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Simon doesn't think that his butterfly has reached the point where it can affect the overall situation. The trial broadcast of "Who Will Be a Millionaire" that may have some impact on the situation is June 6, and most of the screenwriters have already sent their votes by then .

Therefore, the result of the vote is clear, and the strike must continue for another two months.

After several contacts, General Electric, which owns $2 million in debt from New World Entertainment, responded positively to the debt-to-equity swap plan proposed by Simon. Jack Welch, CEO of General Electric, even talked to Simon several times in person. calls.

However, during the communication process, General Electric proposed a plan similar to that of Warner Chairman Steve Ross. They wanted to use New World Entertainment as a bargaining chip to participate in Daenerys Pictures.

Just as a person who has made enough money often begins to pursue fame, many large companies in the world like to enter the entertainment and media industry.Among the current top seven Hollywood companies, half of the shares of Columbia Pictures are in the hands of the Coca-Cola Company, and the parent company of Paramount is Gulf Western Industries.

GE bought the NBC television network two years ago for similar motives.

Although Daenerys Films has just started for less than two years, the continuous success of many films has obviously aroused General Electric's interest.It is definitely a very good deal to exchange a debt that may have been lost in exchange for a stake in a rising Hollywood star.

Simon naturally chose to refuse as decisively as when he was in contact with Steve Ross last time.

General Electric proposed to use the shares of New World Entertainment after the debt-to-equity swap in exchange for 49% of the shares of the new company in the future. Although the other party did not ask for absolute control, the price of 2.2 million US dollars, in Simon's view, even the current Daenerys Films It is impossible to get half of the equity, let alone half of the equity of the new company after the merger in the future.

General Electric, with its deep pockets, refused to give up an inch in the communication process, so there is no need to continue talking about this matter for the time being.Simon can only hope that "Who Will Be a Millionaire" will achieve the expected success.

Los Angeles.

At Daenerys Films headquarters in Santa Monica, Simon had just returned from his morning trip to Bakersfield, a small town north of Los Angeles, to visit the crew of "Scream".

In the large conference room, Simon was sitting at the top. Apart from Amy and the others on both sides of the oval conference table, there were ten other white men aged around 25 to 30. These were the last round of male protagonists in "Batman". Ten candidates for the audition.

In the plan, after the actor is confirmed, Simon hopes to train the actors in various aspects for about half a year.Therefore, he plans to finalize this matter by the end of the month.

Simply flipping through the resumes of the ten people around him, Simon raised his head and said to everyone: "Everyone should have seen it, you are the last ten, Bruce Wayne will be born among you, today's meeting is not Audition, just wanted to chat with people."

Amidst the polite echoes in the conference room, Simon quickly continued: "First of all, I must remind everyone again that Daenerys Pictures will not make any concessions to the conditions proposed. To get this role, you must Sign a 15-year five-film contract. I can also tell you very clearly that as long as everything goes well, this contract will only take ten years to complete at most. The reason why the 15-year requirement is to prevent you from breaking the contract midway, Once you do this, according to the contract, during the remaining period, unless you pay liquidated damages that you can't afford at all, you will not be able to receive any other films. That's right, just like the record companies who are not obedient Like the singer, you are going to be refrigerated."

There was a moment of silence around, and finally someone asked: "Mr. Westeros, what if Daenerys Pictures breaks the contract?"

"We will not breach the contract." Simon shook his head and said, "If the project does not go well, we can choose to terminate the contract with you."

"That doesn't seem fair."

"Unfortunately, there are not many fair things in the world." Simon glanced at the other party, then swept around, and said, "Among the ten of you, most of you have only acted in a few movies. Supporting roles, maybe you can only maintain this state in the future. What "Batman" gives you is a chance to reach the sky in one step. As long as this film is successful, you can immediately become Tom Cruise, Eddie Murphy, A-list stars like Michael Fox. I would remind you again that you don’t get paid a lot to play Bruce Wayne, it’s also written into the contract, but you get to do it through endorsements and other things. Movies make good money. So, if anyone feels that this contract is not worth the price I just said, you can leave now."

