"Ronald does have some talent, but he lacks experience. As long as he works in various crews for three or four years, he can direct independently." The boss's wife, Julie Corman, discussed with her husband Roger in the president's office. "Will you give him a formal job?"
"Yes, he has a good sense of aesthetics, which is a natural talent and is hard 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 18 years old this year. He took a year off after graduating from high school and came to Hollywood to work as a portrait photographer and earn money to go to college."
"What? 18 years old? Earning money to go to college..." The boss's wife Julie said, "Oh", and no longer mentioned the idea of letting Ronald work for New World. "I see good qualities in him. He is proactive, responsible, and cooperative.
Maybe you should have a good chat with him and help him if you have the chance. This guy will be successful in whatever 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 continue filming as a temporary director."
"Why did you agree to his request? He is just an assistant and has not shown any talent as a director."
"Because he made me an offer I couldn't refuse," Roger said.
"What is it?"
"He said we only borrowed the shooting location and extras for one day. If we couldn't finish reshooting on the same day, we would have to pay for one more day of location, actors, staff, equipment, etc. 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 we can save a lot of money. If not, then it's just a loss of some film."
"Ha." The proprietress Julie was amused by Roger's words, "It seems that you really appreciate his consideration of the cost aspect."
"Yes," Roger Corman smiled. The young man's suggestion was very much to his liking.
"The vast majority of 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; and less than one-tenth can film their ideas within the constraints of cost."
Julie thought for a moment and said, "Now that you mention it, Ronald seems to be suitable to be a producer. Many producers nowadays don't understand directing and acting, and they can only follow what the crew says."
"So, I'll give him two choices..."
"Well, this is fair to him, but I guess you will be disappointed. He should go to college." The boss's wife Julie knew that Ronald was ambitious, and she felt a little maternal.
"Roger, how is the film you are preparing for going?"
The two began to discuss the daily life of the New World Company again.
…
Ronald sat on the sofa outside the president's office, drinking coffee, waiting to be summoned by his boss.
I looked up and saw Gale typing quickly on the typewriter. The clicking sound of the keys was very rhythmic.
Ronald enjoyed watching Gale typing, a skill he also possessed, perhaps having learned it in China in his previous life.
Gale'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 and Roll High School". In front of him came the second unit director, Jerry Zucker, and Julie was in front of him.
Roger was very efficient in talking, and after giving each person 20 minutes, it was almost his turn. Ronald put down the disposable paper cup and rubbed his palms, still a little nervous.
A young body is full of hormones, and adrenaline is secreted at an accelerated rate while waiting for life's opportunities to come.
Ronald reminded himself not to be nervous, but it didn't help much; 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 involuntarily appeared in front of his eyes, "Start shooting, Cut..." Miraculously, Ronald relaxed.
With a click, the door opened, and the producer walked out. Ronald stood up and greeted him, "Good morning."
The producer nodded to him and walked out of the president's office.
Roger Corman's voice came through the open door, "Gale, please ask Ronald to come 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 we shot yesterday was very good."
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Corman."
"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 such a question. He thought he couldn't answer it the way he told Gale 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 attract more actors to come to me to take portrait photos for auditions. This way, I can raise enough money for college."
Roger nodded slightly, obviously already knowing this. After a pause, Ronald continued:
"But during the ten days of filming on the set of 'Rock n Roll High School, ' especially after yesterday, my dream has changed. I like this dream-making industry, and I hope to have the opportunity to direct a movie in the future that the audience will like to watch and they will remember it occasionally after a few years."
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 handle various things. This way, you'll have the opportunity to get in touch with the film's investors, distributors, and producers. Over time, you'll be able to understand the entire process of film production.
Once you have the right script, you can get investment to become a director or producer. Francis Ford Coppola, the director of "The Godfather", was my assistant, and he took this path. "
Ronald nodded vigorously. Coppola's name was well-known to him. He didn't expect to have made his debut here with Roger Corman.
Roger Corman continued:
"Second, continue to work on the "Rock n Roll High School" crew. I will arrange for you to be an assistant editor. A movie is ultimately edited in the editing room. Once you understand this step, learn to write your own script 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. In 1972, he filmed and edited a film for me called "Boxcar Bertha". 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 while. The boss was good at judging people. Martin Scorsese also made his debut here? He was trying to flatter him.
However, my priority is to earn money to go to college. Going to college is not only my mother's last wish and Aunt Karen's expectation but also the instinct of his past life. If I can't go to a private school like one in the Ivy League, I have to go to a state university, and at the very least, I have to get a community college diploma.
Seeing that he was a little hesitant, 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 apply for the film major in college. Before the acceptance letter comes, if possible, I would like to stay in the crew and learn editing."
Roger Corman smiled as if he had guessed his decision. "Gale told me your story. There's no problem with that. If you need a letter of recommendation, you can come to me. You're applying for fall enrollment, right? Just focus on working for me in New World during this time."
"Thank you, Mr. Corman." Ronald was very grateful. Roger Corman's letter of recommendation should carry a lot of weight in the industry.
He reached out his hand and shook Roger's. "However, I have one small request. I wonder if you would allow it, Mr. Corman."
Roger Corman motioned for him to continue.
"I want to be on 'Rock n Roll High School' credits."
"What? That won't do." Roger Corman refused with a smile.