Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 340: The Little Girl Needs Discipline]

"Link, are you on vacation on the island? When are you coming back?"

In the afternoon, Link received a call from Aaron Kutz, the deputy editor of The Hollywood Reporter, while organizing the directing script for a new movie in his study.

"I should be back next week, Aaron. Is there something urgent?"

He set down his pen, leaned back in his office chair, and twisted his neck.

"There's a lot of buzz around Hollywood about you, including the success of Guess Pictures' summer blockbusters, Michael Ovitz switching companies, and Jay Moloney becoming the president of CAA. All these matters have your name attached, and the public is very interested. I wanted to see if you had time for an interview."

"Aaron, aside from the summer blockbusters making waves, I can't comment on any of those other things you mentioned."

"Link, don't be like that. We got the word that Jay Moloney becoming the president of CAA was completely facilitated by you. You've been friends for a long time; could you let something slip in confidence?"

Aaron pressed.

Link was somewhat surprised. How did this information get out? Was it a leak from Ovitz or Moloney's side?

"Aaron, there are too many things involved here, and I can't disclose anything at this time. If you're still curious in a few years, feel free to ask again; maybe I'll share some interesting insider stories then."

"Alright, I'll check in with you again in a few years. One last question: after Ovitz left CAA, many people believe your power in Hollywood will reach its peak, making you the true king of Hollywood. What are your plans with this newfound power? What's your next target?"

"I'm not the king of Hollywood; I'm just an ordinary guy, an average director. My goal has always been to utilize the resources available to me to create more good films and gain more recognition, whether it's in box office returns or awards. The next target? Making a film that grosses over a billion dollars globally and hopefully winning the Oscar for Best Director. Does that count?"

Link thought and replied.

"Oscar for Best Director? That's an impressive goal. I hope you achieve that soon. I have one more question."

Aaron quickly moved on to other trending topics during the interview.

...

Link patiently answered for over twenty minutes before hanging up to continue writing the script for The English Patient.

However, after Aaron's call, Graydon Carter from Vanity Fair, Ross Stanton from the Los Angeles Times, and Jerome Preston also reached out.

They all tried to dig for information subtly over the phone.

Link kept his responses consistent: he was just a director and didn't meddle in other companies' affairs.

As for the title of the king of Hollywood, he expressed no interest.

In the past three years, he earned a lot of money through Guess Pictures, which had also sparked jealousy among many.

If he accepted the crown of the king of Hollywood, he might become a thorn in everyone's side and even be ostracized in the industry.

So, maintaining a low profile and quietly making his fortune seemed to be the prudent path.

Beyond the media circle, mutual acquaintances from the directing and acting scenes also phoned in.

Some offered gentle congratulations on Guess Pictures' successful summer performance and hoped for a chance to collaborate.

Others directly inquired about the CAA leadership change, stating that Ovitz's departure made him the king of Hollywood and asking what he thought about it.

Link's responses continued to follow the principle of humility, stating it was just a title. The truly powerful figures were behind the entertainment capital; even as chairman of Guess Pictures, he still needed to listen to the shareholders' opinions.

...

The women at home and the lovers outside also called excitedly.

Julianne Moore and Renee Zellweger mentioned they had finished filming a new movie and soon would be able to vacation in Hawaii.

Nicole Kidman asked when he would return to Los Angeles, confessing she thought of him every day and was in the process of divorcing Tom Cruise, making her available to be with him openly.

Link told them not to get too excited, as many reports were exaggerated or false, aiming to create a narrative that would leave him isolated, turning him into a lonely figure.

Monica and the others laughed and reassured him that they would always keep him company and wouldn't let him become isolated.

...

After a brief chat, Link hung up the phone and flipped through some newspapers he had picked off the shelf.

Several recent articles had been sensationalizing him as the "new king of Hollywood," praising him as powerful and influential.

If the media merely reported these stories, it would not have been a problem.

However, the key was that these outlets had ill intentions, explicitly emphasizing his heritage as they proclaimed the arrival of a new entertainment mogul in Hollywood.

Hollywood had been dominated by Jewish influence since the 1920s, as Jewish individuals controlled the seven major studios.

By stressing his identity, the press sought to put him in a position of controversy, making him a target for resentment among Jewish conglomerates.

Such news could be harmful; if not taken seriously, it might lead to worse outcomes in the future.

...

Link pondered and decided to call Lily.

He instructed the public relations department to address this situation, disputing the rumors that he was the "king of Hollywood," and suggesting that Michael Ovitz still retained significant power and would gain even more after going to Disney.

At the same time, Link requested to downplay his image, suggesting he be portrayed as a carefree playboy vacationing in Hawaii with girlfriends during a crucial moment instead of being in Los Angeles to network.

Additionally, he wanted someone to leak negative information about him, saying he was just a filmmaker and not skilled in managing the company, claiming that Guess Pictures' success was due to the contributions of Michael Leeson, Jon Gordon, and others.

"Link, is it really necessary to do all this? The title of king of Hollywood isn't bad, is it?"

Lily asked with a smile.

"It's not that I don't want it; it's that right now I don't have that power. While Guess Pictures is profitable, it's still in a precarious situation, not yet out of the crisis. I've made some achievements in film, but my influence doesn't match the studio heads and top directors.

Besides, this is the territory of Jews. Accepting the title of 'king of Hollywood' right now would do more harm than good.

When I've become a major player in one of the seven major studios and others need to bend to my will, then calling me the king of Hollywood will be well-deserved," Link explained slowly.

"So, this media frenzy over you being the king of Hollywood is truly a form of mutual destruction?"

Lily also sensed the seriousness of the situation, her tone turning more serious.

"Indeed. I don't know whose scheme this is, but caution is key."

"Alright, I understand; I'll arrange for someone to handle it right away."

...

Once Lily hung up, Link called Sam Haskel, requesting that WMA also handle some public relations and even release some of his unflattering details, like being hedonistic, living extravagantly, and failing to win the Oscar for Best Director.

Though Sam was puzzled about the request, he agreed to cooperate.

...

Link sighed and set down the phone; he originally just wanted to make films and earn some money, never wishing to get into conflicts with others, let alone become the king of Hollywood.

But at his level, every move impacted many interests, making it impossible to keep things amicable.

This was the reality of being involved in such a ruthless game.

"Godfather! Godfather! Dinner is ready!"

The loud, unladylike voice of a little girl echoed from outside the door, along with knocking.

Link checked the time and realized he had been busy all afternoon, and it was indeed time for dinner.

He opened the door to find the little girl standing there in a princess dress, looking around curiously. He couldn't help but pinch her round cheek.

"Next time, don't shout so loudly. You're a girl; you should be mindful of your image."

"I know!"

The little girl waved her hand and peered into the study, "Aren't you going to call Jennifer?"

"Which Jennifer?"

"Rachel Green!"

"She's not here."

"You're lying! I looked everywhere for her signatures this morning and didn't see her; she must be here with you."

The little girl sniffed.

"Did you check the bedroom? She flew in yesterday and is probably too tired, still sleeping in there."

"Really? I'll go find her!"

The little girl swung her ponytail and bolted off.

Link shook his head, realizing the girl was getting more mischievous as she grew up. It was time to have her mother teach her some discipline.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.