Burbank, Universal Studios.
Two cars, one behind the other, stopped outside the studio dedicated to the Victoria’s Secret show.
The driver of a luxury Cadillac SUV in front got out and opened the door. Madonna stepped out of the car, and a white man in his thirties who got out of a BMW convertible behind her came over.
Madonna walked to the studio with the man and said: "David, no matter whether it succeeds or not, you must remember to owe me a favor. If I hadn't called Simon, he might not have agreed to see you. Many people are staring at this." As for the project. Although "Alien 3" was a failure, as long as you can do this fashion show well and leave an impression on Simon, it will be easy to gain a foothold in Hollywood."
The man next to Madonna is David Fincher.
Like many famous Hollywood directors, David Fincher has been interested in movies since he was a child. With some connections, he found a job at Lucasfilm at the age of 19 and participated in the 1983 "Star Wars: Jedi" Behind the scenes of "Counterattack".
However, Hollywood is not that easy to enter after all.
Throughout the 1980s, Fincher mostly served as a director of music MVs and commercials, but he soon rose to prominence in the industry. Not only did he produce commercials for Nike, but he also shot MVs for top musicians such as Aerosmith and Madonna.
Just last year, Fincher finally got a plan to direct a movie for the first time, and it was also the sequel to Fox's heavyweight "Alien" series "Alien 3".
However, this directing experience was simply like a nightmare.
Scripts were torn down and rebuilt, Fox pushed for deadlines, creative differences with producers, film budget overruns, etc. Almost all situations that often occur in the production process of Hollywood films were encountered by David Fincher.
Although the film was eventually completed, things didn't turn out well.
"Alien 3", which was released on June 19, relied on the popularity accumulated by the "Alien" series and Fox's sparing no effort in publicity. It earned US$26.84 million at the box office in its first week, which seems to be pretty good.
However, due to such poor reputation, the box office of "Alien 3" dropped by an astonishing 58% in the second week, which was almost the biggest box office drop for a movie this summer.
In the fourth week that just passed, the single-week box office of "Alien 3" was only 4.09 million US dollars, and the cumulative box office was only 47.96 million US dollars. Considering the production budget of "Alien 3" is as high as US$50 million, Fox will definitely not be able to recoup the cost in the short term.
After this incident, David Fincher originally thought that he should remain silent in the field of commercials and music videos for a few more years. However, suddenly another opportunity appeared.
A fashion lingerie show recently created by Simon Westeros is looking for a director.
And he happens to be a director who is good at commercials and music videos.
For practitioners in the MV circle who are interested in entering Hollywood, this is simply a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Even though he was already halfway into Hollywood, David Fincher got in touch with the Victoria's Secret project team immediately and tried to help negotiate the project through the contacts he had accumulated over the years.
Hollywood is a circle of people, and having help can often get twice the result with half the effort.
David Fincher was able to join Lucasfilm at the age of 19 because a neighbor of their family happened to be a producer under Lucasfilm.
Speaking of which, it would definitely be more reliable if David Giller, the producer of the "Alien" series, could come forward.
David Giller was one of the three nominal producers of Simon Westeros' famous "Run Lola Run", and he had a hand in promoting the young man. Moreover, while Giller is producing the "Alien" series for Fox, he is also a contracted producer under Daenerys Entertainment.
However, although the two parties are very 'familiar' due to their cooperation in "Alien 3", their relationship is very bad, and they are the kind of people who don't want to deal with each other anymore. Directors and producers who have creative differences are naturally enemies, and it is obviously impossible to get Giller to help.
Fortunately, in addition to David Giller, David Fincher also knows another person who is said to have a very good relationship with Westeros, who is Madonna next to him at this time.
David Fincher served as the MV director for several Madonna songs in the past few years, and the relationship between the two parties is not bad.
After trying to contact him, Madonna responded quickly and said that Westeros wanted to meet him today.
The two entered the studio laughing and chatting, and were greeted by a staff member who said Simon was already waiting for them.
