Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 618 Religion and Entertainment

Burbank, Dawn Headquarters.

Tom Rothman, who had just returned from MPAA headquarters, walked into Aaron's office.

"So, what's the MPAA discussing this time?"

Tom Rothman smiled. "It's about the independent film business. You know, DVDs are growing quite fast these days, and with the VHS market, the independent film market is doing pretty well."

Aaron nodded. "That's certainly true, considering that Hollywood releases less than half the number of films it produces each year in theaters."

"Unfortunately, however, any independent film companies with even a little bit of reputation either got squeezed out or were acquired by the Big Seven."

"Now, almost all of the Big Seven have their own independent film studios, and other independent film companies can only share some of the smaller pieces!"

From Sony establishing Sony Classics, Disney acquiring Miramax, Dawn acquiring Orion and Samuel Gowin, to forming Crescent Moon Films;

Subsequently, 20th Century Fox formed Fox Searchlight, Time Warner acquired New Line Cinema, PolyGram acquired Grammys, MGM acquired October Films, and Paramount formed Paramount Classics.

What well-known independent film companies are left now? They've basically all been recruited!

"At the MPAA, I did run into Frank Gustave, the founder of Lionsgate Entertainment, and Jeff Sackman, its president."

Lionsgate has just raised more than $3000 million in the stock market in preparation for merging with Trimac Films.

Tom Rothman seemed to realize something and couldn't help but remind Aaron.

"Ha, I almost forgot, indeed, this independent film company from Canada only became known to Hollywood at the end of last year because of its connection with Leonardo DiCaprio in 'American Psycho'!"

Aaron laughed. Although he didn't end up working with Leonardo DiCaprio for "American Psycho" and instead cast Christian Bale, the film will be released next spring.

Lionsgate was founded two years ago and listed in Toronto. Last year, it transferred its listing to the American Stock Exchange (which is different from the NYSE’s securities center and is an exchange that specifically serves small and medium-sized enterprises).
Last year, Lionsgate produced nine films and distributed more than 30 films, including low-budget art films such as "Buffalo 66," "The Tribulations," and "Gods and Beasts," which received good reviews but performed poorly at the box office.

In particular, the film "Lolita," which had a high investment, suffered setbacks in its distribution due to its explicit content, resulting in significant losses for Lionsgate. It took more than 30 films to gross just over $2300 million at the box office!
“Lionsgate is quite good at fundraising. Frank Gustave, who comes from a banking background, seems to have good resources.” Aaron now ignores even MGM, let alone other independent film companies.

Perhaps Artisan Pictures, which just released "The Blair Witch Project," is doing quite well, mainly because Artisan Pictures has a large film library with the rights to a large number of films, about 6000, but the vast majority of them are non-mainstream works that have never been shown in theaters.

Tom Rothman seemed unfazed, saying, "Lionsgate takes a controversial and cult route; they recently released the highly controversial film *God's Wrath*."

"It opened with $860 million in box office revenue, but it faced a huge backlash from religious figures!"

"Ghostbusters" is a comedy film directed by Kevin Smith and starring Linda Florentino and Ben Affleck;
Miramax wanted to release the film, but was strongly opposed by its parent company Disney, and Lionsgate took over the distribution.

Because the film involved mockery and satire of Catholic doctrines, rituals, and clergy, it sparked strong protests from religious groups after its release.

Many religious people believe that the film lacks respect for religious beliefs and is a desecration of sacred things.

However, despite the controversy, "Crazy" has also gained some recognition from film critics and some viewers: The Miami Herald: "With its unique perspective and dark humor, 'Crazy' delves into religion, faith and humanity, and its absurd plot and comedic effect bring a different kind of viewing experience to the audience."

The Boston Globe: "The bold concept and profound meaning of 'Fighting God' can provoke people to think about religion and faith!"

Aaron curled his lip. "Ha, taking this route is one way out, but it's far inferior to our Twilight Pictures."

"One Scream series is enough to make them envious, and this year American Pie has also achieved huge success."

"I have high hopes for the two movies, 'Scary Movie' and 'Final Destination,' which are set to be released next year. Twilight Pictures' performance is going to scare them to death..."

Aaron was invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles!
Archbishop Roger Mahoney of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles warmly received Aaron, asking, "Where's Jack?"

Aaron shrugged. "Jack, he's probably not in the US right now."

As Angel International's business grew, Jack Wells frequently traveled to Africa and the Middle East!
Roger Mahoney shook his head. "A few days ago, I went to Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to attend the World Religious Peace Conference, which took a few days off."

Aaron shrugged. "The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is finally going to have a new cathedral. All Catholics in Southern California should be happy!"

Aaron even saw members of the Hollywood United Methodist Church and the Los Angeles Episcopal Church arriving.

Roger Mahoney smiled, made the sign of the cross, and said, "Aaron, Hollywood has already produced two religiously controversial films this year."

"Could you offer some advice on this?"

Aaron frowned. "The recently released film, *The Wrath of God*, is produced by a new independent film company—Lionsgate."

"As for 'Eyes Wide Shut,' which will be released this summer, didn't Warner Bros. cut a lot of scenes?"

Independent film companies are difficult to manage, as they involve relatively few interests, while large film companies are naturally careful to avoid offending religious organizations.

Roger Mahoney shook his head. "Eyes Wide Shut contains numerous sexual innuendos and elements of mysterious religious rituals."

"The film's explicit sexual depictions and licentious party scenes completely violate the moral and ethical norms advocated by Christianity."

"The secret rituals in the film also have a strong mystical and religious flavor, but this way of presenting them is a desecration and abuse of religious rituals. Treating sacred religious elements in such a vulgar and unserious way may mislead the audience's understanding of religion!"

Aaron glanced at the other person. "Director Stanley Kubrick died before the film was released, so there's nothing to worry about, right?"

Roger Mahoney thought for a moment and then said, "We in the religious community actually want to engage in a comprehensive and in-depth dialogue with your entertainment industry to explore how to balance the expression of religious freedom and moral responsibility in artistic creation."

"The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has always had a good relationship with Hollywood, so I hope you can get involved!"

Roger Mahoney hopes that this dialogue will guide the cultural industry to pay more attention to the moral connotations and social impact of works, and promote correct religious doctrines.
As for Aaron Anderson, he is now the number one person in Hollywood, with a great deal of influence, and his attitude and inclination are very important.

(End of this chapter)