The mountainside mansion Simon purchased early on in the Palisade overlooking Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean has become a designated party venue in the Westeros system.
This is still true today.
This is Saturday, June 8th.
When night falls, a large number of superstars, celebrities and entertainment executives begin to gather in the center of the Palisades along the Malibu line to the west and various wealthy areas run through by Sunset Boulevard to the east.
This party is mainly to celebrate the good results of Daenerys Entertainment-related films since the start of the summer season, not only "Romeo and Juliet" and "Dark Man" independently released by Daenerys Entertainment, but also "The Mummy" and "Mission: Impossible 2", the relevant crew and co-production studio executives were invited.
In fact, Daenerys Entertainment's inclusion of "The Mummy" and "Mission: Impossible 2" in the celebration somewhat dissatisfied Fox and Paramount, because doing so seemed to publicly declare who was responsible for these two projects. leader.
Although some things are true, discomfort is inevitable.
Of course, no one from the two families raised any objections, and they all participated in the party very enthusiastically. After all, in Hollywood nowadays, frankly speaking, everyone more or less depends on Daenerys Entertainment’s face. live.
It’s okay not to watch it, as long as you have the ability to create a super bombshell that explodes on your own.
No one is willing to succumb to others. In fact, everyone has been trying silently, but unfortunately the results are not very good, just like Warner's "The Evaporation Order". Therefore, at the moment, we can only stay down and play small. After all, although Hollywood is a place where dreams are made, Hollywood people are very realistic.
Just like the past box office week, from May 31st to June 6th, three movies related to Daenerys Entertainment directly occupied the top three on the list, and they were the only three movies to reach 1,000 box office in a week. Movies worth over $10,000.
The first is the much-anticipated "Mission: Impossible 2", which undoubtedly topped the box office in its first week.
In the past "Mission: Impossible 2", Wu's action film style was unanimously recognized by the media and audiences, but in terms of plot, it was generally considered to have lost the suspense and reversal essence of the opening film. In the new version of "Mission: Impossible 2", although Simon once again used Baige Wu, he tried his best to maintain the style of the opening series in the plot during the script creation stage.
In addition, through careful planning of the supporting cast team during the initial development of the project, the continuity of the series' story has been greatly increased. The success of the two major comic book movie universes in two time and space has proved the huge effect of this continuity on maintaining the popularity of the series of movies.
The final results also proved the correctness of these strategies.
After the premiere of "Mission: Impossible 2" last week, the word-of-mouth ban was lifted, and the comprehensive media score reached an excellent score of 8.2 points.
It was even more successful at the box office.
In its first seven days, "Mission: Impossible 2" grossed US$76.15 million at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing movie in 1996 so far.
This kind of box office may not be comparable to the phenomenal DC movie universe blockbuster that broke over 100 million in its first week, but it is much better than the first one. The first "Mission: Impossible" released three years ago only had a box office of US$46.35 million in its first week, and the cumulative revenue in the first two weeks was only US$75.69 million, while "Mission: Impossible 2" took in US$76.15 million in one week.
With the change in distribution model, although it is certain that "Mission: Impossible 2" will not be able to get out of the stable long-term domestic box office of the first film of 180 million U.S. dollars, but with an opening of 76.15 million U.S. dollars, the film's domestic box office is almost 200 million U.S. dollars. There is not much suspense.
On the other hand, compared to the total production and publicity cost of the first film of US$100 million, the production cost of "Mission: Impossible 2" was US$90 million, with a publicity expenditure of US$40 million, for a total investment of US$130 million. It is estimated that only the box office in North America will exceed US$200 million, coupled with the fact that this strong series can obtain a higher than 55% average revenue sharing ratio from theaters, it will allow "Mission: Impossible 2" to realize its return on investment.
With such achievements, even if the revenue has to be shared with Daenerys Entertainment, the IP of "Mission: Impossible" will still become Paramount's pillar series like the original space and time.
The strength of "Mission: Impossible 2" undoubtedly impacted all other movies released at the same time.
"The Mummy", which ranked second on the list, suffered a box office drop of 53% in its third week due to the impact of "Mission: Impossible 2". Its single-week revenue dropped from US$41.93 million in the second week of release to US$19.69 million. After three weeks of filming, this fantasy adventure blockbuster co-produced by Fox and Daenerys has accumulated a box office of US$125.16 million.
Although the local estimate is only about 150 million U.S. dollars, "The Mummy" has already exceeded 100 million U.S. dollars in the two weeks before its opening in major overseas markets. The overseas box office is expected to be twice that of the domestic one. After three weeks of release worldwide, the film has already withdrawn With a total investment of US$105 million in production and promotion, it began to generate profits.
The Mummy was developed as a series from the beginning. The first film got off to a great start, and this series has also become a natural mainstay for Fox.
