Chapter 207: A Matter of Stance

Jack Valenti resisted being continuously led in the conversation by the young man before him, stating, "Simon, the answer to this question is quite obvious."

"Yes, it is obvious. The writers want better pay and treatment," Simon briskly answered for Valenti, continuing, "But fundamentally, this is due to the completely different stances of the writers and the producers' association. Different stances lead to conflicts of interest, and such conflicts inevitably cause losses, even mutual destruction, as we've seen in the past six months."

Feeling the calm yet sharp gaze of Simon, Valenti suddenly felt his age.

"I understand what you're saying, Simon, but it's definitely not a wise choice. You can't fight against all of Hollywood."

Simon shook his head, "Jack, you don't understand. I'm not planning to fight against all of Hollywood. Though I'm not afraid to do so, our discussion now is about a matter of stance."

"A matter of stance?" Valenti asked, puzzled.

"Exactly, a matter of stance. Jack, I don't resent the rating committee's differential treatment strategy. It's natural for those in power to protect their privileges, a common instinct across any industry. The traditional Big Seven are the established powers of Hollywood, even Orion is essentially aligned with them. They are the 'players' of the industry, the rule-makers, while smaller independent producers are like 'pawns' subject to these rules. It's unfair, yet also fair in its own way. The issue now is that Daenerys Entertainment has the power to be a 'player' in Hollywood, yet some still treat it as a 'pawn,' pushing it towards a completely opposing stance."

Valenti listened quietly, then said, "Simon, since you understand this, you should also know that transitioning from one class to another is never easy. You can't expect Daenerys Entertainment to be accepted by the traditional powers of Hollywood so quickly."

"Whether willingly or unwillingly, one must face reality," Simon leaned forward slightly, looking directly at Valenti, "Next Monday, Daenerys Entertainment will resubmit the rating application for 'Scream.' It's the last attempt this year, and it will also determine Daenerys Entertainment's stance. If 'Scream' still fails to pass the R-rating review, I will face reality, cancel the film's release, and confirm my 'pawn' stance. Then, I will stand from my stance and lead other 'pawns' against the MPAA's long-standing unjust treatment of independent producers."

Valenti leaned back in his chair, not avoiding Simon's gaze, and asked, "Simon, do you think no one has ever tried this before?"

"True 'pawns' caught in the game naturally find it hard to resist the rules, but Daenerys Entertainment is different. 'Scream's production cost was $10 million, which for many independent producers could be a decisive investment for their company's existence. If faced with similar suppression, they usually have no choice but to bow to the major studios and hand over distribution rights to avoid losses. But I don't care, Jack. Even if I lose all $10 million, it's insignificant to me. Hollywood won't find anyone richer than me," Simon said, then emphasized, "But I absolutely won't accept this loss willingly. They pushed a 'player' capable of breaking the rules onto the board; they can't blame me for wreaking havoc. If 'Scream' still fails the review, first, the major North American media will immediately publish news of the film's unjust treatment during the rating process, but that's just the beginning. Then, I'll invest another $10 million to produce a documentary detailing the unjust treatment independent filmmakers have faced since the voluntary film rating system was introduced. Jack, I've already had someone list over 30 films as research points for this documentary, and the list is in the folder you're holding."

Valenti reflexively reopened the folder, finding a long list of familiar film titles behind the rating memos for "Basic Instinct" and "Scream."

Without waiting for Valenti to respond, Simon continued, "Just by comparing similar scenes from films produced by the Big Seven to these independent films, it's very easy to prove the unjust ratings these independent films received. As a 'player' pushed into a 'pawn' stance, I will lead all 'pawns' to change this highly unjust film rating system. Since our stances differ, I believe the rating committee shouldn't be controlled by the MPAA. It should either become a federal agency or be led by an association with a broader membership base like the Producers Guild of America, to maintain its independence and fairness as much as possible. If necessary, I can put up another $10 million for lobbying the federal government. I believe once the movement starts, those long-suppressed independent producers will eagerly contribute their strength. Finally, I might even initiate a foundation to sue the MPAA for excessive damages suffered by films over the past 20 years due to unfair ratings, seeking huge compensations. Even if we don't win the lawsuits, I'll persist. Then, I'm curious if the MPAA's annual budget can sustain the expensive legal fees. Jack, do you want me to continue?"

Valenti felt a chill down his spine.

If the documentary Simon described were to materialize, the MPAA would immediately be put in a very passive position. Just the rating memos for "Basic Instinct" and "Scream," which clearly showed differential treatment, once made public, would give Daenerys Entertainment a huge advantage in public opinion.

Once the controversy arises, the federal government would have to take it seriously, creating an opportunity for Daenerys Entertainment to lobby for change.

Lastly, the strategy of launching a barrage of lawsuits, although seemingly unscrupulous, is very effective. No company, enterprise, or industry association can withstand such a prolonged onslaught.

Public opinion, financial strategy, and legal bombardment.

Combined, these strategies are sometimes enough to overthrow a government, let alone the MPAA, which is ultimately supported by just a few companies.

For a moment, Valenti even doubted how a 20-year-old could come up with strategies more cunning than many seasoned politicians.

