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"The special effects are unexpectedly excellent." After the screening, Ernest and Josie walked side by side to the detached villa in the hotel where they were staying, trying to evaluate the movie objectively. Can be picky, the portrayal of female characters is surprising. Although PJ arranged the highlight moments of other characters on Alwin, the scene of the forest rushing to the rescue was exceptionally brilliant, and the aerial photography and sports shots were perfect. The disadvantage of the second is that the storyline is relatively weak, and PJ really likes to use soft light for the elves, which can certainly bring a dreamy and hazy beauty, but I personally look forward to seeing more textured pictures.”

Josie nodded, then shook her head and said, "You're right, but this is extremely lethal to some moviegoers. They are willing to go to the movie theater over and over again for the close-up shots of these elves, just like our movies Before it was released, Orlando Bloom gained a lot of attention by virtue of his appearance in the movie, and his agent also won more movie shots for him.”

Ernest was noncommittal, saying only: "Human beings are the most typical visual animals, there is no doubt about it."

"Yes." Josie said, "so a successful director of a commercial film must also be a master of visual effects. I think that after the trilogy, PJ will enter the ranks of Hollywood's top directors, not only because The upcoming success of this series of films is more critical to his control over the crew and creation."

"In other words, he is a director who is good at communication and financial management?" Ernest raised his eyebrows slightly, "I have reason to suspect, who are you alluding to?"

"Haha, that's right!" Josie laughed loudly, turned to look at Ernest and said, "James Cameron, he is the kind of director that the studios love and hate, and David Fincher is halfway there." One. To be honest, I still like their insistence on creation. You know, sometimes it is not a good thing to let laymen interfere too much. Although the producer-centered system has established the cornerstone of Hollywood, it also makes our movies better. It's more and more like an assembly line product."

"So, only Americans would call movies 'films'." Ernest's irony is subtle and subtle.

"Film" and "film", which actually refer to the same thing, but in slightly different ways in British and American expressions.

It is undeniable that there are many excellent films and filmmakers in the United States, but in the general impression, commercial blockbusters are the hallmark of Hollywood, and Europe is the soil that breeds art films.

Josie spread her hands helplessly, and said, "Oh, please, I'm also a U.S. citizen, whether it's 'movie' or 'film', making money is my treasure—do you want to use 'vulgar', 'philistine' To describe me?"

Ernest thought about it seriously, then shook his head: "I don't completely agree with your point of view, but I respect it."

So Josie smiled, raised her hand and touched the brim of her hat that didn't exist, and took off her hat in the [-]th and [-]th centuries, and said, "Salute to you, gentleman! By the way, I have confidence in "Heidi" Perfect."

A faint smile flashed in Ernest's eyes, and he asked, "Thank you, ma'am, may I think that this means that next time you will also be willing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in me to make a blockbuster special effects movie? ?”

"It's not impossible—" Josie didn't agree outright, but considered the feasibility, "If you don't consider the all-star lineup, [-] million can already make a relatively good special effects blockbuster."

Ernest looked away and looked at the gravel road ahead, "But I kind of want to invite Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise to co-star, and you will play the heroine. One hundred million may not be enough."

Josie calculated the approximate salaries of the three leading actors in her mind, and subconsciously looked at Ernest's side face, only to find that the latter was slightly raising his lips. smile.

"Wait, are you kidding me?"

"Not obvious enough?"

"Of course!"

"Oh, so should I feel sorry, ma'am?"

"Okay." Josie was speechless and could only spread her hands, "To be honest, your rare sense of humor is really surprising."

"Actually, the last time I asked you to play Heidi's aunt, it was just a joke..." Ernest lowered his head, coughed in a concealed manner, and said solemnly, "But I'm glad you chose the one in "The Secret" The characters, I've seen the script outline, and the story is interesting."

Josie glanced at Ernest suspiciously, and instead of continuing to entangle with the previous topic, she said along the way: "I also think it's interesting, but I'm not sure if it will be a hit."

Ernest looked over by the moonlight and asked, "For you, success is not the most important thing, is it?"

Josie didn't answer, but just smiled lightly.

Under the moonlight, her eyebrows were delicate and open, and she already showed absolute confidence when she flicked her hair.

If you just want to be a glamorous movie star, then the sequel movie is undoubtedly the most profitable option, but her ambition as an actor is more than that. She longs for every completely different role.

Hollywood needs diversity, and movies especially.

Since the awakening of female consciousness in the 90s, more and more female movies have appeared in the mainstream, and female characters in movies are no longer a pure sex symbol. All this is quietly changing this Hollywood dominated by male power. .

That's a good thing, isn't it?

"We're here." Ernest stopped and reminded.

The butler provided by the hotel had already stood under the lamp post at the entrance of the villa at some point, opened the villa door for everyone, and smiled just right when he saw Josie and the others approaching: "Welcome back, Ms. Horton, and, Have a nice evening."

Josie paused slightly.

next second.

