Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 337: Sour and Sweet]

In the office, Michael Ovitz thought for a moment and realized this matter was not so simple.

Link was cunning and scheming; it was best not to agree immediately to anything he said. Instead, one should think it over several times and ensure there were no issues before cautiously responding.

He contemplated this repeatedly before picking up the phone to call Michael Eisner, inquiring about his specific role after moving to Disney.

Ovitz had already signed a preliminary agreement with Disney, where he was to serve as co-CEO, but he had no specific title yet.

Eisner asked him how things were going at CAA and when he expected to start at Disney.

Ovitz assured him he would handle it soon and urged him not to worry, pressing him again about his specific duties at Disney.

Eisner fell silent for a moment, stating that he had previously worked in talent management and was not too familiar with the film side.

After joining Disney, he should plan to get a grasp of various roles and later handle whatever he felt strongest in.

Ovitz claimed to have a good understanding of film production and distribution -- more so than Lew Wasserman. He was confident he could outperform Wasserman's achievements at Universal Pictures.

He expressed his desire to oversee Disney's film production and distribution.

"Mike? You've been an agent; you're better at management than film production. Why do you insist on handling production?" Eisner asked over the phone.

"Michael, as you know, I'm a competitive person. But over the past two years, I've repeatedly lost to Link. After thinking it over, I realized it wasn't my lack of ability but rather that I didn't have a platform to shine.

If you let me oversee Disney's film production department, I promise to help Disney produce three to five box office hits each year, making Disney the most powerful film company in Hollywood."

Michael Ovitz spoke confidently.

Eisner paused for a moment and said he could agree.

...

After hanging up, Michael Ovitz exhaled, sat back on the sofa and smoked half a pack of cigarettes, pondering many issues. He picked up the phone again to call Link.

He was aware Link's intentions were not that simple and had never considered collaborating with someone like him.

But talking with Link might reveal some of his schemes.

"Hey, Mike, have you ever been to Hawaii?" Link's voice came through the phone, accompanied by the sound of the ocean breeze.

"What?"

"Hawaii, the summers are gorgeous here! The golden beaches, the azure sea, and the cool breezes blowing through the palm trees, accompanied by the lively sound of cicadas and delightful floral scents. It's so relaxing! I laid under the shade and read for a bit, but I couldn't help but doze off. However, there are too many women and kids, laughing and playing around, and just as I was dozing off, they woke me up."

Link yawned comfortably through the phone, with cheers and gasps from women playing on the beach in the background.

Michael Ovitz felt uncomfortable hearing how relaxed Link was.

"Cut the nonsense! Who wants to hear your ramblings? You just said you had the ability to help me establish myself at Disney. What's your plan? Share it with me."

"Mike, don't rush. In the film industry, no matter which company, as long as one can help the company make money, that's who they need. For instance, if I sold Guess Pictures and became a free agent, I believe the big studios would line up waving checks to hire me as president.

If under my leadership the company earned a few hundred million in pure profit each year, becoming number one in the industry, the board would invite me to chair the company and oversee all its operations. Isn't that right?" Ovitz couldn't deny this, as it was the truth.

Eisner had originally served as CEO at Disney and, under his leadership, the company gradually grew strong, leading to his becoming a shareholder with greater influence.

Also, Sherry Lansing and Barry Diller had been in similar situations. If Lew Wasserman did well at Universal, he'd likely have a chance to become a shareholder, not just taking dividends.

Compared to those mentioned, Link was undoubtedly more outstanding. If he wanted to be the president of a major studio, the shareholders would gladly welcome him.

"I can make money for Disney, too." Michael Ovitz insisted.

"Just making money isn't enough. You must earn enough for Disney to feel they can't survive without you, just like Eisner. Can you do that?"

"Keep talking."

"To gain something, one must first give. If you want to obtain power, you must prove you're better than Eisner, making yourself indispensable at Disney. If you can do this, even if you want to leave, Disney's shareholders won't let you go. Even if you don't seek power, they'll gladly hand it to you."

"I know that without your prompting, what I want to know is how to achieve it!" Michael Ovitz shouted loudly.