After Simon finished speaking, he waited patiently for a while, and no one came out of the office before he continued: "OK, then, let's get down to business. First of all, congratulations, everyone, you have entered the final round of auditions. But next, Daenerys The film industry will conduct a certain background check on you to ensure that you have no black history of racial discrimination, sexual assault, robbery, etc. that may cause you great trouble for the role you are about to play. We have already reminded you of this at the beginning of the audition , now, if you have any past that you don’t want us to know about, please take the initiative to withdraw, so that both of us can avoid unnecessary trouble.”

There was another moment of silence, but still no one left.

Simon nodded with satisfaction, and said, "Secondly, once you get the role, Daenerys Pictures will arrange training for him in various aspects for half a year, including physical training and acting courses. Of course, we are very aware of everyone's expectations. The state of the economy, therefore, the bill is paid by Daenerys Films. But this process will never be easy, if anyone thinks they can't afford it, please leave now."

Ten people were still sitting neatly in the meeting room.

Simon continued to make some requests and answered some questions from everyone. After more than ten minutes, he said seriously again: "Then, I think everyone has no problem. The last level, also before the audition, you have already Be reminded that to get this role, you must not have any addictions and drug addictions. Now, the team of doctors we invited is next door. Among you, who confirm that you can pass the test, you can go next door and have the doctor take a blood sample , otherwise, you can leave directly."

After saying this, ignoring the men who obviously changed their faces among these people, Simon nodded to the casting director Linda Vargas who had been helping him with the casting work since "Run Lola Run" After a while, he took Jennifer straight up and walked out of the conference room.

Back on the floor where his office is located, Simon came to the door of the outer room, and saw a curly-haired girl wearing a cropped T-shirt and skinny jeans sitting on the sofa in the secretary's room. The heroine of People.

With Simon's meddling, "Rain Man," still in its final stages of filming, also cast Valerie Golino as Tom Cruise's girlfriend, but her role was wrapped last month.

Seeing Simon's appearance, Valerie Golino quickly got up, walked over to Simon and stretched out her hand: "Hello, Mr. Westeros."

Simon looked up and down at the girl in front of him, showing a satisfied expression, shook hands with her and said, "Is your manager not here?"

Valerie Golino shook her head and said, "My agent has gone to New York. I talked to Mr. Friedman, and he said that I can come here by myself."

Simon didn't ask too much, and ordered Susan to deliver two cups of coffee, and said to Valerie Golino, "Come in with me."

Valerie Golino nodded, holding her satchel in both hands, followed Simon into his office with some restraint.

After walking to the desk and sitting down, before Simon had time to talk to Valerie Golino, Susan's voice came from the phone on the desk: "Mr. Westeros, Mr. Friedman's call."

Chapter 175 Catwoman (Revised)

Simon gestured to Valerie Golino to wait a moment, picked up the microphone and said, "Joe, what's the matter?"

On the other side of the phone, Jonathan Friedman had heard the news that Daenerys Films had conducted a surprise drug test on the last ten candidates for the leading role in "Batman", and he called to help intercede.

After patiently listening to Jonathan Friedman, Simon said that there was not much room for negotiation in his tone, "Joe, before the casting began, Daenerys Films has specifically reminded that if they I really don't think there is any reason to give them a chance... I know this kind of thing is very common in Hollywood, but this world is like this, those A-list celebrities who have already achieved fame can go directly to Beibei. Walking around between Deford Rehabilitation Center and the film set, you can get drunk to shoot drug rehabilitation public service advertisements, but they can't, they are just small people, and small people should have the self-consciousness of small people, so I am very sorry... ...Valerie, she has come over and is sitting opposite me...then, we have time to chat, goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Simon looked at Valerie Golino across from him.

The 22-year-old Italian actress with beautiful curly hair and cat-like light eyes has nothing to do with her acting resume.Two years ago, Valerie Golino won the Best Actress Award at the 43rd Venice Film Festival for her Italian film "Love Story".

However, in the original time and space, apart from the heroine of "Rain Man", Valerie Golino has not acted in other well-known films, even her famous work "Love Story" is only a very low-profile film. Art films.

