hollywood draw

"Boss, it seems that even if I leave your team, we still have a tacit understanding."

Zach Schneider ignored the surprise of the two executives at all, as if he suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Shit, don't look at me with your ambiguous eyes." As if I had known that Zach Schneider would agree, Wayne shrugged and joked in a teasing tone. "Damn tacit understanding, I don't know whether you are normal or not, but my orientation is very normal and I have no interest in you."

In fact, in the eyes of Zach Schneider, some things have been seen clearly in the morning. Although after watching several movies of "The Matrix", Warner Bros. Bruce Rosenblum believed that he could directly take over the Superman opening series and spared no effort to help him fight for it.

But some things are not something he wants, or can change with the support of a Warner Bros. He thought very well that with his current status, he could not convince more senior Warner Bros. He still needed more success to establish his position.

Directing "Superman" is indeed tempting, but the risks are also extremely huge. Zach Schneider believes that if Wayne says he will support him with all his strength, he will definitely help him get the position of director, but what about the subsequent ones?

Once any uncontrollable accident occurs in the project, the success he had accumulated in the filming of "The Matrix" will be thrown into the stinky ditch in one go. It is obvious that an objective fact is that his current identity and status can lose everything if he fails in one failure. Now he does not have the capital to take risks.

"Wayne, listen to me, you are not a robot."

Silently spitting out a large cloud of green smoke, Jeff Robinoff and Bruce Rosenblum looked at each other, and after calming down, he still advised: "Hollywood has never lacked production directors, nor has there been directors who direct two or even three films at the same time, but you have to know what kind of movies are directing by those directors!

This kind of big investment head production requires a long-term preparation project. Not to mention two, even one will still cause you to overdraw all your energy within a few months. Wayne, I would rather you shoot one after another slowly than see some unfortunate results."

"Jeff is right."

Before Wayne could say something, Bruce Rosenblum immediately said: "You must still remember "Jurassic Park" and "Schindler's List" in 1993? Steven Spielberg was almost tortured by these two films!

I want to remind you that even so, Steven Spielberg was filmed one after another, at most it was seamlessly connected, and there was not much work to do cross-cutting. And, there was also a very important point. If George Lucas had not plunged into the set and post-production studio with him, these two films would have probably all died!”

Speaking of which, people only saw Steven Spielberg's great success in 1993, but all ignored the role of George Lucas.

Just as Jeff Robinoff said, humans are not robots, modern film systems have a complete and precise operating rules. Some things are definitely not something you want to speed up.

Especially for such commercial films with large investments and large productions, whether it is the tedious preparations in the early stage or the production of various special effect models, there is no room for speed up.

For directors who have been directing and producing large-scale commercial films for a long time, they can be considered a Hollywood fast gunner if they can keep producing one film a year. If you have careful observation, you can find that even directors who produce one commercial film a year are rare and not many in the circle.

The reason why Steven Spielberg's mature team was able to produce two huge projects, "Jurassic Park" and "Schindler's List" within a year was that Steven Spielberg's mature team made an indelible contribution, but one more important thing was that George Lucas' full support at all costs.

Don't look at the column of the movie director, Steven Spielberg's name is written alone, but in fact, the father of Star Wars has made a lot of effort, especially "Jurassic Park", which really plunged into the later studio, just to liberate friends for some time and let them focus on preparing for "Schindler's List".

"There will always be this day, Jeff."

Hearing the persuasion of the two executives, Wayne shook his head with a smile, and wiped the cigarette into the ashtray. His eyes swept across the faces of the two executives and whispered: "After "Justice League, the DC series will inevitably speed up production to pave the way for the second phase of the high nest. By then, do you think I may still be in person in every movie?"

His words silenced the three men present. At least at this point in time, both the two executives and Zach Schneider had never thought so far.

However, this is the fact. Warner Bros.'s internal senior management knows that the first stage of the DC movie universe is completely about building roads in the desert. After the end of the first stage, the DC movie universe will enter the second stage, and the difficulty will be far less than that now.

For example, the work to be done later is more like the avenue built by Wayne, which quickly shoots movies such as "The Flash 2", "Superman 2", "Batman 3", "Wonder Woman 2", etc. With the basis of the previous work and "Justice League", the probability of failure will be much smaller than success.

Even in the second stage, it is enough to repeat Wayne's current practice and gradually lead to more DC characters. Some troublesome things are just the opening works of those newly added important characters, but such works can be directly handed over to Wayne to direct them.

Therefore, once the DC universe enters the second stage, the speed will inevitably be significantly accelerated. At that time, Wayne's identity will become a general producer, a general planner, and even let him take action to do actual work in an unimportant sequel film, which is completely a waste of his work energy.

"Yes, there will always be this day." Jeff Robinoff nodded and repeated in a low voice.

“There is no problem with Zach’s ability.”

At least it is no problem when he is staring in the general direction. Wayne did not say this sentence directly. He squinted his eyes and whispered the best way he could think of. "The beginning of "Superman" and "Wonder Woman" are being prepared together, but the focus of the early stage is on "Wonder Woman".

