Chapter 18: Ronald's Choice

"Ronald has some talent. What he lacks is experience accumulation. As long as he can work on several teams for three or four years, he can direct independently," said the boss's wife, Julie Coleman, in the CEO's office discussion with her husband Roger. "Will you give him a real job?"

"Yes, he has a very good aesthetic, which depends on talent and is hard to learn later in life. He also has street smarts and can use unexpected tricks to solve problems," Roger replied.

"But Gale told me he's only 18 this year. He took a gap year after graduating high school. He came to Hollywood to be a portrait photographer and earn money to go to college."

"What? 18 years old? Earning money to go to college…" Julie, the boss's wife, said without mentioning the idea of letting Ronald work for New World, "I see good qualities in him. He has acting ability, is responsible, and cooperative.

Maybe you should have a nice talk with him and help him if you have the chance. This young man will succeed no matter what career he pursues in the future."

"Yes." Roger took off his glasses, cleaned them with a velvet cloth, and put them back on. "Maybe you don't know that it was Ronald who suggested over the phone that we should continue filming as a temporary director."

"Why did you agree to him? He's just a crew assistant and hasn't demonstrated any directing talent."

"Because he made me an offer I couldn't refuse," said Roger.

"What proposal?"

"He said we only borrow the filming location and extras for one day. If we couldn't complete the new filming that day, we'd have to pay an extra day for the location, actors, crew, equipment, etc. And the two shots he took were approved by the director of photography, so it's better to let him continue filming. If the material is feasible, it will save a lot of money. If not, we'll just lose some film."

"Ha." Julie, the owner, was amused by Roger's statement: "It seems you appreciate considering issues from a cost perspective."

"Yes," Roger Coleman laughed. The young man's proposal pleased him very much.

"The vast majority of novice directors only care about whether their artistic ideas can be filmed; only a third of them can consider the necessary costs to realize their ideas; and only those who can film their ideas with cost limitations are not even one-tenth."

Julie thought for a moment: "Said this way, Ronald seems fit to be a producer. Many of today's producers don't know much about directing and acting. They can only do what the crew says."

"Then I'll give him two options…"

"Well, this is fair to him, but I guess you'll be disappointed. He should go to college." Julie, the boss's wife, knew Ronald was motivated and had a slightly maternal instinct.

"Understood, how is the film you're currently in the preparatory stage?"

The two began to talk again about the daily life of New World Company.

…

Ronald was sitting on the sofa in front of the president's office, drinking "delicious" Nestlé instant coffee, waiting for his boss to call him.

He looked up and saw Gale typing quickly on the typewriter, while the keys made a rhythmic sound.

Ronald liked to watch Gale write. He knew this skill himself; he might have learned it in China in his previous life.

Gale's seat was in the outer room of the president's office, and the inner room's door was closed. Roger Corman was still chatting with the producer of "Rock of Ages." The person who entered before him was the second unit director, Jerry Zucker, and the person behind him was the owner, Julie.

Roger speaks very effectively. If a person is given 20 minutes, it's almost their turn. Ronald put down the disposable paper cup and rubbed his palms, still a bit nervous.

The young body has a strong secretion of hormones, and while waiting for the opportunity of a lifetime, the adrenaline secretion accelerates.

Ronald reminded himself not to get nervous, but it didn't work very well, and his palms were still sweaty. He just stopped thinking about how to ask to put his name in the credits, closed his eyes, and rested.

The shooting scene from yesterday involuntarily appeared before him, "Start shooting, cut…" Miraculously, Ronald relaxed.

With a bang, the door opened, and the producer came out. Ronald stood up and said, "Good morning."

The producer nodded to him and exited the president's office.

Roger Coleman's voice came through the open door: "Gail, please come in, Ronald."

Ronald adjusted his pants, took the folder, and entered.

"Please close the door," Roger Corman seemed very happy, "Ronald, you really surprised me. The sample shot taken yesterday was very good."

"Mr. Coleman, thank you for your trust."

"I invited you here today because I want to talk to you about your future. What is your ultimate goal in the film and television industry?"

Ronald didn't expect his boss to ask that question and couldn't think of it like he told Gale yesterday. After pondering for a few seconds, Ronald said:

"I only have a high school diploma and I like watching movies, but I don't know much about the film industry. My original dream was to find a job on a filming team so I could attract more actors. I took portraits for auditions to pay for college."

Roger nodded slightly, obviously already aware of this. After a pause, Ronald continued:

"But during the last ten days of filming on the set of 'Rock of Ages,' especially after yesterday, my dreams have changed. I really like this dream-making industry and hope I can do it in the future. Have the opportunity to direct a movie that the audience will enjoy watching and will still remember years later."

Roger Corman nodded: "Very good. In this industry, whether as a director or a producer, it takes time to polish. You have potential, but you still need to accumulate experience."

"I'll give you two options: first, be my assistant and help me handle various things, so you'll have the opportunity to contact investors, distribution, and production of the film. Over time, you'll understand the entire filmmaking process.

Once you have a suitable script at hand, you can secure funding to become a director or producer. Francis Coppola, the director of 'The Godfather,' was my assistant and took this path."

Ronald nodded desperately. The name Coppola was so powerful that he didn't expect to debut with Roger Corman.

Roger Corman continued:

"Secondly, continue working on the set of 'Rock of Ages' and I'll assign you as an editing assistant. Finally, a film is cut in the editing room. Once you understand this step, learn to write your own scripts and find producers to attract investments.

As long as someone is willing to invest in you, you can be a director. The director of 'Taxi Driver,' Martin Scorsese, followed this path. In 1972, he filmed and edited the entire film 'The Human Torch' for me. After its release, Jack Warner recognized his talent and gave him the budget to film 'Mean Streets.'"

"Which do you choose?"

Ronald was stunned for a long time. The boss was very good at judging people. Martin Scorsese also made his debut here? This is to promote you. I, Ronald Lee, am also a talent discovered by Roger Corman.

But his top priority was still to earn money to go to college. Going to college is not only the last wish of my mother and the expectation of Aunt Karen, but also the instinct of the Chinese soul. If you can't go to a prestigious private school like Ivy League, you have to go to a state university or, worse, you have to get a diploma from a community college.

Roger Coleman saw that he was a bit confused and said: "It's not necessary to agree with me immediately. You can think it over and tell me your answer tomorrow."

"No need. Thank you for your trust, Mr. Coleman. I still want to try to apply for a film major in college. Before the acceptance letter is sent, if possible, I want to stay with the crew and learn to edit."

Roger Coleman smiled, as if he had guessed his decision: "Gail told me your story, no problem. If you need to write a recommendation letter, you can come to me. You're applying for fall admission, right? Just feel free to work for me at New World during this time."

"Thank you, Mr. Coleman." Ronald was very grateful. A recommendation letter from Roger Coleman should carry a lot of weight in the industry.

He extended his hand and shook hands with Roger. "However, I have a small request. I wonder if you would allow it, Mr. Coleman."

Roger Coleman gestured for him to continue.

"I want my name in 'Rock 'n' Roll High.'"

"What? That's not right," Roger Corman refused with a smile.

End of the chapter