Simon still remembers some gossip about Valerie Golino vying for the leading role in Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts, the two finalists.The reason why the actress was not selected was made public because her accent was not up to standard, and more inside information was unknown.

Because of the poor development in Hollywood, this actress with a high starting point later returned to the European film circle like many European actresses who failed to enter Hollywood.

On the opposite side of the desk, Valerie Golino pressed the satchel on her knees with both hands, and waited patiently for the young man on the other side to look at herself for a moment before softly saying, "Mr. Westeros, may I ask you to come over for something? "

Simon didn't answer, just asked, "Have you seen "Batman"?"

Suddenly receiving an invitation from Simon Westeros, the agent and Jonathan Friedman, the vice president of the company who is close to Westeros, don't know the reason. Valerie Golino has been very nervous just now.

Having been in Hollywood for more than a year, Valerie Golino has not gotten many film contracts, but she has heard a lot of gossip. There are many bigwigs in the circle who like to discuss work with a certain actress and go to parties Reasons like that call to your side, and then certain things just happen naturally.She was recently in Rain Man, and Simon Westeros is said to watch the film every week, and he must have noticed himself in the process.

However, after receiving this invitation, Valerie Golino hurried over after only a little hesitation.

In any case, men like beautiful women, and likewise, women like beautiful men.A handsome, talented, young and rich guy like Simon Westeros really does not arouse any resentment from women.

Hearing Simon Westero mentioning "Batman", Valerie Golino immediately let go of her anxiety.

It turned out that something really happened.

Or something that the whole of Hollywood is looking forward to.

However, some inexplicable emotions arose in my heart, I don't know if it was disappointment or something else.

Dazed for a moment, feeling the eyes of Simon Westeros looking patiently at her, Valerie Golino quickly reacted, shook her head honestly, and said, "Sorry, Mr. Westeros, I didn't Saw Batman, I grew up in Italy."

Simon just nodded, and asked again: "Do you have any other film contracts with you now?"

Valerie Golino remembered the heroine role of the Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski's two-year-old costume masterpiece "Spring in the Rapids", which was about to be negotiated recently, and shook her head decisively after a moment of hesitation. , said: "No."

"The thing is," Simon said without further questioning, "I saw your performance in "Rain Man" and the performance material in your previous films. It is very good. So, I would like to invite you What do you think of the heroine in Batman?"

Valerie Golino recalled Daenerys Films' big "Batman" actor audition, subconsciously asked: "Don't you need an audition?"

"As I said, I've seen your performance."

"So, Mr. Westeros," Valerie Golino asked again, "what part shall I play?"

"Catwoman," Simon said, "do you know?"

As a popular anti-hero female character that appeared in the first issue of "Batman" that year, although she has never read comics, Valerie Golino has heard of some.After carefully recalling the information about Catwoman, Valerie Golino nodded and said, "Selena Kyle."

"That's right, Selena Kyle," Simon nodded, and said, "If you plan to play this role, you can read some comics next. However, the information about Catwoman's character origin setting in DC comics is very confusing. So, in the end, you still need to figure out the role according to my script."

It is not easy for European actresses to develop in Hollywood, which is very exclusive in their bones. Valerie Golino thought of this young man's miraculous directing resume, and said without any hesitation: "Mr. Westeros, then, what's next?" ?”

Simon smiled and said, "Do you know why I chose you?"

Valerie Golino froze for a moment and shook her head.

"Your acting skills are good enough, this is very important, because the Selena Kyle I want, it is very difficult for ordinary vase actresses to play well. You try the role because you're younger than both Cruise and Hoffman, but in the dailies you show an almost maternal soothing power, and you're able to make two restless protagonists alike. Calm down. Bruce Wayne in "Batman" is a character who has experienced childhood trauma. Although he is very powerful, he is only a human being after all. He will also be injured in the process of fighting against evil, and he also needs comfort. So, I hope you keep that quality from Rain Man in your Catwoman character."

