Chapter 811： I am Wolverine!

Like most of the time in the past, the five films nominated for Best Picture can be considered low-cost films, but the difference is that these five films have completely different performances at the box office, just "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "'S US$14.52 million in North American box office, surpassed the combined box office of the other three films except "Weakness."

As for "Weakness", the North American box office has reached a total of 285.76 million U.S. dollars. Even if there are fewer than 300 theaters left in North America, it is not an extravagant hope that the final North American box office will exceed 300 million U.S. dollars.

However, the high box office of "Weakness" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is not helpful to the film's awards. Unless they can become "Titanic", they still accept the fate of being discriminated against by conservative judges when voting. .

On February 22nd, the Kodak Theater at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard once again became the center of the world's film industry. The noisy and glamorous fame and fortune maker-the Oscar Awards [None] [False] Ceremony opened again Closed the curtain.

Although the financial crisis had an impact on Hollywood, the reaction to the Oscars did not see any difference from the past.

Perhaps some glamorous celebrities or studios have become debt black holes, and they still have to show their best on the red carpet.

For example, Nicholas Cage, the cousin of Sofia Coppola, is just like he used to be. Because of various factors such as financial management, brokers and accountants, he is burdened with huge debts that are likely to be unpaid in this life. In the past few years, even if he starred in Disney’s big-selling "National Treasure" and "Ghost Rider" series, it still hasn't gotten better. Now it is almost ready to take on the appointment, and it has faintly shown the signs of the king of bad movies.

The only thing that has improved is that one of Ryan’s foundations is one of Cage’s biggest creditors, even in the face of Sophia Coppola and Francis Coppola. The foundation will not collect debts excessively, even reducing the interest on part of Cage's loans.

This is also good. The Italian gang is also a big power in Hollywood. Regardless of whether Cage is an adult or changes his surname, the Coppola family must bear this kindness to a certain extent.

Everyone is smart, and there are some things that can reach a tacit understanding even if you don't have to say it.

For example, Sofia Coppola took the initiative to call the judges of Italian origin at the beginning of the awards season, and they are bound to be inclined when voting.

For this year and next year's goals. Ryan can be said to use most of the methods that can be used in the rules.

The Oscar canvassing competition is fierce, and even if it is, he is not absolutely sure.

Walking hurriedly across the red carpet, Ryan did not enter the interview area at all, and the broadcaster’s TV station did not come over to disturb his boss. Instead, he focused on the most attractive female celebrities on the red carpet, especially A red carpet queen like Nicole.

"Hi, Stephen. Hi, George."

Enter the Kodak Theater. Ryan saw the two familiar back figures in front of him, and hurried after a few steps, the two of them were George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

The three greeted each other and walked into the VIP lounge next to them. There was still some time before the award ceremony started, and we sat and chatted together.

"Ryan, you are so generous." George Lucas looked at Spielberg and joked. "Lucasfilm's recent capital turnover is also very difficult, can it continue to lend?".

"As long as you need it." Ryan naturally understood that this was a joke, and he shrugged. Deliberately said, "George, I heard that you want to retire again. In that case, just sell Lucasfilm."

"I did have such considerations." George Lucas still seems to be joking. "Do you want to take over?"

"As long as you are willing to sell."

After Ryan finished speaking, all three of them laughed. No one would take this seriously, even if George Lucas had a good relationship with him, but it involved the sale of billions of dollars in assets. If someone offered a price more exciting than Disney , Presumably Lucasfilm will not think too much about the cooperation between the two parties over the years.

For Walt Disney's commercial blockbusters, most of the special effects production is outsourced to Industrial Light & Magic, except for a small part of the special effects department of Pixar Studios. From 2002 to the present, the cooperation with each other has been very pleasant.

"Ryan, I haven't thank you yet."

Spielberg, who had not spoken much, suddenly spoke, "I can't figure out how many times this is the first time you have helped me."

"You have also helped me a lot." Ryan made a little golden man's gesture, "So, Stephen, I will ask you for next year's Oscar."

"Ryan, it's too difficult for you to do it." George Lucas lowered his voice, "Don't forget that this is an industry dominated by men."

"So, I have to ask you." Ryan said slowly, "George, she is your student in director."

"Ryan, you seem to forget." George Lucas laughed, "I am not a member of the academy."

"Is it important to members of the academy?" Ryan opened his hands and said.

