America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 152. Birthday Party, Greetings from Murdoch

The last script Eric had was the famous "Million Dollar Baby".

A very exciting drama film that tells the story of a female boxer pursuing her dream.

But it doesn't tell the story of how to succeed, but rather how to fail. The plot is very touching and worth reading carefully.

Unlike The Passion of the Christ, Eric read Million Dollar Baby carefully back then, and many of the plot points are still vivid in his memory.

Because of its sports theme, the film was not well-received upon its release, even with the presence of Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman.

When it was released, it was only on a small scale, in just a few dozen theaters, and its opening weekend box office was less than $20.

But thanks to its high quality, the film managed to break through the competition and ultimately grossed over $2 million worldwide.

High box office returns are secondary; the film also won four Academy Awards at the 77th Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director.

He also received three nominations: Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.

All seven awards are prestigious, with not a single technical award, which speaks volumes about their achievement.

"What's the status of this script? Is it a sales pitch? A buyout? Financing? Or something else?"

Judy walked over to Eric and looked at him: "It's a script agent trying to sell a script by Paul Haggis. He's quite well-known in the industry."

"However, I guess I didn't have much confidence in the sports theme, so the agent offered a buyout option, and the $120 million would be ours."

Upon hearing this, Eric decisively decided: "Then let's buy it out. This script is excellent, but an excellent script needs to be paired with a capable director."

"After the deal is finalized, send Clint Eastwood a directing invitation, and find Hilary Swank for the female lead. I won't make any other requests."

"For Mean Girls, send the two female leads to the Olsen twins. They've been making teen idol dramas for so many years, they're very good at this kind of subject matter."

"By the way, although the male lead isn't that important, we sent an invitation to Chris Evans. He also started out in teen dramas, so he'd be a piece of cake for this kind of role."

Judy carefully noted down Eric's request and nodded: "Transformers finished filming three months ago. I don't know what Chris Evans' schedule is like now, but let's give it a try."

"Oh, right, there's one more thing. Evans hasn't signed with MGM yet, has he? Give him a movie contract; at least he can't run away from the Transformers trilogy."

"Okay, I'll talk to the marketing and production departments."

After finishing the rest of her coffee, Judy put the cup down and said, "If there's nothing else, I'll head out."

"Wait, didn't I mention to Gadot the other day that MGM is planning a new show, and there's a female reporter role in it that would be perfect for Lefari?"

"You mean House of Cards?"

"Yes, Zoe's character is a rookie reporter. Refaeli's acting skills are still relatively raw, but her natural performance won't be bad."

"Give her the script so she can familiarize herself with the role. Filming will start soon. Has Lefari taken on any new roles?"

"No, the scripts and roles that come her way aren't very good. Right now, she mainly works as a part-time model, taking some photos."

"That's just going back to what you used to do," Eric chuckled.

"Pretty much. I'm just killing time anyway, so taking some photos of myself can help boost my fame."

"Then let's do as I say. The second season of The Walking Dead won't start filming until at least winter. Let's film House of Cards first."

"knew!"

As Judy left the office, Eric beamed. Judy truly lived up to her reputation for being lucky, bringing him three great projects at once.

Conservative estimates suggest that by the time it is released next year, it could bring MGM more than $2 million in direct box office revenue, with subsequent revenue from copyrighted merchandise and related products also expected to be substantial.

I picked up the phone and called Julio, the head of the production department. I'd sent the script to Kevin Spacey half a month ago, and I still hadn't heard anything.

The call connected quickly, and Eric asked, "Julio, has Kevin Spacey replied yet regarding 'House of Cards'?"

"We have received a reply. He said the script is very good and he is interested in taking the role, but he still has objections to the remuneration. We are currently negotiating with his agent."

"$35 a episode isn't enough? How much does he want then?"

"Kevin Spacey's agent asked for $40 per episode, which is the minimum they can accept."

Eric took a deep breath. His father had said that $40 was the minimum price, and it seemed that his judgment was accurate. After all, he was an Oscar-winning actor, so it couldn't be that cheap.

But Eric also had his own considerations. With a show like "House of Cards" destined to be a huge hit, the actors' salaries would definitely rise as well.

The first season paid $40 per episode, so the second season should at least see a raise, but what about later on?

If the price goes up to an exorbitant level, it will be a problem. He is the key actor and cannot be replaced, so Eric still hopes to keep his salary down.

However, it seems that it's impossible to suppress the situation, and the $40 will still have to be paid out.

