Capítulo 277: Chapter 277: He Can See People
Santa Monica.
At the headquarters of Daenerys Entertainment, Simon Westeros was bidding farewell to Kevin Costner, Jessica Lange, Michael Blake, and others. "Dances with Wolves" was set to start shooting next month, and they had just concluded a production meeting.
With Simon's support, "Dances with Wolves" would still have Kevin Costner as both the director and the lead actor. He would also be listed as a producer. Jessica Lange, who had collaborated with Daenerys Entertainment on "Steel Magnolias" last year, was cast as the female lead, "Stands with a Fist".
Compared to the original version, this new film had significantly upgraded its cast.
Although Jessica Lange, a multiple Oscar nominee and the Best Actress winner of 1983, was not one of the highest-paid actresses, her salary for playing a supporting role that wasn't central to the plot was only $1 million.
Thanks to the success of "The Bodyguard", Kevin Costner had cemented his status as a top Hollywood male star. However, since their contracts for "The Bodyguard" were signed earlier, his salary for acting as both the director and the lead actor was only $6 million.
Considering the challenges of shooting scenes involving animals and children, as well as many outdoor scenes, Simon allocated a budget of $25 million for this project, which was also higher than the original version.
Given his confidence in "Dances with Wolves", Simon was not stingy with the budget.
Of course, the budget was limited to $25 million.
Simon always valued budget control for films and led by example. "Batman", which utilized a lot of new technology and special effects, was nearing completion without any sign of budget overrun.
At the headquarters' lobby, Simon saw off Kevin Costner and Michael Blake, then shook hands with Jessica Lange, who was carrying a shoulder bag, saying, "See you next time, Jess."
Jessica Lange shook hands with Simon and asked, "Aren't you going to Jonathan's party tonight?"
Simon nodded, "Of course, I am."
Today was July 14th, Friday.
On Wednesday, WMA announced another major personnel change; the president Norman Brokaw was stepping down, and the vice president Jonathan Friedman was appointed as the new president of WMA and also joined the board of directors.
Although "The Bodyguard" and "The Sixth Sense" were scheduled a month apart, both were expected to surpass $100 million at the domestic box office this weekend. Daenerys Entertainment had previously announced a grand celebration party for both films on Saturday. To avoid clashing with Daenerys Entertainment's event, Jonathan scheduled his celebration party for his new position at WMA for tonight.
Jessica Lange, seeing Simon nod, smiled, "Then, we'll see each other again tonight."
Simon said "preemptively", "Glad to see you again."
Jessica Lange chuckled.
After a few more exchanges and seeing off the main creative team of "Dances with Wolves", Simon turned to head back to his office, but Jennifer was already standing behind him with a folder in her hands, giving him a peculiar look.
Thinking back, he had only joked with Jessica Lange and had no intention of flirting, so Jennifer had no reason to be jealous. Thus, he confidently headed towards the stairs, asking the female assistant who followed, "What's the matter?"
Jennifer handed over the folder, saying, "Peter Bart from 'The Los Angeles Times' just faxed over a press release about you."
So, it wasn't about jealousy.
Hearing it was a press release about himself, Simon didn't pay much attention.
With his rapidly increasing wealth and fame, many mainstream newspapers in North America wanted to publish news about Simon. To avoid lawsuits or conflicts with Daenerys Entertainment, they usually sent their articles to Simon's PR team or Daenerys Entertainment first.
He opened the folder and saw the headline: "He can see people."
It seemed familiar.
Upon reflection, he realized it must be related to the currently screening "The Sixth Sense", in which Cole says to Dr. Crowe, "I can see people."
This phrase doesn't mean 'I can see people' in the ordinary sense, but rather 'I can see ghosts'.
Understanding this, Simon began to read the main content.
"Having closely observed Simon Westeros for three years, I've always harbored a strong curiosity about where his astonishing talents come from. He was just an obscure orphan from San Jose. Perhaps he was diligent, perhaps he was intelligent, but within my comprehension, it seems impossible for someone as young as him to be so dazzling."
"I've hypothesized many possibilities – perhaps Westeros is an alien, perhaps he underwent some mysterious scientific experiment, or perhaps he's not himself anymore but a spy with a new face. It's said that Westeros is fluent in many languages, a skill essential for a top spy."
"Yet, I haven't found any substantial evidence for these assumptions."
"Until recently, after watching 'The Sixth Sense', I suddenly realized this might be the ultimate answer I've been seeking."
"Simon Westeros is a medium!"
"Don't worry, I'm not spoiling the movie."
"The title of this article is taken from 'The Sixth Sense's TV trailer, where the little boy Cole tells the doctor, 'I can see ghosts'."
"Now, if we apply this statement to Simon Westeros, 'He can see ghosts', then many of the mysteries that have puzzled us are explained. Theoretically, it's impossible for Simon Westeros, who grew up in an orphanage, to have the opportunity to learn music, painting, film, languages, and so on. For a child from the lower strata of society, even with effort, these would be unattainable without resources."
"But what if those teaching him weren't human, but ghosts?"
"Everything suddenly makes sense."
"I even believe Simon Westeros's sudden mental breakdown three years ago might be related to this."
"Subsequently, Westeros arrived in Los Angeles and instantly became a film genius."
"For an 18-year-old who probably hadn't watched many movies growing up, this is unbelievable. But what Los Angeles doesn't lack, obviously, are people from the film industry. After half a century of accumulation, it's plausible that a vast army of ghosts skilled in various cinematic techniques exists. If Westeros could enlist the help of a group of elite ghosts, he could easily become a 'film genius'."
"…"
"…"
The article was lengthy, and Simon read it with interest, forgetting to enter his office even when he reached the door.
Leaning against the door, he finished reading the press release, then looked up to see Jennifer still wearing the peculiar expression from before. He turned his gaze towards the empty space next to his female assistant's right hand, and said in a low, wistful tone, "Knight, our secret has been discovered."
Having read the press release in advance, Jennifer was somewhat immersed in it. Hearing Simon say this, she instinctively looked to her right, feeling a chill run down her spine.
Seeing his assistant genuinely scared, Simon chuckled and lightly traced her neck with his finger as she turned her head.
Touched by Simon's gesture, Jennifer's reaction was mixed, feeling a slight warmth on one side of her body.
With mixed feelings of warmth and cold, her cheeks flushed red.
She glared at Simon, who nonchalantly entered his office.
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder