Capítulo 282: Chapter 282: The Eternal Smile
Simon felt somewhat helpless; Jonathan's question had almost become his catchphrase these days.
Walking towards the buffet table filled with food along with his agent, Simon said, "Joe, you know me. As long as the conditions are right, I will definitely consider WMA's clients first."
"WMA has over 3000 clients, Simon. I believe we can meet any requirement you have."
Simon joked, "What if I need Robert Redford?"
"I'm currently trying to lure some clients back from CAA, so, Simon, you really need to help me this time."
Simon was aware of this.
Compared to the older heads at WMA, Jonathan, in his prime, had successfully become the new president of WMA and even made it onto the board. He was ambitiously aiming to revitalize this old talent agency.
"Joe, I think you don't need to fight over clients. Managing WMA's current client resources well is what's most important. You just said it yourself, WMA has over 3000 clients, enough to meet the needs of any type of film. Plus, you know I'm not the type to always use A-list stars."
Jonathan nodded but insisted, "But we still need to bring some back."
Everyone has their own principles; Simon didn't try to persuade him further. Instead, he said, "Actually, the project 'Intersection' that Ella is preparing is very suitable for WMA. You should have read the script. It's a large-scale ensemble film requiring dozens of actors. Robert Altman's direction ensures that the film will attract attention at major film festivals. A film of this artistic type with an Oscar-level director has a lot of room for actors to showcase their talent. It's actually the best platform to train actors. You can insert some actors that WMA plans to focus on developing in the next few years. With a few similar projects and some nominations, along with one or two successful commercial films, most of them can firmly be in the first or second tier."
In the original version of "Intersection," the cast included well-known Hollywood stars like Robert Downey Jr., Julianne Moore, Chris Penn, Tim Robbins, Andy McDowell, Frances McDormand, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and others, making it a star-studded ensemble.
However, in this era, most of these actors were still considered second or third tier.
For Simon, who knew the future, retracing the path was easy to find a standard path to fame for Hollywood actors.
Before the 1990s, old Hollywood stars generally gained fame by luck through some successful commercial films and maintained their fame over time. Like Robert Redford's "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," Harrison Ford's "Star Wars," Al Pacino's "The Godfather," and even Robert De Niro, known for his acting, was only recognized in the industry after the commercially successful "The Godfather Part II," then began to conquer the Oscars.
However, after the 1990s, new generations of Hollywood stars gradually found a career path from participating in art films to accumulate popularity and then advance to commercial film stars, with the key reason being the resurgence of art films in the 1990s.
It's undeniable that a certain "heavyweight" played a significant role in this process.
Now, Hollywood was just recovering from the slump of the 60s and 70s. Simon could clearly see this somewhat formulaic path to fame, which Hollywood might have tried, but without many obvious successful examples before the 80s, there wasn't much reference.
Jonathan began to ponder after hearing Simon's words.
Since Simon's appearance, Hollywood had indeed produced similar fame archetypes, with Sandra's rise to fame through "Run Lola Run" being the most special case.
Jonathan thought of "Pulp Fiction," which used big names like Robert De Niro and Robert Redford, but actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Nicole Kidman, who were previously unknown, became famous through the film.
Simon didn't have the background of established directors like Robert Altman, but his fame was no less than theirs.
Thus, Simon's works could make many people famous, and so could those of old directors like Robert Altman. Simon through box office success, and others through awards. In the end, as long as actors' resumes and exposure increase, they naturally get more opportunities.
"I'll take a closer look at the script for 'Intersection' when I get back, Simon. What do you think about WMA taking 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 shouldn't be expected, and Jonathan believed most actors wouldn't lack such foresight. If they only care about money, then there's no need to discover and train them.
Simon shook his head, "Joe, that's a bit too much to ask. I can't agree to that."
"Alright, then how about leaning towards WMA as much as possible? That should be fine, right?"
"That's for sure."
As they reached the buffet table, Jonathan followed Simon, picking up a tray and selecting food, then said, "Also, Simon, the new film that Brian is preparing, do you really not see its potential?"
Jonathan referred to Brian De Palma.
Also Jonathan's client, who had been greatly helpful to him, Simon maintained close contact with Brian De Palma.
After collaborating on "Basic Instinct" last year, De Palma attempted a transformation, partnering with Columbia Pictures to shoot a Vietnam War-themed film "Vietnam Trauma," starring Sean Penn and Michael J. Fox, with a budget of $22 million and scheduled for release on August 18th later this month.
Simon didn't have much impression of "Vietnam Trauma" and didn't think highly of De Palma's venture into war themes.
However, what Jonathan mentioned was another new project De Palma was 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 becomes the target of tabloid journalists after a traffic accident, leading to a downward spiral in his work and life.
In memory, this satirical urban comedy starring Tom Hanks, with a significant production budget, was a box office disaster.
Tom Hanks never played a villain again after "The Bonfire of the Vanities," and Brian De Palma became more conservative after the film's box office failure, rarely producing works with a personal style, only supporting Tom Cruise in commercial blockbusters like "Mission: Impossible."
"I think the story lacks highlights. And if Brian insists on directing, he must pay very close attention to casting and keep the budget within a reasonable range, preferably not exceeding $20 million."
Jonathan suggested, "How about this, Simon, you guys talk it over when you have time."
