Chapter 543: So Stupid

[Chapter 543: So Stupid]

Jack Valenti maintained his smile as he looked at the puzzled Eric Williams and said, "Kid, Jurassic Park has really given this old man quite a bit of trouble recently."

Eric had already guessed some of this and asked, "About the GATT?"

"Exactly," Jack Valenti nodded. "You should know that I've been working hard on the film-related terms of the GATT for the past few years. We had been close to an agreement, but since Jurassic Park premiered in early June, there has been a strong backlash from various European countries." Jack Valenti looked up at Eric, continuing with a grin, "I wanted to talk to you about this last month, but you've been all over the place, and I've been swamped with personal matters. This time, I finally caught you at the right moment."

Eric understood the final outcome of the GATT negotiations quite well, so he didn't worry too much. "Mr. Valenti, then this..."

"Hold on, let me finish," Jack Valenti interjected. "As for the negotiations for the GATT, Hollywood isn't getting involved in other areas. However, regarding the movie negotiations, aside from the normal procedures, we also need to rally the local European film powers to speak for us due to Hollywood's absolute dominance. This is the only way we can compel the European governments to agree to include film in the final agreement. To pinpoint the 'breakthrough point,' Washington even activated the CIA's resources. Everyone is putting in a tremendous effort towards this."

Eric listened carefully. If he weren't the owner of Firefly Films, Jack Valenti wouldn't speak so frankly. Rallying local European film powers ultimately boiled down to one thing: profit. Given some efforts from the European government officials, the majors didn't need to worry too much. Hollywood concerned millions of American jobs and tens of billions in annual trade surplus, and the Washington authorities had no choice but to go all out. However, in terms of film, the majors certainly needed to make their own efforts. The most fierce conflict arose with the local film powers of Europe. If they weren't pacified, even if European governments intended to compromise, any related agreement would be hard to push through.

At that moment, Eric had pretty much guessed why Jack Valenti had reached out to him.

"Mr. Valenti, is it those people outside?" Eric pointed towards the hall outside the door.

Jack Valenti nodded. "So, kid, this time you need to be generous and give these greedy folks a sweet deal. If you do, they won't make a fuss and might even speak on behalf of Hollywood."

While Eric respected this old man who fought for Hollywood's interests, he wasn't about to just donate good fortune without a thought. "Mr. Valenti, isn't this something Hollywood should tackle together?"

"Of course, it requires teamwork. I've already spoken separately with Warner, Universal, and Paramount. But you know what they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Firefly Films has shined brightly in recent years, so it's only right to pitch in a bit more."

Eric realized he couldn't escape this. Although this scenario wasn't obligatory, if all the other film companies stepped up while Firefly refused to cooperate, someone might make a note of it in their notebook.

Although Jack Valenti had merely mentioned that Jurassic Park had caused him trouble without too much complaint, Eric could see from the recent direction of the European media that Jurassic Park had created significant obstacles for the GATT negotiations. He smiled helplessly and said, "Mr. Valenti, I can only say I'll do my best. I'm no superhero. If they demand too much, I think they'd be better off looking for Captain America."

Jack Valenti laughed heartily. "That's all I needed to hear."

At that moment, Eric asked, "Mr. Valenti, can I know what conditions Warner has proposed?"

Jack Valenti nodded. "Of course. The main promises include granting priority rights to distribute Hollywood films and allowing a specific amount of European capital to invest indiscriminately in film production each year."

The investment and distribution of Hollywood films could be seen as the two main pathways for overseas capital to enter Hollywood. The current promises boiled down to priority and indiscriminate terms.

Hollywood films were hit-or-miss. Films that racked up big box office numbers in overseas markets drew more competitors. When one had priority rights, securing distribution contracts became easier.

Indiscriminate investment meant a set amount of funds would be evenly distributed among the majority of a studio's films, rather than just funding projects the studio had little hope for or smaller independent productions. This model meant sharing profits and losses with the studio. If the studio made money, the investors certainly benefited. If the studio lost, the investors would share the pain. And in recent years, the number of money-losing studios among the major Hollywood players hadn't been many.

Eric thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Valenti, the distribution rights are negotiable, but the indiscriminate investment clause is a bit hard for Firefly to accept."