"Okay, let's give him $40 per episode and sign the contract as soon as possible."

After making this decision, Eric was considering the female lead when the phone rang again. He glanced down and saw it was Peter Jackson.

When this bearded man calls, it's most likely about Transformers.

"Hi, Peter!"

Peter Jackson's hearty laughter came from the other end: "Eric, great news! The special effects for Transformers are nearing completion."

"Now you can use it to do some things. I also made a rendered version of the trailer for you."

"Really? It's really kind of you, a great director, to come all this way. Looks like I'll have to pay you a salary," Eric joked.

"Hahaha. I was just itching to see what your Transformers film would look like. I have to say, it's quite impactful."

"The robot battles will definitely make fans scream and go crazy, which proves that I made the right decision."

"What?" Eric asked.

"Of course we should avoid the Autobots. If our schedules clash, The Lord of the Rings and Transformers will both suffer."

"MGM, hurry up and release the trailer. I really want to see the market's reaction, especially how that guy Harvey Weinstein looks so pathetic."

"Miramax had two movies released during that period: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was released on November 14, and Kill Bill was released on November 27."

"Your Transformers will be released on November 16th, blocking Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World from the head and kicking Kill Bill in the butt."

"With the impact of other films, Miramax is in trouble."

As he spoke, Peter Jackson burst into laughter again, and the reason he was so happy was naturally because he had a grudge against Harvey Weinstein.

The source of the hatred is the filming of "The Lord of the Rings," when Miramax Films acquired the film and television adaptation rights to "The Lord of the Rings."

Peter Jackson, after much pleading and begging, finally obtained the film's directing rights. Just as he was working hard on the script and ambitiously planning to make a trilogy,

Harvey Weinstein told him, "What are you thinking, buddy?"

Do you know how much it costs to make an epic trilogy like this? Is that something an independent film company like Miramax can afford?

Trilogy my foot! Just make me one movie. Don't ask for too much budget, preferably no more than $5000 million. It's time to test your abilities.

Peter Jackson was furious; it was a complete waste of talent.

He confronted Harvey Weinstein, but the initiative was not in his own hands, so he could only humbly plead.

I'll only make one film, but I want to shoot a four-hour version, otherwise the plot just won't make sense.

Harvey Weinstein berated him again, saying, "You're dreaming, bro. Is a four-hour movie just for the audience?"

Is the competition about who can hold their pee the longest?

You should quickly dismiss this unrealistic idea and honestly limit the time to within 2 hours.

If you can film, then film; if you can't, then get lost. I have a backup director here.

Peter Jackson was both angry and anxious, and had to beg and plead with Harvey Weinstein again before he finally relented.

I promised him three weeks to go and raise the investment himself. If he succeeds, he'll be hired; if not, he's fired.

Fortunately, New Line was very optimistic about the project and invested nearly $3 million. I, Wang Duoyu, invested in this project.

Finally, audiences were able to see the classic Lord of the Rings series on the big screen.

It was precisely because of this experience that Peter Jackson and Harvey Weinstein became bitter enemies.

He even parodied him in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" by creating an orc commander modeled after Harvey Weinstein.

Anyone from Hollywood can recognize who that thing looks like at a glance.

Now that the rough cut of "Transformers" has been released, it's time for an internal screening, not for MGM, but to get past the Department of Defense.

Chen Xing pressed the doorbell and came in.

"Contact Lieutenant Colonel Freeman and set a time for an internal screening of Transformers."

"Also, go to Weta Digital and copy the Transformers trailer. It's Friday today, let's release it next Monday."

"Okay, boss."

Today is Friday, June 20th, and it's Nicole's birthday.

She's having a birthday party at home, and Eric only received the invitation this morning.

Needless to say, it was definitely this young woman's doing it on purpose; she only told him at the very end to see if Eric was prepared beforehand.

If you're prepared, it means you care about me; if you're not, well, well...

Before he even got off work, Eric had already driven alone to Nicole's villa in Beverly Hills.

He arrived early; when he got there, he didn't see any luxury cars parked there.

Paparazzi were openly taking pictures from a distance, but they were not allowed to enter the interior.

This time, Eric entered through the main entrance without any hesitation. In fact, this was only the second time he had used the main entrance, aside from the night of Oscars.

The door was open, and from a distance, you could see many servants cleaning and arranging things.

Upon entering, one sees Nico directing the servants to arrange the custom-made decorations.

