"That's just my speculation. Look on the bright side, maybe things aren't that bad."
Leon could only comfort himself this way. He had enough enemies in the entertainment industry; it wouldn't be good news if an entertainment magnate popped up against him now.
He struggled to think of a rational motive for David Geffen to target him, but maybe things weren't that complicated.
Just as Phil said, Geffen didn't want another disruptor in the entertainment industry.
The reason Michael Jackson left such a colorful mark on entertainment history wasn't just the influence of his music.
Besides his music career, he actively participated in charity, invested in the recording industry, and held half of Sony Music's copyright resources.
At his peak, his commercial influence in the industry couldn't be simply described as a singer; he became a cultural icon.
What Leon was doing now was similar to MJ: establishing a record company, entering the film and television industry, holding his own media company, creating a music copyright library...
Anyone with eyes could see that his ambition wasn't just to win a few more Grammy Awards.
"That's right, it's just a guess. Maybe we're too sensitive." Phil spread his hands. "It's all your fault for causing trouble everywhere. Your notoriety is much higher than the popularity of your works."
"Let's drop this matter for now." Leon didn't want to be anxious about this kind of thing, instructing the driver to go to the next stop, the Los Angeles Theatre.
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPA)'s annual Young Directors Exchange Conference was held here.
It claimed to provide a communication platform for young directors and promote the development of the film industry, but these claims were just a cover. The real theme of the event was watching those veteran directors, film distributors, and investors show off and act pretentious in front of young people.
Even if those young directors and actors knew the truth, they were still enthusiastic about such occasions.
Hoping that if they could cling to a big shot here, their careers would take off.
"Speaking of which, you count as a big shot in the film industry now. There will definitely be many young bitches at the venue scrambling to stick to you, hoping to be chosen tonight."
Phil couldn't speak three sentences without mentioning women; he was already calculating how to use his identity as Leon's manager to coax young girls into bed tonight.
"I'm not interested in women who want to take money out of my pocket." Leon curled his lips, able to imagine the scene of being surrounded by actresses even with his eyes closed.
Generally speaking, young actors keen on attending such occasions were old hands in the circle.
Sleeping with directors and producers was already a common occurrence, and their private lives were messy as hell.
But they still failed to get the chance to become big stars, mostly only able to play some small cameo roles in movies.
Actresses with real potential would be discovered by film distributors after appearing in one or two movies.
It only takes a few years from debut to peak.
"I have to remind you of one thing..." Phil said.
"What?"
"Don't provoke those old guys from the Film Association; they didn't like you much to begin with."
The founding members of the MPA were the original "Big Eight" Hollywood studios: Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Columbia Pictures, United Artists, and RKO Pictures.
Two years later, Loews merged with Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).
For these old giants, Leon was like a disruptor who appeared suddenly.
Kicking open the doors of their palace without even saying hello.
They both loathed and somewhat feared this notorious young man.
The management of the Film Association was extremely conservative, with typical elite old white male faces, very hypocritical.
In 1930, the Film Association introduced the "Hays Code," defining morally acceptable movie content.
The code prohibited "passion scenes" unnecessary to the plot, "profane" words or behaviors, "perversion," "vulgarity," sympathy or support for criminal behavior, and dances with "indecent" movements.
It even prohibited the appearance of "white slave" images in movies; interestingly, other ethnic groups did not receive such immunity.
This sounded like a regulation full of positive energy, but after 1930, the Great Depression reached its peak, and the film industry was bleak. People had to calculate carefully even to buy basic living supplies, let alone walk into a cinema for entertainment.
Driven by profit, the Film Association tacitly allowed film distributors to openly violate the Hays Code, and a series of grotesque and bizarre film and television works were produced during this period.
For example, the notorious horror film Freaks in 1932 used the tragedy of vulnerable groups as a selling point on the big screen to satisfy the audience's curiosity, something unimaginable today.
A strange scene in American film history appeared during the Great Depression—despite the introduction of the positive energy Hays Code, the movies filmed became increasingly bottomless.
During the chat, Leon's convoy arrived at the Los Angeles Theatre.
The number of cameras on site was pitifully small; most entertainment media were preparing for tomorrow's grand ceremony, the MTV Video Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre.
Compared to the latter, the weight of the Young Directors Exchange Conference wasn't even an appetizer.
But when Leon appeared, the reporters present instantly became fully alert, flashing lights making the scene as bright as day.
