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 he had not misremembered the production budget, he 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 US$500,000. A more detailed budget needs to be calculated according to a more specific shooting plan. However, this is not actually a problem.

.Simon, the question now is, do you have any previous experience in 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, due to 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 and then dropped out. I 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, 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 looked up at this time and said: "Simon, it is indeed 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 also holds the positions of director and producer. Temporarily hiring a director's assistant is entirely within the purview of both people.

within the range.

If Simon is really just a newcomer who has just entered Hollywood without much experience, it is definitely a very rare opportunity to gain experience as an assistant to a well-known Hollywood director like Brian De Palma.

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 all aspects of film production. As Brian De Pa

Perhaps the only thing Erma can bring to Simon is a 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'm good enough to 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 early shooting

, and then inject subsequent funds, otherwise, they can withdraw at any time.”

Simon is a very independent 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 in his heart.

of confidence.

"Simon, in Hollywood, using your own money to invest in movies has always been a very bad choice." After a brief consideration, 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 be successful 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 should still be able to 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 currently calculated as 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 considered symbolic 1

The salary is US dollars, 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

If the scenery, soundtrack, etc. are more careful, the final production budget of about US$1 million will be safer."

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 energy should still be focused 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: "Finally, I will

Make a copy of this, I think it will be more convincing than the script."

David Giller was somewhat surprised as he turned over a few pages of the storyboard sketch 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, and the lunch brought by the waiter was completely cold. Everyone had to laugh and order lunch again to fill their stomachs.

Then we returned to the morning meeting room to continue discussing the revision of the "Butterfly Effect" script.

In this way, until after get off work hours, Simon made a copy of the script and storyboards of "Run Lola Run" and gave them to David Giller. He also took the long memo about the script modifications agreed 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 during off-duty hours was congested as usual, 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 area near St. Vincent Avenue, after Simon got off the car, he sent the taxi driver away and looked at the mansion covering an area of ​​more than 800 square meters in front of him again. His heart felt like it again for the Nth time since Saturday afternoon.

An idea came to his mind that made him grit his teeth: prodigal women!

Simon made a reservation with a real estate agent last week for a viewing on Thursday, intending to rent an apartment.

After being accidentally 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.

Please 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 to be high compared to the luxury houses in Simon's impression. But this was 1986 after all, and even in Los Angeles, most people could not earn US$2,700 a month.

Then, when Simon raised objections and was unwilling to sign the lease contract, the originally nice woman actually started crying in front of the ward doctor and real estate manager. While crying, she accused the miser of ignoring her hard work after running around all day.

He is very 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 still has furniture.

There is a bed in the master bedroom.
Chapter completed!