America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 720 The Most Popular Attractions at Disney Studios

Disney Studios, Argo Studios.

"Trying to fool Hollywood? A place where everyone makes a living by lying?" In the recording studio, Martin recalled the relevant scene and uttered this line: "If you want people to believe a lie, you have to get the media to promote it for you!"

David Fincher nodded: "OK!"

Martin came out of the recording studio and asked David Fincher, "Is it ready?"

David Fincher had the sound engineer play back all the re-recorded audio, then took off his headset and said, "Well done."

After the recording ended, the two came out of the recording studio.

David Fincher asked, "Do you have a good chance of winning the Oscar for Best Actor this year?"

"I'm pretty confident," Martin said directly. "David, remember to campaign for me."

David Fincher readily agreed: "No problem." He added, "Remember to introduce me to your PR team."

Martin didn't miss a single one of the usual Oscar lobbying tactics, such as public relations lobbying, from the start of awards season. His PR team was very capable: "Whenever you have time, I'll introduce you to Rita's PR team."

David Fincher nodded and added, "Post-production on Argo may take a while. This is my last attempt at an Oscar. Whether I succeed or fail, I'm not going to play along with the Academy anymore."

Martin said, "The film is scheduled for release next awards season, David, you have plenty of time."

David Fincher is facing a do-or-die situation, but the pressure isn't too great.

Just then, Martin said something to David Fincher, went into the front hall, and answered the phone: "Taylor?"

Taylor Swift's clear, melodious voice came through the receiver: "My agent went to your studio to discuss the contract. Your film crew is at Disney Studios? I'm planning to go check it out."

Martin asked, "You're coming to Disney Studios?"

Taylor replied, "I'm already at Disney Studios... Uh, this place is interesting, lots of signs saying 'No Urinating or Giving in Public'? Disney Studios really does have a bad reputation!"

Martin sighed inwardly; this was practically a Disney symbol. He said, "Because some nasty things happened here in the past." He went on to say, "Go to Studio Nine where the La La Land crew is. I have some things to do here; I should be there in about an hour."

"Then I'll wait for you." Taylor hung up the phone.

Martin put away his phone and went to producer Graham King's office.

Martin had arranged to meet with him when he came to the Disney studio today.

In his office, Graham once again carefully read the adapted screenplay of "Prince of Thieves".

At this stage of "Argo," he is basically not involved in the specific affairs. Post-production is handled by David Fincher, and Louise Mayer manages the day-to-day operations of the crew.

Graham focused his energy on the quid pro quo he had previously agreed upon with Martin.

That is, the movie "Prince of Thieves".

Graham closed the script and looked at Martin: "The script is very well written. When do we start preparations?"

Martin smiled. "You're the producer, so it depends on your schedule. Davis Studios will invest $4000 million in this project."

This part of the investment can be covered by South Korea alone.

"$6000 million is enough, I'll take care of the remaining $2000 million." Graham owns GK Productions, but medium-sized productions are the limit for GK, and like other small and medium-sized production companies in the industry, GK rarely produces films on its own.

On the one hand, large investments mean large risks.

On the other hand, collaborating with other companies can mobilize more resources.

Graham said, "We'll choose a director first, and then we'll start preparations." He asked Martin, "Do you have a suitable director?"

Martin has been busy dealing with people and competing to see who's the worst, so he hasn't had time to think about these things: "Not for now, but WMA will recommend some."

Graham suddenly had a sensational idea: "Martin, I heard from David that you once temporarily served as a director on set. Haven't you ever thought about becoming a real director?"

Martin candidly stated, "On the sets of Nolan and Fincher, I tried to shoot a scene on the fly, and it turned out terrible. It was a very bad experience for me and everyone else. It wasn't that the crew was incompetent; it was that I wasn't capable enough."

He shrugged: "Directing is a profession that relies too much on talent. I've put all my talent into acting."

The most valuable thing about a person is self-awareness. Compared to being an actor, directing is much more difficult. He tried to learn and film, but his talent was mediocre.

Just like how many directing students graduate from film schools across the United States every year, only a very small number of them can actually make good films.

Many great directors are not hard-working at all; they routinely take drugs, drink alcohol, and throw wild parties, but when they pick up a camera, they can create amazing works.

Graham knew that these things couldn't be forced, so he could only say, "We'll discuss it again once we have a suitable director in mind."

After exchanging ideas about the preparation of the film, Martin said goodbye and left for Studio Nine.

Preparing a film is quite troublesome. Some films only take two or three months to shoot, but if you include preparation, it can take two or three years.

