"Hi Simon, how are you doing lately?"

"Busy, Brian, where are you?"

"Just coming back from New York, Bob and the others went to see the performance at the Metropolitan Opera. It was so beautiful. Martin also said that he planned to add it to his works in the future."

"When it comes to Martin, haven't he always wanted to film "The New York Gangster" over the years, I'm about to talk to him."

"Oh, that's great news. Martin has been waiting for more than a decade. Simon, if you're not kidding, I'll call him after this meeting?"

"Of course it's not a joke."

In another conference room with several sets of sofas hanging on the wall, Simon and Brian de Palma exchanged a few greetings, and briefly greeted Ella Deutschman, president of Gaomen Films, and Linda Waggs, the casting leader who has been with him for many years, and everyone sat down on the sofa together.

Go straight to the topic.

The project discussed today is called "Los Angeles City Secret", which is the third part of the "Los Angeles City Tetralogy" by the famous American crime novelist James Elorry. The first part of the quadruple is based on the 1947 Los Angeles "Black Dahlia" novel.

After the first song became famous, Elori wrote three other novels of the same theme with the same era background.

As for the copyright of the four-part Los Angeles, the earliest "Black Dahlia" was bought by Universal that year. After producing an unsuccessful miniseries, it was refrigerated. After the MCA merger and acquisition case, it was taken over by Daenerys Entertainment. "Los Angeles Secret" was completed in 1990 and bought by Daenerys Entertainment.

Simon was not very interested in the other two films "The Endless Wasteland" and "The White Jazz", and allowed other studios to snatch them away.

Because it was difficult to arrange it, "Los Angeles Secret" was not put on the agenda until the end of last year.

If Simon is determined to seek stability and pull up the original team, he just doesn't do that, but intends to let Brian de Palma be the director.

This is actually a bit of a risky decision.

Because the 2007 version of "Black Dahlia" was directed by Brian de Palma, there was a lot of criticism after its release, and the box office was bleak. The investment of $50 million was only close to $50 million.

However, Simon has seen Palma's version of "Black Dahlia". Whether from the perspective of a filmmaker or an ordinary audience, this film is definitely not as bad as critics from the outside world. For example, a plot of the discovery of the corpse of a black Dahlia, the camera dispatch is amazing. The performances of Elizabeth Short in the film are amazing, which makes many film critics think that they have reached the Oscar nomination level.

It can be said that Brian de Palma's directorial level is absolutely fine.

What's the problem?

script!

This is the most direct reason for the failure of "Black Dahlia".

As long as you have watched "The Secret of Luocheng" and then watched "Black Dahlia", the blind man can feel the producer's ambition to create the second "The Secret of Luocheng". Whether it is the character combination or the story structure, the traces of imitating "The Secret of Luocheng" are too heavy.

So he backfired.

What the audience hopes to see is Elizabeth Short, the murder case of the Black Dahlia. As a result, the Black Dahlia case in the film has almost become the background of the story. Instead, the narrative focuses repeatedly on the trivialities of the two pairs of male and female protagonists, and only after failing, the ghost will be seen.

As for why this situation is, to look deeper, the original director of "Black Dahlia" was David Fincher, and the script was completed. As a result, Fincher wanted to make a three-hour black-and-white film. The producer was finished as soon as he heard it, so Fincher withdrew and fell into the hands of Parma, who failed to get out of the trough because of the box office failure of "Miss Mission" in 2000 for several years.

Parma, who has been free for several years, wants to take on this job, but can only follow the producer's thoughts.

The result can be imagined.

Let’s talk about “Los Angeles City Secret”.

The original version of "Los Angeles City Secret" is of course very outstanding. It is just a script that perfectly combines the structure of the three male protagonists. The Oscar Best Adapted Screenplay Award is well deserved.

But the overall film is a bit average.

It's like a stable dish, the overall level is not low, but it's just that there is something that makes people shine.

Therefore, Simon gave up the original director Curtis Hanson and chose Brian de Palma. In addition to the friendship that Palma helped him accumulate from the era of "Rola Run", he also hoped that this film could reach a higher level and based on the original version, there would be more Palma-style bright colors.

Thinking about this, Simon sat down and took a folder handed over by the girl A who had been placed by the Johnson sisters, who rushed over quickly. While watching the female assistant distribute documents to the others, he asked Parma: "So, Brian, what do you think of the script of "Los Angeles Secret"?"

"It's very exciting. To be honest, Simon, I'm a little worried about whether I can control this project. I've roughly counted that the entire script has more than 80 characters with lines, and not counting indoors, there are more than 60 outdoor locations, which is a big test for shooting and editing. I've tried to simplify it, but found that there is no extra. Simon, this is certainly not something that can be done by the screenwriter signed by Brian Helgrand. I think only you can write it yourself can reach this level, right?"

Simon smiled and shook his head: "I don't have so much time to complete a script myself now. The main reason is that Elori's novel is excellent enough. However, the outline is indeed provided by me. In addition, Helgrand has repeatedly rewrite and revised it several times before it reaches its current level."