"Don't rush."

"Godfather! Stop calling; come down and play."

As they spoke, a clear voice came from the receiver.

"Cici, stop splashing water around! I'm working; go play with Cameron and the others."

"Cici, your dad's on the phone! Don't interrupt him; come here, and I'll teach you how to swim."

"Brooke, it's Godfather, not Dad! And I already know how to swim."

"Alright, Cici, you're impressive! Go ahead and play; I'll join you in the water fight shortly. Hey, Michael, are you still on?"

Link's voice returned through the phone.

Michael Ovitz's expression darkened; he was suffering alone in a hot office while that guy was vacationing at a luxurious estate in Hawaii, surrounded by beautiful women?

Why didn't he just disappear?

"You said we could create results that would satisfy the Disney board. What do you base that claim on?"

"I'm the best at making money in Hollywood. No one knows better than I do how to profit from films -- can you argue with that?"

"You just got lucky! So tell me more!"

"Once you take charge of Disney's film division, we can establish a close cooperation, like Columbia, New Line, and Miramax, and earning a few hundred million more each year won't be a problem."

"Earning a few hundred million each year?" Michael Ovitz expressed disbelief but felt a twinge of interest.

After Guess Pictures began collaborating with studios like Columbia, their films had grossed hundreds of millions.

If Link was genuine about developing a close partnership with Disney's film division, Disney would see increased profits from films; that would enhance Ovitz's performance, and help him secure more power at Disney.

"Alright, let's not talk about earnings for now. Why would you want to collaborate with me? We're enemies, not friends; I can't just trust your word."

"I've already mentioned the condition: recommending Jay Moloney as CAA president. Don't rush to refuse; I know you worry about not establishing yourself at Disney and want to treat CAA as a backup plan. But do you think that's possible? Unless you hold the majority of CAA shares, once you relinquish power, will they allow you to return? There are others at CAA who crave power just as much as you do. No one will remain entirely loyal, and no one will be willing to be your puppet, even the most loyal dog will bark like crazy after being apart, let alone men who have tasted the poison of power!

Michael, if you can't even understand such a simple truth, then we won't need to talk anymore." Link said slowly.

Michael Ovitz's mood darkened.

He understood Link's words; he only held a small amount of CAA stock, and after leaving CAA, no matter who was left in power, they could not give him a chance to return.

He only arranged for Ron Bernstein to become president out of a bit of hope.

But Link's statement had shattered his hopes, making him see the harsh truth ahead.

He snorted softly, "If you're aware that no one will remain loyal, why would you recommend Jay Moloney? He's ambitious and flattering you because of your resources and power. If you lose those, he wouldn't hesitate to betray you just like he did with me."

"Michael, my partnership with Jay Moloney is based on mutual benefit, not loyalty. I don't need anyone loyal to me; I just need partners who can help me make money."

"Alright, say everything you need all at once; I don't believe your intentions for wanting to collaborate with me stop there."

"The second point is that Guess Pictures is a new force in Hollywood, frequently bullied by the major studios. We need external support. We have some support from Columbia, New Line, and Miramax, but we need more allies to ensure less aggression towards us.

As an outsider in Disney, you'll also require external support to establish yourself there; we both need each other. That's the main reason I'm approaching you."

Link stated.

Michael Ovitz instantly understood Link's perspective.

During the summer blockbusters, the major studios banded together to suppress Guess Pictures, causing notable losses. If they continued, Guess Pictures would suffer even more.

Link wanted Guess Pictures to be accepted by the major studios, seeking a partnership with Columbia, New Line, and Miramax, and now identified him.

If he could gain control at Disney, that would also favor Guess Pictures.

From this angle, Guess Pictures was indeed a suitable partner.

"Ha! Link, I've made it hard for you these past few years, suppressing Guess Pictures. Do you really intend to set aside this resentment to work with me sincerely?" Ovitz sneered.

"Resentment? Not really! I'm new with Guess Pictures and, like anyone trying to establish a foothold in Hollywood, I'll naturally face pressure from established forces. Even without you, there would be others. Relative to others, you haven't caused many problems for me; they might be worse."

