America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz-Chapter 903 - 854 Making Connections Driven by
Chapter 903: Chapter 854: Making Connections Driven by Interests_2
Chapter 903: Chapter 854: Making Connections Driven by Interests_2
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Silsa encouraged her, “Keep it up.”
The elevator doors opened, and the two came out and went directly into the only room on the top floor.
Martin sat alone on the terrace, waving at Silsa through the glass doors.
Silsa quickly took Greta over.
Both were acquainted and skipped the small talk, diving straight into the main topic.
“This screenplay gave me a surprise,” Martin tapped the script on the table and said, “There’s too much content, the plot is too rich, I haven’t even finished reading it yet.”
Yesterday, Silsa had brought the script up because it was over 350 pages thick.
Martin said, “If we were to shoot according to your script, the film would be at least six and a half hours long.”
Greta smiled sheepishly, “This is just the first draft, I still have to refine it.”
Martin asked, “Silsa mentioned, is this a semi-autobiography of yours?”
“Yes, the story in the script takes place in Sacramento, which is my hometown,” Greta explained that it was adapted from many of her own experiences, and she volunteered, “Many of the scenes in the movie are my personal experiences, and no one understands the journey of the heart better than I do.”
Martin understood her point, self-written and self-directed.
Greta went on to say, “Actually, I started writing this script in ’11, and finished it earlier this year, and meanwhile, I shot some short clips with a few unknown actors.”
She opened her briefcase and took out a portable hard drive, “The clips are here.”
Martin stood and went inside the room, “Let’s go in to watch it.”
Silsa took the hard drive and joined him in the study, connecting it to the computer and projecting it onto the alloy screen inside the room.
A short film less than ten minutes began to play.
Martin watched attentively; the quality of the short film was not bad. From cinematography to editing to narrative progression, everything was clear and coherent. The only shortcoming was the acting.
Temporary small actors with mediocre skills were expected.
The clip ended quickly, and Silsa glanced at Martin and shut off the video.
Text wasn’t as persuasive as the imagery, and the well-made short film won Martin’s approval.
He said to Greta, “There are a few things that I need to lay out first.”
Greta’s heart started racing, a thumping sound in her ears, and she quickly responded, “Which aspects?”
Martin said, “Self-writing and directing isn’t a problem, but there are a few preconditions. First, regarding the script and its length, over 350 pages is absolutely not okay. I need you to condense the script to under 100 pages and keep the film around one and a half hours long.”
Greta immediately agreed, “I am in the process of revising the script.”
Martin pointed to Silsa, “She’ll be Miss Bird, and the project investment won’t exceed 10 million US dollars.”
Greta nodded repeatedly, “I’ve already discussed it with Silsa for her to play the lead role. 10 million dollars in investment is enough.”
With Martin’s input, the script discussions were largely settled. He turned to Silsa, “Leave Jessica’s contact information for Greta, and, Ms. Gerwig, have your agent contact my studio today to discuss the rights transfer.”
Greta got a definite answer, feeling the weight off her shoulders, and sighed in relief, taking the sticky note Silsa handed her, “I will call my agent right now to get him over to Burbank immediately.”
Martin nodded slightly, “Okay.”
Minutes later, Greta and Silsa left the building.
When they reached the lobby, Silsa said, “You can relax now, right?”
Greta grabbed her hand, “I really don’t know how to thank you. It’s so difficult for a woman with almost no experience to become a director in Hollywood. If it wasn’t for your recommendation to Martin, I wouldn’t be able to direct this project in addition to being the screenwriter.”
Silsa thought of something Martin had said before—that an actor on the rise needs a good director, and she replied, “It’s the least I could do, helping you is also helping myself.”
Greta said, “I hope this one will be successful so that we can work together for a long time. The themes I want to shoot are always female-centric…”
Silsa smiled, “Shall we take a trip to Sacramento when we have time? To see where you grew up, to follow the path of your development?”
Greta, with high EQ, said, “As soon as I finalize the contract with Davis Studio, we’ll set off immediately.”
Silsa had her priorities straight, “You should take care of the contract signing first. There’s no rush to go to Sacramento.”
Martin and Greta had discussed the big-picture deals, and negotiations between Jessica and Greta’s agent proceeded swiftly. Within a few days, both parties had signed the copyright agreement.
Davis Studio acquired the script rights to “Miss Bird” and invited screenwriter Greta Gerwig to direct the project, with Silsa Ronan starring as the lead character Kristin. The production budget for the project was set at 10 million US dollars, with the official formation of the crew and studio scheduled for mid-March, kicking off the prep work.
Martin was well aware that, for these types of small indie films to profit, one must first control the investment scale.
Truth be told, art films have a limited audience, and not many have the patience to watch them through.
It is the vulgar commercial films that dominate the market.
The promotion and marketing of “Miss Bird” would definitely take the route of competing during award seasons.
It was now March 2014, and Silsa Ronan still had to shoot “Beauty and the Beast”. Martin planned to push for the film’s release during the next awards season.
That way, the film would be ready to campaign for awards starting from next year’s Cannes Film Festival.
…
At the newly established “Shark Beach” Studio at Disney Studio,
Martin hung up the phone with Aniston.
Aniston had just secured Barry Jenkins’ black gay project.
Initially, when she was nearly finalizing the deal, a film company called A24 emerged, attempting to snatch the project.
But Aniston, who had been through Pitt’s betrayal and their joint effort to bring Pitt down, was no longer the relatively peaceful woman she once was.
As a leading voice in the #MeToo movement, it didn’t take much for her to make the A24 company step back.
Martin could imagine that Aniston, as one of Hollywood’s most famous left-wing figures, with a company that produced works like “Moonlight Boy”, had a significant impact at the Oscars.
The project was low in investment, quick to prepare, with Plan B scheduled to premiere during this year’s awards season.
Bruce entered from outside the office.
Martin glanced at him and said, “You need to take it easy, look at you, all wobbly on your feet, bags under your eyes. Have these past few days been tough on you?”
Bruce couldn’t deny it and nodded, “They’re all at an age of high demand, and handling three at a time is too much.”
Martin grasped the key point, “Handling three? Old Cloth, you’re not human!”
Bruce quickly explained, “It’s not what you think. By handling three, I mean spending nights with Kim and Khloe, and then having to deal with Jody during the day…”
Martin snorted coldly, “You think I would believe that? I didn’t expect you would betray your own taste, liking the type like Kendall.”
With that topic being unclear, Bruce changed the subject forcefully, “There’s news from Kiev; they want to promote the Saintess Pop Group’s North American concert tour.”
Martin asked, “Are they doing well in the CIS and Eastern Europe?”
“Their first album sold massively,” Bruce casually mentioned, “They’re a sensation in the CIS region, selling out every performance. This generation of the Saintess Pop Group is the hottest yet.”
He had been keeping in touch with Kiev, “Beyond business, the company there also plans to elevate the Saintess Pop Group’s status. They believe performing in New York or Los Angeles would be very effective.”
Martin clearly understood that even at this time, many countries still regard America as a beacon.
He thought for a moment and said, “Notify Thomas and Jessica to get in touch with the company there and discuss the collaboration.”