Passing through the corridor that was divided into different work areas, there were busy people everywhere on both sides. Madonna was also attracted by the dazzling array of angel wings in a cubicle. If Simon was not waiting, she almost went in to try them on.
The work areas on both sides of the corridor were already busy enough for one person, but when they came to the end of the corridor, the open space with a T stage was even more crowded with people.
Being in this circle, both of them could see that camera lighting and other shooting props were being arranged here.
Madonna saw the figure of a young man at a glance. Simon was standing with another equally tall man with long hair, pointing and talking.
The staff took the two people to the rest area, said "wait a moment", and walked towards Simon.
Someone brought coffee, Madonna thanked her, held the cup casually and continued to look at Simon for a few more times. She turned to David Fincher, but found that his expression was a little strange, so she asked: "What's wrong?"
David Fincher hesitated, pointed to the man next to Simon, and said, "That's Michael Bay."
Madonna was still a little confused: "Huh?"
David Fincher still looked a little strange and explained: "Bey, like me, both worked at Lucasfilm. I remember clearly that in 1980, he was only 15 years old at the time. Moreover, Bay has also worked at Lucasfilm in recent years. The most watched music MV and commercial director in the industry this year, he was the one who shot the Coca-Cola commercial two years ago."
After a pause, Finch added: "Bei's style is indeed more suitable for this fashion show than mine."
Although he said this, there was not much disappointment in Finch's expression.
Westeros has obviously chosen the director of the Victoria's Secret show, and even Fincher himself has to admit that Michael Bay's shooting style is more suitable for directing this show than himself. Then, it is only natural that Westeros would choose the other party.
However, now that Westeros has chosen a director and asked him to come over to meet him, this obviously means another opportunity.
Madonna was not stupid, so she turned her head around, quickly understood, and said with a smile: "It seems that the favor you owe me is a little bigger."
The two waited for a while, and Simon finally came over, wearing Michael Bay beside him.
Simon was dressed casually in a T-shirt and casual pants today, but Michael Bay was in a neat shirt and trousers, looking serious.
When Madonna saw this situation, she couldn't help but think that someone who dressed more casually looked more like a boss, but it didn't stop her from standing up with a smile, and unceremoniously spread her arms to Simon for a hug.
Simon reluctantly hugged Madonna, hugged her tightly and felt her for a few times, and said with a smile: "It's too small, I don't feel anything at all."
"Men are really greedy. Mine is actually just right. Do you like silicone?"
Simon shook hands with Fincher, introduced Michael Bay next to him, and then said to Madonna: "I mean, you are too young."
Madonna caught a glimpse of several tall and hot models at the scene, and realized that she was only 1.6 meters tall, so she really had no competitiveness in front of these big fairies. However, Queen Mai has never been a person who lacks self-confidence, and immediately said: "That's because you don't know, there are small benefits in small things." After saying this, she licked her red lips provocatively, and said to Simon with rolling eyes: "Simon , maybe we should really find a time to talk about this topic in private."
In front of Queen Mai, Simon always felt that he was the target of being hunted and collected stamps.
This didn't feel good at all, so I simply ignored the Queen's words and motioned to Finch and Bei, who were standing nearby awkwardly, to sit down together.
Madonna sat down next to Simon without hesitation and said, "Finch just said that he knows this Mr. Bay."
Simon didn't know the details of Lucasfilm, but it wasn't surprising.
Both of them were in the same circle, and neither of them were unknowns, so it was natural for them to know each other.
Now that we all know each other, some things are easier to explain clearly. Simon said directly to Fincher: "I have seen you shoot several MV samples. The overall style is dark and gloomy. Although it is very artistic, it is not suitable for this fashion show. .So, I chose Bay.”
There was no disappointment on David Fincher's face, and he nodded: "I also think Mike is more suitable than me."
Simon looked at Finch for a few times and smiled: "You must have guessed that the reason why you come here today is indeed another thing, a movie. I want you to try it."
