Michael. The production lineup of Clayton is very strong, except for the real production director Carey. In addition to the fact that Orent is a real and simple professional, the rest of the producers are all very promising. Investors like Clooney and Jenny are also A-listers, as well as Sidney. A big director like Pollack, plus a famous actor and producer, also promised to make a cameo role. A genius director like Soderbergh, Anthony. Famous screenwriters, directors, and producers like Minghella are also on the producer list, plus the director himself, as well as Warner's spokesperson James Brown. Holt, it's hard to say whose film this is the whole crew - it's certain that neither George, Jennifer nor Warner has said anything, and what will ultimately happen to this matter will be decided by voting.

Of course, if this is the case, it will be a well-known joke in the industry, and it will have a very bad impact on the crew itself, so Soderbergh did not contact all the producers at the first time, but recruited several producers other than George and Jenny, plus Warner's project leader James . Holt, including Tony, held a video conference to discuss how to deal with the matter - the reason why there was no formal meeting, in addition to the difficulty of arranging the schedule in a short period of time, is that this will definitely not be hidden from George and Jennifer, which is easy to detonate conflicts and seriously affect the progress of the film.

"Sidney," Steven was the youngest of the producers, and he was the most irritable, and when everyone confirmed the connection, he was the first to order Sidney. Pollack name, "How do you think this should be handled?" ”

Sidney. 's wrinkled face moved, and he said with a wry smile, "I think you're pushing the problem on me, kid." ”

Steven said unceremoniously, "Of course, it's because you have the highest status, old man, who can bear this matter but you?" ”

Because it was a video conference, there was no subtle eye contact, Sidney couldn't look at others and transfer the pressure, but he also slyly didn't say anything right away, but clicked on James. Holt's name, "James, you represent Warner, the largest investor, tell me what you think." ”

James cleared up faster than anyone else, "Warners don't have a view -- they have full confidence in our abilities. ”

Such innocuous words immediately provoked a wave of disgusted boos, and James had to explain, "It's not a big investment for Warner, and besides, box office profitability is still very optimistic, so Warner really doesn't have any opinions." The results of the group meetings are supported by them. ”

Truth be told, a group of people are silent: For Warner, "Michael. It's hard for Clayton to win Best Film, and if you win the acting award, whether it's Clooney or Jefferson, it's the same for them, but it represents more sales profits, and they can't afford to choose between two A-listers, after all, no matter which one you choose, it means offending the other fiercely.

In fact, the reason is obvious - getting Clooney out, this is tantamount to being incompatible with him, completely tearing his face, an actor who has won the Oscar supporting actor, because he is not qualified for the role, was forced to quit the crew after filming started - there is not much time to start filming, the cost loss is not unaffordable, although it is difficult to find an actor to replace him, but it is not impossible, but these are not the problem - Clooney himself is not strong at the box office, and so far, there has not been any box office miracle movie on his own, he mainly relies on style and acting skills to mix, and now, he has been kicked out of the crew because he has no acting skills?

This is shaking his foundation, and it is not an exaggeration to even say that he is destroying his career, after such a turmoil, how can he rush to the Olympics? Even the nomination may be questioned, after all, "Michael. The industry is clear about how strong the production team of Clayton is.

But to put Jennifer. Jefferson gets out, and it's even more ridiculous - she's not a nobody, she can be bullied at will, and she has Disney's Robert Murphy behind her. Egger, Weinstein of Weinstein Films, and rumors and strong backers in politics, have injected money into this movie, and now that they have signed a starring contract and the actors have joined the group, it is impossible to suddenly find a reason to expel her. Anyone can think of what happened after that - Jennifer would definitely do everything to figure out why she was suddenly kicked out, the investment in the film would definitely not continue to be cashed in, and it would not be impossible to sue for a huge amount of damages, after all, she was not like Clooney, and if Clooney was expelled, the reason would be very strong, 'incompetent', and he would definitely be embarrassed to go to court in this situation.

And once Jennifer knows the real reason for her expulsion, then the entire production crew will really become a laughing stock in the laughing stock, and the actor will be removed because he acted too well? Soderbergh, Pollack and Minghella are all directors, and no director wants to bear such a reputation. Who would make such a very offensive decision when they can't pour Jennifer's dirty water to occupy the advantage of public opinion, they can't trust each other, and form a strong alliance in the complex production layer?

Anyway, Steven. Soderbergh didn't want to, he was indeed a good brother of Clooney, and the reason why he supported the project as a producer was also at the invitation of Clooney to contribute to his rush. But after all, he is a Hollywood first-line director, offending good actors, offending investors, such things as a mature director will try his best to avoid, if this matter is Clooney's reason, he will definitely hold on to the end, but in order to support Clooney, he directly proposed to kick Jennifer away, and then James. Holt, Sidney, Anthony, and the others happily betray Jennifer to appease her anger and become the target of Jennifer's team—neither his work ethic nor his friendship with Clooney has yet to go.

