Chapter 261: Westerns

Scheduling the charity for Labor Day didn't have any special significance, but it was definitely better than Thanksgiving. 

Americans most desperate time was upon landing from the Mayflower. A bunch of adorable Native Americans appeared, and then Americans learned to eat turkey. After turkey, reinvigorated Americans slaughtered the Native Americans.

To commemorate this, they had Thanksgiving. Every year, the released turkeys aren't actually turkeys; they represent Native Americans.

William White decided to make a Western film. This needs to be set straight, unlike those trashy old films.

In an era when Westerns had completely fallen out of favor, White Films' decision to invest in one was truly groundbreaking.

Furthermore, it wasn't a small production; the movie's budget was a whopping 50 million dollars. For William White, fifty million didn't mean much anymore, but for Hollywood, that was undoubtedly a massive production.

A Western? Are you sure it won't be a flop?

While they might criticize it privately, no one dared outright claim that a Western was bound to fail. Heaven's Gate flopped because it lacked quality.

As for William White?

Heh, wouldn't it be great if he failed just once?

...

"What? Say that again?"

"Kevin, hurry back. I got you an audition."

"Mike, did you say it's the lead role? Are you joking?"

"Other directors might not like newcomers, but William White has already turned many into stars."

"Alright, I'll be back soon."

Kevin Costner at that time was quite the fresh face. Okay, maybe not so fresh, but definitely the type Americans liked.

Having just come off a rollercoaster of experiences, he was keenly aware of this opportunity. It puzzled him why, if the director liked his acting so much, all his scenes had been cut.

Heh, maybe he didn't meet some requirement?

...

Looking at the guy's resume, William White found it amusing and exasperating. Lawrence Kasdan was a big name and good buddies with Lucas; he was the one who recommended him.

You should at least have left him a couple of scenes. William White had no special opinion about Kevin Costner. This guy made a great film called Dances with Wolves and a terrible one called Waterworld.

In William White's view, both films were essentially Westerns. Waterworld was just a Western set on the water.

Dances with Wolves wasn't that good, and Waterworld wasn't that bad. Both films had flaws, but they also had their outstanding moments.

Being chosen by William White, Kevin felt like he was about to explode with joy. As the lead, he believed he wouldn't be cut this time and was confident of his success.

"William, don't trust Lawrence, that old guy." Lawrence Kasdan didn't mind this joke from his buddy.

"Lucas, comparatively, he's more reliable than you, old fox."

"Ha ha, William, at most I'll invest a small share."

"Suit yourself, who says Westerns are dead? It's nonsense to say this film will make tons of money, but losing money is impossible."

"Okay, I'll invest, but is that young guy really up for it?"

William White shrugged and said, "Doesn't matter if he is or isn't, he looks the part of the era. If I cast Tom Cruise, I'd get blasted."

Kevin undoubtedly became a lucky guy. White Films was now at its peak. Even small budget movies faced fierce competition.

Okay, since it's a Western, the big studios weren't too worried. After all, no matter how good you are, you can't change the trend.

Actually, William White wanted to say that Westerns never went away; it's just you thought they did.

Star Wars is indeed a sci-fi film, but its core is still a Western. Just look at the screenwriter, Lawrence Kasdan, who is a fervent Western fan.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is really a Western too. This guy is brilliant because no matter what script he writes, he always adds his own touches.

Actually, deep down, Americans are cowboys; they love that style. The most popular Star Wars films were penned by him. You could say, in today's Hollywood, his pen is the most expensive.

Of course, if William White wanted to make money, he would undoubtedly be the priciest.

Nowadays, White Films also started crowdfunding. William White had money but wasn't willing to take risks. Hollywood's model was great; unless you made a huge flop, you wouldn't have much loss.

Since everyone was playing by these rules, William White saw no need to be a maverick. Doing it occasionally might show character; doing it every day was just idiotic.

Everyone knew White Films intended to go public. Otherwise, making money quietly would suffice; there was no need to play fair and square.

...

"Man, these companies lining up to go public, are they planning to turn investment banks now?"

"Sir, several of their investment funds are also very active."

"Speaking of investment, how's Coca-Cola doing?"

"Sir, it's a miracle."

"Alright, no more miracle talk; that kid's full of miracles."

"Sir, they've nearly quadrupled their profits."

"Cough cough, haven't cashed out yet?"

"No, his funds are even doubling down."

"Sigh, just a new CEO and you get this outcome."

William White didn't know Morgan Stanley's higher-ups were studying him; even if he knew, he wouldn't care. This was just the beginning. That's his retirement fund; how could he sell it off?

How many people around the world drink Coke daily? This stuff was bound to make money. Even when Pepsi gave it a run for its money, it didn't change the moneymaking machine.

Chuckle, should I mix red wine with Coke in the future?

I must have this. No matter how bad it tastes, it's a must. Look at Buffett, sticking to his guns that Coke is healthy. He even says the red can brings good luck.

Sigh, for money, people are willing to risk it all.

If you said it tasted good, I'd believe you; but this stuff isn't good for older folks -- it can lead to osteoporosis and high blood sugar.

But as the largest shareholder, Buffett insists it's fantastic. If not, you could go for cherry-flavored.

Life's hard for everyone; making stuff up for money isn't a big deal. William White could drink French wine at home but wouldn't do it in public.

Not only won't he drink it, but he'll often mention that Lafite is a bit too sour for his taste.

The French might wonder why he buys so much if he doesn't drink it; how would he know it's sour if he doesn't taste it?

*****

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