, but breaking $100 million will be hard. Raymond, it's just not feasible in the U.S. yet, gotta take it slow."
"No problem, we have patience."
"Jackie, to become a big Hollywood star, you need more polish. Ten years at least, no less."
"Don't worry, William. I'll work hard."
...
Strangely enough, after the collapse of the Russians, the world had calmed down. Nobody mentioned World War III anymore, and nobody even read books on the topic.
The only ones suffering were those in Africa. Russian-made weapons were enough to keep the folks there busy for a hundred years.
As for the desert regions, it was pretty clear -- troublemakers invite trouble. That phrase held very true.
*****
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