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Chapter 146: The WWII Blockbuster
🕑 Added 2024-12-19 17:03:01 +0000 UTCGilbert's two companies had brought about an unexpected result—one involving Apple.
In recent years, Apple had been plagued by internal turmoil, with its stock price consistently declining. However, after Facebook and Banana went public, Apple's stock price saw its first uptick in years, something Apple's leadership hadn't anticipated.
Unfortunately, when Facebook and Banana were raising funds, Apple was strapped for cash and missed the opportunity. Otherwise, Apple might have turned its fortunes around much sooner.
Still, things weren't hopeless. While Apple wasn't fully revived yet, it at least avoided the specter of complete collapse.
During this pivotal period, Gilbert visited Pixar Animation Studios to meet with Steve Jobs.
In a private screening room, Gilbert got an early viewing of Toy Story, Pixar's soon-to-be-released animation.
"What do you think?" Steve Jobs asked after the film ended.
"It's impressive, Steve. Pixar is revolutionizing animated films. This will be the world's first 3D animated movie," Gilbert remarked.
Like Facebook, Pixar had also gone public this year, though it didn't receive the same level of attention. But once Toy Story was released, Pixar's stock price was expected to soar, giving Steve Jobs the capital he needed.
"Steve, I think the time is ripe for your return to Apple. After this animated film's success, the Apple board will likely invite you back to lead the company," Gilbert said.
"You support my return to Apple? After all, you could easily take control of Apple yourself," Jobs replied.
Gilbert shook his head. "Technology and the internet industry aren't really my area of expertise; I'm an outsider there."
"After Facebook and Banana went public, no one would believe that," Jobs countered, pointing to the cover of a Silicon Valley magazine. On it was the headline: The Super Leader of Internet Technology: Gilbert Landry.
Even with such accolades, Gilbert smiled but didn't bother explaining. Instead, he patted Jobs on the shoulder. "Get ready, Steve. By next year, you'll be back at Apple."
Jobs radiated confidence. "With your full support, I'll definitely return."
August was a busy month. Netscape announced its next-generation browser, leading to another surge in its stock price. Meanwhile, Microsoft released Windows 95, cementing its dominance in the operating system market.
Bill Gates ultimately declined Gilbert's stock swap proposal. Other than a small amount of publicly traded shares, Gilbert wasn't able to acquire more Microsoft stock, let alone a seat on its board.
Still, buying Microsoft shares served its purpose—asset preservation. The same applied to shares of Cisco and Oracle. With the dollar's value steadily declining, holding large amounts of cash wasn't a wise choice.
After dealing with these non-film investments, Gilbert shifted his focus back to movies. By mid-August, he officially submitted the script for Saving Private Ryan.
After 20th Century Fox's involvement in The Rock, they naturally invested in this project as well.
For Gilbert, since Braveheart affected 20th Century Fox due to its disastrous box office performance, offering them a chance to invest was a way of making amends.
Meanwhile, Paramount missed out on participating in Gilbert's new project, but they quickly partnered with Tom Cruise to adapt a 1960s TV series into a film titled Mission: Impossible.
Tom Cruise initially wanted to collaborate with Gilbert, even inviting him to hunt in Australia after hearing about Gilbert's new project. Nicole Kidman's family owned farms and estates there. But Gilbert declined, having already secured Tom Hanks for the lead role.
Cruise was clearly disappointed, having long hoped to work with Gilbert but repeatedly missing the chance.
On the other hand, Tom Hanks had readily accepted Gilbert's offer. After reading the script, he didn't hesitate to have his agent seal the deal.
Saving Private Ryan had all the hallmarks of an Oscar favorite, rich with humanistic themes that the Academy loved. While it was an ensemble cast, Hanks' role as John Miller offered significant opportunities for a standout performance. With proper planning, an Oscar nomination—or even a win—was within reach.
Leonardo DiCaprio, meanwhile, passed James Cameron's audition for Titanic. Although filming was still far off, Gilbert brought him on board for this project first.
The script quickly passed the reviews of three studios. Over at Disney, however, Robert Iger was unexpectedly replaced by Michael Ovitz in overseeing the project.
This shift was undoubtedly tied to the power struggle between Ovitz and Michael Eisner. Compared to the strong-willed Eisner, Ovitz had more support from Disney shareholders.
As a result, what should have been Iger's responsibility now fell to Ovitz.
Confident in his abilities, Ovitz believed that if this project succeeded, it would solidify his position, making it harder for Eisner to oust him.
The film's $80 million budget was promptly secured without involving any minor investors. Disney and Warner Bros. each contributed $30 million, while 20th Century Fox and Melon Studios each provided $10 million.
At the project's first pre-production meeting, Ovitz attended in person.
Facing Gilbert, who had previously embarrassed him, Ovitz maintained a friendly demeanor. "Hello, Gilbert. I hope we can work well together on this film."
"Really?" Gilbert replied coolly, clearly surprised. "I didn't expect you to oversee this project."
"As Disney's president, I'm qualified to handle our most important projects," Ovitz stated confidently.
"Is that so?" Gilbert's tone remained indifferent. "As long as you don't interfere with the production, do as you please."
To Gilbert, as long as his creative control wasn't disrupted, he had no interest in internal corporate conflicts.
Disney was unique compared to other film studios. As a major media conglomerate, its core business lay in animation, which explained the long-standing stagnation of its live-action division.
It wasn't until Robert Iger brought Gilbert over from Universal that Disney's live-action films began to thrive.
Consequently, Gilbert became a key figure within Disney, someone all internal factions sought to align with. Ovitz was no exception. Although Gilbert didn't seem particularly accommodating, Ovitz remained all smiles, taking a seat beside him.
Gilbert ignored him and began assigning tasks. "Kane, start negotiations with the actors. Try to lower Tom Hanks' salary—I don't want his paycheck eating into the production budget."
With Gilbert earning $15 million himself, adding Hanks' potential $20 million would significantly strain the budget.
Kane Wechsman nodded. "1+2?"
At Hanks' current status, reducing his upfront pay would require a larger share of the box office profits.
Gilbert agreed. "Push it as low as possible."
Charles Roven cautioned, "Hanks is with CAA."
Mentioning CAA made Ovitz visibly uncomfortable.
Gilbert, however, was unfazed. "CAA won't be a problem. Enno Martin won't refuse us."
CAA understood the prestige and success tied to Gilbert's projects, ensuring they wouldn't make excessive demands.
Ovitz seized the opportunity. "I have a good relationship with CAA. Let me handle Enno Martin."
Gilbert glanced at Michael Ovitz. Since Ovitz was eager to take on this task, he allowed it, nodding in agreement.
Gilbert continued, "There are still many roles to be cast. Annie, Sophia, I need you to begin auditions as soon as possible and select suitable actors. Starting in September, the actors will need to undergo a month of military training to master basic tactical movements."
Annie and Sophia jotted this down in their logs and acknowledged the instructions.
Charles Roven asked, "Gilbert, where are we planning to shoot? Are we going to France?"
"France is difficult to obtain filming permits. I suggest we shoot in the UK," said Kane Wexman.
Gilbert remembered that in a previous timeline, the film's opening scenes were shot in Ireland, with some scenes filmed in the UK as well.
He said, "Negotiate with both the UK and Ireland. See which side is willing to provide a military unit for filming. We'll stage the opening scenes where we get the support. Simultaneously, scout both locations and select the most suitable shooting sites."
Gilbert added, "Charles, contact World War II history experts. I want the film to maintain a documentary-like realism, which can also serve as a promotional hook. Also, reach out to the real-life inspiration for the story, Fritz Niland. We need him to recount the entire tale."
In fact, when Gilbert began writing the script, he had already learned about the real-life figure. Along with two studio screenwriters, he had personally visited this WWII veteran. The script was a creative adaptation of Fritz Niland's account, which added a layer of historical authenticity to the movie.
Gilbert then turned to the production designer, Serina Haife, and said, "I need a large number of WWII-era U.S. military uniforms and German uniforms. We'll also need a significant amount of weaponry, tanks, and other equipment. Have the props and costume teams source these. If we can't find what we need, we'll modify or create them ourselves."
"Got it, Director. Leave it to me!" Serina Haife replied confidently.
The initial pre-production meeting concluded, and everyone dispersed to begin their respective tasks.
Meanwhile, initial publicity for the film had already begun. Reports about the upcoming production were released in newspapers and other media outlets:
"Gilbert's new film is set to begin production. Reportedly, it will be a WWII historical action epic..."
"Sources say both Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger are interested in joining the cast. Fans are eagerly anticipating their potential collaboration with Gilbert."
"Hollywood rising star Leonardo DiCaprio has already confirmed his involvement in Gilbert's new film, though his specific role remains undisclosed."
The announcement immediately attracted significant attention from movie fans.