"Mr. Leon! heard you plan to shoot a new film recently. May I ask if the lead actress is Miss Heard as rumored?"
"Heard this is a big production movie. What expectations do you have for the box office? Do you have the confidence to compete with those superhero movies?"
"How do you view Director Spielberg's criticism of you?"
At first, the reporters' questions were normal, all professional topics related to movies.
Leon also patiently stayed on the red carpet for a while longer, leaving them enough time to take photos.
Twenty seconds later, a short reporter in the crowd took the lead in stirring up trouble, and the theme of the questions gradually deviated.
"Is the content of the Los Angeles Times column about you all true? Are you really using the film industry to launder money?"
"Will you go to jail for this, Mr. Leon?"
"Who will you attend the MTV Video Music Awards with tomorrow night? It won't really be Miss Taylor, right?"
The reporters became excited one after another, asking various spicy and tricky questions, wishing they could shove the microphone into Leon's face.
The management of the Film Association stood on the red carpet unattended, watching this scene coldly and mocking: "Times have really changed. A hippie playing music can also steal the limelight in the film industry. Who invited him?"
Another old man with gray hair spread his hands helplessly. "Jeff Robinov. Heard he is very close with this young man now; the two are practically sharing a pair of pants."
"Hmph... both arrogant bastards!"
Just as the guests and reporters were discussing, Leon rudely pushed aside the microphones and cameras in front of him and squeezed into the reporter team.
This scene left everyone dumbfounded. "What is this kid doing?"
Originally, everyone thought he would refuse to answer these questions and walk quickly into the venue to avoid more embarrassing scenes.
Leon had a clear target. He grabbed the short reporter's collar with one hand, dragged him out forcibly, and asked in a suppressed voice:
"Which newspaper are you from, you bastard?"
"The Hollywood Reporter... let me go quickly, or I'll accuse you of threatening my personal safety!" The short reporter swallowed, holding his neck high to make himself look less nervous.
"Um... came to the right place tonight." The other reporters were stunned for a few seconds first, then quickly raised their cameras and clicked away after reacting.
"Accuse me?" Leon curled his lips, staring down at the reporter condescendingly. "The Hollywood Reporter published multiple false reports about me yesterday. I have entrusted a lawyer to go through legal procedures. Wait for the summons, bastard; you will lose everything!"
The short reporter instantly wilted. As an entertainment media outlet, The Hollywood Reporter is involved in multiple defamation lawsuits every year.
Most of the time they can deal with it calmly. Court procedures are long and stinky, and most of the time they end with apologizing to celebrities and settling.
But facing the aggressive "Street Jesus," this matter might not be so simple. The other party didn't look like someone willing to accept a settlement at all.
"Bitch!" Leon let go of the reporter and straightened his collar. "Find a decent job. Your mother gave you a pair of eyes not to let you stare at other people's crotches all day."
These words were not only said to the short reporter but also mocked all the media present.
After speaking, he turned and walked into the venue.
The reporters didn't care about the humiliation at all, just like hyenas attracted by the smell of decay, still snapping photos of Leon's back non-stop.
"Hey! Leon! Here!" As soon as he entered the venue, he saw an acquaintance. James Wan sat in a conspicuous position in the front row shouting, "Come over quickly; I saved the best seat for you!"
Leon sat down following the other party's guidance and joked, "I thought with your status you wouldn't participate in this kind of young director exchange meeting, although you still look like a high school student."
James Wan has a natural baby face; no one would think he is 34 years old this year just by looking at his appearance.
But the definition of a young director is based on achievement, not age.
By repeatedly creating myths of box office returns, he is already a hot director. Shooting another big production or an Oscar-level academic film can completely transform him into a first-line director.
"Of course not. I was invited as a guest. The Film Association hopes I can pass on more experience to young people." Saying that, Wan glanced at the two blonde beauties beside him. "Miss Olsen, Miss Grace, this is Mr. Leon. You must not be unfamiliar with this name."
From the moment he sat down, his gaze was attracted by the two little beauties beside the other party.
Although James Wan is not tall and his appearance is not considered handsome among Asians, his luck with women is surprisingly good.
"Miss Grace, Miss Olsen, nice to meet you." Leon quickly hugged the two little beauties politely. Grace looked childish, like a middle school girl.
American girls look much more mature than their actual age, but Grace is an exception. Her visual age is at most junior high school.
The more he looked at this girl, the more familiar she seemed to Leon. He soon recognized the other party as a famous Hollywood child star who became famous overnight playing "Hit-Girl" in the movie Kick-Ass released last year.