Upon seeing him, Nicole opened her mouth in surprise: "Eric, why are you here so early? It doesn't start for another two hours."

"Of course I'm here to see you. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Nicole smiled charmingly: "How could I trouble you, the big boss? It's too chaotic here. Come on, let's go upstairs and have some coffee. I still have some questions about the script for 'La Vie en Rose' that I'd like to ask you."

"no problem."

The two of them, looking quite serious, walked upstairs at a distance from each other.

They gently closed the door. After a week apart, the two starving people instantly embraced.

After a passionate kiss, Eric's lips slowly moved across her snow-white neck.

"You look beautiful today, Nico!"

"Only today? Aren't you pretty at other times?"

"In my heart, you are beautiful at every moment, especially in bed."

"Hate!"

"Come on, before you change your clothes."

Eric picked up Nico and carried her to the bedside.

"Wait, there are people downstairs. After the party, you can have me as you please, okay?"

Eric shook his head: "Most people would definitely say it's good, but I won't. I'm going to say it's bad."

"Of course, I'm a reasonable person. If you agree to one condition, I'll let you go for now."

Nico wrapped her arms around his neck and asked in a soft, sweet voice, "What are the conditions?"

Eric took out the gift box: "Open it and see."

"Is this a birthday present you gave me?"

Nicole smiled and took it, then eagerly opened it, revealing a navel ring, anklet, and bracelet inside.

Her face flushed instantly, and she lightly punched Eric's shoulder with her small fist: "Pervert, you give me something like this?"

Eric laughed and said, "Of course not, this is the condition you have to agree to, and this is the gift."

As he spoke, he took out another exquisite box, inside which was the very brooch worth a million dollars.

The moment Nicole saw the brooch, she was captivated. Its exquisite design proclaimed its value, and the dazzling brilliance of the jewelry was mesmerizing.

Suddenly, the beauty turned around and pinned Eric to the bed, and a surge of passion ignited between them.

Two hours later, Eric stood in the first-floor living room, surrounded by a large crowd.

Hugh Jackman, Jude Law, Julianne Moore, Renée Zellweger, Meryl Streep, Robbie Williams, Naomi Watts, Natalie Portman, Russell Crowe, and many more.

It was like a Vanity Fair party; besides the people Eric knew, there were many others whose names he couldn't recall.

Amidst applause and laughter, Nicole descended the stairs in a white tulle dress, with the orchid brooch hanging on her chest.

"My friends, welcome to my birthday party! Let's have fun and drink until we drop!"

"OH"

The crowd cheered, the music started, and the party atmosphere instantly heated up.

Then Robbie Williams stepped forward and performed as a professional singer, which drew cheers from the crowd.

Everyone knows each other in small groups in private, and they don't need to maintain a certain image in front of their friends. They can all show off their talents and have fun.

Nico was surrounded by her group of girlfriends, who laughed from time to time.

Eric rubbed his somewhat shrunken belly. Upstairs, the two of them hadn't been able to resist a lot of strenuous activity, and their energy had been depleted.

He looked at Wolverine beside him: "Jack, I need to eat something. How about some Filipino-style grilled meat?"

Hugh Jackman looked at his stomach with some difficulty and hesitated before saying, "Never mind, I need to maintain my figure, so I can't touch high-calorie foods."

"It's okay to eat a little bit now and then. Look, everyone else is eating, don't you feel lonely?"

Eric said, just as men like to persuade those who can't drink to drink.

Uncle Wolf swallowed hard, his taste buds struggling with their own thoughts: "Maybe, one piece wouldn't be bad."

"That's right, being an actor is like being an ascetic, don't you suffer?"

He pulled Hugh Jackman to the table, ignoring his request to eat only one piece, picked up a plate and piled up a bunch of meat and dessert for him, and also gave him a glass of champagne.

"Eat up, eat up. One piece is the same as one plate. Let go of your mental pressure."

Eric then began to eat heartily. Seeing how much he enjoyed it, Uncle Wolf also let loose, picking up a piece of dessert and putting it in his mouth.

"OMG! This tastes like God!" he exclaimed with a satisfied expression.

While the two were eating meat and drinking wine, a man had appeared next to Eric without him noticing.

The man looked to be around 30 years old, with short hair and glasses, giving him an air of a scholar.

"Would you like a drink?" Eric asked casually.

The man accepted the champagne, smiled, and extended his hand, saying, "Hello Eric, James Murdoch, it's a pleasure to meet you."

(End of this chapter)