Simon was a little helpless; Jonathan's question had almost become his catchphrase these days.
Walking with his agent towards the buffet table laden with food, Simon said, "Jon, you know me. As long as the conditions are right, I will definitely prioritize WMA's clients".
"WMA has over 3,000 clients, Simon. I believe all your needs can be met".
Simon joked, "What if I need Robert Redford?"
"I'm currently trying to win back some clients from CAA, so, Simon, you really have to help me this time".
Simon also knew about this.
Compared to WMA's previous septuagenarian and octogenarian elders, Jonathan was in the prime of his life. He successfully became WMA's new president and secured a seat on the board of directors, ambitiously aiming to revitalize this old talent agency.
"Jon, I don't think you need to keep fighting for clients. It's most important to manage WMA's existing client resources well. You just said that WMA has over 3,000 clients, which is enough to meet the needs of any type of film. And, as you know, I'm not someone who particularly likes to use A-list stars".
Jonathan nodded but insisted, "But we still need to poach some back".
Everyone has their own persistence, so Simon stopped persuading and changed the subject: "Actually, 'Short Cuts', which Ira is preparing, is a very suitable project for WMA. You should have read the script. This is a large-scale ensemble film that requires dozens of actors. Robert Altman's direction is enough to ensure that this film receives attention from major film festivals. This kind of art-house film, with an Oscar-level director at the helm and plenty of room for character development, is actually the best platform for training actors. You can put some actors that WMA plans to focus on cultivating in the next few years into it. If several similar projects continue, and they get some nominations and awards, and star in one or two excellent commercial films, most of them will be able to firmly establish themselves as first- or second-tier actors".
In his memory, the original 'Short Cuts' had a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Julianne Moore, Chris Penn, Tim Robbins, Andie MacDowell, Frances McDormand, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and many other household names in Hollywood.
However, in this era, these people were basically still only second- or third-tier actors.
For Simon, who knew the future, looking back, it was easy to discover such a standard path to fame for Hollywood actors.
Before the 1990s, established Hollywood stars basically became famous by luckily appearing in successful commercial films and maintained their fame for a long time. Just like Robert Redford's 'Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid', Harrison Ford's 'Star Wars', Al Pacino's 'The Godfather', and so on. Even Robert De Niro, known for his acting, only gained industry recognition after the commercially very successful 'The Godfather Part II', and then began to conquer the Oscars.
However, after the 1990s, a new generation of Hollywood stars gradually figured out a career development model that started with accumulating popularity by participating in art-house films and then progressing to commercial film stars. The key reason for this trend was the resurgence of art-house films in the 1990s.
It must be said that a certain fatty indeed played a significant role in this process.
Now, Hollywood was just recovering from the slump of the 1960s and 70s. Simon could clearly see this somewhat formulaic path to fame. Perhaps some people in Hollywood had tried it, but because Hollywood film genres were not as segmented before the 1980s as they were after the 1990s, at least before Simon appeared, there weren't many obvious successful examples in the industry, so naturally, no one used them as a reference.
Jonathan listened to Simon's words and gradually showed a thoughtful expression.
After Simon appeared, similar successful examples of fame had emerged in Hollywood, with Sandra, who became famous through 'Run Lola Run', being the most special case.
What Jonathan thought of was 'Pulp Fiction'. Although this film also used big names like Robert De Niro and Robert Redford, previously unknown actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Nicole Kidman also became famous overnight through this film.
Simon didn't have the same depth as veteran directors like Robert Altman, but his fame was no less than theirs.
So, Simon's works could make many people famous, and the works of veteran directors like Robert Altman also had such potential. Simon achieved it through box office, and these people achieved it through awards. Ultimately, as long as actors' qualifications and exposure were increased as much as possible, they would naturally get more opportunities.
"I will carefully study the script for 'Short Cuts' when I get back, Simon. How about WMA takes on all the roles for this project? I guarantee to provide Daenerys Entertainment with the best and most affordable actors".
Participating in such a film, high salaries were out of the question. Jonathan believed that most actors should have this foresight. If they only cared about money, then there would be no need to discover and cultivate them.
Simon shook his head and said, "Jon, that request is a bit too much. I can't agree to it".
"Alright, then, leaning towards WMA as much as possible, that should be fine, right?"
"That's for sure".
The two arrived at the buffet table. Jonathan followed Simon, picking up a tray and selecting food, while also saying, "Also, Simon, are you really not optimistic about the new film Brian is preparing?"
Jonathan was referring to Brian De Palma.
Also a client of Jonathan's, and having helped him a lot in the past, Simon had always maintained close contact with Brian De Palma.
After their collaboration on 'Basic Instinct' last year, De Palma tried to transition and collaborated with Columbia Pictures to shoot 'Casualties of War', a Vietnam War-themed film, starring Sean Penn and Michael J. Fox, with a budget of $22 million, scheduled for release on August 18th, later this month.
Simon had no impression of 'Casualties of War' and felt that De Palma making a war film was somewhat outside his wheelhouse, so he naturally wasn't very optimistic about it.
