Malibu, Daenerys Studios.
As soon as Nicole Kidman and an assistant got out of the car at the parking lot of the studio administrative area, Linda Vargas greeted her.
The two greeted each other with a warm hug. Linda and Nicole walked side by side to Office Building No. 1 and said, "Nicole, I'm a little surprised that you agreed to play the role of Queen Galadriel. However, in my case, It seems that you are definitely the most suitable one.”
"Actually, I think so too, Linda. Frankly speaking, I have combed through other Hollywood actresses myself and found that there is no one more suitable than me. Thinking about it, if I leave it to others and they fail to perform, it seems that they will fail to perform me. It’s the same thing, so of course I have to come in person.”
"Oh, I can only say that you will definitely not regret it in the future. You have to believe in Simon's vision. He spent 10 million US dollars just to buy the copyright of "The Lord of the Rings"."
"certainly."
The two of them said that they had already entered the office building.
While waiting for the elevator, Nicole asked again: "What is Simon doing now?"
"What a coincidence, it's about your 'granddaughter's' audition."
Nicole reacted immediately: "Princess Yawen?"
"Yes," Linda and Nicole walked into the elevator together, and continued: "It can be seen that compared to Galadriel, who directly chose you, Simon was very hesitant about the actress who played Princess Arwen, and he couldn't decide. I decided which one would be the best, so I personally arranged the audition today.”
Nicole nodded, but her mood was complicated.
What the two were discussing at this time was naturally the casting of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which has been a hot topic recently.
Speaking of which, the reason for the uproar is because Daenerys Entertainment's publicity campaign has officially launched.
At the end of last year, after Peter Jackson completely completed the post-production of "The Ghost", the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has actually been secretly planned. For more than half a year, Jackson has been leading the team in Australia to write scripts, view scenes, and produce demonstration animations. , researching special effects plans and other work.
After all this preliminary work was completed and approved by Simon at the beginning of the month, casting officially started.
As a Middle-earth fantasy series comparable to the Western "Journey to the West", casting has officially begun, announcing that the film has entered the substantive production stage. Daenerys Entertainment has also launched the first phase of publicity. After all, it is a trilogy of continuous filming. Investment Huge, in order to maximize the success, it is necessary to continuously create various topics to build momentum for the film before it is officially released.
Let’s talk about Nicole Kidman.
In the previous "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, male characters such as Gandalf, Frodo, and the elf prince Legolas were basically very successful. Except for Agent Smith, even if you are an elf, you are not as handsome as Lee Pace later. It can’t be too ugly, right
Therefore, except for Hugo Weaving, all other male characters will basically use the original version.
As for the two important female characters, Elven Queen Galadriel played by Cate Blanchett and Princess Arwen played by Liv Tyler, Simon plans to replace them both.
Kate the Devil is an actress that Simon likes very much, but unfortunately she still loses in terms of looks.
Simon also identified the new Galadriel, Nicole Kidman, from very early on.
Compared to Kate, Nicole, who was at the peak of her beauty in the 1990s, is simply perfect for this role.
However, there were some problems this time.
Nicole's current net worth is very high, and her salary for commercial films basically starts at US$5 million.
If the trilogy was packaged according to the normal value, even at a slight discount, the salary would reach the level of tens of millions of dollars, which is obviously beyond the limit that the project can bear.
After all, there are dozens of named characters in the "Lord of the Rings" series. Simon's strategy decided in advance was to use all second- and third-tier actors, or even newcomers.
Therefore, for many important roles, such as Orlando Bloom, who plays the Elf Prince, Viggo Mortensen, who plays Aragorn, etc., the agreements that have been negotiated will not have a fixed salary at all, but something like Ordinary behind-the-scenes employees only receive a weekly salary. Bloom, who was once very popular, only received a weekly salary of US$2,000 in this agreement.
This casting strategy ensures that the maximum proportion of the budget is spent on the production of the film.
Why was the quality of the previous "Lord of the Rings" trilogy series so high, and the level of special effects that even twenty years later would be beyond the reach of many so-called special effects blockbusters? The trilogy does not have any big-name actors to share the budget, which is precisely a very critical reason.
Simon initially thought about giving up on Nicole, but later he let Linda give it a try.
I didn’t show up in person, my attitude was clear, it didn’t matter whether I acted or not.
Because Simon only gave a salary of 5 million US dollars for the trilogy, 5 million, and there is no profit sharing clause, this time it is impossible to promise a supporting actress Oscar as a replacement like the still-filming "L.A. Confidential".
The average salary of more than 1.6 million US dollars is far lower than Nicole's net worth. However, if accepted, Nicole is still the highest-paid person in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and of course the highest-ranking actress.
Nicole was obviously hesitant and did not give a formal reply until half a month later.
Willing to star.
