"'You look familiar, I guess it's because of your clothes that I didn't recognize you.' Haha Simon, how did you come up with this monologue from Celebration? If I didn't know your age, I absolutely would I think the person who wrote this sentence is an experienced playboy."
Inside a restaurant in Santa Monica.
Madonna across the table leaned slightly towards Simon, discussing the song Simon wrote for her last time.
"Pulp Fiction" has entered the final stage of sound editing. Simon was not satisfied with the recording effect of a few lines in Sean Penn and Madonna's scenes, so he called them to see if they could take the time to redo the dubbing. He also happened to be back on the West Coast during this time. The couple readily agreed.
After completing the dubbing work in the morning, Simon naturally did not hesitate to have lunch.
If Sean Penn wasn't present, Simon wouldn't mind making fun of him in return. At this moment, he just smiled and said, "Speaking of which, how many sales did "You-Can-Dance" have?"
When Madonna heard this question, she immediately became excited: "2.16 million in North America, about 3.35 million overseas, a total of 5.51 million. I originally thought it would be good to sell 5 million copies in total. Now, this number can at least double. So. , Simon, when are you going to give me the next song?”
Simon said: "I must wait for your next album. You can't just write one, right?"
"It doesn't matter if you write any song, as long as it's good enough, I can create an album specifically based on your song," Madonna said as if she had tasted the sweetness, "Also, Simon, are you suitable for me?" I have a small role, no money this time, just a guest appearance in one song."
Simon said: "It's a campus thriller. In the opening scene, a girl receives a call from a perverted murderer and is quickly killed. Not only is her body hung on a tree, she is also disemboweled. Will you act in it?"
Madonna immediately shook her head: "If you don't act, this situation can easily be imitated by extreme fans. I don't want to be like John Lennon."
Simon shrugged: "Then there's nothing else."
Madonna hesitated and said, "Is there really such a role?"
"Yes, but after hearing what you just said, I was a little worried, so I won't give it to you." Simon shook his head, turned to Sean Penn, skillfully found a topic, and said: "Sean, you and Robert ·What happened to the movie "Colorful Diamondbacks" with Duvall?"
"The schedule has been confirmed, April 15th. I think the final effect of the film is excellent, but Orion is not too confident in the film," Sean Penn said with some regret, adding: "Simon, I heard that You signed that Rain Man movie that Ovitz has been pushing himself for?"
Simon thought of the reactions of newspapers, media and even some people around him in recent days, and said with a smile: "Yes, I am now recognized as a fat sheep, you won't laugh at me too, right?"
Sean Penn looked hesitant when he heard this.
But Madonna said frankly: "Sean also wants to become a director. Simon, you are so rich now, help us invest some."
Simon nodded with a smile and said: "Let me read the script first. If it's okay, my fat sheep hasn't been eaten clean by then, then that's no problem."
Madonna envied: "1.6 billion US dollars, I think it is enough for me to spend a lifetime."
Simon glanced at Sean Penn: "Sean, it seems you have to work hard to make money. This woman plans to spend 1.6 billion in her lifetime."
Sean Penn shrugged manly: "You won't have so many thoughts after a beating."
Madonna hit Sean Penn on the shoulder with dissatisfaction and said: "Maybe I can make so much money myself."
The three of them had lunch, and Simon sent the couple off. As soon as they got into his car, Neil Bennett in the front row said: "Mr. Westeros, Ms. Pascal just called. George, the president of the Writers Guild, Mr. Kogo hopes to talk to you, he is already at the company."
Simon looked at his watch. He had planned to go to the WMA headquarters in the afternoon. Since Amy called in person, it was obvious that he could not shirk the matter, so he had to say: "Then let's go back to the company first."
Neil Bennett started the car, and Simon picked up the car phone to say hello to Jonathan Friedman. After chatting for a while, the SUV was parked outside the headquarters of Daenerys Films.
Seeing Simon's car, Amy came out to greet it.
On the way back, Simon had roughly guessed the purpose of WGA Chairman George Cogo's visit, and Amy's explanation also confirmed Simon's guess.
The WGA is divided into two branches, the East and West coasts. To be precise, George Cogo should be the chairman of the WGA Western Chapter. Simon met him in his office. He was an old man in his early sixties, with a round face and silver hair. , the spirit seemed very strong.
After a brief chat, George Kogo explained his purpose: "Simon, you must know that we are negotiating with the Producers Alliance. As the most outstanding young screenwriter in Hollywood, we very much hope that you can join the WGA. Give the screenwriter community a voice.”
Simon had a troubled look on his face and said: "Mr. Kogo, I now own my own production company. If I join the Writers Union, once the WGA goes on strike, I will not be able to abide by the strike regulations."
George Kogo shook his head and smiled: "Simon, the negotiations are still going on, and they may not necessarily reach the level of a strike. Moreover, there will always be exceptions. Even if a strike does occur, as long as you do not participate in script creation for a period of time And just stop signing new deals with the big studios."
Simon heard George Cogo say this and realized that the other party was obviously an optimist and did not realize how serious the next strike would be.
During the five-month strike, it was impossible for Daenerys Pictures to hire professional screenwriters for a series of ongoing projects. If Simon continued to bind himself to the rules of the WGA, the company would close down.
Shaking his head firmly, Simon said regretfully: "George, I'm really sorry, it's really not convenient for me to join the WGA now."
George Kogo did not give up easily and continued to lobby for more than ten minutes. Seeing Simon's insistence, he had to get up and leave.
Politely sending George Kogo out of the company headquarters, and watching the other person's car drive out of the parking lot, Amy said to Simon: "The nominations for the Writers Guild of America Awards will be announced next week."
Simon did not rush to the WMA and returned to the office building with Amy, saying, "Do you want me to join the WGA?"
Amy nodded and said: "The voting for the Oscar screenwriting award is also in the hands of WGA members. The screenwriting award is the project you have the best chance of winning this year. If you reject George Cogo, there will definitely be no hope for "Run Lola Run" ”
Simon smiled bitterly and said: "WGA is short of me, so it shouldn't be a big deal, right?"
Amy smiled and said: "Your three scripts last year, "Run Lola Run", "Butterfly Effect" and "Death Is Coming" all ranked in the top ten of the annual box office rankings. If such screenwriters are not WGA members, they We lack the confidence to even go on strike."
Simon was a little helpless. He actually understood what George Kogo and Amy were thinking.
Neither of them obviously thought that this year's strike would be serious, or even that the WGA would definitely go to the extent of a strike.
If Simon, a top screenwriter who is in the limelight in Hollywood, joins the WGA at this time and expresses his support for the negotiations between the WGA and the Producers Alliance, this will be a very beneficial thing for both parties.
At this important moment of voting during the awards season, Simon's statement will definitely win the favor of many screenwriters who have voting rights.
on the contrary.
If the WGA goes on strike, and Simon, a top screenwriter who created three films that hit the annual box office list last year, breaks away from the strike group, he can not only create freely without restraint, but also continue to sign contracts with the studio, then the scene will be... It was so embarrassing that it would even embarrass the entire WGA.
After last year's "Run Lola Run", Simon has already become famous in Hollywood. He has also met the criteria to join the WGA. However, the WGA has never made any initiative. It was not an accident that the invitation was not sent until now.
Everyone can easily appreciate the subtext.
Just like Amy just said.
Nominations for the Writers Guild of America Awards will be announced next week.
Apparently.
If Simon agrees to join the WGA at this time, he will become a 'big favorite' in next week's nominations and even the following awards.
but.
Simon, who was fully aware of the developments in the next few months, had no chance of agreeing to the WGA's invitation.