Hollywood Hunter

Suddenly confirming a fact that has been suspected during this time, Simon did not feel distressed or depressed.

In any case, "Lola Run" is indeed a very suitable movie for him to show his strength.Even if the production cost is not mistaken at the beginning, you may miss this movie.

Now, since it took him less than two months to gain a foothold in Hollywood, Simon is also confident enough to continue to push the project forward, adding nothing more than a few twists and turns.

In the past ten years of experience in the entertainment industry, Simon's biggest impression is that no one in this circle has a smooth road to fame.

Now that the two worlds are human, Simon is not lacking in the spirit of facing setbacks.

To make up his mind, Simon looked at David Giller on the opposite side and said: "So, David, according to the official 35MM film film specifications, how much budget do you think this film needs?"

David Giller thought for a while and said: "According to the shooting concept you just described, it should cost at least US$500,000. For a more detailed budget, you need to count according to a more specific shooting plan. However, this is actually not the case. Question. Simon, the question now is, do you have any previous experience in making movies? Even student films? By the way, neither Brian nor I know which university you graduated from?"

Until now, Hollywood knows that Simon has only been 18 years old this year.

At the time, Jonathan Friedman only occasionally talked to WMA president Norman Broca, because of a series of events, Norman Broca did not like Simon very much, but he did not publicize this matter everywhere.

At this time, because of Simon's talent display, David Giller subconsciously thought that Simon might have been in his twenties, and instinctively regarded Simon as a talented student who had just graduated from a university.

Hearing this question from David Giller, Simon realized what, but still said honestly: "David, I studied computer science at Stanford for a while and then dropped out of school. I have no experience in this area. However, I I also had no previous screenwriting experience."

"Directors are not the same as screenwriters," David Giller shook his head. "Speaking of it, if you can come up with some personal qualifications that are enough to convince investors, such as a student movie, I may be able to help you To this investment. Unfortunately, you did not. Simon, although this is only a small sum of money, but I also need to be responsible for my network."

Brian de Palma, who is still looking at Simon’s sub-lens paintings with interest, looked up at this time and said, “Simon, it’s really not that easy to be a director. However, these paintings are enough to illustrate your personal Talent. It’s not as good as this. In the next "Butterfly Effect", you will be my director assistant. After finishing this film, even if David is not willing to help, I can help you find willing to invest in "Laura Express" "Run" company."

"I didn't say I didn't want to help?" David Giller smiled and protested with dissatisfaction, but also said: "Simon, Brian's idea is indeed good. If you want, this matter can be settled now." ."

David Giller is the producer of "Butterfly Effect", and Brian de Palma is also a director and producer.Temporarily hiring a director assistant is completely within the scope of the two people's powers.

If Simon is really just a newcomer who has just entered Hollywood without much experience, being able to serve as an assistant to a well-known Hollywood director like Brian de Palma is definitely a very rare opportunity to experience.

However, with more than ten years of previous life, coupled with the memories of twelve other people in his mind at this time, Simon's most indispensable experience at this time is all aspects related to film production.As a director assistant to Brian de Palma,

After pondering for a moment, Simon shook his head and said, "David, Brian, I am very grateful for your kindness. However, although it is impossible to prove, I am quite sure that I have been able to direct a movie in person. So, David, you Is it okay to see this? The funds I have now are enough to start Roller Run. You just need to introduce me to an investor and sign an intentional investment contract. If they are satisfied with my previous shooting results , And then inject follow-up funds, otherwise, they can choose to withdraw at any time."

Simon is a very assertive young man, and David Giller and Brian de Palma have already experienced this in several contacts.

At this time, they did not feel too surprised to hear that Simon rejected Brian de Palma’s proposal.Hearing Simon's plan, David Giller couldn't help but secretly praised the teenager's confidence.

"Simon, in Hollywood, investing in movies with your own money has always been a very bad choice," after a little consideration, David Giller said with a smile, but quickly said: "However, since you With such a confident cooperation plan, I can help you with this. Of course, I will never guarantee that the success is unsuccessful. Everything depends on yourself."