Jeff, Bruce, this will ensure that in May next year, "Wonder Woman" will be officially released in the theater market. When the post-production of "Wonder Woman" is over, we will shift our focus back to "Superman". It is not as complicated as you think. In fact, the two films still have a sequence of fronts and backs."

The situation we are facing now is actually a bit embarrassing. That is, Warner Bros. and Wayne, there is no time for Zach Schneider to practice.

If Director Zha was asked to launch the project "Superman" alone, Wayne would be worried in his heart. After all, the importance of this project is too high. What he was worried about was details. He was afraid that Director Zha could not help but abuse high-speed slow motion, and also afraid that the final film would turn into a carnival for DC fans.

So, this is the best way he can think of, but it will make himself tired for several months.

In fact, in Wayne's initial idea, there is another solution, which is to find a way to invite Tim Burton back to let the Dark Gothic director and Zach Schneider partner. The two people's styles influence and complement each other. More importantly, the videos produced by these two people will never be separated from the overall DC environment.

However, there are also many troubles in doing this. Not to mention the difficulty of asking Tim Burton to return, even the collision and coordination between two powerful directors in the crew will also lead to a lot of disputes. In the end, he gave up this idea.

"Okay, Wayne."

Jeff Robinoff shrugged helplessly, looked at Wayne's eyes and said seriously: "The project plan for "Wonder Woman" and "Superman" will be submitted to the film and television production department for review as soon as possible. Warner Brothers will fully support your work."

Wayne nodded. It was early September. In his plan, at the latest in early October, "Wonder Woman" must start large-scale preparations. However, the project "Superman" can be invested less energy, so that Zach Schneider can lead the work in the early stage.

"Jeff, the project plan has been started long ago. When I go back, I will modify some details. By Friday at the latest, Jimmy will be submitted to Warner Bros. You try your best to promote the review speed. We don't have much time to waste."

"no problem."

"Okay, that's it." Without any nonsense, Wayne stood up and nodded to the people present while tidying up his suit and top, preparing to leave. "You know, I will definitely be so busy this year that I'll be flying, and there are still a lot of things waiting for me."

Seeing that he was about to leave after he had finished his business, Jeff Robinoff quickly put down the cigar in his hand and said quickly: "Wayne, Greenberg Studio and Warner Bros., this year's joint investment project..."

"Jimmy will come over to talk to the film and television production department."

Leave this sentence, waved at the few people, Wayne turned around and took you out of the office.

After several people watched him leave, several minutes later, Jeff Robinoff turned his eyes to Zach Schneider, who had been quiet.

"Zach, we all know that there is no problem with your ability, but..." Speaking of this, Warner Bros. CEO spread her hands. "When the year has passed, Warner Bros. will definitely give you the treatment you deserve."

"Hey, don't worry, Jeff."

Zach Schneider smiled and shook his head, and said generously: "Believe me, the result is not bad for me now, and I have no other thoughts in my heart."

It's obvious that no matter how nice it sounds, he will work as a genuine director for most of the time on the project "Superman". But in name, the project director is not him, which is difficult for an ambitious director not to have some ideas.

Perhaps the only benefit is that when he is doing all his work, he will receive full support from Wayne and Warner Bros. producers, and he will not have to bear the pressure that the director should bear.

After sending Zach Schneider away politely, there were only three people left in the entire office. It was not until this time that the two Warner Bros. executives looked at John Gray sitting in the corner together.

"The preparations for "The Lord of the Rings" have been almost half done, especially the shooting scenes built in advance." Seeing the two of them looking at him, John Gray did not hesitate and began to talk about his work quickly. "Including the production of special effects models, the ordering of more than two thousand props and clothing, and various weapons and armor..."

"John."

Hearing him talk about the preparations for "The Lord of the Rings", Bruce Rosenblum frowned slightly, raised his arm and waved it twice, interrupting him. "I heard that the company called Witta Special Effects Studio has accepted Wayne's investment?"

This is what they are interested in. As for the preparation progress, props, and special effects of "The Lord of the Rings", the two executives didn't care at all.

When John Gray heard Bruce Rosenblum's question, he was stunned for a moment, then looked at the two executives and nodded. "According to the information I learned, this is the case."

"Is that Vita Special Effects company possible to accept investment from Warner Bros.?"

Getting the answer you want, Jeff Robinoff scratched his head twice with his cigar's fingers in his hands and asked directly.

"I don't know, but Peter Jackson will be in Los Angeles at the latest tomorrow. I can test his attitude."

The two executives looked at each other and nodded. "Don't worry, anyway, the production time of the Lord of the Rings trilogy will not be too short."

That's right, what interested them even more was actually Witta Special Effects Studio. They didn't believe in the so-called investigation report, nor were they interested in going to New Zealand to learn about this small company. But the important basis is that Wayne invested in it!

The two executives present are definitely the ones who know Wayne the best. They still remember that Wayne was already using the IMDB Internet movie database a few years ago. But even such an Internet company with unlimited potential, he never had the idea of ​​investing.

But it was such a small special effects company that would make him invest without hesitation, which was enough to arouse the curiosity of Warner Brothers. If nothing unexpected happens, Warner Brothers really does not lack the amount of money to follow up.