"Surprise—"

Suddenly, a large amount of confetti sprayed out from behind and in front of her, almost drowning Josie who had just entered the door.

Josie, who had a premonition, subconsciously raised her hand to block it, but she didn't completely block it. The main reason was that her assistant and bodyguard had "betrayed" and was playing happily with the small children's trumpet that would roll up when blown. Noticing the shocked gaze of the employer, one of the strong Russian men also took out a fairy magic wand, and raised Josie's face with colored paper as if by magic.

Josie helped her forehead helplessly, and turned her head to look into the hall.

I saw the main creators of the entire Lord of the Rings crew gathered here, as well as many of Josie's friends, each holding various "criminal tools" in their hands, and even Ernest didn't know where to get one. An inflatable golden crown was to be worn on Josie's beautiful skull which he had praised.

"Oh my god..." Josie shook her head with a suppressed smile, but she didn't avoid it.

"Nice surprise, isn't it?" Ernest straightened the crown on Josie's head, and continued, "It's time to sing Happy Birthday—"

As soon as he finished speaking, the lights in the room were extinguished with a snap, and Lindsay appeared with an excited face pushing a cake with lit candles, and sang birthday songs especially loudly.

After a song was sung, everyone sent blessings one after another.

"Happy birthday!"

"Thank you for everything you have done for us!"

"You're the best!"

"Blow out the candles Blow out the candles!"

"Don't forget to make a wish!"

The atmosphere was so cheerful that even Josie, who had always been calm and reserved, was infected. Holding the paper crown on her head, she lowered her head and closed her eyes, silently making a wish in her heart, then opened her eyes and blew out the candle in one breath.

As is customary, it's party time next.

Considering the interview work tomorrow morning and the publicity trip to London soon, no alcohol is provided for anyone tonight, only the necessary music and BBQ, eating, drinking and dancing, this night is enjoyable enough.

However, contrary to them, some people in the city are not in a very happy mood at the moment.

Fox's Bill McKennik was sitting alone in his study at home, puffing his breath, while answering the phone call from another high-level executive, Tom Rothman.

"My informant told me that "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is better than everyone expected." Bill McEnick couldn't help sighing, "It is no exaggeration to say that Peter Jackson used three One-fifth of the money made something on par with Titanic, just the first one would be a huge loss for us. Hey, I really hate to admit it, Tom, but she just seems to keep winning Go on, it's so distressing."

Even without actually seeing the finished film, through the trailer of the movie and the excited retelling of the film critic, Bill McKennick can already imagine that "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" must be a famous movie in history. classic work.

This is not only because of the huge influence of the original book itself, but also because of the brand-new technology application of computer special effects and other aspects in this film.

No one thought that Peter Jackson could do such an epic special effect with such a small amount of money, especially that Weta Studio was neither famous nor experienced enough, far inferior to Industrial Light & Magic and other industries. giant.

But they just made the special effects!

And it's done pretty well!

It didn't just intercept all the essence of the movie in the trailer, as Bill McKennick and others maliciously speculated before...

Tom Rothman sighed silently, and only asked: "Now, what should we do?"

"Like always, get a few critics," Bill McKennick said. "I remember Kenneth Turan at the Los Angeles Times being so daring to write? Ask him to write about The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring." "A detailed film review, focusing on the storyline and narrative rhythm. Secondly, I remember that many people in this crew are gay? Ask a gossip reporter to find out. There is also the British actor who was kicked out of the crew, contact his agent, as long as He's willing to jump in and muddy the waters, and Fox will offer him a lead actor opportunity in a B-grade production..."

Due to the tacit understanding among the major companies, there are only a few methods to suppress a movie, smearing, breaking the news, and guiding public opinion, but they will not deploy certain "nuclear weapons".

After all, the shareholders behind these film companies are more or less overlapping. They can tolerate normal competition within the rules of small troubles, but they will not allow a war of a nasty nature.

This is the fundamental reason why many people were dissatisfied with David Geffen, who broke the rules, when the filming of "Fight Club" was blocked.

Hollywood is a harmonious family.

These people always think so.

Even now, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is clearly arranged, and Bill McKennick turned to Tom Rothman to discuss the release strategy and sequel plan of "The Trap 2" without any guilt or uneasy emotions.

Business is business.

As long as there is money to be made, these people can turn around and show the most sincere smiles, and they will use all means to gain understanding, just like Fox has always done to Keanu Reeves.

The premise is that in this case, the movie can continue to win for Josie.

After finishing the long call, Tom Rothman rubbed his temples, then stared at an email on the computer screen and meditated alone.

This is a personal email from Shirley Lansing.

There is no doubt that she did not hide her intention to poach herself, and this is the real reason why Tom Rothman was not active enough during the call tonight.

Jump ship to a fast-rising new company?

Or stay in Fox, which is always prone to tricks and infighting?

Tom Rothman is temporarily unable to make a decision.

But he has a hunch that the success or failure of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" will largely determine whether the reborn Celestial Group can really gain a firm foothold in Hollywood.