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Chapter 83: The Forbidden Zone
🕑 Added 2024-10-03 15:49:37 +0000 UTCAs night fell, a black Bentley drove into Malibu. The driver didn't head into the city but continued north to a famous private club.
"Two consecutive films have grossed over $100 million at the North American box office. Duke Rosenberg has created a miracle..."
In the back seat, Nancy Josephson was clearly in a good mood as she flipped through several newspapers and read aloud, "In the dazzling action movie realm, no one does it better than the young director Rosenberg."
She suddenly lifted her head to look at Duke beside her. "Want to see? It's all praise for you."
"No, thanks," Duke replied, shaking his head. He had no intention of seeking psychological comfort through the media. "There are a lot of praises, but I'm sure there's plenty of criticism too."
Without needing Nancy to answer, Duke could guess the negative comments from the media, such as "the director of destruction," "the noise maker of the set and cinema," and "the popcorn director who only knows how to play with explosions and technology."
The Bentley soon arrived at the club entrance. Duke and Nancy Josephson got out and walked straight in, where Fox employees had been waiting to guide them through a tree-lined path to a grassy area near the pool. It was brightly lit and bustling with people; a lavish and lively party was in full swing.
This was a party organized by 20th Century Fox's CEO, Thomas Rothman, at his personal invitation. After confirming Duke's return to Los Angeles with Nancy, he sent out the invitation.
Duke had no intention of declining. His relationship with 20th Century Fox and Thomas Rothman stemmed from commercial interests rather than personal grudges. As "The Rock" broke through, their commercial conflicts gradually faded, leaving room for potential future cooperation.
"Hey, Duke!"
As they approached the edge of the lawn, Thomas Rothman came over to greet them, extending his hand. "Long time no see."
"It really has been a while!" Duke shook his hand firmly.
Many people at the party turned their attention toward them. Unaware, Duke chatted with Thomas Rothman while heading toward the party's center. Both he and Rothman skillfully avoided mentioning the disputes prior to "The Rock" release, as if they had never happened.
"This is Jon Landau..."
"This is John Stanlis..."
As they reached a group of formally dressed individuals, Thomas Rothman enthusiastically introduced Duke to various Fox executives, renowned directors, and producers. Duke greeted them all with a bright smile.
"This is director James Cameron..."
Across from him stood a burly middle-aged man with a full beard, someone Duke could easily recognize from any stage of his adult life.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Cameron!"
Even though Cameron was a significant idol in Duke's past and a goal in his current life, Duke maintained his earlier demeanor without showing any special emotions.
"Nice to meet you too!" Cameron nodded in acknowledgment.
They exchanged simple greetings, and Duke quickly turned his attention back to the Fox executives led by Rothman. He was no fool; he understood that their invitation to the party was partly to ease the relationship with this clearly rising commercial director and partly to explore potential collaborations.
"Congratulations, Duke."
Tim Fisher approached with an exceptionally warm and sincere expression. "Another film has grossed over $100 million!"
"Thank you!" Duke said modestly, "Just good luck."
"Luck can be part of it, but two successes in a row isn't just luck."
Accompanied by Rothman and a few others, they walked toward the pool area. "In Hollywood, there's no such thing as a repeat of good fortune!"
Duke glanced at Nancy Josephson but said nothing, following along. Around the pool, dozens of white round tables were set up as resting spots for the party. Many men and women, especially young women, moved between the tables, seemingly searching for something.
Like all private parties in Hollywood, this one was no exception in featuring beautiful women. Some were specifically hired from professional agencies, while many were friends or aspiring actresses and models who pushed their way in through agents or party connections.
Their intentions were clear: to connect with the executives, directors, producers, and big-name stars present. While they might not secure substantial roles, they hoped for appearances in various films, and with enough luck, a chance at stardom.
This was a common scene in Hollywood, not limited to female actresses and models but also including many male actors and models.
