America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 35, Section 37: Reserving a Role (Please add to your favorites and continue reading)

Avalon, one of Los Angeles' most famous nightclubs, has a history spanning decades and has always been a trendsetter, especially in the glamorous world of Hollywood, where it is a popular entertainment venue for many actors and singers.

Not far away, a Lamborghini Musselago slowly drove up, immediately attracting the attention of many people.

By this time, a long queue had formed at the entrance of Avalon, with a large number of men and women wanting to enter and explore this famous entertainment venue. Among them were many tourists from all over the world.

Eric pulled over to the side of the road, got out, and casually tossed the keys to the valet. The security guard at the entrance didn't even try to stop him and let him in.

"Why doesn't he have to wait in line?"

Immediately, someone behind him started shouting in dissatisfaction, but the security guard was too lazy to explain to such a person, and instead, others answered him.

"If you were driving a Lamborghini, they'd let you in too!"

Laughter immediately filled the air, making the atmosphere much more cheerful.

Stepping inside, rock music instantly fills your ears, but it's not heavy metal; it's more of a soothing type. Many men and women are swaying in the dance floor.

Upon seeing Eric, a waiter immediately approached, and after a brief whispered conversation, the waiter led him to a booth.

"Eric Cooper, you're late! I was worried you were going to stand me up!"

Warren stood up and pulled Eric to the center, while Ryan Reynolds poured him half a glass of wine.

Eric took a sip of his drink and said, "It's not that I deliberately came late, it's just that your call came too late. I was reading the script, and I had to finish it eventually."

Upon hearing the word "script," Ryan Reynolds' ears perked up as if they had detected an unidentified flying object: "What script?"

"A zombie TV series isn't suitable for you, Ryan. Your face is more suited to the big screen; that's the path you should take. Forget about the small screen."

Upon hearing that it was a TV series, Ryan Reynolds instantly lost interest. He had risen from the ranks of television actors and would never want to go back to his old ways unless he became a top-tier movie star.

There's a cruel but widely circulated saying in the entertainment industry: movies are superior to television.

Although the origin of this claim is unknown, and no one dares to publicly support it, it is an implicit fact, a truth that everyone tacitly accepts.

Top-tier movie stars and top-tier television stars sound like they belong to two different worlds.

This isn't just a difference in generation, it's a difference in class!

So it's possible for movie actors to act in TV series, but it's very difficult for TV series actors to get roles in movies.

Until 2002, the only A-list movie star to emerge from the television drama industry was George Clooney.

Many actors who are already famous on the small screen try desperately to break through this barrier, but like moths to a flame, they never succeed.

For example, Eric's favorite show, Friends, after several seasons, all six main actors became A-list television stars, and Aniston became a representative of America's sweetheart with her role as Rachel.

Even with such a high level of fame, she still faces numerous obstacles in her attempts to enter the film industry. For example, in last year's MGM film "Hannibal," the role of Starling was left vacant due to Jodie Foster's departure.

Aniston naturally wanted to seize this opportunity, but even with connections and acting skills, he still lost to Julianne Moore in the end. There were too many similar cases. If even someone of her caliber couldn't succeed, then no one else had a chance.

Warren and Eric clinked glasses: "Zombie theme, is it the one you mentioned, 'The Walking Dead'?"

"Yes, this drama has been in the works for a while now. The screenwriter showed me the first draft today, but it still needs to be revised because it lacks depth."

"It's just a TV series, why are you being so demanding?"

"This is the first TV series from the new MGM, and it's one I'm in charge of, so we have to strive for perfection. At the same time, the struggle of humanity is also a selling point of The Walking Dead."

Warren shrugged. "You're the boss, you call the shots. But the real reason I asked you out today is because of Ryan."

Eric looked at Ryan Reynolds, who scratched his head somewhat awkwardly. "Sorry, Eric, you recommended me for the lead role in 'Saw,' but I messed it up. I wasted this great opportunity. I'm sorry!"

Warren poured Eric a drink: "It's not Ryan's problem. His audition results were actually quite good, but that new director named James Wan found an actor from somewhere and somehow replaced Ryan."

"Eric, I know you have high hopes for this movie, and your judgment is usually spot on. Shouldn't a high-quality project like this be auditioned together by everyone? I don't think that director was being fair; perhaps he had his own ulterior motives."

"What I mean is, why not give these high-quality projects to our own people? Ryan works very hard, even with a terrible movie like 'Sharknado,' he still put in a lot of effort."

Warren didn't continue, but Eric understood what he meant: he wanted Eric to put pressure on James Wan.

With a slight smile, Eric put his arm around their shoulders and pulled them closer: "Warren, Ryan, I understand what you mean, but there's something you don't know. Patrick Wilson was also someone I recommended."

The scene became awkward, and neither of them knew what to say. Ryan Reynolds even wished he could immediately make a run for his life.

"Ryan, I recommended both of you to James Wan back then, so I'm pretty sure he's fair. Maybe Patrick is more suitable."

Ryan Reynolds remained silent, his hand on his forehead. He was still a junior employee and dared not question the big boss.

Seeing him like this, Eric felt a little sorry for him. He had tricked him into acting in such a terrible movie as "Sharknado," and the other party not only did not slack off but also worked very hard. In the end, he had broken his heart again. It seemed unreasonable not to make amends.

After thinking for a moment, Eric said, "I have a big project about to start. How about you take the second male lead role?"

Ryan Reynolds hesitated for a moment: "A big project?"

"Yes, it's an A-level production standard, with an investment of no less than $1.5 million. Are you interested?"

Upon hearing the budget of $1.5 million, Ryan Reynolds was completely stunned. In his 12 years in the industry, the biggest investment he had ever made was "King of the Classes," which was reportedly $1200 million. A $1.5 million blockbuster was something he couldn't even dream of.

"What? You're not satisfied with the second male lead? You're not thinking of reserving the male lead right away, are you?"

"Ryan, speak up, speak now!"

Warren quickly nudged Ryan Reynolds, who then realized what was happening and nodded hastily, "Interested, very interested. I'll do anything you need me to do, just give me this role."

I still hope everyone will refrain from keeping the book unpublished. I'm asking for donations and monthly votes.

(End of this chapter)