Chasing Stars in Hollywood

Before heading to Melisandre's party, the A-lister had already organized the results for this year's Oscars.

With a total of 29 nominations, Daenerys Entertainment bagged 10 Oscars, including 7 out of 12 for "Schindler's List", 2 out of 6 for "The Lion King", and one for "The Wedding Banquet" as the Best Foreign Language Film.

Apart from the films directly released by Daenerys Entertainment, related awards also included Best Actor for Tom Hanks from "Philadelphia" and Best Visual Effects for last summer's "Superman".

Altogether, Daenerys Entertainment took home nearly half of the 24 non-honorary achievement awards directly related to films. Of the four core awards—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress—only the Best Actress category slipped through their fingers.

Upon arriving at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, just as the car was about to turn into the hotel parking lot, Simon noticed some commotion at the entrance.

He didn't have the driver stop, and it wasn't until he reached the Melisandre party on the hotel's top floor that he asked Angela Ahrendts, who had come to greet him, "What's happening outside?"

Sophia Phisey didn't come to the USA this time, and the party was managed by Angela Ahrendts, who had recently been promoted to CEO of Gucci.

Upon hearing Simon's question, Angela explained, "Some media outlets under the Hearst Corporation are unhappy that we suddenly revoked their interview privileges."

Media coverage of the Melisandre party can be categorized into three levels: the lowest level can only take street shots of arriving stars from the roadside outside the hotel, consisting mostly of tabloid papers; the next level can enter the hotel and take pictures at the official photo wall and interact with stars, where several significant Hearst Corporation media outlets were originally invited; the top level can conduct exclusive Oscars interviews with stars at the party, limited to two media partners—Westeros system's Egret portal and Condé Nast's Vanity Fair magazine.

The media invitation list was decided well in advance. That morning, Simon had suddenly announced a confrontation with the Hearst Corporation. The Hearst family's top brass must have received the news, but their media outlets probably hadn't expected to be immediately barred from the Melisandre party, reduced to the status of third-rate tabloids, hence their dissatisfaction.

Understanding the situation, Simon instructed Angela to handle it personally to not spoil everyone's mood, then he joined the party with Catherine.

The Melisandre party's invitees were mainly top stars who had shone brightly in the entertainment and fashion industries in recent years, along with a few political and business elites.

The A-lister had prepared a list in advance and personally guided Simon to greet the key guests.

In fact, many Western parties operate similarly.

Although the theme of the Melisandre party was more relaxed, it still retained its social attributes. People would greet each other amidst laughter, get acquainted, and if they found any cooperation opportunities during casual conversations, they would proceed to the next step.

At his core, Simon wasn't a very hospitable person and didn't particularly enjoy interacting with people, but given his current position, certain duties had to be fulfilled.

Ignoring everyone and acting on his whims was an option, as no one could force him to do anything now. However, complete isolation would be detrimental and even dangerous for Simon's control over the Westeros system, possibly reducing him to a puppet. Howard Hughes' bleak later years were largely due to his reclusive nature, which allowed those around him to completely control his personal life.

Catherine patiently played the role of a companion by Simon's side, listening to his smooth conversation with Spielberg despite their clear differences, his flirtatious banter with several Victoria's Secret angels, his amiable encouragement to the Backstreet Boys, who were about to release their debut album on Friday, and his firm rejection of Famke Janssen's request to star in a pirate film as the female lead.

Having known him for so many years, it seemed that apart from that time he ended up in the hospital after a fight, Simon always handled everything with ease.

How did he grow into the person he is today?

"Yes, Roland, I've read your script about aliens invading Earth. 'Independence Day' is a great name, and it could definitely be a major blockbuster worth over $50 million. However, unfortunately, you know, next summer we have 'Jurassic Park 2' and your own Batman vs. Superman film by year-end. So, it's best to slot this project for the summer of 1996."

For the DC film universe crossover, Simon had deliberated among the three core DC directors, Jan de Bont, Roland Emmerich, and Martin Campbell, eventually choosing Roland Emmerich, who excelled at multi-line narratives, to direct "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" scheduled for next year. If the results were good enough, Emmerich would also handle the subsequent "Justice League".

