Simon was a little helpless. Jonathan's question had almost become his mantra these days.
Taking the agent with him to the buffet table filled with food, Simon said: "Qiao, you know me, as long as the conditions are right, I will definitely give priority to WMA clients."
"The total number of WMA customers exceeds 3,000. Simon, I believe that any of your needs can be met."
Simon joked: "What if I need Robert Redford?"
"I'm trying to get some clients back from CAA recently, so Simon, you really have to help me this time."
Simon knew this too.
Compared with the old men in their 70s and 80s in the past of WMA, Jonathan is in the prime of life. He has successfully become the new president of WMA and successfully joined the board of directors. He is ambitiously trying to revive this old talent agency.
"Qiao, I don't think you need to compete for customers anymore. The most important thing is to manage WMA's existing customer resources well. You just said that WMA has more than 3,000 customers, which is enough to meet the needs of any type of film. Moreover, You know, I'm not the kind of person who likes to use A-list celebrities too much."
Jonathan nodded, but insisted: "But, we have to dig some back."
Everyone has their own persistence. Simon stopped persuading and said instead: "Actually, the "Intersection of Life" that Ella is preparing is a project that is very suitable for WMA. You should have read the script, this is a big movie A large-scale ensemble drama requires dozens of actors. Robert Altman's direction is enough to ensure that this film attracts the attention of major film festivals. This kind of art-oriented film has an Oscar-level director at the helm and a lot of room for character development. It is the best platform to train actors. You can include some of the actors that WMA plans to focus on cultivating in the next few years. In this way, several similar projects can be continued, and then they can be nominated for some awards and star in one or two excellent commercial films. Most of them Everyone can stay firmly in the first and second tier.”
In memory, the original cast of "Intersections" includes Robert Downey Jr., Julianne Moore, Chris Penn, Tim Robbins, Andie MacDowell, Frances McDormand, Jennifer Jason Leigh and a large number of well-known Hollywood stars are all star-studded.
However, in this era, these people are basically only second- and third-tier actors.
For Simon, who knows the future well, looking back, it is easy to find such a very standard path to fame for Hollywood actors.
Before the 1990s, established Hollywood stars basically relied on luck to star in some successful commercial films to become famous and maintain their fame for a long time. Just like Robert Redford's "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", Harrison Ford's "Star Wars", Al Pacino's "The Godfather", etc., even Robert De Niro, who is famous for his acting skills, It was only after the commercially successful "The Godfather Part II" that it gained industry recognition, and then began to conquer the Oscars.
However, after the 1990s, the new generation of Hollywood stars gradually found a career development model by accumulating popularity by participating in artistic films and then becoming commercial film stars. The key reason for this trend is the resurgence of artistic films in the 1990s.
I have to say that a certain fat man did play a big role in this process.
Now, Hollywood has just recovered from the low period of the 1960s and 1970s. Simon can clearly see this more or less standardized path to fame. Some people in Hollywood may have tried it, but because there was no Hollywood movie type before the 1980s, After the 1990s, there was such a segmentation. At least before Simon appeared, there were not many obvious success models in the circle, so naturally no one took reference.
When Jonathan heard Simon's words, he gradually showed a thoughtful expression.
After Simon appeared, Hollywood has given birth to similar models of fame. Sandra, who became popular with "Run Lola Run", is the most special case.
What Jonathan thought of was "Pulp Fiction". Although this movie also used big names like Robert De Niro and Robert Redford, it also used unknown actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Nicole Kidman. But he also became famous through this movie.
Simon does not have the background of veteran directors such as Robert Altman, but his reputation is not inferior to him at all.
Well, Simon's works can make many people popular, and the works of veteran directors such as Robert Altman also have such potential. Simon goes through the box office, these people go through awards, and ultimately, as long as the actors' qualifications and exposure are maximized, it will naturally be easier for them to get more opportunities.
"I will study the script of "Intersections of Life" carefully when I get back. Simon, what do you think about WMA taking over all the roles in this project? I promise to provide Daenerys Entertainment with the best and cheapest actors."
When participating in such a movie, don't think about being paid too much. Jonathan believes that most actors should have this vision. If you only have money in your eyes, then there is no need to explore and cultivate.
Simon shook his head and said: "Qiao, this request is a bit too much. I can't agree to it."
"Okay, then, it should be okay to be as biased towards WMA as possible, right?"
"Definitely."
The two of them came to the buffet table. Jonathan followed Simon and picked up the tray to choose food. He said, "Also, Simon, do you really not like the new movie that Brian is preparing?"
Jonathan was talking about Brian De Palma.
Simon is also a client of Jonathan and has helped him a lot. Simon has always maintained close contact with Brian De Palma.
After cooperating on "Basic Instinct" last year, Palma tried to make a transition and cooperated with Columbia Pictures to shoot "Vietnam War Trauma", a Vietnam War-themed movie that has become more popular in recent years, starring Sean Penn and Michael J. Fox. The estimated cost is US$22 million, and the deadline is August 18 later this month.
Simon had no impression of "Vietnam War Trauma" and felt that Palma's war-themed filming was a bit unreliable, so naturally he was not optimistic about it.
