The last script in Eric's hand was the famous "million dollar baby."
It was a rather excellent drama film, telling the story of a female boxer chasing her dream.
But it wasn't about how to succeed, but how to fail, with a very moving plot that was worth a careful read.
Unlike "the passion of the christ," Eric had carefully watched "million dollar baby" back then, and many of its scenes were still vivid in his memory.
Because this film was a sports-themed movie, it was not favored when it was released, even with the support of Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman, it was still not enough.
It was released on a small scale, in only dozens of cinemas, and its first-week box office was less than 200,000 US dollars.
But the film, relying on its excellent quality, managed to break through, eventually grossing over 200 million US dollars worldwide.
High box office was secondary; the film also won four major awards at the 77th Oscar: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director.
At the same time, it received three nominations for Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.
All seven were significant awards, with not a single technical award, which showed its power.
"What's the situation with this script? Promotion? Buyout? Financing? Or something else?"
Judy walked over to Eric and looked at it: "It's a script agent promoting it, a script by Paul Haggis, who has a bit of a reputation in the industry."
"However, he probably doesn't have much confidence in the sports theme himself, so the agent offered a buyout option; it will belong to us for 1.2 million US dollars."
Upon hearing this, Eric decisively made the call: "Then buy it out. This script is excellent, but an excellent script must be paired with a capable director."
"After the transaction is complete, send a directing invitation to Clint Eastwood. Also, find Hilary Swank for the female lead. I have no other requirements."
"As for "mean girls," send the two female lead roles to the Olsen Sisters. Having filmed so many years of campus idol dramas, they are very good at this type of theme."
"Oh, and although the male lead isn't too important, send an invitation to Chris Evans. He also started with campus youth dramas, so playing this kind of role is a piece of cake for him."
Judy carefully wrote down Eric's requests and nodded: "transformers has been finished for three months. I wonder what Chris Evans' schedule is like now. Let's try first."
"Hmm, oh, and one more thing, Evans hasn't signed with MGM yet, has he? Give him a movie contract; at least he can't miss the transformers trilogy."
"Okay, I'll communicate with the marketing and production departments."
After finishing the rest of her coffee, Judy put down the cup: "I'm leaving if there's nothing else."
"Wait, some time ago, I mentioned at Gadot's place that MGM was planning to start a new drama. There's a Female Reporter role in it that's quite suitable for Refaeli."
"You mean "house of cards"?"
"Yes, the character of Zoe is a novice reporter. Refaeli's acting is still relatively raw, so playing herself wouldn't be bad."
"Give her the script and let her familiarize herself with the role. Filming will start soon. Refaeli hasn't taken on any new projects, has she?"
"No, the scripts that have come her way have not had very good roles. Currently, she mainly works as a part-time model, shooting commercials."
"So she's back to her old profession," Eric chuckled.
"Pretty much. She's idle anyway, and filming can also boost her fame."
"Then do as I say. The second season of "the walking dead" won't start filming until winter, so shoot "house of cards" first."
"Got it!"
Judy left the office, and Eric smiled, full of joy. Judy truly had a lucky halo, bringing him three good projects at once.
Conservatively estimated, when they are released next year, they could bring MGM over 200 million US dollars in direct box office revenue, and subsequent income from copyright and peripheral derivatives would also be considerable.
He picked up the phone and called Julio, the head of the production department. The script had been sent to Kevin Spacey half a month ago, and there was still no definite word.
The call quickly connected, and Eric asked: "Julio, regarding "house of cards," has Kevin Spacey replied yet?"
"He has replied. He said the script is very good and he's interested in starring, but there's still a disagreement over the remuneration. We are currently negotiating with his agent."
"350,000 US dollars per episode is still too little? How much does he want?"
"Kevin Spacey's agent is asking for 400,000 US dollars per episode. This is the minimum salary they can accept."
Eric took a deep breath. His father had said 400,000 US dollars was the minimum price, and it seemed his judgment was accurate. After all, he was an Oscar winner; he wouldn't come cheap.
But Eric also had his own considerations. For a show like "house of cards," which was destined to be a big hit, the actors' salaries would definitely increase accordingly.
If he was paid 400,000 US dollars per episode for the first season, it would at least have to increase for the second season, but what about later?
If it eventually skyrocketed to an exorbitant price, it would be troublesome. He was the soul actor and definitely couldn't be replaced, so Eric still hoped to keep the salary down.
However, it seemed impossible to press it down now; that 400,000 US dollars would still have to be paid.
"Alright, give him 400,000 US dollars per episode. Sign the contract as soon as possible."
