Beverly Hills, Century City InterContinental Hotel.
When Simon stepped out of the elevator, Shirley Lansing, who was already waiting, greeted him and personally led him through the corridor to a lively banquet hall. Some people who had received the news were already waiting at the entrance of the hall.
"Simon, let me introduce you," Shirley Lansing took the initiative to introduce him: "This is Bernd Eichinger, the chairman of Constantine Films."
"Actually, we know each other." Simon didn't wait for Lansing to continue, and already extended his hand to the middle-aged man with short hair and a simple appearance in front of him: "Bourne, we meet again."
Bernd Essinger shook hands with Simon with a smile: "Yes, Simon, I'm glad we can cooperate this time."
Simon's earliest contact with Constantine Films can be traced back to when he took back the rights to the "Fantastic Four" from the other party.
Later, Simon went to Germany once and had dinner with Bernd Essinger.
In addition, there is not much intersection.
Speaking of Constantine Pictures, the first thing that comes to mind for newcomers is often "Resident Evil." In fact, this German film company has produced many blockbuster projects, and its business focuses on distribution, making it one of the largest film distribution companies in Europe.
Not only that, Constantine Films in the original time and space also has a close relationship with another Hollywood film company, because Bernd Eichinger is also its founder and major shareholder.
This company is called Summit Entertainment.
In this foreign cooperation plan, Constantine Films will represent a group of German capital to participate in MGM’s five-movie packaging project, accounting for 20% of the investment. According to preliminary estimates, the total investment amount of the five films is US$350 million. Ding will invest US$70 million and will be responsible for part of the European issuance work.
Therefore, it can also be seen that Constantine is one of Simon's most successful cases in guiding overseas capital.
Without this guidance, Bernd Eisinger would have invested in Summit Entertainment's entry into the Hollywood production business in the next few years, and has continuously participated in the production of "Mrs. Belon" and "Two Rods of Smoking" since the late 1990s. "Guns", "American Pie" and a series of blockbuster movies, and even reached the real "peak" with the later "Twilight" series.
Now, because of the strength of Daenerys Entertainment in Hollywood, the other major studios are having a hard time, let alone the second- and third-tier small film companies. At this time, Simon will introduce these capitals into MGM's packaged cooperation projects. This further eliminates the possibility of similar capital running rampant in Hollywood and even accidentally becoming bigger.
Shirley Lansing smiled and waited for the two of them to greet each other before introducing the others: "Simon, this is Mr. Lawrence Birnbaum, the chairman of the German Forge Investment Fund... This is the chairman of the German Navigator Pictures President Mr. Christian Stern...and this..."
Starting from Bernd Essinger, six people were introduced in succession, four of whom were from Germany, which was also the main fundraising target of this packaging project.
There is also one from the UK and one from Spain.
Simon had re-read the information on the plane. The capital represented by these people behind the scenes invested in a minimum of 5% and a maximum of 20% of the project share, accounting for 70% of the total investment of US$350 million. The remaining 30% was provided by MGM and Dani Liz Entertainment each takes half.
When she was the last one, Shirley Lansing whispered into Simon's ear the words "Mr. President's good friend", and then said: "Simon, this is Mr. Frank Giustra. He is from Canada and is mainly engaged in Mining business, but very interested in Hollywood.”
No need for an introduction from Shirley Lansing. With so many memories of Hollywood in his mind, Simon had already recognized the short, middle-aged man in front of him with his gray hair and shrewd appearance.
Frank Giustra, founder of Lionsgate Films.
Unlike other speculative capital companies in Hollywood that have been filmed on the beach and returned with no success, Lionsgate was once the most powerful emerging film company to challenge another major studio in Hollywood. It not only produced super hit movies The "Hunger Games" series has also annexed Summit Entertainment, which owns "The Twilight Saga". Even in the field of TV series, there are masterpieces such as "Mad Men".
If the structure of the Hollywood entertainment industry had not been finalized after the new century, and it would be difficult for an independent film production company to compete with the studios backed by large media groups, Lionsgate Pictures might have been promoted to the seventh largest film company in Hollywood at the time.
