Writing Web Novels In America-Chapter 336 - 320: Qualified Commercial Film
Chapter 336: Chapter 320: Qualified Commercial Film
Based on past experiences, the summer blockbuster season should be one of the busiest times of the year for movie theaters across the United States.
During this time, big-budget Hollywood films battle each other fiercely, a spectacle not at all inferior to the Christmas season.
But this year was different.
Because of the Olympics being held domestically, it was bound to attract a lot of American attention.
These blockbusters rescheduled their releases accordingly, for example, "Rock" moved to the New Year’s frame, while "Independence Day" chose the more suitable Fourth of July slot. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
"Jerry Maguire" was released during the summer, likely trying to use its theme to ride the wave of popularity and attract some sports enthusiasts.
"I’m Too Rich" was an opportunity seized by Ron Meyer, Wang Jian, and others, taking advantage of the fact that Little Bronfman had just taken over Universal and was still unfamiliar with the rules of Hollywood.
"But to get over 1800 big screens, isn’t that a bit exaggerated..." Wang Jian muttered in a dimly-lit small theater in Los Angeles.
The reason he was here was naturally to attend a sneak preview of "Jerry Maguire" to get a grasp of what the competition was like.
"Just hope Tom Cruise can continue to have the same high box office draw," Wang Jian murmured to himself.
Soon, the movie started, and there was Tom Cruise, all suited up, on the screen.
"Ah, Tom Cruise is so handsome, I love him so much!"
"I will support you forever!" A wave of screams instantly filled the theater.
Wang Jian looked at Tom Cruise’s handsome face and then turned to glance at the nearly frenzied female fans, nodding slightly.
"With such an opponent, how could I not fail?"
At this moment, the plot reached its first turning point.
Tom Cruise, already a successful sports agent, started to question his career after being criticized by an athlete’s child.
"Three serious concussions in one month, is this what you meant by putting the athlete’s interests first when signing the contract?"
"But interests are not just money; they’re also life!"
The words of the child shook Tom, who tossed and turned in bed at night, unable to sleep.
"Dear," his wife asked puzzledly, "what’s wrong?"
Then the protagonist recounted the day’s events and went on to talk about his past ideals.
"An agent should be an athlete’s partner, not a tool to squeeze profits from them."
His wife, deeply moved, said, "No matter what, I support your decision."
"Just like our wedding vows promised, we’ll always be together."
Watching Tom as he sat at a table writing a plan to change the company’s status quo with the goal of protecting athletes, Wang Jian frowned slightly.
"Is the twist a bit too abrupt?"
"But..." he thought for a moment, then nodded, "it does fit with the universal values America likes to promote."
As Wang Jian predicted, the company executives applauded the new proposal on one hand, and on the other hand, fired the protagonist.
Tom, now jobless, decided to start his own business with the encouragement of his wife and the female lead, intent on implementing his own philosophy.
As the protagonist used his contacts to get a chance to sign the current year’s top draft pick, the classic villain appeared.
A former subordinate and friend ruthlessly turned on him, using a lower commission rate to steal away the protagonist’s chance at a comeback.
By then, Tom was left with only one athlete in his hands.
A black athlete who had suffered a serious injury and had been dismissed by multiple clubs due to his defiant personality.
Then, the classic plot that Hollywood had done countless times began to unfold.
His wife, unable to bear the poverty, chose to leave.
Even the father of the boy who had criticized the protagonist considered his professional career and decided to end the contract.
The protagonist and the black athlete found themselves in a situation where they were doubted by many and could only rely on each other.
First, they accused each other, then, after a minor incident broke the ice, they chose to face challenges together.
A few scenes were added to illustrate Tom’s bewilderment during the breakup, after which the classic comeback story of underdog triumphs on the field officially started.
With Tom’s encouragement, the black athlete completely adjusted his mindset.
And due to his mental state, he displayed his ability beyond his normal level time after time.
He was signed after the tryout, and he went on to complete a reversal on the field.
He aimed for a high salary but was convinced by the protagonist to finish the whole season.
As the Black athlete’s performance improved, he became an important substitute.
Finally, at the Super Bowl, which the whole nation watched, the Black athlete got the chance to play due to an injury to a starting player.
During a potentially life-threatening block, he remembered every moment he shared with the protagonist.
While he succeeded in defending, the Black athlete also fell to the ground and fell into a coma.
"It’s time for the protagonist’s close-up..." Wang Jian whispered softly.
Sure enough, a close-up appeared, with Tom Cruise’s face showing tense expressions on the silver screen.
Amidst the cheering of the crowd, the Black athlete struggled to his feet.
Even the protagonist’s eyes were moistened with tears from excitement.
When the Black athlete rushed to the protagonist at the press conference with his medal and embraced him tightly, it also marked Tom Cruise’s career resurgence.
And the first call he made to the leading lady, realizing how much he loved her, also meant a perfect end to the love story.
"Hmm, overall, it’s pretty good," Wang Jian nodded and assessed to himself.
Though, if he were the scriptwriter, he would probably add some scenes with the protagonist visiting his wife, old friends, and his former company after his success.
Even that child, Wang Jian wouldn’t let go...
"However, a biographical film combined with Hollywood’s classic sports inspirational template should achieve a decent box office."
Wang Jian took the survey company’s form and casually gave it an A+.
After some thought, he took a 50 US Dollar bill from his bodyguard, "May I see the survey results?"
As it turned out, US Dollars were difficult for most people to resist.
Wang Jian smoothly got the form and started looking through it.
"B+, Tom Cruise is too handsome, very inspiring!"
"B, I’m a football fan, I hope all the players stay healthy."
"C, The plot is cliché, nothing new. Just looking forward to the football players’ movie premiere."
Wang Jian did a quick calculation, and the general rating was around a B standard.
That made it a very competent commercial film.
He compared in his mind: Tom Cruise’s box office appeal should be about the same as many Italian male stars.
After all, those male stars only had cameos, Tom Cruise was the lead.
The support of a few well-known spendthrifts and the more subtle stance of more old money should not be that influential.
The American public might harbor more resentment towards these people.
And "Jerry Maguire"? There would be many famous football players attending the premiere.
So, a complete defeat!
The only thing to consider was whether his recent image as a "fearless artist" made him more likable to the public than Lee Steinberg, the real-life inspiration for "Jerry Maguire."
Wang Jian pondered for a moment, took out his phone, and called Larry Elson.
"You wanted to ride the wave and attend the premiere, didn’t you?"
"Yes, at the entrance of the Chinese Theater tomorrow night, you can be a special guest."
Larry Elson, the billionaire, was quite annoying.
With his support, that should not match Lee Steinberg, right?
"Besides, that movie simply reeks of a vengeful nature and the corrupting influence of money."
Compared to the theme of "Jerry Maguire," it was like the difference between Satan and God.
Wang Jian nodded and his mouth curved into a slight smile.
"Ha, everyone wants to go to Heaven, not Hell, right?"
So...
He shrugged, "Tonight, I can put aside concerns and get a good night’s sleep."
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