Chapter 300: It"s Too Late
The s.p.a.cious party hall was bustling with people; this was the Oscar celebration party being held by Firefly Film Company.
Normally, apart from the winning movie teams, it was only Hollywood"s seven major film companies that would host similar parties after the Golden Globes or Oscars, inviting all of Hollywood"s stars to partic.i.p.ate. Second and third-tier film companies would never do this.
This was not a matter of money but a demonstration of strength. If a second or third-tier film company held a similar party, they would be in an awkward situation where there were no heavyweight stars to show up, which would be even more embarra.s.sing.
But Firefly was different. Although currently still in a second-tier film company position, with the huge impact that Firefly has made in awards and box office this year, apart from most of the stars of the original UTA, there were also other Hollywood stars who came to support or look for opportunities.
"I feel that the academy is still too conservative. This year, the four movies that you personally directed all achieved great success at the box office, except for "Home Alone 2" which is purely a comedy. I think the other three movies deserve a nomination for Best Director, especially "Running out of Time." It"s a shame," Harvey Weinstein said, with a sincere look, as he brought his round face closer to Eric.
Eric ran into the Weinstein brothers right after the Oscars ceremony. He originally planned to chat with them, but after they heard that the Firefly was hosting a celebratory party, they brought the entire cast of "My Left Foot" over. Although "My Left Foot" received five nominations, it ultimately went home empty-handed. The Weinsteins cancelled the original celebration party, and no one from the cast of "My Left Foot" complained.
Eric, holding a gla.s.s of red wine, laughed and said, "Harvey, it"s nothing. I"m so young now, there will be more opportunities in the future. Winning awards too early is not a good thing. It easily causes someone to lose their direction and become stagnant."
"No, no, no," Harvey Weinstein immediately shook his head and said, "Eric, actually, I think the Firefly"s awards strategy has several flaws. For example, the two Best Screenplay nominations you received. If I were in charge, I would not separate a Best Original Screenplay and a Best Adapted Screenplay. It"s not that your screenplays are not good enough, but... both screenplays are good enough, this actually caused both nominations to fail. As for the reason, I think you probably know it by now. And "Scent of a Woman," only received a Best Actor nomination, which is also a shame."
Eric looked at Daniel Day-Lewis, who was not far away, and said, "I think Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis" performance in "My Left Foot" is also outstanding. If it wasn"t for "Scent of a Woman", perhaps he should have been the best actor. It"s said that when Daniel was performing, he was once so immersed in the role that he couldn"t extricate himself. He even really treated himself as a disabled person and often needed help to eat."
Harvey Weinstein took a look around, then lowered his voice slightly and said, "Actually, I was originally preparing for the best actor in PR, because although "My Left Foot" is good enough, this is after all a British film, and the movie"s protagonist is also an Irish artist. So, although "My Left Foot" received five nominations, the most likely is only the best actor, but after "Scent of a Woman" appeared, I knew that Daniel"s best actress was definitely hopeless. And the possibility of best film is even lower. So I changed to PR for the best director. Unfortunately, I still couldn"t compete with Oliver Stone in the end. After all, the other side is a big director who has been famous in Hollywood for many years. And Jim Sheridan is directing a movie for the first time. Ultimately, Mila Max"s luck was not good this time."
Eric nodded without commenting, continuing to wait for Harvey to continue. He knew that Harvey had prepared so much, and he was definitely not just revealing a little inside information to him.
Harvey Weinstein stared intently at Robert Shea, who was animatedly discussing something with a group of people nearby. "Eric," Harvey continued, "I know that the Oscar PR for Fireflies is led by Mr. Shea, but you saw it too. Such an excellent movie as Scent of a Woman, and compared to My Left Foot, it reflects typical American values, and director Martin Brest"s credentials are sufficient. However, it only got the Best Actor award, and both Best Director and Best Picture pa.s.sed by. This is really unfortunate. If Scent of a Woman had been handled by Mila Macs, I believe that at least one of the Best Director and Best Picture awards could have been obtained."
Eric sighed regretfully after listening to Harvey"s words. "Harvey, what you said is indeed very reasonable, but now Fireflies no longer has Mila Macs. When I was planning to expand Fireflies, I investigated some of Mila Macs" information, knowing that both of you brothers often buy films in Europe or the Far East and then bring them back for domestic distribution. So, you must have a lot of foundation and connections overseas. My original plan was for Robert Shea to be responsible for domestic distribution in North America, and for you two brothers to expand overseas channels."
Harvey Weinstein listened to Eric"s words, he couldn"t resist sticking out his tongue and licking his interfering lips. The overseas expansion of the Firefly movie was a huge cake. After all, the first few movies that Eric personally directed had about the same box office performance overseas and domestically, and even "Pretty Woman" had a higher box office overseas than domestically, a hundred million US dollars.
The reason why the Weinstein brothers focused their main energy on selecting art films to hit the Oscars was simply due to their lack of strength. In the end, winning awards to gain fame and then making box office and peripheral profits was also a way of making a difference. After all, the Oscars are held in Hollywood every year. If there is a chance to release a big-selling commercial film, the Weinstein brothers would definitely change the course without hesitation.
"Well... Eric, I think now..."
Eric shook his head, "It"s already too late, Harvey, Firefly and the new line are now integrated. Although I am still the largest shareholder of Firefly, I also have to consider Robert"s feelings and the current Firefly. Mira Max"s influence is too weak compared to what it used to be. If we follow the original plan, Robert would not be willing for you two brothers to split the overseas release rights."