The distance between the tables was not very far apart. Duke helped Nancy pull out a chair, checking the space behind to ensure it wouldn't hinder the blonde woman sitting with her back to them before sitting down.
"Duke, Tim and I have read your new script."
As a waiter brought over champagne, Thomas Rothman raised his glass toward Duke and stated directly, "I assume Nancy has conveyed Fox's cooperation intentions?"
"Yes."
Setting down his glass, Duke smiled. "We had a very pleasant collaboration before, and I hope we can continue working together."
"Fox is currently pushing for project reviews..."
The script itself held no special value. Like "Speed" and "The Rock," its creativity and structure could only be deemed average. However, Fox valued the director; producing two average scripts into box office hits said a lot.
Moreover, it involved more than just the destruction of a city! That was what Duke Rosenberg excelled at—explosions!
"Thomas, there are some things I must say upfront," Duke said, his demeanor suddenly serious. "What I'm best at isn't a secret. In the upcoming film, I don't just plan to destroy a city or an island; I want to blow up all the iconic buildings in America. The film will feature numerous explosions—constant explosions."
He looked at Thomas. "My habit is to shoot all explosions in real locations! And incorporating sci-fi elements will incur significant costs!"
"Can you give me a specific number?" Rothman asked.
Duke slowly extended his right index finger. "One hundred million dollars!"
Behind him, the blonde woman at the neighboring table suddenly looked up.
Across from him, Thomas Rothman and Tim Fisher exchanged glances and fell silent for a moment. Although Fox's production of "True Lies" had a budget of $130 million, much of that funding came through financing. Even if they lost money, it was primarily on the backs of investors and overseas distributors.
Such a large investment and financing would certainly require careful consideration from Fox.
After some polite chatter, Rothman and Fisher excused themselves, needing to weigh whether Fox would continue investing in this currently code-named "DAY" project.
"From a risk management perspective..."
With only Nancy remaining, Duke gently tapped the table as he spoke. "No company would invest such a large amount of money in a single film."
"Is that why you agreed to talk to Fox?" Nancy quickly grasped Duke's intention. "You want to involve Warner and Fox..."
"I didn't say anything," Duke shook his finger at her.
"This number..." Nancy frowned. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Sorry, I forgot!" Duke shrugged, appearing apologetic.
It wasn't just a dismissive statement. Duke had been focused almost entirely on "The Rock" before; as a normal person, it was inevitable to overlook certain matters.
"Is there no way to lower it?" Nancy asked.
"In my vision," Duke pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "the film's main selling point is its visual effects. You can't save costs on special effects! Just like how men want to see the most beautiful, sexy women to get their hormones flowing..."
He pointed to the several long-legged, slim-waisted women swirling nearby. "To catch the audience's attention, visual effects must be adorned with expensive costumes, jewelry, and makeup."
"Alright, I'll do my best. Not just with Warner Bros., I'll contact other companies too." Nancy stood up, teasingly added for revenge, "Just don't get involved with any of my other female clients. Feel free to flirt with the girls here; I won't interfere."
Crossing his arms, Duke stared at Nancy, surprised that the usually serious female agent would make such a joke.
"I'll introduce you to some people."
As Nancy extended her hand, Duke stood up and followed her into the crowd, encountering several girls who seemed eager to strike up conversations, all of whom were deterred by Nancy's stern gaze.
Just then, the blonde woman sitting with her back to Duke at the poolside stood up, gently running her fingers through her golden short hair as she watched the two retreating figures. After a moment of thought, she followed at a distance.
"Duke, I won't interfere with your private life, but I must warn you about something you need to remember."
When they reached a less crowded area, Nancy's tone turned serious. "You are now a very successful director, and your works have brought fame to several people. This is a realistic circle, and you will face many temptations in the future. You will be pursued by both men and women with various motives."
"You can mess around; no one will blame you."
Hearing Nancy's words, Duke couldn't help but roll his eyes, but the female agent continued earnestly, "But there is one forbidden zone you must never touch!"