Roland Emmerich's collaboration with newcomer director Michael Bay on "Stargate" was complete, and the film was even better than Simon remembered, securing a May 13 release date, effectively the summer slot, with three weeks before the June 3 giant "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises". This was a better slot than the initially considered Easter release.

While producing "Stargate", Emmerich conceived the idea for "Independence Day". Given their smooth collaboration, Daenerys Entertainment bought the script outline as soon as it was ready.

Emmerich had no objections to Simon pushing the film back a year.

Next summer, June was already reserved for "Jurassic Park 2", and July had the big production "Apollo 13". Adding another blockbuster might cause internal competition.

Moreover, Emmerich had another idea: "Simon, after Batman vs. Superman, I'd like to direct this project myself."

Simon was somewhat surprised but quickly agreed, "Sure, it's your idea after all."

Originally, Simon wanted Michael Bay to take a shot at this project. However, he also understood why Emmerich suddenly made this request.

On one hand, Emmerich probably wanted to break free from the DC film universe to expand his career in Hollywood. On the other, he likely felt some unease about Michael Bay.

After completing "Stargate", Michael Bay had signed up for another major project, "Jurassic Park 2". Though Simon hadn't yet disclosed his idea of having Bay direct "Independence Day" after "Jurassic Park 2", Emmerich had deduced it from various signs.

With Spielberg stepping back from the "Jurassic Park" series, the sequel had been quietly brewing. Not just the script, but a complete storyboard and many special effects animations were ready. The leads, Sam Neill and Rene Russo, were also set, and the project could start anytime.

Simon had initially considered Joe Johnston, director of the original "Jurassic Park 3", for the sequel. Johnston, a long-time Hollywood filmmaker, had served as the special effects director for "Star Wars" and was very skilled in making special effects movies.

Not only "Jurassic Park 3", "Jumanji", and "Captain America: The First Avenger" from Simon's memory, but before that, Johnston had directed Disney's highly successful "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids".

However, since Johnston came from George Lucas' camp and given Lucas and Spielberg's close friendship, Johnston declined the invitation from Daenerys Entertainment.

With Johnston unwilling, Simon also considered Martin Campbell, the director of the new "Wonder Woman" series.

Though the "Wonder Woman" sequel didn't start immediately after the first film, Campbell had no shortage of projects thanks to its success. Last year's "Speed", originally directed by Jan de Bont, was handed to Campbell since de Bont was busy with the third Batman film, "The Dark Knight Rises".

Recently, Campbell had signed on to direct "Cutthroat Island" for Paramount, which had just acquired the project.

No longer a Renny Harlin and Geena Davis duo and with one of the Big Seven studios involved, it was hard to predict the new "Cutthroat Island's" prospects.

Simon didn't stop Campbell from taking on the project.

After all, he had already signed Campbell for the "Wonder Woman" series. Whenever Daenerys Entertainment needed, he would have to comply.

And, after consecutive successes with "Wonder Woman" and the upcoming summer release of "Speed", a potential failure with "Cutthroat Island" would only make Campbell more 'content' to return to work with Daenerys Entertainment.

Thus, Simon decided to use Michael Bay for "Jurassic Park 2" after seeing the final version of "Stargate".

To many, this choice seemed risky.

But Simon wasn't worried.

The "Jurassic Park" series' biggest challenge was the special effects. Simon initially preferred directors with a background in special effects films. However, if no such director was available, it wasn't an issue for Daenerys Entertainment.

Their special effects team was well-versed with the series, and the script, storyboard, and many of the sequel's special effects animations were already done. They just needed to promote a competent special effects director from within Daenerys' team to assist Michael Bay.

Moreover, Simon had enough faith in Michael Bay's directing abilities.

Bay, transitioning from MV director to Hollywood, had only one failure, "The Island", which was due to complex reasons. Otherwise, he never missed.

For studios, the annual film release slots are limited.

For filmmakers, whether directors, actors, or producers, Hollywood's film resources are also limited.