However, what Jonathan was talking about at this time was another new film that Palma was preparing recently, called "The Bonfire of the Vanities". It was adapted from the original novel of the same name and tells the story of a Wall Street elite who was targeted by a tabloid reporter because of a traffic accident. Since then, he has been caught in the whirlpool of public opinion and his work and life have become a mess.
In my memory, this urban comedy with a realistic satirical style, starring Tom Hanks, invested a large production budget, but failed at the box office.
Tom Hanks has not played a bad guy on the big screen since "The Bonfire of the Vanities", and Brian De Palma also started to be conservative because of the box office failure of this movie. Since then, there have been few films with distinctive personal styles. When a masterpiece appears, it can only serve as a foil for Tom Cruise in commercial blockbusters such as "Mission: Impossible".
"I think this story lacks highlights. Moreover, if Brian insists on filming, he must pay great attention to casting issues and try to keep the budget within a reasonable range. It is best not to exceed US$20 million."
Jonathan suggested: "How about this, Simon, you take the time to talk carefully."
Simon nodded and said: "Yes, but I also have to be honest. Daenerys cannot take on this project."
With Palma's reputation, as long as the budget is reasonably controlled and there are no major casting mistakes like the original time and space, even if the new version of "Bonfire of the Vanities" still loses money, it will not lose too much, and it may still make money through later operations. to some.
However, if Daenerys Entertainment takes over this project, it must arrange a relatively good schedule for it and invest sufficient publicity resources.
Hollywood's popular schedules are limited each year. Think about the same summer schedule, the same budget of 20 million U.S. dollars, and the same promotion investment. "The Bodyguard" can sell 100 million U.S. dollars at the box office, while "Bonfire of the Vanities" can only sell 10 million U.S. dollars. The potential losses are huge.
"This is not a problem, Simon. After "The Butterfly Effect" and "Basic Instinct", there is no shortage of investors for the projects that Brian wants to shoot now. He actually just wants to try more types. You are a director, and you should be in this mood. More understanding.”
Simon nodded in understanding.
While chatting like this, they picked some food and the two of them were about to find another place to eat when someone at the scene finally couldn't wait for their conversation to end and intervened directly.
When Jonathan saw Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith approaching, he realized that he had taken up too much of Simon's time and had probably caused dissatisfaction among many people at the party tonight.
Jonathan and Simon had many opportunities to communicate, so they were not in a hurry. After simply greeting the Johnsons, who were also clients of WMA, they readily gave up the conversation space to them.
Simon had been in contact with Melanie Griffith during the Cannes Film Festival in France last year and met again. This actress from a Hollywood family has married another actor Don Johnson and is still pregnant today. Come to the party.
After patiently chatting with the Johnsons for a few words, Simon pretended to be curious and asked about the gender of the baby.
When I found out it was a girl, I couldn't help but become a little more enthusiastic and asked the little guy's name.
When Melanie Griffith heard Simon ask this, she stroked her belly and said happily: "Name, we haven't considered this issue yet. Simon, do you have any good suggestions?"
"I'm even more inexperienced," Simon said with a smile, "But since she's a girl, how about Dakota?"
Melanie Griffith repeated: "Dakota?"
"yes."
Don Johnson was also curious: "Simon, does this name mean anything?"
Simon searched his memory and said, "It probably comes from the Indian language and means 'eternal smile'."
"'Eternal Smile' is such a beautiful name," Melanie Griffith praised, looking at her husband: "Don, what do you think?"
Don Johnson nodded: "Very good."
"Then our little guy's name will be Dakota, Dakota Johnson," Melanie Griffith said, then looked at Simon and said, "Since it was you who gave the name, Simon, how about How about you being the little one’s godfather?”
Simon shook his head and refused: "Forget it, I'm not prepared for this. Besides, I'm not religious either."
"This is really a pity." Melanie Griffith didn't have any expectations at all. She reached out to her husband and pulled her to her side, saying: "Simon, "Miami Vice" will probably end next year. Don If you want to try to develop into the big screen, are there any opportunities suitable for him in your 10 movies this time?"
Don Johnson is about forty years old this year and is still in the golden age of Hollywood actors. He has a handsome appearance and a tall figure that are very suitable for a tough guy on the screen. However, he has always developed on the small screen in the past. In recent years, the hit drama "Miami Vice" starring in him can be said to be the peak of his career.
Naturally, Simon would not agree to anything immediately, nor did he refuse directly. He said: "If there is a suitable role, I will contact you."
Melanie Griffith was not polite and said: "Then, let's leave each other's contact information."
He said and poked his husband.
Don Johnson quickly took out his business card and handed it to Simon.
Simon took the business card handed over by Johnson, took out his wallet with one hand and rummaged through it. He took out a small stack of business cards and put it in the food tray he was still holding in his other hand. He took one out and handed it to Don Johnson.
The business card Don Johnson handed over had various public and private contact information on it, but Simon's business card only had his office phone number on it.
However, the Johnsons were very satisfied after getting Simon's business card.
Many guests watching the situation around saw Simon handing out business cards, and they were obviously more eager to give it a try. Just as the Johnsons turned around from Simon, someone else came over.
