[Chapter 394: Dinner with Charlize Theron]
Link was still filming with the crew, unaware of how Michael Ovitz was secretly discrediting him behind his back.
But even if he knew, he wouldn't care. His original plan was to make a fortune in Hollywood, then sell his film company and focus on making movies with billions of dollars in his account.
He wouldn't run a company, nor battle the Big Seven studios, and he could take the time to produce more films.
But after the shooting incident, he changed his mind. He didn't want to step back so simply, handing the North American film market over to the Big Seven, letting them get the profits.
As a director in Hollywood, without strong studio backing, he would be controlled in production and distribution, and exploited by the Big studios.
Moreover, after decades, with no foresight and declining box office receipts, no film company would want to cooperate with him, and eventually, he wouldn't be able to make films independently.
So he decided to keep growing Guess Pictures, earning more money, increasing his share of the box office. The next step was to acquire one or two of the Big Seven, becoming the most powerful film company in the world and the real boss of Hollywood.
...
Ring~ring~ring!
After filming in the afternoon, Link returned to his apartment for dinner with Charlize Theron when he received a call from Michael Ovitz.
"Haha, Link, busy? Do you have time to chat?"
Ovitz's cheerful laugh masked a certain fake sweetness, but for a director who often gauged actors' moods, Link could hear some insincerity behind his smile.
"I'm having dinner. What's up?"
Link glanced at the blonde beauty Charlize Theron across the table. She was dressed in a white strapless gown that highlighted her fair, sexy collarbones, with a pair of alluring long legs under the table, looking even more tempting than the $820 worth of French cuisine on the table.
If he wasn't so career-focused, he wouldn't have given Ovitz the chance to speak in such a setting.
"Alright, I'll get to the point."
Ovitz paused, his tone serious. "Link, what are you planning?"
"What do you mean? Just be straight. Don't beat around the bush."
Link took a sip of red wine.
"Link, I've been watching your moves with Guess Pictures. I noticed after the shooting incident, your hostility towards the Big Seven has increased. Why? Do you still think the mastermind behind the shooting was one of the Big Seven?"
"Michael, before the shooting, Guess Pictures was opposing the Big Seven, who often used the media to suppress our films. We had to fight back and stir up some unfavorable news for them. After the incident, we're doing the same. I don't see any difference."
Link said slowly.
"Link, don't lie to me. Let's be honest. We're allies. Being frank can deepen our trust and prepare for further cooperation."
"Alright! I have one question, and I hope you'll be honest. I received reliable information that, because Guess Pictures has performed outstandingly these past two years, some people at the Big Seven are jealous and want to deal with me in extreme ways. Have you heard anything about this?"
"No!"
"Okay, we'll talk more later."
"Link, don't hang up."
Hearing his tone, Ovitz added, "Alright, I did hear some rumors about that before, but they were baseless and highly unreliable -- like some people claiming to want to kill you because you took away many beautiful women. Such rumors are very untrustworthy. I didn't take them seriously after hearing them."
Link chuckled softly. "Really? Okay, you have some questions?"
Ovitz exhaled in relief on the other end -- luckily, Link didn't dig deeper into that issue, or he'd have a hard time backing out.
"Your recent actions have worsened the conflict between Guess Pictures and the Big Seven, and also exposed tensions between smaller studios and the Big Eight. You're a clever, no, rational person -- you're not stupid. What's your actual goal this time?"
"Michael, the newspapers say that the competition for box office during the North American summer is getting fiercer, and it's harder for studios to make money. Do you agree?"
"Of course, that's true."
"Very well, then what's causing this intense competition? Is there a solution?"
Link asked.
"The media say it's because of more commercial films and rising production costs. I agree with that, but it doesn't relate to my question. Link, don't try to divert the topic with that."
"No, I am answering your question. You're right -- the main reason for the fierce box office competition is the oversaturation of films. So, what do you think is the solution?"
"I don't know. What do you think?"
Ovitz began to get impatient. He had only asked one question, but Link not only refused to answer directly but also flipped the question back to him.
"It's simple. Since the key reason for the over-competition is too many films, and total box office is too low, we just need to cut down Hollywood's film production volume to fix this."
"Reduce film production?"
Ovitz sneered on the phone, dismissing his idea.
...
Everyone knew the reason for the fierce competition was too many films, leading to mutual undercutting and low box office returns.
It was also common knowledge that reducing theatrical screenings could ease the heat, but with the industry booming and profits enticing investors to Hollywood, many aimed to be the next Link.
In the coming years, with more capital pouring into Hollywood, the number of film productions would only increase, not decrease.
In 1992, only 247 films were released that year, but by July of the current year, 191 films had already been released, and the total for the year was expected to surpass 320.
In three or four years, the total could reach 600 or 700 films annually, or even more.
Everyone was optimistic about Hollywood, and everyone wanted to profit from films.
Under such circumstances, reducing film output in Hollywood was impossible -- intervening to decrease production would go against market laws and would likely fail.
Ovitz, who had been with Disney for over half a year, understood the industry deeply and wouldn't be easily fooled by Link.
...
"Michael, you believe it's impossible?" Link smiled. "If Hollywood's Big Eight became the Big Seven or Six, with each studio releasing 2-3 commercial films every summer, wouldn't the summer competition still be just as fierce and chaotic?"
Ovitz's eyebrows furrowed immediately. "How do you turn eight studios into seven or six? Unless you're willing to give up Guess Pictures."
"Not necessary. According to data from Total Film magazine, under current conditions, about 80% of small studios will go bankrupt within five years, and one or two of the Big Eight might also fold. This is a forward-looking view, so shifting from eight to seven or six big studios isn't impossible."
"Alright, even if you're right, what does that have to do with my question?"
Ovitz grew a bit impatient. The question he raised five minutes ago still hadn't been answered. Anyone would lose patience in that situation.
"Michael, my goal is to publicly expose the conflicts among film companies, making market competition more intense, and making the process of survival of the fittest faster. Film companies that originally took five years to close down may close down in less than three years. Isn't this good news for us?"
"Just like that?"
Ovitz was somewhat convinced, but considering Link's cunning, he didn't dare fully trust him.
"I am the head of Guess Pictures. Everything I do is for the company's benefit -- nothing else. And, Michael, after hearing my plan, have you considered collaborating with Guess Pictures on behalf of Disney? We could join forces to guard against other studios. I believe, with our combined efforts, Hollywood's Big Eight could quickly turn into Big Seven, Big Six, or even Big Five. That way, we'd share more box office, and our power would grow even more. What do you think?"
"I..."
On the phone, Ovitz wanted to agree but quickly covered his mouth, thinking -- Link was sneaky and manipulative. Working with him meant being very cautious. Never trust him completely. You had to hold something back, or else he'd sell you out and just keep counting your money.
"Haha, Link, I must say, your ambition is huge, and your idea is good. But I can't make the decision alone. I need to consult Eisner."
"Alright, I'll wait for your call."
Link hung up and raised his glass to the waiting beauty across from him.
---
"Charlize, sorry to disturb your dinner mood."
"No problem. I've discussed with friends about how stern and intimidating you big shots can be at work -- pretty amusing."
Charlize Theron smiled lightly.
"Well, if you want to know more about us, just ask me directly. I'm happy to satisfy your curiosity."
Link raised his glass and smiled. "Cheers!"
Charlize Theron clinked glasses with him, then sipped the clear, fruity red wine with her red lips.
*****
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