In Beverly Hills, at a golf club, the sun was shining brightly, the sky was blue, and the wind was gentle. On the lush green grass, a tall, muscular man wearing a baseball cap and dressed in white sportswear gripped a golf club with both hands and swung it forcefully.
Thwack!
A crisp sound echoed as a white ball flew into the blue sky, drawing a clear arc before landing in the rough area of the golf course. It bounced once and rolled another five or six meters, stopping just over five meters away from the hole on the par-five course.
"Ha ha, great shot, it's almost a double eagle," said producer Arnold Kopelson, clapping.
On a golf course, there are generally three types of holes: short, medium, and long, corresponding to par-three, par-four, and par-five. If a player makes the hole in one shot on a par-three, it's called an eagle. If a player makes the hole in one shot on a par-four, it's called a double eagle.
Richard had hit the ball over 210 yards with a 4-wood, leaving just over five meters to the hole. If he could make it in one more shot, it would be a rare double eagle. But he knew that would be difficult to achieve.
He usually enjoyed playing tennis and basketball to train his physical strength, speed, and footwork. Golf, with its less competitive nature, wasn't something he practiced often, so his skills were average. The fact that his previous shot landed near the hole was due to a combination of brute force and sheer luck. He knew it would be tough to sink the next shot in one.
"Arnold, you know about the situation with the company. What do you think of my proposal?" Richard asked as he walked, holding his club.
"Don't be in such a hurry, you're young. Let's finish the game first," producer Arnold Kopelson said.
"Ha ha, Arnold, it's precisely because Richard is young that he's so eager. You should understand," Gwyneth said with a light laugh.
"Ha ha, alright. Richard, I didn't realize you were only 22. At twenty-two, you've already achieved what many people can't in a lifetime. You really shouldn't be in such a rush," Kopelson said, shaking his head with a smile.
"I can't afford not to rush. Steve Jobs started Apple at 21, Bill Gates started Microsoft at 20. I'm 22 and haven't done anything yet. Every time I think about it, I can't sleep," Richard said with a touch of melancholy.
"Your ambitions are that big?" Kopelson asked, surprised.
"Ha ha, Richard, are you aiming to be the richest man in the world?" Gwyneth brushed a strand of her blonde hair aside as she laughed.
"I'm not aiming to be the richest, I just want to be more successful."
"If you want to be more successful, you need to be more cautious. There are hundreds of film studios and production companies in Hollywood, over 500 in total. Statistics show that only about 100 of them make more than $1 million in profit annually, and less than 20 make more than $10 million. Every year, 40 or 50 go bankrupt. A mid-sized production company might make around $10 million a year, which is less than what you can earn in three matches. Three matches would take just over an hour. In the future, you might earn tens of millions from just one match. With such a promising future, why would you want to make movies?"
Kopelson asked seriously.
Richard smiled lightly, "Boxing became a professional sport over two hundred years ago, and the most accomplished boxer so far is Muhammad Ali. But I'm not black, so I can't be Ali. That's why I need to find another path. But my abilities are limited; I'm not a researcher, nor can I write code or develop software. The industry I'm most familiar with is the film industry, so I thought about starting a movie company and investing in film production. Although the risks are high, you'll never succeed without bold attempts."
"I support you!" Gwyneth said, holding his arm with a smile.
Kopelson looked at the two of them, then smiled lightly. "It's good to have courage, but before you enter this industry, you should understand the harsh realities of the movie business."
"Please, go ahead!"
"Do you know about Carolco Pictures? It was once the most profitable independent production company in Hollywood, but last year, it was acquired entirely by MGM. Do you know why it failed?"
Richard thought for a moment. Carolco Pictures was founded in the mid-1980s and produced several high-grossing, critically acclaimed films, including Terminator 2, Cliffhanger, Total Recall, and Basic Instinct. It was similar to Miramax before its acquisition. Carolco was a money-making machine, comparable to the major studios, until 1996, when they made Cutthroat Island, a film with a budget of $92 million. Including post-production marketing costs, the total expense reached over $120 million. However, its domestic box office only made $9.5 million, and the global box office was $15.7 million. It was such a flop that it even made the Guinness World Records as the biggest box office bomb. Cutthroat Island dragged Carolco Pictures into bankruptcy in 1998, and last year, MGM acquired it, making it a part of history.
"The newspapers said that Cutthroat Island's failure led to Carolco Pictures' bankruptcy. Was there another reason?" Richard asked.
"Yes, the failure of the film was just the surface. The movie itself wasn't that bad. Even if the box office was poor, it wouldn't have been that disastrous. The real reason was competition in capital and from other studios. When you enter the movie business, you can't ignore the Big Six. The Big Six are the industry's giants and the rule-makers of the film industry. Behind the Big Six are the same group of shareholders. Independent production companies that want to make money with movies need to not only create good films but also play by the rules. The Big Six control the distribution channels and the lifeblood of independent production companies. Carolco Pictures once had big ambitions to become an equal player with the Big Six in Hollywood. But because it refused to join the Big Six's parties, a single film's box office failure brought it down. Meanwhile, those who agreed to acquisitions, like New Line Cinema and Miramax, became top-tier studios. So…"
Kopelson paused and asked, "After hearing all this, do you still want to continue?"
