American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 47 Filming Wrap-up Holiday
Although most of People magazine's readership is in the United States, HP is, after all, a world-class brand. So, as the publicity grew, the news of Isabella's interview and its content spread around the world.

Then, as the main characters of HP, Eggsy and Carrot naturally paid attention to the news broadcasts and market feedback.

Then, USA Today's criticisms of them reached their ears.

Then, the two little ones swelled up like pufferfish.

Qi qi qi—

"I just don't understand!"

Why is USA Today blaming me for the failure of "The Astronauts"?

"That movie was a parody!"

"It says the movie's protagonist has two stomachs, one of which can release incredibly foul-smelling farts that can kill people or even become rocket fuel... Any normal person who sees this synopsis would probably think it's a comedy, right?"

"And if a comedy film is not accepted by the public, its box office performance will definitely be poor."

So——

"What does the failure of 'The Fart' have to do with me?"

Its failure only proves that the public doesn't like this type of movie!

"Why does Today say that I caused the film to fail?"

Radish's roar came through the phone in Isabella's left hand.

Before she could even reply, Dan Niu's wailing could already be heard from the other end of the phone—

"Wow! Radish! What you're thinking is exactly the same as mine! Exactly the same!"

"I was completely shocked after seeing the report in Today, you know?"

"I simply don't understand why they're blaming me for the failure of 'The Panama Dressmaker'?"

"Radish, you were a supporting character in 'The Fart,' right? But what about me? I wasn't even a supporting character in 'Panama'! I only appeared a few times! I only had a few minutes of screen time!"

"And then, the movie failed because of me?"

"Ah--"

"I'm really amazing—"

Well, these two both think that Today is a bit crazy.

While they haven't produced any good movies since leaving Harry Potter, the problem is, they haven't really made many serious films either! It's true that Daniel Andrews has three works on his resume, but two of them were just for fun; as for Robert Downey Jr., he took on "The Fart" purely because he liked acting and thought the script was fun, as for any other reasons?
There's not a single hair on it!
So, on what basis does Today say they lack box office appeal?
Why does Today say that the success of Harry Potter has nothing to do with them?
This is absolutely absurd!
Isabella chuckled softly as she listened to their complaints.

She also read the news published by Today. In her opinion, Today's meaning was very simple: the reason they dissed Dan Niu and Luo Bo was purely to attack her by belittling the two of them.

This is a case of shooting the arrow first and then drawing the target.

I want to forcefully label her as 'useless after leaving HP'.

After all, they had a grudge against each other before.

At the end of last year, after the release of HP's first poster, it was Today that said her beauty would ruin the movie.

Normally, Warner would have paid them to revise their drafts, but Warner didn't do that. Instead, they proved to the world that good looks are a scarce resource by selling merchandise, slapping them in the face again and again.

Since *Today* magazine lost face at the beginning of the year, it's understandable that they want to seize this new opportunity to get revenge. Egg Girl and Carrot suffered an undeserved misfortune, but…

Isabella didn't want to say that.

"Okay, okay."

She gestured for the two of them to give her some space.

That's right, all three of them were using two phones to make calls. In the days before mobile internet was widespread, this was truly the best way for multiple people to have a group chat, because one-on-one calls would make the other person sing "Always Quiet"—

'It's supposed to be a movie for three people, but I never get a name!'

Okay, enough with the jokes.

Once the two calmed down, Isabella said, "So you're angry?"

"Of course!"

The unanimous response gave Isabella a sense of surround sound.

"Okay~ then you guys can keep taking on projects~"

Isabella suggested, "Keep taking on movies and make them well. That way you can prove to everyone that your previous failures had nothing to do with you, and that you can still shine even after leaving HP."

"..."

The two fell silent.

After a two-second pause, Rupert complained in a tone that seemed to say, "Do you think I'm stupid?": "Issa, you're so mean."

"what?"

Isabella didn't understand why he said that.

Daniel, however, got Rupert's point and said sourly, "Isa, do you think everyone gets a custom script like you? If we had a good script, would we not make it?"

"hahahahaha~"

That's right~
Isabella is showing off~
Showing off that you have a suitable notebook~
Since the two understood what she meant, she stopped joking and said, "Okay, let's talk about something serious."

"I really think my idea is pretty good."

"Sincere."

To be fair, no matter what industry or who you are, the best way to fight back when you're slandered is with your fists.

You're saying our eight tons can't beat your two tons?
Okay, no problem. Let your boss and our Party Secretary get in the car and meet.

Life and death are preordained, wealth and honor are determined by fate; only while alive can one talk about ideals!
However, neither Dan Niu nor Luo Bo can do all of this right now, because there are no suitable projects for them on the market.

