[Chapter 457: Wasting Time]
"Mr. Ohga, this matter cannot be settled in a few casual words," Eric said, holding a glass of champagne, as he stood across from Sony's CEO, Norio Ohga.
"Of course, Mr. Williams. We are very sincere in our hopes, and we ask that you consider this carefully," Norio Ohga replied.
After the signing ceremony, the customary celebratory party commenced. Eric finally grasped why the Sony CEO made a special trip to Los Angeles for this event: Norio Ohga aimed to persuade Eric to allow Firefly to join in promoting Sony's home video products.
When Sony first developed the home video recorder, Hollywood spent a decade in legal battles with them over piracy concerns. Although Sony ultimately emerged victorious, the market for home video recorders was dominated by Panasonic, which boasted superior technology.
Sony's acquisition of Columbia Pictures was intended to leverage Columbia's film library for promoting these home video recorders. However, Columbia had only managed to secure substantial funding from the Japanese in the past two years without achieving the expected results. With Firefly unexpectedly collaborating with Columbia, Sony had turned its sights on Firefly. While small compared to Warner Bros., which had diversified significantly, Firefly's rapid growth put it in a prime position in Hollywood. If Sony managed to recruit Firefly to promote their home video products, it might not defeat Panasonic, but it could significantly diminish Panasonic's market share.
Despite Eric's lack of familiarity with certain issues, he was aware that in a few years, DVDs would quickly rise and replace videotapes. Although Norio Ohga had just promised some benefits, they would take a long time to materialize. If Eric agreed, it seemed likely that before any benefits became apparent, home video tapes would become obsolete.
After they talked for a while, Norio Ohga turned to leave. Eric exchanged greetings with familiar faces around him, then found a sofa in the corner of the gala hall and sat down, sipping his champagne, intending to take a short break.
...
Moments later, a few senior executives from Firefly came over and took seats next to Eric. Jeffrey curiously asked, "Eric, what did Norio Ohga talk to you about?"
Eric briefly described the situation.
"If we could really collaborate, it doesn't sound bad. What are your thoughts?" Jeffrey remarked after listening.
Eric shrugged. "I have no thoughts. Let's collect some relevant information tomorrow and decide then. But I heard that DVD technology is already in development. If that tech can replace videotapes, it seems unnecessary for us to dive into that muddy water."
"I've seen some information on DVD technology," Katzenberg chimed in, "and it has a far lower piracy cost than videotapes. I think once this technology gets going, it won't be good news for Hollywood."
"The arrival of TVs and home video recorders wasn't good for Hollywood either, but technological advancement is hard to stop. All we can do is follow suit and adapt our survival strategies. Otherwise, we'll just be eliminated."
Katzenberg chuckled, rubbing his bald head. "I understand that. Let's not talk about this anymore. Eric, do you have any ideas in mind regarding the films to collaborate on with Columbia?"
"Not yet," Eric shook his head. He recalled many classic blockbusters were franchise films, but he didn't want to present movies with obvious franchise potential for collaboration with Columbia. Even though relevant licensing terms had been signed, if it involved too much profit, it would definitely lead to complications in the future. "What about you? I saw you talking to Peter Guber earlier."
"He wants one of the four major films announced by Firefly to collaborate with Columbia," Katzenberg said bluntly.
"Which film?" Eric asked.
"Deep Impact," Katzenberg replied.
The four major films Firefly announced were Jurassic Park, Deep Impact, True Lies, and Speed. Both Jurassic Park and Deep Impact were special effects films. True Lies and Speed leaned more towards traditional stunts; one was a remake while the other was a road thriller. After seeing the Twister trailer during the Super Bowl, it was no surprise Columbia wanted to collaborate on Deep Impact.
"They finally showed some awareness by not asking for Jurassic Park," Eric mentioned. Firefly had already revealed that Jurassic Park would be made into a franchise. It seemed Peter Guber understood that Firefly wouldn't offer Jurassic Park for collaboration, settling instead for this disaster film about a comet collision.
"What do you think?" Katzenberg's eyes gleamed with expectation. He hoped Eric would bring Deep Impact to Disney and Columbia for development. Eric had written the story outline himself, and given the comet premise, the chances of failure were slim.
Eric thought for a moment and shook his head. Firefly had a detailed development plan for these four films. Speed was set to release by the end of the year, while Jurassic Park and Deep Impact were slated for summer openings next year, and Cameron's True Lies would begin production next year, aiming for a summer release in 1994. This would create another buzz; don't forget, Kathryn Bigelow's Saving Private Ryan would also be produced next year, releasing on June 6, 1994, the 50th anniversary of D-Day.
Handing Deep Impact over to Disney and Columbia would render much of Firefly's groundwork useless. For a major studio, although they typically released twenty films a year, only about three or four were their main features. Once these hit films succeeded, they could account for about half of the studio's annual box office, illustrating just how much resources and effort studios devoted to these films. Therefore, it was clear the four films Firefly announced were priorities for the next three years, and changing plans couldn't be taken lightly.
"I will start working on Jurassic Park after this year's Oscars. There's still a month left, which is plenty of time for me to scout a few projects. If you have any good plans on your side, feel free to recommend them to me," Eric said, glancing at Michael Lynn. "So, how's that matter you discussed with Peter Guber?"
Michael Lynn instinctively looked around to ensure no one was nearby before whispering, "If we rush this, it will become too obvious. I've worked out a timetable with Peter Guber that starts after the Oscars and runs through the end of the year to avoid too much attention."
