Movie fans didn't know Eric's identity, but the actors were well aware. The young man in front of them represented MGM, or to put it more directly—capital!
So, whether you're an Oscar Winner or a box office sensation, unless you've reached the absolute pinnacle of the industry, you still have to bow down to capital.
Of course, Eric didn't act arrogant. He greeted them all warmly. Before his transmigration, as a veteran who had been in the entertainment circle for over a decade, he was more than familiar with these individuals.
First up was director Brett Ratner. It's hard to imagine this guy is only 33 years old, yet he's already directing a blockbuster like red dragon, commanding a group of Oscar Winners. Eric hadn't even touched a director's microphone when he was 33.
His breakthrough film was Rush Hour, the one with Jackie Chan, which grossed 500 million USD in 1998, a peak right from the start. That's how he secured the directing rights for red dragon.
He also has a few other works familiar to Chinese movie fans, namely Prison Break Season 1, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Skyline.
However, perhaps due to a gradual decline in inspiration, Brett Ratner's works have been on a downward trajectory and never quite recovered.
Then there's the veteran actor Anthony Hopkins. For this legend, Eric had nothing but admiration. He won an Oscar with only 24 minutes and 52 seconds of screen time; every muscle in his face could act.
On a side note, the Oscar Winner with the shortest screen time was David Niven, from the 1958 film Separate Tables, a legend from the black-and-white era. His screen time was 23 minutes and 39 seconds.
Ralph Fiennes, another Oscar Winner. You might not know his face, but you've definitely heard of or seen his works, including Prime Suspect, Schindler's List, and The English Patient. He's probably best known to younger fans as Voldemort in the harry potter series.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, who appeared in The Talented Mr. Ripley and the hunger games, and won an Oscar for Capote in 2005.
Emily Watson, a theater powerhouse. She entered the industry in 1994 and has since garnered two Oscar nominations. No need to say more.
Edward Norton, an actor very familiar to Chinese movie fans. He's a true rich second-generation with a very stubborn personality. Perhaps because he doesn't lack money, he's devoted to art films and has always been reluctant to do commercial films.
Norton's acting is excellent, evident in films like Primal Fear, American History X, Fight Club, and Birdman. However, his stubborn personality is also famous.
For example, during the filming of American History X, dissatisfied with the director, he actually cut a 40-minute version himself, almost getting into a fight with the director.
Most famously, during the filming of The Incredible Hulk, Norton revised the script on set, changing it as they filmed, hoping to make a popcorn flick more human.
This caused continuous interruptions to the filming process, driving the director and screenwriter to the brink. Later, he even refused to participate in promotions due to conflicts with the crew. He truly was a difficult troublemaker.
Looking at all these big names in front of him, if it were in China, Eric would really want to sign them all to his company. Unfortunately, this is in the United States, where unions are in charge.
After lingering on the red carpet for a while and with everyone present, Eric suggested, "It's about time to go in. Let's take a group photo first."
His suggestion was naturally followed by everyone. Eric also very naturally stood at the center. Except for some uninformed fans, no one had any objections.
Entering the cinema, the host took the stage to warm up the audience, telling witty jokes that made the crowd roar with laughter.
For this premiere, his father specially invited Jon Stewart to host. Stewart's career was on the rise, and he had high popularity among young people.
Afterward, the actors and main creators took the stage. Fans and media began to ask questions, all of which had been pre-approved, so no reporter was out of line.
Finally, surprise guests appeared. To build momentum, MGM also invited many celebrity big names to attend the ceremony.
Keanu Reeves, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, John Cusack, and even Sylvester Stallone were invited as the closing act.
Tonight's premiere will definitely make tomorrow's newspaper headlines.
Moreover, the quality of red dragon is not bad; it's above the passing mark, a solid 75 points. Film critics will also be lenient.
Eric looked to his side: "Father, I didn't expect your connections to be so extensive!"
Harry Cooper smiled slightly. Before he could speak, Universal's general manager, Charlie Man, spoke first: "Young man, your father has been in this business for 30 years. Don't underestimate him."
As the clock struck midnight, the cinema lights dimmed, the big screen opened, and everyone's eyes fell upon it.
Not long into the film, hannibal's identity was exposed, and he was subsequently imprisoned.
However, a more terrifying serial killer, the Tooth Fairy, then appeared. While hannibal typically killed one person at a time, the Tooth Fairy would wipe out entire families, increasing efficiency severalfold.
Then came a similar plot to the silence of the lambs: the FBI couldn't handle the Tooth Fairy and had to ask Uncle Ba for help, beginning a battle of wits.
Eric attended the internal screening of red dragon. He actually disagreed with some of the director's adaptations of the original, which led to some logical inconsistencies, but what's done is done, and it couldn't be changed.
With a few gunshots, the Tooth Fairy fell dead, the protagonist barely survived, and Uncle Ba's scheme failed.
But it didn't matter, because at the end of the film, he met the girl destined for him, Clarice.
Clap, clap, clap... After the film ended, the audience stood up and applauded the actors and main creators. Even some film critics, despite frowning, joined in the applause.
The obscure metaphorical shots in the film couldn't be understood in a short time, and some logical loopholes couldn't be grasped in one viewing. If you couldn't understand, you just clapped along.
The premiere ended. It was already 2 AM, but the lights of Los Angeles were still bright. People gradually left the venue.
Eric, however, stopped someone: "Mr. Harris, can I bother you for a few minutes?"
Thomas Harris, the screenwriter of red dragon and the author of the cannibalistic Dr. hannibal.
In 1992, the silence of the lambs was brought to the big screen. With an investment of 19 million USD, it grossed 700 million USD at the box office, becoming a global hit.
