A fact that he had suspected all this time was suddenly confirmed, but Simon did not feel distressed or depressed.
In any case, "Run Lola Run" is indeed a very suitable movie for him to show his strength. In fact, if I hadn't misremembered the production cost, I might have missed this movie.
Now, since it only took him less than two months to gain a foothold in Hollywood, Simon is confident enough to continue pushing this project forward, just adding some extra twists and turns.
Simon's biggest impression from his more than ten years of hard work in the entertainment industry in his previous life is that no big shot in this industry has a smooth road to fame.
Now, as a human being in two lifetimes, Simon has no shortage of temperament to face setbacks.
Having made up his mind, Simon looked at David Giller opposite and said, "Well, David, if it is shot according to the official 35MM film specifications, what do you think the approximate budget for this film will be?"
David Giller thought for a while and said: "Based on the shooting concept you just described, it should cost at least 500,000 US dollars. A more detailed budget needs to be calculated according to a more specific shooting plan. However, this is not actually Question. Simon, the question now is, do you have any previous experience making films? Even student films? By the way, Brian and I don’t know which university you graduated from?”
Until now, not many people in Hollywood know that Simon is just 18 years old this year.
At first, Jonathan Friedman only occasionally mentioned it to WMA President Norman Brocka. Because of a series of subsequent events, Norman Brocka disliked Simon very much, but he did not publicize this matter everywhere.
At this time, because of Simon's extraordinary talent, David Giller subconsciously felt that Simon was probably in his twenties, and instinctively regarded Simon as a promising high-achieving student who had just graduated from a certain university.
Hearing this question from David Giller, Simon realized something, but he still said honestly: "David, I studied computer science at Stanford for a while, then dropped out, and have no experience in this area. However, I I also had no screenwriting experience before.”
"Directors and screenwriters are different," David Giller shook his head and said, "Speaking of which, if you can come up with some personal qualifications that are enough to convince investors, such as a student film or something, I might be able to help you attract investors. to this investment. Unfortunately, you did not. Simon, although this is only a small amount of money, I also need to be responsible for my connections."
Brian De Palma, who was still looking through Simon's shot drawings with gusto, also raised his head and said, "Simon, it's really not that easy to be a director. However, these drawings are enough to illustrate your personality. Talent. How about this, you can be my assistant director for the next "Butterfly Effect". After completing the experience of this film, even if David is not willing to help, I can help you find someone willing to invest in "Lola Quick". "Run" company."
"I didn't say I wasn't willing to help?" David Giller protested with a dissatisfied smile, but also said: "Simon, Brian's idea is indeed a good one. If you are willing, this matter can be settled now .”
David Giller is the producer of "The Butterfly Effect", and Brian De Palma serves as both director and producer. Hiring an assistant director on a temporary basis is well within the purview of two people.
If Simon is really just a newcomer who has just entered Hollywood without much experience, being able to serve as an assistant to a well-known Hollywood director like Brian De Palma is definitely a very rare opportunity to gain experience.
However, after more than ten years of hard work in his previous life, coupled with the memories of twelve other people in his mind at this time, what Simon lacks most at this time is experience in various aspects related to film production. Being the director's assistant to Brian De Palma, the only thing Simon can bring is perhaps one qualification.
After thinking for a moment, Simon shook his head and said, "David, Brian, I'm very grateful for your kindness. However, although I can't prove it, I'm pretty sure that I can direct a movie myself. So, David, you Is this okay? The funds I have now are enough to start "Lola Run". You only need to introduce an investor to me and sign an investment contract. If they are satisfied with the results of my preliminary shooting , and then inject subsequent funds, otherwise, they can choose to exit at any time.”
Simon is a very opinionated young man, which David Giller and Brian De Palma have already experienced in several contacts.
At this time, the two of them were not too surprised to hear Simon reject Brian De Palma's proposal. After hearing Simon's plan, David Giller couldn't help but secretly admire the young man's confidence in his heart.
"Simon, in Hollywood, using your own money to invest in movies has always been a very bad choice." After thinking about it briefly, David Giller said this with a smile, but then quickly added: "But since you I have put forward such a confident cooperation plan, and I can help you with this. Of course, I will never guarantee whether it will succeed or not. Everything depends on you."
Simon said seriously: "I just need a chance."