Yes, George Lucas has not been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, but no one can deny his influence.

"I have always liked it, and I am very optimistic about Nat." George Lucas pinched his eyebrows, seemingly embarrassed, "She is a smart and motivated girl..."

"George." Ryan tapped the armrest of the chair lightly. "The feminist movement is becoming more and more prosperous. I believe that with the academy maintaining a politically correct position, the first best female director will soon appear, then..."

His voice is not loud, but his tone is very serious, "Why is this man not us Jew?"

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were silent at the same time. After half a minute, the two nodded gently.

In fact, anyone who knows Hollywood will understand that even if the composition of this circle is getting more and more mixed, some privileges really belong to the Jews.

After leaving the VIP lounge, Ryan walked into the main hall of the Kodak Theater, walked through the long aisle, and walked to the first two rows. This is where the crew of "Weakness" is located, and his seat is next to Nicole.

"Hey, dear."

After sitting down, he looked at Nicole and said, "You look so beautiful."

"Thank you!" Nicole showed a reserved smile.

She was wearing a moon-white shoulderless and low-cut evening dress, with long hair dyed in honey gold, falling on her pure white shoulders, and her neck gracefully curved into a wonderful arc, as beautiful as the goddess of the moon came to the world.

"Where did you go?" Nicole asked.

"I met George and Stephen." Ryan looked back at the two big directors who were sitting together. "Talk to them for a while."

"I seem to be going to say thank you to Stephen in person."

As part of the top circle of Hollywood, she knows many things well, "In any case, he is trying his best to canvass for me."

"I've already said it for you." Ryan turned around and moved to Nicole's ear, "Don't worry, although you can't see the final result, but according to my statistics, you may be at least 70% of the winners. ."

Seventy percent can be said to be a very, very high probability. If it is just Ryan's own public relations, it is at most 40 to 50%. Now, it has combined the power of DreamWorks, Paramount and Walt Disney, and used outside tricks in advance. Get rid of the biggest competitor, and Nicole's chances of winning are infinitely increased.

Of course, these things can't be hidden from the interested people in the circle, and his friendship with Kate Winslet, which was not a deep friendship, has never existed.

People came over to say hello one after another, Ryan and Nicole changed the subject.

"I heard that Kodak is in trouble."

Looking away at Cate Blanchett, Nicole said to Ryan, "They haven't paid the naming fee for the new issue of Kodak Theater until now."

"Film is down." Ryan shook his head. "If Kodak doesn't transform, or if the transformation fails, Kodak Theater will really have to change its name."

In his opinion, the decline of Kodak is unavoidable. Their largest film business has been greatly impacted by digital technology. After losing the film market, their business in Hollywood, the largest film market, is also shrinking sharply.

Although many directors and producers are calling for the industry to pay attention to traditional film, technological progress and development will not stop because of this. Digital photography and digital projection have long occupied the mainstream of Hollywood.

Regardless of the other advantages of digital technology, the cost alone will save a lot of money for producers and distributors.

The most typical example is the cost of copy production, which is the bulk of the distribution cost. Nowadays, it is about 800 to 1,000 US dollars to print a 35mm format film copy. There are about 3,500 mainstream commercial films and more than 8,000 screens. The only cost is the copy cost. It costs about 7 million US dollars, but what about digital copies?

Not even a tenth of the money can be used.

With such a huge gap, there is no need to think about which one will Hollywood manufacturers choose.

Kodak has missed the best time for transformation. They have no advantage in digital technology, and they are also facing a patent prison ~ www.novelhall.com ~ where they can easily turn over.

The sound of the stage music interrupted Ryan’s thoughts. The most eye-catching feature of this awards ceremony was naturally the luxurious Swarovski crystal waterfall. In addition, the front row seats for nominees and awards guests, It is infinitely close to the stage, even only a few steps away.

"Good evening, and welcome to the annual Oscars. This is the biggest festival in the film industry."

It was Hugh Jackman who came up from the backstage. Although he was not a comedian, he was also very versatile, and his ridicule was rarely close to Xia San Lu. The singing and dancing with Anne Hathaway was also a highlight.

Hugh Jackman, who has appeared in operas many times, has a good voice.

"I am a wrestler, I am Harvey Milk, I have participated in "Millionaire", I have read "Weakness."

He stood on the wrestling stage, raised his hands up, and finally sang, "I am Wolverine!" (to be continued...)

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