Disney Studio, "Escape from Tehran" Studio.
"Thinking of deceiving Hollywood? A place where everyone lives by lying?" In the recording studio, Martin recalled the related scene and delivered his line, "If you want people to believe a lie, then you need the media to spread it for you!"
David Fincher nodded, "OK!"
Martin stepped out of the recording studio and asked David Fincher, "Is that all right?"
David Fincher had the sound engineer replay all the overdubbed voice recordings, then took off his headphones and said, "Well done."
After the recording ended, the two came out of the studio.
David Fincher asked, "You think you have a good chance at winning the Oscar for Best Actor this time?"
"Somewhat confident," Martin replied directly, "Remember to help me with the campaign, David."
David Fincher agreed without hesitation, "No problem." He added, "Remember to introduce me to your PR team."
As for normal Oscar campaign measures like PR lobbying, Martin did not miss a single step since the award season started, and his hired PR team was very capable, "Whenever you have time, I'll introduce you to Rita's PR team."
David Fincher nodded, then mentioned, "The post-production of 'Escape from Tehran' might take a bit longer. This is my last shot at the Oscars. Win or lose, I won't play with the Academy anymore."
Martin said, "The film is scheduled for the next award season, David, you have plenty of time."
It was a do-or-die battle for David Fincher, but the pressure was not too great.
At that moment, the ringtone of his phone sounded. Martin excused himself from David Fincher and turned into the front hall to take the call, "Taylor?"
From the receiver came the crisp and pleasant voice of Taylor Swift, "My agent is discussing contracts at your studio. Is your crew at Disney Studio? I'm thinking of heading over to have a look."
Martin asked, "You're coming to Disney Studio?"
Taylor replied, "I'm already at Disney Studio... Uh, this place is quite interesting, so many signs around strictly prohibiting urination and defecation? As expected, Disney Studio's reputation precedes it!"
Martin sighed inwardly, as this had almost become Disney's symbol. He glossed over the subject, "Because some really stinky things happened here in the past." He moved on, "First head to Stage 9 where the 'La La Land' crew is. I've got something to take care of here, I'll probably be there in about an hour."
"Then I'll wait for you," Taylor hung up the phone.
Martin put away his phone and went to the office of producer Graham King.
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When he came to Disney Studio today, Martin had already arranged to meet with him.
In the office, Graham was reading through the adaption of "Prince of Thieves" again.
With "Escape from Tehran" having reached this stage, he was not involved in specific tasks, leaving post-production to David Fincher, while Louise Mel managed the day-to-day operations of the crew.
Graham was concentrating on a deal discussed during his last meeting with Martin.
That deal was for "The Prince of Thieves."
Graham closed the script and looked at Martin, "The script is well-written. When do we start preparations?"
Martin smiled, "You're the producer, it's up to your schedule. For this project, Davis Studio will invest $40 million."
This part of the investment could be handled just by the Koreans.
"$60 million should suffice, I'll take care of the remaining $20 million," Graham said, owning GK Film Company, but given its medium size, funding productions was often the company's limit. Like other midsize production companies in the industry, GK seldom operated movies on its own.
On one hand, a large investment meant a great risk.
On the other hand, partnering with other companies could mobilize more resources.
Graham suggested, "Let's pick a good director first, then start preparations." He asked Martin, "Do you have any suitable director candidates?"
Martin, busy with schmoozing and outdoing others, hadn't had the time to consider this, "Not at the moment, WMA will send over some recommendations."
Graham suddenly had a novel idea, "Martin, I heard from David that you've directed on set temporarily, haven't you considered becoming a real director?"
Martin spoke candidly, "In Director Nolan's and Fincher's crews, I've tried shooting a scene temporarily, but the results were awful. It was a terrible experience for me and everyone else, not because the crew wasn't capable, but because I lacked the skill."
He shrugged, "Directing is a talent-heavy field, and all my talent is in acting."
Knowing one's limits was valuable. Directing was much more challenging than acting. He had tried learning and shooting, but his talent was average at best.
Just like at the American Film Institute, where so many students graduate from the directing program every year, very few actually manage to make a good movie.
Even for many great directors, effort was not the key factor; many spent their days using drugs, drinking, and throwing wild parties, but when they picked up a camera, they could create astounding works.
Knowing that such things couldn't be forced, Graham could only say, "We'll discuss once we have a suitable director candidate."
After exchanging opinions on the preparation of the film, Martin took his leave to go to Stage 9.
Preparing a movie was quite a hassle; some films had shooting schedules of just a couple of months, but when factoring in preparation, it could be two to three years.