Therefore, when faced with criticism, all they can do is pour out their grievances to those around them.

The reason for calling Isabella was purely to encourage those involved in the incident to make a good film.

Dan Niu: "Isa, we'll talk about my relationship with Luo Bo later. Right now, all I want to say is that as long as you make 'The Voice of China' a success, the doubts about 'Today' will disappear."

Radish: "Yes! Isha! If you succeed, it will prove that Today's logic is wrong. We can succeed even if we leave HP. We're not the kind of losers!"

'6! '

Isabella was amused.

Their logic seems sound, but...

"Hey Daniel, Rupert, have you two thought about something?"

"What is it?" the two asked in unison.

"Even if I make 'The Voice' a success, the media can say it from a different angle: 'Harry Potter's success is because I'm excellent, I have a lot of fans, and I'm the one who carried you two to success.'"

Isabella paused, then smiled and said, "Do you think that makes sense?"

"..."

The two were stunned!

A few seconds later, a series of curses and swears came from the phone's receiver.

Even though they hadn't met, Isabella still felt as if she could see their faces—

It's as black as a ghost!
This situation made Isabella smile.
Yes, she said that on purpose, just teasing the two firecrackers.
After listening to the two men rant about the media for a while, and as their emotions gradually calmed down, Isabella said, "Okay, okay, this time I'm really not joking anymore, Daniel, Rupert. What I want to say is that no matter what we do, we can only truly rely on ourselves. So, my personal advice is to find a good script if you have the chance."

"I believe in your abilities."

"I believe you can personally slap 'Today' magazine hard across the face."

Perhaps this topic is too heavy?
As Isabella finished speaking, the conversation fell silent.

After a long while, Radish coughed lightly and changed the subject—

"Isha, let's not talk about this anymore. How's the filming of 'The Voice' going?"

"Uh—it went pretty smoothly."

"No, that's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean?"

"Isa, Rupert is asking when you'll finish filming."

Daniel understood what Radish was trying to say.

"Oh? You mean this? It'll be here soon—"

As she answered, Isabella glanced at the shed not far away.

Those busy figures are making their final sprint...

While the outside world was still wondering why the lineup of "The Voice" was so extravagant, the movie "The Voice" was actually almost finished filming. At present, the only scenes left for the cast and crew were Isabella and Bobby's stage solo.

Yes, apart from the old jazz, everyone else has finished filming and left the group.

The old knight's scenes had actually been filmed two days prior, but the reason he stayed on was...

Then I'll help my sister take care of her granddaughter.

Perhaps it was all just a coincidence? As Isabella gazed at the studio, Catherine, who had been standing next to Columbus, suddenly turned around and jogged towards where her younger sister was sitting.

This situation prompted Isabella and Eggplant to say goodbye, put down their phones, and get up to go forward.

Sure enough, her older sister was asking her to come and film a movie.

Without hesitation, I went straight in.

The last few scenes are actually quite simple; they're all just fight scenes from the movie.

She changed into an elegant long dress, put on simple makeup, and sang her heart out on a lavishly decorated stage.

No acting skills required, just improvise, and the camera will handle the camera movement.

After one song was finished, another one was preserved.

We'll go through the process again and continue recording.

The solo shot ends when the cameraman says "okay".

Then, at Columbus's request, a few close-up shots were added, and Isabella was able to rest.

Then, Bobby Robbie came on stage and copied Isabella's routine.

Her solo performance ended in less than an hour.

Then, the two went on stage together to film the final results.

With anxious anticipation for the results, when the host announced that Lily Zeller was the winner of The Voice UK, the "bang bang bang" sound was the prelude to the flying ribbons, and also the clarion call for Lily Zeller to burst into ecstasy and cheer loudly.

Meanwhile, the antagonist, Bob, wore an expression of disbelief, witnessing Lily Zeller's joyful trophy-raising amidst shock, disappointment, anger, and sadness...

Then, in the shadows, where the public couldn't see her but where photographers were watching, she smashed the microphone in her hand.

“Okay——”

“Cut——”

"Good—"

"I hereby announce that filming of 'Little Miss Sunshine (pseudonym)' has officially wrapped up—"

With Columbus's shouts echoing through the world, The Voice of the World wrapped up filming...

"Anthony, thank you so much for your help. Perhaps we could collaborate sometime?"

“Oh, no problem. Isa, you can just call me whenever you need anything.”

"No, I need to call Teacher Maggie. You don't even call me Princess anymore."

"hahahaha~"

"..."

"Director Chris, the movie is all finished, so... go home and rest?"

