DreamWorks Signs With Disney - Part 2

Good morning.

Most people would not look at Steven Spielberg and say "That guy looks like a world-class drinker.  That guy can really put it away."  But it's true.  I've never seen anyone attempt to drink so much.  And that's with one kidney!  I'm not saying it doesn't affect him.  It does.  He gets really sick and doesn't seem to care if he makes it to a toilet.

In the late 1970s, it was all drugs all the time and me and Stevie S. were constantly impaired (how do you make a movie like "Close Encounters" and not be fucked up?).  Things got so bad for me back then that I traded away the film rights to "Smokey and the Bandit" for one line of blow (I retained the book rights).  It wasn't even good shit, I think they cut it with Dove soap.

But I digress... Back to 2009...

So little Stevie S. and I are sitting at the Tonga Hut on our fourth beer and fifth shot when I asked him point blank how he could sign a deal with Disney - the company that passed on "E.T." - and not even talk to Manka Bros.  He told me without blinking, "because I need the money, Khan.  I desperately, desperately need the money and I know Manka Bros. doesn't have 'Spielberg-type' money."

I could tell it was a decision that pained him greatly so I left it at that and did not press him.  As Steve started to cry, "Fantasy" by Earth, Wind & Fire came out of the jukebox and he immediately lit up.  "I love this song!" 

He stood up a little wobbly and moved to the tiny dance floor and started singing in an odd falsetto...

Every man has a place
In his heart there's a space
And the world can't erase his fantasies
Take a ride in the sky
On our ship fantasise
All your dreams will come true right away

And we will live together
Until the twelfth of never
Our voices will ring forever as one

Every thought is a dream
Rushing by in a stream
Bringing life to your kingdom of doing
Take a ride in the sky
On our ship fantasise
All your dreams will come true miles away

Our voices will ring together
Until the twelfth of never
We all will love together as one

Come to see victory
In a land called fantasy
Loving life a new degree
Bring your mind to everlasting liberty

As one

Come to see victory
In a land called fantasy
Loving life for you and me
To behold to your soul is ecstasy
You will find other kind
That has been in search of you
Many lives have brought you to
Recognise it's your life now in review

As you stay for the play
Fantasy has in store for you
A glowing light will see you through
It's your day shining day
All your dreams come true

As you glide in your stride
With the wind as you fly away
Give a smile from your lips and say
Are you free yes I'm free
And I'm on my way...

By the end of the song, Steve had taken off his pants and was attempting to go down into the splits like in the old days.  It didn't quite work out this time.  His knees buckled and popped.  I pulled my old friend back to the bar as "The Goodbye Girl" started to play on the jukebox.

Steve downed another shot - "I told Dreyfuss not to do that part.  He won an Oscar.  What a dumb fucking movie."

Khan Manka, Jr. - Chairman & CEO - Manka Bros. Studios