"Damn! Are you saying I'm incompetent?" Ovitz exploded in anger.

"Not at all; I'm saying we don't have any unresolved hatred. If you gave me $100 million, I'd be willing to sing happy birthday at your party when you turn 55."

"Don't need it! With $100 million, I could hire the biggest stars and top bands to perform at my house; why would I call you?" Ovitz retorted, scoffing.

"Fine, I have a good singing voice, but it's a shame you don't appreciate it. Also, whether you want to collaborate will be up to you. My ladies are calling; I should go and spend time with them. Bye for now!"

"Be careful not to die on a woman's belly."

"Thanks for the heads up; I'll watch myself."

Link chuckled lightly, hung up, and stretched before standing in the hallway to enjoy the pleasant breeze blowing through the trees.

...

"Link, is the call over?"

Michelle Pfeiffer and Diane Lane walked down the corridor.

They had just been playing bumper cars on the beach and were wearing bikinis that showcased their various stunning figures, adorned with glistening golden sand on their skin.

"Why aren't you playing anymore?"

"We got tired of playing and needed a break. Do you want to join us?"

"No, every time I play with you guys, you all gang up and target me."

"Haha, that's what makes it fun!"

"Alright, I admit I'm too powerful."

Link leaned in and kissed them, brushing the sand off Michelle's and Diane's backs.

Diane Lane was a new beauty to join the group, who had just turned 30, standing 5'7". After divorcing her ex-husband the previous year, she had gathered attention due to her mature looks and charming demeanor. Several directors had cast her in roles portraying good women tempted into wrongdoing, including in films like The Cotton Club in 1984, The Big Town in 1987, and Priceless Beauty in 1989.

However, it was her later successes in films like Unfaithful, The Perfect Storm, and Under the Tuscan Sun that truly made her a star.

...

Michelle Pfeiffer and Diane Lane dashed off to a shower in one corner of the gazebo, rinsing off the sand stuck to their skin. Only wrapped in towels, they returned to sit beside Link on the sofa.

"Have you wrapped up work?"

"Not much work; I just had a chat with Michael Ovitz."

Link said while wrapping his arm around Michelle's shoulder.

"Michael Ovitz? I heard he's making a move to Disney -- is that true?"

Diane Lane was drying her wet blonde hair with a white towel.

"It's true; Michael Ovitz is eager for a comeback at Disney."

Link caught a whiff of her hair's scent, laying her head on his lap and guiding her to dry her long hair.

"He's had issues with you. Once he joins Disney, Guess Pictures might find itself in quite a bit of trouble."

"Not a problem; when he was at CAA, that was his peak in power, but even then, he couldn't seriously trouble Guess Pictures. At Disney, it'll only be worse for him."

"Right, no one is your match."

Michelle gazed at him adoringly, leaning closer and kissing his shoulder.

"Link, who will the next CAA president be? I hope it won't be Ron; his capabilities are terrible, and he only rose to power by flattering Ovitz. If he becomes president, CAA might get surpassed by WMA and UTA soon."

Diane Lane rested against him.

"Jay Moloney has a chance too."

Link kissed Diane's red lips, and her slender arms wrapped around him enthusiastically.

The blanket that loosely covered them fell to the floor.

Michelle smiled slightly, picked up the remote, and pressed it, causing the curtains around the gazebo to slowly drop and warm lighting to illuminate the space.

The scenery outside was also obscured.

...

"Here we go again. They must be up to no good inside."

Behind a palm tree, Cici pouted, spraying the gazebo with a few shots from her water gun while mimicking sound effects.

"Cici, come eat grapes! Freshly picked; they're sweet and delicious!"

Brooke Shields and Jennifer Lopez came out from the garden carrying a platter of fruit, calling out to her from a distance.

Cici's big eyes twinkled, "Brooke, is it time for lunch?"

"Are you hungry? Have some fruit first; lunch will be ready shortly."

"Oh, I'm coming!"

Cici turned around and shouted toward the gazebo, "Godfather! Lunchtime!!"

*****

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