Roland Emmerich clearly wasn't complacent after last year's success with "Superman". Sensing Bay's threat, he instinctively started

 vying for resources.

In many ways, the film genres both directors excelled in had significant overlaps.

Agreeing to let Emmerich direct "Independence Day" wouldn't hinder the progress of the DC film universe.

According to the DC film universe plan, "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" would release next year, bringing DC's epic 'Death of Superman' event. This meant no Superman sequels before his revival in "Justice League".

Simon didn't plan to start "Justice League" immediately, opting to release "Wonder Woman 2", "The Flash 2", and "Suicide Squad 2" first. Though seemingly individual superhero films, they would feature more extensive character crossovers. Catwoman, Cyborg, and several villains from "Suicide Squad" would join, similar to Marvel's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Civil War".

As for "Cyborg", despite its first film earning less than $600 million globally—the lowest in the DC film universe—Warner still wanted a sequel soon. However, like the "The Flash" series before it, Simon was holding it back.

If Warner's executives had their way, even two DC films a year wouldn't suffice, with more superheroes joining. This would only quickly erode the audience's enthusiasm for DC superhero films.

Simon remained resolute on this matter.

If Warner didn't follow his plan, they would part ways, and Daenerys Entertainment would happily launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman under Simon's control and Marvel as a significant backup, Warner never gained the upper hand.

After chatting with Emmerich a bit longer, they parted ways.

Hugh Grant, who had made a splash in Hollywood with "Four Weddings and a Funeral", approached with his girlfriend, Elizabeth Hurley.

Simon greeted them with a smile, introduced Catherine, and they exchanged pleasantries.

Catherine politely shook hands with them but frowned slightly when Elizabeth Hurley, with her youthful and delicate face, invited Simon to sit on the terrace outside the bar.

Really!

How many enchantresses has it been tonight?

What's more annoying is that Simon agreed.

Wanting to find an excuse to leave, she remembered he had said earlier that if she didn't like socializing, she could chat with familiar faces like Ang Lee. But she hadn't done so.

Now.

Forget it, walking away now would clearly show her jealousy and might embarrass him.

Men do love saving face.

Moreover, deep down, she didn't want these enchantresses at the party to succeed either.

The four of them went to the terrace, where a few guests were already gathered. There were no vacant seats, but seeing Simon, people stood up to greet him.

After greeting everyone, Simon chose a nearby spot where some guests had vacated by the railing. The seating was arranged in a rectangular 'U' shape, with a long table in the center. Facing the railing, there were two four-seater couches, one inside and one outside, and single-seater chairs on either side, accommodating up to ten people.

Simon chose the side of the couch by the armrest, and Catherine sat next to him.

Elizabeth Hurley, who had suggested the terrace, wasn't forgotten. She sat beside Catherine, followed by Hugh Grant. The other seats were filled with young filmmakers like Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, River Phoenix, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, and David Fincher.

Looking around at everyone, Elizabeth Hurley realized, much like at the Sundance Film Festival party in late January, that her hopes of gaining favor with Westeros were slim. Many women had hoped to catch Simon's eye that night, but because there were too many people, most didn't get to speak with him.

However, a Canadian girl named Mia Kirshner caught Simon's attention that night. She recently signed with WMA, and word had it that Simon said she might surpass ICM's Winona Ryder. She seemed destined for success.

Lucky girl!

Elizabeth Hurley let her thoughts drift as Simon asked, "What were you all talking about?"

Sandra, sitting directly opposite Simon, replied, "Moore was just talking about her paranormal experiences while filming 'The Conjuring'."

She said this while playfully glancing at Simon.

There were rumors that Simon Westeros was a medium, which had gained much traction in Hollywood. Even Sandra had privately asked Simon if he could see ghosts. Simon, of course, affirmed it, saying his abilities explained his talent. Sandra responded with an eye roll.

After securing the rights to the Warren couple's story last year, the "Conjuring" universe project quietly began.