There was a brief silence in the online conference room, and Steven saw a similar emotion on the producers' faces - it was a very difficult choice and a very tricky situation.

"Let's do a simple method of elimination." A neutral James opened the deadlock first after a suffocating silence, saying, "We have a couple of options, first, kick Jennifer out – lobbying for the proposal?" ”

There was a frozen silence in response, and James took a breath, "So, what about kicking George?" ”

Steven shook his head, he had to say something, "I don't agree, this won't cause the crew any less trouble than kicking Jennifer out." ”

Sidney and the other producers still had meaningless expressions on their faces, and James spread his hands, "After two choices in a row, it looks like we have only one way left -- and that's to let everything remain the way it is." ”

He reverted to the businessman's true sense of calculating the follow-up benefits of this choice, "We are very interested in Michael. Clayton had high hopes that it would be nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor, and if the status quo is maintained, these two nominations should fall short. But maybe we can get a nomination for Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress, and Warners may adjust its budget to focus on Jennifer. As for the profit prospects, with Jennifer's acting breakthrough and the gimmick of the theme itself, the box office decline may not be too high, but word-of-mouth will affect subsequent DVD sales, so we need to lower the profit forecast by 30%, but this is still money-making. ”

As long as there is money to be made, what film does the producer not make? It's a big bad movie, as long as it can make money, Warner will still make it, so James has nothing to accept this result, he analyzes it without any psychological burden, of course, when it comes to Warner's promise to adjust the budget and focus on promoting Jennifer's nomination, he is also very natural, even Steven did not raise any objections - at this time, promoting the best picture is tantamount to throwing money into the water, as a producer, it is impossible to oppose such a pragmatic proposal for the sake of Clooney's face.

However, this is acceptable for investors, but for big names like Soderbergh and Pollack, including big writers and new directors like Tony, the problem is very big, they participate in this project, just to make it into a masterpiece, and producing a bad movie is tantamount to smashing their own signboard, of course, Steven may not care so much, he was originally pulled by Clooney to protect his body, but for Sidney, who is personally involved, his participation is higher, the old fox coughed, " We are against letting George out, why? Because George would be unhappy, why would George be unhappy, because it would disgrace him...... Steven, I'm sure you'll find a paradox here, if George quits now, there can be a suitable excuse, but if the film is released publicly, then ......"

Tony was naturally a little weak in front of this group of big bulls, and at this time he also muttered, "Unless all the rival scenes are deleted, the sense of drama and structural imbalance cannot be remedied." ”

Steven's face was also a little ugly: it seems that Tony and Sidney have the same opinion on this matter, and even he himself has to admit that if the film continues like this with the current structure, then after its release, this film will become Clooney's Waterloo, will become his pillar of shame, and every minute and every second on the same screen with Jennifer will be a humiliation and ridicule of Clooney - of course, it will not only be Clooney who will be ridiculed at that time, but also the producers and directors of them, But that doesn't make anyone feel any better, and in any case, keeping the status quo is the worst option.

"We all admire George." Minghella also spoke, his tone softly in a British accent, "There is no doubt about that, maybe George is just not so suitable for the role of Michael, he is more suitable for those ...... A suave man, if he needs to make an Olympic work, he can create another one, there is no need to be obsessed with this movie, after all, we have all seen his performance material, and this film will not be his work as the emperor. ”

His statement did not attract any opposition: compared with Best Actress, the annual Oscar competition is extremely miserable, and George's level in this film is just a nomination for publicity and public relations, and it is absolutely undeniable that even if you just look at the material, you can see amazing talent and aura.

"Looks like you're counting on me to be this wicked man." Steven rubbed his nose with an ugly face, "Okay, George goes, I'll go too, that's my bottom line." ”

He did not object to the proposal, but for the sake of his friend's righteousness, he chose to withdraw from the project with Clooney, and with him of course Clooney's investment - Tony's lips squirmed, but he did not make a sound: After Matt. Damon's threading of the needle, he has a good relationship with the members of the Clooney gang, but at this moment, of course, it is his first film that is more important.

"Why are you leaving?" Sidney asked, "George's investment can be kept, he can continue to be a producer, he doesn't have to deal with money, and he can say that George suffers from depression -- anorexia, oh, that's not good, or those psychological disorders that are hard to see symptoms are better used." It's a decent excuse, and I promise none of us are going to leak any news of the demolition, maybe consider having Brad fill in, and he needs a transition as well, or try to contact Lewis, and he can take some time and show them Karen's footage -- I can make a few phone calls, maybe pay a little more, but in general, it's the best ending for everyone. ”

As a big director and producer for many years, Steven hesitated for a moment, and instead of insisting on his opinion, he said, "I'll have to talk to George - if he accepts the change, we'll have to ask Brad first." ”

Brad. Pete is one of George's most iron-clad friends, and if he fills the vacancy, it will be almost difficult for the outside world to smell anything wrong, but will believe that George really can't continue to act for some reason, so he will find Pete to take the shift.