Although he was introduced by Clinton, although he was greeting the other party with a smile on the surface, Simon felt a little hostile in his heart.
This is a spoiler.
Because Frank Giustra was obviously not on the list of investors in this packaging project, he just came to Hollywood in the name of Clinton's friend to make connections and prepare for his next move into the film industry.
Based on his past life memories, Simon also knows something about the relationship between Giustra and Clinton.
This Canadian businessman actually succeeded in getting to the top of the American political pyramid by coordinating donations for Clinton. The law stipulates that foreigners cannot make political donations to American politicians, but there are too many loopholes in this. Just like now, although Clinton has not yet established the Clinton Foundation, which later became famous or infamous, he actually still operates the 'Clinton Legal Defense Foundation' which nominally provides legal aid to disadvantaged groups. This foundation can accept Overseas donations.
In addition, even Giustra's own journey of fortune is actually very typical.
In the 1980s, Giustra initially worked as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. Later, he accumulated enough contacts to establish a financial company focusing on mining financing, and accumulated his first pot of gold through capital operations. Then, in the 1990s, through Clinton's introduction, he successfully broke into Hollywood, established Lionsgate Pictures, and gradually reached its peak.
In fact, Giustra never gave up on his profession.
In the original timeline, in 2005, Giustra was once involved in a large-scale uranium mining transaction scandal brokered by Clinton, which involved more than $30 million in donations to the Clinton Foundation.
In Simon's opinion, this man is very similar to another professional broker who wanders between capital and power.
That's right.
Jeffrey Epstein.
The same small broker origin, the same first pot of gold through capital operation, the same relationship with powerful people to gradually become successful.
Western media later continued to emphasize that Epstein was a pimp. It is difficult to say whether this was done deliberately to conceal the other person's identity. After all, things like Loli Express are just personal hobbies. It's weird to be able to earn hundreds of millions of dollars through pimping by entertaining some 'distinguished' guests.
If you dig deeper, it turns out to be a vast network of intricate connections.
Not much to say.
If Giustra does not plan to stir up trouble with Hollywood, Simon is very interested in cultivating the other party as a secret agent like Epstein.
Without further chatting with Giustra, Simon returned to socialize with the financial backers of the MGM package project and turned to the other guests at the reception. The main creators of the three confirmed projects "Alien 2", "Day of Independence" and "Contact" are basically present whenever they are in Los Angeles.
The first person who came to Simon was Natasha Henstridge, who was filming "Alien 2".
"Alien 2" was filmed in the Los Angeles area. I have the weekend off so I can attend the reception.
After not seeing each other for a long time, this alien girl was a little worried about whether someone still remembered her.
On the original plane, Henstridge signed a one-year agreement. He was supposed to be free to do whatever he wanted after one year. However, after becoming someone's lover, not only the mansion that had been recorded in his name, but also the people around him on weekdays. The sense of superiority that all kinds of people treat with care, you can easily get various roles and endorsements, you can enjoy all the benefits of being his woman, you can enter social circles that are difficult for a simple actress like her to reach, and even even in some festivals. You can receive valuable gifts.
All kinds of things.
As she gradually got used to this kind of life, Natasha Henstridge even doubted whether she could survive if she suddenly lost everything one day.
Moreover, she was only 19 years old when she was with him.
Now 22 years old.
At such a young age, why should you be anxious
So before I knew it, more than two years had passed.
The only problem was that in the past two years, she could count the number of times she had seen a certain man on one hand.
If it hadn't been for the addition of a pair of Wei family maids and guards, I would have doubted whether I had been dumped. One escort and one guard, this is the standard configuration for Simon's lover, surveillance and service are integrated into one. If you want to cut off the relationship, you only need to send them away, and someone does not force this at all.
Seeing Natasha approaching, Simon naturally raised his hand to hug the girl and praised: "Natasha, you are so beautiful tonight."
Feeling the unimpeded matter-of-factness in the man's tone, Natasha relaxed and boldly kissed him back: "Thank you, Simon."
Then he walked to his side and held his arm.
I don’t plan to let go tonight.
As the most powerful person in Hollywood, everyone is used to Simon Westeros being surrounded by women, and they did not show any abnormality. Some women at the scene had their eyes lit up when they saw Westeros appear. Star was even jealous of Natasha Henstridge.
Next, let's say hello to the crew of "Alone Day".
As the first blockbuster since "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and the first project outside of the DC Cinematic Universe, Roland Emmerich knows exactly what this movie means whether he can break away from DC movies. The label of cosmic director is therefore taken very seriously.
After consultations between several parties, Emmerich finally took home a budget of US$90 million, which is similar to "Contact" and US$15 million more than the original version.
Coupled with the US$40 million for "Alien 2", the total investment in the first three projects reached US$220 million.
The last two projects only have a share of 130 million U.S. dollars, with an average of 65 million U.S. dollars. Although they have reached the level of blockbusters, their size is obviously behind.
Simon personally participated in the selection of the main creators of "Days of Our Lives", which basically followed the original version, including Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, and Will Smith, who was already famous for his role as "Cyborg". In the new version of "Desperate Housewives," Sela Ward, who plays perfect housewife Brie Van Dikan, plays Jeff Goldblum's ex-wife who works in the White House.
The overall salary of the main creative lineup is very cost-effective. The three male protagonists only make a total of 10 million U.S. dollars, but their influence is not much worse than that of Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford, who are paid more than 10 million. After the success of this project, the situation of Hollywood's super celebrities, who have been hit by blockbusters such as the DC movie universe, will further decline.
It's also been a long time since we last saw Sheila Ward. She's still as intellectual and elegant as before, with a bit of sharpness that makes people afraid to approach her easily.
Of course Simon is the one who dares to get close.
He hugged the woman gently, let go, looked up and down, and praised: "You are still so beautiful, by the way, are you married?"
"It's over." Sheila Ward could not help but think of some scenes of getting along with the little man in front of her, as well as the gift of 100 sets of clothes that left a deep impression on her. She glanced at a vase next to the man: " I’m not a little girl anymore, of course I want to get married, and my baby is already one year old.”
Simon nodded in approval: "Actually, I prefer married people."
Sheila Ward glanced at him sideways, and became more charming: "Looking at you going to battles like China, I thought you were a big shot, but you still like to mess around so much."
"Don't you know that the taller you stand, the more likely you are to mess around?"
"I know now."
After some chatting and joking, although he noticed the flaw in the woman's emotions, Simon did not take advantage of it and led Natasha elsewhere.
"Contact" won't start filming until the end of the year, and except for director Robert Zemeckis, both the male and female lead, Simon, are planning to change.
The female lead has been given to Sandra Bullock.
After all, over the years, although she does not have the aura of a movie queen like Jodie Foster, Sandra's popularity is no worse than Foster's, and her image and age are also very consistent, not to mention the personal relationship between the two. There is absolutely no reason to give opportunities to outsiders.
The leading actor needs to be replaced.
Matthew McConaughey is completely unable to give people the feeling of a priest, both on and off the screen. He is too arrogant.
Simon initially thought of Nicolas Cage.
Today's Cage is still a handsome guy, and he has a wide range of roles. His melancholy temperament just fits the role of a priest.
Just give up quickly.
Too expensive.
The new version of "Mission: Impossible 2" starring Cage is about to be released this summer. Coupled with other blockbuster projects he has participated in in recent years, now that Cage stars in a commercial film, the salary quotation will not be less than 10 million US dollars.
"Contact" is a standard blockbuster commercial film.
Moreover, since it is a movie with a female protagonist, with Sandra as the core, and the male protagonist does not have many roles, inviting Cage is a bit overkill, and it is not easy to negotiate the salary.
The same goes for Keanu Reeves.
