The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1421 Quality Assurance
Apparently, Forest Pictures has no interest in becoming the "second DreamWorks" -

If this conversation was heard by other people in Hollywood, it would probably be ridiculed.

After all, in 2004, DreamWorks was truly at the top of the Hollywood pyramid and had become a benchmark for Hollywood independent film companies.

After a full decade of accumulation and growth, DreamWorks underwent a transformation after the huge box office success of "Shrek the Monsters". It officially joined the ranks of top film companies headed by Warner Bros. and Disney. Now when people talk about the top of the Hollywood pyramid, they often say "the seven major film companies", which includes DreamWorks.

For any film company or new player in Hollywood, DreamWorks is their ultimate goal. It does not rely on Wall Street capital or stock listing. It is a private company from beginning to end. It relies entirely on the passion of three core creative figures to pursue their dreams, break through the capital barriers, and reach the top of the industry pyramid.

This is undoubtedly a dream.

But Forest Pictures is unwilling to become the "second DreamWorks"?
Ha ha.

Of course, truly visionary industry professionals can see that, facing capital, DreamWorks is ultimately faced with the dilemma of poor cash flow after a decade of rapid development. The dream repeatedly hits a wall under the pressure of reality, and finally has no choice but to go on the road to disintegration.

Although not now, the end of DreamWorks being broken up and swallowed up by Wall Street is not far away.

Anson understood this by relying on his memories of his past life; Lucas understood this by relying on his expertise.

So, Lucas refused to become the second DreamWorks.

Later, when analyzing the reasons behind DreamWorks' success and failure, professionals had different opinions, because this is not a simple question and the reasons behind it are very complicated, but there is no doubt that capital is the core reason that cannot be avoided.

On the one hand, DreamWorks' own distribution capabilities are insufficient. Although they have their own distribution channels in North America, they often still need cooperation. Paramount has become the company they have cooperated with the most in the past decade, which means that they need to share part of their profits.

On the other hand, the concept of DreamWorks is to allow directors to complete filming in their own style according to their ideas, and to get rid of the constraints of excessive interference of producers in the filming of works in large Hollywood film companies. "Dare to pursue dreams", which is also the origin of the name of the DreamWorks brand -

The advantage is that DreamWorks has indeed become a paradise for directors, where they can let their imaginations run wild and break free from constraints, resulting in the birth of such ingenious and subversive works as "Shrek the Monsters".

The disadvantage is that they believe in dreams too much and ignore reality. Although DreamWorks has launched countless classic masterpieces, there are even more flops that were wasted, which eventually led to expenses not making ends meet. The profits from successful works were not enough to make up for the expenses of failed works, causing problems for DreamWorks' cash flow.

DreamWorks' refusal to accept Wall Street's control led to a growing gap in their cash flow and ultimately a loss of control.

In essence, whether it is DreamWorks or other large film companies at the top of the Hollywood pyramid, how to find a balance between art and market and achieve continuous profitability is an eternal topic.

In other words, if DreamWorks can shoot and produce more successful works, the company will not end up in the dead end of breakup and decline; at the same time, if DreamWorks can create more excellent works, then there will be more room for directors to try independent, artistic, and even failed works, and more excellent filmmakers and works may be born in the future.

Everyone understands the truth.

However, the question is, who can guarantee the success of all works?

nobody.

Precisely because of this, major film companies are tirelessly looking for wise and intelligent leaders to make more correct decisions with foresight; at the same time, outstanding producers, directors and top superstars have also become the objects of pursuit by film companies, who are eager to use their influence to ensure success.

The thing is that simple.

The same is true for Forest Pictures. If Forest Pictures wants to become the second DreamWorks and stand at the top of the Hollywood pyramid; or in other words, Forest Pictures does not want to be the second DreamWorks, they hope to go one step further on the basis of DreamWorks and truly become a top player in Hollywood, then ensuring the success rate of the works is the key.

It's easy to say, but challenging to execute.

Because of this, Anson's role stands out immediately. He is equivalent to Steven Spielberg's position in the film department of DreamWorks.

The man at the helm.

At DreamWorks, Steven's vision and judgment determine the direction of the film department; at Jungle Pictures, Anson is the quality assurance of the company's productions.

Anson also has his own ideas about this.

"We can't just work around me, just like DreamWorks can't just work around Steven Spielberg."

"In addition to me, Forest Pictures still needs to shoot other projects. I can be a producer but not act in them. This way, I won't be too busy and the company's operation and development will not be tied to me alone."

"As you said before, the greater the influence of the company and my influence, the more our voice in Hollywood will be substantially enhanced, and we will eventually become a high-level player rather than a pawn at the mercy of others."

"Of course, the key point is that we can't just pick projects randomly. The success of one work may be completely offset by the failure of three works. We need to ensure that every move of Forest Pictures can be successful. It's just the difference between a big success and a small success."

“After three or five consecutive successes, not only will Forest Pictures’ margin for error be greater, but Forest Pictures’ appeal and status in the industry will also be different.”

“So, in a way, the job of picking projects for the company is just as important as the job of picking projects for me.”

These simple words made Lucas look at Anson more——

So, Anson wasn't just speaking casually just now?

Anson spread his hands in a triumphant gesture.

A smile flashed in Lucas' eyes, but it disappeared immediately, "Producer? Like you said, this is also work. Mom said you need to rest."

Anson's smile froze at the corners of his mouth and then collapsed.

Lucas pursed his lips slightly, and this time he stopped joking and pushed the thick pile of projects in front of him towards Anson.

Even if Anson didn't say anything, this matter would still need Anson's review in the end.

Lucas knew everything about movies except the most important thing. Without Anson's nod, no one knew how the follow-up would unfold.

"Some of these projects were sent by Edgar, and Noah compiled them into a book. I am just reading them in advance now."

"I collected part of it under the name of Forest Pictures, looking for more possibilities for cooperation."

(End of this chapter)