Richard smiled lightly, "Of course. Right now, my goal is to first make New Century Pictures a top independent production company, one that the Big Six will take seriously. We haven't even started yet, so worrying too much will only hold us back."
Kopelson looked at him and laughed. "You really are young and brave. What about you, Gwyneth?"
Gwyneth winked and smiled. "Arnold, I'm young too, aren't I?"
Kopelson laughed heartily. "Gwyneth, that's my mistake. But still, it's good that you both want to continue despite what I've said. However, there's a crucial question I'd like to ask."
"What is it?" Gwyneth asked with a smile.
"How much money are you planning to invest?"
Kopelson squinted at the two of them.
"Five hundred…"
"Twenty million!" Richard said, pulling Gwyneth's hand as he spoke.
Gwyneth blinked and gently stroked the back of his hand with her soft fingers.
"Twenty million?"
Kopelson looked at him in surprise. "Richard, given your income, you're worth about two or three million. Are you planning to invest all your money into making movies? That's too risky."
Richard smiled lightly, "Arnold, you don't have to worry about the funding. When the company is established, there will be no less than twenty million in the account. That's a guarantee."
"This…"
Kopelson hesitated, "Although it's somewhat against the rules, I have to ask about the source of the funds. I need to know if the company's backing is stable enough."
"No problem. Last year, I bought some tech stocks. This year, they've multiplied several times."
"Multiplied several times?" Gwyneth asked in surprise.
"Yes. To put it modestly, the person standing in front of you is a billionaire."
Richard slightly raised his chin.
"Billionaire?"
"Billionaire?!" Gwyneth and Kopelson looked at him in astonishment, knowing that he wouldn't make such claims lightly, but this was still beyond belief.
In 1998, he was a millionaire; in 1999, a multi-millionaire; and in 2000, right at the start, he became a billionaire. Did making money for him become a game of just adding zeros?
"Besides my investments, I have a few friends. So funding isn't an issue."
Richard said with a faint smile.
"Arnold, now are you relieved? So, what's your decision?"
Gwyneth smiled.
Kopelson gave a slight smile and looked at the golf ball on the ground, saying, "Let's finish the game first, then we'll talk."
"Alright!"
Richard smiled lightly. The reason he sought out Kopelson was because of his remarkable abilities.
Kopelson had been a producer since the 1970s, having produced numerous high-quality films over the decades, including The Fugitive, Se7en, Platoon, The Devil's Advocate, A Perfect Murder, and Eraser, among others, totaling 29 films. He had been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture twice, winning once. He was also a member of CBS's board of directors, with extensive connections in the industry.
He understood the creative patterns of Hollywood, knew how the market worked, and could grasp the pulse of a film. Having such a collaborator not only provided peace of mind but also helped avoid many detours.
"Richard, can you make a hole-in-one?"
Kopelson asked.
"I'm not sure!"
Richard held the wooden club with both hands. As he moved, the clubhead swung like a pendulum. He wasn't very confident about this shot.
"God, if New Century Pictures can become a top independent production company, let this ball go in the hole," Gwyneth softly said.
Richard's hand trembled, increasing the pressure. He wiped his forehead, focused on the hole not far away, and gently swung the club.
Thud!
The clubhead struck the small white ball, and it rolled quickly across the grass. It rolled over four meters, and just as it was about to reach the hole, it deviated by about a foot.
"What a pity~"
Rumble~
Suddenly, another small white ball rolled quickly onto the green, coincidentally hitting Richard's ball.
Thud!
Richard's ball dropped into the hole.
"Wow, that's amazing! It's a double eagle!"
Gwyneth jumped up in excitement and hugged him tightly.
Richard was stunned for a moment. That was incredibly lucky—was it a one-in-a-million chance?
"Arnold, does this shot count?"
Kopelson stared at the hole for a while and then sighed, "That was so coincidental; this shot is even rarer than an albatross. Of course, it should count. We should have recorded it; otherwise, no one would believe it."
"Haha, yes, Richard, your luck is incredible."
Gwyneth hugged his neck, kissing him several times in excitement.
Richard smiled gently and patted her on the buttocks, "You should get down. Don't forget your image as a lady."
"It's alright!"
Gwyneth kissed him again before letting go and jumping down.
At that moment, two people walked around the green—it was someone they knew.
"Hey, Matt, are you playing golf here too?"
The person was Matt Damon, accompanied by a young woman.
"Yes, I'm currently filming a golf-related movie, so I'm here for some practice," Matt Damon said.
Richard nodded. He had heard that this movie was called The Legend of Bagger Vance, starring Matt Damon and Will Smith together.
"Matt, was that ball you just hit?" Gwyneth asked, pointing to the ball that had rolled over earlier.
"Uh, yes, I hit it a bit off course. I'm sorry if it disturbed you."
