America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 41, Section 43: The Inside Story of Filmmaking (Seeking monthly votes and donations)

As expected, several newspapers published photos of Gal Gadot in the new week, some of which were solo shots, while others featured her walking with Eric.

The title was: "Girlfriend or leading lady?", and the accompanying text had thoroughly dissected Gal Gadot's resume. One has to admire the efficiency of these paparazzi.

Eric reminded her that paparazzi would be staking out her in a few days, telling her to get used to the life of a celebrity.

Inside Charlie Cooper's office at MGM, a few people are having a small meeting.

"Eric, how's the script coming along?"

"I finalized the outline more than a month ago, and the first draft was sent to me last week. I received some feedback, and it's currently being polished."

Harry Cooper nodded: "Then let's speed things up. I'm communicating with the Department of Defense, and I expect to hear back within this week. But we also need to be prepared to offer some incentives to the military."

"Money is only one aspect, but not the most important one. After all, an F-22 costs more than the total investment in our movie. So we need a trump card, a trump card that can entice the military."

Everyone started discussing it, but it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the US military in 2002 was invincible. After discussing for a long time, everyone's attention finally focused on Eric.

You must also propose solutions to the demands you make.

Eric pondered for a moment: "There are two most powerful weapons in this world: money and public opinion."

"If we can't work on money, then we can only work on public opinion. I want to ask everyone a question: Although 9/11 happened a year ago, do you think its impact has ended?"

Bordeaux immediately shook his head: "I don't think so, no, I'm sure not. Before 9/11, we always thought we lived in the safest country."

"But after 9/11, no American would think that way anymore. Someone could attack us, or even attack our homeland directly. Even young people like me often feel panicked."

Volvo echoed this sentiment: "Young people are fine, but middle-aged and older people like me feel it most deeply. If you observe carefully, you'll find that the gap between people seems to have widened, which is a manifestation of inner influence."

"Moreover, the war on terror in Afghanistan has been going on for a year, but the results haven't been good. We haven't captured Ben Laden. The EU is supporting us, and many countries are supporting us, but it seems to have become a stalemate. People call it the graveyard of empires!"

"That's right. The impact of 9/11 won't be so easily erased, and the public has begun to question the military. This is our breakthrough point; we need to win over public opinion," Eric said firmly.

"Tell the Department of Defense that Transformers will showcase the positive image of the U.S. military to the greatest extent possible, with ample screen time and screen time."

"There will be no issues that would damage the image of the military. The film will highlight their heroic fighting skills and their spirit of sacrifice, so that the audience will applaud them after watching it."

"And the movie will definitely feature scenes like 9/11 where planes crash into buildings, but we will ultimately win, and the military will play a key role in the process."

"In short, this is a movie, but it is also a military propaganda film, and a propaganda film that is shown all over the world."

After hearing Eric's idea, the others agreed without hesitation; this approach was just right.

Charlie Cooper smiled and said, "Eric's idea is great, let's go with it. Another thing is choosing a special effects company. Industrial Light & Magic and Weta Digital have both given us quotes."

"Industrial Light & Magic quoted $6 per second, while Weta Digital quoted $7 per second. We need to make a choice."

Before anyone else could voice their opinion, Eric had already made the decision bluntly: "Choose Weta Digital, that's the obvious choice."

Production manager Julio frowned: "But Industrial Light & Magic's price is lower. There are too many special effects shots involved in 'Transformers,' and the final film will probably have more than a thousand."

"Even if each shot is calculated at 3 seconds, the budget will probably still be exceeded. I'm worried that $1 million might not be enough to meet the needs of these Autobots."

The producer's primary concern is cost, and Eric understands this. However, as MGM's first major film and his own directorial debut, he demands perfection.

Those in the film and television industry almost universally know that while Industrial Light & Magic has a bigger reputation and a longer history, Weta Digital, which came later, is still superior in terms of pure technical skill.

The reason is simple: Weta Digital is a company founded by Peter Jackson, a renowned director from New Zealand, who received strong support from the New Zealand government.

The annual subsidies are countless; after all, The Lord of the Rings boosted New Zealand's tourism industry.

With generous government subsidies, Weta Digital offers the highest salaries in the entire industry.

It gradually attracted a large number of special effects talents, and even employees of Industrial Light & Magic frequently switched jobs. George Lucas even complained about this.

Moreover, Weta Digital, with its deep pockets, not only poached talent but also had superior equipment compared to Industrial Light & Magic. It's said that their render farm is more than twice the size of Industrial Light & Magic's, but that's probably a joke and not that exaggerated.

In the current special effects industry, Industrial Light & Magic has been declining, while Weta Digital has been rising. The choice is obvious.

Eric said, "Julio, I know your concerns, but special effects are the soul of Transformers."

"The plot, the male and female leads, those are all secondary. What the audience wants to see is a bunch of steel robots fighting each other."

"We can save money on other things, but we can't save money on this one. In fact, we'll have to add more. I hope you understand."

Julius was about to say something when his father interrupted him directly: "I also lean towards Weta Digital, or we won't do it at all, but if we're going to do it, we'll do the best. This is our first big-budget film, and I want it to be a success. I'll ask Peter Jackson to come along and try to get a friendly price."

Then he looked at the marketing department: "How's the communication with the companies going?"

"Boss, we've already spoken with GM, Ford, and Chrysler, and all three are very interested. This is a better opportunity to showcase ourselves than 'Fast & Furious' or '007'."

"As long as the special effects are done properly, I guarantee that once I show it to them, they'll be scrambling to send the car over."

"We are also in contact with suppliers of engine oil, lubricating oil, tires, eyeglasses, mobile phones, and home appliances, and will give you a result as soon as possible."

"Okay, everyone, let's keep up the good work! I hope the crew can start filming normally within two months!"

(End of this chapter)