Chapter 276: The Money Game

Matthew looked up at Helen Herman and asked, "What do you think?"

Selecting projects based solely on the script is as unreliable as movie companies deciding on projects solely by the script. If you rush in just because the script looks good, you might end up regretting it deeply.

A great script doesn't necessarily make a great movie, and a bad script doesn't necessarily result in a bad film. Anyone with even a slight understanding of the film industry knows this simple truth.

"Let me put it this way," Helen Herman didn't answer directly, instead she said, "From what I understand, the day after Steven Spielberg got this script, he called Michael Bay to discuss the possibility of him directing this film. Michael Bay responded at three in the morning."

Matthew nodded, "Steven Spielberg is really keen on this project then."

"Yes," Helen Herman agreed, then added, "DreamWorks isn't doing well these days, yet they plan to invest $120 million in this project, which is proof enough of their commitment."

Matthew remained silent, recalling the script in light of films about clones; he could only remember "Attack of the Clones" and no other Hollywood movies related to cloning.

Then he thought about Michael Bay's films, mostly remembering "Transformers," a series more explosive, simpler, and more mindless with each installment.

If he remembered correctly, Michael Bay later became synonymous only with "Transformers." He recalled when "Transformers 4" and "Transformers 5" were released, the domestic media was filled with criticism and mockery, saying Michael Bay had lost his touch.

The Michael Bay films he had seen were indeed synonymous with simple, mindless, popcorn entertainment. Michael Bay himself was nicknamed "Bayhem," and his films never discussed deep issues, focusing purely on entertainment.

But considering this script, Matthew had doubts. This plot and the complex issues about clones seemed... too complicated for Michael Bay's usual style.

Bayhem's movies, apart from "The Rock," usually involved absurd, blood-boiling plots that were just explosions from start to finish.

With this in mind, Matthew shared his concerns with Helen Herman.

After listening to Matthew, Helen Herman thought for a while and then said, "It does seem that way." She paused, then added, "I heard from someone inside DreamWorks that Michael Bay assured Spielberg that the film would find a balance between entertainment and a deep humanistic core. He seems intent on delving into many ethical issues in this clone journey."

Matthew felt a sense of absurdity. If Helen Herman's words were told to those who had watched the "Transformers" series, many would probably go insane.

"I feel… I feel like this doesn't seem very reliable?" Matthew said outright.

Helen Herman thought for a moment and then suggested, "Maybe Michael Bay wants to use this opportunity to change his style."

Helen Herman, much more skilled in judging scripts and other aspects than Matthew, was usually very accurate in her decision-making. But this didn't stop Matthew from being skeptical, especially since, even without having seen the films, if the director was Michael Bay, a well-known figure for explosive films, he could analyze the potential success or failure based on future scenarios.

If the chances of failure were higher than success, given his current situation, there was no need to take on such a project.

As Helen Herman had said, with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series as a solid base, he could afford to be selective.

"Helen..." Matthew continued, "When 'Pearl Harbor' was released, Michael Bay claimed he was transitioning, but then..."

He added, "I think Michael Bay's greatest skill is turning any type of movie into a pure no-brain action film."

"Do you have thoughts?" Helen Herman asked.

"Yes." Matthew didn't beat around the bush and shared his reservations, "I think there's no problem working with a director who can turn anything into an explosive action film. But a director wanting to incorporate depth and humanistic considerations into his film, that's terrifying…"

If Michael Bay were to direct "The Devil Wears Prada," Charlize Theron would probably end up blowing up her antagonists with bombs after a struggle.

Helen Herman considered this for a long time, then said, "Let's not rush to decline it. Wait until I gather more information, then we can make a decision."

Matthew nodded, understanding Helen Herman's approach.

This was, after all, a major blockbuster production. Each year, Hollywood films with investments over $100 million were scarce, making such an invitation rare. Without the massive box office success of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and the popularity of Will Turner, he wouldn't have even had such an audition opportunity.