Since "Run Lola Run", Sandra and Keanu have been a good match on the screen. However, the two have just collaborated on "Speed" before. Even if the salary is not mentioned, it is not suitable to continue to work together in the short term.
So still choosing.
Anyway, it’s still early for filming to start.
Simon discussed it with Zemeckis again at the reception, and the standard he set was that he must be handsome, very handsome, the kind that can make a woman cry. The reason is that Sandra is not beautiful enough and needs to make up for it with the appearance of the male protagonist. What a loss to the audience.
All right.
An angry Sandra hammered her on the spot.
Then came "Alien 2".
This project has already started filming. After several discussions, it continues the formula of the first film. The plot of the sequel has no connection with the original version. The core attraction is the showdown between the first-generation alien species and the second-generation alien species.
The story continues from the first part.
After the alien species played by Natasha was hunted, humans brought back some of the alien tissue samples for further research, and as a result, a second-generation alien species with genetic mutations was cultivated.
Smarter, more powerful, more bloodthirsty.
Due to the negligence of the researchers, the second-generation alien species escaped from the secret base again, and the officials had to summon the troops from the first part to hunt down the second-generation alien species.
The result was a failure.
In desperation, someone proposed an eccentric plan, cloning the first generation of alien species through tissue samples, and using the mutually exclusive territorial instincts of the alien alien species to make the two generations of alien species kill each other.
The plan unexpectedly worked.
The first-generation alien species played by Natasha killed the second-generation alien species after a hard fight. Instead of killing the donkey, humans froze the first-generation alien species.
End of story.
Of course, it's not over.
If there is a third part, it will be the story of three generations of alien species.
However, it is obvious that in order to ensure the success of this series, Natasha Henstridge is already like Schwarzenegger in the "Terminator" series. She must show her face in future sequels in any way, so as not to It will give people the feeling that something is missing. The original Henstridge did not appear in the third film again, mainly because the second part of the series was screwed up. The subsequent sequels simply did not enter the theaters and went directly to the video tape channel.
If this new version of "Alien 2" fails at the box office, the series will also adopt a direct-to-video model.
Because the video tapes of the "Alien" series are selling like crazy.
Since the highlight is the duel between two generations of aliens, the actor who plays the second generation aliens is also crucial. If it is too different from Natasha Henstridge, the appeal will be greatly reduced.
The role that was finalized was Australian actress and model Megan Gale.
Because a large number of Hollywood films have been shot in Australia in recent years, Australian actors have unknowingly gained more opportunities to shine.
Meghan Gale is one of them.
Ordinary people have never heard of this name, but in the comic book fandom, many people know that Megan Gale almost became Diana Prince in George Miller's version of "Justice League" and set the makeup The photos were all completed and just about to start filming. However, due to various bullshit within Time Warner, the project was ultimately aborted, leaving only a 2007 documentary called "The Death of George Miller's Justice League."
However, Megan Gale later participated in George Miller's masterpiece "Mad Max: Fury Road". Many people's first thought should be that this model is the harem of Immortal Joe Which one.
neither.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" was released in 2015.
In the movie, Megan Gale plays the one who stands naked on a high platform as a bait to hunt passers-by, one of the "Moms", because the other party was already 39 years old at the time, and she missed Wonder Woman, and there will be no more. Get other opportunities to turn around.
Meghan Gale is only 21 years old now, at the time.
One of the reasons why George Miller originally chose Megan Gale to play Wonder Woman was that the other person’s image was a perfect fit. Well, that’s the biggest difference between the TV version of Wonder Woman Lynda Carter and the movie version of Gal Gadot. aspect. The reason why "Alien 2" can choose the opponent is also because of this.
Because of this sequel, Natasha is responsible for the feelings, while Megan Gale is responsible for the erotica. Not only does she have a hot figure, but her height of 180cm is a bit more outstanding than Natasha's 178cm.
When Simon greeted the "Xenomorph 2" team, sparks began to fly between the two generations of 'Xenomorphs' unknowingly.
