Malibu, Daenerys Studios.
It was Monday, May 17th.
After concluding a production meeting for "Forrest Gump," it was nearing lunchtime. Simon, along with Robert Zemeckis, Tom Hanks, and others, enjoyed a meal together. Once they had seen their guests off, Simon and Daenerys Entertainment President Tom Pollock returned to the administrative building.
As they entered the elevator, Tom Pollock mentioned to Simon, "At a party in Bel-Air on Saturday, Michael Ovitz brought up the sequel to 'Jurassic Park' again."
Simon nodded slightly and asked casually, "What did Ovitz say?"
Last Friday, "Jurassic Park" officially ended its North American theatrical run. The media renewed their focus on why the highly successful sci-fi series hadn't moved forward with a sequel. Even though Daenerys Entertainment had delayed for nearly six months, Spielberg, confident he wouldn't be replaced, likely couldn't remain patient much longer.
Tom Pollock replied, "Ovitz hinted that someone is trying to persuade Steven to establish his own major studio. If we don't secure the sequel contract soon, Steven might not have the bandwidth to focus on this project."
Simon immediately named the person he suspected: "David Geffen?"
Tom Pollock paused before nodding, "You heard about it too?"
David Geffen was the founder of Geffen Records.
In the 1980s, Geffen Records was under Warner Music. However, after a fallout with Steve Ross over the Time Warner merger, Geffen Records switched to Universal Music and eventually became part of Daenerys Music Group (DMG).
When MCA acquired Geffen Records through a stock swap, Daenerys Entertainment's subsequent acquisition of MCA led David Geffen, who held about 10% of MCA shares, to cash out. Due to restrictive agreements, Geffen had been unable to re-enter the music industry in recent years and had turned to film investment instead.
Simon, relying on his extensive memory, was already aware of many behind-the-scenes moves without needing to chase after the latest Hollywood gossip.
Sensing Pollock's curiosity, Simon simply nodded. "As we discussed earlier, keep stalling Steven. When the timing is right, we'll announce a change of directors."
Pollock hesitated but didn't argue further.
Simon knew Pollock's conservative nature made him uneasy about replacing Spielberg. Despite having explained his strategy before, Simon didn't waste more words trying to convince his subordinate. He just needed Pollock to follow through.
When they reached his office on the top floor, Nancy Brill was already waiting.
Seated on the couch in the reception area and flipping through a document, the petite executive rose to greet Simon as he entered, then sat back down.
Simon was followed by A-Girl, who placed several files on the table and served coffee before quietly exiting the office.
Nancy's eyes trailed after A-Girl toward the closed door before turning back to Simon with a sly look. "Men really do get bored with the old and crave the new."
Simon took a sip of his coffee, leaned back on the couch, and glanced at the box office report from the past weekend. "This one is already quite old. I'm thinking of getting a new one soon. Are you interested?"
Nancy rolled her eyes at Simon. "Do you think it's appropriate for a group president to take a demotion to become your assistant?"
Simon shook his head, "You're mistaken. You'd still be the president. I meant you could help keep my bed warm."
Nancy replied, "I think I should start recording our conversations. That way, I'll have plenty of evidence for sexual harassment."
Simon deftly changed the subject. "Alright, let's get to business."
Nancy shot him another look but then said, "I've identified a few senior executives for Blockbuster Entertainment recently."
Simon was puzzled. "Is there an issue?"
Nancy continued, "I need your approval."
The petite executive handed Simon the document she had been reviewing when he entered.
Simon opened it and was immediately surprised by the first name: Robert Shaye.
Robert Shaye, the founder of New Line Cinema.
As he continued to peruse the document, he found the names of a pair of brothers: Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein.
Without delving into the details of their resumes, Simon closed the folder and looked at Nancy. "What are your thoughts?"
Nancy explained, "New Line's assets will soon be auctioned. After liquidation, Robert Shaye will still need to remain active in the industry. As for the Weinstein brothers, after you instructed me to acquire Miramax's library, I did some research on them. I suspect, based on certain connections, that their bankruptcy, like New Line's, was orchestrated by you."
Simon didn't confirm nor deny it but silently admired Nancy's sharp instincts.
The targeting of New Line Cinema by Daenerys Entertainment was quite overt.
For Miramax, Simon had merely had James Reibold discreetly tip off Chase Manhattan Bank, Miramax's creditor. Few people knew about this. Yet Nancy had deduced Simon's involvement from the fact that he instructed her to purchase Miramax's film library.
Acknowledging Nancy's perceptiveness, Simon stated, "Given your awareness, are you still willing to recruit these individuals? Do you think they'd agree to join Blockbuster Entertainment?"
Nancy, not hearing a denial, raised an eyebrow slightly before saying, "If you approve, I'll handle the rest."
Simon asked, "Why these three?"
Nancy replied, "Robert Shaye is an excellent manager with extensive experience in both production and distribution. He's frugal and detail-oriented, and his cautious nature makes him a good fit. The Weinstein brothers are adventurous and unrestrained, qualities that this traditionally conservative industry lacks."
Simon nodded slightly but added, "These are very different personalities. Even if you bring them on board, how do you plan to make them work together?"