David Fincher couldn't help but cheer up.
Michael Bay, who was originally a little proud in front of Fincher because he got this opportunity, was surprised and couldn't help but feel a little envious. However, thinking of Westeros' previous conversation with him, he quickly felt relieved. As long as he completes this show seriously, he is also expected to try his hand in Hollywood.
Simon did not sell out, and quickly continued: "This is a crime thriller, telling the story of a serial murderer who uses the seven deadly sins in Catholic teachings to kill people. Someone will give you the script later. Let's talk about "Alien 3" now. "What do you think is your personal problem with this movie?"
David Fincher really doesn't want to mention "Alien 3", but thinking about the relationship between Westeros and David Giller, if the other party wants to know something, it seems simple, and he has no way to hide it.
There were many reasons for the failure of the "Alien 3" project. Fincher had previously complained more about the studio and producers, but was less willing to admit his own problems.
After hesitating for a moment, Fincher finally said: "I think it's mainly because it's my first time directing a movie and I have a little bit of experience."
Simon smiled and shook his head: "That's not the problem. I know your qualifications and your basic skills are very solid."
Facing Simon's gaze, David Fincher hesitated for a moment, then finally said: "Maybe I pay too much attention to details."
Simon nodded this time.
In addition to the gloomy and cold style of the director himself, one of the biggest features of David Fincher's movies is his attention to detail. In this regard, Fincher is actually somewhat similar to Cameron. It is precisely because of his habit of struggling with details that the production costs of David Fincher's movies have always been high.
Likewise, control over details to create classics.
David Fincher is not very prolific, but in his original timeline, he produced a series of classic films that are highly praised by movie fans, such as "Seven Deadly Sins", "Fight Club", and "Gone Girl".
"Actually, paying attention to details is not a shortcoming. The key is to exercise restraint. You can only control the scale yourself." Simon quickly added: "I really like the style of your previous MVs, "Alien 3" I have also watched it. As a commercial film, it is not too bad overall. The film also contains a lot of your personal unique understanding. Although the box office in North America is not high, according to the information I have received, the film’s box office performance in overseas markets is actually Yes, Fox will definitely be able to recoup its costs."
For a film director, no matter how many fans he gets or how many awards he wins, in the final analysis, he still has to rely on the box office to speak for himself.
David Fincher was relieved when he heard Simon say this.
If the cost can be recovered through global release, "Alien 3" will not be a big obstacle to his continued development in Hollywood.
"For this "Seven Deadly Sins", I hope you can bring out the style you showed in the music video and "Alien 3". As for the cost, after reading the script, you should think carefully about it and make a budget yourself. What I ask of you is that you must complete this film strictly according to your own budget." Simon said, with a bit of joking: "Of course, if you make a budget of 100 million US dollars, I think this There is no need to continue the project.”
"Seven Deadly Sins" in the original time and space was released in 1995. In fact, the script of this film was written by Hollywood screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker last year, and the film rights were successfully handed over to Daenerys Entertainment.
Simon had already considered the project before, and had also noticed David Fincher, who directed "Alien 3."
After recently making another plan for next year's movie plan, Simon decided to start the project early. If all goes well, the schedule of "Seven Deadly Sins" will be confirmed for Halloween next year.
In terms of creative work, of course the original version is the best.
Director David Fincher, one of the leading actors Morgan Freeman, and Simon are not planning to go higher.
However, Simon is already planning to replace the other leading actor, Brad Pitt.
"Superman" has started filming and will be scheduled for next summer. According to the production plan, Pitt's schedule will definitely be sufficient.
However, once "Superman" is released, Brad Pitt's image as Clark Kent will be deeply rooted in people's hearts. This kind of role stereotype is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, even in many years, when talking about this actor, It is easy for everyone to think of 'Superman'. On the other hand, other movie roles that Pitt participated in while playing Superman were destined to be difficult to attract too much attention.