Hollywood, the glamorous land, never lacks shining successful figures and the parties they gather at.
"Congratulations, Leo."
In the banquet hall, someone came over specifically to congratulate the radiant Leonardo. "1.8 billion dollars at the box office!"
Leonardo burst into laughter and clinked glasses with the person.
The 1.8 billion male lead, unmatched worldwide!
Walking through the banquet hall, listening to the flattering congratulations and seeing the pleasing smiles, Leonardo was in a great mood. Suddenly, he thought of something, James Cameron proclaiming himself "King of the World" at the Oscars...
Shouldn't it be me who truly shouts "King of the World"?
Those damned conservative old men at the Oscars, ignoring him, not even nominating him, they're a bunch of old bastards!
Leonardo thought maliciously. Those stubborn old bastards must be jealous because I'm more handsome than them, because I have more women liking me, because even elderly ladies who match them prefer me.
What's a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars? I'm the 1.8 billion male lead now. The Best Actor Oscar will be mine sooner or later. If you have the guts, try to hold me back for ten years!
After wandering around the banquet hall for a while, Leonardo frowned. Something was wrong with the organizers. Who did they invite? Not a single blonde with long legs!
Bored, Leonardo approached a familiar circle, including Warner Bros' Brian Milner, 20th Century Fox's DeYockoff, and Sony Entertainment's Chris.
"What are you guys talking about?" Leonardo barged into their conversation. "Seems like it's quite lively."
"We're discussing the latest hot horror film," Milner smiled at Leonardo. "It just won the box office crown this week."
"A promising horror film," Chris added. "Sony Entertainment almost acquired the distribution rights, but unfortunately..."
"This year's Halloween surprise, the producer is remarkable," DeYockoff said. "Not only did he personally write the script, but he also had a clear vision when selecting the director and actors. The director's portrayal of the horror atmosphere is outstanding, and the actors show great potential."
Another person whom Leonardo didn't know nodded and said, "What's amazing is that the producer is only twenty years old, quite impressive!" He chuckled, "What was I doing at twenty? Drinking and fooling around, still not understanding how movies work."
A twenty-year-old producer? A face involuntarily floated through Leonardo's mind.
Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Leonardo immediately dismissed the thought. Though he hadn't paid much attention to entertainment news recently, a prodigal son turning things around...
Hollywood has always been a place where success breeds more success and failure leads to more failure.
How could a prodigal son turn things around?
Leonardo couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked, "Which film are you talking about?"
"The Purge," Chris replied.
Leonardo shook his head. "Never heard of it." He then asked, "Which company's film is it?"
"It's from a small company called Sand Sea Entertainment," Milner answered. "I attended a screening, didn't expect it to be this good."
Sand Sea Entertainment? Leonardo widened his eyes and asked, "Is the producer that prodigal, Ronan Anderson?"
Upon hearing this, the others were momentarily speechless. Given the box office performance of "The Purge," how could Ronan Anderson be considered a prodigal? He's clearly a successful person!
Trying to test the waters, DeYockoff asked, "Leo, do you know Ronan Anderson?"
Leonardo's expression soured slightly. "I know his father."
Chris and Milner could tell that Leonardo seemed quite displeased with Ronan Anderson. At this moment of Leonardo's triumph, it would be best not to provoke him.
The two quickly made up excuses and slipped away.
Leonardo was a bit heady from all the praise but not foolish. He asked DeYockoff, "Is Ronan Anderson's 'The Purge' successful?"
DeYockoff glanced at Leonardo and answered truthfully, "It won last weekend's box office crown, grossing $11.4 million." He tried to align with Leonardo's perspective, "Because it expanded to 1,000 more theaters compared to last week, 'The Purge' managed to surpass 'Halloween 7's' $8.2 million and secure the top spot."
Ronan Anderson actually won the box office crown? This nearly slipped out of Leonardo's mouth. Thinking of that despicable guy refuting him and publicly poaching his project, his gaze turned cold instantly. He asked, "How many times has he won the box office crown?"
"This is the first one. 'The Purge' premiered in the second week and was the runner-up in the first week," DeYockoff informed him. "Currently, the North American box office has accumulated $33.44 million."
Leonardo nodded and fell silent suddenly. After a while, he subconsciously touched his face.
Doesn't it seem like I've publicly cursed Ronan Anderson as a prodigal before? Many people must have heard about it, after all, I'm the 1.8 billion male lead, naturally attracting more attention.
Now that the prodigal son has turned things around, it seems like I've lost face, right? I'm afraid many people will talk behind my back...
Fortunately, being the 1.8 billion male lead is much more prestigious than being a few million dollar producer, otherwise, I'd be too embarrassed to face Ronan Anderson in the future.
For some reason, since the blockbuster success of "Titanic," Leonardo's brain had been floating in the clouds, but now it cleared up a bit.
Maybe I've been a bit excessive in dealing with Ronan Anderson?
But, to be fair, the conflict between them was initiated by Ronan Anderson.
"How do you see this film 'The Purge'?" Brian Milner asked Chris as they walked along the corridor of the banquet hall. "Any predictions for its North American box office?"
Chris replied directly, "Around $50 million. This type of film doesn't have a long shelf life. At most, it'll exhaust its market potential in five or six weeks."
Brian nodded. "With a production budget of $11 million and a North American box office of $50 million, Lionsgate has made a good deal."
Chris rubbed his forehead. "I actually regret it a bit. I should have acquired the distribution rights for this film." He curiously asked, "Didn't Warner Bros. discuss with Sand Sea Entertainment?"
"Because I misjudged it," Brian admitted frankly. He sighed. "Luckily, I left Warner Bros. last week, otherwise, it would have been a little troublesome if my superiors asked about it."
Chris knew Brian had resigned, so he asked, "Shouldn't we do something to make up for it? Lionsgate doesn't have overseas distribution capabilities."
Chris chuckled. "I've already made an appointment with Ronan Anderson. We'll meet the day after tomorrow."
...
New Line Cinema, Director's Office.
"Dillon," Director Brian leaned back in his chair, looking at the person in front of him. "I heard Ronan Anderson came to New Line Cinema several times to promote 'The Purge,' is that true?"
Since Ronan Anderson openly came to the company, Dillon couldn't deny it. He said, "Yes, he came to see me a few times."
How did that film become a hit? It's beyond logic! According to normal rules, someone who failed with their previous film, without even analyzing it, is bound to fail again ninety percent of the time.
Brian asked again, "Did Ronan Anderson send over a copy?"
"He did," Dillon could only tell the truth. "I watched it once. The film's quality was average, so I tossed it into the junk pile."
"Average quality?" Brian raised his voice in question.
Sweat dripped from Dillon's forehead. The company has never favored new works from failed filmmakers. Is this my fault?
But no matter how many mistakes I've made, it's not the leader's fault.
Brian, like any other boss, definitely flips out when needed. "A film of average quality grossed over 33 million dollars? Is your eyesight located behind your brain?"
Dillon bowed his head slightly, not daring to speak.
"Sand Sea Entertainment previously worked with us. They must want to continue the cooperation," Brian snorted. "Look at all the mess you've made!"
After a brief pause, he continued, "As far as I know, the overseas distribution rights for 'The Purge' are still available. Go talk to Ronan Anderson."