After Simon finished speaking, he took another look at Valerie Golino, who still had a girly look on her face, and said, "Besides, you are only 22 years old, which is also very important. Selena Kyle is a talented woman." A vigorous female thief. In the comics, she has a background in gymnastics and is proficient in fighting. To play this role, actors must undergo a certain level of physical and fighting training, which is often difficult for older actresses , but it is not a big problem for you, of course, this process will definitely be very hard, are you willing?"

Valerie Golino didn't hesitate at all, and nodded a few times like a chicken pecking at rice. Realizing that her reaction seemed too eager, she suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

Naturally, Simon didn't mind, and continued: "In addition, although I like your accent very much, it is difficult for North American audiences to accept Catwoman speaking with an Italian accent. So, in the next six months, in addition to physical training, you will also Need accent lessons."

Valerie Golino showed an unexpected expression this time: "Half a year?"

"Yes, half a year," Simon nodded, and said, "This is what I'm going to say right now. If you agree to act, we will sign the contract before the end of the month. Then, in the next year, you probably won't be able to accept any other offers." Film appointment."

It is common for Hollywood to spend a year or two for a role, and Valerie Golino quickly figured out that the heroine of Simon Westeros' new film is completely worth the time cost. There is no other better choice.

"No problem, Mr. Westeros." Thinking of this, Valerie Golino quickly nodded and said, "May I read the script first?"

"The script is still being revised, and, for the sake of absolute secrecy, even the leading actor will not see the complete script before filming begins," Simon shook his head and refused, "It's not that I don't trust you, but in this circle, there is always There will be unscrupulous people who want to get similar revelations, and it will be difficult for you to guard against."

Valerie Golino showed a comprehension expression, and then she didn't know what to say. She looked at Simon with light-colored eyes, and then dodged away.She actually wanted to ask about the remuneration, but she also knew that it was best for the agent to come forward to negotiate this kind of matter.

Simon noticed the change in Valerie Golino's expression, so he just smiled and said, "That's it for the time being. We will contact WMA for the next thing, and you can go back first."

Valerie Golino got up, approached politely and shook hands with Simon again, then turned and left the office.When she came to the parking lot, she still felt like she was dreaming.

The heroine of Simon Westero's new film is still a super big production like "Batman".

It was so easy to get it.

Those actresses in the company who always laugh at their status as outsiders must be going crazy with jealousy now, right?

Feeling an uncontrollable excitement all over her body, Valerie Golino didn't get in the car immediately, but went to a nearby phone booth and dialed a series of numbers.

It was already past the off-duty time on the east coast, and the call was transferred at a hotel in Manhattan and successfully reached the agent.

When the agent on the east coast heard what she had just said, he was obviously over excited, and told her to stay where she was with some nonsense, and he would fly back from New York immediately.

After hanging up the phone, Valerie Golino's excited mood calmed down a little, but she couldn't help but think of the situation when she just met Simon Westeros.

Inexplicably and a little regretful.

He said he liked his accent, but unfortunately he didn't express anything else.

What an incomprehensible guy.

Simon was so busy during this period that he had no time to think about anything else.After the meeting with Valerie Golino, he rushed to the Daenerys special effects company that had just been restructured and integrated by the two companies without stopping.

There are still important arrangements in the evening. Around 05:30, Simon returns to his mansion in Malibu.

Inside the villa, Simon yelled a few times after entering the door, but got no response. After searching for a while, he found Janet in the seaside studio of the villa.The woman is standing by the easel intently, drawing a new painting.

On the canvas is a beautiful blue sea and blue sky, a bit like the Malibu sea view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows at this time.However, there is a long spiral staircase between the sea and the sky. On the narrow staircase, various strange-shaped figures are climbing upwards, and some are diving downwards, appearing hastily and disorderly. down the stairs.

Janet has tried many art genres, but her favorite is this weird and weird surreal style, which is probably the reason for her personality.

Simon stood quietly behind the woman without disturbing her, and Janet did not say hello to him. After more than ten minutes of such silence, the woman stopped painting, turned around and asked Simon, "How is it?"

Simon stepped forward and put his arms around the woman's waist, looked at the painting in front of him and said: "There is a deep-rooted ambivalence in human beings. People in hell look forward to heaven, and people in heaven think hell may be good, so most people They all spend their time on the road, and they don't hesitate to smash their bodies to pieces."

