Chapter 272: Don't Even Think About It

On November 20, 1997, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the eyes of Hollywood and the entire North American entertainment industry turned to the Hollywood Chinese Theater. There was curiosity, anticipation, waiting, and even well-wishing, but mostly, there was mockery. Two years ago, the massive flop Waterworld set a production budget record approaching $200 million. Now, Titanic had officially pushed that record to $200 million, and they were all waiting for this epic to sink forever, just like that massive ship sailing from Portsmouth to New York.

However, no matter how much those filled with envy, jealousy, and hate cursed it in their hearts, they couldn't change the fact that this ship drew massive attention. Hundreds of media outlets and over 500 reporters converged in front of the Chinese Grand Theater. Fox Television and the Columbia Television Network broadcast the red carpet premiere live as throngs of A-list and B-list stars took their turns walking the crimson carpet.

A successful premiere didn't guarantee a successful film, but a star-studded event could attract far more attention from the audience. The film's three major investors—Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, and Duke Studio—had mobilized all their resources.

Tom Hanks and his wife had just walked past when Naomi Watts stepped onto the red carpet alone. Soon after, Tom Cruise and his wife appeared before the cameras, followed by ICM's two top actresses, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston...

The camera shutters in the reporters' hands never stopped clicking, and the crowd's screams never ceased. An unprecedented blockbuster had brought about an unprecedented premiere.

Of course, only God knew how many of them were actually there to laugh at the three major investors and James Cameron.

"I only have one point to make."

In the VIP lounge, Duke said to Tom Hanks and his wife, "Those who mocked this film will soon realize what a massive mistake they've made."

Tom Hanks laughed. "You seem even more confident than James Cameron."

"That's because I have $50 million invested in it," Duke said with a shrug. "How did those film critics mock me? The biggest fool in Hollywood! I wonder how they'll feel once the film finishes its global theatrical run."

The quality of the film was no worse than the original, and the marketing and distribution were even better. Duke believed that the movie would inevitably crush the critics' dignity just like Star Wars did.

Furthermore, this film wouldn't just be a massive box office victory. It would also kick off a true era of globalization for Hollywood, forcing open many doors that had been closed to its cinema.

Film history could truly be divided into pre-Titanic and post-Titanic. Before it, European and Hong Kong cinema were still struggling, trying hard to shake off their continuous decline. After it, both industries went into total free fall, left gasping for breath in the face of computer-age blockbusters, with the latter soon existing in name only.

"Hi, Duke."

"Hi, Tom. Hi, Nicole."

After greeting the other Tom, Duke remembered an investment project he hadn't paid much attention to lately. "Is filming for Mission: Impossible wrapped up?"

"All wrapped up!" Tom Cruise was brimming with confidence.

"Have you locked in a release date?" This was what Duke actually cared about.

"Next Summer Season, but the exact date isn't set." Tom Cruise frowned. "I heard your new film is coming out in May?"

"So, Tom, here's my advice."

As their collaboration deepened, Duke had gotten a feel for Tom Cruise's eccentric temper. Since they shared mutual interests, now was obviously not the time for a dispute. "A lot of films are already crammed into May. It's incredibly crowded. I recommend releasing it in June."

"I was thinking the same thing."

Though arrogant and conceited at times, Tom Cruise was no fool. "I'm still picking the right weekend in June. I'll let you know the moment it's finalized."

"Then I'll wait for your good news."

Aside from his investment, Duke hadn't interfered much with Mission: Impossible. He only had a financial supervisor and a producer representing him on the crew, and following his instructions, those two would fully support Tom Cruise as long as his own interests weren't compromised.

Cruise had poured $40 million into the project. He wanted the film to succeed more than anyone else.

"A big shot is heading this way."

Tom Cruise suddenly patted his arm. "Looks like he's here for you. I don't want to deal with him, so I'm heading into the theater first."

Without a moment's hesitation, Cruise turned and walked away with Nicole Kidman.

Duke turned his head and saw who was approaching. It truly was a big shot: the former king of CAA, the ousted CEO of Walt Disney, and the current owner of the Artists Management Agency Company, Michael Ovitz.

"It's been a while, Duke."

"It really has, Michael."

Perhaps it was a habit formed after entering the nineties, but even though his standing in Hollywood was a far cry from what it used to be, Michael Ovitz's smile still radiated a shrewd competence. The most famous agency mogul in Hollywood history was not to be underestimated by anyone, even when he was down on his luck.

