And We Give Some damn Good Answers Turn 45 (April 1976)
"What would you describe your thought process, in deciding to start a whole distribution studio, when you were hardly a shoe in for a household name at MASH?"
Johnny was serious when he said that, but you almost busted out laughing. It was fun, and honestly, something incredibly funny to think about now.
"Well to tell you the truth I didn't want to pay income taxes anymore."
That earned a laugh from everyone, even Johnny didn't expect to let out a chuckle. "But really though, In the grand scheme of things, I wasn't thinking, I was living. I was living a pretty good life, the kind where I was lucky enough and talented enough, to follow my dreams, and when my friend [George Lucas] approached me with his, I was in a position to help, so that's what I chose to do. All that, to walk in the sun with my friends, because George's vision was that bright."
There was a large round of applause that release of information you gave and you could find yourself coming around to it, taking in the whole damn audience. "You have a lot of faith in your friend George Lucas, even when his reputation around Hollywood isn't the most stellar, according to my insiders, they say he's hard to work with."
"No he's not, you need better insiders, Johnny, let me tell you, he's great to work with, incredible even, with a vision few in this town can even match. At least that I've had the pleasure to work with."
That made Johnny Smile. "Speaking of vision, We have been hearing a lotta buzz around a film called Star Wars, where you are one of the big characters, uh, could you tell us a little bit about it? On the production side, I mean."
"Careful Johnny, I have an NDA about talking about what the film is about when it isn't revealed in the Trailer?"
That earned a laugh from everyone again, as you relaxed. "Sorry, bad joke." You took a breath and took a moment to think of your answer. "Well so far Star Wars is tied with Five Dates for my favorite production I've worked on and I think when all is said and done Star Wars is going to be my favorite movie and one of if not the greatest in history, an opinion I think a lot of people will share too. Every day from the start of pre-production to our ongoing post-production journey has been an incredible experience and I'm so blessed and thankful to George that he chose to let me be a part of this adventure. Every single aspect and minute detail lined up to make the best film we could possibly make, and several times the cast and crew went beyond what I thought possible to give us perfection. Every single cast member went above and beyond the script, becoming one with their characters and giving some of the best performances I've seen. The crew worked brilliantly each day to give us the tools and stage we needed to tell the greatest story ever told. ILM is making the impossible possible and working magic with their special effects, in some cases literally making new technology to show a galaxy, far, far away. Plus all of this was thanks to the brilliant mind of George Lucas, a man who I promise is going to go down in history as a visionary and one of the greats, creating a grand adventure that is both timeless and revolutionary as a story, the tale of a band of heroes taking a stand against evil in a galaxy far, far away. Ultimately, there is one aspect of working on Star Wars that is always going to be my favorite, that being it was my first film I got to work together with Carrie, and right after we got married. Growing up, my Dad always told me and my siblings to do what we loved for a living, and almost every day for filming I got to do what I love with the woman I love. It's just incredible to see Carrie in action and create a work of art with her, and after two movies I'm looking forward to making as many with Carrie as we can. I love her and I'm so happy and grateful to be her husband."
When you finished, there was almost deafening silence, before there was a thundering applause from the audience.
Johnny then let a wave of his hand. "And we'll be back after this quick break."
The light turned and you looked at Johnny, hands shaking. "Damn kid, never expected that kinda answer from you. Who prepped you?"
"Experience, and avoiding all the media that I don't like?" You replied as you smiled.
"Well, I'll tell you what, I think you got all of America watching you now, and I have one question that will make everyone quiver in their boots if you don't mind me asking it?"
"Is it going to be about me and Carrie's Sex life?"
"What, hell no, what would make you think that?" He said, disgusted at the thought. "We're on television for Christ's sake, not some dishrag that prints what passes for porn!"
"Sorry, bad experience." You stated.
Johnny smiled. "Well, this will be a good one." The Light turned off and Johnny looked back at the crowd and TV cameras. "And welcome back everyone, we have one last question for Mister O'Brian before he must sally on back to his home." He turned to you. "Are you Scared of other companies who are… seeing this upstart crew building and want to fight you, what with uh, a few names like Spielberg, for instance, turning down a huge 3 picture deal with close to 10 million dollars in salary guaranteed to work with your company… what makes you so certain you will succeed against such odds when they are stacked against you?"
That made you smile. Damn, he was willing to go that far?
You almost walked away… But instead you just… took a breath. And gave an answer. "There are some days where the business can be frustrating and our competition does its best to make sure the odds are stacked as you say, but from the moment Lucasfilms was created we saw the film industry as a challenge to face head-on and have fully embraced the difficulty of planting our foot in the door. We may not have the experience, film library, or institutional strength of our competitors; but what we do have is a pool of the most talented men and women in Hollywood from top to bottom, all of whom are filled with the drive, passion, and vision to more than match any of the established titans. While most movies are trying to chase trends and simple profits, we're always looking to innovate and create art as the first or best of the stories told. Lucasfilms may be fighting a battle of David and Goliath, but never once have we been scared and each day we embrace every challenge thrown at us. I like to think that because of such we always manage to push ourselves to the finish line and create the best movies possible."
"And that's all from Bruce O'Brian… Goodnight."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Reward: Unknown Positive effect on Film Audience and Critic roll.
Unknown Positive Effect on Profits domestically.
Another Unknown Effect that won't occur or be revealed until Star Wars releases.
---------------------------------
Note: Due to a Need to get to push forward the quest just slightly due to wanting to get to Star Wars' release and the Olympics, this turn will go to June, with Actions Reflecting that.
------------------------------------------------------
For this turn, you have 10 actions.
Lucasfilms Unlimited Actions:
[]Rocky: So Sly got his Summer Release, at the End of May. A tough Crowd. But you were honestly just happy it got out, and now he can reap the reward. DC: ???
