Echoes of Hollywood

Every Hollywood star is surrounded by gossip and scandals. James Franco, for instance, had numerous versions of his romantic stories with Lily Collins circulating in tabloids and online. Tales of an older man seducing a young girl were plentiful, so his reputation wasn't much better than Murphy's or Robert Downey Jr.'s.

Besides these rumors, in real life, James Franco wasn't particularly focused on his acting career. Otherwise, he wouldn't have achieved only what he had so far.

How to evaluate his friend? Murphy knew exactly what to say. "Being a star is just a mask Franco wears to face the glamorous Hollywood world. Beneath this mask lies the heart of an artist who is always passionately pursuing his interests."

The subsequent questions were mostly related to films, primarily aimed at creating a buzz around Murphy to promote and publicize the movie.

As the interview neared its end, Gretchen Carlson shifted the topic to the currently screening film.

"Murphy, how do you think you performed in 'The End of the World'?" she asked.

"Not bad, I gave it my all." Murphy spread his hands. "I think it's a significant improvement over 'The Hangover.'"

Gretchen Carlson joked, "That's because your performance in 'The Hangover' was terrible, right?"

Murphy nodded, "I admit that."

They both laughed, and Gretchen Carlson continued, "Will you continue to act in films?"

"I'd love to, but I don't think many directors would want to cast me." Murphy said with a touch of helplessness, "So, I can only keep collaborating with my good friends."

As long as schedules permitted and conditions allowed, he would continue to act with the other members of the Stanton group.

Finally, after a few harmless questions, the recording concluded.

After removing his makeup in the dressing room, Murphy left the studio and returned to Beverly Hills. He first stopped by Rodeo Drive to pick up the rings he had ordered last month from a jewelry center. Then he headed to Century City to meet Gal Gadot and Kara Faith for dinner.

During dinner, they specifically discussed the publicity and distribution of "Diego Ross."

With Thanksgiving approaching and the limited release scheduled for mid-December, the film's promotional efforts were gradually unfolding.

"The MPAA should pose no issues."

In the Italian restaurant on the first floor of the Fox building, Kara Faith sat by the window and told Murphy and Gal Gadot, "We expect the rating next week, and it will certainly be R."

Gal Gadot put down her knife, took a sip of water, and said, "That's good. It won't delay the limited release."

"I propose we skip the test screenings," Murphy wiped his mouth with a napkin, "What's the view at 20th Century Fox?"

Kara Faith also put down her cutlery, "Test screenings are unnecessary, but the company has prepared a special screening for critics and media, along with the other limited screenings."

"Is the guest list confirmed?" Murphy asked.

"All major media have been invited." Kara Faith thought for a moment, "We've invited critics like Todd McCarthy and Kenneth Turan from the Los Angeles area, as well as well-known critics from other regions who have previously given you high ratings."

She sighed, "It's a pity Roger Ebert is seriously ill. He always liked your style. If he wrote a highly positive review for you, we'd have more leverage for the awards season."

Murphy shrugged, "There's nothing we can do about that."

From his vague memory, this famous Pulitzer Prize winner didn't have much longer to live.

Gal Gadot then asked, "Can't we send a copy to Roger Ebert?"

She remembered that in the past few years, Roger Ebert's health had been poor, and Murphy's films always sent copies to Chicago.

"Recently, he hasn't received copies of my last two films." Murphy shook his head, "It seems there haven't been any new reviews from him either."

Kara Faith added, "20th Century Fox will still send a copy to Chicago, but we can't control whether Roger Ebert will accept it."

Indeed, given Roger Ebert's current health, no one could guarantee he would receive the film copy. Murphy knew this well. He then asked, "What about the limited release theaters?"

"There will be five theaters initially." Kara Faith had already made detailed plans, "Three in Los Angeles, two in New York."

This is a common release strategy for niche films aiming for awards season. Setting certain entry barriers helps exclude casual viewers during early screenings, reducing negative reviews and achieving high word-of-mouth, which can then help expand the screening scale.