“I also want to go home and rest, but I have too much work on my hands. I have the final editing rights for ‘The Voice’, so I have to oversee the editing process. The planning for ‘Azkaban’ isn’t finalized yet, and I still have a few more meetings with David and the others. So… I can only go home for a week at most, and then I have to fly back again. This is really… a nightmare…”

"Hey? Chris—what are you saying? How can you compare Livingston to a nightmare? This is clearly the birthplace of dreams, okay? And you, as the dream maker, are God in the hearts of countless children!"

Columbus remained silent.

Looking at Isabella with a tense expression, he said, "Isabella."

"Ok?"

"If you become a boss in the future, all your employees will become angels."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Because you only talk about dreams, but don't pay them, and then they starve to death."

"hahahaha~"

"..."

Now that filming has wrapped, everyone naturally has to go their separate ways.

Therefore, saying goodbye became the thing Isabella did most at that moment.

After seeing the old jazzman off to his car and giving the lousy director a hug, she turned her gaze to the crowd, hoping to spot a familiar figure, when she suddenly noticed Robbie with a bob haircut staring at her.

Nodding, smiling, and stepping forward, before she could even express her gratitude, the bob-haired man spoke first—

"Sister Isa, may I... speak with you alone for a moment?"

"Huh? Okay."

Isabella was a little surprised, but she nodded nonetheless. "Then...shall we talk at a coffee shop?"

"it is good."

The two went to a coffee shop. Isabella ordered a cup of tea, and Robbie ordered a glass of lemonade.

Isabella couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of this configuration. "Magazine."

"Ok?"

"If we were this small outside, we'd probably get beaten to death."

"Huh? Oh~"

Isabella's words made Robbie nod with a smile.

Then, holding the lemonade, she rubbed the glass and said:

"Sister Isa, I'm really sorry that my actions today may have taken up a little of your time."

"fine."

Isabella waved her hand, indicating that she didn't care.

"I don't have much work after filming wrapped, so... is there something you need for a private chat?"

Isabella winked at the girl.

"Uh... no..."

Robbie shook his head.

"Ok?"

Isabella found this answer rather strange.

Robbie looked down at the lemonade in front of him and smiled, saying:
"I'm talking to you privately because I want to spend some time with you. As you know, I'm a Harry Potter fan. I love the novels, the movies, and everything related to Harry Potter, so... I like you too."

"But, I haven't had much contact with you in the past month or so, because..."

The bob-haired boy started playing with his fingers.

Her slender, pale hands were tangled together like hemp rope.

She paused for a few seconds, seemingly organizing her thoughts, but more like she was observing Isabella's reaction. Seeing that Isabella didn't respond, she continued the conversation, "Because I don't know how to approach you."

"On the first day, I was extremely excited when I saw you, and then, I think I caused you trouble. Ever since I called out your name, I haven't dared to talk to you because I'm afraid you'll get angry."

"And now I'm looking for you..."

"I'm leaving soon."

"I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to see you again, so..."

Margot Robbie looked up and smiled at Isabella.

"It would be amazing to meet Hermione Granger alive."

“Oh~Marg~”

Isabella listened to Robbie's rambling words with a smile. Although she really wanted to tease him, for example, she wanted to ask him sternly, "Am I a very fierce person in your eyes? If not, why do you think I get angry after you yell at me?"

But she couldn't do that.

Because Robbie has made his feelings very clear.

She knew there was no absolute fairness in the world, and she knew there were hierarchical divisions among people. Therefore, when she faced Hermione Granger, who was already floating on clouds, she couldn't look at that light on the same level as her peers.

In that situation, if Isabella were to actually put on a stern face, Robbie would genuinely think she was angry.

So……

"Marg?"

"Ok?"

"I wasn't angry that day."

"Really?"

"of course."

"Oh, that puts my mind at ease."

Isabella's affirmation relieved Margot Robbie.

With the question resolved, a strange silence fell over the large private room once again.

Isabella was invited, so she had nothing to talk about with Robbie.

And Robbie...

Well, judging from her expression, she doesn't know what to talk about either.

That being the case...

So you're planning to go straight home? Back to Australia?

"Yes, I've been out for over a month now, I have to go back."

"What are you planning to do after you get back? Continue practicing circus acts?"

"Oh—I don't want to practice circus anymore—"

Robbie shook his head and said, "Because the circus is too tiring, and it's really too dangerous. You could end up with a permanent disability if you're not careful. So I want to find a school that teaches acting... I want to be an actor."

"Is that so? That's good. Best of luck." Isabella raised her eyebrows.

Robbie laughed when 'Wishing you all the best' appeared.

