[Chapter 291: Wronged Ovitz]
The winter in Berlin was particularly chilly, with the cold wind howling outside the window. That night, snowflakes started falling, making it the perfect weather for a stay in.
After the film festival concluded, Link stayed in Berlin for a day, meeting with several filmmakers and producers seeking collaboration. Once the snow stopped, he took the opportunity to return to Hawaii and continue his vacation.
...
News of him winning the Silver Bear for Best Director quickly reached the media in the United States. Originally, there had been controversy in the American media over whether Link was a womanizer or a captivating charmer. But now, it suddenly emerged that Link had won the Best Director award at the Berlin Film Festival, and he was the youngest filmmaker in the festival's history to achieve this honor.
Renowned film critic Will Rogers published a significant opinion piece in The Hollywood Reporter titled "Genius Director Link Is a Brilliant Star Our Film Industry Must Protect." The article used Link's Best Director award as a starting point, establishing that this accolade was sufficient evidence of his extraordinary talent. His skill was not only recognized by the Berlin Film Festival but also acknowledged at the Cannes Film Festival last year, gaining approval from audiences worldwide.
This was why his films garnered the Best Director award at the Berlin International Film Festival, the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and why each of his movies performed exceptionally well globally. However, it was unfortunate that several media outlets were recently focused on perpetuating unfounded rumors, casting unjustified doubts on Link's skills and capabilities. Some public figures were even influenced and made inappropriate remarks.
Rogers believed that these irresponsible behaviors needed to be corrected promptly. The emergence of a genius director was not just a stroke of luck for fans; it was a significant boon for the entire film industry. Thanks to Link's relentless creativity, audiences had access to countless high-quality films, breathing new life into the global film industry.
At the article's conclusion, Will Rogers passionately called out, "It takes just one rumor to destroy a genius, but nurturing a master requires an entire era of patience. For the future of film arts, we should not attack such a talented director; instead, we should offer him the respect and protection he deserves so he can continue to create more exceptional films."
...
The vigorously worded article sparked resonance among many in Hollywood and received abundant support from fans. Mainstream media soon shifted their tone, praising Link and listing the extraordinary achievements he had made in the film industry since his debut.
With the change in public sentiment and Guess Pictures' proactive public relations efforts, Link's media reputation slowly improved. The general public first viewed him as a very talented director, then as a young billionaire, and only lastly as a playboy. Many young people, after hearing the rumors about him, not only didn't consider him playboy but found him cool; not only was he young and rich, talented, but he was also incredibly charismatic, making countless actresses swoon.
Boys wished to be like Link, to possess such captivating charm, while girls dreamed of dating him, envisioning him as the perfect boyfriend. Link's popularity soared among young people.
...
"Bullshit! This guy is a genuine womanizer, where's the charm in that? Are the young people out of their minds, liking such a guy?" Michael Ovitz fumed upon seeing Link's improving reputation in the newspaper.
For some time now, he had been collaborating with seven major media groups to sensationalize rumors about Link, hoping to ruin his reputation and turn him into a notorious public figure. Yet, after a month of effort and considerable financial expenditure, not only had he failed to tarnish Link's reputation, but he had inadvertently contributed to Link's fame and garnered the support of younger demographics.
Michael Ovitz was unwilling to accept this outcome. He called the management of the seven media groups, demanding they ramp up efforts to publicize Link's negative news, leaving him no chance to catch his breath. He first called News Corp, then Viacom, Time Warner, and received nothing but "No" in response.
The seven media groups shared similar reasons for refusing to continue promoting negative news.
First, there was a funding issue. Over the past month, in coordinating with his smear campaign against Link, they had used a vast array of media resources, with expenses soaring into the tens of millions. Though the seven media groups had considerable funds, those belonged to shareholders, and the need to be accountable to shareholders restricted reckless spending. Misusing funds could impact company performance, and any downturn might provoke dissatisfaction from the board of directors, jeopardizing their positions.
Meanwhile, Link's funding came from Guess Pictures and from Link himself, who didn't have to answer to anyone.
Secondly, there was the issue of PR strategy. In comparison to the disorganized and scattershot attacks from the seven media groups, Guess Pictures managed a far superior performance in this media battle. They leveraged femininity to portray Link as a highly attractive man, claiming the attraction wasn't merely physical but a response to his talent. This strategy not only achieved favorable publicity but also saved a significant amount of money.
The third issue was the quality of the materials used. The seven media groups grew increasingly frustrated with Michael Ovitz, feeling that the dirt he provided lacked the power to effectively damage Link's reputation, thus wasting considerable media resources. They hoped next time he wanted to undermine Link's standing, he would prepare more lethal material -- preferably something damaging -- otherwise, they wouldn't waste resources on trivial mudslinging games.
...
After hanging up the phone, Michael Ovitz's expression darkened. On one hand, he felt wronged. Before he began his campaign against Link, he had collected more damaging material, but a significant portion had been blocked by Jay Moloney. Had all that material been released, the outcome of this media war would have been entirely different.
On the other hand, his diligent work during this campaign had gone unrecognized; instead, the seven media groups treated him as if he were incompetent.
Biting his cheek in frustration, Michael Ovitz called Nicole Kidman, hoping she would make one last push to take Link down. He promised her five leading roles in major films if she succeeded.
...
"Link, congratulations on winning the Silver Bear! Both Susan and I were thrilled to hear the news," Tim Robbins said on the phone.
"Thanks! When I come back, let's meet over for a drink," Link replied.
"Sure! When are you back in Los Angeles? I'd like to discuss the script, the one for Dead Man Walking. I have it ready," Tim said.
"I'll be back this weekend. I'll call you when I do," Link assured him.
...
After wrapping up the call with Tim, Link received calls from Tom Hanks, Robert Shaye, Jim Carrey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Diane Lane, Bruce Willis, and others congratulating him on his award in Berlin. He expressed his gratitude to each.
...
"Link, so many people are calling to congratulate you. Seems like the seven studios will find it tough to suppress your access to talent," Sophia, lounging in the beach cabana, remarked while flipping through a magazine.
"That's difficult to say. The battle has just begun. The seven studios haven't unleashed all their tactics against Guess Pictures yet. Once they do, people in the industry might reconsider where they stand," Link replied as he put down his phone.
"Darling, are you anxious?" Jennifer Connelly asked from beside him.
"Not at all. Honestly, I'd rather contend with the seven studios than stick to a routine of making movies. I'm eager to see just how strong their coalition can be," he stated confidently.
"You're amazing, like a fearless warrior," Jennifer replied, her arms draping around his neck as she leaned in for a passionate kiss.
Sophia wasn't going to hold back either and playfully lunged at them both.
"Hey, who wants to swim?" Monica called out, slowly entering the clear outdoor pool in her bikini, her alluring figure gleaming under the Hawaiian sun.
Link lingered in the cabana for a moment, feeling the sweat accumulate. He stripped off his shirt and dove into the pool, quickly catching up with the mermaid-like Monica.
Lily and Winona Ryder emerged from the villa carrying trays, and upon seeing the scene in the pool, blushed and shouted, "Can't you keep your affection to the villa? It's broad daylight; don't you feel embarrassed?"
Just at that moment, Sophia hugged Lily from behind, playfully pushing her into the pool, leading to a cascade of laughter as Lily pulled Sophia along with her.
The sounds of joy and playful banter grew more exuberant in the pool, and even the blue sky and gentle breezes of Oahu seemed to come together to enrich the festive atmosphere.
*****
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