America 1919

"Since you proposed this idea, Donnie, I assume you must have a comprehensive plan!"

Pickford looked at Donnie somewhat excitedly.

In Donnie's previous life, Hollywood actresses were always clamoring for equal pay for equal work, but in reality, the status of female actors in the United States film industry was never high, not to mention in the modern era.

Therefore, compared to the three men including Charlie Chaplin, Pickford was more hopeful for the establishment of these three unions.

Donnie said, "If we want to do this, there is one thing that we must make clear!"

"What's that?" Pickford asked.

The other three also showed a curious look.

Donnie continued, "When contacting other people, you must not mention United Artists. After all, your status is somewhat awkward because you are actors, directors, screenwriters, as well as the owners of a film company, and now the whole of Hollywood knows the situation of United Artists.

So when we do this, there will certainly be people who think that what we actually want to solve is the current problem of United Artists!"

Hearing Donnie say this so bluntly, Pickford felt a bit disappointed. In her heart, she had hoped that this matter would be more pure, but there was no way around it. Before considering the interests of the vast number of Hollywood actors, directors, and screenwriters, they had to think about their own interests first!

"So what should we do?" Griffith asked.

Donnie replied, "Just as I said before, this time we are uniting to establish these three unions in order to fight for more benefits for all actors, directors, and screenwriters in Hollywood.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Now a film can make at least several million US dollars for the big studios, but an actor in Hollywood who isn't very famous might only get a few hundred dollars per film, not to mention directors and screenwriters.

Therefore, our only goal is to fight for more benefits for everyone.

No matter who asks, our purpose is the same!"

As far as Donnie was concerned, things like ideals and struggles were empty; tangible benefits were what really could move people's hearts.

When the earnings of the big studios were compared to the individual income of actors, screenwriters, and directors, it would certainly cause dissatisfaction among the majority!

At this point, Douglas suddenly said, "Donnie, we also run a film company. If we do this now, won't it bring negative impacts to United Artists as well?"

"Doug!"

Pickford, seeing that Douglas had already started to consider his own issues, cried out with some dissatisfaction.

Douglas just laughed and did not respond to Pickford but kept smiling at Donnie.

In fact, at this time, Charlie Chaplin was also looking at Donnie.

Donnie smiled and said, "What good influence could United Artists possibly have now?"

That remark made the other four show an embarrassed expression.

But Douglas still said, "Regardless, since we're doing this, it's certain that the big studios will hold a grudge. If we don't have a better response plan, then what's the point of doing this?"

Donnie had to patiently explain to Douglas for the sake of his career in Hollywood.

"Our plan is simple. First, we establish the actors' union, directors' union, and screenwriters' union, taking advantage of your influence in Hollywood.

Second, we organize a strike and march by these three unions, putting forth demands that the big studios cannot accept.

Third, in order to resolve the strike and march quickly, the big studios will definitely hold talks with us and promise benefits to make us give up the march.

At that time, we can present our real demands, among which the most important is to lift the big studios' boycott of United Artists.

Fourth, we move to the closing phase. At this point, we should appropriately reduce the demands of the three unions to a level that the big studios can accept.

By then, the big studios will have dealt with the unions' strike and march, the Hollywood actors, screenwriters, and directors will have better treatment than before, and we will also have lifted the big studios' boycott against United Artists.

A threefold gain from one move, why would there be any side effects?"

As Donnie laid out the clear and specific plan before them, the four understood his true intentions.

They all remained silent for a while, then Charlie Chaplin finally said, "I think Donnie's plan is very feasible, and there is a great likelihood of success. With such an outcome, the issue with United Artists would naturally be resolved. I can't think of a better approach!"

With that, Charlie Chaplin picked up the wine glass in front of him and sincerely said to Donnie, "Donnie, this toast is my apology. I was indeed skeptical that you could really solve Hollywood's problems due to my own personality.

So my attitude was somewhat unfriendly, I hope you don't mind!"