"I heard you have high hopes for this film?" he asked.

Duke smiled, giving his usual standard answer. "I have $50 million invested in it. There's no reason for me not to."

Michael Ovitz nodded and stopped beating around the bush, stating his purpose directly. "Are you interested in working with me?"

"On a movie?" Duke asked tentatively.

"Movies are just one aspect." Michael Ovitz looked him straight in the eye. "Are you interested in letting me fully represent your business?"

So he was here to poach him. Duke instantly understood his intent and shook his head. "Michael, I'm sure you know exactly why I rejected CAA back then."

"No packaging services. You will always be my god." Michael Ovitz didn't feel the slightest bit out of line saying this. "I'm just your service personnel. You can do anything you want within the limits of the law, and the company will never interfere."

Duke frowned and considered it for a moment. "That doesn't sound any different from what I have right now."

Just like Spielberg to the current CAA, Duke's importance to ICM was self-evident. Directors at their level were not constrained by their agencies.

"Michael..."

Hearing the voice, Duke laughed. Nancy Josephson hurried over from his side and addressed Michael Ovitz without holding back. "Did you really think ICM would be stupid enough to restrict Duke? Hm... I met with Martin a while ago. I think I should ask him out for breakfast again."

Duke knew that the Martin she was referring to was Martin Scorsese.

"This is just normal business."

A thick skin was the most basic requirement for becoming an agent. Michael Ovitz's expression didn't change at all. Instead, a faint note of provocation laced his calm words. "I heard your contract with Duke still takes a seven percent commission? I just think that's very unfair."

Nancy could naturally hear the implication in his words. She smiled and said, "We just prepared a new contract for Duke. The commission will be dropping to five percent."

"Congratulations then, Duke." Michael Ovitz turned his gaze back to him. "After all these years, you finally got an agency contract that matches your status and position."

"Thanks," Duke replied casually.

Michael Ovitz had no intention of leaving, shifting the topic back to movies instead. "I heard your new film is scheduled for May of next year? One week earlier than the project I'm representing, Godzilla?"

"That sounds about right." Duke maintained the same expression.

"It looks like we're going to have an indirect clash then." Michael Ovitz was brimming with confidence. "I hope your new film is outstanding enough to withstand the impact of a monster."

"Does Duke's sci-fi film really need you to worry about it, Michael?" Nancy Josephson stepped in to take the conversation. "A monster movie? I'd love to see exactly how this monster dies next summer."

Ovitz, having pushed this project forward single-handedly, was entirely confident. "Nancy, I think you're ignoring a fact. With the success of two consecutive Jurassic Park films, a monster movie craze has already taken over North America. This kind of momentum doesn't shift based on personal will, and a monster even more terrifying than dinosaurs is going to push this craze to its absolute peak!"

Nancy Josephson froze. Even she had to admit that Michael Ovitz was telling the truth. The rise of Jurassic Park had indeed sparked a monster craze across North America, and with the release of the sequel this year, that fervor hadn't diminished at all—it had been pushed even higher.

Michael Ovitz nodded to Duke and turned away without another word.

"Duke..." Nancy Josephson looked at him, seemingly a bit worried. "I think he makes a very good point."

"A very good point." Duke nodded. He knew exactly how formidable dinosaur movies were. "But Michael Ovitz overlooked one important detail."

"An important detail?"

Duke gestured for Nancy to follow as he walked toward the theater halls. As his agent caught up, he said, "The exclusivity of the North American film market! The monster craze definitely exists, but the monster has to be native to North America to maximize that effect."

He turned and smiled at Nancy. "Don't forget, my dear, Godzilla isn't a North American product."

Prompted by Duke's hint, Nancy Josephson slowly began to understand. "Japanese culture definitely has a market in North America, but it has never been mainstream."

Tossing aside her mild worries, Nancy steered the topic back to Duke's agency contract. "Have your lawyer negotiate with ICM as soon as possible."

She knew Duke's temper well. As long as she did a stellar job, her employer would never switch agencies or agents.

The two of them walked into the Chinese Grand Theater's screening hall. They didn't go to the very front row—that was where the cast and crew were seated. Instead, they took their places in the guest seats a few rows back, watching as a massive ship slowly charged toward the rest of the world!