Simon didn't delve into the girl's mental journey, but just arranged to try on makeup today.
Arriving at a floor dedicated to the "Lord of the Rings" project, Nicole and Linda did not go directly to the dressing room. Instead, they first came to an audition room and quietly entered the door, where auditions were taking place.
The two women stood calmly behind several staff members, looking at a man and woman in ancient costumes who were performing.
Apparently the brunette who plays Princess Arwen said affectionately and with consolation: "You and his fate are different."
"But the same blood as his flows in my body," the man said, his back to Yawen, he slowly turned around and looked at her: "We have the same weakness."
Princess Yawen took a step forward and sounded a bit prophetic in her words of comfort: "When that day comes, you will face the same evil, but you will defeat it."
Having said this, Yawen changed to another language and continued to whisper something prophetically.
Nicole looked at Linda beside her in confusion.
"This is the Elvish language specially designed by the crew, and you have to learn it next. Also, here is Princess Yawen trying to comfort Aragorn, who has been in self-exile, to get back on his feet." After explaining this, Linda added: "What do you think? How are they two?"
Nicole whispered: "Baby fat, it's too obvious."
Linda also smiled and looked at the girl named Charlize Theron. Although the information showed that she was 22 years old, it was true that the obvious baby fat affected her temperament very much. As for the casting of Princess Yawen, temperament is precisely a very important aspect. In addition, judging from Linda's many years of casting experience, this girl is not suitable for black hair and will look a bit cold and glamorous.
Princess Arwen is a black-haired half-elf.
The characteristics of the elves should be nobility, elegance, closeness to people's hearts but not daring to blaspheme.
Not talking about the baby fat that may be eliminated through some methods in the future, I have seen Charlize Theron in blond state before, and the first impression is very consistent with the temperament required by an elf. However, today she dyed her hair black and put on makeup for the audition, which is somewhat different. It gives people an uncoordinated feeling.
After a duel on the set, a few words of conversation, Simon asked Charlize Theron to perform alone, and unknowingly more than ten minutes had passed. Simon and Peter Jackson, who finally sat in the middle of a row of long tables, did not comment. They just let the two of them rest and whispered together.
Linda Vargas waited for a while, and took Nicole forward while the two were talking. Only then did Simon notice that Nicole was coming, said hello, and asked, "How does it feel over there at "L.A. Confidential"?"
Nicole responded: "Not bad, a pretty complicated character."
Simon was just being polite. He was too busy to talk to Nicole more. He simply said after greetings: "You go and try on the makeup. Peter and I will wait and see the effect."
Nicole is now a real celebrity, and she also has a celebrity temperament on the set. Unfortunately, she doesn't dare to show it in front of men. She obediently leaves the audition room and goes next door to put on makeup.
Simon continues here.
After Charlize Theron, there are two other candidates, Tracy Gauff and Jennifer Connelly.
During this period, in addition to the final three selected, there were also a long list of actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Mia Sara, Uma Thurman, etc. who tried to win this role. These were the last three selected. indivual.
The subsequent auditions for each of the two lasted for more than half an hour.
Each has its own pros and cons.
Charlize Theron has the best temperament and acting skills. Unfortunately, apart from her baby fat, this actress is really not matched by her black hair.
The model-turned-Cress Gauff has a great appearance and temperament, and her black hair goes well with her. The problem is that she doesn’t make a sound when standing next to Viggo Mortensen, and with her baby face, she even gives people a look. A father-daughter feeling.
Jennifer Connelly was born with black hair and was the first to be eliminated after the audition.
It's so beautiful, so beautiful that it makes people laugh.
Of course Charlize Theron and Tracy Gauff are both very beautiful, but if they are still in the 80s, Jennifer Connelly is a stunning beauty who has passed the 90s.
No way, sometimes it's really wrong to be too beautiful.
Hollywood actresses want to be popular. One of the unspoken rules regarding appearance is that the basic score of appearance is basically between 70 and 80 points. This is called advancing, attacking, retreating and defending. If you act ugly, you can easily retreat to 70 or even 60 points. Below, if you dress carefully, you can reach 80 or even 90 points.
The most important thing is that the basic appearance should be approachable and not make people look uncomfortable.
The more typical ones are Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie, Julian Moore and even the youngest actress Jennifer Lawrence, etc. As for Charlize Theron, who has a score of 80 or above, she even took the initiative to disfigure herself in "The Devil Wears Prada" in order to stand out. Many subsequent roles will also need to be ugly, such as Frank in "Mad Max: Fury Road". Riosa.
All in all, it is very difficult to get out of the range of 70 to 80.
But then again, Queen Galadriel and Princess Arwen in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy happen to be the rare actresses who can reach 80 or even 90 points after applying makeup. Jennifer Kang The same is true for Nally being selected into the final three. The reason why she is so beautiful that it makes people laugh, in the final analysis, there is also the element that the actress's acting skills are not up to par.