If you start counting from when the script was written, it's not uncommon in Hollywood to take ten or twenty years.

Mia, a former extra and part-time saleswoman at an ice cream shop, has finally established her own studio for her project, which is called "La La Land".

A bronze plaque for "La La Land" has already been hung in front of Studio 9.

Martin walked into the photography studio and went straight into the specially modified dance studio.

In the dance studio, Taylor Swift is discussing music with Sebastian.

Mia saw Martin and was about to speak when Martin gestured for her to be quiet and pointed to the two people who were engrossed in the music.

Martin sat in his chair, listening to the two men's discussion.

He could barely understand the technical jargon that Taylor and Sebastian used.

After a while, Sebastian sat down at the piano, placed the sheet music, and began to play a piece of music.

Taylor turned around, smiled at Martin, and began to sing a song.

The song carries a sense of sadness and is somewhat somber, as if it is reminiscing about something.

Mia listened very attentively and immediately recalled the ending of the male and female protagonists in the script.

Martin also envisioned the female protagonist achieving her dreams, marrying a successful man, and then watching her ex-boyfriend reminisce about their sweet love.

It perfectly captures the essence of Hollywood!

A few minutes later, Taylor finished singing the song.

Martin immediately clapped and said, "Great!"

Taylor was unusually confident: "I think it's great too."

Sebastian stood up from the piano and said, "This song perfectly captures the mood of the ending scene in the script."

Mia, the screenwriter, also said, "Yes, the song automatically drew me into the ending scene."

Sebastian suddenly glanced at Mia, his expression slightly strange.

Martin noticed, but he wouldn't interfere in other people's emotional matters.

Taylor walked over, took Martin's arm, and asked, "Do you think this song will be popular?"

"Definitely." Martin looked particularly sincere.

In reality, he didn't understand the music market.

Many movie theme songs that directors and producers initially thought were unacceptable have become classics.

The most typical example is "My Heart Will Go On," which James Cameron disliked from the very beginning and never wanted to use. If he hadn't been forced to accept the song because he was chasing 20th Century Fox for investment, things might have been different.

Sebastian said, "Mr. Davis, I personally think that Miss Swift's song would be very suitable as the end credits song."

Martin smiled and nodded: "I'll try to negotiate a settlement."

Taylor winked at him: "I can have my agent take the opportunity to ask for a higher price."

She pulled Martin out, saying, "Work's done. Come with me to see the Disney studio. A friend is coming over later."

Martin asked curiously, "People who want to join the group of girlfriends?"

"She wants to join, but I won't take her. And with your standards, you wouldn't even consider her." Taylor accompanied Martin out of the studio. "The one you met in Nashville last time, Katy Perry."

"What is she doing here?"

"I took a picture with her and you, posted it on social media to promote our best friend relationship, and then we had a falling out at the Grammys."

Martin gave a thumbs up: "You guys really know how to play."

Taylor suddenly stopped in front of the oversized parasol and asked, "Is this where Emma Watson lost control of her bladder?"

Martin said, "Yes, this is it."

Taylor found the place spotless and said with a hint of regret, "It's a pity I can't see it for myself..."

Martin grabbed her and pulled her away, saying, "What's so interesting about this?"

Passing a public restroom, Taylor spotted a familiar lamppost and said, "I remember this place, Depp's girlfriend..."

Martin interrupted her: "Why do you always remember these weird things?"

"You didn't know?" Taylor was quite surprised. "These are two of the most famous attractions at Disney Studios, even more popular than the Mickey Mouse statue at the entrance."

Martin thought to himself, "It's all Nicholson and Saoirse Ronan's fault. What have they done to Disney's reputation?"

From now on, when the media and the public mention Disney Studios, the first thing that comes to mind is its stench.

After wandering around the Disney studio for a while, Taylor's good friend Katy Perry arrived.

The two of them used Mickey Mouse at the entrance of Disneyland as a backdrop, had Martin take several photos with them, and then took selfies with Martin before posting them on their respective Twitter accounts.

What a touching display of sisterly affection!

Katy Perry didn't stay long; she left after about ten minutes.

After checking in at the Disney studio and showing off their sisterly bond, there's no need to stay here as a third wheel.

Taylor even took out his phone and opened Twitter for Martin to see.

Her recent tweets include many photos of her with Katy Perry, showcasing their close friendship.

Martin asked her, "How long have you been showing off your relationship?"

Taylor recalled, "It's been over a month, and the groundwork has been basically laid."

She picked up her phone, her face full of anticipation: "I really look forward to the moment when we become enemies, it will be so satisfying."

(End of this chapter)