Immediately afterwards, the dark horse of the modern version of "Romeo and Juliet" followed "Mission: Impossible 2" and "The Mummy", ranking third on the list.
In its fourth week of filming, this modern romance film adapted from a classic that is loved by teenagers, while other movies have generally plummeted due to the impact of "Mission: Impossible 2", this week's decline is still only 29%, and it collected another 13.37 million US dollars. Within one month of its release, this mid- to low-cost film, which cost only US$15 million to produce, had a cumulative box office of US$89.11 million.
It is expected to enter the 100 million yuan box office club this week.
Apart from the top three, all other films still in theaters during the same period failed to break through the 10 million box office mark in a single week.
In fourth place, Disney produced the black comedy "Eddie." This new film starring Whoopi Goldberg tells the story of a black woman who unexpectedly becomes the coach of an NBA team. It started production at the same time as "Mission: Impossible 2" and cost $30 million to produce. , the box office in its first week was only US$8.01 million.
With such a start, the local box office could reach a maximum of 20 million US dollars. There is obviously no overseas market for black comedies, and the loss-making ending is conceivable.
"Austin Powers" with an investment of US$40 million and "Eddie" with a cost of US$30 million failed consecutively. Disney has already failed two projects this summer, and the next thing to look forward to is the 2D animated film "" on June 21. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and the July 4th holiday bombshell "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
Needless to say, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is adapted from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
"The Island" is a project left over from Jerry Bruckheimer's brief collaboration with Disney.
Famous Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer and his partner Don Simpson signed a studio affiliation contract with Disney a few years ago, but the good times did not last long. After Vivendi acquired Disney, the French wanted to avoid the Japanese acquisition of Colombia. Following in the footsteps of Disney, the two parties were at odds with each other and soon parted ways.
However, "Into the Island" hatched during the cooperation was retained. Vivendi did not ax the project, but continued to put it into production and made it a blockbuster hit in the 1996 summer season.
"Bravely Entering the Island" in the original time and space is not a big hit, but it is also very successful.
This time, at least the main creative cast of the film has changed beyond recognition. Director Michael Bay has already been recruited by Simon to work for Daenerys, and Nicolas Cage, one of the leading actors, has also become the leading actor in the "Mission: Impossible" series. Even producer Jerry Bruckheimer has given up on it. The original creator of the film has only one other leading actor left, Sean Connery.
With such changes, it can basically be said to be another movie.
Simon did not deliberately find out more about this project. How the market will perform in the future can only wait for the Independence Day holiday in early July.
The fifth place on the list is Arnold Schwarzenegger's "The Vapor", with a box office of US$6.1 million in a single week. This movie has made the producer Warner Bros. lose all hope. The cumulative box office in the four weeks since its release was US$73.29 million, which is not as much as the revenue of "Mission: Impossible 2" in one week.
After the top five, only "Dark Man" is worth mentioning.
Another small dark horse in this summer's summer release, after unexpectedly exceeding 10 million in its first week, under the impact of "Mission: Impossible 2", it still dropped by more than half, reaching 51%, and collected another 5.03 million. Dollar.
The film's cumulative box office in North America reached US$15.41 million in its two weeks of release.
15.41 million U.S. dollars, which seems a bit unaffordable compared with those box office blockbusters, but if you compare it with "Eddie", which Disney invested 30 million U.S. dollars and only had a box office of 8.01 million in the first week, you can understand the box office results of "Dark Man" How rare it is, after all, the total production and promotion cost invested by Daenerys Entertainment for "Dark Man" was only US$5 million. Not to mention the various comparisons between "Dark Man" and "Episode" that have been hyped by the media recently. At least in terms of profit, the "little guy" from across the ocean has completely defeated the "big guy" in Hollywood.
When the night on the West Coast completely enveloped the surroundings, Jet Lee and his Chinese agent Jeremy Zhao took a car and arrived at a mansion halfway up the Palisade. Noticing the reporters gathered around the gate of the mansion not far ahead through the car window, Jet Lee curiously asked: "Can they take pictures like this?"
"Of course," Jeremy, who was a little nervous about being able to attend this party, pretended to be relaxed and explained the point: "If you want to be published in the entertainment newspaper tomorrow, you can get off the car in front of the gate so that they can come forward. For photos and interviews, both sides get what they want. For some starlets, being able to attend such a party is both worth showing off and an opportunity to increase exposure. So, Jeter, do you want to get off the car?"
Jet Lee quickly shook his head and said with a smile, "No need."
With that said, the car arrived in front of the main gate. The surrounding reporters gathered around. Seeing that the car had no intention of stopping, they did not bother and took the initiative to step away. The driver showed the invitation letter to the gate, and the car drove into the mansion. Quickly stop in front of another level.
This time it will be significantly stricter.