"It's a great honor to meet you, Mr. Leon!" Another girl named Olsen leaned over.
Her temperament was completely different from Grace's—quiet and elegant, exuding a strong aura of a young married woman.
Unlike the scene Leon imagined before, the two actresses not only did not show excessive enthusiasm or throw themselves at him but behaved very calmly.
Especially Elizabeth Olsen. This girl showed a mature aura beyond her age, with decent words and deeds, giving people a very comfortable feeling.
"Mr. Leon, I'm your fan in both music and movies. Straight Outta Compton you shot is a work of art. Those life scenes I had never seen were portrayed so realistically." Olsen did not spare praise.
As a descendant of bankers and a pure-blooded white person of Norwegian and English descent, although she has lived in Los Angeles since childhood, she has never seen the life of bottom-level black people.
She didn't even know there was a place like Compton in the Greater Los Angeles area.
"This is mainly James's credit. My biggest contribution to this movie is paying for it."
"Don't say that, buddy. Are you so modest in front of girls?" James Wan explained to Olsen while laughing. "Although I am the director of this movie, Leon is like a dictator. This may be the easiest job in my directing career."
"Script, costumes, character settings, and even every frame of the shot were designed by him personally. I just needed to execute the shooting according to the plan."
Olsen and Grace covered their mouths showing expressions of amazement. As insiders, they knew that these cumbersome tasks required the wisdom of a team to handle.
And Leon handled it all by himself.
As guests entered one after another, the event entered the routine stage.
First, the management of the Film Association delivered long and stinky official speeches, followed by some well-known directors in the industry pouring toxic chicken soup (BS advice) for newcomers.
Unsurprisingly, everyone was looking forward to the hidden activity after the event ended—coaxing those actresses eager for fame into bed.
Originally, Leon resisted this kind of event somewhat. If not for Jeff's warm invitation, he wouldn't bother to participate at all; it was purely a waste of time.
But it wasn't completely fruitless. At least through James Wan's connection, he met two outstanding girls.
These are resources that can be used in the future.
"Leon, we meet again." Jeff patted Leon's shoulder from behind. "Sorry for greeting you only now; I met many old friends and couldn't get away."
"It doesn't matter. You do your thing; my friends and I had a good chat."
As the President of Warner Bros., Jeff was naturally the focus attending such a small event.
Whether young directors or the management of the Film Association, they all surrounded him, scrambling to flatter him.
The responsibility of the Film Association is said to be maintaining industry fairness and improving the rating system, but in the end, it serves film distributors.
Without the financial support provided by big factories, the association simply cannot operate.
Jeff squinted and looked at the two little beauties in front of him. "It seems you can make new friends wherever you go. Are you scouting for a lead actress for our new movie?"
"New movie?"
Olsen and Grace immediately sat up straight. Originally, seeing an industry big shot like Jeff made them a little nervous. Hearing words like "lead actress" and "new movie" made them even more excited, sparks bursting from their eyes.
"No, just chatting casually." Saying that, Leon turned his head and glanced at the two little beauties. "But maybe not impossible; these two girls are very excellent actresses."
"Indeed." Jeff spread his hands. "Although we disagree on many things, it is undeniable that your taste is indeed not bad."
Saying that, he turned to the two little beauties. "Miss Olsen, Miss Grace, you have to talk well with Mr. Leon. He is the focus of Hollywood now and will be a big shot in the future."
The two little beauties didn't know what to say, only nodding blankly.
Jeff raised his arm and glanced at his watch. "I have to prepare for the speech. Wish you a pleasant evening~ don't know where the Film Association's funds are spent, providing this quality of wine for the most distinguished guests. I'll have someone send the best red wine immediately; you'll like this, Leon."
Leon shrugged, looking like he would do whatever Jeff pleased.
After Jeff left, James Wan immediately leaned over and whispered in Leon's ear: "Fxxk! Warner agreed to greenlight Ready Player One?"
"About that. I think it's eighty percent."
"Why didn't you tell me such an important thing?" There was light in James Wan's eyes.
Since becoming famous directing Saw, he has repeatedly created myths of small investments yielding big returns in the film industry. Film distributors have tasted enough sweetness from him and made a lot of money.
But even such performance failed to win him the chance to direct a blockbuster.
For a Chinese director to get a chance to prove himself and be promoted to a first-line director in cruel Hollywood, he always has to pay more than others.