King of Hollywood

Chapter 406: Chapter 128: Inventory Check

Previously, I mentioned that because Dennis intervened at just the right moment when Winona and Depp had just started dating, he successfully snatched her away. This is why the rumors about discord, which should originally have surrounded Depp and Winona, now plagued him instead. This is quite an interesting matter, suggesting that the media and Winona aren’t entirely at odds, though there have been frequent reports of her ambiguous relationships with various people during filming. Yet, for the most part, the media has taken her side.

However, they always focus relentlessly on her, twisting any news about Winona to scandal sooner or later, a treatment neither Depp nor Dennis received. If Depp’s media dislike could be attributed to his “bad boy” image, Dennis always maintained a good image, even when his scandal with Aniston was confirmed, his public image as a good man didn’t change much. Why is this?

“Probably because of the ‘Milky Scent Faction’ backlash,” Adrian mused aloud while looking at the newspaper’s exaggerated coverage of the love triangle.

The term “Milky Scent Faction” was coined in the ’80s by veteran actors for rapidly famous stars like Tom Cruise, implying their discontent with how quickly these young actors became famous. Although this trend was evident, and Adrian was aware that numerous young actors would rise to fame rapidly into the 21st century—whether they could maintain it was another matter—it didn’t stop those actors from complaining. Winona’s unpopular phase was roughly during this period’s end; it was normal for her not to be favored. Yet, coincidentally, she fit the public aesthetic well and was popular, consistently maintaining the “Pure Girl” image, thus creating such contradictions.

Of course, these were Adrian’s speculations, the exact details he couldn’t be certain of since he wasn’t omniscient. Regarding the media’s behavior, he could only let it go, only moderately urging his own media outlets to be cautious, though, in reality, neither ABC nor TBS needed the reminder. Over fabricating stories would only damage their reputation. As for the acquired newspapers… better left unmentioned.

The current situation with AC Media was that TBS was performing the best, there was no need to mention CNN; Ted Turner indeed had vision and ideas. In entertainment, targeted at the youth, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was getting decent ratings among cable networks, and Sarah, the lead actress, was gradually becoming the favorite among those viewers. “Millionaire” was still popular due to proper adjustments showing no sign of fatigue, and “Sex and the City,” though fluctuating, had cumulated a wealth of experience on TNT with executive backing, catching up with HBO was only a matter of time.

Then came ABC and the three main film companies, “Everybody Loves Raymond” wasn’t as explosive as “Friends” but attracted many family viewers, maintaining stable ratings always at the top tier. The revamped “Survivor” was on a rebound, gradually overcoming its initially awkward position. ABC itself had some depth, with quite a few decent TV shows and programs. Although it might not turn a profit this year, the losses were estimated to be significantly less than before.

No need to talk about the three main film companies. With Miramax and New Line sharing in the bounty, Bossworth’s position had declined a bit, and profits were somewhat reduced, but they also weren’t always in the spotlight like two years ago. Both New Line and Miramax were developing well, especially New Line; “Independence Day” was as popular as “Saving Private Ryan,” and Robert Shaye strutted around evidently pleased with himself.

But he wouldn’t be so lucky next time. Although Adrian and Claude both quite admired Shaye, New Line was different from Miramax; Miramax also had independent operational rights but was a wholly-owned subsidiary of AC Media, while New Line still had some shares in Shaye’s hands. If AC Media wanted to do something to New Line, they either had to get Shaye’s approval or kick him out.