The hotel's car and driver were no longer allowed to enter. The security guard behind the reception desk carefully checked their identities through the computer. They also passed through a security gate and then entered along the corridor under the guidance of the receptionist on the other floor. Party scene.
Jet Lee, who had attended many Hollywood parties recently, was a little surprised by this. Jeremy, who noticed the other person's expression, took the initiative to explain, but he just whispered his name: "Simon."
Jet Lee understood immediately.
Considering that the young tycoon's powerful position at this time was far more than just the boss of Daenerys Entertainment Group, it seemed normal to do so.
The waiter took the two to the open-air party on the cliffside on the other side of the main villa of the mansion. Many guests had already arrived and the party had already begun. Under the soft but not gloomy lighting, retro and literary jazz music is floating in the air, which complements this Mediterranean-style mansion.
Most people were obviously not willing to miss such a social opportunity. They gathered in small groups to chat. Of course, some people danced and some enjoyed delicious food. In the swimming pool not far away, there were sexy girls swimming like mermaids in the water. It's a standard picture of a vanity fair where people are drunk and reveling in wealth.
Jeremy Zhao glanced over and found a bunch of faces he wanted to get to know.
However, he also knew that Jet Lee had planned to bring his girlfriend here this time, but he changed his mind in order to help him expand his network. Since the client is so loyal, he will naturally not abandon the other party and only focus on his own communication. After all, Jet Li's English skills are not very fluent and he needs a translator.
After the two grown men stood outside the crowd in a daze, Jeremy spoke first and motioned to a man and a woman who were talking not far away: "Li, that lady over there, Linda Vargas, let's go fight first." Hello, she is Simon's official casting manager. You will understand in the future how powerful this woman who seems to be little famous outside the industry is. Even the heads of the three major Hollywood agencies are now very polite to her. "
Jet Lee nodded and said, "Jerry, you need to worry about whom to meet later. I don't know much about this place."
"Of course, I will try my best."
As they talked, they each took a glass of champagne from the passing waiter and walked towards the man and woman who were chatting.
Probably coming closer, because the other party was talking, the two waited for a while, and at the same time roughly heard the content of the other party's conversation.
"Jim, you know Simon doesn't like girls with thick lips, and he attaches great importance to the project of "The Lost Lady". I hope you are not considering Jon Voight's daughter because of her."
"I promise there is nothing personal, Linda. I will send you the audition video next week. You should really watch it. I think Julie has a good chance of getting at least an Oscar nomination for this role. Her performance It’s really amazing.”
"No need for next week, someone will send me the tape tomorrow. If she is really good, I will submit it to Simon."
"no problem."
"One more thing, this is my personal reminder, Jim, don't forget, Mia is the heroine of this movie. I think Simon doesn't want to see the heroine being overly suppressed by the female co-star. This is very important for a movie. It’s not a good thing for the movie, I hope you can put more thought into Mia.”
"Of course I understand that Linda and Mia's inherent melancholy and on-the-edge-of-collapse temperament are also very good. However, one thing we should all understand is that extroverted performances are more likely to attract the attention of the audience and Oscar judges. ,so… "
"As long as you do your best, I believe Simon has considered this, and Mia is still young and has enough time."
While the two were talking, Jeremy took the initiative to introduce the black-haired man talking to Linda Vargas to Jet Lee in a low voice: "James Mangold, Daenerys Entertainment has been very interested in it in recent years. A new and emerging director.”
After saying this, sensing that the conversation between the two had stopped, Jeremy also came forward with Jet Lee.
Linda Vargas had obviously noticed the two of them, and took the initiative to smile and extend her hand to Jet Li: "Hello, Jet, nice to meet you."
Having been able to occupy the position of a special assistant next to Simon for so many years, Linda Vargas is naturally impeccable in dealing with people. From the "Dark Man" project and some recent film matters handed over by Simon, Linda Vargas I can feel that my boss attaches great importance to this oriental kung fu star, so he will not be disrespectful at all.
In addition, in her opinion, Jack Cheng, another man who made his name in Hollywood by relying on "Rush Hour", has recently made an almost stupid choice and even cooperated with Disney for his next new film. This is very likely As a result, Jet Lee will receive more resources.
After all, during this period of time, Rwanda once again attacked the French government. It is not difficult to guess what happened behind the scenes.
My boss must have had some disputes with the French government.
Under such circumstances, Jack Cheng went to cooperate with Disney, which is controlled by French capital, which was a slap in the face. Maybe the other party thinks this is just a business cooperation, but where there are people, there are politics, and you need to stand. Many times, even if your butt is not intentional at all, or even contrary to your own wishes, it is difficult to avoid the consequences that you should bear in the end. Lose.
The two parties chatted for a while and exchanged business cards. Linda Vargas did not forget to help introduce James Mangold a few words.