Sparks arise between women, if not for lily tendencies, then most likely because of men, and this time it's clearly the latter. Megan Gale, whose acting and modeling contracts are signed under WMA and Elite respectively, is only 21 years old and previously unknown. She is not even a well-known model, let alone a Supermodel, but she has already been involved in this circle. It's been several years since it became clear how Natasha Henstridge rose to power, let alone meeting Simon Westeros himself at this point.
If you fail to seize such an opportunity, you may never encounter it again in your life.
So he was very proactive.
After a few small interactions between eyes and body, he boldly imitated Natasha and took Simon's other arm.
After chatting with the "Alien 2" team for a while, Simon was already hanging on one side.
After all, I just came back and I don’t plan to stay out tonight. Everyone who should be greeted at this cocktail party has already been greeted. I was about to send the two girls away and leave. I accidentally saw a red face in the crowd not far away. Peter Jackson.
So he walked over with the two girls.
Seeing Simon, Peter Jackson, who was holding a cocktail in his hand, was very enthusiastic and took the initiative to say hello.
Simon looked at Jackson's position in the center surrounded by several other people and smiled, roughly understanding the New Zealand director's situation during this time. As the news of the "Middle-Earth Cinematic Universe" spread, so did the news that Peter Jackson would be the director of the "Lord of the Rings" series.
Looking at the success of the DC Cinematic Universe, it is not difficult to imagine how Peter Jackson will prosper in the future as the core creator of the 'Middle-earth Cinematic Universe' series.
What's more, this series must contain a lot of opportunities.
Even though it is understood that Simon Westeros is the absolute controller of this series, there are definitely many benefits to having a good relationship with Peter Jackson at this time, so the director must be 'hot' in the circle recently.
"Simon, it's so nice to see you again."
Peter Jackson was still respectful when facing Simon, but he probably drank a little too much, and his words were a little unsteady, and he swayed slightly when he reached out to Simon.
Simon still had a smile on his lips, but he did not take the hand extended by Jackson. Instead, he said to the people around him: "I'll have a chat with Peter. Let's all disperse."
There were only a few unknown people who could enter this cocktail party, but in front of Simon, no one dared to show any airs and dispersed one after another.
Peter Jackson was just a little drunk, but not drunk. Seeing Simon refuse to shake hands with him, he felt inappropriate. He looked around and wanted to put down the glass in his hand. As a result, the surroundings were empty, so he could only continue to hold the glass in embarrassment.
Simon looked him up and down: "Peter, are you feeling good lately?"
Of course Peter Jackson understood what Simon was asking, and grinned, becoming more and more embarrassed. He is a smooth and sophisticated person, but he still doesn't understand that Simon Westeros is dissatisfied with him.
Simon made a slight gesture to Megan Gale on the side. The girl was very understanding and took the initiative to take the wine glass that was already hot to Peter Jackson's hand and put it on the round table not far away.
After the cup was taken away, Jackson relaxed a little and said calmly: "Simon, I'm really sorry. I probably, um, I shouldn't have drank so much."
Simon shook his head slightly: "Peter, you have to understand that everything you have felt recently is fake, because you have not really succeeded yet. Even if I say now that I have changed my mind, the next second, you will be nothing. "
Hearing Simon's words, Peter Jackson's whole body shivered, and he no longer felt drunk: "I... I know, Simon, I'm very sorry."
Simon suddenly asked again: "Have you seen the movie "Mr. Zombie"?"
"seen it already."
"How many times have I watched it?"
"I don't really remember," Peter Jackson said vaguely, but immediately said solemnly: "But it must have been more than 10 times."
"In that case, let's go back to New Zealand tomorrow," Simon finally said with some satisfaction: "Make a good job of "Scary Ghost", and then "Lord of the Rings" in the future. When the time comes, what you enjoy is what you really deserve. Scenery, not soap bubbles like today.”
"Simon, I, I swear."
"So, what are you still doing here?"
Peter Jackson was stunned for a moment, said goodbye to Simon softly, and turned around to leave the lively banquet hall without hesitation.