"Very well," Sidney said kindly, "of course, we can test Jennifer's attitude, if she can understand the exit, it will be more convenient, and even better, she is a talented actress, and Karen will not be too important for her - if she is willing to quit, I can invite her to be the heroine of the new film without having to audition." ”

Steven secretly scolded 'cunning' - Sidney took the opportunity to be a favor, pretend to be a good person, and by the way, he was completely aware of the intention of scooping Jennifer, who may not know how good his performance was, into his new crew, however, he did not have any suitable films to invite Jennifer at present, so he did not speak out against Sidney's approach, but nodded approvingly, "This is the best for the project, and the loss of money and time will be minimized." ”

But, who's going to talk about it? It certainly won't be Steven, and judging by Sidney, Minghella, and Holt's clear attitudes, they have no intention of wading into troubled waters.

Although everyone agreed with Sidney's opinion, no one was generous enough to take on the trouble directly, and eventually, Tony, who cared most about his work, sighed and took over the burden. "I'll talk to Jennifer."

He smiled wryly, "But I don't know if I want her to agree or not-"

His complaint didn't provoke much reciprocal response, only James nodded out of friendship, and Steven maintained his superficial concern, but already began to think in his heart: he seemed to have heard that Jennifer's company dream was looking for a director for a Monroe biopic recently, and it was common sense that this should be a project tailored for Jennifer......

He glanced at Sidney and Anthony, and quietly marked it on his notepad: just like actors compete for big directors, big directors also compete for good actors and good projects, and their competition is even more fierce than that of actors, after all, good actors can shine as brightly in the hands of bad directors, but for directors with dragon-slaying skills, they can't work with first-class actors, for them, this torture can no longer be simply described as regret......

#

"What, you're done dubbing?" Jenny said to the phone while doing a relaxation exercise, "yes, then I thought you might be able to come and see me, if you don't mind being filmed, those paparazzi are going crazy, I'm already suffering from serious paranoia, and I always feel like someone is putting a camera in my hotel room......"

"I can ask Jack to send you a set of testing equipment." "It's a real concern, and considering you're living in Motel, I wouldn't be surprised if you woke up one day and found someone clubbing the tip of your nose." ”

Jenny laughed, "But isn't the testing equipment a little too fussful?" I don't want to be one of the nervous big stars that people think - wait, I seem to be, and thanks to the two bodyguards you hired for me. ”

"No thanks." Christopher said solemnly, "It's strange why you haven't hired a few bodyguards for yourself for so long." ”

"Because I don't need to." "Kirk kept saying it was the best job he could get, and he spent most of the day doing nothing and being horribly idle. ”

Generally speaking, it is common for big-name celebrities to hire bodyguards when they go out to work, not mainly to prevent kidnapping, but to negotiate with the paparazzi. However, for Jenny, she usually doesn't go out casually in private, and rarely has the opportunity to physically clash with the paparazzi, and the paparazzi spend most of her time taking some painless street photos, and there is no need to negotiate to delete them, so she doesn't hire bodyguards often, and it is also Chris's idea to bring bodyguards with her when she comes out to film this time, he can't follow him to the set, which is not in line with the rules, so he has to hire professionals to make himself feel at ease.

"Until that pervert is caught, bodyguards are absolutely necessary." Chris said assertently, not giving Jenny a chance to continue arguing, and then softened his voice, "How long do you think I'll be able to stay?" Can I accompany you until the end of the shoot? I don't think you have much of a role, you've been there for a week. How many pages of that script can be related to you? ”

"I haven't had a lot of scenes these days," Jenny calculated, "I might have to work for a few weeks, but there are some things that I think are quite interesting, and maybe I can take you to see some of the footage we shoot when you come...... Wait a minute. ”

She took her phone away and checked the screen, "It's Cesare's call, baby, I'll call you back in a minute." ”

Chris wasn't jealous of anything - the attitude that occasionally showed that he minded was fun, but even the normal work life had to be interrupted, and that was the problem, and as he had been with many girlfriends, he could still grasp the rhythm of this relationship very accurately. "Okay, I'll wait for your call."