When a pair of good-looking young men and women came over, Jet Lee recognized the man among them as Brad Pitt, who plays Superman Clark Kent. The two parties nodded politely to each other, Jet Lee and James Mann. Gao Dedu took the initiative to move elsewhere.
Brad Butt and his girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow hugged Linda Vargas affectionately and spread her arms. When she was glared at, she could only reach out and shake her face. There was a cynical smile on his face: "Linda, I heard that Paul's 15th birthday is next month. Do you need me to bring a few friends to attend?"
Linda Vargas didn't mean to give Peter face, and refused: "No need, I will keep Paul away from you bad boys."
"Oh, I didn't expect that I would have this image in your mind." Brad Pitt immediately covered his heart, made a few heartbeat movements, and then held it up to Linda: "Look, it's all broken. "
Gwyneth couldn't stand it anymore and hammered her boyfriend, but there was a smile on her face.
Linda Vargas also smiled and rolled her eyes at him: "Peter, you should be more steady."
"I am very stable at other times. Only in front of my sister do I look like a little boy. Linda, you make me feel like my biological sister."
"Okay, Pete, you know this isn't going to work for me."
"Okay, okay," Brad Pitt gave up the showmanship and suddenly changed his expression to a pitiful expression: "Linda, can you give me some news about the role in "Face"."
Of course Linda Vargas understood the reason for Brad Pitt's behavior just now, and she shook her head without hesitation: "Pitt, be patient, there will be news soon."
Brad Pitt changed his tone: "I heard that Ed is also fighting for Liam Neeson for this role. Linda, tell me, I am the more competitive one, right?"
Linda Vargas did not answer, but said: "You are all artists under ICM. Whether Ed Limato is fighting for a role for Liam Neeson, you should know better than me."
Seeing Linda Vargas, Brad Pitt still refused to let go. He made a clasped hand gesture and bowed: "Please, Linda, or you can just tell me to give up?"
Men are resistant to beautiful women, and the same is true for women to beautiful men.
After being so entangled by Peter, some things were not too top-secret after all. Linda Vargas finally showed a helpless expression and said softly: "Pete, you should be very aware of your disadvantages. The role of Superman has a negative impact on your screen image." The constraints are too severe, so everyone is hesitant, and because of hesitation, they delay. This is good news for you, do you understand?"
Brad Pitt's eyes lit up: "I understand."
"Well, have a good time tonight."
After Linda Vargas finished speaking, she ignored Gwyneth Paltrow, who obviously wanted to find out something, and turned to walk towards Michael Ovitz, the head of CAA not far away.
Brad Pitt put his arm around the waist of his girlfriend, who subconsciously wanted to follow her, and said, "Forget it, Gwen, unless she is willing, you won't get any useful information from Linda."
"I just want to ask when the casting for "Shakespeare in Love" will start," Gwyneth Paltrow said, but she could only give up and said instead: "Brad, did you notice that Linda just said That look in her eyes when she said 'you should be more steady'? I don't think she said it casually."
"What's the meaning?"
Gwyneth Paltrow was not so unreserved after all and could only hint: "Think about it again, think about it carefully."
Brad Pitt decisively pretended to be stupid, raised his hand and pointed somewhere: "Over there, Stephen Sommers, let's go over and say hello. Maybe we will have the opportunity to cooperate in the future."
Gwyneth Paltrow had no choice but to follow her boyfriend's force and walk to the other side of the party.
With the success of "The Mummy", Stephen Sommers has risen to the top of Hollywood. In addition to Stephen Sommers, the leading actors and actresses of "The Mummy" Val Kilmer and Rachel Weisz are here at this time, as well as Kate Beckins who came from the East Coast to attend this party over the weekend. Well, the two women held each other's arms and looked very intimate.
Brad Pitt came here with his girlfriend, and the first thing he noticed was two blazing British roses.
But just look at it.
There are some actresses in the industry who must not be touched.
Noticing the two people approaching, one of them was Brad Pitt, the actor of Superman. Stephen Sommers glanced slightly and continued to treat Daenerys Entertainment's veteran contracted producer. He also had a lot of feelings for Simon back then. Alien series creator David Giller introduces his new script idea.
"Imagine, David, that a large cruise ship full of tourists was suddenly attacked. Countless huge tentacles penetrated the cabin and swallowed hundreds of tourists one by one, leaving only a few survivors. Then, another group tried to hijack The kidnappers of this ship appeared, and the two groups of people met, and gradually discovered the truth of the matter. They had to actively cooperate, and under the attack of countless murderous tentacles, they escaped together from this cruise ship that had become a hell. Yes, this story is similar It’s a maritime version of "Alien", so I think it’s perfect for you to be the producer. In addition, I hope Harrison Ford can play the leading role. Ford’s screen image in recent years is very suitable for this kind of desperate survival. Movie style. Well... By the way, I named this story "Extreme Cold"."