Made In Hollywood

The soundstage, converted from the large hangar of the Hughes Aircraft Factory, had been decorated to look like a cave. Three cameras were cleverly positioned at reserved spots, each shooting from different angles without interfering with one another. The focus of all lenses was fixed on the worn workbench where a gaunt man stood.

Eyes locked tightly on the director's monitor screen, Duke watched Robert Downey Jr.'s performance. This Hollywood genius from the early 1990s shared quite a few similarities with the Tony Stark character he was playing now.

Both were prodigies, each facing the most difficult moments of their lives. The script's Tony Stark was trapped in adversity and ultimately chose to save himself. But what about Robert Downey Jr.?

Having been on set for over four months, Duke had received nearly all positive feedback about Downey. Like a prodigal son who had suddenly awakened, this no-longer-young genius, while still retaining his playful nature, had shown enough effort physically, mentally, and in his acting appearing completely prepared.

In Hollywood, the importance of opportunity is undeniable, but opportunities only go to those who are ready.

On the monitor, Robert Downey Jr. picked up a hammer and struck the metal sheet before him heavily. His expression was grave, his gaze resolute not only playing a terrorist in the script, but as if even Satan descending from hell could not stop his self-rescue.

Hammer blow after blow hit the metal plate. This wasn't a prop; both were real materials. He seemed to have fully entered Tony Stark's world. Downey's swings were powerful, and the loud clangs echoed through every corner of the soundstage. The recoil wasn't easy to endure.

But Robert Downey Jr. seemed completely unfazed. Unless Duke called "Cut," he would keep hammering. Months of fitness training now paid off, giving him strong enough muscles not only to swing the hammer with force but also to absorb the corresponding recoil.

"Cut!" Duke called out. "That's a wrap for this shot."

This was the first shot of filming, and Robert Downey Jr. had gotten into character very quickly. After only one test take, it was declared finished.

"Move to the next set!"

After saying this, Duke glanced over at Robert Downey Jr., who was gently massaging his wrist and walking toward the resting area.

Duke was very satisfied with Downey's performance. This was someone who understood how to cherish an opportunity.

"Want some water?"

A familiar female voice came from behind. Duke turned and accepted the water cup Scarlett Johansson handed him. Taking a sip, he asked, "How did you get here?"

"I'm part of the crew too." Scarlett took back the cup. "It's the first official shooting day. Of course, I have to come see. Besides, Tina is very busy now. Someone has to take care of you."

Duke glanced at Scarlett but said nothing. He directed the crew to switch to another cave set to shoot the terrorist scenes.

All morning, except for one scene featuring Tony Stark, the rest of the time was spent filming the terrorists' footage. Thanks to thorough preparation, filming went smoothly. Although many NGs (no good takes) were inevitable, the morning's shooting schedule was completed before noon.

Lunch was at Hughes Aircraft Factory, where the crew rented the internal cafeteria. Duke and Charles Rowen never cut costs on food. Ensuring the crew's needs in food, clothing, lodging, and transportation helped maintain high work energy. Even in October, California's noon weather wasn't very cool, so having air conditioning in the cafeteria guaranteed proper rest.

Duke got his tray and just sat down when Scarlett Johansson appeared opposite him with her lunch.

Duke glanced at her plate; it was no surprise—just vegetables and fruits. In Hollywood circles, even those who claimed they never dieted paid close attention to their food, and Scarlett was no exception.

"Sorry to interrupt you two."

A man's voice came from beside them, and Charles Rowen approached their table. Scarlett knew well he had something to discuss with Duke. Smiling, she said, "No problem, Charles. Feel free to sit."

Duke gestured to the seat on his left, and Charles Rowen sat down, took a sip of coffee from his tray, and said, "We just received notice from Warner Brothers. The exact North American box office figures for 'Batman: Begins' have been tallied."

"How much?" Duke asked.

The film officially ended its North American run the day before yesterday, after screening for over five months.

Scarlett Johansson also looked interested. "Was there a final surge?"

"I was hoping for a surge too..." Charles joked to Scarlett, then turned serious. "But, dear, that's impossible."

He recalled a moment and said, "The final North American box office was $282.56 million."

Hearing this, Scarlett muttered, "Didn't break 300 million."

"Crossing 300 million in North America isn't that easy." Duke shook his head. "It's already far beyond my expected 250 million."

"What about the global box office, Charles?" Scarlett asked again, "How much is it now?"

"562.78 million US dollars." Charles Rowan sighed softly, "The response overseas was a bit lukewarm."

"Style issue." Duke picked up a fork, speared a piece of apple from Scarlett's lunchbox, and popped it into his mouth, saying, "Dark and realistic superhero films often get that kind of overseas reaction."

Compared to North America, overseas audiences prefer simpler superhero movies.

Still, having earned over 550 million worldwide, Duke was quite satisfied. This also laid a better foundation for the next installment.

"What about our competitors?" Scarlett Johnson asked again, "Especially that annoying guy named Ellison who invested in a film how did his movie do at the box office in the end?"

"Flyboys?" Charles Rowan chuckled, "Low enough to be unbelievable."

He didn't keep Scarlett waiting and said, "Flyboys was pulled from theaters after just seven weeks, with only 23.09 million from North America, and overseas was no better. They basically ended overseas screenings already, making only 13.44 million. The global box office won't exceed 50 million."

"What about the merchandise?" Scarlett continued.

"I haven't specifically followed that data," Charles Rowan thought for a moment, "But so far it's only a bit over two million, which is nothing compared to Batman: Begins merchandise sales of over 300 million."

No matter how you look at it,Flyboys was utterly defeated by Batman:Begins.

Not only this film, but Kingdom of Heaven, released the same period, didn't do well either. Ridley Scott's epic war movie took in only 27.11 million in North America, and 47.39 million worldwide. Even with decent TV and DVD rights sales later, it was destined to lose money.

In fact, if not for George Lucas' Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Batman:Begins would have undoubtedly taken the North American summer box office crown.

"Duke, with Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith out…" Scarlett Johnson put down her knife and fork, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said, "It's going to be hard for you to get the annual box office champion this time."

"There's always next time." Duke finished eating, glanced at his watch, and stood up first. "You guys rest here, I'll go check the preparations for this afternoon."

With that, he left the dining room directly. Scarlett waved at Charles Rowan and then followed him.

The afternoon shoot started quickly. Here the filming focused mainly on Robert Downey Jr.'s scenes, shooting some sequences of him assembling the Mark I Iron Man suit. On the other side, the set was ready, and Duke led the crew to move over to shoot Tony Stark putting on the suit.

The Mark I suit, carefully crafted by Industrial Light & Magic's model and effects department, carried a strong rugged style, just as Duke required it looked like a humanoid tank.

Of course, although the suit was mainly made of lightweight polystyrene, it was far from comfortable to wear.

Even though Robert Downey Jr. had practiced several times wearing this suit before filming, shooting was still tough. Every few minutes of shooting, he had to rest for a while.

Luckily, Duke prepared two identical prop suits and assigned a stunt double specifically for Robert Downey Jr., so they could take turns, ensuring the shooting schedule stayed on track. Also, minor flaws in the footage could be fixed later with CGI effects.

During shooting, a small accident happened. After finishing a cave scene, Robert Downey Jr. accidentally fell headfirst. Fortunately, the sturdy Mark I suit protected him well neither the suit nor his head was injured.

But Robert Downey Jr. didn't like this suit much. After the afternoon shoot ended, he came to complain to Duke a bit.

"I've acted for many years, and my body is still pretty strong, but the first time I wore the Iron Man suit, I kind of lost it. I don't have claustrophobia, but after wearing this costume for several hours, your mood starts getting a bit restless. I just hope someone can rescue me with the stunt double soon."

He was also using this as a way to get closer to Duke. "More importantly, this suit looks awful. When can I get back to being a rich and handsome guy?"

.....

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