It also won five major awards at the 64th Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, becoming the third film in Oscar history to win all four major awards.
The accolades elevated Thomas Harris to god-like status. Faced with such a legendary author holding a gold mine, how could Eric let him go? Not to fleece him a little would be inhumane!
"Mr. Harris, although it's late, would it be convenient to take a moment of your time?"
Besides being an author, Thomas Harris was also a screenwriter. Faced with MGM's new captain, he naturally couldn't refuse.
"Of course, in fact, I'm a night owl. Many of my novels are written in the middle of the night."
"Really? Aren't you afraid writing those cannibalistic scenes in the dead of night?"
"Of course not, because when I write, I pair it with foie gras and red wine. Silence and darkness actually inspire me."
The two laughed. They hadn't had a chance to talk when there were many people, but now they could have a good chat.
"Mr. Harris, I must congratulate you. red dragon will surely be a huge success. You are an excellent author and screenwriter."
The fat on Thomas's face jiggled: "This is also thanks to MGM's strong promotion. To be honest, I never expected you would do so much for red dragon!"
Eric beckoned to Chen Xing, who quickly brought over two glasses of champagne.
"It's not that we had to do so much, but because it's good enough."
"Hahahahaha..."
Everyone loves flattery. Thomas Harris suddenly felt that the young man in front of him was particularly amiable. The two clinked glasses gently.
After some small talk and a glass of wine, the two quickly became familiar.
"Thomas, have you ever thought about continuing to develop the gold mine that is hannibal?"
The other party nodded: "Of course, no author doesn't want their work to spread further. But the trilogy has been filmed, and my novels are finished. Isn't it too early to remake them now?"
Eric was speechless. Brother, what are you talking about? Remaking a 1992 movie? Besides, who would dare challenge Anthony Hopkins? And asking the old man to reprise hannibal again wouldn't be appropriate, no matter how much money, he wouldn't agree.
"Thomas, I'm not talking about the big screen. Before you release new hannibal works, this series is no longer suitable for the big screen, at least not for 20 years."
"I mean the small screen. Film time is too short to fully showcase hannibal's story. Why not make it into a TV series?"
"We will have ample time to perfectly display hannibal's inner world to the audience. Isn't that interesting?"
Thomas Harris was silent for a moment: "A TV series? I haven't considered that. Is it feasible?"
"Of course, it's feasible, and MGM is the most suitable producer. You should have seen our sincerity."
"And not just a TV series, MGM also hopes to acquire the rights to your subsequent hannibal series novels."
The dagger was revealed. Thomas Harris understood Eric's intention—he wanted to buy him out.
"Eric, your idea is very interesting, and I'm willing to consider it. After all, it's all about who films it, and after so many collaborations, I trust MGM."
Eric smiled: "Thank you. We can discuss the specifics. I eagerly await your future works."
"Then you might have to wait a long time. I'm a slow person."
"Hahahahaha..."
In the original timeline, due to MGM's internal chaos and other factors, although MGM participated in hannibal Rising, their share was very small. And they didn't participate in the production of the hannibal TV series at all.
Although neither of these shows was a success, MGM actually benefited from the misfortune. However, from Eric's perspective, with his future vision, as long as he holds the initiative, a gold mine cannot yield stones.
Selling a psychological thriller like hannibal to NBC only shows that the producers were pure idiots.
What's NBC's style? They cater to the older, conservative demographic, with their main viewership being housewives around forty. Would they watch hannibal?
If it were broadcast on AMC or HBO, hannibal's ratings would definitely increase significantly, as its critical acclaim has always been high, but incorrect market positioning led to disastrous ratings.
"Thomas, Mr. Cooper, what are you two discussing?"
Not far away, a figure approached with an elegant gait. It was Anthony Hopkins, seemingly preparing to leave.
The old man is 65 this year, and he can't compare to young people in their 30s. His stamina truly can't keep up, so he doesn't plan to attend the after-party.
Eric reached out and stopped him: "I'm discussing the future development of hannibal's film and television series with Thomas."
Hopkins looked at his old friend: "Thomas, are you planning a new book? I haven't heard a peep. You should tell me, you know how much I love your books."
Thomas pointed to Eric: "Not me, he wants to develop a hannibal TV series."
"Yes, Anthony, if a new hannibal series is launched, I hope to invite you to continue playing the role, as you are the undisputed choice in the audience's hearts."
Upon hearing this, Hopkins smiled and refused: "Mr. Cooper, I said when I took on red dragon that this would be my last time playing hannibal. Leave some opportunities for others, and let me rest."
Eric had anticipated Hopkins's attitude and took the opportunity to propose another, not-so-demanding request: "Then, would a cameo be possible? It certainly wouldn't take too long."
Faced with this polite and approachable young man, having just refused once, Hopkins felt Excuse me to refuse a second time and could only reluctantly nod: "Alright then."
...A new day. Eric was eating breakfast prepared by his mother while flipping through various newspapers.
The premiere ended at past 2 AM, and he attended a party afterward. Even his young body couldn't handle it, and he woke up past 10 AM.
As for his father, his energy seemed even more abundant than Eric's; he had already gone to the company.
Indeed, the hannibal premiere unexpectedly made headlines on various newspapers, with many covers featuring the group photo from the red carpet.
His father should have been in the center, but such an opportunity to shine was naturally given to his son, as Eric's exposure was not yet high enough.
Even though he held the position of MGM's Vice President, if he were to walk around Vanity Fair, many people would still likely see him as just a nominal rich second-generation.
After breakfast, he called Gal Gadot. He had been very busy lately and hadn't had time for her. It was time to go see her.
It's tough, why are so many people sick, I have a headache.
Tomorrow is a trial run. I hope you all support me. Thank you everyone.