"All this can be discussed," Jack Valenti maintained his smile. "I certainly know Firefly's situation. Last year's profits had many people envious. However, I just want you to understand, Eric..." Jack Valenti's expression shifted, and he even adopted a more formal address. "This negotiation concerns the interests of all of Hollywood. It's certainly not the time to be stingy. If this negotiation collapses, who knows when we'll reach this stage again? The GATT discussions had been going on since 1947, dragging out for over forty years, with many breakdowns along the way. This is the closest we've come."

Eric nodded solemnly. While he remembered the GATT's successful signing in 1993, he couldn't be sure if his actions might disrupt something that was supposed to happen.

Noticing Eric's expression, Jack Valenti smiled encouragingly, patting Eric on the knee. "Eric, you know I can't force you to agree to any terms. You're doing all this for yourselves. I gain nothing from this. Although you're young, since you've accomplished so much at your age, I believe you understand the stakes. The Hollywood majors have always been competitive among themselves, but when it comes to external pressures, the interests remain united. In significant events related to Hollywood's future, everyone should do their part."

Eric realized that Jack Valenti's earnestness stemmed from thinking he was too young. He nodded again solemnly. "Mr. Valenti, I'll do my best."

"Now, I'm at ease," Jack Valenti said, standing up. "I don't know their specific demands; you'll need to communicate directly with them. Let's go; those greedy folks are probably getting impatient."

...

Upon returning to the hall, the cocktail party was already in full swing. Under the bright lights, the hall buzzed with activity, with groups mingling, some toasting and chatting, while couples danced slowly to soft music in the dance area.

However, when the door to a room on the west side of the hall opened, the entire hall fell silent for a second before returning to its previous buzz. The initial group that had welcomed Eric made their way back over.

With his smile unchanged, Eric chatted with these people as they unknowingly drifted toward a relatively quieter corner, where a sofa set was arranged.

The waitstaff served champagne to everyone, and as the host, Nicolas Seydoux asked, "Eric, it seems you didn't bring a date?"

Having signed her endorsement contract and needing to oversee several movie projects, Claudia hurried back to Los Angeles after signing her deal; naturally, she couldn't remain in Europe to accompany Eric.

"Who says I have a girlfriend?" Eric shrugged.

Everyone chuckled lightly as Nicolas Seydoux continued, "French girls are very warm and romantic. You might want to chat with some of them."

Eric glanced at the men and women mingling in the hall and replied with a smile, "I'd love to converse with them right now."

Laughter erupted again in the corner.

After exchanging a few trivial comments, the different factions gathered together. There were even representatives from various countries. In such a setting, it was impossible to discuss specifics. Eric, during the casual chatting, mentioned that he would continue to stay in Paris for about another week and hinted at potential collaboration with Firefly, quickly leading to the group's satisfied dispersal. Jack Valenti didn't linger long at the party, receiving a phone call less than half an hour in, necessitating a hurried departure.

...

Eric moved through the party hall, collecting business cards from the earlier crowd with preliminary agreements for meetings. Although the conversations hadn't touched on any substantial issues, over an hour slipped away quietly.

Just as Eric prepared to take a break, he caught sight of a dark-haired girl in a black backless evening gown, reminding him of the party's theme tonight--the celebration for La Femme.

Though the film carried the usual scattered narrative style typical of many French films, the details exuded a certain delicacy. The encounter on a rainy night, the dinner in a strange mansion, waking up on the beach, and gazing into the mirror left a deep impression. Eric particularly adored the scene where Sophie danced to lively jazz music in front of the mirror like a little girl.

"Hello, Miss Marceau," Eric exchanged his drink for a glass of red wine from a waiter and confidently walked over. Just as the young man, who had been animatedly conversing with Sophie Marceau, recognized Eric, he instinctively raised his glass before stepping away.

Sophie Marceau seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. While she faced Eric, a hint of frustration was clear in her expression. As the most sought-after woman at the party, she had attracted numerous people trying to engage her. Although she knew Eric's identity, her tone lacked warmth as she said, "Hello, Mr. Williams, it's great to meet you."