Simon said seriously: "I only need one chance."

David Giller nodded with emotion. "Since this, Simon, in addition to the above cooperation plan, do you have any other requirements?"

Simon thought about it for a moment, and said, "The contract between me and Fox should still be collateralized. I borrowed a sum of money from the bank. Counting the remaining amount that Fox still needs to pay, I should be able to raise about 250,000 US dollars. The filming budget of "Rola Run" is temporarily calculated at USD 500,000. I and the investor each contributed USD 250,000, and each will also account for 50% of the income in the future. My personal screenwriters, directors, and other labor are only a symbolic USD 1. Remuneration, however, I demand absolute creative autonomy."

After listening, David Giller couldn’t help shaking his head again and said, “Simon, half a million dollars, is just my most conservative estimate. Actually, I really hope you can enable some more professional cast members. In addition, if It’s more elaborate in the setting and soundtrack, and the final production budget of about 1 million US dollars will be more secure."

Simon said with ease: "David, what I just said is just an overall plan. If it exceeds the budget, as long as the investor is willing to follow up, the revenue share will definitely be higher. The only thing I want is absolute creative autonomy. I don’t want others to interfere in my work."

"Okay, I'll take the time to contact you," David Giller nodded, and turned again: "However, your recent energy should still be put on the modification of the script of the Butterfly Effect."

Simon smiled and said, "Of course, this is my job."

"In this case," David Giller patted the script of "Rola Run" in front of him and said, "I will make a copy of this script later, so as to convince investors."

Although Simon’s proposal was rejected by Simon, Brian de Palma didn’t care too much. At this time, listening to David Giller, he also handed over the draft of the sub-lens in his hand and said, "Re-copy this One copy, I think it is more convincing than the script."

David Giller was a little surprised to turn Brian de Palma's split-screen draft that he had just been holding in his hand a few pages, not a bit of a head: "It is true."

After talking about these things, the three people reacted and found that there were not many people left in the originally lively restaurant. The lunch served by the waiter was completely cool. Everyone had to re-order lunch and fill the stomach again. Return to the meeting room in the morning to continue discussing the modification of the "Butterfly Effect" script.

So until the end of work, Simon copied a copy of the script of "Laura Run" and a sub-lens draft to David Giller. He also brought a long memo agreed to the script modification at the meeting today. Giller and Brian de Palma said goodbye and left Fox Studios, still taking a taxi to return to the place he just rented in the Montana district of Santa Monica.

The traffic flow was somewhat congested during off-hours. About half an hour later, Simon returned to his residence in Montana.

In front of a villa near St. Vincent Avenue on the northern edge of the Montana district, after Simon got off the bus, he sent away the taxi driver and looked at the mansion with an area of ​​more than 800 square meters in front of him. Come up with a thought that makes him bite his teeth: prostitutes!

Simon and the real estate agent last week booked a schedule to see the house on Thursday, intending to rent an apartment.

Was accidentally sent to the medical center, Simon had planned to cancel the appointment, Janet Johnston learned of the matter, immediately took over the errand with enthusiasm, and delivered the lease contract to Simon on Friday .

In the three-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bath house, seeing the lease agreement, Simon almost jumped from the bed.

Are you kidding me?

Where does a bachelor need such a big place to live?

Moreover, the monthly rent of $2,700 does not seem to be too high compared to Simon's impression of the luxury house.But after all, it was in 1986. Even in Los Angeles, most people can't make $2,700 a month.

Then, when Simon objected and did not want to sign the lease contract, a woman who was originally good even cried in the presence of a round doctor and real estate agent, crying and accusing Simon of being a money servant ignoring himself for a day. It's hard work and money, but even a better house refuses to rent Yunyun.

What else can we do?

Sign it.

In addition to meeting others, Simon really could not think of more adjectives.

Finally, even more annoyingly, after being discharged from the hospital, Simon looked at the villa that he rented, and found that the entire villa was empty, as if it had been looted. Except for the most basic decoration, other furniture No.

Oh, strictly speaking, there is still furniture.

There is a bed in the master bedroom.

It’s just that you don’t have a mattress!