As a confident agent, Helen Herman wouldn't hastily give up on such an opportunity just because Matthew voiced some doubts. After all, an action sci-fi film type was perfectly aligned with Matthew's current developmental needs.

Matthew couldn't openly discuss his source of doubts or elaborate further, only hinting based on Michael Bay's past films.

This, naturally, reduced the persuasiveness of his argument.

However, he had already made up his mind. Regardless of the information Helen Herman gathered, he would find a way to sabotage the audition. After all, he was the one attending it.

When it came to true analytical and judgmental abilities, Helen Herman was undoubtedly much better than him, but he had advantages that Helen Herman could never possess.

Even though the script was excellent, everyone knew that a good script did not guarantee a good movie.

Indeed, without creative material, even the strongest directors can't produce a good film.

But in a world where anything can become engaging, there are no absolutely "bad themes," only generally "bad movies." Even universally acclaimed themes can be ruined by many directors, resulting in films butchered in post-production.

Throughout the vast history of Hollywood, there are countless examples of films that have squandered great themes and settings. They might not be complete disasters, but they are certainly not successful.

A good script not turning into a good movie is not just a Hollywood issue—it's a global one.

Cloning is a great theme. If the script Matthew had received had been simplistic and bombastic, with the male lead rampaging through enemies as if he were cheating, and heroes never looking back at explosions… Plus, with Michael Bay as the director, there would have been no current doubts.

Michael Bay delving into humanistic thoughts? Better not.

Throughout January, aside from preparing for "National Treasure," Matthew's main task was still coordinating with Disney's Oscars campaign.

As the announcement of the Oscar nominations drew closer, films, actors, and directors aiming for the Oscars were almost daily making sensational media appearances, trying to capture the attention of the judges. Hollywood at this time was beyond chaotic, with public relations battles and various dramas unfolding around the Oscars.

Rather than calling it an artistic award ceremony, it was more like a game of spending money—whoever could spend the most would create the biggest buzz and garner the most praise from the media and critics.

Almost all Oscar contenders were praising themselves and disparaging their competitors.

For instance, Charlize Theron, who had a high chance of winning Best Actress at this year's Oscars, was criticized on a TV program by a critic who said her acting range was frustratingly narrow, capable of nothing beyond a poker face, and always appearing aloof both on and off the screen…

Any Hollywood star

 could be vilified if desired; there's always material available.

Therefore, the PR battle before each Oscars ceremony was also the season when the most scandals about stars were revealed.

Matthew had his fair share of scandals, too. If tallied up, they could probably stack as high as the Hollywood Hills, but he wasn't actively participating in this Oscars game. Even though "Pirates of the Caribbean" was a focal point, the main attacks were directed at Johnny Depp.

Even Uncle Bin Laden joined the fray, with a member of Al-Qaeda claiming they planned to make a statement at this year's Oscars ceremony, causing an instant silence in Hollywood. The FBI and CIA took notice, and the Los Angeles County Police Department claimed they would provide the most comprehensive security for the Oscars ceremony.

So far, Disney had not informed Matthew whether he would have a spot at the Oscars ceremony. Matthew speculated, somewhat maliciously, that if Uncle Bin Laden really did make a move at the Oscars, many lesser stars in Hollywood might be very grateful to him.

Maybe he could then leap to superstardom himself.

After New Year, it was award season and Oscar time, with Oscar news dominating the film reporting landscape.

This was also when many long-forgotten old timers demonstrated their influence. To win an award, a film and its actors had to meet a series of rules they set.

At the same time, it was their harvest season.

Helen Herman once told Matthew that young and active veteran stars earned substantial fees. To aim for awards, they had to spend real money on promotions and public relations, letting a large group of people share in the proceeds.

In a way, this was also like shearing sheep.

This was just Helen Herman's perspective. Matthew thought she might be exaggerating, or perhaps this was her indirect way of telling him that, given his style and path, spending a lot of money to chase awards wasn't very beneficial.

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