Jenny kissed the microphone, then connected to Cesare, "Don't tell me you're still at the company - it's nine o'clock in the evening, and the company hasn't kept you busy lately, right?" ”

"I'm really off work." Cesare said, "Actually, I was on a date, but Tony. Gilroy's agent called me. ”

"Tony?" Jenny was a little surprised, "He and I are in the same building, what can't you tell me directly?" ”

"It's not easy to communicate directly." Cesare's tone remained calm, as if he were relaying a joke, "Tony thinks you've done so well that you've dwarfed George, and he wants to ......"

He succinctly describes Tony's demands: voluntary exits, high-sounding excuses, Sidney's new film, and, of course, a generous breach of contract. "According to Tony, George would be very grateful for your concessions if you were willing to say yes. Of course, what he didn't say was if you refused—"

"George will hate me to the core." Jenny completed his words, "Do you think his words are credible?" ”

"It should be credible." Cesare replied, "He's sure you're playing well, but George is the lead man - Tony wants to explain to you face to face, but it's better when there's a result of this, you know, that's what agents and lawyers do." ”

Indeed, many times it is more efficient for the two to meet and communicate, and everyone also has to introduce agents and lawyers, this is to leave room between the two, so as not to make everything irreparable, after all, the entertainment industry is so big, maybe there will be a chance to cooperate when you turn your head, if you talk on the other floor, there is more room for maneuver, like George, who calls directly to release goodwill, and by the way, the practice of testing and showdown, is very rare in Beverly Hills.

"And what do you think?" Jenny asked.

"It's your decision." "If you want to stay, you're going to have to kick George, the future of this project is still uncertain, you may not be profitable, and you might have a better chance of quitting - after all, we're talking about Sidney." However, it is not necessarily beneficial to stay, and the risks are almost the same - this is from a rational analysis, from an emotional point of view......"

He paused, as if the sentence was still a little foreign to him, "I respect your choice. ”

“ok。” "Then tell Tony my decision -- I'm not going to quit, he's going to kick me, I'm going to go to court, I'm going to make the news, I'm going to get my footage, he knows I can -- he knows how things are going to go." ”

To her own surprise, Jenny wasn't panicked, not even excited, she just calmly continued, "Want to leave me alone? I will be with you to the end. Everybody will know why they made this decision - and I'll make sure they make the laughing stock of everyone - Cesare, tell Tony, maybe I'm not sure I'm going to ruin Pollack and Soderbergh, but his phone call tonight will definitely ruin him - and if he doesn't want to end up like this, then it's best to be on my side and kick George out with me. ”

It was as if she felt the blood flowing through her body, she calmly felt the sensation of power circulating around her - Jenny was not lying, she was not intimidating, it was all the means of the weak, she did it all, she did it, she did it, without mercy or willingness to give in.

Of course, coercion and inducement are also a very important part, and she slowed down her tone, "If he makes the right choice, I can make up for the investment that George has withdrawn, otherwise, I will take several times the amount of investment - in Hollywood, the winner gets everything, and the loser can only go out, tell Tony, don't think he can cheat me from a winner to a loser in a few words." ”

Cesare listened silently, waiting until Jeanne finished speaking, and then said flatly, "I will tell you the truth." ”

"Wait, are you really going to tell it sentence by sentence?" Jenny was interested, "You're not going to do some innocuous embellishment - you know what I mean, don't you think I'm going to offend Tony by saying that?" ”

"I don't think you're wrong." Cesare said, with a hint of a smile in his voice, "Actually, if you want me to say — I'd say yours are pretty cool, so, yes, I'll tell you the truth." ”

Cruel? Jenny couldn't help but chuckle - it was the first time Cesare had complimented her like that.

After a brief goodbye to Cesare, she hung up the phone, lay back comfortably on the pillow, and did not call back to Chris immediately, but thought about the current situation of the crew - before tonight's call, she did not expect that the pressure of the scene that she was vaguely aware of was such a serious problem in the eyes of the director. So how this thing will develop, she also needs to think about it, she will offend George. Clooney? This seems to be inevitable, then, Steven. What about Soderbergh? Sidney. What about?

And most importantly, if she offends these people, will she care?

After thinking for a few minutes, Jenny suddenly laughed, shook her head self-deprecatingly, sat up, picked up her phone and dialed a few numbers.

"Hey, it's me," she said casually, leaning back on the head of the bed and stretching, "It wasn't just a moment, Chesa just called to confirm a contract......

A few days later, Michael. The work of the Clayton crew was temporarily suspended, and a piece of news was published in an unobtrusive corner: due to the influence of depression, George . Clooney quit Michael. Clayton", the crew also began to look for suitable replacements. His good friend Brad. Pete, the master of methodism Daniel. Wear. Lewis and others are all within the scope of consideration of the crew......

The author has something to say: updated!

It's finally back to normal time!

(But I'm still so tired, update it first, and I'll repo this trip to the two lakes with you tomorrow~.)