Chapter 108: Industry News, Invitation List, Oscar Rant! - Part 2

"Regarding the issue of the press conference venue, please contact Stanford for me to check if there are any large lecture halls or auditoriums available for use. If there are, we can discuss the timing; if not, we'll set up a stage downstairs."

"The new company has limited resources, so a bit of roughness is understandable, right?"

"As for the attendees..."

Ethan pulled out a list from his briefcase and handed it over, saying, "I've prepared a list here. Once you confirm the venue, send invitations to them based on the conference schedule."

"And..."

"Add Nolan Bushnell and Magnavox for me!"

Yes!

Regarding the release of "Pac-Man," Ethan originally didn't plan to invite Atari and Magnavox.

He wasn't a devil seeking revenge, so he let it go.

But now, since these competitors still want to step on him, he'll be a good person and help them save operating costs!

He has already showcased "Pac-Man" in front of representatives from both companies. If they still release new products in this situation, it's their own problem, right?

Hehehe~

Of course, Eulise Noble had no idea about the boss's thoughts.

At this moment, all she knew was that the company, after half a year of rest, is about to get busy again.

She nodded in agreement, went out, but soon returned.

"What's wrong?" Ethan was a bit puzzled.

"Mr. Jones, there's a guest who needs your personal invitation," Eulise Noble said.

"What?" Ethan was a bit confused.

"Who?" He wanted to know who was so important.

"It's Mr. Steven Spielberg," Eulise Noble said. "He's quite upset right now, and we don't want to send him a letter."

"?"

Eulise Noble's words left Ethan bewildered.

But when she showed him a copy of the Los Angeles Times, the bold headline on the front page shocked him even more.

Because it read —

[Hollywood's Rising Star, Director Steven Spielberg of "Jaws," Blasts Oscars Academy for Misunderstanding Film!]

Taking a look, the news inside was even more sensational —

[At the just-concluded 48th Academy Awards ceremony, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" swept all competitors, winning five major awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.]

[In response to this result, Hollywood's new director Steven Spielberg is extremely dissatisfied. He states that the Oscars Academy doesn't understand films. His "Jaws" is the beloved Best Picture, whether it's the award-winning "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon," Al Pacino in "Dog Day Afternoon," Robert Altman's "Nashville," none of them can compare to his record-breaking film!]

[At the same time, he also mentioned that he will never participate in the Oscars again!]

"What the hell! So bold?"

The Los Angeles Times' report really blinded Ethan's eyes.

He never expected that, after a few months of not seeing each other, Spielberg would be in a public spat with the Oscars?

In this situation, it's no wonder Eulise Noble dared not send a letter!

Because whoever faced this would be at a loss!

Of course, Ethan was only surprised, not scared.

After reading the report, he decisively called Spielberg's phone.

Since Spielberg didn't know the company's number, the call didn't go through at first. But after Ethan made several attempts and had Universal's staff help with the transfer, Spielberg's breathless voice finally entered his ears —

"Oh, Ethan, sorry, I didn't know it was you calling."

"It's not your fault; I forgot to give you the company's number."

"Are you calling me for something? I'm quite busy now..."

"Is it because of the Los Angeles Times?"

As soon as he heard this name, Spielberg immediately raised his voice —

"Yeah! Those damn bastards twisted my words!"

"I damn well didn't even get an Oscar nomination this year. Why would I criticize the Oscars Academy for not understanding films? Am I crazy?"

"When I was interviewed, I said 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' is impressive, but commercially, it can't beat my 'Jaws.' There's nothing wrong with what I said, right? I made the highest-grossing film in North America! It's even the first film to break a hundred million at the box office! Can't I praise myself?"

"And then..."

"Those damn reporters said I criticized the Oscars for not understanding films..."

"Oh! Damn!"

"They're a bunch of bitches!"

Listening to Spielberg's explanation, Ethan burst into laughter.

But he didn't express sympathy; instead, he continued to tease, "Oh? Is that so? I was actually planning to support you..."

"I was ready to have the company's people contact the Los Angeles Times. I wanted to buy the front-page headline, saying Steven Spielberg will be the greatest director in our country! 'Jaws' is just the beginning! The entire Hollywood will tremble under your rule!"

"Cough, cough, cough..." Ethan's arrogant words made the guy on the other end cough incessantly.

After suppressing his anger, Spielberg said, "Oh, Ethan, even though I feel the same way, movies should still speak for themselves. I'll be filming a new movie in May. After the new movie comes out, I'll show them what a real film is!"

This confidence made Ethan smile.

"Indeed, every successful person has a firm heart."

He sighed in his heart and then said, "Really? That's fortunate for you."

"What?" Spielberg didn't understand Ethan's meaning.

Ethan didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "It's simple. The new game is ready, and I'm planning to hold a new product launch event."

"Steven, may I have the honor of welcoming you in person at the event?"

After the words fell, there was a moment of silence on the other side.

Before long, a roar came out —

"Oh, fxxk!"

"You damn well finally got the new game ready?"

"Do you know I've been waiting for you for half a year?"

"Oh, wait..."

"I'm willing!"

"What day is the launch event? I damn well will bring people to blow it up for you!"