Janet smiled, pecked Simon's face sideways, and then broke away from his embrace, saying, "You help me tidy up, I'll go and change."

Because of her rich net worth, Janet has always been the kind of character who firmly enjoys life. She originally had the idea of ​​selling some paintings to earn living expenses. After she was with Simon, she gradually lost this idea and just regarded it as a hobby.The woman is now mainly responsible for taking care of the Simon; Janet Westeros Foundation established by the two and acting as a housekeeper for Simon's various purchases.

In the evening, I will attend the media preview of "Basic Instinct".

There is still a month before the film is released, and it is usually a bit early to hold a trial screening at this time.However, the publicity strategy that Daenerys Pictures and Fox finally discussed was to use the strong controversy of "Basic Instinct" to stir up public attention and interest in the film.

In the original time and space, "Basic Instinct" first appeared at the Cannes Film Festival and caused intense controversy.But this time, the film was not finished before Cannes, so everyone could only adopt this kind of advanced test screening method. Fox specially invited a large number of well-known film critics from the east and west coasts of the United States to come to Los Angeles to participate in this test screening. How bad is the Cannes premiere.

Screenings start at seven o'clock.

Since Daenerys Pictures owns half of the rights to "Instinct", Simon attaches more importance to this film than "Pulp Fiction", which is currently in theaters.

Simon himself had no intention of changing clothes, so he helped Janet pack the painting tools and walked out of the studio.

Janet quickly changed into a close-fitting pale pink dress, with a string of pearl necklaces just right on her white neck, white high-heeled shoes on her feet, and a Kun bag in her hand.After coming out of the cloakroom, the woman handed a folder to Simon and said, "The detective company's investigation report on Sofia Fishy just arrived this afternoon. She is a very interesting woman, you can read it on the road."

Chapter 176 Polarization (Revised)

A test screening of "Basic Instinct" took place at a theater in Century City in Beverly Hills, and Simon and Janet set off from Malibu, flipping through Sofia Fishy's investigative report on the way.

In my memory, there are too many cases of the rich and famous who encountered unlucky incidents due to misbehavior. There are not a few cases where their families are ruined. The affairs that Sofia Feisi is responsible for are closely related to Simon's private life. He is very cautious in this matter.

Simon is very satisfied with Sofia Fishy's resume in the report.

An ordinary seaside town girl from Corsica, France, graduated from the French Public Tenth University, majoring in administrative management. According to the information, this woman's grades in college are amazing.

After graduating at the age of 22, after working in an investment company in Paris for three years, she accidentally entered the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich to study business administration, but dropped out after only one year and married her ex-husband Paul Breni.

Paul Brieni is a French businessman in the red wine business. The Brieni family owns their own wineries in popular wine producing areas such as Bordeaux, Provence and the Loire Valley in France.

It's just that this marriage ended in failure after only three years. Sophia Feixi won the custody of a pair of children. In recent years, she has been in charge of the agency of luxury houses in a real estate agency in Nice, which is close to Cannes. very good.

Simon flipped through the pages of the information in his hand. Janet leaned beside him and asked after a while, "How is it, isn't it interesting?"

In addition to the main resume in the report, there are also some narratives about Sofia Fishy's marriage to her ex-husband who is 11 years older than her and the reasons for divorce.During the divorce process, this woman successfully won the custody of a pair of children because of Paul Brieni's misdeeds of domestic violence, but the price she paid was only a one-time alimony of 500 million francs. After paying for a year-long expensive divorce proceedings, there is not much left.

Obviously, the businessman named Paul Brieni is also a determined and ruthless man.According to the data, Sofia Fishy's sons and daughters are only 7 and 5 years old now.The Brieni family's assets exceed 3 million francs, but Paul Brieni has not paid a penny for his children in recent years.

When Simon heard Janet's question, he stretched out his hand and pinched her chin, and said with a smile, "You just come from such a good background. I don't know how difficult it is for a helpless woman to go all the way, but I find it interesting."