If counting from the scriptwriting stage, a period of ten to twenty years was not unusual in Hollywood.
The project written by the former temporary actress and part-time juice bar cashier Mia had finally established its own studio, named "La La Land."
In front of Stage 9, a bronze plaque for "La La Land" had already been put up.
Martin entered the studio and headed straight into the specially modified dance room.
Inside the dance room, Taylor Swift was exchanging ideas on music with Sebastian.
Seeing Martin, Mia opened her mouth to speak, but Martin gestured for silence and pointed towards the two absorbed in their music.
Martin sat in his chair, listening to the two discuss.
He could barely understand the professional jargon that Taylor and Sebastian were using.
After a while, Sebastian sat in front of the piano, set up the sheet music, and started to play a piece.
Taylor turned her head, smiled at Martin, and began to sing.
The song was filled with sadness, slightly heavy as if reminiscing about something.
Mia listened carefully, immediately recalling the ending of the male and female leads in the screenplay.
Martin also thought of the ending where the female lead achieved her dreams, married a successful person, and watched her ex-boyfriend reminisce about their sweet love.
It was a perfect fit for Hollywood's temperament!
A few minutes later, Taylor finished the song.
Martin immediately applauded and said, "Good!"
Taylor was quite confident, "I think it's good too."
Sebastian stood up from the piano and said, "This song fits the mood of the ending of the screenplay perfectly."
Mia, the screenwriter, also added, "Yes, the song automatically immerses me in the final scene."
Suddenly, Sebastian glanced at Mia, his look slightly strange.
Martin noticed but wouldn't intervene in other people's emotional affairs.
Taylor walked over, linked her arm with Martin's, and asked, "Do you think this song will be popular?"
"It definitely will," Martin looked very sincere.
Actually, he didn't have much understanding of the music market.
There were numerous cases where movie theme songs that directors and producers found unsatisfactory became classics.
The most classic example was "My Heart Will Go On", which James Cameron initially disliked and never wanted to use. Were it not for the pressure of 20th Century Fox's investment, he might have been forced to accept it, potentially leading to a different outcome.
Sebastian said, "Mr. Davis, I personally think that Miss Swift's song is very suitable as the end credit song."
Martin nodded with a smile, "I'll try to negotiate for it."
Taylor winked at him, "I could have my agent ask for a high price."
She pulled Martin outside, "Work's done, come with me for a tour of Disney Studio; a friend will join us soon."
Martin curiously asked, "Someone who wants to join your girl gang?"
"She wants in, but I won't accept her. You wouldn't be impressed with her either," Taylor led Martin out of the studio, "You met her last time in Nashville, Katy Perry."
"What is she here for?"
"I'll take a picture with her and you, post it on social media to flaunt our friendship, and then fall out with her at the Grammys."
Martin gave a thumbs up, "You guys really know how to play the game."
Taylor suddenly stopped in front of an oversized sun umbrella and asked, "Is this where Emma Watson had her little 'accident'?"
"That's right, right here," Martin confirmed.
Noticing the area was cleaned up well, Taylor felt somewhat disappointed, "Shame, I can't witness it myself..."
Martin pulled her away, "What's there to see."
Passing a public restroom, Taylor spotted a familiar lamppost and said, "I remember this place, Depp's girlfriend..."
Martin interrupted her, "Why do you always remember such bizarre things?"
"You didn't know?" Taylor was quite surprised, "These are the two most famous sights in Disney Studio, even more popular than Mickey Mouse at the entrance."
Martin thought to himself, blame Nicholson and Silsa Ronan for what they've done to the reputation of Disney Studio.
Now, whenever media and the public mention Disney Studio, would they think of foul smell first?
After wandering Disney Studio for a while, Taylor's good friend Katy Perry arrived.
The two of them took some photos with Mickey Mouse at the entrance as a backdrop, with Martin too, then posted them on their respective Twitter accounts.
Quite the display of sisterhood.
Katy Perry didn't stay long; she left after about fifteen minutes.
Having made their mark at Disney Studio and shown off their friendship, there was no need to stick around any longer as a third wheel.
Taylor even took out her phone, opened Twitter, and showed it to Martin.
Her recent posts were full of pictures with Katy Perry, flaunting their friendship everywhere.
Martin asked her, "How long have you been showing off?"
Taylor thought for a moment, "Over a month now, the groundwork has been pretty much laid."
Holding her smartphone, she dreamily said, "I'm really looking forward to the moment we fall out, it's going to be thrilling."