Eric didn't mind her cool demeanor. Up close, he observed the French rose, who appeared all the more pure and captivating. Sophie Marceau struck Eric as a finely crafted work of art, a beauty whose presence seemed too exceptional for the grainy textures of rough art films.

Noticing the signs of distress on her face, Eric inquired, "Is something bothering you, Miss Marceau?"

"No, Mr. Williams," Sophie Marceau shook her head, her tone remained cool, and she gestured with her glass toward Eric.

Eric took a small sip of red wine before continuing, "Well then, let me guess, you're not too fond of this party?"

"What's to be done about it?" Sophie Marceau raised an eyebrow slightly and replied.

Eric smiled. "If that's the case, perhaps I can help you solve that problem?"

"How?"

"Let me take you away, how does that sound?"

"That would be quite rude," Sophie Marceau shook her head.

Eric chuckled, not answering immediately, he made a gesture of invitation to Sophie Marceau and walked toward the edge of the crowd. Sophie hesitated briefly but followed his lead. Eric guided Sophie Marceau away from the crowd to the terrace of the villa, where a couple engaged in a lively chat noticed them coming over. Just as the woman was about to speak, the middle-aged man gently patted her back, smiled at Eric, and left with his companion.

The terrace mirrored the villa's stylish decor, featuring intricately carved stone railings around a small garden. Under the bright lights of the estate, the garden appeared lush, and shadows of people lingered here and there.

Leaning comfortably against the stone railing, Eric watched Sophie take a deep breath beside him and asked, "Feeling a lot lighter now?"

"Don't you like parties?" Sophie Marceau shot back.

"Parties should bring joy; at the least, they ought to help people unwind after a long day's work. If everyone at the party approaches you with various motives, I doubt anyone could derive the enjoyment they deserve."

Sophie Marceau mimicked Eric's posture, leaning against the railing with her nearly empty wine glass. A glint of playful mischief appeared on her face. "Then, what's your motive for approaching me?"

"I feel like I knew you in a past life, so I came to say hello," Eric replied, in a straightforward manner.

Sophie Marceau paused, then burst into laughter. At twenty-seven, the woman retained a hint of baby fat on her cheeks. Her smile was natural and innocent as she raised her glass to clink with Eric's and said, "Thank you, Mr. Williams; this is the most interesting pick-up line I've heard."

Eric sipped his red wine and asked, "So how likely do you think my pick-up was to succeed?"

Sophie Marceau tilted her head and said, "Based on the current situation, zero percent. You should know that girls despise men who use flattery."

Feigning regret, Eric sighed dramatically. "Looks like I need to put in more effort."

Sophie Marceau added, "Maybe you should shift your focus; your success rate might instantly skyrocket to a hundred percent."

Eric pretended to ponder this, glancing toward the hall as if picking something out. Just then, a little girl in a princess dress scampered towards them with a click-clack sound on the floor.

About seven or eight years old, the small girl sported a doll-like face that was pale and soft.

"Eric, you're Eric, right? The director of the big dinosaur movie?" The girl, completely uninterested in Sophie Marceau, rushed up to Eric, looking up innocently and speaking in French.

Eric's French was limited, only covering some basic phrases for daily conversations, and he didn't have much time to dedicate to learning the language. Throughout the party, most people spoke with him in English. If the little girl hadn't clearly pronounced "Eric," he might not even have grasped what she was saying.

Shooting a helpless glance towards Sophie Marceau, Eric said, "Sorry, Sophie. I don't understand much French. Could you help me translate?"

"Of course," Sophie nodded. "The little one is asking if you're the director of the big dinosaur movie."

Seeing that Eric hadn't acknowledged her and was instead chatting with Sophie, the girl pouted with dissatisfaction, chattering in French again, which Eric couldn't comprehend at all now.

Sophie smiled and continued translating. "She said you're very rude for treating a little lady with such a distracted attitude."

With an innocent expression, Eric asked Sophie, "What should I tell her?"

Sophie laughed, speaking a few words of French while pointing at Eric. The little girl replied with a few sentences, prompting Sophie to turn back to Eric, still grinning. "She said she forgives you and thinks you're so stupid; she spoke fluently when she was two and a half, and you still haven't learned at your age."

*****

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