The folder contained more than just the list of 30 films, but Valenti found himself hesitant to continue flipping through, closing the increasingly heavy folder. He looked up at Simon, "Doing this won't benefit you."

"I understand," Simon said earnestly, "But this is a matter of stance, and it's a choice some have made themselves. Jack, someone recently taught me not to easily break the rules, and I really don't want to do so. But, since the choice of opposition has been made, this is the inevitable outcome."

"All this for 'Scream'?"

"If we can't resolve this issue completely, Daenerys Entertainment will face more similar situations in the future. So, Jack, I won't back down."

Valenti pondered for a moment, "Simon, you really shouldn't be saying this to me."

"You're the chairman of the MPAA, Jack. You have a duty to lobby the federal government for laws favorable to the Hollywood film industry, and you also have a duty to make the major studios aware of their situation. And, the old guys are very proud; discussing this directly might embarrass them, even anger them. So, in a way, I'm a very respectful younger generation."

"A pressing respectful younger generation," Valenti managed a smile, "Simon, haven't you noticed I'm also an old man?"

Simon shrugged, "Unfortunately, Jack, but that's your job."

Their half-joking conversation relaxed the tense atmosphere considerably. As lunch was served, Simon shifted the conversation to lighter topics. However, Valenti couldn't feel at ease.

After lunch, Valenti and Simon left the restaurant together.

Watching the young man who saw him off at the restaurant entrance through the rearview mirror, Valenti picked up the car phone as soon as the car turned a corner, dialing a number. Glancing at the folder on the passenger seat, he spoke sternly, "Lou, I think we need to talk, seriously. I'm heading your way now."

Simon watched Valenti's car drive away, not heading to his own parked vehicle but wandering south along the street, sorting through recent events in his mind.

His conversation over lunch was not a bluff.

If "Scream" still couldn't achieve its deserved rating, Simon wouldn't hesitate to stir up a storm, showing Hollywood the presence of Daenerys Entertainment.

As for the outcome, he'd cross that bridge when he came to it.

Walking, he reached the end of the street, facing a low overpass of the 101 freeway, crossing Burbank.

Looking at the overpass, Simon remembered his first arrival in Los Angeles after his rebirth. He had taken the bus from Watsonville, entering Burbank along this freeway, and due to underestimating the scarcity of public transport in Los Angeles, had to spend a night in the valley.

Two years had passed, and that time seemed so distant. Los Angeles' public transport hadn't improved, but he was no longer the destitute youth of before.

The two women he first met had become the closest people to him, almost unknowingly.

Noticing a public phone booth, Simon suddenly wanted to call Janet or Catherine.

Approaching the booth, he realized he had no coins, only several crisp hundred-dollar bills in his wallet. He had paid for lunch with a credit card, even the tip, and could barely remember the last time he used cash for a purchase.

Janet had taken such meticulous care of his life that Simon had long noticed her 'little conspiracy' to make him completely dependent on her. Having lived two lives, Simon couldn't possibly become someone unable to distinguish the five grains, yet he rarely bothered with these mundane details anymore.

Neil Bennett, Simon's driver who had been slowly following him, noticed his boss's actions and parked the car, wondering why Simon chose the public phone booth over the car phone. Seeing Simon check his wallet, Neil got out of the car, offering him some coins.

Recently, Janet, who had toured Europe, was currently staying in a mansion in Cannes, France.

During this time, Janet had personally inspected all properties selected by Sofia Fesi, confirming them without issue, and was now dealing with loan matters.

Intending to purchase all sixteen mansions, Simon didn't plan to pay in full, as he couldn't spare the cash.

However, with Simon's current net worth, banks in North America and Europe were more than willing to lend him money. This loan was very secure for the banks, as Simon's billions in net worth meant he had the means to repay.

Even in the unlikely event Simon couldn't repay, the properties themselves could serve as compensation.

Though he remembered the Cannes phone number, the public phone couldn't make international calls. Inserting coins into the phone, Simon had no choice but to dial Catherine's number in her New York apartment.

After that absurd night, Catherine had been staying in New York. She claimed it was for the production of "Blue Angels," but Simon could sense her unease about their relationship, thus her avoidance.

It was afternoon work hours in New York, uncertain if Catherine was home.

"Blue Angels" was nearly complete, but Simon knew Catherine's life was anything but dull. New York remained the hub of independent cinema, and Catherine got along well with the circle. Recently, she had taken on the role of producer for another independent film while finishing "Blue Angels."

Unexpectedly, the call connected.

"Catherine, it's me," Simon said, turning to lean on the phone booth's glass, watching the traffic. "No particular reason, just walking in Burbank, thought I'd call you... Oh... Janet's returning mid-next month, so, how about coming to Los Angeles... Of course, there's car noise, I'm standing by the road... Didn't expect you to change the subject... Haha, why can't I stand by the road... Really, it's nothing, just had lunch with Jack Valenti, felt like taking a walk to digest... No one's watching, it's quiet here, I'm feeling a bit lost, should've gone to Rodeo Drive... Since you don't want to come back, how about I secretly fly over tomorrow night? Okay, decided then... Alright, alright, I'll find another time to visit... So, a kiss... They don't know who you're kissing... Or you could take the phone into the bathroom... Haha, okay, bye."

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