Finally, Simon and Jackson argue between Charlize and Qu Si.
Simon is slightly inclined to Tracy Gauff, a girl he has personally trained in recent years. From "This Man Is From Earth" to the hit "Jumanji" at the end of last year, not only has his career been steadily improving, but his acting skills have also been improving. Making progress.
Moreover, it must be said that the image of the elf in Simon's heart should actually be like Nancy Gauff.
She has a supermodel figure, small features, and fair skin.
To be more precise, many of the Slavic girls Simon raised in Ukraine are the standard elf templates of Simon's aesthetics.
Therefore, in addition to the elf maid promised to Elizabeth a few days ago, Simon has also made up his mind in private to select a group of Slavic girls from Elite and Ukraine to specially serve as elves, and form a group of Middle-earth supermodels.
This is beside the point.
The final result was that after Simon and Jackson listed all the conditions of Charlize and Qusi one by one, they finally settled on the next best option and chose Charlize Theron.
Mainly because Tracy Gauff and Viggo Mortensen really don't call.
If the character of Princess Arwen is a relatively transcendent existence like Queen Galadriel, Simon will definitely choose Qusi Gauff, but after all, it is a co-star, and it is an emotional scene that runs through the trilogy. The only choice was Charlize, who had a good chemistry with Mortensen during the audition.
Since this was decided, the matter was announced on the spot.
When Charlize Theron received confirmation from Simon, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and almost squatted on the ground and cried loudly on the spot.
From almost starring in Paul Verhoeven's limited-rated "Showgirls" in 1994 to now, Charlize has been playing various small roles for more than three years. Many times, she has wondered whether her brief encounter with a certain big shot was the right thing to do. A dream, or he might have completely forgotten himself.
Today finally things turned around.
After all, even though he was born in South Africa, Charlize is well aware of the high popularity of the "Lord of the Rings" series in the West. What's more, Simon Westeros, who has never failed since his debut, is personally in charge of participating in such a blockbuster film. Bomb series, whether the project succeeds or fails, her reputation will rise a lot and she will get more opportunities in the future.
Nicole, who had put on makeup and costume next to her, was also quite touched by this situation.
The reason why I am willing to take on this role at a low price this time is also due to my experience over the years. Although a certain man doesn't insist on anything, Nicole has to admit that the opportunities released from his hands can often make an obscure Hollywood star become a blockbuster.
What's more, it's the "Lord of the Rings" series.
Even though the pay was very low, Nicole finally took it. In addition to this being an opportunity given by someone, she also became more and more aware that many rules in Hollywood were changing rapidly. A big-name star wanted to be like 1978 It is no longer possible for Marlon Brando to earn the sky-high salary of $14 million plus dividends in that era for just over 10 minutes of supporting role in "Superman".
At least, this won't happen again on Daenerys Entertainment's side.
Then you have to face reality.
The reality is that a certain young man is basically the rule in Hollywood today.
After asking the staff to take Charlize, who was a little out of control, to rest, Simon and Jackson turned their attention to Nicole.
Nicole is also a great beauty with a basic score of over 80. Now after putting on makeup and standing in front of everyone, she looks exactly like Queen Galadriel with a score of over 90. She didn’t even need to audition, but the two grown men unanimously agreed, no. Any objection.
The queen and princess were finalized, and in the last few days of August, Simon and Jackson were busy non-stop with other matters, not just casting, but also the two-year publicity and planning before the release of the first part, as well as the detailed planning of the filming process etc.
And budget.
The trilogy's budget was finally finalized at $270 million, an average of $90 million per film, which was about the same as before.
Simon did not directly round up and give 300 million, which also gave Jackson a room for overspending. After all, if he offered 300 million from the beginning, it would inevitably cause the crew to spend lavishly. This is not what Simon wants to see.
Then there’s the filming location.
Compared with the previous New Zealand, the new "Lord of the Rings" trilogy will be completely produced in Australia. After all, New Zealand has the same scenery as the Australian mainland, and it is even more magnificent and beautiful, not to mention Daenerys Entertainment is still in Australia. The country has a complete film and television industry chain.
Not only that, there is also the tax rebate factor.
After more than half a year of negotiations, after Daenerys Entertainment provided a marketing plan for Middle-earth, and of course the power of the Westeros system in Australia, Daenerys Entertainment promised that the trilogy would include filming and After the film was 100% produced in Australia, the Australian government finally approved a tax rebate of up to $50 million.
This means that, without overspending, Daenerys Entertainment only needs to spend $220 million of the $270 million budget, and the Australian government will pay for the remainder. 220 million US dollars is only a little more than a scammer making a "Titanic". Not surprisingly, Daenerys Entertainment can get a classic Middle-earth trilogy series.