Initially planning to start with "The Haunting in Connecticut," a spin-off, Simon decided to begin with "The Conjuring" after acquiring the rights. The film was completed and set for release on June 17, two weeks after "The Dark Knight Rises." The spin-off "The Haunting in Connecticut" was scheduled for October 28, the main Halloween release.

For the mainline "Conjuring" series, Simon personally chose Matthew Modine and Julianne Moore as the Warrens.

Julianne Moore needs no introduction.

Matthew Modine, 35 this year, had been relatively unknown in Hollywood, often recognized but not named by audiences. However, at 22, he won the Venice Film Festival Best Actor award for "Streamers." His career path mirrored that of Valerie Golino, who played Catwoman.

Interestingly, Matthew Modine was the original lead in "Cutthroat Island."

Sadly, after winning Best Actor at Venice, he waited over a decade for a blockbuster lead role, only to see "Cutthroat Island" fail disastrously, relegating him to obscurity without any comeback opportunities.

Both Matthew Modine and Julianne Moore signed five-film contracts for this series.

Now, with the lead role in "The Conjuring," Modine would miss out on "Cutthroat Island," completely changing his career path. Similarly, 33-year-old Julianne Moore, who had honed her craft on Broadway, would find her fortunes reversed. Though horror films rarely catapult actors to superstardom, transitioning from horror films was often easy.

Both had been sitting nearby but stood up to make room for Simon and his group.

Many horror film sets are rumored to be haunted, some perhaps true, but most are publicity stunts. As they chatted and joked about the paranormal incidents on "The Conjuring" set, Simon didn't shy away from his medium persona, even pretending to be a fortune teller. He humorously predicted Sandra would face 'bloodshed' in the next month.

The group didn't immediately grasp the innuendo until Elizabeth Hurley giggled, and they all burst into laughter. Sandra playfully lunged at Simon, pinching him hard.

After the playful moment, Simon turned to David Fincher, asking about his next project.

Last Halloween's "Se7en" catapulted Fincher to fame with its quality and Daenerys Entertainment's aggressive distribution, ultimately grossing $135 million in North America. The international release was ongoing but had reached $193 million, with an additional $30 to $50 million expected from remaining markets.

The film's global gross was projected to reach about $370 million.

With a $30 million budget and a tenfold return, "Se7en" propelled Fincher into Hollywood's A-list directors.

However, Fincher had always been a selective director.

After "Se7en," he hadn't decided on his next project, despite several scripts recommended by Daenerys Entertainment.

When Simon asked, Fincher mentioned, "I recently received a great script based on an eighties' group puzzle game. It's about a billionaire who, disillusioned with life, receives an invitation to a game that blurs the line between reality and fiction..."

As Fincher described the plot, Simon recognized it as "The Game," a film starring Michael Douglas with a $50 million budget but a modest box office performance.

Many Hollywood scripts are written years before being produced. Simon was always mindful of this, initially selecting scripts that he remembered wouldn't clash with others.

"The Game" was another script that had been around for years, and it wasn't surprising it ended up with Fincher, given Hollywood's interconnected circles.

David Fincher was another key director on Daenerys Entertainment's roster.

Even if "The Game" didn't meet box office expectations, Fincher was a valuable collaborator. So, if he insisted on making this film, Simon would agree.

Daenerys Entertainment could afford some flops for 'variety,' and Fincher's films, while sometimes underperforming at the box office, were critically acclaimed and popular in the home video market.

After Fincher finished his pitch, Simon agreed to review the script.

Time flew by amidst the socializing at the party.

As it approached 11 PM, the night was just beginning for many in Los Angeles, but Simon decided to leave.

There was work to do the next day.

Catherine asked Simon to drop her home, acting as if nothing was amiss.

Simon nonchalantly instructed the driver to head to the Malibu Point estate.

Catherine glared at him.

Simon, coaxing her like a child, promised to show her the beautiful new goldfish at home.

Catherine wore a 'you're lying to a kid' expression but eventually went to the Malibu Point estate with him.

The couple wasn't inclined to keep pets, so there were certainly no goldfish—if there were, they'd be in the ocean below the cliff. Since she had been tricked into going home, sulking was pointless, and no one would come to her aid even if she screamed.

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