Under normal circumstances, since the next day is a workday, Sunday is not a good time to host a party.
However, today is somewhat special.
In its fifth week of release, Warner Bros.' "Lethal Weapon 2" has surpassed $100 million in total box office in North America after Friday and Saturday's screenings. Therefore, the celebration party for this film was specially arranged for today.
Since "Lethal Weapon 2" is the first domestically produced film by Warner Bros. to break the $100 million mark at the box office five years after Joe Dante's "Gremlins" in 1984, this celebration party held at the Beverly Hills Hilton is of grand scale. Steve Ross, the head of Warner Bros., made time to come to Los Angeles during the most intense moment of the ongoing acquisition lawsuit involving Time Inc., Warner Bros., and Paramount Communications.
Furthermore, it's said that at today's luncheon for the creative team of "Lethal Weapon 2," Steve Ross rewarded the key creators with a luxurious sports car each, personally handing over the keys to them.
Steve Ross's generous nature is indeed one of the reasons why Warner Bros. can attract a group of top filmmakers to collaborate with them. "Old Cowboy" Clint Eastwood has been exclusively making films for Warner Bros. over the past decade, and renowned Hollywood figures like Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, and Cher also share a close relationship with Ross.
Simon also attended tonight's party, having been unable to refuse after receiving two enthusiastic invitations from Steve Ross.
After the announcement of Daenerys Entertainment's 10 external collaboration film projects, Simon isn't sure if he's become the most powerful person in Hollywood, but he's definitely been receiving the most invitations recently. Just looking at the grand celebration Warner Bros. has thrown for "Lethal Weapon 2" after its box office success, it's easy to understand Hollywood's fervor towards Simon.
Despite "Lethal Weapon 2"'s box office performance delighting Warner Bros., it's expected that its total North American box office might not even reach half of "The Sixth Sense."
With Simon's requirement for collaboration partners to provide scripts, Hollywood's seven major studios, mainstream second and third-tier film companies, top producers, and even major talent agencies have all sent a plethora of scripts to Daenerys Entertainment.
These days, wherever Simon goes, he's almost always sifting through a stack of scripts waiting for his review.
With the main creative teams for next year's "Ghost," "Pretty Woman," "Dances with Wolves," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" from Daenerys Entertainment already confirmed, the news of the 10 films has caused a frenzy among talent agencies and stars big and small in Hollywood.
Ten movies naturally mean a lot of opportunities.
Daenerys Entertainment's ability to make stars out of actors is well known, and second and third-tier actors are desperate for these chances that could elevate them to the A-list. Even top-tier stars can't remain indifferent to the plan for these 10 films.
With limited resources in Hollywood, as newcomers rise to the A-list, opportunities won't significantly increase, leading to the inevitable decline of some existing A-listers.
At the Hilton's banquet hall.
When Simon appears, all guests' gazes converge on the young man at the door like countless compass needles attracted by a strong magnet.
Steve Ross quickly greets him with a group, understanding it's somewhat inappropriate to invite Simon, who's bound to be the center of attention, to today's occasion. However, Ross, needing to fly to Delaware tomorrow and unable to find another time to meet with Simon, had no choice.
"Simon, so glad to see you again," Ross said warmly, embracing Simon and jokingly adding, "How come you're alone? No matter, this might be a good opportunity to find a female companion."
After greeting Ross, Simon asked, "How have you been, Steve?"
"If I could, I'd love to have a fistfight with Martin Davis," Ross replied.
Simon chuckled, "Then he definitely wouldn't stand a chance against you."
Ross laughed, patted Simon on the shoulder, and turned to others, "You all know him, oh, this is Barbra, she was just hoping I could introduce you two."
Simon nodded to Terry Semel, Mel Gibson, Joe Pesci, and "Lethal Weapon 2"'s director Richard Donner, then shook hands with Barbra Streisand, whom Ross specifically mentioned, saying, "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Streisand."
Barbra Streisand warmly shook hands with Simon, replying, "Just call me Barbra, Simon."
"Of course, Barbra."
After a brief chat, Gibson and others dispersed back into the party crowd.
Steve Ross led Simon to a table in the corner of the hall, ordered drinks, and mentioned, "I called George Clooney this afternoon, Simon. The WGA's investigation into Daenerys Entertainment should be wrapping up. Touch base with them tomorrow, and this should be resolved quickly."
Simon, no longer worried about the WGA's investigation, nodded appreciatively, asking, "How's the lawsuit going?"
Simon referred to the ongoing dispute over the acquisition case.
Paramount unexpectedly made a takeover offer for Time Inc. in June, disrupting the nearly finalized acquisition between Time Inc. and Warner Bros. After Time Inc. firmly resisted, Paramount sued to stop the merger between Time Inc. and Warner Bros.
Many large North American companies are registered in Delaware for tax and other considerations.
Simon, keen on learning from this acquisition for future strategies, finds Ross's firsthand account enlightening, offering a deeper understanding of the case.
The management, not shareholders, of Time Inc., Warner Bros., and Paramount Communications, who are looking out for their interests, are the real drivers behind this saga.
Paramount's lawsuit, ostensibly to protect Time Inc.'s shareholders, was misguided from the start.
Time Inc.'s management doesn't care about securing an extra billion for shareholders; their focus is on protecting their millions in earnings and control over the company.
When Ross asked about the 10 film projects, Simon, momentarily pulling his thoughts back, replied with a smile about the overwhelming number of scripts he's been reviewing, emphasizing the importance of script quality.
Ross, having seen the "Batman" test footage and anticipating a successful collaboration, proposes giving Warner Bros. two more of the 10 films, highlighting Warner Bros.' extensive copyright library and willingness to secure any script Simon is interested in, even at more favorable terms.
Simon has already reviewed Warner Bros.' first batch of scripts and has his targets in mind. However, he's cautious not to reveal them until the WGA dispute is resolved.
Feeling Ross's expectant gaze, Simon eventually assures him that Warner Bros. will have a place in the 10 films, though the exact number is uncertain. He also mentions the potential for continued collaboration on "Batman" sequels, given Ross's confidence in the franchise.
Ross, satisfied with Simon's assurance, encourages him to enjoy the party, joking about monopolizing Simon's time.
As Simon prepares to mingle, Jonathan Friedman approaches, eager to discuss project selections.
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT