The celebration banquet was naturally bustling.
A host of Hollywood stars and actors raised their glasses and chatted with each other; directors and producers were also busy, gathering in small groups by the swimming pool, engaging in commercial flattery again and again.
The cocktail party was undoubtedly a good place for them to expand their network, and being exceptionally shrewd, they naturally wouldn't give up the opportunity. Even if they gained nothing, they couldn't afford to offend anyone.
Among the invited directors, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were undoubtedly the most famous.
Among the actors, Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio were the most renowned.
There were also quite a few big names among the producers, such as Shea, the owner of New Line Cinema, and Sherry Lansing, the president of Paramount Pictures... Of course, the most influential people tonight were Rupert Murdoch of News Corporation and Sumner Redstone of Viacom Group!
Countless people gathered around the two moguls!
"Rupert, I heard that 'X-Men' has already started filming. Would you consider letting my Paramount Pictures invest in a share?" Redstone said with a smile.
Murdoch immediately refused, "Forget it, buddy. 'X-Men' isn't 'Titanic.' My Fox Pictures can afford its production cost, so I won't trouble you."
"You're burning bridges!" Redstone pouted.
Murdoch pushed up his glasses and said, "Don't forget, you made a huge profit investing in 'Titanic.' I'm not an ungrateful person who burns bridges."
The clash between the two Hollywood moguls made the surrounding crowd afraid to speak.
Murdoch represented Fox Pictures.
Redstone represented Paramount Pictures.
They each presided over one of Hollywood's Big Six and were both influential figures in media giants. Their every word and action influenced the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. Who would dare to speak during their verbal sparring?
...Compared to them, the conversations among Hollywood actors and actresses were much more harmonious.
Well,
at least on the surface.
The resources of major film companies are limited each year, and competition among actors and actresses is fierce, leading to many friendships being purely superficial.
"Joaquin, you've been very popular recently. I must congratulate you," James McAvoy said.
James McAvoy, male, whose representative works include the young, hairy Professor X in the "X-Men" series and the faun in "The Chronicles of Narnia."
In 1996, he collaborated with Page Pictures on "Run Lola Run" and played the male lead.
"I personally watched 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' in the cinema. Joaquin portrayed the image of a middle-aged man very accurately. A nomination for Best Actor at the Oscars tomorrow is definitely a given," Mark Ruffalo said.
Mark Ruffalo, male, whose representative work is the Hulk in the "Avengers" series.
In 1996, he collaborated with Page Pictures on "Hard Candy."
"I envy you, Joaquin. Since my debut, besides participating in the short film 'The Tuner' personally directed by Mr. Page, I haven't had any notable films," Paul Walker said.
Paul Walker, male, whose representative work is Brian O'Conner, the male lead in "Fast & Furious."
However... as soon as Paul Walker said this, he was immediately criticized by everyone.
Joaquin Phoenix: "You participated in a film personally directed by Mr. Page. What more could you be unsatisfied with?"
Mark Ruffalo: "Exactly. Since his debut, besides the initial 'Run Lola Run,' Mr. Page has only directed 'The Tuner.' This opportunity is something many people dream of. In the future, you'll have a clear advantage."
James McAvoy: "Paul, you're wrong. Besides the short film 'The Tuner,' your starring film 'Varsity Blues' was released nationwide at the end of January this year, with a cumulative North American box office exceeding 50 million US dollars. How can you still say you're not doing well?"
"I was wrong!"
Facing everyone's criticism, Paul Walker naturally backed down decisively.
The four Hollywood male actors chatted, and the atmosphere was good, as if they were good brothers with endless topics to discuss. But in reality, they were subtly probing each other.
—"The Butterfly Effect"!
That's right, Page Pictures recently announced that it would begin casting for the film "The Butterfly Effect"!
"The Butterfly Effect" is a soft sci-fi film about time travel, with a production budget of around ten million US dollars. Logically, it's a medium-budget film that wouldn't attract well-known Hollywood male actors.
But, who made the screenwriter Kyle!
For Hollywood today, Kyle is a golden brand!
Films and TV series personally written by Kyle, with very few exceptions, have all been massive hits, guaranteeing high box office returns.
"Run Lola Run," "Wrong Turn," "The Purge," "The Sixth Sense," "Juno"... which one isn't famous?
Even "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "300," two films in which Kyle did not personally participate in the scriptwriting, were huge hits!
So, how could those Hollywood actors not flock to him?
"The Butterfly Effect" was very appealing to Paul Walker and the others!
At the same time.
In another gathering spot on the estate, a group of Hollywood actresses were chatting.
The topic of conversation was also the upcoming film "The Butterfly Effect."
"You're not suitable, Miss Scarlett Johansson."
Charlize Theron looked at the petite Scarlett in front of her and teased, "You're only 15 years old this year, still a girl. You can't play the female lead in 'The Butterfly Effect.'"
Upon hearing this, how could the young Scarlett Johansson endure it?
"I can't play it because I'm young. But what about you, big sister? Your single film salary should be between 10 to 12 million US dollars now, and I heard that the entire production cost of 'The Butterfly Effect' is only 10 million US dollars. Are you suitable, big sister?" Scarlett mocked.
"You!" Theron's eyes widened in anger.
"Tsk tsk tsk~ Does the truth hurt? Then I apologize," Scarlett feigned sincerity.
Jessica Chastain: "..."
Angelina Jolie: "..."
The infighting among actresses was much more exciting than among actors.
Film and television resources are limited, especially for those A-list commercial blockbusters. If you don't actively fight for them, are you going to expect a pie to fall from the sky?
Dream on!
...The next day.
Kyle woke up early and headed to the Waterworld Animation Studio.
After more than two years, "Finding Nemo" was finally completed and was about to be released globally. As Golden Dawn Entertainment's first animated theatrical film, its significance was naturally extraordinary!