However, what Jonathan was talking about at this time was another new film De Palma was currently preparing, titled 'The Bonfire of the Vanities', adapted from the novel of the same name. It tells the story of a Wall Street elite who, due to a traffic accident, is targeted by a tabloid reporter and subsequently falls into a media frenzy, with his work and life becoming a mess.
In his memory, this urban comedy, leaning towards a realistic satirical style, starred Tom Hanks and had a large production budget, but it bombed at the box office.
Tom Hanks never played a villain on the big screen again after 'The Bonfire of the Vanities', and Brian De Palma also became more conservative due to the film's box office failure. After that, he rarely produced distinctive works and could only serve as a foil for Tom Cruise in commercial blockbusters like 'Mission: Impossible'.
"I think this story lacks highlights. Moreover, if Brian insists on making it, he must be very careful about casting, and the budget should be kept within a reasonable range, preferably not exceeding $20 million".
Jonathan suggested, "How about this, Simon, you two find time to talk in detail".
Simon nodded and said, "Okay, but I also have to be frank, Daenerys can't take on this project".
Given De Palma's reputation, as long as the budget was controlled reasonably and there were no major casting errors like in the original timeline, the new 'The Bonfire of the Vanities', even if it still lost money, wouldn't lose too much, and might even make some profit through later operations.
However, if Daenerys Entertainment took on this project, it would have to arrange a relatively good release slot and invest sufficient publicity and distribution resources.
Hollywood's annual hot release slots are fixed and limited. Think about the same summer slot, the same $20 million budget, and the same publicity and distribution investment. 'The Bodyguard' could sell $100 million at the box office, while 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' could only sell $10 million. This potential loss is huge.
"That's not a problem, Simon. After 'The Butterfly Effect' and 'Basic Instinct', Brian doesn't lack investors for the projects he wants to shoot now. He actually just wants to try more genres. You're a director, so you should understand that feeling better".
Simon nodded in understanding.
As they chatted and picked out some food, the two were about to find another place to eat when someone on the scene finally lost patience waiting for their conversation to end and directly interjected.
Jonathan saw Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith approach and realized that he had taken up too much of Simon's time, which had probably caused dissatisfaction among many people at the party tonight.
Jonathan and Simon had too many opportunities to communicate and were not in a hurry. After a simple greeting with the Johnsons, who were also WMA clients, he readily gave them the space to talk.
Simon had met Melanie Griffith during last year's Cannes Film Festival in France. Meeting her again, the Hollywood scion was already married to another actor, Don Johnson, and today she attended the party heavily pregnant.
After patiently chatting with the Johnsons for a few moments, Simon casually inquired about the baby's gender, feigning disinterest.
Upon learning it was a girl, he became even more enthusiastic, pressing for the little one's name.
Melanie Griffith, hearing Simon's question, caressed her belly and said with a happy expression, "A name? We haven't thought about that yet, Simon. Do you have any good suggestions?"
"I have even less experience", Simon chuckled, "but since it's a girl, how about Dakota?"
Melanie Griffith repeated, "Dakota?"
"Yes".
Don Johnson also asked curiously, "Simon, does that name have any special meaning?"
Simon searched his memory and said, "It's probably from an Indigenous American language, meaning 'eternal smile'".
"'Eternal smile,' what a beautiful name", Melanie Griffith praised, looking at her husband, "Don, what do you think?"
Don Johnson nodded and said, "Very good".
"Then our little one will be named Dakota, Dakota Johnson", Melanie Griffith said, then looked at Simon again, "Since you named her, Simon, how about you become her godfather?"
Simon shook his head and declined, "Let's not. I'm not prepared for that. Besides, I'm not religious".
"That's a shame", Melanie Griffith, who hadn't held much hope, reached out and linked arms with her husband, pulling him closer. She said, "Simon, Miami Vice will probably end next year. Don wants to try his hand at the big screen. Do you have any opportunities for him among your ten films this time?"
Don Johnson was about forty years old this year, still in the prime age for Hollywood male actors, with a handsome appearance and tall physique perfectly suited for a tough guy on screen. However, he had previously focused on the small screen, and the hit TV series 'Miami Vice', which he had starred in for the past few years, could be considered the peak of his career.
Simon naturally wouldn't agree immediately, nor did he directly refuse. He said, "If there's a suitable role, I'll contact you".
Melanie Griffith, however, was more direct, saying, "Then let's exchange contact information".
She then nudged her husband.
Don Johnson quickly pulled out a business card and handed it to Simon.
Simon took the business card from Johnson, then, with one hand, pulled out his wallet, rummaged through it, and extracted a small stack of business cards, placing them on the food tray he was still holding in his other hand. He then handed one to Don Johnson.
Don Johnson's business card listed various public and private contact methods, while Simon's only had his office phone number.
However, having received Simon's business card, the Johnsons were already very satisfied.
Many guests watching the situation nearby saw Simon distributing business cards, and their eagerness to approach him visibly increased. As soon as the Johnsons turned away from Simon, someone else walked over.
Simon's wallet only symbolically contained five or six business cards, which were snatched up in an instant, and he himself ended up with a stack of other people's business cards.
After several rounds of socializing, he finally found an empty round table to sit down at. A blonde woman then followed Jessica Lange and the Sam Shepard couple towards him.