After making this decision, Eric was considering the female lead when the phone rang again. He looked down and saw it was Peter Jackson.
This bearded man's call was probably about transformers.
"Hi, Peter!"
Peter Jackson's hearty laughter came from the other end: "Eric, good news, the special effects for "transformers" are initially complete."
"Now you can take it and do some things. Also, I've helped you render a version of the trailer."
"Really? To trouble a great director like you, I guess I'll have to pay you a salary," Eric joked.
"Hahahaha, mainly I was itching to do it. I also wanted to see what your finished "transformers" film would look like. I must say, it's quite impactful."
"The robot battles will definitely make fans scream and go crazy, which confirms I made the right decision."
"What?" Eric asked.
"Of course, it's avoiding the Autobots. If our release dates clashed, "the lord of the rings" and "transformers" would definitely suffer mutual losses."
"MGM, release the trailer quickly! I'm very eager to see the market's feedback, especially the miserable look on Harvey Weinstein's face."
"Miramax has two films in that period: "master and commander: the far side of the world" releases on November 14th, and "kill bill" on November 27th."
"Your "transformers" releases on November 16th, cutting off the head of "master and commander: the far side of the world" in front and kicking the butt of "kill bill" behind."
"Plus the impact of other films, Miramax is going to have a bad time."
As he spoke, Peter Jackson laughed happily again, and the reason he was so happy was naturally because he had a grudge against Harvey Weinstein.
The source of the hatred was the filming of "the lord of the rings." Back then, Miramax Films acquired the film and television adaptation rights for "the lord of the rings."
Peter Jackson, after much pleading, finally got the directing rights. Just as he was diligently writing the script and ambitiously planning to shoot a trilogy, Harvey Weinstein told him, "What are you thinking, buddy?"
"This kind of epic blockbuster, shooting a trilogy, do you know how much investment that would require? Can an independent film company like Miramax afford that?"
"A trilogy, my ass. Just shoot one film for me. Don't even think about too much budget, preferably not exceeding 50 million US dollars. It's time to test your abilities."
Peter Jackson was furious; this was equivalent to squandering a treasure.
He found Harvey Weinstein and argued, but the initiative was not in his hands, so he could only humbly request.
"If it's one film, then one film, but I want to shoot a four-hour version, otherwise the plot really won't connect."
Harvey Weinstein cursed him again, "Are you dreaming, little brother? Is a four-hour movie for the audience to watch?"
"Is it a competition to see who can hold their pee?"
"You'd better quickly drop such unrealistic ideas and honestly limit the runtime to within two hours."
"If you can shoot it, shoot it. If not, get out. I have backup directors here."
Peter Jackson was both angry and anxious, and could only plead again, finally getting Harvey Weinstein to relent.
He agreed to give him three weeks to find investment. If he found it, he could shoot; if not, he could get lost.
Fortunately, New Line Cinema was very optimistic about the project, pouring in nearly 300 million US dollars. "I, Wang Duoyu, will invest in this project."
Ultimately, the audience was able to see the classic "the lord of the rings" series on the big screen.
And it was precisely because of this experience that Peter Jackson and Harvey Weinstein became bitter enemies.
He even parodied the latter in "the lord of the rings: the return of the king," sculpting an Orc commander to resemble Harvey Weinstein.
Any Hollywood actor would recognize who that thing looked like at a glance.
Since the rough cut of "transformers" was out, it was time for an internal screening, not for MGM, but because the Department of Defense still needed to approve it.
He pressed the doorbell, and Chen Xing walked in.
"Contact Lieutenant Colonel Freeman, set a time, and hold an internal screening of "transformers."
"Also, go to Weta Digital and copy the trailer for "transformers." Today is Friday, let's release it next Monday."
"Yes, boss."
Today was Friday, June 20th, and Nicole's birthday had arrived.
She was hosting a birthday party at her house, and Eric only received the invitation this morning.
Needless to say, it must have been this little woman doing it on purpose, telling him at the very last minute to see if Eric had prepared anything in advance.
If he had prepared, it meant she was in his heart; if not, well, then it was just 'hehe.'
Before work ended, Eric drove alone to Nicole's villa in Beverly Hills.
He arrived quite early; when he got there, no luxury cars were parked.
Only paparazzi were openly taking pictures from a distance, but they were not allowed inside.
This time, Eric entered grandly through the main gate. Speaking of which, after so many visits, besides the Oscar night, this was only the second time he had used the main entrance.
The gate was open, and from afar, he could see many servants cleaning and decorating.