"I've read the novel," said Brian de Palma, pausing but not continuing. He had already experienced the talent of the young man next to him ten years ago. There was no need to sigh too much, and instead continue the topic: "Simon, in my opinion, this script is a wonderful Ukiyo-e in Los Angeles in the 1940s and 1950s. Because of the many roles in the scene, the choice of the protagonist is crucial. If their acting skills, temperament and other aspects cannot support the story, the end of the film will be very mediocre. However, if you choose the best actor, Simon, you know, the cost will be very high."

"Since you agree to be the director, that's what we're talking about today," Simon said, signaling to Linda Waggs: "I've asked Linda to start preparing some time in advance."

Linda Waggs, who had just sat down for a while, saw the boss signaling to him, got up and walked over to turn on the projector. He did not return, but sat near the operating table where a laptop computer was placed.

A photo appears quickly on the projection screen.

Nicole Kidman.

In the photo, Nicole is wearing a close-fitting silver silk low-cut long skirt, fur vest on her shoulders, golden wavy curly hair, and flaming red lips, giving people a dazzling feeling of Hollywood's Golden Age actresses at a glance.

Simon saw people around him looking at the screen together and said, "According to my personal understanding, the greed, sin, decay, and depravity of Angel City depicted in the book...After all, it is because of desire. The desire between men and women is undoubtedly the most easily felt desire. The heroine Lynn Brecon, as a senior call girl, seems to have few scenes, but she is not only a key to promoting the development of the storyline, but also a symbol of the desire of all people in the movie Angel City. The first choice to show this role is also this reason. Therefore, putting aside the setting in the book, I think she should be around 30 years old, have the temperament of a Hollywood Golden Age actress, and can trigger a man's desire to conquer and protect at the same time. Nicole is the one that satisfies me the most in all aspects."

The original Kim Basinger, Simon is really unsatisfied.

Moreover, Kim Basinger won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress with his role in "Los Angeles City Secret", and it is obvious that there are mostly PR elements. Not to mention the others, Julian Moore's performance in "Bully Night" in the same year was enough to get away from Basinger several streets. Unfortunately, the producer of "Bully Night" was once the New Line Films, which basically had no public relations skills. Julian Moore did not have as strong connections and qualifications as Basinger in Hollywood, and unfortunately failed.

Linda Waggs kept switching between Nicole and posing for the film, Brian de Palma carefully appreciated and tasted it, and Ella Deutschman whispered to Simon: "Boss, should Miss Kidman pay be too high?"

Since he planned to let Gaomen Pictures take charge, Ella Deutchman learned about it in advance that his boss planned to use 30 million to 40 million to finish the movie.

This is really nervous.

First of all, Brian De Palma's director pay is $5 million. Now, Nicole Kidman is used for the heroine. The actress started from "Pulp Novel" to the later "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series vase heroine to the Poison Ivy Girl in the "Batman" series, and now the quotation for commercial films starts at $5 million.

Even if Gaomen Pictures is in charge, "Los Angeles Secret" cannot be regarded as an art film. This is a commercial criminal drama film, and it is impossible to require actors to receive low salary for art films.

Simon heard Deuchiman's question and shook his head slightly: "Linda has communicated with Nicole for $3 million, plus an Oscar-supporting actress."

Lynn Brecon is definitely the heroine in "Los Angeles Secret", but because of not many scenes, it is no problem to say that she is a supporting actress. Kim Basinger, the former female lead, only got the Golden Man after applying for the supporting actress. Otherwise, if you sign up for the heroine, there will definitely be no chance.

$3 million, it's acceptable.

However, before the film started filming, I promised to give someone an Oscar-best supporting actress, which was inevitable that it would be a little more rash.

What if it cannot be fulfilled?

Ella Deutchman thought so, and was even more worried about the future.

If it were all casting standards like Nicole Kidman, not to mention the budget of 30 to 40 million, 50 million US dollars would not be able to finish the filming.

Such a black crime drama film with a certain length and theme is not popular. The cost is 50 million. In addition, it requires at least $20 million in publicity and promotion, and the global box office will cost between $150 million and $200 million to make a profit.

To be honest, Ella Deutchman has no confidence at all.

Perhaps it is better to film "Black Dahlia". After all, the copyright is also in the hands of Daenerys, and his reputation is much higher than "Los Angeles Secret", which makes it easier to succeed.

Simon ignored Deutchman's concerns. He knew about the budget for "Los Angeles Secret" that 35 million is equivalent to the original version. The main reason is that Nicole is actually the biggest brand in this movie, and the pay of 3 million is the highest.

After a few discussions, Palma also agreed with Nicole's casting, and Linda turned to the next one.

Simon continued to explain in person: "Jack Vincent appears to be a bad policeman, who is sophisticated and sophisticated, seeking profit and avoiding harm, and even mingled with the Los Angeles Police Department with a human-like attitude, but he did not completely abandon his conscience as a policeman, and finally took the initiative to help two young people investigate the truth, so he died. This is a very complicated person. I tend to play Kevin Spacey in this role. He has had a very wonderful performance in "The Seven Deadly Sins". Last year, he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor with another "Extreme Suspect".