Eric wasn't worried about Peter Guber pulling any tricks. Firefly held all the cards now. If Guber didn't honor his commitments, Firefly had many ways to make him pay. Besides, it wasn't even Guber's project; he had no reason to go back on his word. Eric had heard that Peter Guber and Jon Peters were already plotting ways to jack up their salaries, assuming they could pocket a handsome exit after three years when their contract with Columbia expired.
Once the discussions wrapped up, they all raised their glasses and began chatting about lighter topics. Observant guests noticed the shift in the mood, realizing the business talk had concluded and eagerly approached.
"You guys go ahead. I'll step out for a minute," Eric said, lifting his head and catching a glimpse of Nicole, who was dressed in a light purple gown and smiling at him.
...
"Eric," Nicole said, raising her glass when she saw him. Eric reached out to take the champagne from her hand, putting it aside and taking her delicate hand. "Let's go dance."
"Okay," Nicole allowed Eric to lead her toward the dance floor.
As soft music played, Eric wrapped his arms around Nicole's slender waist, inhaling her sweet fragrance, and softly said, "Do you know what purple represents?"
"Hmm?" Nicole looked into Eric's eyes, her expression turning curious.
"Purple stands for nobility and mystery. Most women wouldn't dare wear a purple gown because they're often not strong enough to pull it off, making it appear out of place."
Nicole's soft pink lips curled into a smile. "So, how do you think I look in this gown?"
"Your Majesty, I'm tempted to kneel and kiss your hand," Eric replied half-jokingly.
Nicole glanced towards the exit of the gala hall, her eyes teasing, "I'm somewhat looking forward to that scene. Why don't we step outside and give it a try?"
Eric took advantage of the moment when no one was watching and let his hand slide down her waist, giving her a gentle pat. "Woman, don't push your luck."
Nicole shot him a playful glare, then leaned in slightly, softly saying, "Eric, I just read Jurassic Park again recently. What do you think about me playing Dr. Ellie Sattler?"
"The production plan states that all cast members in this film can only earn the minimum wage set by the union; would you be willing to accept that?"
"Absolutely," Nicole shot back without hesitation.
Eric chuckled, "When you said you'd be willing, you weren't thinking about anything inappropriate, were you?"
Nicole's face flushed slightly. "Of course not."
After teasing her, Eric became serious. "Jurassic Park's main stars will be those ancient dinosaurs. Like Twister, this movie's purpose isn't much beyond familiarizing the audience with the actors. Considering your current standing, taking this role might be a bit of a waste of time."
"Aren't you supposed to be prepping two films for me? You mentioned causing some friction between Tom Cruise and his partners. We have one, what's the next one?"
"Uh..." Eric stared at Nicole, realizing the trap that awaited him. "It's getting late. I think it's better for us to go back and talk about such an important matter, for example, in bed."
Nicole puffed out her chest fearlessly: "Okay."
...
Feeling the movement beside her, Nicole almost simultaneously woke up along with Eric. The skin of her back pressed against the man's solid chest, making her shrink her body involuntarily. She leaned back instinctively, and then felt Eric's morning desire pressing against her buttocks.
Nicole rubbed him twice as if playing a prank, then turned over with a smile and met Eric's eyes: "Morning."
"Morning," Eric leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
The warmth of the light kiss made Nicole's heart flutter. She stretched out an arm to hug Eric, squinted her eyes and leaned over to continue sleeping. But then the atmosphere was ruined by the little guy pressed against her lower abdomen.
"This guy is not letting me sleep," Nicole complained as she reached out and pinched it hard.
"That's because you woke him up, so you have to make him sleep," Eric smiled and hugged Nicole into his arms, using his knees to push the girl's legs open.
Nicole hummed softly a few times and exhaled deeply.
"It's still early; we can rest for another half hour," Eric added.
"Damn it, how... are you going to rest?" Nicole punched Eric on the back with amusement.
So half an hour of rest time was changed to morning exercise.
...
Later, they stood side by side at the bathroom sink, brushing their teeth and washing their faces. He shaved while she took care of skincare. After changing clothes, they went for a morning run in the estate, grabbed the day's newspaper, and then Eric sat at the long dining table to read while Nicole made breakfast in the kitchen across from him.
As Nicole placed a plate of small pastries on the table, she poured milk for both of them and, noticing Eric's dazed expression, curiously asked, "What's wrong?"
"I suddenly remembered a story," Eric replied, gazing at the freshly baked pastries in front of him.
"Oh?" Nicole raised an eyebrow, not showing too much surprise, handed him the milk, and pulled out a chair to sit down across from Eric. "Okay, let's hear it. What's the story?"
Eric pinched a piece of bread, thought for a while, and summarized the extremely simple story in a few words. "It's about two killers who randomly met in a chaotic city, then fell in love and got married."
"Hmm..." Nicole took a bite of her pastry, nodded, her golden bangs playfully swaying, making her look somewhat cute. Out of nowhere, she raised her head and asked, "Hey, are these two killers a man and a woman?"
"..." Eric stared speechlessly at the slyness in her eyes.
Nicole feigned innocence, locking gazes with Eric for a few seconds before waving her small hand in surrender. "Haha, just kidding. Please, go ahead."
Eric shot her a mock threatening glance and continued, "But they didn't know each other's identities. Although they were both top killers in their respective circles, they belonged to different organizations and lived in an unremarkable neighborhood, leading ordinary lives with their cover jobs, and their neighbors referred to them as: Mr. & Mrs. Smith."
*****
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