hunt hollywood

Simon sat behind the desk and wrote something in his notebook, saying: "Knowing that someone in this world hates you is still very motivating. Has your brother arrived yet?"

Janet put her arms on the table, leaned forward slightly and said, "There are still a few minutes, I'll come and see if you've finished your call."

"It's settled," Simon nodded, and explained casually: "Amy called. The American Screenwriters Guild publicly launched a strike vote this morning. This year's strike must be inevitable."

Today is February 2, and the date Simon remembers for the writers' strike is March 23.However, the strike of the Writers Guild of America cannot be decided by WGA executives at will, and member voting is still required. Since WGA members distributed in North America and even overseas need to mail their votes, this process usually takes two weeks.

Janet listened with obvious disinterest. When Simon got up, she leaned over and took the man's arm and was about to leave the study, but she pointed to the TV and said, "Although you don't care what the old man said, but, I think you should also set up some charitable funds and the like, even if it’s just a show. This kind of thing is always inevitable, otherwise more people will definitely use this to attack you in the future.”

Because of some things in his memory, Simon was indeed very indifferent to charity. However, he did not object to Janet's suggestion, saying: "Okay, let's call it Simon; the Janet Foundation is fine, you can help me take care of it."

Janet shook her head and said, "No, it should be Simon; Janet Westeros Foundation."

"Well, the name should be longer so that it can be noticed."

"Hehe, that's not what I meant."

Talking and laughing, he came to the kitchen of the villa. Just as he brought the prepared lunch into the dining room, the doorbell rang.

The two greeted them out together. Although they had no special feelings beforehand, Simon was inevitably a little restrained when he really saw Janet's family.

Anthony Johnston looked older than his actual age, wearing a straight gray suit, about the same height as Simon, with a short beard on his face, and some features between his brows that could clearly be seen to be similar to Janet family.

After embracing Janet, Anthony Johnston shook hands with Simon in a gentle tone, and also took out a gift to express his congratulations to Simon on his 20th birthday: "I could have arrived yesterday, and my business partner in London made a deal. There was a temporary change in the transaction and had to be postponed until now. Simon, happy birthday."

"Thanks, Tony, let's go in, lunch is ready."

The three walked towards the villa together, but Janet unceremoniously snatched the gift box from Simon's hand, opened it while walking, took out a watch in the box and looked it over carefully, and said with satisfaction: "It's not bad. , Dad's collection. I thought you'd pick up a present at the airport."

Anthony Johnston listened to his sister's teasing, but said to Simon: "Getting along with Jenny should often cause headaches, she likes to play pranks too much."

Simon smiled and said, "It's okay."

Janet was a little dissatisfied with Simon's ambiguous answer, and said, "What do you mean by 'okay'?"

"Yes, occasionally a headache, not so often."

Janet grabbed Simon's arm: "If you think about it, I will give you a headache every day in the future."

Although the Johnston family had obtained a lot of information about Simon and the relationship between Simon and Janet through Neil Bennett and Ken Dixon in advance, Anthony Johnston noticed that his sister The kind of intimacy that was unconsciously revealed between him and this young man really put him at ease.

After a brief rest, the three of them sat in the dining room.

The atmosphere at lunch was very relaxed, and everyone just chatted casually about various trivial matters.

After lunch, it was already one o'clock in the afternoon. Janet took the initiative to clean up the tableware in a rare and virtuous manner. Anthony Johnston proposed to chat with Simon alone, and the two went to the terrace by the cliff by the sea together.

The mansion is located on the west side of Cape Dumei Park. Standing beside the railing on the terrace, you can see not only the stunning sea and sky scenery, but also a sharp corner not far from the left hand side.

Anthony Johnston looked at the sharp cliff and said, "It's a very suitable location for building a mansion."

Simon said succinctly: "State park."

Anthony Johnston shook his head and said, "Simon, there is nothing we can't get."

Simon hesitated for a moment, then nodded, and said: "Okay, I will find a way to take it down, and it is really suitable for building a manor. Pointe Manor, well, this name seems inappropriate. Since it is Cape Dumei Park, in the future Let’s call it Cape Dume Manor.”

Anthony Johnston glanced at Simon and said with a smile, "You've already set your sights on that piece of land, haven't you?"

Simon nodded: "Of course, many people are looking forward to getting that piece of land."

Anthony Johnston smiled, stopped mentioning the matter, and changed the subject suddenly: "Simon, do you still remember the information about your parents?"

Simon froze for a moment, shook his head and said, "I don't remember."

Anthony Johnston hesitated for a moment, but said quickly: "I don't know why, the first time I saw your photo, I had a certain feeling. I just saw you in person, and this feeling is clearer. However, I But I can’t say what this feeling is. It seems like we’ve met before, but it’s impossible, you should have been in San Francisco until you were 18, but I’ve only been to San Francisco three times since I was a child.”

"This should be just a sense of déjà vu. Many people will have this feeling. They feel familiar with some people and things for no reason."

"Maybe," Anthony nodded, and said, "Actually, I hired a detective company to investigate your parents' information. I mean possible information. I don't have any malicious intentions. I hope you don't mind. However, these investigations There was no result. You were picked up by a policeman on the side of the road and sent to an orphanage when you were five years old, but there was no record of your personal identity before the age of five. Do you remember what happened before that?"

Simon really didn't mind too much, he was also very curious about his past, if the Johnston family could find out, then he just didn't have to waste his energy.

At this moment, hearing Anthony's question, Simon shook his head and said, "No, or, it's very vague, and I can't remember it at all."

"Forget it, it is said that there have been people claiming that your parents are trying to identify relatives, but you have not responded. I don't think you have the will to find your parents," Anthony said, looking at Simon suddenly, and asked: " Do you hate them?"

Simon shook his head lightly: "I don't know them at all, how can I hate them?"

"So, I'm very curious, what drove you to become who you are now?" Anthony asked another question: "You know, without enough obsession, it is difficult for a person living at the bottom of society to be what you are now. To a certain extent, most of them are more likely to just go with the flow, or get worse."

"I haven't thought about this question carefully, Tony." Simon shook his head and said, "If you really want an answer, maybe it's just that I want to live a better life, better than most people."

"It's not reasonable," Anthony said, "but since you don't want to explain, I won't ask too much. Actually, the only thing I care about when I come here today is when you plan to marry my sister. Of course, this is actually It's also what my parents are most concerned about, they don't want our family to have two old girls who can't get married."

Simon wondered, "Two?"

Anthony Johnston was stunned for a moment, and said with a smile: "I also have an aunt, who is my grandfather's daughter and my father's sister. It's just that she was born very late and was younger than me. You should know?"

Simon nodded and said, "Jenny mentioned to me, isn't she married?"

"Since Jenny mentioned it to you, she must have revealed something to you. My little aunt has never been married, and even, um, you will know when you see her. My father always felt that Jenny might have been influenced by me. Because of the influence of my little aunt, I have been reluctant to have a boyfriend." Anthony said, and asked again: "So, when do you plan to marry Jenny?"

Simon didn't hesitate, and said, "As long as Jenny is willing, she can do it anytime. I'm not too resistant to marriage."

"Then try to finish this matter within two years." Anthony was not polite, and continued to urge: "You know, Jenny is 28 years old, and Mom and Dad hope that she can get married before the age of 30."

Simon agreed, "Okay."

Anthony looked at Simon carefully for a moment, then smiled and said: "Actually, you are only 20 years old this year, and you will only be 22 years old in two years, and you are still very young. Young people are always a bit playful, as long as you don't indulge too much, it's fine." It's important to stay out of the media's eye as much as possible."

Simon smiled speechlessly, of course he knew what Anthony was referring to.

Anthony did not stop this topic, and continued: "Jenny is actually very stubborn, or very stubborn, which is exactly the same as my little aunt. So, since she chose you, she will definitely not change. I hope you don't let her down .Besides, her personality probably won't urge you to get married, you have to take the initiative in this matter."

Simon nodded again: "I will."

Chapter 153 Julia Roberts (Revised)

Anthony Johnston only stayed in Los Angeles for a few hours and flew back to Australia that evening.

The renovation of the Fifth Avenue apartment has been in progress, and it is impossible for no one to look at it for a long time.After Anthony left, Janet also rushed to New York the next day.

Now that he had decided to buy Point Dumay, Simon then asked his personal attorney, George Norman, to work on the matter.There have always been cases of privatization of parks in the United States. It is not difficult to buy a state park without considering the cost.

In the original time and space, the silver streamlined mansion named 'Liberty City' of Tony Stark, the protagonist of the "Iron Man" series, was located on the sharp corner of Dumei Point Park. Compared with most other buildings in Malibu, 'City of Liberty' does look like a blast.Now that it has been decided to restore the "Avengers Building" in Manhattan, the "Liberty City" that also fits Simon's aesthetics is naturally not to be missed.

As the hustle and bustle of the birthday party fades away, Simon's life settles down again and he begins to focus on the series of projects Daenerys Films is working on.

The final cut of "Pulp Fiction" was completed a week after Simon's birthday. Although Orion always had doubts about this project, it still started to announce the film and participate in the Cannes Film Festival in May according to the plan.

Simon didn't lack expectations for "Pulp Fiction", but after finishing the film, he didn't continue to pay too much attention to this film.After all, Daenerys Pictures only enjoys 10% of the North American box office share of "Pulp Fiction" and 5% of the North American video tape sales share. Simon still focuses more on projects independently invested by Daenerys Pictures.

"When Harry Met Sally", whose schedule is confirmed to be March 3, has also been completed. After several internal test screenings, considering the quality and subject matter of the film, Disney decided to start the small-scale screening of the film two weeks in advance. , It is expected that about 25 screens will be opened on March 3 in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

"Basic Instinct" started shooting in mid-February. The estimated shooting period is two months, and the post-production is also two months. The film schedule is confirmed to be July 2. As long as there are no accidents, the time seems to be very sufficient.

For other films such as "Rain Man", "Steel Magnolia", "Scream", "Dead Poets Society", Simon and Amy also adopted a division of labor and cooperation to promote them in an orderly manner.

on the other hand.

On March 3, the latest contract offered by the American Film and Television Producers Union was rejected again, and the screenwriters union officially started a strike.

No one except Simon himself expected the strike to last five months.

After the strike began, the operations of major TV networks were quickly affected. Daytime soap operas were switched to rerun mode, and late-night talk shows also cut a lot of links that required scripts such as teasing current events.Because of the preparations in advance, the TV series that are being broadcast during the prime time in the spring have not been greatly impacted.

In addition, the new Academy Awards ceremony, which was originally scheduled to be held at the end of March, was also postponed after the strike began. "Run Lola Run" only got a consolation technical nomination, and Simon naturally didn't expect much from it.

Now that the strike is on schedule, as it was in the original time and space, Simon is busy with his film business, and he is also working on a few TV shows he has planned.He does not intend to make TV dramas. The workload of TV drama scripts is much greater than that of movie scripts. Although there are many classic American dramas in his memory, it is impossible for Simon to waste too much time on scripts now. Daenerys Films is Professional screenwriters were also unavailable during the strike.

Simon was going to make a reality show.

As far back as I can remember, it was the 1988 Hollywood screenwriters' strike that sparked the birth of reality shows on American television.

However, due to the generally conservative business strategies of North American TV networks, it was in the late 90s that reality shows really became popular. The prosperity of TV shows in the North American television industry.

Counting the newly formed Fox TV network, there are four national mainstream TV networks in North America. Simon also plans to produce four reality shows at once, and sell them to the four if possible.As for whether the other party is willing to buy, after the strike lasts for several months, the TV network that starts to lack content will not have many choices in the face of ready-made programs.

"The last time I went to New York, I met a vice president of the ABC TV network. He is a very good person. I planned to recruit him after the acquisition of New World Entertainment, but you also know that this matter is definitely impossible in the short term. However, he agreed to introduce me to several TV producers, and I will ask Jenny to give you the contact information later, so you can talk to him about it."

In the corridor of Daenerys Films headquarters, "Rain Man" will start shooting next week. The last production meeting of the film has just been held, and several main creators have been sent away. Simon and Amy returned to the office together.

"Simon, don't we really need to communicate with the TV network for this...reality show?"

"Now is not the time to contact the TV network," Simon shook his head, and said, "It depends on the situation. Anyway, the budget of these reality shows is not too high, and the pre-production costs are even less. If the strike ends soon, the TV network will The possibility of buying such a novel program is very low. Even if we want to, we will not get a good contract, and we will cut it off at that time. However, if this strike lasts for a long time and affects the production of TV dramas in the autumn, We have a chance. As long as the opportunity exists, we must be ready."

Amy nodded, and said: "In addition, regarding "Steel Magnolia", Meg Ryan still owes us a film contract, I think she can play Shelby, and her agent also expressed this meaning .”

"Meg Ryan's temperament is too sweet, not suitable for a weak character with a terminal illness," Simon shook his head, and said: "Also, I have already asked an actress to come over, it should be here now, do you want to come together have a look?"

Amy froze for a moment and asked, "Who is it?"

"A newcomer," Simon said, "I saw it in a movie recently. I hope she can play Shelby."

Amy froze for a moment, then shook her head and smiled slightly: "Okay, if you think it's appropriate. However, I'll go to Disney later, so I'll see when I have time."

Simon knew that Amy must be thinking wrong, but he didn't bother to explain.

The two separated, and Simon returned to his office, but there were already three people waiting in the outside lounge.

After nodding to another man and a woman, Simon looked at Courteney Cox, who had only met at his birthday party recently, and said doubtfully, "Curt, we have an appointment at four o'clock, you seem Came an hour early?"

Courteney Cox also attended Simon's birthday party last month, but Simon seemed busier that time, and she never found a chance to get in touch with him alone.

At this time, looking at the young man in front of her who was more calm than when she first met, and thinking of the $1000 million birthday party last month, Courteney Cox felt even more sour in her heart, but her face was still relaxed. He smiled and said, "Simon, I was worried that I would be late, so I came here early. You can do other things first, and I'll just wait."

"Then wait a moment."

Simon said, turning to another man and a woman.

The middle-aged man among them stretched out his hand to Simon and said, "Mr. Westeros, hello, I'm Marvin Josephson, nice to meet you."

Although he has never met himself, Simon also knows that Marvin Josephson is the president of ICM of Hollywood's two major brokerage companies after WMA and C. At the beginning of the year, Ed Limato brought Mel Gibson, Denzel A large number of top stars such as Hua Shengdu have switched to ICM. Recently, ICM has grown in strength.

"Hello, Marvin, you can just call me Simon," Simon shook hands with Marvin Josephson, then turned to the young girl with flaxen wavy long hair next to him, smiled and stretched out her hand, saying: " Hello, Julia."

Julia Roberts was a little flattered to hear the young man in front of her, who didn't seem alienated or even very familiar, and quickly reached out to shake hands with Simon, saying, "Hello, Wei... Simon."

"Well, let's go in and talk."

Simon said, gave instructions to secretary Susan, nodded to Courteney, and led the other two into his office.Courteney Cox watched the door of Simon's office close, feeling even more depressed as she did not get any special treatment.

Inside the office.

The two parties sat down in the reception area, and while waiting for Susan to deliver coffee, Simon looked at Julia Roberts in front of him.

The big-mouthed beauty who is just in her early twenties this year still looks a little green now. Simon found the most box-office appealing figure in Hollywood in the 90s in the original time and space in a song and dance film called "Satisfied" released last month. Actress's.Julia played the guitarist in an all-girl rock band in "Satisfy Your Heart."Moreover, in that movie, Simon also saw Liam Neeson, another famous Hollywood actor who is now also playing various small roles.

Julia Roberts played the role of Shelby who suffered from kidney disease and died unexpectedly in the original "Steel Magnolia". Shelby's prototype is the sister of "Steel Magnolia" screenwriter Robert Haring.Robert Haring only wrote the screenplay for Steel Magnolia because of the death of his sister, so a lot of pen and ink has been poured into the character.

With the role of Shelby, Julia Roberts also won the Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress that year.Compared with Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts' youthful temperament is indeed more suitable for Shelby.

The three chatted casually for a few words, and Simon started to talk about business.

"Marvin, I saw Julia in "Satisfied Heart", as you must know, Daenerys Films is making a series of movies recently. So, I don't want to talk too much nonsense, I hope that with Julie Ya signed a long-term contract, five movies, what do you think?"

Marvin Josephson and Julia Roberts did not expect this to be the case.

Everyone in the circle knows that Simon chose Meg Ryan to participate in "When Harry Met Sally", and, including the two people present, many people do not doubt that Simon Westeros and Meg Ryan Ryan has certain relationships.

Julia Roberts is totally just a rookie right now who just landed a small role in a solo film.As the president of ICM, the reason why Marvin Josephson came here today was just to take the opportunity to get in touch with Simon Westeros, so as to fight for more opportunities for artists under ICM.Therefore, Marvin Josephson didn't pay much attention to the girl beside him at all. He even persuaded Julia Roberts in private that he originally planned to go back alone after talking about the matter.

Now, neither of them expected that Simon Westero would give a condition that they thought they had misheard.

For newcomers who have just stepped into Hollywood, it is very lucky to be able to win a decent role once in a while. Most men and women who dream of being a star are stuck at this stage, and have to give up voluntarily after killing their youth.

Five film appointments!

Julia Roberts didn't expect such a good thing to happen suddenly, she just froze for a moment, then she nodded quickly and said, "West... Simon, I am willing."

As Julia spoke, Marvin Josephson also reacted, calmed down a little, and asked, "Simon, can you explain in detail?"

Simon said: "Out of the five movies, except for the supporting role in "Steel Magnolias" that I passed on to Julia, I guarantee that the other four are all heroines."

Julia Roberts immediately nodded again, but this time she stopped talking and looked at Marvin Josephson.She is willing to pay any price to get such a package contract at one time. If Marvin Josephson dares to mess up this matter, she will definitely quit ICM without hesitation.

However, Marvin Josephson became more and more calm. He glanced at the pretty girl beside him, then at the young man opposite, and said, "Simon, I believe you are capable enough to provide Julia with five The film contract, but how long is the contract period and how is the film salary calculated?"

Simon said: "The contract period is 10 years. In terms of remuneration, Julia can only get the newcomer's salary for the first two films. Starting from the third film, Julia can renegotiate."

Marvin Josephson said again: "Simon, during these five film appointments, can Julia participate in other films?"

"Unless I agree, otherwise, no. Moreover, since Julia is provided with such a generous contract, Daenerys Films will definitely add very strict restrictions and liquidated damages clauses to the contract."