As expected, several newspapers released photos of Gal Gadot during the new week; some were solo shots of her, and others were joint photos of her and Eric walking together.
The headline was: "Girlfriend or Leading Lady?" The accompanying text had already thoroughly dug up Gal Gadot's resume, and one couldn't help but admire the efficiency of these paparazzi.
It's estimated that in a few days, paparazzi will start staking her out. Eric gave her a heads-up, reminding her to get used to the life of a celebrity in advance.
Inside Harry Cooper's office at MGM, several people were gathered for a small meeting.
"Eric, how's the script coming along?"
"I finalized the outline over a month ago. The first draft was delivered to me last week. I gave some feedback, and it's currently being polished."
Harry Cooper nodded, "Then speed up the progress. I'm currently communicating with the Department of Defense, and I expect to hear something this week. But we also need to be prepared with what leverage we can use to impress the military."
"Money is only one aspect, but it's not the most important. After all, an F22 costs more than our entire film investment. So we need a trump card, a trump card that can move the military."
Everyone discussed it animatedly, but in 2002, it was no exaggeration to say the American military was invincible. After half a day of discussion, their gazes finally converged on Eric.
You made the request, so you also need to propose a solution.
Eric pondered for a moment, "There are two most powerful weapons in this world: one is money, and the other is public opinion."
"If we can't make a play with money, then we can only do so with public opinion. I want to ask everyone a question: although 9/11 happened a year ago, do you think the impact of that event is over?"
Bordeaux immediately shook his head, "I don't think so. No, it's definitely not. Before 9/11, we always believed we lived in the safest country."
"But after 9/11, no American thinks that way anymore. Someone can attack us, even directly attack our homeland. Even young people like me often feel panic."
Volvo deeply empathized, "Young people are fine, but middle-aged and elderly people like me feel it most deeply. If you observe carefully, you'll notice that the estrangement between people seems to have deepened; this is a manifestation of internal impact."
"Moreover, the war on terror against Afghanistan has been going on for a year, but the results are not good. We haven't caught Ben Laden. The EU is there, many countries are there, but it seems to have turned into a stalemate. People call it the graveyard of empires!"
"Exactly, the impact of 9/11 won't be easily erased, and the public has developed doubts about the military. This is our breakthrough; we must win over public opinion," Eric said with conviction.
"Tell the Department of Defense that 'transformers' will showcase the positive image of the American military to the greatest extent possible, with enough shots and enough screen time."
"There will be no issues that damage the military's image. The film will highlight their heroism and fighting spirit, emphasize their spirit of sacrifice, and make the audience applaud them after watching."
"And the film will definitely feature a scene similar to the 9/11 plane crashing into a building, but we will ultimately achieve victory, and the military will play a crucial role in the process."
"In short, it's a movie, but it's also a military propaganda film, and a propaganda film that will be shown all over the world."
After hearing Eric's idea, the others agreed without hesitation; this entry point was just perfect.
Harry Cooper also smiled, "Eric's idea is very good, let's proceed with that. The other matter is the selection of a special effects company. Currently, Industrial Light & Magic and Weta Digital have both submitted quotes."
"Industrial Light & Magic quoted $60,000 per second, and Weta Digital quoted $70,000 per second. We need to make a choice."
Before anyone else could comment, Eric decisively made the call: "Choose Weta Digital, there's no question about it."
Producer Julio frowned, "But Industrial Light & Magic's price is lower. 'transformers' involves too many special effects shots; the final cut will likely exceed a thousand.
"Even if each shot is calculated at 3 seconds, the budget will probably be overspent. I'm very concerned about whether $100 million will be enough to meet the needs of these Autobots."
The first thing a producer considers is cost. Eric understood him, but as MGM's first blockbuster and the first film he would direct, he demanded perfection.
And almost everyone in the film and television industry knows that while Industrial Light & Magic has a bigger name and has been established longer, when purely comparing technical skill, the up-and-coming Weta Digital is superior.
The reason is also simple: Weta Digital is a company founded by Peter Jackson. As a major director from New Zealand, the New Zealand government strongly supported his company.
There's no telling how much subsidy they receive each year, all because the lord of the rings boosted New Zealand's tourism industry.
And relying on generous government subsidies, Weta Digital offers the highest salaries in the entire industry.
This gradually attracted a large number of special effects talents, and even Industrial Light & Magic's employees frequently jumped ship. George Lucas even complained about this.
Moreover, the wealthy Weta Digital not only poached people but also had stronger equipment than Industrial Light & Magic. It's said that their render farm is more than twice as large as Industrial Light & Magic's, though that's probably a joke and not that exaggerated.
In any case, in the current special effects industry, Industrial Light & Magic has been on a downward trend, while Weta Digital has been surging upward. The choice is self-evident.
Eric said, "Julio, I know your concerns, but special effects are the soul of transformers."
"Things like the plot, the male and female leads, those are secondary. What the audience wants to see is a group of steel robots fighting each other."
"Money can be saved in other areas, but not in this area. In fact, it needs to be increased. I hope you understand."
Julio wanted to say something more, but his father directly interrupted, "I also lean towards Weta Digital. Either we don't do it, or if we do, we do it best. This is our first blockbuster, and I want it to be a success. I will contact Peter Jackson to try and get a friendly price."
Then he looked at the marketing department, "How are the corporate contacts coming along?"
"Boss, we've already communicated with General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. All three parties are very interested. This is a better opportunity to showcase themselves than the fast and the furious or 007."
"As long as we have some rough footage of the special effects, I guarantee that once I show it to them, they'll be lining up to send their cars over."
"In addition, businesses for engine oil, lubricants, tires, glasses, mobile phones, home appliances, and other products are also being contacted. We will get you results as soon as possible."
"Good, then everyone keep up the good work. I hope the crew can start filming within two months!"