Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 469 A Disappointing Preview
Aaron doesn't really approve of the idea of ​​developing a sequel to "The Mask of Zorro". Last year, Jan de Bont, the director of "Twister", had the idea of ​​developing a sequel to "Speed", but Aaron also rejected it.

According to Jane de Bont's idea, Speed ​​2 is a story set on a cruise ship and taking place at sea!
Having just experienced the disastrous failure of "Waterworld," why would Universal agree to make another blockbuster at sea?
After all, with films like "Waterworld" and "Cutthroat Island" setting the precedent, Hollywood is now absolutely fearful of projects at sea.

"The story of 'The Mask of Zorro' is already quite complete, there's no need to make a sequel, it would just be a case of starting strong but ending weakly!"

Aaron patted the girl in his arms and whispered.

“Oh, whatever you say,” Catherine Zeta-Jones is currently focused on preparing for “Chicago,” but she is still somewhat disappointed that Aaron said he wouldn’t be making a sequel to “The Mask of Zorro.”
After all, "The Mask of Zorro" is the film that made her famous in Hollywood, showcasing her classic and sexy charm to the world.

Aaron chuckled and reached out to ruffle Catherine Zeta-Jones's breasts. "Don't worry, after we finish filming 'Chicago,' I'll tailor-make a commercial action film just for you."

"I guarantee you'll be the envy of everyone!"

Aaron had the idea for "Entrapment" a long time ago, but he definitely wouldn't cast the original actor, Sean Connery.

After all, the original "Entrapment" did not receive high praise. If it weren't for the stunning beauty and figure of the lead actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones, the film would not have been a box office success. The main reason was that most viewers were uncomfortable with this "older man, younger woman" pairing.

Moreover, the love scenes between Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones were voted the second worst in film history, second only to Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci in the movie "Casino"!
"Really?" Catherine Zeta-Jones looked intently at Aaron, her eyes sparkling.

Aaron rolled over, pinning Catherine Zeta-Jones beneath him, his hand caressing her voluptuous figure. "Of course," he said, "I'll let the whole world experience your sexiness and elegance."

"It will also showcase your flexibility, which is a huge advantage for you!"

“Mmm,” Catherine Zeta-Jones was naturally delighted, and immediately hugged the man tightly, saying in a seductive tone, “Aaron, let’s continue…”

With June approaching, the Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 4-3 in the Western Conference Finals and will face the Eastern Conference champions, the Chicago Bulls, in the Finals!
However, Aaron was not focusing on the NBA Finals at this time, but was attending the first screening of "Titanic" at the Mann Country Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles.

"As expected of the most expensive film, even you and Mr. Murdoch are here?"

Nicole Kidman, arm in arm with Aaron, walked into the theater's dressing room and couldn't help but sigh.

"This movie cost $2 million to make!"

Aaron pulled Nicole Kidman onto his lap. "What, hasn't filming for Notting Hill started yet?"

Nicole Kidman smiled and kissed Aaron on the cheek. "Soon, I'll be back in London next week."

Director James Cameron, along with lead actress Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, watched the film with the audience in the theater lobby!
Are you confident about this film, "Titanic"?

Aaron nodded. "Yes, James Cameron's abilities are undeniable!"

As he spoke, Aaron embraced Nicole Kidman and kissed her, savoring the tenderness...

With the release of "Titanic", the audience reaction during the test screening of this three-and-a-half-hour initial cut version was clearly poor.

The pacing in the middle of the movie was slow, even causing some viewers to doze off! "Aaron, what do you think?"

In the theater's office, Rupert Murdoch looked at the audience's reaction outside the window, his expression grim.

"Adjustments and improvements are necessary. *Titanic* is a Christmas release, so there's still time."

"The audience's reaction was very clear: convincing James Cameron to make such extensive cuts and adjustments to the film's length of three and a half hours was simply too much!"

"Based on feedback, some lengthy scenes and unnecessary shots in *Titanic* need to be cut, and the narrative rhythm needs to be readjusted to highlight the love story between the male and female protagonists, Jack and Rose, as well as the thrilling scenes of the Titanic's sinking."

"In addition, we need to optimize the film score to enhance its emotional impact!"

Twentieth Century Fox made the largest investment in Titanic, but Dawn also invested a significant amount.

With a production cost of $65 million and a marketing budget of $30 million, even if 20th Century Fox ultimately earns more, the North American market is enough to sustain Dawn.

Rupert Murdoch nodded. "I'm sure James Cameron will take these opinions to heart!"

James Cameron cannot afford to fail a film with a budget of $2 million.
The media was already pessimistic about "Titanic," and the results of the test screenings have made Rupert Murdoch even more uncertain.

Aaron seemed relaxed. "Let's see how the test screening goes after James Cameron re-edits and re-scores it!"

It's definitely not acceptable for the audience to doze off during a movie screening.

Fox News and Fox Sports both launched last year, and Rupert Murdoch's current focus is on FOX.
I came specifically to attend the first screening of "Titanic" because the film had such a huge budget.

Two years ago, Universal Studios' "Waterworld" suffered heavy losses, but now the Waterworld attraction at Universal Studios is extremely popular.

It's fair to say that while Waterworld lost money, the IP attracted a lot of tourists for Universal Studios, and the money can definitely be made back from other sources!
Twentieth Century Fox doesn't have any movie theme parks.

"Aaron, would you like to have dinner with this old man?"

Aaron shook his head, glanced at Nicole Kidman not far away, and said, "Next time, Mr. Murdoch."

"I have an appointment!"

Rupert Murdoch smiled. "There's really nothing to worry about with Dawn's current performance."

Have a wonderful evening!

The test screenings of "Titanic" were handled by dedicated personnel, and people like Aaron Anderson and Rupert Murdoch simply had to wait for the results.

(End of this chapter)