America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 653 Ridley Without Final Cut Rights

At the Los Angeles Convention Center, a giant poster hangs in front of the main entrance, attracting crowds of people coming and going to look up at it.

In the poster, Martin is dressed in a suit and holding a Samsung S5830 smartphone.

Inside the conference center, a large number of journalists from the entertainment, social, and technology sectors gathered, their cameras and video recorders constantly filming and documenting Martin signing the contract with Samsung representatives on the stage.

After signing the symbolic contract, Martin exchanged contracts with Samsung and then stood in front of the media to shake hands and take photos.

Jason Lee, a senior executive representing Samsung, also presented Martin with a lavish gift on the spot.

Several custom-made mobile phones inlaid with gold and diamonds.

Both parties then gave interviews to reporters. Martin has always been meticulous in his work when it comes to getting paid, not only changing the mobile phone he uses in public to a Samsung, but also boasting about it at length.

Jason Lee also showered Martin with commercial praise.

In order to seize the increasingly important smartphone market, Samsung has spent a lot of money to sign a commercial endorsement contract with Martin.

The two parties signed a contract until 2013, with an annual endorsement fee of up to $1600 million.

In addition, Samsung provides Martin and his family and friends with a certain number of new flagship phones every quarter, and if Martin has the time, it will also provide him with two high-value global trips, including trips with multiple companions.

As for the list, Martin can just pick one from Korean entertainment magazines or TV dramas.

After the press conference ended, the group returned backstage.

Jason Lee was rushing back to South Korea, and before leaving, he specifically sought out Martin for a brief exchange: "Mr. Davis, I wonder if your Coca-Cola Cult accepts Korean members?"

Martin smiled and said, "Of course, Mr. Li is ready to join at any time."

Jason Lee pulled out a commemorative Coca-Cola logo: "Do I need to register on the website?"

Martin nodded: "Yes, it's a very simple procedure."

"I originally came to the United States hoping to join the Cola Cult and attend their gatherings," Jason Lee said with regret. "There's an urgent matter in South Korea, and I need to go back immediately."

He extended an invitation, saying, "I was not in Seoul when Mr. Davis visited South Korea last time, so I was unable to host him. I hope Mr. Davis will have time to visit South Korea again this year and give Samsung the opportunity to host him."

Martin, of course, wouldn't refuse such a kind offer: "I have two new films releasing this year, and I'll probably be going to South Korea for the premiere."

Jason Lee said, "Make sure to call me in advance. Leave the premiere and such to Samsung."

After chatting for a short while, his deputy came over to remind him that it was time to leave.

Jason Lee left the conference center and took a car directly to the airport.

His deputy, a close confidant, didn't quite understand: "President, no matter how influential he is, he's still just a celebrity in the entertainment industry."

In South Korea, whether it's a girl group or an idol worshipped by millions, in their eyes, they're no different from... well, you know.

"He's not just a star, he's also a film company owner." Jason Lee wasn't influenced by preconceived notions about South Korea; instead, he had a broader perspective: "There are some things you can't access. Martin Davis also wields enormous influence in American politics. He has convened Coca-Cola Cult gatherings several times, which have included not only state legislators and senators, but also the current Secretary of State and President."

The deputy was taken aback: "His approach is that high-end?"

Jason Lee said, "There are reasons why Samsung agreed to a $1600 million endorsement deal, and why I deliberately tried to befriend them."

The deputy understood: "I heard this man is very lecherous. I'll compile a list for him to choose from as soon as I get back."

Jason Lee instructed, "This matter must be handled properly."

Meanwhile, Martin got into the Cadillac, took a large tote bag containing cell phone boxes, took out two, and handed them to Thomas: "Take these and give them away."

Then he placed two on the passenger seat: "These are for your twin sisters."

After saying that, Martin realized his mistake and added, "And your Editor-in-Chief Joe."

Bruce, after looking at one that Martin had taken apart, remarked, "Samsung is more generous than Nokia."

"Because the Finns are at best America's godson," Martin casually remarked. "The Koreans are America's dogs."

Thomas chimed in, "The key issue actually lies with the Cola Cult."

Bruce understood as soon as he heard that.

Martin quickly organized the phones, mailing one back to Atlanta and giving it to Elena.

The rest, including Lily, Elizabeth, Julie, and Aniston, will each receive one.

Thomas put his phone away and said, "By the way, Warner Bros. is holding an internal screening of 'Odds and Gods' today."

"Ridley's efficiency is undeniable," Martin said, putting down his bag. "I remember Green Lantern was also released this summer?"

Thomas said, "Green Lantern will be released in June, and Exorcists & Gods will be released on the first weekend of May, a week earlier than John Wick 2."