For 20th Century Fox, this basic awards season release strategy was not difficult, and word-of-mouth marketing was a standard promotional method.

Murphy nodded, confident in 20th Century Fox, and asked, "What about the promotion?"

"Apart from placing trailer ads with 'The End of the World,'" Kara Faith, being the direct supervisor, said, "Currently, the film is mainly being promoted online and through print media."

She glanced outside the window and added, "After the film's release, we'll use newspapers and magazines for buzz creation. Once the screening scale expands, and the Academy starts sending out Oscar nomination ballots, we'll engage in high-intensity TV and radio promotions."

These were all pre-set plans.

"Don't neglect the internet and social media," Murphy reminded, "I know many Academy members have social media accounts, and some are quite active."

"Yes." Kara Faith nodded, "I'll assign someone to handle that."

After discussing "Diego Ross" for a while, the topic shifted.

"By the way, Murphy," Kara Faith suddenly asked, "Are you attending the Murdoch family's New Year party?"

Murphy shook his head, "I don't have time."

He looked at Gal Gadot, "We need to negotiate in Boston."

Building connections with the Murdoch family has more advantages than disadvantages, but the timing is wrong now. Besides, he didn't want to get involved in the Murdoch family's internal power struggles.

Kara Faith understood Murphy well and didn't press further.

Murphy added, "I also need to talk to Netflix. Stanton Studios might collaborate with them on a political series."

Netflix had invited him years ago, but the timing wasn't right then. He didn't accept directly but acquired the adaptation rights to a political novel by Michael Dobbs, planning to work with Netflix now seemed appropriate.

Netflix, founded in 1997, initially gained prominence with its online DVD rental subscription model. The company had grown rapidly and started producing TV shows and movies. Their strategy involved attracting top directors and actors with high pay.

Netflix was keen on collaborating on a political series, and the possibility of cooperation was high.

Of course, Murphy was too busy to direct the series himself. If he did, it would only be one episode. If the collaboration succeeded, he planned to hand it over to Paul Wilson, with "Game of Thrones" nearing its end.

Having directed a series full of intrigue and political conflict, Paul Wilson would find this new series relatively straightforward.

Thinking about the next few years, Murphy realized he would remain very busy. Such a series couldn't be managed by a single writer. A writing team would be necessary, but an initial story outline and main character settings were required.

A busy life suited him better. Murphy couldn't imagine living a life of luxury and idleness. It would be incredibly dull and terrifying.

Collaborating with Netflix also had other benefits. It avoided relying solely on 20th Century Fox.

Stanton Studios had a good relationship with 20th Century Fox, but Murphy knew the world was constantly changing. The future was unpredictable.

"I'll be back in a moment." Gal Gadot stood up to use the restroom.

"Do you have time for Thanksgiving?"

Seeing Gal Gadot leave, Murphy asked Kara Faith, "I'm planning a Thanksgiving party, only inviting friends."

Kara Faith was puzzled, "What are you planning?"

From her understanding of Murphy, he was clearly up to something.

Murphy smiled, "I just picked up a custom ring."

"Are you planning to propose to Gal?" Kara Faith immediately understood, "Am I right?"

"Yes." Murphy didn't deny it, "I'm planning a small engagement party for Thanksgiving."

Kara Faith tilted her head, looking at Murphy, "Do you think Gal will accept?"

Murphy shrugged, "Why wouldn't she?"

Seeing Gal Gadot returning, Murphy said to Kara Faith, "Don't tell Gal yet, keep it a secret."

"No problem." Kara Faith smiled, "Just let me know the outcome first."

When Gal Gadot returned, Kara Faith didn't mention the proposal. They chatted for a while longer, then Murphy paid the bill, and they left the restaurant, each going their separate ways.

Murphy drove his black SUV at high speed and quickly returned to Waverly Estate.

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