Matt Damon shrugged.
"No worries, your ball actually helped us out."
Gwyneth smiled lightly, then introduced producer Arnold Kopelson. Matt also introduced the young woman beside him, Gretchen Mol, an actress not very well known.
After they left, Richard, Gwyneth, and Kopelson continued playing.
"Matt, do you know Richard well?" Gretchen asked on the other side.
"Not really. We worked together on The Talented Mr. Ripley."
Matt Damon shrugged.
"Becoming a super boxing champion at 22 is really impressive. But you're amazing too," Gretchen said as she held his arm with a smile.
Matt Damon smiled as he got into the cart and headed to the nearby fairway.
On the lawn, a few people were playing golf—Harvey and Bob Weinstein of the Weinstein brothers, The Legend of Bagger Vance director Robert Redford, Will Smith, and PGA professional golfer Tim Moss, who was also the film's technical advisor and Matt's golf coach.
"Matt, did you hit anyone?" Will Smith asked.
"Almost! Do you know who's on the adjacent fairway?"
Matt Damon got out of the cart and walked onto the grass.
"Oh, do we know them?"
"Yes, it's producer Arnold Kopelson, Richard Brad, and Gwyneth."
Matt Damon smiled.
"Richard and Gwyneth?"
Harvey Weinstein paused his swing and looked over.
"Yes, they're also playing golf. Harvey, the ball you just hit happened to knock Richard's ball, almost hitting them."
Matt laughed.
"Then my aim was pretty good."
Harvey Weinstein laughed heartily and swung his club with force. Unfortunately, his large belly affected his swing, causing the clubhead to hit the side of the ball, sending it off course again.
"That shot wasn't bad; you just need one more shot to get it in the hole," Matt Damon clapped his hands.
"Haha, Matt, are you mocking me?"
"Not at all. I'm just satisfied that I didn't miss the ball completely like I usually do. If I could hit it as easily as you, I'd be happy."
Matt Damon laughed.
Harvey Weinstein laughed heartily, then turned to his brother Bob Weinstein, "Does Arnold Kopelson have any new movie projects?"
"Let me make a call and check!"
Bob Weinstein walked to the side with his phone. After a while, he said, "No, Arnold Kopelson retired last year and hasn't been involved in any film projects."
"Really? Then why would Richard be playing golf with Kopelson?"
Harvey Weinstein adjusted his waistband and frowned.
"They worked together on Murder at 1600 before. There's nothing unusual about meeting up to play golf."
"Definitely not just that. Richard is an opportunist; he wouldn't do something without gaining something from it."
Harvey Weinstein said disdainfully.
"Should we investigate?"
"Forget it. Did they agree to replace the lead in Miss Congeniality?"
"There's no time. They signed the contract last year, and Sandra Bullock is one of the producers. Apparently, she has a good relationship with Richard, so replacing her would be difficult."
Bob shrugged.
"That kid has learned a few things after suffering a few losses. Has there been any news about Tomb Raider?"
"No issues there. But Richard doesn't have a significant role in the film. Is it necessary to intervene? Richard is the world boxing champion; it would be too costly to try to blacklist him. Besides, I don't understand why you want to suppress him. Is it because he embarrassed you, or because of Gwyneth?"
Bob asked curiously.
Harvey Weinstein shook his head and stroked his double chin, saying, "I don't know why, but from the moment I first saw that kid, I didn't like him. And whenever he looks at me, there's something dirty in his eyes, like he's carrying some inexplicable hostility. Humph, since he wants to be my opponent, why should I make it easy for him?"
"Is that so? Maybe he's heard rumors about you in the industry, that you play by certain rules, so he doesn't like you. In that case, he seems like a person with a strong sense of justice."
"Fuck, what are you saying?!"
Harvey Weinstein asked with a dark face.
"Uh, haha, a slip of the tongue, sorry!"
Bob laughed.
"Humph!"
Harvey Weinstein glared at him and walked ahead with his club.
"Richard, what are you looking at?"
In the afternoon, at the parking lot, Gwyneth leaned on the car window and asked.
"I think I saw Weinstein."
Richard opened the car door and got inside.
"Really?"
Gwyneth glanced around but didn't see him. "Richard, you seem to dislike him a lot. Is it because of me?"
"Partly, but mostly it's jealousy."
Richard smiled.
"You're jealous of him?!"
Gwyneth asked in surprise.
"Yes. He's fat, ugly, and doesn't look very smart, yet he's a big shot in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, I'm so handsome and capable, but I'm just a small actor. Sigh, it's so unfair."
"Haha, you're only 22, you know? A 22-year-old world boxing champion and millionaire, so handsome and strong—you're the one everyone's jealous of!"
Gwyneth laughed.
"Really? I'm that outstanding?"
Richard laughed.
"Yes, you're outstanding. Among your peers, no one is more excellent or amazing than you."
Gwyneth stared at him, her eyes wide open, filled with admiration and adoration.
"Don't look at me like that; your condition has long been cured."