Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 614 Feminism and the Spanish-Language Market

With Thanksgiving approaching, Aaron returned to Los Angeles.

The discussion in Hollywood about Amy Pascal becoming president of Columbia Pictures shows no signs of abating.

In terms of media, Hollywood feminist topics are indispensable, and the seven major Hollywood film studios now have three powerful executives: Shirley Lansing, Dawn Steele, and Amy Pascal!
In a suite at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, Aaron sat on the sofa with Spanish actress Penelope Cruz in his arms. "Traffic will start filming in two weeks, is that alright?"

Penelope Cruz smiled and kissed Aaron on the cheek. "Of course, no problem. Just go straight to the set when it's time!"

Aaron nodded, running his hand along the woman's thigh. "It seems your Spanish film, 'All About My Mother,' did quite well at the box office and with the reviews."

"It has also received high praise in North America and is considered one of the representative works of feminism."

Penelope Cruz also rose to fame because of this film, and humbly said: "Pedro Almodóvar deserves the most credit!"

All About My Mother grossed $6700 million worldwide, swept European film festivals this year, and won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival!
The San Francisco Chronicle: "All About My Mother expresses genuine emotions like a typical soap opera, without a hint of marketing."

"Prostitutes and willful nuns are no longer portrayed as filthy figures in the film; the film shows them great compassion."

The Chicago Tribune: "Almost all of Pedro Almodóvar's films revolve around the bizarre, but 'All About My Mother' stands out particularly in its portrayal of transgender women through the character of Agrado."

"Pedro Almodóvar is a maverick director, and this film is perhaps more successful than any of his own films. It combines many typical Almodóvarisms—marginality, intertextuality, and a female-centered narrative perspective!"

Beginning in the early 1990s, the third wave of American feminism began, emphasizing that women's issues involve a variety of issues such as race, ethnicity, religion, customs, culture, sexual orientation, and values. It also advocated breaking out of the original feminist mindset and called for the elimination of gender roles and prejudices.

As a window into American culture, Hollywood could not stand aside. When the film Thelma & Louise was released, it was regarded as a representative work of feminist films that challenged patriarchal society.

Then came "Daughter of the Earth," which depicts a woman with unique life experiences who demonstrates a strong vitality and pursuit of freedom in her own way, challenging society's inherent perceptions and expectations of women and reflecting feminism's recognition of women's unique value.

The subsequent film, "The Leader," in the form of a youth comedy, portrayed independent, intelligent, and witty female characters who bravely pursued their goals and ideals, breaking free from the constraints of traditional female images.

"I Shot Andy Warhol" depicts the process of women's resistance and struggle in a specific social environment, reflecting women's reflection on their own destiny and their challenge to traditional authority.

This year's "All About My Mother" once again showcases women's resilience, emotions, and tenacity in the face of life's difficulties through a unique narrative!

With the new millennium approaching, the rise of feminism in Hollywood is already evident. With Amy Pascal at the helm of Columbia Pictures, Sony has definitely considered feminism.

Aaron hugged Penelope Cruz and kissed her. "With Al Pacino, Jennifer Aniston, and Antonio Banderas in *Traffic*, the film is bound to get a lot of attention."

“It’s a commercial drama, which will help you gain recognition in Hollywood.” Penelope Cruz snuggled against Aaron. “I know, there aren’t many roles suitable for Hispanics in Hollywood.”

"Compared to Mexican-Latin American characters, I'm not bad."

Aaron brushed his hand across the woman's lips. "You possess the perfect Spanish charm—sexy, alluring, fiery, and wild!"

Penelope Cruz leaned close to Aaron's ear and blew a breath. "After I came to Hollywood, I met Salma Hayek, and she said she was very grateful to you, otherwise she wouldn't know how to establish herself in Hollywood."

Salma Hayek, Mexico's number one beauty, has now established herself in Hollywood and even founded her own independent production company last year.
Despite both being Latina actresses, Salma Hayek, though from a wealthy family, certainly didn't have the same early success as her Spanish counterpart, Penelope Cruz.

Aaron shook his head, recalling Salma Hayek's stunning figure, and chuckled, "Salma Hayek mainly relies on herself; my help was limited."

"However, Dawn may officially enter the Latin American market next, and develop some Spanish-language works specifically for the Latin American market."

After all, CBS has dedicated Spanish-language channels in Miami and Los Angeles, so they need to pay attention to the Latin American market!

Penelope Cruz stroked little Aaron's arm and said, "That's a good idea. There's already a significant Mexican-American population in California."

"And Florida, where there are also many Latino immigrants, there is definitely a market there."

“Mmm,” Aaron kissed the woman’s lips directly, caressing her softness. Penelope Cruz hugged Aaron back, responding passionately!

"Aaron, experience the charm of Spanish women!"

After the kiss ended, Penelope Cruz leaned down, and Aaron leaned back on the sofa, stroking Penelope Cruz's long black hair.

Penelope Cruz's performance once again proved the fiery passion of Latina women, making Aaron even more excited about the Latino market!

Back then, after Dawn acquired MCA Universal, Universal withdrew from UIP (United International Pictures), a collaboration with Paramount.

Soon, Dawn International Pictures and Universal Pictures integrated their assets in UIP to form UPI (Universal International Pictures).

Major European countries like the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all have subsidiaries of Universal Pictures. Universal Pictures (Spain) is specifically targeting the Latin American market!
As for smaller countries and regions like the Netherlands and Switzerland, they either form joint ventures with other Hollywood film companies to establish distribution companies or have local companies act as agents.
Universal MGM International (Netherlands) Films, Buena Vista International (Sweden) Films, etc.

(End of this chapter)