Compared with the later "The Secret of Los Angeles", the most successful thing in "The Black Dahlia" was the selection of roles. The three male protagonists, two of whom were Oscar-winning actors, were successfully supported.

Simon is still the same for the original Kevin Spacey character this time.

As for the destructive things about Spacey in my memory, Simon couldn't care so much. If he cared about these things, there were not many people who could use them in Hollywood. Kevin Spacey was just dug out. Simon occasionally even thought that it would be better to get the Weinstein brothers who didn't know where to stay. After all, this was also a pair of talents, but thinking that the two brothers were too difficult to suppress, he gave up.

Apart from Nicole, who was just decided directly by Simon, Simon did not make a decision about Kevin Spacey, but asked Parma and Doichiman to contact Spacey in person. If they were not satisfied, they would have to change it and could produce actors that satisfied Simon even more, that would be fine.

Next, Simon did not force Ed Exley, who once starred by Guy Pierce, and Bud White, who was actually the first male lead. Based on the original two actors, he also recommended several other alternatives, the standard is that his pay is cheap and his acting skills are excellent enough.

Among them, Bud, who is struggling and irritable, has many cruel sides. Simon recommends Hugh Jackman this time.

"Mega Time Contact", which will be filmed next week, was struggling for a long time last year for one of the original pastoral roles starring Matthew McConaughey. Simon didn't think Matthew McConaughey was like a pastor at all. Finally, he found a candidate in Australia that satisfies Simon, Hugh Jackman.

Uncle Wolf got up and played a handsome and elegant priest, more than enough.

However, Uncle Wolf became violent, with a 1.9-meter-old body and a muscle all over his body. It was more than enough to play a Bud who happened to be such an image in the original work.

Of course Wolverine is still missing. Linda shows the poster and footage of a TV series "The Storm of the Iron Window" starring Hugh Jackman in Australia two years ago. In this series, Hugh Jackman, who plays the prisoner, has short hair, stubble, tattooed, and her eyes are gloomy and cold. Her look can almost be used directly as Bud White. Compared to Russell Crow, her youthful and irritable temperament is more prominent.

In addition, Matthew McConaughey entered Ed Exley's alternative this time.

Ella Deutchman began to think that Nicole Kidman was too expensive. Later, he felt that a group of alternative actors had a low status. After Linda finished introducing it, he said again: "I think Pitt can try Simon, Bud's role. He is the first male lead after all." As he said that, he saw Parma look over, Deutchman added: "It's Brad Pitt."

Simon immediately shook his head: "Actually, I have also considered that Pete's superman image is too profound. If you want to change the audience's potential impression, you must form a certain contrast, so I let him star in "Face Change". If it is this movie, he is not suitable for Bud who is positive after all. You can try the role of Ed. The problem is that Ed is actually the third male lead, and it is not as important as Lynn. In this way, Pite's status and pay are too high."

Deutschman said: "Peter has been in contact with me several times. He has always hoped to develop his own acting career outside of Superman. Pay is not a problem. Simon, why not let him try it. Bud and Ed, both of them will see the effect."

Simon thought about it slightly and said: "Spacey's pay is $1.5 million. If Pete wants to participate in the show, neither Bud nor Ed's pay can exceed this number, otherwise there will be no talks."

Deutchman thought a little, nodded and said, "It should be no problem."

Simon smiled and said, "Then you'd better sign a contract before "Face Change" is released. I'm very optimistic about "Face Change".

If the new version of "Face Change" starring Brad Pitt in the summer season is successful, the actor will break through the shackles of "Superman" to a certain extent. If you talk about the project, it will not be so easy to talk about.

Deutchman said he understood.

Then several people discussed the details of the script and the preparations in the early stages. The time seemed too short, and it was noon in a blink of an eye. The key points that should be mentioned have been reached, and the rest were left to Deutschman and Parma. Simon only needs to make some key points in the end.

Because the discussion was too devoted, it was already 12 o'clock after leaving the conference room.

Simon casually invited Doichman and Palma for lunch, but only realized after going out that a pair of sisters were almost forgotten by themselves and could only call each other together. However, in order to avoid some topics being heard by the two little girls, Simon sent A to accompany them to another table, and sat with Palma and the others.

This was until after lunch, while continuing to work in the afternoon, Simon asked Linda Waggs to arrange a small audition for Scarlett's sister Vanessa.

The result was terrible.

Compared to her sister, Vanessa only has a better appearance and performance, according to Linda's original words, she is almost the same as wood.

However, this is not a problem for Simon.

Most people learn acting skills the day after tomorrow. There are very few Hollywood stars who dare to say that they have never attended acting classes at all.

Linda was instructed to arrange the performance class for Vanessa, and Simon also gave a small incentive. If his acting skills were up to standard, he could get the role of a female high school student in the comet collision blockbuster "The Great Collision of Heaven and Earth" that Daenerys was preparing for, which is the role of the original Lily Sobosky.

Um.

Speaking of which, Lily Soboski is more in line with Simon's aesthetic than Vanessa.

It's not difficult to guess by the name.
Chapter completed!