Nancy firmly stated, "That's my job to manage."
Simon eyed the petite woman on the couch. "If you mess this up, the loss is mine."
"A good boss should allow their subordinates to fail occasionally."
"Alright, I approve."
"…"
"It seems you do have a high opinion of me after all."
"Not in the least."
"Don't be like that. Women shouldn't be so contradictory."
"…"
"Okay, no more jokes," Simon said, enjoying Nancy's rare look of frustration. "For these three, you understand that despite New Line and Miramax being second or third-tier studios, they were still their own bosses. They're used to calling the shots and might not be keen on working for someone else."
Nancy countered, "Peter Guber and Jon Peters from Columbia, and Sherry Lansing from MGM, were all their own bosses once."
"That's different," Simon shook his head. "They've always worked closely with major studios. Robert Shaye and the Weinsteins have operated more independently."
Nancy smiled. "In my view, they simply haven't had the chance to work with a major studio."
Simon paused, considering this perspective. Nancy's argument wasn't entirely without merit.
In the original timeline, both Miramax and New Line were at their peak as subsidiaries of Disney and Time Warner, respectively. Technically, neither the Weinsteins nor Shaye could be considered the sole owners of their companies; they were more like professional managers with significant autonomy.
Reflecting on this, Simon shrugged, "Okay, but remember, they are all very strong-willed individuals. Managing them won't be easy."
Nancy tilted her head slightly. "Do you think managing me is easy?"
Simon froze for a moment before grinning. "I can handle you with one finger."
Simon meant it as a playful comment about his strength, but Nancy blushed and glared at him. "Boss, if you keep this up, I'll have to report you for harassment."
Seeing her flustered look, Simon immediately understood and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Maybe you should find a girlfriend. Being single is too lonely."
Nancy paused, surprised. "A… girlfriend?"
Simon shrugged. "I never advise women to find boyfriends."
"You mean a boyfriend should be you, right?"
"Exactly."
"Arrogant jerk," Nancy said, feeling too exhausted to roll her eyes again. She stood, slipping back into the high heels she always removed when sitting. "Since you agree, I'll get to work."
Simon stood and handed her the folder containing Robert Shaye's and the Weinstein brothers' files.
Nancy approached to take the files but, just as she reached for them, her heel slipped. With a yelp, she tumbled onto the couch.
Simon watched her fall, still holding out the folder. He shrugged and commented, "You really don't need such high heels. They add so little height and can be dangerous."
Nancy, slightly disheveled, sat up on the couch and glared at him. "Why didn't you help me?"
"I didn't react in time."
"…"
"Alright, truth is, I saw you weren't in real danger. My couch is very cushy."
"…"
As Simon started to say more, Nancy stood, stepped closer, and threw her arms around his waist. Her slightly flushed face moved towards his.
Caught off guard by the sudden closeness and her scent, Simon let go of the folder and placed his hands on her waist. Just as he considered lifting her, she leaned in and bit his chin sharply.
"Ah…"
As Simon yelped, Nancy quickly released him, grabbed the files, and hurried to the door. She turned back before leaving. "Boss, that was a warning. Next time, I'll leave a mark that lasts a month."
With that, she left.
A-Girl, who had been working just outside the office, heard Simon's yelp and Nancy's parting words. Seeing the petite executive leave in a hurry without her shoes, she hesitated before knocking on the door.
Simon, back
at his desk and inspecting the bite marks on his chin using his computer screen as a mirror, noticed her. He sighed and said, "A, get me a band-aid, a big one."
A-Girl glanced at the visible bite marks and struggled to hide her smile. "Boss, it didn't bleed. You don't need a band-aid."
"I know, but I have a meeting with Barry Weiss soon. I need to cover it up."
A-Girl couldn't help but smile.
She entered the office and closed the door, glancing at the conspicuous pair of black 5-inch heels on the couch before heading to the supply cabinet to retrieve the first aid kit. She found a box of band-aids and approached Simon.
Simon leaned back in his chair, joking, "Make sure to stick it on neatly."
A-Girl, holding the band-aid, looked at his handsome face. Despite having been close to him many times, this was the first time she had a chance to act so intimately on her own initiative.
Simon opened his eyes and looked at her. A-Girl quickly moved closer and gently touched the marks on his chin. She hesitated and then softly suggested, "Boss, maybe you don't need a band-aid. I think if I massage it, the marks will fade quickly."
His response was a simple nod.
Setting the band-aid aside, she leaned in closer, her cool fingers gently rubbing the marks on his chin.
Being so near, she could feel the heat radiating from his body.
Since being selected by Janet to work with Simon, A-Girl had been constantly immersed in his aura of power, wealth, and charisma. Janet's subtle hints and guidance had prepared her for his possible advances.
But as time passed without anything happening, her anticipation only grew stronger.
Now, with the opportunity right in front of her, she continued to massage his chin mechanically, gazing at his face. The thought of giving in to temptation lingered, but she restrained herself.
Over the years, she had come to understand his unspoken rules.
If something were to happen now, Simon might not refuse, but she would likely have to leave afterward.
Despite her desires, she valued staying in his presence more.
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