[]The First Cut of Star Wars: George finally has his first truly complete cut of Star Wars. DC: 0/???
[]Mike's Milestone: Mike needs to talk to you about his payment… and the need to see it grow larger with all the work he's done for you. DC:???
[]Investing in the Future: You want to Spend some of that money you made into the company and make the whole thing better DC: ??? (Linetail what you want to invest in, and how much money you want to invest in it)
[]Look for Investors: Not that you need the money now, but maybe you can get people on board with this idea you have. DC: ???
[]Begin Production on Killer Queen: You are ready to start producing the movie and find out just how good of a producer you are. (Starts Production miniturn) (As Star Wars is beginning it's final post-production, you can now begin)
[]Begin Production on The Kung Fu Kid: You are ready to start producing the movie and find out just how good of a producer you are. (Starts Production miniturn) (As Star Wars is beginning it's final post-production, you can now begin)
[]Begin Production on Marathon Madness: You are ready to start producing the movie and find out just how good of a producer you are (Starts Production miniturn) (As Star Wars is beginning it's final post-production, you can now begin)
[]Begin Production on The Playground: You are ready to start producing the movie and find out just how good of a producer you are (Starts Production miniturn) (As Star Wars is beginning it's final post-production, you can now begin)
[]Distributing Deals: Since you have a Distribution Company, or rather, are one… You can meet the major movie theater companies and strike a Deal with them. Even when you had really nothing to offer them. DC: ???
[]Importing Foreign Films: So… you may have a way to get some films showing in American Theaters. Maybe you can go to other foreign film industries and… well, ask to distribute their films. Sure many of those foreign film companies never expected an American company to distribute their films in the US… but maybe you can get money without producing them. (Linetail where you try to get films from, and if there are any specific films, line tail them below) DC: ???
[]The Ideas of Industry: This action is meant for a write-in to act as a sort of Idea machine for the company. You must detail what you want to do below this action. This action can be taken multiple times.
Personal Actions:
[]Olympic Training: It's time to get serious about training to win a gold. You really need to back up your documentary that made everyone else out to be winners. DC: ???
[]Game Shows: You want to go on a Game show, you are sure that Lucille might get you in on one of them. DC: 40
[]Carrie's Musical Mystery: So Carrie, what are you working on? Wow… That is cool. DC:???
[]A Well-Known Fan: So some really famous person is a fan of yours. Maybe you'll learn who they actually are. DC???
[] Learn to play an instrument: You want to learn how to play something DC: 80 (You have no idea what the hell you are doing.)
[]Investments: You want to invest your hard-earned cash into something that you feel will be a good return on investment. And as well as diversify your assets DC: 0 (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to invest in)
[]The Friendship and Brotherhood of George Lucas: George wants to hang out and have fun. DC: 30
[]The O'Riely Foundation Lobbying: You want California to help the men who have given nearly everything and more to this country. DC: ??? (Linetail how much money you want to throw at it, and what you want from the State)
[]A Charitable Heart: You want to invest your newfound wealth. Maybe even save some lives while you are at it. (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to donate in)
[]Pray: It had been a long time since you went to Mass. You wish for the Lord to give you strength. DC: ???
[]Action Directing: It seems the town has been talking about how much of a beast you are at just being a stunt person. In fact, they knew you were a student of Bruce Lee. And they think you know how to stage and block a fight? Maybe you can DC? ???
[] Do auditions(Movies and TV Shows): You are going to go to some of the casting calls that are in the place where you can find work in. DC: 20(Possibility of only getting a commercial or TV show job, or extra work in a low-budget film)
[]Modeling (High Fashion): So you got a call from a photographer in LA, some no name. But that no name works for Gucci. And he wants you on their next lineup of products. And he needs you to model for him. Which is great… one problem, you have no idea what the hell you are doing. DC: 60
[]Modeling (Advertisements): Thankfully another Call Came in, one from an ad firm. They need you to have some pictures taken so that they are used for saner things. Like selling cars, or ice cream. DC: 40
[]Workout: A Healthy Mind and a Healthy Body are Key to having a good life, and you have been slacking as of late. Time to hit the workout and discipline, and perhaps, see things differently. DC: 30 Reward: You work out and feel better.
[] Ask Clint if you can act in a movie of his: You know you want to see if you can act opposite him, for a good time. DC: 40 (Clint wants to work with you.)
[] Gophering, and other signs of stuff: You want to try and learn how work behind the camera works, and what better way than being a gopher. DC: 50 (You have no idea what the hell they were doing, and you have no idea either)
[] Take a walk: Dad always said that the best ways to get inspiration are by walking, talking, and being open-minded. So you'll try that. DC: 10 (You are just going for a walk, what could be really said?)
[]Pitching for Money: So Miss Ball has decided to offer anyone who comes up with a good pitch for a show tens of thousands of dollars. Time to see if you can cash in DC: ??? (Write in Pitch for the CBS Suits to see)
[] Register in a theater: There are quite a few theater troops that are looking for some seasonal help for some play's that the regulars could not get to. Perhaps you can work there for a while. DC: 40 (Everyone wants to be famous here in Hollywood.)
[] Go to a bar or something to make jokes: You wanted to try some comedy, perhaps you can try. even with your shit timing. DC: 40 (Your Lack of comedy chops is going to be something that will bite you.)
[] Practice writing: You want to write something, maybe even a script. At least to learn the craft. DC: 20 (You try your hand at screenwriting, and maybe get something that is worth a damn.)
[]Calling You're Parents: You are going to call your parents and see what they want. DC: 10
[] Research stuff, see if anything piques your interest: You may have graduated High School as a kid, but you never stopped trying to learn. DC: 15 (Write-in what you want to learn about below)
AN: Enjoy and vote in plan format.