Simon only had a token number of five or six business cards in his wallet, but they were all robbed in a blink of an eye, and he also had a stack of other people's business cards in his hand.
After some socializing, I finally took the time to find a free round table and sit down. A blond woman walked over right behind Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard.
Simon recognized the sexy actress named Rebecca De Mornay. Without getting up, he pointed to his tray and joked: "There are only crab cakes, do you want them?"
Seeing that Simon didn't look unfamiliar at all, Rebecca Demorny responded with the same familiar smile: "Okay."
With that said, Rebecca Demoni bent over, took a piece of crab cake from Simon's tray across the dining table, sat down opposite him and ate it, occasionally licking it. For Westerners, Very sexy lips. The woman was wearing a low-cut black evening dress tonight, and the vacuum inside her body was completely exposed to Simon.
Simon didn't feel anything at all. Although the scenery was nice, it was not his cup of tea.
Rebecca Demony chatted with Simon casually. After finishing the crab cakes, she put the bamboo skewers in the space of Simon's plate, took out a card from her handbag and handed it over, saying: "Simon, this is My business card, please come to me."
After saying that, before Simon could react, Rebecca Demoni stood up and floated away in a coquettish manner.
Simon picked up the hard card in front of him that obviously had a magnetic strip. It was a room card with a room number attached to it.
"Interesting 'business card', isn't it?"
Another female voice sounded from the opposite side, slightly hoarse. Based on experience, Simon judged that the other person should be smoking. He raised his head. This was the round face of a mature woman who was pure and charming. However, what attracted Simon the most was the deep V dress that held the woman up high.
Linda Carter.
The heroine of the "Wonder Woman" TV series in the 1970s, and the sex idol of a generation.
Simon was still stroking the key card, with a smile on his face and said: "Good evening, Ms. Carter."
Linda Carter put her arms on the dining table, leaned forward slightly, and said: "Mr. Westeros, you are not going to treat me to a piece of, um, that one?"
Simon pushed the tray towards the woman and said, "If you want."
"I'm really reluctant." Linda Carter did not reach out, but raised her chin slightly to indicate the room card in the man's hand: "Will you go and 'visit' the lady just now?"
Simon shook his head and smiled: "No."
"Um?"
"I have a problem with places like hotels. I won't stay in a hotel room unless I have no other choice."
"Interesting quirk, why?"
Simon said: "Probably Hitchcock's The Shining is to blame."
Linda Carter laughed and said: "Mr. Westeros, do you think I don't know that "The Shining" is written by Kubrick?"
"Oh, that's a mistake," Simon shrugged and asked, "What about you, Ms. Linda, what have you been busy with recently? I really like "Wonder Woman"."
"Simon, actually you can call me Linda," Linda Carter said, her tone becoming lonely again, "I recently came to Los Angeles to audition for a TV movie. I don't know if I can make it. I'm already done with it. "
"Which company are you from? If you don't mind, let me say hello to you."
Linda Carter's eyes turned slightly and she said: "How could I mind such a thing. However, I'd better not trouble you, a big shot."
Simon smiled and said nothing more.
He waved to the waiter to bring another glass of champagne, and also carefully helped Linda Carter get a glass and handed it over.
Linda Carter thought Simon would continue to be courteous to her, but she didn't expect that he would become quiet. Unwilling to stand up and walk away like this, he took the initiative to find a topic and said: "I just mentioned "The Shining". Simon, do you like Stephen King's novels very much?"
Simon nodded and said: "I have some general impression."
"No wonder you have written so many excellent horror movie scripts. I watched "The Sixth Sense" last month. To be honest, it was much better than the movie adaptation of Stephen King's novel."
"Thanks."
Linda Carter paused for another moment, waiting for Simon to finish the last sandwich on the plate, and then said angrily: "Simon, do you always let women take the initiative to find topics like this?"
Simon pushed the empty dinner plate away and said with a smile: "Of course not, it's just that I'm usually a little slow to react in front of beautiful women."
"Is that a compliment?"
"yes."
"Unfortunately, I am no longer one of those little girls."
Simon looked at the woman opposite, his eyes a little more aggressive, and said: "Actually, I don't have any feelings for little girls."
Linda Carter subconsciously avoided Simon's eyes, feeling inexplicably that she was playing with fire. A voice in her heart began to urge her to get up and leave, but her body did not move.
Some rumors about Simon Westeros in the circle also vaguely came to mind.
It seems true.
only.
I am really playing with fire!
Across the dining table, Simon had stood up, reached out to the woman, and said, "Linda, can I ask you to dance?"
Seeing that the man had completely restrained his previous aura and looked very gentlemanly, Linda Carter comforted herself that it was just a dance, so she nodded with a smile, raised her hand and handed it over, letting Simon pull her towards the dance floor in the hall.
Then.
And then.
About eleven o'clock in the night, Linda Carter felt like she was being taken out of the hotel. She got into a car at the private exit from the lobby to the parking lot and arrived at a place halfway up the hillside in Palisades, a western suburb of Los Angeles. In a mansion.
At a certain moment, Linda Carter even felt that this little man must have let the ghost around him cast a spell on him.