Martin said, "This summer's box office is very competitive."

Thanks to the box office and DVD success of the first film, Disney Studios specially scheduled the release of "John Wick 2" on May 13 during the summer season.

It was no easy feat to secure this release date. Kevin Feige even went to Alan Horn's house and had a fight with him because Disney had initially wanted to schedule this date for Marvel's superhero movie "Thor".

However, Thor received terrible reviews during internal screenings, so Disney had Kevin Feige re-edit it and postponed its release to July.

Martin's collaboration with Warner Bros. ended, so he was ineligible to attend Warner Bros.' internal screenings, and the specifics of the situation are unknown.

However, Ridley Scott's epic film should be no surprise.

…………

The largest film screening room at Warner Bros. Studios.

A group of Warner Bros. executives, led by Warner Bros. President Jon Berger and Distribution Director Daniel, are watching an internal screening of "Owls and Gods".

Ridley Scott sat in the back row, radiating confidence.

This is his favorite type of film to make, and he has never given up on it despite numerous setbacks.

Ridley Scott has always believed that he will once again make an epic film that is as critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and award-winning as Gladiator.

The film showed the scene of Moses parting the sea, and the special effects budget was burning like crazy every second, but the effect and momentum were quite amazing, as if the story in the Bible was reproduced.

The scenes are grand, the special effects are outstanding, the atmosphere is magnificent, and the scenery is breathtaking...

This film truly deserves the title of a super epic; it's a perfect visual representation of biblical stories!

Finally, the test screening ended.

Jon Berg nodded slightly, indicating he was quite satisfied with the film itself; the only problem was that it was a bit long.

He glanced at his watch and realized the video had been playing for almost three hours.

After Daniel finished reading it, he felt that something was wrong, but after thinking about it carefully, it seemed that there was nothing wrong.

The film is serious, well-paced, respects the original biblical story, and conforms to the three-act structure that is key to the success of Hollywood movies. It lays the groundwork when it needs to, turns the plot when it needs to, and climaxes when they need to.

It is definitely a very well-made Hollywood film.

Daniel asked Jon Berg directly, "How are you feeling?"

"Everything else is good, but the runtime is too long, almost three hours. Audiences will get impatient." Jon Berg's consideration is not without reason. Hollywood has conducted a lot of market research and found that most viewers can only concentrate for about 120 minutes.

He also considered the business aspect: "A film length of more than three hours will also seriously affect the scheduling. Each theater will have to show at least one less film per day, which will greatly affect box office revenue."

Daniel, a traditional Hollywood film distributor, agreed with the latter point: "It is indeed too long."

Jon Berg thought for a moment and said, "Let's get feedback, re-edit the film, remove some unnecessary shots and scenes, and shorten the film's length to under 130 minutes."

Daniel cautioned, "Ridley Scott may not have final cut rights, but he's a veteran director, so you'd better talk to him beforehand."

Jon Berg nodded: "I will."

Warner Bros. staff began collecting feedback from those who watched the preview screenings. Jon Berg went over and spoke briefly with Ridley Scott, asking him to wait in the meeting room for a moment, saying he would talk to him later.

Ridley Scott immediately understood that the production company had something to say about the film.

There are only a handful of directors in Hollywood who get the final cut, and Ridley is not one of them. He had no choice but to follow a staff member to the adjacent meeting room.

After Ridley left, Jon Berg held an internal meeting to discuss potential problems with "Owls and Gods" in order to refine the film.

After losing Alan Horn's restraint, many Warner Bros. executives have gone down the path of self-expression and have never looked back.

Jon Bourne's opinion that the film was too long and needed to be shortened to under 130 minutes was widely accepted.

Some even believe that shortening the film to 110 minutes would be enough, allowing for two more screenings per day if the time could be squeezed in.

Ridley didn't have to wait long before Jon Berg entered the meeting room.

"Pharaohs and Gods is a superb film, an epic masterpiece!" Jon Berg praised first, then changed the subject: "But it's too long. I hope it will be re-edited and shortened to under 130 minutes."

Ridley was somewhat displeased by these words: "The current version is a complete story. Cutting out such a long part will affect the flow of the story."

Jon Berger had his reasons: "The story can be more concise. It's about Exodus and Moses parting the sea; the audience is very familiar with the specific details. Cutting out some irrelevant content won't affect the viewing experience. Besides, what do audiences focus on most when watching this story? Special effects and grand scenes!"

Strictly speaking, Jon Berger was absolutely right.

Ridley conceded: "I agree to cut it to 150 minutes, but shorter still..."

Jon Berg rejected his statement.

Ridley was frustrated but helpless because this was Hollywood, and he didn't have the final cut.

(End of this chapter)