The conversation between Warner Bros. just ended, and the first thing Wayne did when he returned to the manor was to modify the details of the project plan for "Wonder Woman" and "Superman" in order to hand it over to Warner Bros. for review as soon as possible.

The next morning, Peter Jackson, a fat man from New Zealand, also like John Gray, the producer of "The Lord of the Rings", got in the car and rushed to Greenberg Manor as soon as the plane landed.

After a brief exchange with Wayne, he contacted his producer. At the same time, the news that "The Lord of the Rings" will be held at Warner Studios will begin to spread in the circle.

After obtaining Wayne's consent, Warner Bros. used its relationship to send a large number of cast and crew audition invitations to major Hollywood brokerage companies such as CAA (Innovative Elite Brokerage), WME (William Morris Endeavour Brokerage), UTA (United Elite Brokerage) and Iers (International Creative Management Partnership).

The project "The Lord of the Rings" naturally has no shortage of attention. In less than a week, agents from major Hollywood agencies lined up in a studio at Warner Studios with their clients.

Of course, it is not a simple task to choose the right actor. Now, what is carried out is only a large-scale screening. After the final list of personnel comes out, multiple rounds of auditions will be required. Until the last round of auditions, it is when Wayne appears.

As time goes by, the North American summer season gradually calms down. After Wayne submitted the project plans for "Wonder Woman" and "Superman" to Warner Bros. for review, he began to arrange some work at Greenberg Studio as soon as possible.

In mid-September, even the Matrix 3: Matrix Revolution, which had always performed well before, slowly fell into a downturn after four weeks of release. Because of its R-rated film, the latest week of North American box office only won 18.5 million US dollars, bringing the total North American box office of this film to 183 million US dollars.

In this era, basically as long as North American films perform well, overseas box offices are always bad. "The Matrix 3: Matrix Revolution" landed in the overseas theater market for two weeks and closed at $123 million. The total global box office of the film successfully exceeded $300 million, and the subsequent slow growth can only be achieved by screening time.

However, for Warner Bros. this year, although the summer season has come to an end, the videos they produce and release continue to dominate the North American theater market.

Just when the box office of "The Matrix 3: The Matrix Revolution" showed a downturn, on September 18, Warner Bros. released an action comedy film with a special starring lineup in more than 2,600 mainstream commercial theaters in North America.

As soon as this movie "Rush Hour" was released, its results shocked the attention of most film companies in the circle. Ja, the Hong Kong action superstar, entered the eyes of mainstream North American audiences for the first time, and also stood on the stage of mainstream Hollywood action movies for the first time.

Before the release of "Rush Hour", even the publisher Warner Bros. never expected that such a film starring the Hong Kong Kung Fu star and a funny black man could once again attract a large-scale pursuit of movie fans after the summer season cooled down.

It can be said that Ja's unique action style instantly attracted all the attention on the big screen, allowing North American movie fans to appreciate the freshness of kung fu comedy for the first time.

"The total investment was $33 million, and North America received $55 million in its first week of box office."

In a lounge at the Glendale DreamWorks headquarters, George Lucas took a glass of red wine and took his eyes off a newspaper at the bar, turned to look at his old friend and said, "I can guarantee that Warner Bros.'s investment in "Rush Hour" is definitely less than ten million dollars! Tsk tsk, it's hard for Warner Bros. to recover all investments in one weekend. "

Steven Spielberg shrugged and laughed and joked: "Wayne is the most profitable this year."

"When it comes to this, I have a special news here, you will definitely be interested." Holding the red wine and taking a sip, George Lucas glanced at Jeffrey Carsonberg beside him, and looked at his old friend and said mysteriously.

"What news?"

"I just learned about it." Without further ado, George Lucas said while drinking under the gaze of the two DreamWorks giants: "You should have heard of the auditions at Warner Studios. As far as I know, Wayne's total investment in the project "The Lord of the Rings" will never be less than $150 million.

This is not the point, the key point is that two days ago, Greenberg Studio signed a new starring contract with the Chinese star of the Matrix. It was said that it was a dog project, an action movie. Now the project has started to prepare for the group, but it has not attracted much media attention."

Steven Spielberg curled his lips and raised his glass to signal. "What the hell do you want to say, George?"

The father of Star Wars stretched out his finger and gently tapped on the bar in front of him. "The action movie starring is the starring of the popular movie "The Matrix". Believe me, the investment in this project will at least be a medium-sized movie project.

Don't worry, listen to me, after the action film project began to be established, a paparazzi photographed Wayne having coffee with David Lynch..."

"David Lynch? It seems that it is another project with no small investment." Steven Spielberg nodded. "I have heard that Wayne's studio will launch multiple projects in a row, but I didn't expect him to move so quickly!"

Seeing that his old friend hadn't understood it, George Lucas seemed to be unintentionally reminded: "Hey, man, you said, if this continues, no matter how much cash flow Wayne has, it will cause huge financial pressure, right?"

"You mean..."

Steven Spielberg looked at Jeffrey Carsonberg on the side and immediately understood what his old friend meant. "I will find a chance to chat with Wayne to see if he is willing to accept the financing of DreamWorks."