Because this is considered seeing the guest off during the exchange.

"Okay, thank you. Well then—Sister Isa, will we have a chance to meet again?"

Robbie knows how to behave appropriately.

Isabella smiled at his obedient appearance. "A chance? Aren't we supposed to meet at the end of the year?"

"Huh?" Robbie didn't understand what she meant.

Isabella laughed and said, "Our movie will have a premiere, and Warner Bros. will send you an invitation and cover your flight and hotel, so if nothing unexpected happens, we'll see each other again this year."

"Oh~~~"

The little girl was delighted, "Thank you!"

"Sorry to bother you, I...I'm leaving?"

The chat ended before we even finished our tea.

Looking at the joyful, bouncing sounds, Isabella shook her head.

I took a couple of sips of tea and went out to find my mother.

As soon as she appeared, the two women in the house started gossiping: "Isa, what did Marg talk to you about?"

"We didn't talk much, he just said he admired me..."

Isabella briefly described the exchange that had just taken place.

Upon learning that Robbie had sought out Isabella simply to express his joy, both Catherine and Vivian shook their heads.

"Why do I feel like she's a little insecure?" Catherine wondered.

“That’s normal, because she’s sensible,” Vivian said. “In this society, the more sensible a person is, the more tiring their life becomes.”

"Oh~~"

Catherine thought her mother made sense.

"So—Isai—are you going to send her an invitation to the premiere of 'The Chamber of Secrets'?"

Catherine looked at her younger sister.

Her point was simple: Margot Robbie is a really nice guy, so when she's a huge Harry Potter fan, a huge Hermione Granger fan, and knows her limits, sending her an invitation to the premiere of "The Chamber of Secrets" is a good way to...

Why don't you hold an umbrella for someone?

After all, they had also received help from others.

Without J.K. Rowling's choices, they wouldn't be where they are today.

Without Chris Columbus's goodwill, they wouldn't have been able to happily reap the benefits of Warner Bros. and Disney's resources.

And this...

"forget it."

Isabella thought for a moment, then shook her head.

"Sis, I still have a ton of work to do, I don't have time for any socializing right now."

"Besides, Marge isn't famous right now. If I send her an invitation, then next time I'm working with someone new, should I send them an invitation too?"

“If I send it to everyone I meet, it will become very troublesome. If I send it once or twice and then stop... then people will definitely say behind my back that I am getting special treatment. So, let’s wait until ‘The Voice of China’ is released before we talk about it.”

"If people like the characters she plays, then we can have normal conversations."

"If she hadn't entered the industry because of me..."

"We'll talk about that later."

That's right, even though filming for the movie has wrapped, Isabella still has work to do.

For example, recording songs.

"The Voice" is a music film, and the audio tracks for the songs in a music film are all recorded separately.

This doesn't mean she lip-synced during filming, but rather that the audio recorded on set was unusable.

No matter how good the sound recording equipment is during filming, it can't compare to a recording studio. Therefore, for a better experience for the audience, whenever a film involves singing, the final audio track can only come from a recording studio.

And yet, she hasn't made a single song so far.

So……

Keep busy.

Although Isabella didn't sing much in her previous life, she did go into a studio. The recording location for The Voice was EMI, because EMI's headquarters are in London, and one of the five best studios in the world is on Abby Road.

For a normal loan, there's a waiting list.

This shed is in high demand.

Because The Beatles, Queen, and The Police all recorded their songs here, and every single one they recorded here became a hit. To put it in a more mystical way, this place is like it's been enchanted; many big names in the pop music industry come here to record their hit songs.

They wanted to bring good luck.

but……

Who is Columbus?

He made a phone call, and Baidai arranged the schedule.

Of course, it's not free.

The shed isn't cheap; it costs five thousand pounds an hour.

Labor costs included.

EMI provides everything: recording engineers, mastering tapes, bands...

Isabella recorded a total of five songs. It took 20 hours to record the music first and then the vocals, and EMI spent another 35 hours polishing it in post-production.

When the final bill was settled, including the teachers' living expenses (food, drink, and toilet facilities), the total cost reached £30…

"Oh--"

"How is this any different from robbery?"

Isabella was convinced after seeing the bill.

"Of course they are different from robbery, because they are legal."

Vivian winked at her daughter.

"..."

Isabella's vision went black, and she sighed.

Making songs is really expensive!
Since it was a necessary expense, Isabella only hesitated for a short while before giving up.

Of course, she also asked her older sister how the other characters in the movie recorded their songs. After learning that they had all gone to Warner Music in New York, Isabella immediately hummed, as if to say, "Is this the relief after handing over the copyright?"