Harvey Weinsteinstein"s face showed a hint of disappointment. He quickly spoke again, "Eric, actually. I"m better at PR awards. Maybe we can..."
"Harvey, do you think, so many people are pa.s.sionate about the Oscars, what"s the ultimate goal?" Eric interrupted.
Harvey hesitated for a moment, and said a single word: "Interest."
Eric laughed, "You see, that"s right. So, any big movie company, although they value the Oscars, no one puts the Oscars in the first place, and most of the films they produce are commercial films. The Firefly is the same, and in the next few years, Firefly"s main focus will be on commercial films, waiting until the company reaches a certain strength and scale, it will venture into the art film sector. Acquiring some honors to add to the company"s accomplishments."
"Eric, don"t you think these two things can be done at the same time?" Harvey said unwillingly.
"Of course, that"s possible. So, we can still collaborate, but merging is not an option. Oh, there is a movie that I really like and its producer is here today. Want me to introduce you?"
Harvey Weinstein nodded dejectedly and Eric quickly led Harvey to Elizabeth and Julia, who were sitting on a sofa in the corner whispering something to each other.
"Hey, beautiful ladies. Can I sit down?" Eric approached them and asked.
At the sound of Eric"s voice, Julia stiffened, and Elizabeth raised her leg to kick in his direction. "Get lost, playboy," she said.
Eric quickly dodged to the side. He saw the sharp black stiletto and felt a cold sweat break out. Suddenly, he realized that these two women seemed to have kicked him in the same leg and that people are often judged based on the company they keep.
"Liz, come on, I"ve already apologized. Hey, let me introduce a person to you."
Elizabeth reluctantly stood up as she heard Eric speak, and Julia also rose to her feet. Her gaze drifted aimlessly for a moment before finally focusing on Eric"s face, forcing a weak smile. Elizabeth glanced at the fat man beside Eric.
"You mean Harvey Weinstein?" Elizabeth clarified. "I know him."
But Harvey looked at Eric with confusion. In Hollywood, there were few women who would dare to kick Eric without hesitation, so he was extremely curious about Elizabeth"s ident.i.ty. Eric quickly explained, "Harvey, this is Elizabeth Murdoch, the second daughter of Mr. Rupert Murdoch."
"Ah, Miss Murdoch, h.e.l.lo, I never expected you to know me, it"s really an honor," Harvey said with a smiling face as he extended his fat hand.
Elizabeth awkwardly shook hands with Harvey, then turned her gaze back to Eric, "What"s up?"
"So, I think that after "The Silence of the Lambs" is produced, it will definitely have some impact at next year"s Oscars. And Harvey is very skilled in public relations, so that"s why I introduced you guys to meet him."
"Oh..." Elizabeth sighed with a slightly angry expression, "So, Firefly made some money after the release and then stopped caring about awards?"
Eric waved his hand, "Of course not, Lizzie, you misunderstood. I mean, Harvey is really good at handling award PR, so I want to give next year"s "The Silence of the Lambs" award PR to them. Rest a.s.sured, all PR fees will be paid by Firefly."
After listening to Eric, Elizabeth snorted, raised her chin and said, "That"s about it." She then turned her gaze to Harvey Weinstein and had a questioning look in her eyes.
Harvey Weinstein was overjoyed at the opportunity to establish a relationship with the princess of the news group. Despite only hearing a few words, Harvey was keenly aware that Elizabeth was now a producer and this was a great opportunity. With the financial power of the Murdoch family, wouldn"t it be a waste to continue causing trouble for Mila Maxwell?
Thinking about these things, Harvey"s face became more polite, with a smile in every wrinkle on his chubby face. "I have no problems here, Miss Murdoch. It"s an honor to work with you."
When things were said, Elizabeth gestured to Eric and Harvey. "Well, if there"s nothing else, you can leave."
The two big men looked at each other, and Harvey thought in his heart that he still needed to leave a contact. Eric remembered the scene from his past life when he saw the palace drama and the queen made the little eunuch kneel.
Elizabeth was about to sit down with Julia, but she suddenly remembered something and told Eric: "Wait, I have some questions for you."
Harvey, seeing the situation, had no choice but to temporarily leave.
After Harvey left, Elizabeth asked: "Mr. Williams, I heard that "Untangled Souls" has started."
Eric nodded cooperatively and said: "Yes, Miss Murdoch, do you have any orders?"
Before Elizabeth could say anything, Julia was amused by the two people"s demeanor and burst out laughing.
The atmosphere was ruined, and Elizabeth pretended to be angry, until Julia begged for mercy while laughing.
"Hey, in public like this, you two should watch your influence," Harvey said as he returned.
"Mind your own business, you jerk," Elizabeth replied.
Eric raised his hand in surrender and said with a forced smile, "Alright, I give up. Queen, please tell me what"s going on." He couldn"t help but think, "Once a free bird, always in debt." There was no way he could keep up with their level of cunning.
"I"m talking about the female lead in your next movie. What do you think of Julia?" asked Elizabeth.
Eric looked at Julia and was about to respond when Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, "You"re not allowed to disagree. This role is set in stone."
Julia quickly reacted and pulled Elizabeth back, "Liz, don"t be like that. And I don"t want to be involved with... "
Elizabeth comforted her by patting her thigh and said, "Relax, I"ll be there with you during the shoot. I won"t give any chance to those miserable guys again."
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