David Giller nodded with emotion and said: "In that case, Simon, in addition to the above cooperation plan, do you have any other requirements?"
Simon thought about it for a moment and said: "The contract between me and Fox can still be used as a mortgage. If I borrow a sum of money from the bank, including the remaining balance that Fox needs to pay, I should be able to raise about US$250,000." The shooting budget of "Run Lola Run" is temporarily calculated at US$500,000. The investors and I each contributed US$250,000, and each will share 50% of the profit in the future. My personal screenwriter, director and other labor are only counted as a symbolic US$1. There is no pay, but I demand absolute creative autonomy.”
After hearing this, David Giller couldn't help shaking his head again and said: "Simon, $500,000 is just my most conservative estimate. In fact, I really hope that you can use some more professional actors and casts. In addition, if The final production budget of about US$1 million will be safer if the scenery, soundtrack, etc. are more elaborate."
Simon said in a relaxed tone: "David, what I just said is just a general plan. If the budget exceeds the budget, as long as the investors are willing to follow up, the revenue share will definitely be higher. The only thing I ask for is absolute creative autonomy. I I don’t want others to interfere with my work.”
"Okay, I'll take the time to help you get in touch," David Giller nodded and then said, "However, your recent focus should still be on revising the script of "The Butterfly Effect."
Simon smiled and said: "Of course, this is my job."
"In that case," David Giller patted the "Run Lola Run" script in front of him and said, "I'll make a copy of this script later so I can use it to convince investors."
Although the suggestion just now was rejected by Simon, Brian De Palma didn't take it too seriously. At this time, after hearing what David Giller said, he handed over the storyboard sketch in his hand and said, "Copy this again." One copy, I think it’s more convincing than the script.”
David Giller was somewhat surprised and turned over a few pages of the storyboard that Brian De Palma had just been holding in his hand, and nodded without hesitation: "That's true."
After talking about these things, the three people reacted and found that there were not many people left in the originally lively restaurant. The lunch brought by the waiter had also been completely cold. Everyone had to order lunch again and fill their stomachs again. Return to the morning meeting room to continue discussing the script revision of "The Butterfly Effect".
This continued until after get off work hours, when Simon made a copy of the script and storyboards for "Run Lola Run" and gave them to David Giller. He also took the long memo about the script modifications agreed upon at today's meeting with David. Giller left Fox Studios after bidding farewell to Brian De Palma, and still took a taxi back to the residence he had just rented in the Montana area of Santa Monica.
The traffic was a bit congested during off-duty hours, and Simon returned to his residence in Montana about half an hour later.
In front of a villa on the northern edge of the Montana district near St. Vincent Avenue, after Simon got off the car and dismissed the taxi driver, he looked at the mansion covering an area of more than 800 square meters in front of him, and his heart was filled with fear for the Nth time since Saturday afternoon. He came up with an idea that made him grit his teeth: prodigal bitch!
Simon made a reservation with his real estate agent last week to view the property on Thursday, intending to rent an apartment.
He was unexpectedly admitted to the UCLA Medical Center. Simon originally planned to cancel the appointment. When Janet Johnston learned about it, she immediately took over the job with great interest and sent the rental contract to Simon on Friday. in hand.
A single-family villa with three living rooms, three bedrooms and four bathrooms. When he saw the information on the lease contract, Simon almost jumped out of the hospital bed.
Come on, are you kidding me
How can I, a single man, need such a big place to live
Moreover, the monthly rent of US$2,700 does not seem too high compared to the luxury houses in Simon's impression. But this was 1986 after all, and even in Los Angeles, most people couldn't make more than $2,700 a month.
Then, Simon was naturally unwilling to rent such a house. However, just after a few words of argument, a normally nice woman actually started crying in front of the visiting doctor and real estate agent, and while crying, she accused Simon. It's the miser who ignores his hard work after running around for a day. He is obviously rich but refuses to rent a better house.
What else can be done
Sign it.
Simon can't think of a more appropriate adjective besides being unkind to others.
Finally, what is even more annoying is that after being discharged from the hospital, Simon checked the villa he rented and found that the entire villa was empty, as if it had been ransacked. Except for the most basic decoration, there was no other furniture. No.
Oh, technically it’s still furnished.
There is a bed in the master bedroom.
But, what’s the matter if you don’t have a mattress!