Simon nodded, "Sure, but I have to be honest, Daenerys can't take on this project."
With De Palma's fame, as long as the budget is reasonably controlled and there are no major casting mistakes like in the original timeline, even if the new "The Bonfire of the Vanities" still loses money, it won't be too much, and it might even make some profit through post-release operations.
However, if Daenerys Entertainment took on this project, it would have to arrange a relatively good release date and invest enough in marketing and promotion.
Hollywood's prime release periods are limited and fixed every year. Consider the same summer slot, the same $20 million budget, and the same marketing investment—while "The Bodyguard" could gross $100 million at the box office, "The Bonfire of the Vanities" might only make $10 million. The potential loss in such a scenario is tremendous.
"It's not a problem, Simon. After 'The Butterfly Effect' and 'Basic Instinct,' Brian isn't short of investors for his projects. He's actually just looking to try out more genres. You're a director; you should understand this feeling better," Jonathan assured.
Simon nodded in understanding.
As they chatted and picked out some food, finally finding a spot to sit and eat, someone finally couldn't wait any longer and interrupted their conversation directly.
Realizing that he had occupied too much of Simon's time, potentially upsetting many guests at the party tonight, Jonathan acknowledged that they had plenty of opportunities to talk and, after a brief greeting with the Johnson couple, who were also WMA clients, graciously gave up his spot.
Simon had met Melanie Griffith at the Cannes Film Festival last year. Seeing her again, now married to another actor, Don Johnson, and visibly pregnant, Simon politely chatted with the couple and casually inquired about the baby's gender.
Upon learning it was a girl, Simon showed even more interest and asked about the name.
Melanie Griffith, touching her belly, said with happiness, "We haven't thought about the name yet. Simon, do you have any suggestions?"
"I'm even less experienced," Simon laughed. "But since it's a girl, how about Dakota?"
"Dakota?" Melanie repeated.
"Yes."
Don Johnson curiously asked, "Simon, does that name mean anything?"
Simon searched his memory, "It's derived from a Native American language, meaning 'eternal smile.'"
"'Eternal smile,' what a beautiful name," Melanie praised, looking at her husband, "Don, what do you think?"
Don nodded, "It's nice."
"Then our little one will be named Dakota Johnson," Melanie declared, then turned to Simon, "Since you came up with the name, Simon, how about you become her godfather?"
Simon shook his head, declining, "I'm not prepared for that. Plus, I'm not religious."
"That's a pity," Melanie didn't really expect him to agree. She pulled her husband closer and mentioned, "Simon, 'Miami Vice' will probably end next year, and Don wants to try moving to the big screen. Do you have any opportunities for him in your 10 movies?"
Don Johnson, around forty but still in the prime age for Hollywood actors, had a ruggedly handsome appearance and a tall frame, making him perfect for the role of a movie tough guy. However, his career had mainly been on the small screen, with his role in the hit series "Miami Vice" marking the peak of his career.
Simon didn't immediately commit to anything nor did he outright reject the idea, saying, "If there's a suitable role, I'll contact you."
Melanie Griffith was direct, "Then, let's exchange contact information."
Nudging her husband, Don Johnson quickly handed his business card to Simon.
Simon accepted Johnson's card, which listed various public and private contact information, while Simon's card only had his office phone number.
However, receiving Simon's card was already very satisfying for the Johnsons.
As guests around them noticed Simon handing out business cards, many seemed eager to try their luck. The Johnson couple had just turned away from Simon when someone else approached.
Simon's wallet only had a symbolic five or six cards, which quickly disappeared, and he ended up with a stack of other people's business cards in his hands.
After several rounds of socializing, Simon finally found a moment to sit at an empty round table. A blonde woman, Jessica Lange, and Sam Shepard approached.
Recognizing the woman as Rebecca De Mornay, Simon didn't stand but gestured to his plate, joking, "Only crab cakes left, want one?"
Rebecca De Mornay, seeing Simon so relaxed, replied in kind, "Sure."
As they conversed casually and De Mornay finished her crab cake, she handed Simon her "business card"—a hotel room key with a room number attached, inviting him to visit.
"An interesting 'business card,' isn't it?" another female voice commented, slightly husky, suggesting she might be a smoker. Simon looked up to see a mature, seductive face that was familiar yet captivating.
Linda Carter.
The lead actress from the 70s "Wonder Woman" TV series, a sex symbol for a generation.
Simon, still holding the room key, smiled and greeted, "Good evening, Ms. Carter."
Carter, leaning forward, seemed intrigued by Simon's refusal to visit De Mornay, displaying a mix of boldness and caution in her interaction with him. Their conversation meandered from professional aspirations to personal invitations, with Carter expressing a playful interest in Simon's reluctance to engage in typical Hollywood networking.
As the evening progressed, Simon and Carter found themselves engaged in a dance, a seemingly innocent act that marked the beginning of a more private encounter. By eleven o'clock, Carter found herself leaving the hotel with Simon, heading to a mansion in Pacific Palisades, swept up in the charm and mystery that Simon Westeros seemed to wield effortlessly.
In a moment of reflection, Carter mused on the rumors she'd heard about Simon, realizing there might be truth to the whispers of his unique allure and wondering if she was indeed playing with fire by entering his world.
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