Hollywood in 1994 was one of its most dazzling periods in history, with various blockbuster films emerging throughout the year. These films even began to make a dent overseas, leading to the introduction of box office revenue-sharing policies.
Amid this backdrop, Hollywood experienced another shocking event in October, one that earned the admiration of everyone in the industry. In October 1994, Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen—three ambitious individuals—founded a new film company called DreamWorks.
From its inception, DreamWorks set its sights on challenging the long-standing dominance of Hollywood’s seven major film studios. The newly established DreamWorks garnered almost unanimous support from Hollywood professionals.
Additionally, the three founders of DreamWorks were seasoned industry veterans with extensive networks. Even Ryan, who rarely attended parties, accepted the invitation to this high-profile Hollywood event.
That night, North Hollywood was filled with stars, with Hollywood’s elite gathering. Given his status, Ryan barely qualified to attend and had no opportunity to speak with the DreamWorks trio. Only those at George Lucas’s level could engage with them, highlighting the prominence of the DreamWorks founders at that moment.
Such a scene was awe-inspiring. Who could have predicted that DreamWorks would be a fleeting success, gradually declining over just ten years?
“Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen—a combination that’s hard to believe,” Ryan remarked, looking at the crowd gathered nearby.
Steven Spielberg had directed the thriller “Jaws” in 1975, followed by the action-adventure film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on June 12, 1981, and the sci-fi adventure “Jurassic Park” on June 11, 1993. If memory served him right, Spielberg’s next film, “Schindler’s List,” was due to be released in just over a month, earning him the Golden Globe for Best Director and the Academy Award for Best Director.
However, these achievements were just the beginning of Spielberg’s legendary career.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, although not as famous as Spielberg, was nonetheless a key player as one of DreamWorks’ founders and head of its feature animation division. In a few short years, he would oversee the production of several hit animated films, positioning DreamWorks Animation just behind Pixar and ahead of Blue Sky Studios.
Even as DreamWorks’ fortunes waned, its animated features would continue to thrive.
David Geffen was a less familiar name, but he had founded the renowned Geffen Records, which released albums by artists like Elton John, Sonic Youth, Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, and Aerosmith, before being acquired by MCA in 1990. His accomplishments in the music industry were significant.
“Indeed, it’s hard to believe,” Helen said, her tone complex. She sighed softly before turning serious and addressing Ryan, “Spielberg, Katzenberg, and Geffen are very influential in Hollywood, but…”
“But,” she continued, “at least for the time being, it’s best not to get involved with them.”
“Spielberg is Jewish and has extensive connections within the Jewish community, so he doesn’t fear suppression from other film companies. But the others don’t have that privilege.”
Jewish influence is widespread in many industries across North America, including Hollywood. Ryan nodded slightly, understanding Helen’s point. “Don’t worry. I don’t want to offend the big seven studios. Besides, DreamWorks is just getting started and doesn’t even have a North American distribution channel yet. It’s too early to talk about collaboration.”
“Moreover, our cooperation with 20th Century Fox has been quite good so far.”
Unless DreamWorks could truly break the monopoly of the big seven and establish global distribution channels, Ryan wouldn’t get involved with them anytime soon. In the past life, Paramount had eyed DreamWorks for a long time before eventually acquiring it, and Ryan had no desire to attract Paramount’s attention.
“Alright, let’s go over there,” Helen said, pointing to George Lucas, who was now free. “Remember, don’t discuss Spielberg or DreamWorks. That’s not your place.”
With that, she walked over to George Lucas.
“Hello, Uncle George.”
“This is Ryan Gosling, whom I’ve mentioned,” Helen politely introduced.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Lucas!”
“Thank you for your help,” Ryan said respectfully.
George Lucas looked Ryan up and down, surprised. “Just as Helen said, you’re quite young.”
“I saw the marketing plan for ‘The Blair Witch Project.’ It was impressive.”
“And I hear you’re a USC alumnus!”
True to his reputation, George Lucas enjoyed supporting his alma mater, USC, and often helped its graduates.
Then he shifted topics, “It seems our little Sofia isn’t here!”
“I heard she’s become an executive producer?”
It was evident that George Lucas was surprised by Sofia Coppola becoming the executive producer of “Saw.” From his words, it was clear he knew Sofia well, or at least knew her father, Francis Ford Coppola.
“Sofia was called away by her father at the start of the event,” Ryan replied, surprised that George Lucas knew Sofia.
“That old man is as stubborn as ever, keeping Sofia by his side with no room for her own space,” George Lucas remarked, clearly familiar with Coppola.
“By the way, Helen mentioned you’re interested in investing in Blue Sky Studios?”
“A bold investment plan. If you need any help, just let me know.”
George Lucas patted Ryan on the shoulder and said, “I’m going to see that stubborn Coppola and rescue our little Sofia.”
“Helen, remember to bring Ryan over for dinner at the ranch sometime.”
After George Lucas left, Helen explained, “Uncle George has known Director Coppola for decades.”
“Director Coppola was like a mentor to Uncle George. His first short film was completed under Coppola’s guidance.”
“And for George’s first feature film, ‘American Graffiti,’ Coppola helped him a lot and was the producer. They’ve maintained a close relationship ever since.”
Ryan suddenly gained a deeper understanding of the Coppola family’s connections.
No wonder Sofia could easily transition between acting, fashion, and directing, never lacking investment and not having to search for distribution companies like most independent filmmakers.
Director Coppola’s influence was far greater than it appeared. Even Nicolas Cage admitted his success was partly due to Coppola’s support.
“Leaving Las Vegas” earned Nicolas Cage the Golden Globe for Best Actor and the Academy Award for Best Actor, two significant accolades, while the film’s director, Mike Figgis, only received two nominations. Coppola’s influence was undoubtedly at play. Without it, Nicolas Cage winning two major awards on his own would have been nearly impossible.