Chapter 18 Ronald's Choice

  Chapter 18 Ronald's Choice

  "Ronald does have some talent, but what he lacks is experience. As long as he can work in various crews for three or four years, he will be able to direct independently." Lady boss Julie Coleman discussed with her husband Roger in the president's office. "Will you give him a formal job?"

  "Yes, he has a good aesthetic sense, which is a talent and difficult to learn. He also has street smarts and can solve problems with unexpected tricks." Roger replied,

  "But I heard from Gail that he is only 22 years old this year. He took a year off f from college and came to Hollywood to be a portrait photographer and earn money to go to college."

  "What? 22 years old? Earn money to pay loan of college..." The boss lady Julie said, and no longer mentioned the idea of letting Ronald work for New World. "I see very good qualities in him. He is proactive, responsible, and cooperative.

  Maybe you should have a good talk with him and help him if you have the chance. This young man will achieve something no matter what he does in the future."

  "Yeah," Roger took off his glasses, wiped them with a flannel and put them back on. "You may not know that it was Ronald who suggested on the phone that he be the temporary director to continue filming."

  "Why did you agree to him? He is just a crew assistant and has not shown any talent as a director."

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

  "What proposal?"

  "He said that we only borrowed the shooting location and extras for one day. If we can't complete the reshoot on the same day, we will have to pay for one more day's venue, actors, staff, equipment and so on. And the two takes he shot were approved by the director of photography, so we might as well let him continue shooting. If the footage is feasible, then a lot of money will be saved. If not, it's just a matter of losing some film."

  "Ha." The proprietress Julie was amused by what Roger said, "It seems that you appreciate him considering the issue from a cost perspective."

  "Yes," Roger Corman himself laughed. The young man's proposal was very much to his liking.

  "Most novice directors only care about whether their artistic ideas can be filmed; only one-third of them can consider the cost of realizing their ideas; less than one-tenth of them can film their ideas under the constraints of cost."

  Julie thought for a while: "What you said, Ronald seems to be suitable to be a producer. Many producers nowadays don't understand directing and acting, and can only do what the crew says."

  "So, I will give him two choices..."

  "Well, this is fair to him, but I guess you will be disappointed. He should go back to college." The boss's wife Julie knew that Ronald was ambitious and had a bit of maternal instinct.

  "Roger, how is the film in the preparatory stage now?"

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

  ...

  Ronald sat on the sofa outside the president's office, drinking Nestle instant coffee that "tastes great", waiting for the boss to summon him. Helooked up and saw Gail typing quickly on the typewriter, and the sound of the keys was very rhythmic.

  Gail's seat was in the outer room of the president's office, and the door to the inner room was closed. Roger Corman was still chatting with the producer of "Rock High School". In front of him went Jerry Zucker, the second group director, and in front of him was the boss's wife Julie.

  Roger was very efficient in talking. He gave each person 20 minutes, and it was almost his turn. Ronald put down the disposable paper cup and rubbed his palms. He was still a little nervous.

  The hormone secretion of a young body is vigorous. When waiting for the opportunity in life to come, the adrenaline is secreted at an accelerated rate.

  Ronald reminded himself not to be nervous, but it didn't work. His palms were still sweating. He simply stopped thinking about how to ask, put his name on the credits, and closed his eyes to rest.

  The scene of yesterday's shooting appeared in front of him again, "Shoot, Cut..." Miraculously, Ronald relaxed.

  With a snap, the door opened and the producer walked out. Ronald stood up and greeted "Good morning."

  The producer nodded to him and walked out of the president's office.

  Roger Corman's voice came through the open door, "Gail, please let Ronald in."

  Ronald adjusted his pants, picked up the folder, and walked in.

  "Please close the door," Roger Corman looked very happy, "Ronald, you really gave me a surprise. The sample film shot yesterday was very good."

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

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

  Ronald didn't expect his boss to ask such a question. He thought he couldn't answer it the way he said to Gail yesterday. After a few seconds of silence, Ronald said:

  "I only have a high school diploma. I like watching movies, but I don't know much about the film industry. My original dream was to find a job in a film crew, so that I could direct my own movies. In this way, I can raise enough money for college loan ."

  Roger nodded slightly, obviously knowing this.

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

  "I'll give you two choices: First, be my assistant and help me deal with various things. This way, you will have the opportunity to come into contact with film investors, distributors, and productions. In time, you will be able to understand the entire process of film production.

  Once you have a suitable script in your hands, you can get investment to be a director or producer. Francis Coppola, the director of "The Godfather", was my assistant, and he took this path."

  Ronald nodded desperately. Coppola's name was well-known, and he didn't expect that he made his debut here with Roger Corman.

  Roger Corman continued:

  "Second, continue to work in the crew of "Rock and Roll High School". I will arrange for you to be an assistant editor. A movie is finally edited in the editing room. Once you understand this step, learn to write your own scripts and go to producers to raise funds.

  As long as someone is willing to invest in you, you can become a director. Martin Scorsese, the director of "Taxi Driver", took this path. He filmed and edited a "Cold Blooded Human Torch" for me in 1972. After it was released, Jack Warner recognized his talent and gave him the budget to shoot "Mean Streets." "

  "Which one do you choose?"

  Ronald was stunned for a long time. The boss was really good at judging people. Martin Scorsese, also made his debut here? This is to flatter himself. I, Ronald smith, am also a talent that you, Roger Corman, have taken a fancy to.

  However, his top priority is to make money to pay loan of college. Going to college was not only his mother's last wish and Aunt Karen's expectation.

  Seeing that he was a little entangled, Roger Corman said, "You don't have to agree to me right away. Think about it and tell me your answer tomorrow."

  "No need. Thank you for your trust, Mr. Corman. I still want to learn directing for that I want to stay in the crew and learn editing."

  Roger Corman smiled, as if he had guessed his decision, "Gail told me your story, there is no problem. If you need to write a recommendation letter for restart your college, you can come to me. During this time, just work for me in New World with peace of mind."

  "Thank you, Mr. Corman." Ronald was very grateful. Roger Corman's recommendation letter should have a lot of weight in the industry.

  He stretched out his hand and shook Roger's. "However, I have one more small request. I wonder if you would allow it, Mr. Coleman."

  Roger Coleman motioned him to continue.

  "I want to sign my name in 'Rock and Roll High School'."

  "What? That's not possible." Roger Coleman refused with a smile.

  (End of this chapte)