Simon recognized the sexy actress named Rebecca De Mornay and, without getting up, pointed to his tray and joked, "Only crab cakes left, want some?"
Rebecca De Mornay, seeing Simon's unreserved demeanour, responded with an equally familiar smile, "Sure".
With that, Rebecca De Mornay bent over and leaned across the table, plucking a crab cake from Simon's tray. She sat opposite him, eating it in small bites, occasionally lightly licking her lips, which are considered very sensual to Westerners. The woman was wearing a low-cut black evening gown tonight, and her vacuum-sealed interior was completely exposed to Simon during her recent movements.
Simon, however, felt nothing. Although the view was good, she wasn't his type.
Rebecca De Mornay chatted casually with Simon. After finishing the crab cake, she placed the bamboo skewer in an empty slot on Simon's plate, then pulled out a card from her clutch and handed it to him, saying, "Simon, this is my business card. Remember to look me up".
Without waiting for Simon to react, Rebecca De Mornay gracefully rose and floated away.
Simon picked up the rigid card in front of him, which clearly had a magnetic strip. It was a room key card, with the room number attached.
"Quite an interesting 'business card,' wouldn't you say?"
Another female voice, slightly hoarse, sounded from across the table. Based on experience, Simon judged that the person probably smoked. He looked up to see a round face of a mature woman, whose purity was tinged with charm. However, what most attracted Simon was the woman's deep V-neck dress, which was pushed up high.
Lynda Carter.
The lead actress of the 1970s 'Wonder Woman' TV series, a sex symbol for a generation.
Simon continued to caress the room key card, a smile on his face as he said, "Good evening, Ms. Carter".
Lynda Carter placed her arms on the table, leaning slightly forward, and said, "Mr. Westeros, aren't you going to offer me a piece of, hmm, that?"
Simon pushed the tray towards the woman and said, "If you'd like".
"How reluctant", Lynda Carter didn't reach out, instead slightly raising her chin to indicate the room card in the man's hand, "Are you going to 'visit' that young lady just now?"
Simon shook his head and chuckled, "No".
"Oh?"
"I have a phobia of hotels. Unless there's no other option, I won't stay in a hotel room".
"That's an interesting quirk. Why is that?"
Simon said, "I guess I have Hitchcock's 'The Shining' to blame".
Lynda Carter laughed and said, "Mr. Westeros, do you think I don't know that 'The Shining' is Kubrick's?"
"Oh, my mistake," Simon shrugged and asked, "What about you, Ms. Lynda, what have you been busy with lately? I really loved 'Wonder Woman'".
"Simon, you can actually just call me Lynda", Lynda Carter said, her tone becoming somewhat melancholic, "I've been in Los Angeles recently auditioning for a TV movie, but I don't know if it will work out. I'm past my prime, you know".
"Which company? If you don't mind, I can put in a good word for you".
Lynda Carter's eyes flickered slightly as she said, "How could I possibly mind something like that? However, let's not trouble a big shot like you".
Simon smiled and said nothing more.
He waved for a waiter to bring another glass of champagne and thoughtfully got a glass for Lynda Carter as well, handing it to her.
Lynda Carter expected Simon to continue to flatter her, but he unexpectedly quieted down. Unwilling to get up and leave, she proactively brought up a topic, saying, "Speaking of 'The Shining', Simon, do you really like Stephen King's novels?"
Simon nodded and said, "I'm generally familiar with them".
"No wonder you've written so many excellent horror movie scripts. I watched 'The Sixth Sense' last month, and honestly, it's much more exciting than movies adapted from Stephen King's novels".
"Thank you".
Lynda Carter paused again, waiting for Simon to finish the last sandwich on his plate, then said with a hint of reproach and complaint, "Simon, do you always make women start the conversation?"
Simon pushed aside the empty plate and said with a smile, "Of course not. It's just that I tend to be a bit slow to react in front of beautiful women".
"Is that a compliment?"
"Yes".
"Too bad I'm not a young girl anymore".
Simon scrutinized the woman opposite him, his gaze becoming a bit more aggressive.
He said, "Actually, I don't really have a thing for young girls either".
Lynda Carter instinctively avoided Simon's gaze, an inexplicable feeling of playing with fire rising within her. A voice in her mind had already begun to urge her to get up and leave, but her body remained still.
Certain rumours about Simon Westeros in their circle also vaguely surfaced in her mind.
It seems they were true.
But...
She truly was playing with fire!
Across the table, Simon had already stood up and extended his hand to the woman, saying, "Lynda, may I have this dance?"
Seeing the man completely rein in his previous demeanour, appearing very gentlemanly, Lynda Carter reassured herself that it was just one dance. She smiled and nodded, raising her hand to meet his, allowing Simon to lead her towards the dance floor in the hall.
And then.
And then.
Around eleven o'clock at night, Lynda Carter felt herself being led out of the hotel, getting into a car at the private exit from the lobby to the parking lot, and arriving at a luxurious mansion on the hillside of Palisades in West Los Angeles.
For a moment, Lynda Carter even felt that this young man must have had his accompanying ghost cast a spell on her.