By the time they handed the master tape to Barnason, it was already September 25, 2001.

She can finally rest.

"Vacation, vacation, vacation—"

Since the release of "Sorcerer's Stone" last year, Isabella has not had a single day off.

She felt so busy that she was completely oblivious to the world around her!
So she needs to get some rest!
After discussing it with Catherine, the two decided to go to the African island nation of Mauritius for a trip.

Because this place is far from the secular world and will not be disturbed by outsiders.

The truth is...

is also like this.

Although Mauritius has many problems because it was formerly a British colony, and the British were always inhumane in their dealings with people—as everyone knows—therefore, issues such as race, culture, language, and even the lifestyles of the indigenous people are very serious.

But money can solve everything.

After Isabella told Warner's assigned bodyguard that she was going to Mauritius, everything was taken care of by the local American guide from the moment she stepped off the chartered plane, as the sea breeze, a symbol of freedom, caressed her cheeks...

"Oh--"

Life is wonderful!

They lived in a seaside villa, where the azure world where the sea and sky met was directly visible when the curtains were drawn.

After spending two days in the hotel to fully recover, Isabella wandered around like a street urchin.

Today, I'd like to go to Sweet Island to eat sugarcane?

Okay, then just tell the guide to arrange the boat tour.

Want to observe a rare underwater waterfall tomorrow?

No problem, one phone call and a helicopter will be on the way.

I'm thinking of climbing Dead Crater Volcano the day after tomorrow?

Uh……

She has to climb it herself.

After all, the legs are her own...

"Keisha~ Look~ That monkey is eating a crab~"

"That's a crab-eating macaque; it can even open oysters."

"Ah? Really fake?"

"of course it's true."

"how do you know?"

"You need to recognize the species when sketching animals!"

"Oh~~~"

Isabella, who was clinging to her older sister's arm and having her drag her up the mountain, suddenly realized what was going on.

"Isa~ Keisha~ Look at that red bird~ the one perched on the spikes~ It's so cute~"

After walking for a while, Vivian suddenly called out to her daughters.

Following the sound, they saw a bird with a red head, red body, and brown wings.

"This is a cardinal."

Catherine recognized it. "I've drawn this one too. It's in a French book on ornithology..."

Tourism and vacation are two different concepts.

In the future, the former will have the meaning of checking in at the place, while the latter, in the eyes of most people, will just mean spending money while lying down.

Isabella understood it the same way.

Therefore, when she defined this trip as a vacation, she didn't want to know anything about Mauritius, its culture, its customs, its geography and nature...

She only does what she wants to do, or what suddenly interests her.

Then, she felt completely relaxed and comfortable.

If I had to describe it, it would be like knowledge brushing through your mind without leaving a trace. That clarity, that ethereal quality, can elevate your entire being.

However, just when Isabella thought this pleasant, leisurely time would last at least a month...

Late at night on October 19, 2001, Vivian suddenly received a phone call.

After humming in agreement twice, she got out of bed and went into the next room.

"Isa?"

She shook her sleeping youngest daughter awake.

"What's wrong, Mom?"

Isabella opened her eyes groggily.

Vivian didn't say anything, but handed the phone to her.

This situation puzzled Isabella. She picked up the receiver and heard Columbus's voice coming through it—

"Isa, where are you?"

"Mauritius...don't you know about it..."

"Oh, right, when are you going back to England?"

"I...I'll definitely be back before the premiere of 'The Locked Room'..."

The promotion of "The Secret Chamber" had already begun, but it had nothing to do with Isabella; she didn't need to personally handle it.

Warner Bros. chose to feature Daniel and Rupert in their public interviews.

The reason for doing this is simple. It's not only because the HP IP is strong enough that not everyone needs to be mobilized, but also because Isabella has another movie this year, "The Voice," which requires her to personally handle its promotion. When the two movies are released back-to-back, if she keeps appearing in both projects, the excessive exposure will make movie fans feel tired.

Furthermore, while the whole world knew that Isabella had been busy with The Voice after filming "The Chamber of Secrets," her absence from HP's promotional activities could also give the public a hint, for example—

'Isabella is so focused on her new movie that she hasn't had time to do any HP promotion.'

She wanted to present her best work to everyone.

Well, there are rules and methods to publicity and promotion. In Hollywood, it's all too common to try to do two things at once.

"That's too late. Can you come back earlier?"

Columbus sighed on the other end of the phone.

"Ah? What's wrong?"

Isabella, whose mind hadn't quite clicked yet, was a little confused.

Richard is dying.

Columbus said, "He's in the hospital again."

(End of this chapter)