Stepping inside, he saw Nicole directing the servants to arrange custom-made decorations.
Seeing him, Nicole opened her mouth in surprise: "Eric, why are you here so early? It doesn't start for another two hours."
"Of course, I came to see you. Is there anything I can help with?"
Nicole smiled charmingly: "How dare I trouble a big boss like you? It's too messy here. Come on, let's go upstairs for some coffee. I still have some questions about the script for "la vie en rose" that I'd like to ask you."
"No problem."
The two walked upstairs, maintaining a serious demeanor, with some distance between them.
Gently closing the door, after a week apart, the two hungry people instantly embraced.
After a passionate kiss, Eric's lips slowly moved across her fair neck.
"You're beautiful today, Nicole!"
"Only today? Am I not beautiful normally?"
"In my heart, you are the most beautiful every moment, especially in bed."
"Hmph!"
"Come on, before you change your clothes."
Eric picked up Nicole and walked towards the bed.
"Wait, there are people downstairs. After the party, you can have me however you want, okay?"
Eric shook his head: "Most people would say yes, but I, on the contrary, will say no."
"Of course, I'm also a very reasonable person. If you agree to one condition, I'll let you off for now."
Nicole wrapped her arms around his neck and asked, her breath like orchids: "What condition?"
Eric took out a gift box: "Open it and see."
"Is this my birthday present from you?"
Nicole smiled as she took it, then eagerly opened it, and saw a belly button ring, an anklet, and a bracelet lying inside.
Her face immediately flushed, and she lightly punched Eric's shoulder with her delicate fist: "Pervert, you're giving me something like this?"
Eric laughed: "Of course not, this is the condition you have to agree to. This is the gift."
As he spoke, he took out another exquisite box, which contained the valuable brooch worth a million dollars.
At the first sight of the brooch, Nicole's eyes could no longer move. Its exquisite design declared its value, and the dazzling brilliance of the jewels made women intoxicated.
Suddenly, the beauty turned and pushed Eric onto the bed, and a surge of emotion ignited between the two.
Two hours later, Eric stood in the living room downstairs, surrounded by many people.
Hugh Jackman, Jude Law, Julianne Moore, Renée Zellweger, Meryl Streep, Robbie Williams, Naomi Watts, Natalie Portman, Russell Crowe, and so on.
It was like a Vanity Fair gathering. Besides those he knew, there were many people Eric couldn't name.
Amidst applause and laughter, Nicole, dressed in a white gauze dress, walked down the stairs, wearing the orchid brooch on her chest.
"My friends, welcome to my birthday party. Let's enjoy ourselves today and drink until we drop."
"OH!"
Everyone cheered, music started, and the party atmosphere immediately lit up.
Then Robbie Williams stepped forward to perform as a professional singer, which drew another round of applause.
Everyone knew each other privately in small groups, and there was no need to maintain an image in front of friends, so they all showed off their talents.
Nicole was surrounded by a group of her girlfriends, and the women occasionally burst into laughter.
Eric rubbed his somewhat empty stomach. Earlier upstairs, the two couldn't resist a passionate session, expending a lot of energy.
He looked at Wolf Uncle beside him: "Jack, I need to eat something. How about some Filipino-style grilled meat?"
Hugh Jackman looked at his abdomen with some difficulty and hesitated, saying: "I'd rather not. I need to maintain my physique; I can't touch high-calorie foods."
"It's okay to eat a little occasionally. Look, everyone else is eating. Don't you feel lonely?"
Eric persuaded, just as men like to persuade those who can't drink to drink.
Wolf Uncle swallowed, his taste buds also struggling: "Perhaps, one piece wouldn't be bad."
"That's right. As an actor, being like an ascetic, aren't you miserable?"
Leading Hugh Jackman to the table, he ignored his request to only eat one piece, picked up a plate, piled it with meat and desserts for him, and handed him a glass of champagne.
"Eat, eat. One piece is eating, a whole plate is eating. Let go of your psychological pressure."
As he spoke, Eric began to feast. Seeing him eat so heartily, Wolf Uncle also let go and picked up a piece of dessert, putting it into his mouth.
"OMG! This is the taste of God!" he said with a satisfied expression.
While the two were eating meat and drinking heavily, a man had appeared beside Eric without him noticing.
The man looked to be around 30 years old, with short hair and glasses, exuding an air of a scholar.
"Care for a drink?" Eric asked casually.
The man took the champagne, smiled, and extended his hand, saying: "Hello, Eric. James Murdoch, pleased to meet you."